Cursed by the Elf

Fae-blessed #2

by Jada McCrary

Sometimes, the villain is just a villain. Sometimes, the villain becomes a hero. Other times, the villain becomes more unhinged….

After returning to Careny, Shayna struggles to control the Sluagh’s dark power within her, which she hasn’t been able to release. Her only hope is to travel to the Wastelands and retrieve a magic stone said to be able to help conduits destroy unwanted power.

But things in the Wastelands are not what they seem, and with Ardwyn visiting her in her dreams, everything is about to get a lot more complicated.

When an ancient power wakes, the world as they know it may cease to be, and if that happens, Barlow will be the least of their problems.

Can’t a girl just catch a break without twisted magic, unwelcome dreams, and ancient evils to deal with? But with the fate of the realm on her shoulders and wicked magic threatening to consume her, Shayna will have to decide how far she’s willing to go—and what she’s willing to become—to survive.

Don’t miss the thrilling second installment of the Fae-blessed series, perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Jennifer L. Armentrout, Christopher Paolini, and Stacia Stark.

Series
Blessed by the Fae
Cursed by the Elf

The prequel, set around 1,000 years
Crowned by the Fae

Wicked Fae series of enemies-to-lovers romantasies set in the same world, several years before Crowned by the Fae:
Of Fae and Wicked Kings
Of Thrones and Savage Things
Of Flame and Suffering

347 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 23, 2025

Reviews

[Mia S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The journey continues! While they won they had some horrible setbacks and of course what happens with the first born!!!! So the questions looming in book 1 were delved into in this book and oh my goodness the battles- the battles were insane to include kraken, sandworm and heartbreak, I can place an explanation mark on that it pulled on some heart strings. Ardwyn is just the worst, but karma is coming, I’m hoping that’s book 3 because the ending - yes a cliffhanger be prepared, leans in that direction. While I do not go for cliffhangers, this left it at a good stand still and cannot wait for next!

[Kashena Dykeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a lot going on, some great character development, and some new characters that I'm looking forward to seeing more of in the next book. I am also looking forward to finding out how they are going to get out of the mess they are in at the end!

[Amanda · Rating 1 out of 5]

The FMC and MMC somehow had even less chemistry, and were even more boring, (alone an together) than they had in the first book. I really hoped the issues with the first book were just because the writer was still figuring out the characters and setting, but, no. This book was almost painful to read between the bland characters, the FMC that everyone seems to think is so great and powerful even though all she really does is whine and act like a selfish child, thinly-veiled Christian ideology, and dialogue that sounds like it was written by a ten-year-old

I'm just going to end this review by saying this is the kind of book that makes people think poorly of YA books and low/no spice books. I don't know what "sizzling tension" McCrary thinks is in here, but I've felt more tension at the doctor's office waiting to get a vaccine. I will definitely NOT be reading any more of this series, and can't see me ever recommending it to anyone either. At least not anyone I like, an I'm VERY glad I didn't back that Kickstarter

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jennifer Markowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great addition to this series. Ugh! I can’t stand Ardwyn!! He’s so slimy and slippery like a snake. In this book Shayna is at crossroads with herself as it has been pointed out to her that up until now her actions have all been for selfish reasons. She is astonished at the suggestion and it makes her think hard about her actions and how she can change. This book takes us to another continent in search of something that will not only help Shayna but also help with the coming war. It ends in a sort of cliffhanger with some minor resolution of the storylines in this book. There is a new surprising and scary character coming into the story in this book. I really enjoyed this and it was a great adventure to read.

[Brittany T · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a great continuation of the previous book, with a new character that is coming in this book. I love the fact that Shayna has realized some things about herself and has decided to grow from the mistakes that she has made from her choices, and change herself in a way that will not only benefit her but also help the battle that is to insue. The author leaves you wanting more and more and has you on the edge trying to think about what could possibly come next. I can't wait for the next book! also just my personal opinion [ Ardwyn is a vile, sneaky little turd of a person that I absolutely detest lol 😆]

[Thalitha Lambregts vd Oest · Rating 4 out of 5]

My, my... I did not expect that to go the way it went🙈. I was full on expecting this book to become more of a love triangle but how wrong I was.
I feel like the pace was notched up a bit in this book as we go from battle to challenge, to battle, to twist turn, to heartbreak, to yet another challenging battle. And than to leave us at such an ending... I hope book 3 will be released soon because I need to know how this story continues!
I would recommend this series to any reader who enjoys (young adult/no spice) fantacy with challenges, battles, white knights and wicked villains and last but not least a cool FMC!

