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A Touch of Madness: A Forbidden Age Gap Paranormal Romance
Sylvie
Lara came back to me—but she’s not the sister I remember.
Whatever the Solstice Society did to her, it’s twisted her into something dangerous—something
hollow. I know she’s still in there, buried beneath the coldness in her eyes and the venom in her
words. And I’ll stop at nothing to bring her back…Even if it kills me.
In order to restore Lara’s humanity, I’ll have to embrace the powers I’ve only begun to
understand. Magic that terrifies me. Magic that could consume me. With help from a powerful
witch named Ravenna and the Guild’s most ancient elders, I’ll attempt an incantation few have
survived. But I can’t do it alone…
The vampires are fracturing. The Society is escalating their war. And the only way we stand a
chance is if we unite the very beings they’re trying to destroy.
Even if it means trusting creatures I’ve only just started believing in.
Lucian
Lara’s return should’ve brought peace. Instead, it’s torn Sylvie in two.
The woman I love is burning herself alive trying to save what remains of her twin, and every
moment she spends with Lara puts her in more danger. The Solstice Society’s newest game is
a cruel one—starve the vampires, steal their control, and set the factions against each other
until we destroy ourselves.
And they’re succeeding.
My hunger claws at me. I can feel the edges of the monster I’ve spent decades suppressing.
Being near Sylvie is a risk I can barely manage… but being away from her? That might be the
greater threat.
Because if we fail to save Lara—if we fail to stop what’s coming—we won’t just lose each other.
We’ll lose everything.
A Touch of Madness is a forbidden, age gap, paranormal romance that showcases vampires
and witches. This is book two, and book one must be read prior to reading this one in order to
avoid spoilers. Please do check content warnings at the beginning of the book. This book is
more of a character-driven novel than a spice-driven novel.
Lara came back to me—but she’s not the sister I remember.
Whatever the Solstice Society did to her, it’s twisted her into something dangerous—something
hollow. I know she’s still in there, buried beneath the coldness in her eyes and the venom in her
words. And I’ll stop at nothing to bring her back…Even if it kills me.
In order to restore Lara’s humanity, I’ll have to embrace the powers I’ve only begun to
understand. Magic that terrifies me. Magic that could consume me. With help from a powerful
witch named Ravenna and the Guild’s most ancient elders, I’ll attempt an incantation few have
survived. But I can’t do it alone…
The vampires are fracturing. The Society is escalating their war. And the only way we stand a
chance is if we unite the very beings they’re trying to destroy.
Even if it means trusting creatures I’ve only just started believing in.
Lucian
Lara’s return should’ve brought peace. Instead, it’s torn Sylvie in two.
The woman I love is burning herself alive trying to save what remains of her twin, and every
moment she spends with Lara puts her in more danger. The Solstice Society’s newest game is
a cruel one—starve the vampires, steal their control, and set the factions against each other
until we destroy ourselves.
And they’re succeeding.
My hunger claws at me. I can feel the edges of the monster I’ve spent decades suppressing.
Being near Sylvie is a risk I can barely manage… but being away from her? That might be the
greater threat.
Because if we fail to save Lara—if we fail to stop what’s coming—we won’t just lose each other.
We’ll lose everything.
A Touch of Madness is a forbidden, age gap, paranormal romance that showcases vampires
and witches. This is book two, and book one must be read prior to reading this one in order to
avoid spoilers. Please do check content warnings at the beginning of the book. This book is
more of a character-driven novel than a spice-driven novel.
Kindle Edition
Published May 16, 2025
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June 24, 2025
Lara finally returned to Sylvie – but, she's not the same sister that Sylvie remembers.
The things that Solstice Society did to her, Sylvie knows that it twisted her into something dangerous – into something hollow.
Sylvie knows without a doubt that the Lara she knows and remembers is still there, buried beneath all the coldness that she sees in her eyes now, the venom that's laced in her words. And Sylvie's going to stop at nothing to bring Lara back...even if it kills her.
Sylvie knows that in order to return Lara's humanity, she's going to have to fully embrace the power that she's only just beginning to understand. The magic that in essence terrifies her. Sylvie knows that if she's not careful, the magic could consume her.
So Sylvie seeks out the help of a powerful witch named Ravenna and the witch Guild's most ancient elders, she's going to attempt to do an incantation that very few have ever survived. But, Sylvie knows that she can't do it alone...
With the vampires fracturing. Sylvie finds that the Society is escalating their war, moving faster than she anticipated. Sylvie knows that the only way they are going to survive this war is if they all unite as one and stand together.
Even though this means that Sylvie is going to have to put her full faith and trust in creatures that she's only just learned are very real and now she has to believe in them.
