The Curse of the Called

by E.R. Craw

Tasked with finding the lost duchess of Lothréal, pirate Captain Angie and her crew embark on a voyage to the infamous Baradorg Islands, where myths of ancient curses and the threat of sea monsters loom. But such foes are the least of Angie's worries as she navigates life around her grief, and grapples with the guilt of falling for someone who isn’t her Soulmate. Pulled towards self destruction, Angie must learn to follow her heart, accept what she cannot change, and give herself to the person she wants the most.

In the kingdom of Iona, Queen Eliza and Laurel welcome a mysterious stranger into their ranks. Eliza's bond with him grows alongside Laurel's distrust as dark secrets from the Called emerge from the shadows and wind themselves around Eliza's every move, testing her relationships and unravelling everything she thought she knew.

A curse, an ancient division, and a new spark of Angie, her crew, and the Called must make high-stakes decisions and dangerous journeys in their pursuit of rescuing those who need it most, and making up for past wrongs.
But is everything as it seems?

The Blood of the Called is a New Adult, queer romantasy novel, and is the second book in the Called trilogy. Achingly romantic and emotional, we follow the characters on a journey both across the ocean and through the rolling tides of grief, family secrets, and the nature of love - in all its forms.

373 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 26, 2025

Reviews

[Laura Turek · Rating 4 out of 5]

I plan to write a longer review soon but for now…

Angie’s story was one that I wasn’t sure i’d be interested in reading. I signed up to ARC read this book without having read the previous book in the series, but I read that and quickly began to love Eliza and Laurel. Their story of fate and magic warmed my heart and reading about them coming together to defeat evil and reclaim Eliza’s land was an enjoyable experience.

When I realised that The Curse of The Called was about Angie I was apprehensive. I’ve never read a pirate centric book, ever. But her characterisation made me absolutely devour this book. Angie is fierce and driven but gentle and genuine with the right people. Getting to see her interact more with Eliza and Laurel after the events of The Blood of The Called had me feeling so nostalgic and excited! Their relationship is so heartwarming to me, as someone that loves a good queer found family trope.

Then, the natural progression of the plot from the reclamation of Iona (in TBOTC) was enjoyable and didn’t feel forced or rushed. I honestly wish we had more! I know there’s a following release but when it ended I actually gasped. I need to know what happens next!!!

TLDR; Eliza, Laurel, Angie, Mari and Lily have my whole heart and I will be thinking about them a lot.

[Ele · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need book three immediately, how am I mean to wait?! I am already planning the wedding, you can’t leave it like that!!!

Another epic story from start to cliff hanger finish. The world building for this series is beautiful, and the exploration of other characters from this series is fantastic; if you think you would miss out on Eliza and Laurel’s story, you do not, you still continue their story. This book explores the wider found family from the first book with two significant plot twists.

Angie’s heartbreak was suffocating, you can’t help but want her to have her chance over or a second chance. The eternal struggle Angie has with her own happiness and the feeling of betraying Rose’s memory, you feel every aching emotion as if it were your own.

Thank you E.R. Craw for the ARC epub copy of this book and the first book, I can’t wait for book three.

[Aria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Curse of the Called by E.R. Craw is a gripping and satisfying sequel that builds beautifully on the foundation of its predecessor. Craw continues to deliver a richly detailed and dark fantasy world filled with magic, intrigue, and complex characters who face ever-escalating challenges.The narrative deepens the emotional arcs and expands the lore, adding layers of tension and suspense that keep you fully invested. The pacing is well-balanced, blending moments of intense action with character-driven exploration and thought-provoking conflicts.For fans of the first book, Curse of the Called offers a compelling continuation that maintains the same immersive atmosphere and powerful storytelling, making it another deserving four-star read. I received an ARC in exchange for this honest review.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you E R Craw for the ARC copy of The Curse of the Called.

Following my review of the first book, The Blood of the Called, I once again loved the story, world building and characters in this second instalment of the trilogy.

This book focuses a bit more on Angie and her story and we really get to see her character develop. It also explores more of the world that E R Craw has introduced us to (Fantasy, fate, magic and pirates) and honestly, I’ve found this really enjoyable.

I’m looking forwards to the third book and how everything will tie together in the end.

Thank you once again for the ARC copy of this book! :)

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to E.R Craw for the arc copy of this book.

I absolutely loved that we got to see more of Angie’s story in book 2, to see her character development alongside Mari and Lily’s was brilliant.

Slightly darker than the first book but in relation to more of the backstories which was important.

The author does a wonderful job of making you absolutely detest the hunters with a passion!

Super strong female characters all round, didn’t even realise I had finished this until I was shouting no out loud at my kindle! Bring on book 3.

[Bobby Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Curse of the Called is the second book in the trilogy, and deepens Angie’s journey, shifting from discovery to consequence. Darker and more introspective than Book 1, it explores sacrifice, longing, and the danger of ignoring the heart. A slower pace, but richer in emotion, hopefully setting the stage for a powerful finale in book 3.
It did take me a while to read but this was due to a lengthy TBR list.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

had the honour of being an arc reader for the curse of the called, I hadn't actually read the first but E.R Craw kindly sent me that one too! binge read them both and thoroughly enjoyed them!

the second book is definitely the darker of the two. while it took me a little while to get into the story..it soon had me hooked! safe to say..I'm screaming for book 3!!

[Amy Fenton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to E R Craw for my ARC! I enjoyed this book significantly more than book one, it was great to see a wider cast and have more POVs. I guessed the twist early on and knew it was coming but I’m excited for book three to come and tie the story up for me!

[Narnaaa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I refuse to accept that ending ARE YOU KIDDING ME!?!?!?!


AFTER A SLOWISH BURN AND THEM GETTING THROUGH ISSUES SHES JUST KILLED OFF!?!?!!?!?!?!