What do you think?
Rate this book
A Curse Of Gods & Mortals (Part One)
Haven is cursed. Every year, a chosen mortal is taken from the town and placed into another realm to fight for their wish to be granted.
There can only be one winner.
When Azena’s younger sister, Lilith, makes a wish to the God of Dreams, Azena secretly takes her place. Ripped from the mortal realm and forced into The Game Of The Gods, not only does she have to fight for survival, but she has to keep her secret hidden, too. Here she meets mythical creatures she didn't know existed, uncovers secrets that have been buried for centuries, and is constantly at the mercy of magic and the other Gods.
Her only option to ensure she wins might be to enlist the help of the very God who took her...
A Curse Of Gods & Mortals is a contemporary portal fantasy with a sprinkling of forbidden romance and a Hunger Games-style competition created by the Gods. Perfect for fans Romantic Fantasy, Slow Burn, Magic, Gods & Mythical Creatures, Deadly Games & Trials, and Otherworldly Realms.
There can only be one winner.
When Azena’s younger sister, Lilith, makes a wish to the God of Dreams, Azena secretly takes her place. Ripped from the mortal realm and forced into The Game Of The Gods, not only does she have to fight for survival, but she has to keep her secret hidden, too. Here she meets mythical creatures she didn't know existed, uncovers secrets that have been buried for centuries, and is constantly at the mercy of magic and the other Gods.
Her only option to ensure she wins might be to enlist the help of the very God who took her...
A Curse Of Gods & Mortals is a contemporary portal fantasy with a sprinkling of forbidden romance and a Hunger Games-style competition created by the Gods. Perfect for fans Romantic Fantasy, Slow Burn, Magic, Gods & Mythical Creatures, Deadly Games & Trials, and Otherworldly Realms.
- GenresFantasy
425 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2025
4 people are currently reading
80 people want to read
About the author
Lucy Young
2 books6 followersLucy is the author of new fantasy novel (and soon to be series) "A Curse Of Gods & Mortals". When she is not busy writing, she is devouring books from other authors - especially in the fantasy and romantasy genre.
She had always had a passion for writing but was able to develop this during and after her studies at university, where she wrote and produced many award-winning and award-nominated short films and web series'. Her debut novel, "A Curse Of Gods & Mortals", is a story produced from everything she loves about fantasy worlds and escapism. If she's not lost in a good book or planning out plot lines for her next novel, she's usually enthralled in otherworldly locations you can find in films/tv shows, or video games.
She had always had a passion for writing but was able to develop this during and after her studies at university, where she wrote and produced many award-winning and award-nominated short films and web series'. Her debut novel, "A Curse Of Gods & Mortals", is a story produced from everything she loves about fantasy worlds and escapism. If she's not lost in a good book or planning out plot lines for her next novel, she's usually enthralled in otherworldly locations you can find in films/tv shows, or video games.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
October 22, 2025
Reading this book was such an utterly enjoyable, heart-pounding experience. From the opening chapter, I was swept away into a world of gods, mortals, and deadly games that felt equal parts brutal and beautiful. I was enraptured from start to finish as this story owned me completely.
Azena is one of those rare heroines who feels real. Fierce yet flawed, determined yet deeply human. Her decision to secretly take her sister Lilith’s place in The Game of the Gods had me instantly invested. Every choice she made came from love and loyalty, even when it pushed her to the edge of survival. Her courage and quiet defiance had me cheering for her every step of the way.
The world itself is darkly enchanting, dangerous, magical, and dripping with secrets. Each realm felt alive, with ancient power lurking beneath every word. The trials were intense and imaginative, and the political tension among the gods gave the story such rich complexity. You can feel the stakes in every moment, and it’s impossible to put down.
And the romance… be still my heart. The forbidden connection between Azena and the God of Dreams was everything I wanted and more. Their relationship is a slow-burn masterpiece — full of yearning, banter, and stolen glances that crackle with unspoken emotion. The chemistry between them is absolutely electric, and their moments together had me grinning, sighing, and clutching my chest in equal measure.
This book truly has it all:
⚔️ Deadly games & divine trials
💫 Forbidden slow-burn romance
🔥 Intense chemistry and tension
💀 Secrets, betrayal & twists
🪄 Magic, gods, and mythical creatures
💬 Perfect banter
👑 Strong, lovable side characters
It’s Hunger Games meets Romantasy Heaven with a dash of divine danger and a mythological twist — and I adored every second. This debut has set the bar incredibly high for the series, and I’m counting the days until book two to see what’s next for Azena.