Lucian had hoped that Lara's return would bring peace. But instead, he watches as it rips Sylvie in two.
Lucian is forced to watch as the woman he loves more than anything burns herself alive trying to save whatever is left of her twin, he knows though that every second she spends with Lara just puts Sylvie in more and more danger. He knows that whatever the Solstice Society's game is, it's a sadistic and cruel one – they are starving the vampires, stealing their control, and setting factions against each other, all so the vampires will destroy themselves, making it easier for the society to destroy the rest of the supernaturals.
And at the moment, the society is winning.
Lucian's hunger is clawing at him and the edges of his monster are making itself known. Lucian can now hardly risk being near Sylvie, but being away from her, that risk might be even greater.
Should they fail to save Lara – if they can't stop what the society has in store for them – they aren't going to just lose each other.
They will lose everything and everyone and the entire supernatural world will disappear.
A Touch of Madness is a forbidden, age-gap, paranormal romance that showcases vampires
and witches. This is book two, and book one must be read prior to reading this one in order to avoid spoilers. Please do check content warnings at the beginning of the book. This book is more of a character-driven novel than a spice-driven novel.
YOU'RE MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!!! Please read the trigger warnings before starting this book. There is content and scenes in this book that may not be suitable for all readers and some scenes may be triggering for some readers. Always remember your mental health comes first at all times.
A Touch of Madness is the 2nd book in the Cursed Chronicles duet by Victoria Ellis. It is A Forbidden Age Gap Paranormal Romance. Just like with the first book of this duet I loved this book so much. I was so happy when I could jump straight from the end of the 1st book straight into the 2nd without a wait.
This book picks up right where the 1st book left off. We know that Lara is back, but she isn't the same as she was before she was taken. Her humanity has been taken and this has left Sylvie just devastated.
Now we watch Sylvie as she tries to get stronger so she can help to recover Lara's humanity and as we would expect, Lucian is there, right beside Sylvie, helping her, supporting her, doing whatever he can for her every step of the way.
Lucian has his own struggles along the way as well as his own desires. Someone has stolen his faction's entire blood supply and now he is struggling with his own blood-lust. You can feel the feelings between Sylvie and Lucian continue to grow and build and with that comes angst and tension. We get some very intense scenes between these two.0
Both Sylvie and Lucian are going to have to unite with the other witches and vampires and with that we are introduced to new and interesting characters. This also allowed Sylvie to find some guidance so she could grow and become stronger with her own magic.
We don't see a lot of action in the first half of the book. That is all the build-up and preparation for the fight for Lara's humanity and finally destroying the Solstice Society once and for all. It's in the second half of this book that we get all the action we want with the witches and the vampires fighting side by side as their goals have finally come together in that moment.
I love that you are still getting all the dark academia vibes that you want and long for but we are also getting all the magic that has been long promised and teased. The character development between Sylvie and Lucian finding their place with each other and the family that they found together was ultimately so satisfying in the end. There were tense moments when you thought that everything was going to fall apart and no one was going to get their HEA. But, I love how it ended.
Honestly, this is such a beautiful, evocative, expansive world that I would love to see more of it with other characters. Maybe see Lara's story. Or Rebecca or Nicole's stories. Other stories could be told in this world that I am sure would be just as amazing to read.
Now, if you haven't read A Touch of Darkness yet, what in the world are you waiting for, go and read it and then come and read A Touch of Madness, trust me you are not going to be sorry. They are fabulous books that are so worth reading and I can't recommend them enough and I can't recommend Victoria Ellis enough. I will be watching this author very closely in the future and I will be reading more of their work.
The things that Solstice Society did to her, Sylvie knows that it twisted her into something dangerous – into something hollow.
Sylvie knows without a doubt that the Lara she knows and remembers is still there, buried beneath all the coldness that she sees in her eyes now, the venom that's laced in her words. And Sylvie's going to stop at nothing to bring Lara back...even if it kills her.
Sylvie knows that in order to return Lara's humanity, she's going to have to fully embrace the power that she's only just beginning to understand. The magic that in essence terrifies her. Sylvie knows that if she's not careful, the magic could consume her.
So Sylvie seeks out the help of a powerful witch named Ravenna and the witch Guild's most ancient elders, she's going to attempt to do an incantation that very few have ever survived. But, Sylvie knows that she can't do it alone...
With the vampires fracturing. Sylvie finds that the Society is escalating their war, moving faster than she anticipated. Sylvie knows that the only way they are going to survive this war is if they all unite as one and stand together.
Even though this means that Sylvie is going to have to put her full faith and trust in creatures that she's only just learned are very real and now she has to believe in them.
