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The Smog Cursed Kingdom
She’ll stop at nothing to see her home restored to glory.
After overhearing a rumor that a ruthless rebellion is plotting to unseat her queen, a healer is determined to warn the matriarch and earn her place in the queen’s guard to join the battle against the curse plaguing her home; but when she’s kidnapped by the rebels and discovers things aren’t as clear as they had previously seemed, she must decide where her loyalties lie before it’s too late.
He's spent his entire life trying to win back his kingdom.
Sent to rein in some rogue rebels and finally ready to face his responsibility to his people, Raiden Silas wasn’t expecting her. The healer threatens to destroy all he’s worked his entire life to achieve. Not only that, but she’s taken up a permanent residence in his thoughts. When a slip-up forces his hand, he makes a decision that has the potential to ruin everything. He must determine if his duty outweighs what’s in his heart and be willing to face the consequences.
After overhearing a rumor that a ruthless rebellion is plotting to unseat her queen, a healer is determined to warn the matriarch and earn her place in the queen’s guard to join the battle against the curse plaguing her home; but when she’s kidnapped by the rebels and discovers things aren’t as clear as they had previously seemed, she must decide where her loyalties lie before it’s too late.
He's spent his entire life trying to win back his kingdom.
Sent to rein in some rogue rebels and finally ready to face his responsibility to his people, Raiden Silas wasn’t expecting her. The healer threatens to destroy all he’s worked his entire life to achieve. Not only that, but she’s taken up a permanent residence in his thoughts. When a slip-up forces his hand, he makes a decision that has the potential to ruin everything. He must determine if his duty outweighs what’s in his heart and be willing to face the consequences.
281 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 14, 2026
17 people are currently reading
260 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 221 reviews
March 23, 2026
3.25 ⭐️
Really enjoyed the first half of this.. meeting the characters and getting to see the world
tournament plot was very exciting and I couldn’t put it down
sometime in the second half I felt like there was a shift (maybe it was just me), but I felt the characters just changed all the things they wanted and were just worried about getting together and I wanted it to go back … I think maybe I just needed a little bit extra in the middle of the book to not feel like such an abrupt switch up for me
did enjoy the ending and there was some fun friendships and it was a really quick read ! think my main issue was that I needed it to be a bit longer to give some more build up to certain things
Overall, it was exciting and had good characters and relationships/ friendships.. I enjoyed the world and the events that occurred in order to work toward saving it
Really enjoyed the first half of this.. meeting the characters and getting to see the world
tournament plot was very exciting and I couldn’t put it down
sometime in the second half I felt like there was a shift (maybe it was just me), but I felt the characters just changed all the things they wanted and were just worried about getting together and I wanted it to go back … I think maybe I just needed a little bit extra in the middle of the book to not feel like such an abrupt switch up for me
did enjoy the ending and there was some fun friendships and it was a really quick read ! think my main issue was that I needed it to be a bit longer to give some more build up to certain things
Overall, it was exciting and had good characters and relationships/ friendships.. I enjoyed the world and the events that occurred in order to work toward saving it
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 12, 2026
I dropped everything else I was reading as soon as this hit my inbox and may have devoured it in about four hours. It definitely did not disappoint.
I’m a big fan of a rebel MMC, which was the main reason I applied for this ARC in the first place. Raiden is definitely a little crazy, but we love a little crazy. Arina is easily one of my favorite FMCs. She’s a healer, but she also knows how to fight and hold her own, which made for such a great combination.
I also love that it was a slow burn. There’s some initial attraction, but Arina absolutely did not like Raiden’s existence for at least half the book. Meanwhile, Raiden had me kicking my feet pretty early on.
The worldbuilding was also fun and immersive, and there were several twists that genuinely caught me off guard. I also appreciated that it doesn’t end on a major cliffhanger. The ending clearly sets up the next book, and I’m already eager to get my hands on it.
I’m a big fan of a rebel MMC, which was the main reason I applied for this ARC in the first place. Raiden is definitely a little crazy, but we love a little crazy. Arina is easily one of my favorite FMCs. She’s a healer, but she also knows how to fight and hold her own, which made for such a great combination.
