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Thirstwood #2
The Cursed Queen's Daughter
Not yet published
Expected 10 Feb 26A warrior princess falls for a shadow prince in this darkly romantic companion to The Forest King’s Daughter.
Fearless Thea has never known life outside of war. As the favorite daughter of the Sylvan King, she's a relentless fighter who longs to lead his army as First Huntsman, ignoring the pretty clothes and fanciful notions others enjoy. But when a mysterious dress full of dark magic appears on her hearth one evening, Thea doesn’t know how to fight an enemy she can't see or touch. Still, her curiosity builds as a new gown appears each night—until she gives in to temptation and is whisked to a forgotten land of shadows.
The prince of the shadow realm is a handsome host, and while Thea does all she can to resist his charms, it's clear he knows something about the long-ago disappearance of Thea’s mother. All he asks in return is for Thea to dance with him, their dangerous attraction growing each time she returns for more information. Meanwhile, shadows are seeping into the living realm, and Thea may have to embrace her own darkness if she has any chance of saving her beloved sisters and home from an otherworldly threat.
From the author of the Frostblood Saga comes the second book in a spellbinding series about the daughters of the powerful forest king, with simmering romance and plot twists that will leave readers desperate to enter the Thirstwood themselves.
Fearless Thea has never known life outside of war. As the favorite daughter of the Sylvan King, she's a relentless fighter who longs to lead his army as First Huntsman, ignoring the pretty clothes and fanciful notions others enjoy. But when a mysterious dress full of dark magic appears on her hearth one evening, Thea doesn’t know how to fight an enemy she can't see or touch. Still, her curiosity builds as a new gown appears each night—until she gives in to temptation and is whisked to a forgotten land of shadows.
The prince of the shadow realm is a handsome host, and while Thea does all she can to resist his charms, it's clear he knows something about the long-ago disappearance of Thea’s mother. All he asks in return is for Thea to dance with him, their dangerous attraction growing each time she returns for more information. Meanwhile, shadows are seeping into the living realm, and Thea may have to embrace her own darkness if she has any chance of saving her beloved sisters and home from an otherworldly threat.
From the author of the Frostblood Saga comes the second book in a spellbinding series about the daughters of the powerful forest king, with simmering romance and plot twists that will leave readers desperate to enter the Thirstwood themselves.
336 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication February 10, 2026
8 people are currently reading
815 people want to read
About the author
Elly Blake
7 books2,185 followersNYT bestselling author of the Frostblood Saga. Elly Blake loves fairy tales, old houses, and owls. After earning a BA in English literature, she held a series of seemingly random jobs, including project manager, customs clerk, graphic designer, reporter for a local business magazine, and library assistant. She lives in Southwestern Ontario with her husband, kids and a Siberian Husky mix who definitely shows Frostblood tendencies.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
December 18, 2025
This ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is the second installment Thirstwood series. I was glad to be back with these characters in a new setting from the first book. I thought Thea was a formidable main character and Damon was certainly a charming lead. I was definitely hooked into finding out how the story would end. At some points I was a little confused and felt like a lot was happening at the same time but I think everything was wrapped up pretty well. I like how relationships plays a really important aspect and not just romantic ones. The bonds these sisters have with each other is so amazing to see and read. A really great book to recommend to younger adults and I’m interested to see where the rest of the series takes us
This is the second installment Thirstwood series. I was glad to be back with these characters in a new setting from the first book. I thought Thea was a formidable main character and Damon was certainly a charming lead. I was definitely hooked into finding out how the story would end. At some points I was a little confused and felt like a lot was happening at the same time but I think everything was wrapped up pretty well. I like how relationships plays a really important aspect and not just romantic ones. The bonds these sisters have with each other is so amazing to see and read. A really great book to recommend to younger adults and I’m interested to see where the rest of the series takes us
January 13, 2026
*A huge thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for sharing an advanced readers copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.*
This is the second installment in the Thirstwood series. Surprisingly, I ended up enjoying this one so much more than the first book. Book one in the series was a fun, interesting read, but nothing to truly rave about… but this book made me want to recommend the entire series!