Lucian had hoped that Lara's return would bring peace. But instead, he watches as it rips Sylvie in two.
Lucian is forced to watch as the woman he loves more than anything burns herself alive trying to save whatever is left of her twin, he knows though that every second she spends with Lara just puts Sylvie in more and more danger. He knows that whatever the Solstice Society's game is, it's a sadistic and cruel one – they are starving the vampires, stealing their control, and setting factions against each other, all so the vampires will destroy themselves, making it easier for the society to destroy the rest of the supernaturals.
And at the moment, the society is winning.
Lucian's hunger is clawing at him and the edges of his monster are making itself known. Lucian can now hardly risk being near Sylvie, but being away from her, that risk might be even greater.
Should they fail to save Lara – if they can't stop what the society has in store for them – they aren't going to just lose each other.
They will lose everything and everyone and the entire supernatural world will disappear.
A Touch of Madness is a forbidden, age-gap, paranormal romance that showcases vampires
and witches. This is book two, and book one must be read prior to reading this one in order to avoid spoilers. Please do check content warnings at the beginning of the book. This book is more of a character-driven novel than a spice-driven novel.
YOU'RE MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!!! Please read the trigger warnings before starting this book. There is content and scenes in this book that may not be suitable for all readers and some scenes may be triggering for some readers. Always remember your mental health comes first at all times.
A Touch of Madness is the 2nd book in the Cursed Chronicles duet by Victoria Ellis. It is A Forbidden Age Gap Paranormal Romance. Just like with the first book of this duet I loved this book so much. I was so happy when I could jump straight from the end of the 1st book straight into the 2nd without a wait.
This book picks up right where the 1st book left off. We know that Lara is back, but she isn't the same as she was before she was taken. Her humanity has been taken and this has left Sylvie just devastated.
Now we watch Sylvie as she tries to get stronger so she can help to recover Lara's humanity and as we would expect, Lucian is there, right beside Sylvie, helping her, supporting her, doing whatever he can for her every step of the way.
Lucian has his own struggles along the way as well as his own desires. Someone has stolen his faction's entire blood supply and now he is struggling with his own blood-lust. You can feel the feelings between Sylvie and Lucian continue to grow and build and with that comes angst and tension. We get some very intense scenes between these two.0
Both Sylvie and Lucian are going to have to unite with the other witches and vampires and with that we are introduced to new and interesting characters. This also allowed Sylvie to find some guidance so she could grow and become stronger with her own magic.
We don't see a lot of action in the first half of the book. That is all the build-up and preparation for the fight for Lara's humanity and finally destroying the Solstice Society once and for all. It's in the second half of this book that we get all the action we want with the witches and the vampires fighting side by side as their goals have finally come together in that moment.
I love that you are still getting all the dark academia vibes that you want and long for but we are also getting all the magic that has been long promised and teased. The character development between Sylvie and Lucian finding their place with each other and the family that they found together was ultimately so satisfying in the end. There were tense moments when you thought that everything was going to fall apart and no one was going to get their HEA. But, I love how it ended.
Honestly, this is such a beautiful, evocative, expansive world that I would love to see more of it with other characters. Maybe see Lara's story. Or Rebecca or Nicole's stories. Other stories could be told in this world that I am sure would be just as amazing to read.
Now, if you haven't read A Touch of Darkness yet, what in the world are you waiting for, go and read it and then come and read A Touch of Madness, trust me you are not going to be sorry. They are fabulous books that are so worth reading and I can't recommend them enough and I can't recommend Victoria Ellis enough. I will be watching this author very closely in the future and I will be reading more of their work.
May 18, 2025
A TOUCH OF MADNESS by Victoria Ellis is the conclusion to A TOUCH OF DARKNESS, Book 2 in CHRONICLES OF THE CURSED. In the last novel, Sylvie had successfully managed to get The Society to return her sister. Unfortunately they had successfully removed Lara’s humanity, and she willingly left with The Society after Sylvie provided them with a sample of her blood. The focus of this novel was two pronged: the first was the quest to save Lara and return her humanity, and the second was to find a way to dismantle The Society before they managed to reverse the vampire curse, effectively eliminating vampires. This process depended heavily on Sylvie’s power and she spent a great deal of time obtaining information, support, and training. Meanwhile, Lucien worked to forge alliances that would help them to take down The Society. Would the two be able to overcome the odds and reach their goals? While I would have identified the previous novel as a dark academia story, Blackthorn University only played a very small role in this novel, so I would not consider it to continue in this subgenre. This is an engaging paranormal/fantasy romance novel about an alliance of supernatural beings for the purpose of overcoming evil, the awakening of power within a witch whose parents hid the truth of her linage, fated mates, and a quest to save a beloved twin. It began exactly where the previous book had ended and I was able to immediately become caught up in the story, which I enjoyed cover to cover. I recommend this novel for readers who enjoy a paranormal/fantasy romance about a battle between good and evil featuring vampires, witches, and practitioners of dark magic. This is not a stand-alone novel, and Book 1 would need to be read prior to picking up this book. This ebook is available in the kindleunlimited program.