I also love that it was a slow burn. There’s some initial attraction, but Arina absolutely did not like Raiden’s existence for at least half the book. Meanwhile, Raiden had me kicking my feet pretty early on.
The worldbuilding was also fun and immersive, and there were several twists that genuinely caught me off guard. I also appreciated that it doesn’t end on a major cliffhanger. The ending clearly sets up the next book, and I’m already eager to get my hands on it.
April 14, 2026
THE SMOG CURSED KINGDOM
“You’re full of venom and bite when provoked. Let’s not pretend you’re anything less than a lethal little snake.”
“There is no hole you can slither into that I will not pull you out of. Nowhere in the depths of darkness you can sink into that I will not find you.”
This was a great little adventure with a healer FMC that can actually kick your ass and a mysterious, charming yet infuriating MMC whose a bit of a stalker😆 Throw in magic, a tournament, curses, and a slow burn romance and you should enjoy this one too!
“You’re full of venom and bite when provoked. Let’s not pretend you’re anything less than a lethal little snake.”
“There is no hole you can slither into that I will not pull you out of. Nowhere in the depths of darkness you can sink into that I will not find you.”
This was a great little adventure with a healer FMC that can actually kick your ass and a mysterious, charming yet infuriating MMC whose a bit of a stalker😆 Throw in magic, a tournament, curses, and a slow burn romance and you should enjoy this one too!
April 13, 2026
The Smog Cursed Kingdom is the first in a romantasy series. This book is pretty low spice, having only two spicy chapters with pretty short scenes. It releases tomorrow on April 14th, 2026, and I’m very thankful to have been an ARC reader for this book!
“I want to see you grow old and fulfilled in the sunshine. I want to give you the kingdom you love, thriving and healthy and good. Good enough for you. Because you deserve a world full of beauty and light and life.”
Not only is the book relatively short compared to other fantasies, but it’s also fast paced (like I already said), so if you need a quick read then this the perfect book to grab! The plot is well fleshed out, especially for a book that’s not even 300 pages, with twists that you can see coming and twists that you don’t. Arina is a healer but a badass at the same time. Raiden is hiding a few secrets of his own.
Arina and Raider are an amusing couple. A healer FMC x a rebel MMC, what could go wrong? Well, she really disliked him at first (and honestly same). I especially didn’t like him when he took her dagger. However, they work pretty well together. I love that he fell first in this book and was pining for her even when she didn’t know he existed. Also, it had been awhile since I looked at the trope list, and when I finally started the book, I forgot that they were fated mates so that was a nice surprise as well!
There are spicy scenes in chapter 25 (a short chapter) and halfway through chapter 35, along with talks of it in chapter 33. Low spice overall for the first book!
Ultimately, The Smog Cursed Kingdom is a fast paced romantasy that is filled with action, secrets, banter, and tension that will keep you reading; and I want more. The ending sets the next book up so mysteriously and I can’t wait to see what will happen next for Raiden and Arina.
“There is no hole you can slither into that I will not pull you out of. Nowhere in the depths of darkness you can sink into that I will not find you.”
“I want to see you grow old and fulfilled in the sunshine. I want to give you the kingdom you love, thriving and healthy and good. Good enough for you. Because you deserve a world full of beauty and light and life.”
Not only is the book relatively short compared to other fantasies, but it’s also fast paced (like I already said), so if you need a quick read then this the perfect book to grab! The plot is well fleshed out, especially for a book that’s not even 300 pages, with twists that you can see coming and twists that you don’t. Arina is a healer but a badass at the same time. Raiden is hiding a few secrets of his own.
Arina and Raider are an amusing couple. A healer FMC x a rebel MMC, what could go wrong? Well, she really disliked him at first (and honestly same). I especially didn’t like him when he took her dagger. However, they work pretty well together. I love that he fell first in this book and was pining for her even when she didn’t know he existed. Also, it had been awhile since I looked at the trope list, and when I finally started the book, I forgot that they were fated mates so that was a nice surprise as well!
There are spicy scenes in chapter 25 (a short chapter) and halfway through chapter 35, along with talks of it in chapter 33. Low spice overall for the first book!