If you love romantic fantasy with danger, destiny, and a heroine who refuses to be broken — you need this book on your shelf immediately. 🖤
Azena is one of those rare heroines who feels real. Fierce yet flawed, determined yet deeply human. Her decision to secretly take her sister Lilith’s place in The Game of the Gods had me instantly invested. Every choice she made came from love and loyalty, even when it pushed her to the edge of survival. Her courage and quiet defiance had me cheering for her every step of the way.
The world itself is darkly enchanting, dangerous, magical, and dripping with secrets. Each realm felt alive, with ancient power lurking beneath every word. The trials were intense and imaginative, and the political tension among the gods gave the story such rich complexity. You can feel the stakes in every moment, and it’s impossible to put down.
And the romance… be still my heart. The forbidden connection between Azena and the God of Dreams was everything I wanted and more. Their relationship is a slow-burn masterpiece — full of yearning, banter, and stolen glances that crackle with unspoken emotion. The chemistry between them is absolutely electric, and their moments together had me grinning, sighing, and clutching my chest in equal measure.
This book truly has it all:
⚔️ Deadly games & divine trials
💫 Forbidden slow-burn romance
🔥 Intense chemistry and tension
💀 Secrets, betrayal & twists
🪄 Magic, gods, and mythical creatures
💬 Perfect banter
👑 Strong, lovable side characters
It’s Hunger Games meets Romantasy Heaven with a dash of divine danger and a mythological twist — and I adored every second. This debut has set the bar incredibly high for the series, and I’m counting the days until book two to see what’s next for Azena.
If you love romantic fantasy with danger, destiny, and a heroine who refuses to be broken — you need this book on your shelf immediately. 🖤
August 1, 2025
There’s a lot I could say about this book, but in a nutshell, it is the perfect cozy and enchanting romantasy read that is a real page-turner and will have you up all night waiting to see what happens next.
The enemies-to-lovers trope, hunger games inspired trials, and the Gods/mythical creatures and realms vibe already draws readers in from page 1; but as the author delves into world-building, character development and a gripping storyline, this novel really opens up and hooks you in!
I found myself connecting with the charming characters, with the writing making you feel immersed in the story. I enjoyed the pace of this book, the story flowed well and it didn’t feel like I was trudging through chapters and chapters just to get to the exciting parts. As a seasoned romantasy reader, I found it hard to believe this is a debut novel from this author. Front cover alone, I would reach for a book like this on the shelves of Waterstones, and after reading this book, I genuinely believe it deserves its place on the shelves of a mainstream bookstore.
If you find yourself reaching for books under the same hype as Fourth Wing, ACOTAR, Quicksilver and the Lightlark series, you’re in a for a treat with this novel, it’s definitely worth the chance.
5* read, I can’t wait to see what this Author has in store for her fan base next.
The enemies-to-lovers trope, hunger games inspired trials, and the Gods/mythical creatures and realms vibe already draws readers in from page 1; but as the author delves into world-building, character development and a gripping storyline, this novel really opens up and hooks you in!
I found myself connecting with the charming characters, with the writing making you feel immersed in the story. I enjoyed the pace of this book, the story flowed well and it didn’t feel like I was trudging through chapters and chapters just to get to the exciting parts. As a seasoned romantasy reader, I found it hard to believe this is a debut novel from this author. Front cover alone, I would reach for a book like this on the shelves of Waterstones, and after reading this book, I genuinely believe it deserves its place on the shelves of a mainstream bookstore.
If you find yourself reaching for books under the same hype as Fourth Wing, ACOTAR, Quicksilver and the Lightlark series, you’re in a for a treat with this novel, it’s definitely worth the chance.
5* read, I can’t wait to see what this Author has in store for her fan base next.
July 12, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. I need part two already!
It starts off grounded in real life with Azena juggling work and taking care of her sister and boom, enter Cali, the God of Dreams and Nightmares, and a whole new magical world.
The story mixes real-life struggles with myth, magic, and high-stakes godly games (think The Hunger Games but with divine drama).
The world-building is gorgeous, the dialogue is funny and sharp, and the characters, especially Cali and the adorable minotaur, Hektor, really stand out. Overall, it’s a fun, nicely paced read with heart.