I received a free ARC of this novel via Haylingbookstorm and I am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
I received a free ARC of this novel via Haylingbookstorm and I am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
May 14, 2025
I enjoyed this book so much. This duology brought me back to my teenage years when I started reading vampire romance.
We begin the book with the ending of the previous one, Lara’s back but not quite the same. Her humanity is gone and Sylvie is devastated.
We follow her path trying to get stronger to recover her sister’s humanity and Lucian is there to support her every step of the way.
He too has to struggle with his own desires and bloodlust after someone steals his faction’s blood reserves. The feelings and tension Sylvie and Lucien share continues to build. There is a scene that is very intense 😏between him and Sylvie so make sure to read the trigger warnings.
Both of them will have to unite with other vampires and witches. I loved that we got new dark characters introduced and also wise witches. I am so glad Sylvie got some guidance to handle her magic and become stronger.
The first half of the book builds up the preparations for the fight for Lara’s humanity and destroying the Solstice Society before they destroy them all. The second half was action packed and we get to see witches and vampires fighting together when their goals align in that very moment.
The dark academia vibes are still there but we also get a ton of magic. Sylvie and Lucien are still finding their place with each other and the new family they found. I was satisfied with the ending. For a moment there, I thought we weren’t gonna get it but we did. I’d love to see more of this world and its characters. Even maybe with some of the other characters?
Thank you Victoria Ellis and Hayling Bookstorm Ltd for the ARC copy and for letting me explore this world. This is my honest opinion.
We begin the book with the ending of the previous one, Lara’s back but not quite the same. Her humanity is gone and Sylvie is devastated.
We follow her path trying to get stronger to recover her sister’s humanity and Lucian is there to support her every step of the way.
He too has to struggle with his own desires and bloodlust after someone steals his faction’s blood reserves. The feelings and tension Sylvie and Lucien share continues to build. There is a scene that is very intense 😏between him and Sylvie so make sure to read the trigger warnings.
Both of them will have to unite with other vampires and witches. I loved that we got new dark characters introduced and also wise witches. I am so glad Sylvie got some guidance to handle her magic and become stronger.
The first half of the book builds up the preparations for the fight for Lara’s humanity and destroying the Solstice Society before they destroy them all. The second half was action packed and we get to see witches and vampires fighting together when their goals align in that very moment.
The dark academia vibes are still there but we also get a ton of magic. Sylvie and Lucien are still finding their place with each other and the new family they found. I was satisfied with the ending. For a moment there, I thought we weren’t gonna get it but we did. I’d love to see more of this world and its characters. Even maybe with some of the other characters?
Thank you Victoria Ellis and Hayling Bookstorm Ltd for the ARC copy and for letting me explore this world. This is my honest opinion.
May 9, 2025
If you haven’t read A Touch of Darkness yet—go read it ASAP! 📖 This sequel picks up right where book one left off, and it’s intense from the very first page 😱🔥
We dive straight into Lara’s heart-wrenching situation, and the emotional stakes only rise from there. The moment Sylvie tells Lucian she’s falling in love with him? I absolutely melted into a puddle 🫠💘 Their chemistry is EVERYTHING. His response was so soft and perfect—I could see it all play out in my mind like a scene from a beautifully crafted fantasy movie 🎥✨
Then came the battle for the Mirror of Thorns… WOW. ⚔️ The pacing, the imagery, the raw emotion—Victoria Ellis delivered an incredible action sequence that felt totally immersive. I could hear every sound, feel the tension in the air, and even smell the herbs at The Guild 🌿💥 That’s how vivid and atmospheric her writing is.
This book was packed with passion, intensity, and magic. If you're into paranormal romance with bold characters, emotional depth, and edge-of-your-seat action, this series is for you! 💀❤️🔥
#ARCReview #ATouchOfMadness #VictoriaEllis #ParanormalRomance #RomanticFantasy #FantasyReads #SpicyFantasy #FantasyBooks #BookLover #BookAddict #BookReview #BookRecommendation #BookishFeels #EnemiesToLovers #FantasySeries #LucianAndSylvie #IndieAuthorLove #BookTok #Bookstagram
We dive straight into Lara’s heart-wrenching situation, and the emotional stakes only rise from there. The moment Sylvie tells Lucian she’s falling in love with him? I absolutely melted into a puddle 🫠💘 Their chemistry is EVERYTHING. His response was so soft and perfect—I could see it all play out in my mind like a scene from a beautifully crafted fantasy movie 🎥✨
Then came the battle for the Mirror of Thorns… WOW. ⚔️ The pacing, the imagery, the raw emotion—Victoria Ellis delivered an incredible action sequence that felt totally immersive. I could hear every sound, feel the tension in the air, and even smell the herbs at The Guild 🌿💥 That’s how vivid and atmospheric her writing is.
This book was packed with passion, intensity, and magic. If you're into paranormal romance with bold characters, emotional depth, and edge-of-your-seat action, this series is for you! 💀❤️🔥
#ARCReview #ATouchOfMadness #VictoriaEllis #ParanormalRomance #RomanticFantasy #FantasyReads #SpicyFantasy #FantasyBooks #BookLover #BookAddict #BookReview #BookRecommendation #BookishFeels #EnemiesToLovers #FantasySeries #LucianAndSylvie #IndieAuthorLove #BookTok #Bookstagram
May 13, 2025
What To Expect:
- age gap
- forbidden romance
- paranormal
- vampires and witches
- dark academia
- book 2 in the series
4.5⭐️
oh my god!! i absolutely devoured and loved the first book and i was so excited for this one. it definitely lived up to the hype that i created in my head the second i finished book 1, a touch of darkenss.
a touch of madness had me sat and i mean glued to it till 3 in the morning to finish it sat! i was not putting this book down for anything. literally nothing mattered except for the to need to finish it. i think i needed to do that more than i need air 🤷🏻♀️😅
if you haven't read a touch of darkness yet, i really recommend it because a touch of madness takes place right where the first book leaves off. and also because this duology is absolutely amazing and addicting. so if you want a new age gap vampire boyfriend, yall need to get on it because lucian is damn fine.
i dont want to post any spoilers, especially if you haven't read the first book yet, so i am going to end this review here.
thank you so much victoria ellis and halyingbookstorm for gifting me this incredible arc to review!
- age gap
- forbidden romance
- paranormal
- vampires and witches
- dark academia
- book 2 in the series
4.5⭐️
oh my god!! i absolutely devoured and loved the first book and i was so excited for this one. it definitely lived up to the hype that i created in my head the second i finished book 1, a touch of darkenss.
a touch of madness had me sat and i mean glued to it till 3 in the morning to finish it sat! i was not putting this book down for anything. literally nothing mattered except for the to need to finish it. i think i needed to do that more than i need air 🤷🏻♀️😅
if you haven't read a touch of darkness yet, i really recommend it because a touch of madness takes place right where the first book leaves off. and also because this duology is absolutely amazing and addicting. so if you want a new age gap vampire boyfriend, yall need to get on it because lucian is damn fine.
i dont want to post any spoilers, especially if you haven't read the first book yet, so i am going to end this review here.
thank you so much victoria ellis and halyingbookstorm for gifting me this incredible arc to review!
May 16, 2025
A fitting conclusion to the first book. The addition of more magical elements & Sylvie thoroughly developing the powers that she was supposed to have since the first book made it even better,I was waiting to see her in full action & the author didn’t fail to impress me in that aspect.The book starts exactly where the first book ended and the twist in the end of A touch of darkness develops the plot for its second installment. There are new enemies & new allies and the stakes are higher as Sylvie has to face off her twin sister Lara. The character development of Sylvie was remarkable in this book even better than the first one I must say.I was expecting more from Lucian’s character based on the first book but still it wasn’t a total let down it was just ok for me. The side characters added more meaning to the plot and I’m especially eyeing for a third book maybe where Viago’s character is explored further we only got to see some glimpses of his connection with Lucian I personally feel like he has a great scope of being a villain or an anti-hero. The two books are a treat for people looking for vampire+witch romance with dark academia vibes.
May 28, 2025
I am behind on my ARCs, but yes, I was part of the ARC Team for this book, which was given to me by Hayling Bookstorm Ltd.
It took me so long to get through this book. A lot of times I was rereading sections because I was tired, so I'm having trouble remembering everything that happened. However, I know I loved this book, but not as much as the first one. I felt like it went by too quickly. In the words of Sylvie, "It feels both impossibly long and startlingly short."
I wanted more to be explored or maybe even revealed... & Lucian is supposed to be the "original" vampire, but Klaus & Elijah Mikaelson he is not. I thought he would be more of an authoritative figure with the other vampires. I do love how protective he is of Sylvie though. Their love & connection to each other.