Ultimately, The Smog Cursed Kingdom is a fast paced romantasy that is filled with action, secrets, banter, and tension that will keep you reading; and I want more. The ending sets the next book up so mysteriously and I can’t wait to see what will happen next for Raiden and Arina.
“There is no hole you can slither into that I will not pull you out of. Nowhere in the depths of darkness you can sink into that I will not find you.”
April 3, 2026
ARC review of The Smog Cursed Kingdom by E. F. Watson.
The Smog Cursed Kingdom has a lot of the tropes you want in a romantasy - an FMC capable of serious ass-kicking and a dutiful loyalist, an MMC who is a rebel with a cute obsession bordering on stalking, a curse, trials, repressed magic and gods who uses the fae as pawns.
For a fantasy, it’s on the shorter side, which was a nice change (even if I would have wanted more on certain things) - it is under 300 pages. The first half sets a high standard, the introduction to the world and characters is well done, I fell for Arina and her friendship with Phillipa (I’m a sucker for a good BFF), I love the sass Arina brings to the table, and of course, the dynamic between the MCs is fun (I especially enjoyed it during the trials, and the boat ride…).
What pulled the star rating down for me is because something shifts around the 60 percent mark. It gets more focused on the romance, too much happens in too little pages, the switch from loyal to the crown to joining the rebels came too easy and quick, and it’s a bit too predictable for me.
I would however, think this is a nice book to start with if you’re not used to fantasy (and if you want a break from the really high stakes books), as it is an easy to read romantasy.
Out 14th of April!
The Smog Cursed Kingdom has a lot of the tropes you want in a romantasy - an FMC capable of serious ass-kicking and a dutiful loyalist, an MMC who is a rebel with a cute obsession bordering on stalking, a curse, trials, repressed magic and gods who uses the fae as pawns.
For a fantasy, it’s on the shorter side, which was a nice change (even if I would have wanted more on certain things) - it is under 300 pages. The first half sets a high standard, the introduction to the world and characters is well done, I fell for Arina and her friendship with Phillipa (I’m a sucker for a good BFF), I love the sass Arina brings to the table, and of course, the dynamic between the MCs is fun (I especially enjoyed it during the trials, and the boat ride…).
What pulled the star rating down for me is because something shifts around the 60 percent mark. It gets more focused on the romance, too much happens in too little pages, the switch from loyal to the crown to joining the rebels came too easy and quick, and it’s a bit too predictable for me.
I would however, think this is a nice book to start with if you’re not used to fantasy (and if you want a break from the really high stakes books), as it is an easy to read romantasy.
Out 14th of April!
Did Not Finish
April 13, 2026DNF'd at 73% because it kept getting harder to stay invested rather than easier.
Thank you to the author for the complimentary copy.
Honestly, the first ~40% delivered on what I wanted from this book. Very well done. The tournament was solid, the initial dynamic between Arina and Raiden worked, and I was genuinely enjoying myself. There's a mating bond that only one of them knows about early on, which I have complicated feelings about as a trope (it can be a shortcut that skips the emotional labor of actually building a relationship), but it was handled well enough in the beginning that it didn't bother me.
Then the pacing just... fell apart. Around the midpoint, it starts rushing through moments that should have mattered, jumping locations and plot points so quickly that nothing ever has the space to land. There's no emotional buildup. Things just happen. And Arina starts shifting in ways that felt less like natural character development and more like the plot needed her to be different, which is one of my LEAST favorite things a story can do.
Really strong start, genuinely promising setup. I just wish the back half had given the story the space it needed to breathe.
Thank you to the author for the complimentary copy.
Honestly, the first ~40% delivered on what I wanted from this book. Very well done. The tournament was solid, the initial dynamic between Arina and Raiden worked, and I was genuinely enjoying myself. There's a mating bond that only one of them knows about early on, which I have complicated feelings about as a trope (it can be a shortcut that skips the emotional labor of actually building a relationship), but it was handled well enough in the beginning that it didn't bother me.