💕The relationships
The characters in general throughout this story felt richer. Maybe it’s because the emotional stakes were higher as the plot progressed more steadily than in book one. I found that my previous understanding of the world lent well to allowing Blake to let the characters drive the plot rather than having to explain much of the magic to us. There were moments that the world still felt confusing (more on that later though).
I loved how much more depth we got with Thea and her journey. And Damon was an instant obsession for me… shadow daddy, momma’s boy, thoughtful romantic, yes please! Their relationship progressed authentically and so beautifully in this story. But not only did I love the romance, I loved the bond between the four Sylvan sisters that we really got to see blossom.
🌳The world building
Much of the world building and magic systems were explained to us in book one, but I felt like book two did a better job further clarifying some of the complex systems. Often times though I was still confused by different Old Ones, Ancients, and realm magics. The more I read though, the more I understand. I just wish that explanations could be done a bit better. I’ll give Blake credit though because the way in which she is choosing to create her world requires much in the way of Ancient “gods,” different realms, and a plethora of magical creatures and beings. Creating this world is definitely an undertaking.
👯♀️The Sylvan sisters
I am obsessed with these girls. Being the oldest of four girls myself, I feel so connected to the relationship that each of these sisters have for one another. Book one allowed us to know these sisters existed, but this book truly showcased each girl in a way that’s completely pulled me into the family. I’m so excited to dive further into each of their stories as the series progresses. Blake did an incredible job highlighting the relationship of familial love that exists outside of romantic love.
I would recommend this book to those who are looking for a strong female character who can carry her own, anyone looking for stories about the bond of sisterhood, and readers who are as obsessed with shadow daddies as I am.
This is the second installment in the Thirstwood series. Surprisingly, I ended up enjoying this one so much more than the first book. Book one in the series was a fun, interesting read, but nothing to truly rave about… but this book made me want to recommend the entire series!
💕The relationships
The characters in general throughout this story felt richer. Maybe it’s because the emotional stakes were higher as the plot progressed more steadily than in book one. I found that my previous understanding of the world lent well to allowing Blake to let the characters drive the plot rather than having to explain much of the magic to us. There were moments that the world still felt confusing (more on that later though).
I loved how much more depth we got with Thea and her journey. And Damon was an instant obsession for me… shadow daddy, momma’s boy, thoughtful romantic, yes please! Their relationship progressed authentically and so beautifully in this story. But not only did I love the romance, I loved the bond between the four Sylvan sisters that we really got to see blossom.
🌳The world building
Much of the world building and magic systems were explained to us in book one, but I felt like book two did a better job further clarifying some of the complex systems. Often times though I was still confused by different Old Ones, Ancients, and realm magics. The more I read though, the more I understand. I just wish that explanations could be done a bit better. I’ll give Blake credit though because the way in which she is choosing to create her world requires much in the way of Ancient “gods,” different realms, and a plethora of magical creatures and beings. Creating this world is definitely an undertaking.
👯♀️The Sylvan sisters
I am obsessed with these girls. Being the oldest of four girls myself, I feel so connected to the relationship that each of these sisters have for one another. Book one allowed us to know these sisters existed, but this book truly showcased each girl in a way that’s completely pulled me into the family. I’m so excited to dive further into each of their stories as the series progresses. Blake did an incredible job highlighting the relationship of familial love that exists outside of romantic love.
I would recommend this book to those who are looking for a strong female character who can carry her own, anyone looking for stories about the bond of sisterhood, and readers who are as obsessed with shadow daddies as I am.
October 4, 2025
I really enjoyed this book, both the heroine and the world. Thea has a solid voice and a stubborn personality. Upon finding magic clothes left for her in her room with no idea how they got there … Thea doesn’t put them on no matter how lovely they are. When events happen that leave her no choice but to don them and risk the magic they hold, she also adds daggers and a sword. She’s bold, but not feckless. On meeting the stranger with shadow magic she doesn’t swoon or instantly get all hot and bothered; she thinks, she reasons, she realizes she’s being played with and refuses to give in. She has a spine and spirit and I like her.
Thea thinks before she acts (for the most part), and doesn’t trust Damon simply because he’s pretty. She trusts him because he’s proven himself to be a kindred spirit, someone who wants to help others, someone who wants to stop the cruelty of his father and yet finds himself helpless to do anything but obey the man who tortures him for every failure. Damon isn’t blind to the pain his compliance brings to innocent people, and he grieves for them … but he also wants to live, and so does as he must.
Damon doesn’t end up being the hero in this book, the one riding the rescue. It’s Thea with her own skill, her own power, her own willingness to sacrifice herself for others that truly ends up being the hero. Yes, Damon helps a little, but it’s Thea who makes everything possible, and Thea he has to redeem himself to.
This is just a fun, well plotted fairy tale romance — think 12 dancing princesses, only much more fun — and a solid friendship to romance. And if you’re looking for a shadow mommy instead of a shadow daddy, this book might be something worth picking up. Thank you so very much to Net Galley and the publisher for the ARC!
Thea thinks before she acts (for the most part), and doesn’t trust Damon simply because he’s pretty. She trusts him because he’s proven himself to be a kindred spirit, someone who wants to help others, someone who wants to stop the cruelty of his father and yet finds himself helpless to do anything but obey the man who tortures him for every failure. Damon isn’t blind to the pain his compliance brings to innocent people, and he grieves for them … but he also wants to live, and so does as he must.
Damon doesn’t end up being the hero in this book, the one riding the rescue. It’s Thea with her own skill, her own power, her own willingness to sacrifice herself for others that truly ends up being the hero. Yes, Damon helps a little, but it’s Thea who makes everything possible, and Thea he has to redeem himself to.
This is just a fun, well plotted fairy tale romance — think 12 dancing princesses, only much more fun — and a solid friendship to romance. And if you’re looking for a shadow mommy instead of a shadow daddy, this book might be something worth picking up. Thank you so very much to Net Galley and the publisher for the ARC!
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October 8, 2025The Cursed Queen's Daughter is the second installment in Elly Blake's Thirstwood series and is every bit as interesting and atmospherically beautiful as its predecessor. Following Thea, the second eldest daughter of the forest king and queen, we finally get to uncover the secrets surrounding the queen and her mysterious illness and disappearance!
I have to admit, at first I was a bit disappointed that the book did not follow Cassia and Zeru, but I appreciated that they weren't shoved into the storyline simply for the sake of having them in the story.
Relationships are truly the strong point of this series (which is saying a lot considering the world is seriously beautiful). Thea's relationship with her sisters is simply one of the best parts of the book and help to ground her character and her decisions in a way that feels real and raw at times. I also quickly fell in love with the love interest Damon and appreciated that despite his feelings for Thea he still had his own motivations.
Overall I found the book to be steadily paced and beautifully written. I loved Thea in the Forest King's Daughter, but love her even more now.
Thank you so much to NetGalley for the free ebook ARC. My review is not required to be positive, and all opinions are my own.
I have to admit, at first I was a bit disappointed that the book did not follow Cassia and Zeru, but I appreciated that they weren't shoved into the storyline simply for the sake of having them in the story.
Relationships are truly the strong point of this series (which is saying a lot considering the world is seriously beautiful). Thea's relationship with her sisters is simply one of the best parts of the book and help to ground her character and her decisions in a way that feels real and raw at times. I also quickly fell in love with the love interest Damon and appreciated that despite his feelings for Thea he still had his own motivations.
Overall I found the book to be steadily paced and beautifully written. I loved Thea in the Forest King's Daughter, but love her even more now.
Thank you so much to NetGalley for the free ebook ARC. My review is not required to be positive, and all opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Cursed Queen’s Daughter follows Thea, the second eldest daughter of the Forest King and Queen and a fierce Sylvan warrior princess who feels far more at home on the battlefield than in a ballroom. When mysterious, enchanted dresses begin appearing at her home, Thea is pulled into a forgotten shadow realm where danger lurks around every corner and nothing is quite what it seems. There, she meets a handsome, utterly enigmatic shadow prince who may hold the key to her family’s past including the long ago disappearance of her mother. But his help comes with strings attached, and every dance draws Thea deeper into a web of temptation, secrets, and growing peril.
I ended up enjoying this one so much more than the first book. The characters felt richer, the emotional stakes were higher, and I loved how much more depth we got with Thea and her journey. This installment really lets the world and the storyline breathe, and Thea quickly became a favorite for me.
Perfect if you love warrior princesses, shadow realms, slow burn tension, and secrets buried deep in family history.
Thank you Little, Brown Books for Young Readers and NetGalley for this ARC!✨
I ended up enjoying this one so much more than the first book. The characters felt richer, the emotional stakes were higher, and I loved how much more depth we got with Thea and her journey. This installment really lets the world and the storyline breathe, and Thea quickly became a favorite for me.
Perfect if you love warrior princesses, shadow realms, slow burn tension, and secrets buried deep in family history.
Thank you Little, Brown Books for Young Readers and NetGalley for this ARC!✨
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Cursed Queen's Daughter has a lot more in common with fairytales than most modern romantasy - I thought of the ballad of Tan Lim a bit when reading it, and other stories of getting caught up in the mechanisms of supernatural creatures. As much as this book is marketed as a romantasy, the two main characters spend much of the book not interacting apart of from short glimpses. Much of the book is dedicated to how Theodora and Damon both have to navigate their own courts in a world that is harsh and unforgiving. Both have quite traumatic family background (which feels appropriate for fairy tales.)
I will say that many of the relationships between factions in their world is more understandable if you start with The Forest King's Daughter, and it was great to see cameos from Cassia and Zeru. But the greater themes of political unrest are not quite settled in this book, and I suspect will be dealt with more in the next installment (after all, there are two sisters left!). This is for fans of more dreamy fairytale works like Emily Wilde. Thanks to Little Brown for the early copy.
I will say that many of the relationships between factions in their world is more understandable if you start with The Forest King's Daughter, and it was great to see cameos from Cassia and Zeru. But the greater themes of political unrest are not quite settled in this book, and I suspect will be dealt with more in the next installment (after all, there are two sisters left!). This is for fans of more dreamy fairytale works like Emily Wilde. Thanks to Little Brown for the early copy.
January 30, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC of The Cursed Queen’s Daughter by Elly Blake.
I really enjoyed the premise of this book. The worldbuilding and magic system felt compelling, and I loved the way the author brought Iluna to life. I felt like the author had a much stronger voice in this compared to her first book in the series, and I found myself enjoying the writing style much more in this book.
While I did like the characters, they unfortunately felt a bit lacking. I didn’t feel much depth or growth from Thea in particular, which made it harder for me to fully connect with the story. I also felt that the relationships, both with Thea’s family and with Damon, could have used more development. Rather than feeling her love for them, I was often just told that it existed.
Overall, the plot and writing were stronger in this book, but I never quite connected with the characters in the way I hoped to.
I really enjoyed the premise of this book. The worldbuilding and magic system felt compelling, and I loved the way the author brought Iluna to life. I felt like the author had a much stronger voice in this compared to her first book in the series, and I found myself enjoying the writing style much more in this book.
While I did like the characters, they unfortunately felt a bit lacking. I didn’t feel much depth or growth from Thea in particular, which made it harder for me to fully connect with the story. I also felt that the relationships, both with Thea’s family and with Damon, could have used more development. Rather than feeling her love for them, I was often just told that it existed.
Overall, the plot and writing were stronger in this book, but I never quite connected with the characters in the way I hoped to.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I want to start off by saying I read this as an ARC without reading the first book in the series. I know, that’s sacrilegious, but it was honestly fine. You only miss out on some vague references to the previous book which really don’t affect the plot of this one at all. Our FMC and MMC definitely had a case of the insta-lust. I don’t find their attraction very compelling to be honest. The mystery of the silver forest was interesting, but the reality of what was actually going on wasn’t. I thought the pixies were kind of bullies until closer to the end when they magically became helpful. I would have loved some more detail on the shadow magic. Overall, this was a solid 3 Star read for me. If you like insta-love closed door romantasy series with a mission to save the world, this is for you. If you’re looking for a ton of world building and character development, maybe steer clear.
Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for providing me this eARC to review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for providing me this eARC to review.
January 8, 2026
I received this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Book one of this series was interesting, but nothing spectacular. It was just entertaining enough for me to want to pick up book 2. When I first started this one, I was disappointed to discover we have a new MC. I really was hoping we’d continue Cassia’s story, and I wasn’t fond of Thea to start.
I’m glad I pushed through.
Once I got into the meat of the story, I was intrigued. Shadow men are kind of my weakness after all, so once I met the MMC I was hooked. The yearning. The intrigue. AND he’s a momma’s boy? Full send. This book had PLENTY of twists and turns and more than once I wanted to punch Damon. Thea is a strong female lead and proves time and time again she can handle anything thrown her way.
The plot centers around Thea and her mother’s disappearance. Once Thea fully understands what happens, this story quickly becomes one of sacrifice and strength. Damon’s role in the plot is crucial and entertaining, but Thea steals the show. I can’t explain too much with spoiling it for you, just trust that Thea REALLY goes through it for her mother.
The writing is easy to read and digest, and this is certainly geared towards an older YA crowd. There are some slightly explicit scenes, and I love watching the romance develop.
This book does NOT have second book slump. I much preferred this to the first one.
Book one of this series was interesting, but nothing spectacular. It was just entertaining enough for me to want to pick up book 2. When I first started this one, I was disappointed to discover we have a new MC. I really was hoping we’d continue Cassia’s story, and I wasn’t fond of Thea to start.
I’m glad I pushed through.
Once I got into the meat of the story, I was intrigued. Shadow men are kind of my weakness after all, so once I met the MMC I was hooked. The yearning. The intrigue. AND he’s a momma’s boy? Full send. This book had PLENTY of twists and turns and more than once I wanted to punch Damon. Thea is a strong female lead and proves time and time again she can handle anything thrown her way.
The plot centers around Thea and her mother’s disappearance. Once Thea fully understands what happens, this story quickly becomes one of sacrifice and strength. Damon’s role in the plot is crucial and entertaining, but Thea steals the show. I can’t explain too much with spoiling it for you, just trust that Thea REALLY goes through it for her mother.
The writing is easy to read and digest, and this is certainly geared towards an older YA crowd. There are some slightly explicit scenes, and I love watching the romance develop.
This book does NOT have second book slump. I much preferred this to the first one.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 stars!
I enjoyed this book more than the first one in the series!
Thea is such a lovely, strong character.
Damon is a classic tortured shadow weilding love interest who has massive daddy issues
There's some insta-love going on with these two, but I found their relationship to be surprisingly believable and sweet.
The mystery of the silver trees and the curses were fun additions. I like how this story built on the first, without penalizing you if you hadn't yet read it.
Thank you so much to Little, Brown Books and NetGalley for the eARC!
I enjoyed this book more than the first one in the series!
Thea is such a lovely, strong character.
Damon is a classic tortured shadow weilding love interest who has massive daddy issues
There's some insta-love going on with these two, but I found their relationship to be surprisingly believable and sweet.
The mystery of the silver trees and the curses were fun additions. I like how this story built on the first, without penalizing you if you hadn't yet read it.
Thank you so much to Little, Brown Books and NetGalley for the eARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I truly wanted to like this one more due to the enchanting and intriguing atmosphere of the fae realm setting. But I felt absolutely no connection to the characters...the pixies were hilarious though. I didn't find anything interesting or attractive about Damon (MMC). It seemed that he and Thea really went from hate to lust really fast.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of The Cursed Queen's Daughter.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of The Cursed Queen's Daughter.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
When I requested The Cursed Queen's Daughter, I didn't realize it was a second book in a series (that's on me lol), but it didn't really detract from my enjoyment of the book at all.
Overall I really enjoyed the pacing, world building, and magic system, but couldn't bring myself to like Thea.
Overall I really enjoyed the pacing, world building, and magic system, but couldn't bring myself to like Thea.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
gorgeous romantasy with some good plotting and excellent characters. chemistry was sizzling, setting worked, and generally it was great. 5 stars.
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