Thanks again to Jada and Booksprout for this ARC opportunity!

[BeBop19 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good, exciting story that will take you to the edge of your seat and chopping on your nails. This took a twist that was shocking and quite unexpected. She came into herself and while trying to break a curse her path swiftly changes and the unthinkable happens. I was so shocked but pleasantly so by the ending. The author has done a beautiful job at keeping my attention and wanting me to find out what will happen next. You definitely need to read this and if you haven't read the first book you must. You will not regret it.

[Penny Thibodeaux · Rating 5 out of 5]

You’ll get lots of adventure where the FMC travels and fulfills her quests in this book. I noticed that the author included helpful explanations of past events from book 1 in this book. That way you won’t be confused if you hadn’t had the chance to read book 1 (which is equally good by the way). I continue to appreciate the struggles that this heroine goes through. Oh, and a major cliffhanger…can’t wait for book 3.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ingrid · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book continues the series beautifully, deepening both the romance and the world itself. The characters face new challenges, the story arc expands, and the emotional connections only get stronger. Just like book one, it’s detailed and immersive, so not something you read in an hour—but that’s exactly what makes it such a wonderful experience. A truly delightful continuation that makes you eager for more.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brandie Hendricks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series and it did not disappoint. It is action packed and has a huge cast of characters. The FMC continues to handle everything that is thrown at her. It keeps you on the edge of your seat. The villains are really well written and fill the part of a villain perfectly. I can not wait to see what twists and turns come in the next book.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a strong sequel in the Fae-blessed series, it had that element that I was looking for and enjoyed from previous works from Jada McCrary. It uses the epic fantasy element in a way that I was expecting and enjoyed in this world, it continued the storyline perfectly and was glad it was everything that I wanted. I enjoyed getting to read this and look forward to more from the author.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mima · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story takes a darker turn as Shayna battles the Sluagh’s power and her own unraveling sanity. The tension is constant, the magic is twisted in all the best ways, and the Wastelands setting adds an eerie, unpredictable edge. I loved seeing how far Shayna would go to fight the darkness within her. While a few moments felt rushed, the emotional stakes and high-risk magic more than made up for it. A gripping, chaotic ride that blurs the line between hero and villain perfectly.

[Indie · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it !! love this series !! love Shayna and Dimitri... this is her story... a fast paced action packed adventure... Shayna must decide what to do next... a villain rises... the land is calling... her powers are chaos and she can't control it... the twist... and then.... so good !!!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A page turner. Reading the first book it's a most. Queen of the Elves it is not necessary but is a good filler for the story. The story keep me captured and couldn't put down.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shayna just can't catch a break! Jeez. One thing after another. But she handles everything thrown at her. I love her and Dimitri together.

Ardwyn is delusional. The perfect villain.

Fans of SJM will devour this series!

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second story in the Fae-blessed, a series that I would say should be read in order. The story held my interest with its twists and turns and everything they have to try to overcome. I enjoyed reading. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kaitlyn Raasveld · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good read. It was on the shorter side of course so i didn’t get all that i wanted out of it but I’m hoping in the next books it will go further into depth. All in all a great read.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Teddi Edge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed the battles in this one. But the freaking cliff hanger. Man it was a dozy. Need the rest now I look forward to the adventure

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't wait for the next book. 10/10

[Divya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story continues Shayna's journey as she struggles to control her powers. An interesting continuation to the series with good character development and interesting characters.

[lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved the book and series. And that ending, I need to know what happens 😂😭😂
The bantering is amazing and multiple times laughed out loud from them. All in all highly recommend and can not wait for book 3

[Linsey Toney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cursed by the Elf is a fantastic read.

I do recommend reading this series in order and they are great so why not. This book had me hooked from page one and I didn't want to put it down. I think the story was well written, loved and hated some characters (not because of how they were written but you will see when you read it). The ending felt like a good place to stop but also like the story can continue so looking forward to reading more hopefully!