Then the pacing just... fell apart. Around the midpoint, it starts rushing through moments that should have mattered, jumping locations and plot points so quickly that nothing ever has the space to land. There's no emotional buildup. Things just happen. And Arina starts shifting in ways that felt less like natural character development and more like the plot needed her to be different, which is one of my LEAST favorite things a story can do.
Really strong start, genuinely promising setup. I just wish the back half had given the story the space it needed to breathe.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you so much E.F Watson for the ARC of this book. It was a fun read! It was a quick one that keeps you engaged and wanting to see how it ends. It definitely was a fun romantasy type of book and if you enjoy other fantasy books like Throne of Glass and other settings with fae and fantasy elements involved this is probably for you. The characters were likeable and the story was interesting with good flow to it. I do wish that we had a little bit more depth with the characters. I didn’t really feel connected to any of them and I didn’t feel sad or happy with anything that was going on with them in particularly. I also feel that the connection between the MFC and MMC was a bit rushed in my opinion, but maybe we will see more of their connection built in the future books. I am looking forward to continuing the series to see those developments!
Tropes:
-fated mates
-magical elements
-demigods/gods
-royalty/kingsom
-enemies to lovers
There was slight spice toward the end of the book 1.5/5 spice🌶️
Tropes:
-fated mates
-magical elements
-demigods/gods
-royalty/kingsom
-enemies to lovers
There was slight spice toward the end of the book 1.5/5 spice🌶️
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC REVIEW
Okay but seriously… what did this author put in this book? I physically could not put it down. I devoured it so fast. And the crazy part is I was in a huge slump before this, so the fact that this book pulled me out of it is like a huge achievement!
The writing was one of my favourite parts. It’s so fast paced and immersive that it completely sucks you in, but it still holds quality. The writing felt rich, emotional, and really descriptive. I could picture everything that was happening so clearly, which made the whole experience even better. i love this type of writing so much it generally blends all of the good qualities.
The plot just keeps moving. Every time something intense happens you get a little release of information, and it’s so addictive. you know when you tell yourself “just one more chapter” and then you stay up all night 😭
The world building was also really fun and easy to get into without feeling overwhelming because i often find fantasy a bit intimidating.
Arina is officially one of my favourite female characters in fantasy now. She’s exactly the kind of FMC I love reading about. She’s compassionate and kind, but she’s also strong, capable, and absolutely not someone people can walk over. She stands her ground and still keeps her heart, which I loved.
And Raiden…WHAT A MAN!! The fact that they start off on opposite sides makes everything even better, but the way he’s already so protective and clearly down bad for her had me losing my mind 😫 The way he’s so smitten with her, like he practically worships the ground she walks on, I was obsessed.
I loved everything about this book. It was such a fun, addictive read and it completely pulled me out of my slump. I can already tell I’ll be reading anything this author writes next.
Okay but seriously… what did this author put in this book? I physically could not put it down. I devoured it so fast. And the crazy part is I was in a huge slump before this, so the fact that this book pulled me out of it is like a huge achievement!
The writing was one of my favourite parts. It’s so fast paced and immersive that it completely sucks you in, but it still holds quality. The writing felt rich, emotional, and really descriptive. I could picture everything that was happening so clearly, which made the whole experience even better. i love this type of writing so much it generally blends all of the good qualities.
The plot just keeps moving. Every time something intense happens you get a little release of information, and it’s so addictive. you know when you tell yourself “just one more chapter” and then you stay up all night 😭
The world building was also really fun and easy to get into without feeling overwhelming because i often find fantasy a bit intimidating.
Arina is officially one of my favourite female characters in fantasy now. She’s exactly the kind of FMC I love reading about. She’s compassionate and kind, but she’s also strong, capable, and absolutely not someone people can walk over. She stands her ground and still keeps her heart, which I loved.
And Raiden…WHAT A MAN!! The fact that they start off on opposite sides makes everything even better, but the way he’s already so protective and clearly down bad for her had me losing my mind 😫 The way he’s so smitten with her, like he practically worships the ground she walks on, I was obsessed.
I loved everything about this book. It was such a fun, addictive read and it completely pulled me out of my slump. I can already tell I’ll be reading anything this author writes next.