I don't want to give too much away with my review (I kind of feel like this isn't my best review either), especially since the book is still newly released... but I will say I recommend this series.
This book was released on May 16th. But if you choose to read it, don't forget to read the first book in the series "Touch of Darkness"
It took me so long to get through this book. A lot of times I was rereading sections because I was tired, so I'm having trouble remembering everything that happened. However, I know I loved this book, but not as much as the first one. I felt like it went by too quickly. In the words of Sylvie, "It feels both impossibly long and startlingly short."
I wanted more to be explored or maybe even revealed... & Lucian is supposed to be the "original" vampire, but Klaus & Elijah Mikaelson he is not. I thought he would be more of an authoritative figure with the other vampires. I do love how protective he is of Sylvie though. Their love & connection to each other.
I don't want to give too much away with my review (I kind of feel like this isn't my best review either), especially since the book is still newly released... but I will say I recommend this series.
This book was released on May 16th. But if you choose to read it, don't forget to read the first book in the series "Touch of Darkness"
June 8, 2025
This is the second book and final installment of the Chronicles of the Cursed series. This book follows A Touch Of Darkness and needs to be read first.
This is a paranormal fantasy romance that seamlessly begins where the first book left off. The author immediately immerses you in the storyline of not only going on a pursuit to find and save Sylvie’s twin Lara and helping restore her humanity but also taking down The Society before they destroy the vampires.
The world building, added magic and action packed battles scenes will keep you enthralled. I loved the character growth in Sylvie and how she was evolving her awakened powers. The tension between Sylvia and Lucien still growing and the one scene between them (no spoilers) was so hot! The additional side characters, I felt, added more depth to the storyline and were well written.
This is a must read for anyone who enjoys an action packed paranormal fantasy romance with memorable characters, fantastic world building, magic and quest to take down evil.
This is a paranormal fantasy romance that seamlessly begins where the first book left off. The author immediately immerses you in the storyline of not only going on a pursuit to find and save Sylvie’s twin Lara and helping restore her humanity but also taking down The Society before they destroy the vampires.
The world building, added magic and action packed battles scenes will keep you enthralled. I loved the character growth in Sylvie and how she was evolving her awakened powers. The tension between Sylvia and Lucien still growing and the one scene between them (no spoilers) was so hot! The additional side characters, I felt, added more depth to the storyline and were well written.
This is a must read for anyone who enjoys an action packed paranormal fantasy romance with memorable characters, fantastic world building, magic and quest to take down evil.
May 16, 2025
Thank you so much for the opportunity to be an ARC reader for both of these books, I have absolutely loved every second of it. The beginning of the book starts off where we left at the last one, Sylvie is trying to save her sister, grow stronger within her powers and destroy the society to save her kind, I'm obsessed with raveena, that woman is like the comforting auntie, the way shes so supportive, and the elder witches honouring Sylvie's desire to restore her sisters humanity instead of diminishing her. I love how proud everyone was of her when she came into her powers. That dcene between Lucian and Sylvie when she lets him feed from her? Oh my that was good, I flipping loved every time that man called her "love" he's so down bad for her, wr love a man obsessed. It had a very satisfying ending, id adore another book about her parents or her mother's bloodline, it was such a heart warming ending with her sisters humanity being restored
May 18, 2025
This is the second book in the Chronicles of the Cursed duology with the first book being A Touch of Darkness.
I love a good dark academia setting especially when there are vampires involved. This book literally picks up where book one left off. We are brought back to Lara and Sylvie's world which isn't the same as it was before. With magical strength that is yet to be discovered and a battle that has just begun.
This duology is about self-discovery, but also discovering that sometimes the monsters are closer than you even realize.
I absolutely loved getting to know these sisters in these books. The story is very well written and the characters are very well developed. I could literally picture this setting.
I don't want to give much away, but I will say you definitely want to add these two books to your collection.
Tropes:
🖤Dark Academia
🔪Age Gap
🖤Witches & Vampires
🔪Paranormal
🖤Forbidden Love
I love a good dark academia setting especially when there are vampires involved. This book literally picks up where book one left off. We are brought back to Lara and Sylvie's world which isn't the same as it was before. With magical strength that is yet to be discovered and a battle that has just begun.
This duology is about self-discovery, but also discovering that sometimes the monsters are closer than you even realize.
I absolutely loved getting to know these sisters in these books. The story is very well written and the characters are very well developed. I could literally picture this setting.
I don't want to give much away, but I will say you definitely want to add these two books to your collection.