Looking forward to the second part.A Curse Of Gods & Mortals
It starts off grounded in real life with Azena juggling work and taking care of her sister and boom, enter Cali, the God of Dreams and Nightmares, and a whole new magical world.
The story mixes real-life struggles with myth, magic, and high-stakes godly games (think The Hunger Games but with divine drama).
The world-building is gorgeous, the dialogue is funny and sharp, and the characters, especially Cali and the adorable minotaur, Hektor, really stand out. Overall, it’s a fun, nicely paced read with heart.
Looking forward to the second part.A Curse Of Gods & Mortals
July 12, 2025
Wow! This book had me from the start.
Really recommend it if you're a fan of fantasy and dragons and all things mythical.
Cali, the God of Dreams and Nightmares, is an amazing personality with such depth and intrigue. And Azena meets his attitude with equal fire and drive, she's just badass!
I found myself getting lost in a new world of gods and dangerous games. The description is vivid and imaginative without being too forced or overly explanatory.
There's a nice mix of whimsical and dark elements, gruelling personal challenges, and complex but entertaining relationships and rivalries.
So glad someone recommended it to me. Newer authors like Young need to be given a chance, as this could be the start of something much bigger, something incredible.
Really recommend it if you're a fan of fantasy and dragons and all things mythical.
Cali, the God of Dreams and Nightmares, is an amazing personality with such depth and intrigue. And Azena meets his attitude with equal fire and drive, she's just badass!
I found myself getting lost in a new world of gods and dangerous games. The description is vivid and imaginative without being too forced or overly explanatory.
There's a nice mix of whimsical and dark elements, gruelling personal challenges, and complex but entertaining relationships and rivalries.
So glad someone recommended it to me. Newer authors like Young need to be given a chance, as this could be the start of something much bigger, something incredible.
January 24, 2026
AMAZING
WTF but in such a good way. The way she ended this book will have you scrambling to buy book 2. First i absolutely love the details to not just the characters but The World building as well. As far as the characters go they are written so well that you’ll be falling in love with some of them and others…. You’ll absolutely wish for their demise the whole book. It’s also such a quick read not because it’s a short book but because you get sucked into reading. Definitely a 4 star read and highly recommend.
WTF but in such a good way. The way she ended this book will have you scrambling to buy book 2. First i absolutely love the details to not just the characters but The World building as well. As far as the characters go they are written so well that you’ll be falling in love with some of them and others…. You’ll absolutely wish for their demise the whole book. It’s also such a quick read not because it’s a short book but because you get sucked into reading. Definitely a 4 star read and highly recommend.
July 22, 2025
Excellent first book! I was sucked into the world straight away and loved the Characters. There's humour, emotional parts, hard-hitting topics, and a brilliant fantasy world to go along with it. It had everything I wanted in a book, plus the ending has left me dying for the next part! The relationship between Azena (a mortal) and Cali (the God of Dreams & Nightmares) develops so well, too. It's believable and one of the main parts that kept me reading. Loved it!
July 26, 2025
Omg WOW. This has been one of the best books I’ve read for months, I loved everything about this, I was gripped on the character, the realms, gods everything. And that ending 😱😱 can I please have book 2 even though this one is only out I want more of Azena & Cali especially Cali, that poor man has done so much for other people yet everyone is hell bent on destroying his amazing heart.. loved loved it.. 10+ stars
October 6, 2025
I LOVED this book!
Deadly trials ✔️
Gods & Goddesses ✔️
Magic ✔️
World Building ✔️
Sassy FMC ✔️
Forbidden Lovers ✔️
Portals ✔️
It has everything. I loved the relationship between Azena & Cali and how it developed slowly. The mystery surrounding Cali and his world was interesting to read about.
This was generally a really easy & fun read. I would recommend it to all romantasy lovers out there!
Deadly trials ✔️
Gods & Goddesses ✔️
Magic ✔️
World Building ✔️
Sassy FMC ✔️
Forbidden Lovers ✔️
Portals ✔️
It has everything. I loved the relationship between Azena & Cali and how it developed slowly. The mystery surrounding Cali and his world was interesting to read about.
This was generally a really easy & fun read. I would recommend it to all romantasy lovers out there!
Want to read
August 3, 2025she's forced to be his champion in deadly games
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews