A Curse of Wings & Gems

by S.D. Huston

***Three-time award-winning fantasy romance***

She yearns to belong. He hungers to escape torment. Drawn together by destiny, can this enchanted pair survive to claim an undying love?

Princess Emira bears a terrible secret. Suffering in isolation to protect the world from her deadly magic, the defiant mermaid longs for connection. And determined to evade an arranged marriage and be free of her curse, she reluctantly agrees to the Sea Witch's demands to steal from a handsome dragon monarch.

King Edmar keeps a protective wing over his kingdom. Fated to marry at random or unleash eternal winter, the stoic royal never expected to fish a lovely creature from his past out of the sea. And aware that following his heart will spark an icy doom, the draconic ruler refuses to give in to the passion she arouses.

Growing closer to the mysterious noble, Emira questions whether she can go through with her bargain of betrayal. And while Edmar faces political tensions and looming threats, dark forces seek to exploit his attraction to the forbidden beauty.

Can they snap the chains binding their souls and embrace a happily ever after?

A Curse of Wings & Gems is a sensual standalone story in the Brides of the Dragon Kings fantasy romance series. If you like heroes who endure, traitorous villains, and complex stakes, then you'll adore S.D. Huston's intricately woven tale.

Genres: Romance

667 pages, ebook

Published January 20, 2026

About the author

S.D. Huston is an epic romantasy and fantasy author with a passion for broken characters who claw their way through trauma, loss, and adversity to come out changed. She builds magic laced, war torn worlds where love is as dangerous as any blade and choosing each other can be the bravest act of all. Her stories pit fierce, complicated relationships against bloodshed, ruthless power, and destinies that do not play fair. Expect sweeping worlds, emotional stakes, and love that refuses to die. There may or may not be dragons, but there is always a hard-fought love story at the heart of the chaos.

Connect with S.D. Huston on her website at https://www.sdhuston.com.

Reviews

[Victoria Golby · Rating 5 out of 5]

They both yearn for peace from their curses, but can they save each other

25 years before, King Edmar, another of the Dragon Kings cursed by the Snow Princess, had been rescued from the sea by a mermaid with sea-foam green skin and his curse has claimed her, but she’d left and the curse had let her go. Though she’d been able to leave Edmar knew his heart was hers and had been searching for her ever since, not wanting to again have to marry a bride of chance to protect his kingdom of Cyaneus from winter.

Princess Emmy had been cursed by her gemstone with fire acid and suffered personal pain or releasing her deadly magic unless she remained motionless. She’d only once seen the stars once when she had rescued her dragon king. She always dreamed of being able to see him again but never expected it to happen when her father took her to use as a bargaining Pearl with the Seat of the Dwarfs. But after trying to escape, her father imprisons her again and she knows the only way she might escape is by seeking the help of the feared Sea Witch Sygilla. But her offer to help Emmy comes with the condition that she must steal from her dragon king.

Her fingers toyed with the jewel at her neck. To save Edmar, she was forced to marry him. To save herself, she was forced to betray him.

This is a wonderful paranormal fantasy romance with elements of the Little Mermaid, set in the world of Agondray and the Dragon Kings by SD Huston. It was great to see Kalden and Airi again, and I loved how this story runs alongside theirs time wise with crossover moments connecting this to “ A Curse of Scales and Feathers” (there are a few scenes you’ll recognise if you’ve already read that, but seen from Emmy and Edmar’s views).

A great story, I haven't been able to put it down. Full of action, drama, magic, politics, mermaids, dragons, werewolves, sleeping Gods, multiple curses, secrets, betrayal, deceit, plot twists and love, all in a fantastic world created by S.D Huston. There are some great nods to Edmar's brother's stories and I can't wait to read what happens with Zane and Rin. There are also some lovey bits of humor throughout, I particularly loved Rivus and look forward to seeing more of him as I'm sure his story isn't over (no spoilers, you'll have to read the book ).

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

[Anna Cole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a quick read, but fun nonetheless. If you loved The Little Mermaid growing up, this is a fun—though very adult—take on that kind of story. I laughed, I gritted my teeth, and I definitely took a few breaks because of the twists and turns. Overall, A Curse of Wings and Gems is a love story about love that defies restrictions and prejudice. There are darker themes present, so please check the content warnings, and this one is also steamy. I had a great time with it and will absolutely be reading more from this author.

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was everything that I was looking for from an entry in the Brides of the Dragon Kings world. It had that element that I was looking for in this world and characters and enjoyed getting into the romance element of this. The characters were so well written and enjoyed how they were used in this story. S.D. Huston wrote this so well and was glad I was able to read this.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another Ice Dragon who hopes that his bride of chance will be able to break his curse. This book was long, really long. Part of it was that the two main characters just wouldn't sit down and be honest with each other, so that caused problems between them. I will say that I liked the connections between this book and the last. Additionally, it was nice to have some more world-building and lore that made the world feel more complete. However, if you thought that this book was going to not have intimate scenes like the last one, the author quickly throws that out the window. While it takes a long while for the characters to actually do the deed, there are plenty of innuendos along with sensual touching. Just be forewarned if you thought this book was going to follow the pattern of the first. I'm interested enough to see what happens with the last two Dragon King brothers, but I can't say I'm in a rush to reread this tale.

[Brittany Britton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Curse of Wings & Gems by S. D. Huston is a great paranormal fantasy. The story is entertaining, interesting, enjoyable, romantic, and more. A Curse of Wings & Gems is a part of A BRIDES OF THE DRAGON KINGS series.

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

[Vet4Christ · Rating 4 out of 5]

- [ ] This was a good addition to the realm of fantasy and romance! Great world-building with a very unique magic system. The yearning in the MMC and MFC is heartache and longing wrapped up with love and betrayal. Grand quests take us across the map to fight foes of prophecy. There is so much room for more books to be written too! I am 100% looking forward to more from this author.

[Ladnamal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is on the thicker side and it took me quite a while to get through. I liked the world building and the plot and characters were interesting.

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

[Kay Cobbold · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a longtime fan of S.D. Huston, I can confidently say this latest work secures her a permanent place among my top five fantasy authors.
“A Curse of Wings and Gems" is a masterfully woven tapestry of betrayal, passion, and timeless danger. From dragons and mermaids to curses and gods, Huston delivers an epic that swept me effortlessly into the desperate futures of Edmar and Emmy. I found myself utterly invested in their journey.
The plot is brilliantly conceived, supported by world-building of truly epic proportions. Yet, Huston's true magic lies in her characters. Whether central or secondary, each one burns with a spark of reality and profound personal depth. For a reader like me, who prioritises character-driven narratives, this story was a perfect fit.
Edmar and Emmy's quest remains tantalizingly unfinished, so I will, eagerly, await any chance to return to their world. Having said that, I shall always want to read anything S.D. Huston writes.

[Candice Porter · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 25% just couldnt get into it. Didn't like it at all.

[Kaitlyn Raasveld · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read, full of twists and turns

[Victoria Golby · Rating 5 out of 5]

They both yearn for peace from their curses, but can they save each other

25 years before, King Edmar, another of the Dragon Kings cursed by the Snow Princess, had been rescued from the sea by a mermaid with sea-foam green skin and his curse has claimed her, but she’d left and the curse had let her go. Though she’d been able to leave Edmar knew his heart was hers and had been searching for her ever since, not wanting to again have to marry a bride of chance to protect his kingdom of Cyaneus from winter.

Princess Emmy had been cursed by her gemstone with fire acid and suffered personal pain or releasing her deadly magic unless she remained motionless. She’d only once seen the stars once when she had rescued her dragon king. She always dreamed of being able to see him again but never expected it to happen when her father took her to use as a bargaining Pearl with the Seat of the Dwarfs. But after trying to escape, her father imprisons her again and she knows the only way she might escape is by seeking the help of the feared Sea Witch Sygilla. But her offer to help Emmy comes with the condition that she must steal from her dragon king.

Her fingers toyed with the jewel at her neck. To save Edmar, she was forced to marry him. To save herself, she was forced to betray him.

This is a wonderful paranormal fantasy romance with elements of the Little Mermaid, set in the world of Agondray and the Dragon Kings by SD Huston. It was great to see Kalden and Airi again, and I loved how this story runs alongside theirs time wise with crossover moments connecting this to “ A Curse of Scales and Feathers” (there are a few scenes you’ll recognise if you’ve already read that, but seen from Emmy and Edmar’s views).

A great story, I haven't been able to put it down. Full of action, drama, magic, politics, mermaids, dragons, werewolves, sleeping Gods, multiple curses, secrets, betrayal, deceit, plot twists and love, all in a fantastic world created by S.D Huston. There are some great nods to Edmar's brother's stories and I can't wait to read what happens with Zane and Rin. There are also some lovey bits of humor throughout, I particularly loved Rivus and look forward to seeing more of him as I'm sure his story isn't over (no spoilers, you'll have to read the book ).

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

[Next Best Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Curse of Wings & Gems by S. D. Huston delivers an immersive fantasy experience built on ambition, mythology, and emotional stakes that feel carefully considered and purposeful. The worldbuilding is extensive and confident, with a clear sense that every cultural rule, magical constraint, and power dynamic has been thought through beyond the page. Huston writes with control, allowing the story’s atmosphere and tension to emerge through character perspective, which makes the setting feel lived-in and authentic. A major strength is the emotional undercurrent running beneath the fantasy framework. The characters carry history, obligation, and longing in ways that shape their decisions, giving the narrative momentum rooted in personal consequence. The alternating viewpoints add texture and contrast, revealing how power, sacrifice, and desire look different depending on who holds them, and who pays the cost. The prose is polished and intentional, striking a balance between descriptive richness and forward movement, though more restraint in certain internal reflections could sharpen pacing and heighten the impact of key turning points. Still, this is a novel that rewards patient readers, especially those who enjoy fantasy driven by character tension and carefully layered lore. A Curse of Wings & Gems is a compelling start to a larger mythos, offering depth, emotional pull, and a strong authorial voice that promises even more complexity as the series unfolds.

[Feathered Quill Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Curse of Wings and Gems: A Cursed Royals Fantasy Romance by S.D. Huston is a fantasy romance novel set in a richly built world called Agondray. The story is told through the alternating perspectives of its two protagonists, Edmar and Emira.

Edmar is one of the four immortal Dragon Kings. He is an Ice Dragon who rules the kingdom of Cyaneus. He and his brothers are, however, victims of a thousand-year-old curse linked to Snow Princess and the gods. The curse forces them into endless cycles of fate-bound marriages and to break it, one requires the Dragon's Kiss. However, no one can withstand a kiss from an Ice Dragon, which means one thing: finding the right bride may be next to impossible.

Elsewhere, Emira, a mermaid, is bound by an invisible tether to unquestionably follow her father's demand for her to marry the Seat of the Dwarf. The latter is not supposed to know what she is or what her magic can do. Emira’s father plans to use her uncontrolled magic on him which could lead to her death. Emira, however, becomes defiant and devises a way to rid herself of the painful magic. Her quest for freedom sends her directly to the Sea Witch, who offers her temporal but painful relief before sending her on a quest that is shrouded in danger and potential deception, to steal the God's Stones through which she believes she will be permanently free. This journey, however, leads her directly into the arms of the one man she once saved and whom she has longed for all her life. There, she finds herself torn between the terrifying knowledge that she must betray him to secure her own survival.

This story presents multiple, complex, and nuanced character motivations. Readers are shown what feels like a deal with the devil: a trope that is executed perfectly, fully immersing them into a dangerous game that has looming threats that undercut any glimmer of hope or satisfaction. Every tender moment in the plot carries a constant sense of anxiety that is laced with dramatic irony. The betrayal element strongly feels like the engine of the entire narrative and the "poison" that ensures that no moment of happiness is pure and that no victory comes without a cost.

A Curse of Wings and Gems is a story that questions whether true love can really bloom from a foundation of deception. It also questions what we would value more and where our loyalties would lie when forced into impossible situations. The characters are crafted with such profound depth that ensures that the reader is inescapably implicated in their central conflict. The character who is planning a betrayal is morally grey, and instead of pushing away the reader, the way she is written fosters profound empathy for her. This is all thanks to the author's masterful hand in creating characters that are deeply relatable and whom the reader finds themselves deeply caring for.

Quill says: A Curse of Wings and Gems, though deeply complex, is deeply rewarding. It is a book that respects its audience's intelligence by presenting a layered world, all while using clear narrative techniques that make sure that the reader's experience is totally immersive and comprehensible. It is a great read with a perfect blend of high-stakes fantasy and intense, slow-burning romance that those who enjoy fairy tale retellings will feel right at home with. It will also be enjoyed by those who believe that the most powerful magic is not in spells or curses, but in the often impossible choices we are forced to make.

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved when Emira and Eldar's paths crossed again. Yet curses and circumstances still prevent their happily ever after. It's a bit of a Little Mermaid retelling, complete with the sea witch and her garden of lost souls. They are sent on a quest to find the god stones while at each other's throats. If you like romantasy and retellings then you'll like this. Thank you for the early copy. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book swept me away from the very first page. It’s a sweeping fantasy full of curses, immortal kings, and mermaid princesses bound by fate. The story follows Edmar, a dragon cursed to live through endless cycles of tragic love, and Emmy, a mermaid whose power burns as fiercely as her pain. Their worlds collide in a storm of magic, betrayal, and longing. The world of Agondray feels enormous, filled with kingdoms and mythic creatures, yet the heart of the story stays close to its two leads, whose connection burns brighter than the jewels and wings that define them.

I’ll be honest, the writing hooked me. The author’s language flows like music at times. It’s lush but never pretentious. The imagery of waves, wings, and storms paints scenes I could almost taste and feel. Huston’s pacing takes its time. There are quiet stretches where the tension hums under the surface, and I liked that. It felt deliberate, like watching a storm gather before it breaks. The dialogue, though at times formal, fits the epic tone. The emotional beats land hard. Grief, hope, love, and desperation all tangled together. It made me ache for the characters, especially Emmy, whose pain and restraint felt heartbreakingly real.

That said, I had moments where I wanted to shake the characters. They circle around their fates, and the world’s mythology can feel dense, almost overwhelming with its many names and histories. But even in those moments, I couldn’t look away. The story carries an emotional weight that builds quietly until it explodes. Huston doesn’t just tell a tale of magic, she dives into what it means to carry guilt, to long for freedom, and to love in spite of everything that says you shouldn’t.

By the time I closed the book, I felt wrung out but satisfied. It’s the kind of story that leaves you staring at the last line for a while before you move. I’d recommend A Curse of Wings & Gems to anyone who loves romantic fantasy with deep lore and a bittersweet edge. If you enjoy stories that mix beauty with sorrow, this one will stick with you. It’s a haunting, lovely book that feels like it was written with both pain and hope in every line.