Tropes:
🖤Dark Academia
🔪Age Gap
🖤Witches & Vampires
🔪Paranormal
🖤Forbidden Love
May 17, 2025
A Touch of Madness continues Sylvie's story as she searches for a way to restore her sister's humanity and continues to face the threat of the Solstice Society. This is not an easy feat, but Sylvie has an amazing support system surrounding her. Lucian makes sure Sylvie takes care of herself and encourages her to accept the help that is being offered. He reassures Sylvie that he will stand by her decisions, even if he is scared for her safety. Sylvie does not shy from any of the situations thrown her way, finding the strength to continue on. We continue to see more of Sylvie and Lucian's connection, however the main focus of this duology is Sylvie and her journey of facing her fears to become the witch she was always meant to be. This book is the perfect conclusion to Sylvie's journey.
May 28, 2025
I was eagerly awaiting the conclusion of this duology (Bk 1 is A Touch of Darkness and must be read before this one).
There was more magic action in this one than bk 1 and some added side characters. This book picked up from where bk 1 ended. Sylvie's main focus was on finding her sister Lara and "restoring/fixing" her. Lucian, the ever protective sweetheart, was there for her journey all the way, even if he had to make sacrifices. In this book Sylvie was still discovering more of her powers/ abilities and we got to see more of Lucian's dark "vampire" side (no spoilers). The additional side characters made the action scenes more intense, but I needed to tie up more loose ends regarding their connections to Lucian (e.g. his "debt" to Viago or the fate of the Unbound). I guess that will leave room for a bk 3? There was intense paranormal action, lots of self discovery, a sub plot that was intriguing and a satisfying end.
I received an ARC of this book via HaylingBookstorm Ltd and this is a voluntary review
There was more magic action in this one than bk 1 and some added side characters. This book picked up from where bk 1 ended. Sylvie's main focus was on finding her sister Lara and "restoring/fixing" her. Lucian, the ever protective sweetheart, was there for her journey all the way, even if he had to make sacrifices. In this book Sylvie was still discovering more of her powers/ abilities and we got to see more of Lucian's dark "vampire" side (no spoilers). The additional side characters made the action scenes more intense, but I needed to tie up more loose ends regarding their connections to Lucian (e.g. his "debt" to Viago or the fate of the Unbound). I guess that will leave room for a bk 3? There was intense paranormal action, lots of self discovery, a sub plot that was intriguing and a satisfying end.
I received an ARC of this book via HaylingBookstorm Ltd and this is a voluntary review
May 11, 2025
I read this as an ARC Read through Hayling Book Storm for Victoria Ellis.
Having already read 'A Touch of Darkness', the first book in the Chronicles of the Cursed Series, a few months ago, I was glad to be able to receive the continuation to the story of Sylvie and Lucian, and to find out what happens next, as the chaos continues to take over Sylvie's life since starting at Blackthorne University.
Really enjoyed the conclusion to this story and although the ending was satisfactory, I did feel that we were left with a few loose ends, particularly around Lucian and his agreement with Viago, and also I thought there might have been more around Sylvie and Lucian's bond, particularly with everything that has taken place between them. Apart from that it was easy to read and flowed really well.
Having already read 'A Touch of Darkness', the first book in the Chronicles of the Cursed Series, a few months ago, I was glad to be able to receive the continuation to the story of Sylvie and Lucian, and to find out what happens next, as the chaos continues to take over Sylvie's life since starting at Blackthorne University.
Really enjoyed the conclusion to this story and although the ending was satisfactory, I did feel that we were left with a few loose ends, particularly around Lucian and his agreement with Viago, and also I thought there might have been more around Sylvie and Lucian's bond, particularly with everything that has taken place between them. Apart from that it was easy to read and flowed really well.
May 13, 2025
this duology absolutely broke my rating scale definitely a million stars it doesn't matter how much time passes i can not stop thinking about them and if you have not read them yet you should definitely pick them up
a Touch of darkness, and of course this ending masterpiece a Touch of madness.
this duology was an absolute masterpiece and i am so mad it over as they were so good. this is a book series that i tell everyone is absolutely stunning from the writing to the world building, to the romance to the spice absolutely perfection i can not recommend them enough
definitely read if you have not yet
a Touch of darkness, and of course this ending masterpiece a Touch of madness.
this duology was an absolute masterpiece and i am so mad it over as they were so good. this is a book series that i tell everyone is absolutely stunning from the writing to the world building, to the romance to the spice absolutely perfection i can not recommend them enough
definitely read if you have not yet
May 15, 2025
This was a perfecting ending for this duology.
This book had me on the edge of my seat the entire time I was reading. The suspense, the not knowing, the uncertainty of it all, leading up to that ending! It was great!
The plot was plotting and drew to a beautiful conclusion. The characters, old and new, were so well written. Reading about Sylvie growing and coming into her witchy self, with the help of her friends and the witches, was so good! The world we get is twisted, dark, full of magical/paranormal creatures and humans, it’s easy to understand and feel like you are there while you read!
Please read book 1 and then pick up this beauty to complete the duet!
This book had me on the edge of my seat the entire time I was reading. The suspense, the not knowing, the uncertainty of it all, leading up to that ending! It was great!
The plot was plotting and drew to a beautiful conclusion. The characters, old and new, were so well written. Reading about Sylvie growing and coming into her witchy self, with the help of her friends and the witches, was so good! The world we get is twisted, dark, full of magical/paranormal creatures and humans, it’s easy to understand and feel like you are there while you read!
Please read book 1 and then pick up this beauty to complete the duet!
June 2, 2025
Thank you Victoria Ellis and Hayling Book Storm for this ARC!
This book is a continuation of A Touch Of Darkness.
You are instantly pulled into the pages as Sylvie tries everything, she can to restore her sister's humanity, all the while facing threats and embracing the slow burn romance between her and Lucian.
Lucian is Sylvie's ride or die, continuously standing by no matter what decision she makes.
This is such a great novel, it's so difficult to explain without feeling like you're going to spoil the experience for someone else.
If you love fantasy, you'll love this duology.
This book is a continuation of A Touch Of Darkness.
You are instantly pulled into the pages as Sylvie tries everything, she can to restore her sister's humanity, all the while facing threats and embracing the slow burn romance between her and Lucian.
Lucian is Sylvie's ride or die, continuously standing by no matter what decision she makes.
This is such a great novel, it's so difficult to explain without feeling like you're going to spoil the experience for someone else.
If you love fantasy, you'll love this duology.
May 15, 2025
A Touch of Madness will officially be released tomorrow!! If you like the shows Legacies, Vampire Diaries or The Order, (and I don’t know many who don’t) then I think you will love this Duology .
Book 2 picks up right where it left off in the height of the action with plots from the secret society unravelling and having dire consequences for the Vampires.
🖤Dark Academia
🔪Age Gap
🖤Witches & Vampires
🔪Paranormal
🖤Forbidden Love
Book 2 picks up right where it left off in the height of the action with plots from the secret society unravelling and having dire consequences for the Vampires.
🖤Dark Academia
🔪Age Gap
🖤Witches & Vampires
🔪Paranormal
🖤Forbidden Love
May 21, 2025
I read this book as an ARC and it was just as good as the first book in the duology. I really enjoyed reading it and had so much fun getting to go back into the supernatural word with a bit of romance involved. I will say that I wished the ending took its time a bit more when it came to saving Lara but I didn’t feel rushed per se. Definitely would recommend if you want a fantasy book but don’t want a super long series!
June 17, 2025
I really enjoyed this book, it starts where Book 1 left off. Sylvie got her sister Lara back but unfortunately she's no longer has her humanity thanks to the Solstice Society.
Sylvie now just wants to get her sister's humanity back.
So much happens and don't want to give anything away. I really loved Lucian and Sylvie's connection. I enjoyed the magic and paranormal parts of this story. Such a fan of all of that. Vampires are a definite plus too! Read this book!
Sylvie now just wants to get her sister's humanity back.
So much happens and don't want to give anything away. I really loved Lucian and Sylvie's connection. I enjoyed the magic and paranormal parts of this story. Such a fan of all of that. Vampires are a definite plus too! Read this book!
May 15, 2025
You need to read book 1 A Touch Of Darkness to understand this book. Trying to read this book alone will be very confusing.
This review will be short and sweet because I don’t want to give away any spoilers.
I absolutely devoured this book needing to know what was going to happen and how it would end.
This review will be short and sweet because I don’t want to give away any spoilers.
I absolutely devoured this book needing to know what was going to happen and how it would end.
May 19, 2025
I am so in love with the people in this book, I’m actually sad I finished it☺️ This is the second book in the series and it brings it all. Would absolutly recommend everyone to read this and the first book. Just hope there would be more books following Sylvie and Lara☺️
May 5, 2025
I am thankful I was able to read the ARC. This book is really good there’s a lot of action and I felt like I couldn’t put it down. It wrapped up nicely at the end.
May 16, 2025
You will be instantly pulled into this world! A world where vampires and witches walk beside us and where there is always a reason to protect the people you love most.
June 24, 2025
3.5 stars! I really enjoyed this book and the stakes kept me on the edge of my seat!
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