March 15, 2026
Review of advanced copy.
This book was absolutely worth the wait!! I ate this up the second it showed up in my email!
The Smog Cursed Kingdom is a fast paced, and very easy to read (more like easy to devour lol). I mean really…political intrigue? High stakes tourney? Cursed lands? Rebels? Adventure? THE BANTER!? (especially our MMC Raiden and FMC Arina) THE TENSION!? THE YEARNING!?!? What more could you want!?!?
The world building was so fun and soooo immersive here!!!! The relationships are what really drove this book home for me! The characters are loyal to a fault and honestly the kind of friends you need in life!! The found family is soooo real!!!
I cannot wait to see what more is in store!! ✨🖤
This book was absolutely worth the wait!! I ate this up the second it showed up in my email!
The Smog Cursed Kingdom is a fast paced, and very easy to read (more like easy to devour lol). I mean really…political intrigue? High stakes tourney? Cursed lands? Rebels? Adventure? THE BANTER!? (especially our MMC Raiden and FMC Arina) THE TENSION!? THE YEARNING!?!? What more could you want!?!?
The world building was so fun and soooo immersive here!!!! The relationships are what really drove this book home for me! The characters are loyal to a fault and honestly the kind of friends you need in life!! The found family is soooo real!!!
I cannot wait to see what more is in store!! ✨🖤
April 14, 2026
Arina is a loyalist to the queen and participates in the queens guard tournament only for the leader of the rebels, Raiden, to completely turn things on their head.
What follows next is a journey across the realm to save Arina’s home from the smog and a curse.
Overall I enjoyed the book but I did feel there were times when the plot was rushed or forced versus allowing me to connect with the characters and become invested in the obstacles. I think this book would be best for people that love a fast paced plot and a slow burn.
Thank you to EF Watson for the ARC. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
What follows next is a journey across the realm to save Arina’s home from the smog and a curse.
Overall I enjoyed the book but I did feel there were times when the plot was rushed or forced versus allowing me to connect with the characters and become invested in the obstacles. I think this book would be best for people that love a fast paced plot and a slow burn.
Thank you to EF Watson for the ARC. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
April 23, 2026
From the very beginning Watson reels you in. Arina - FMC is such a badass!! I was instantly drawn to her!!!!
Arina has such an empathetic heart. Despite her trauma she continues to persevere. Radian, the morally grey MMC is honorable and loyal to his cause.
I really don’t want to give out any spoilers!!!
The banter and slow burn between these two keep me reading until I was done !
The conclusion, definitely has me eager to see what comes next!
Thank you EF Watson for this advance reader copy.
Arina has such an empathetic heart. Despite her trauma she continues to persevere. Radian, the morally grey MMC is honorable and loyal to his cause.
I really don’t want to give out any spoilers!!!
The banter and slow burn between these two keep me reading until I was done !
The conclusion, definitely has me eager to see what comes next!
Thank you EF Watson for this advance reader copy.
April 3, 2026
Received this ARC and it was really good. I am newish in romantasy but it’s a must read. For me it felt like a mix of fourth wing for the fantasy and romance between the characters and Handmaids Tale for the political intrigue. It’s one of those books that you want to not put down and keep going to the next chapter. Can’t wait to see where this series goes next!!
April 6, 2026
This book pulled me in right from the prologue and kept me hooked the entire time.
It’s got all the tropes! BA FMC. Brooding MMC. Trials. Magic. And a dual POV!!
We have a sassy FMC, Arina, who doesn’t put up with anyone’s BS. Arina is badass in the fact that she is doing what it takes to take care of herself and enters the trials, the only girl to do so, to become a knight. She’s been THROUGH it but that only fuels her fire.
And then we have Raiden. Oh, Raiden. He’s been working with the rebellion to restore the kingdom to what it once was. And he’s been watching, oh has he been watching our girl.
Their banter and tension is chefs kiss. And the plot twists that dropped!! I’m going to need book two please.
It’s got all the tropes! BA FMC. Brooding MMC. Trials. Magic. And a dual POV!!
We have a sassy FMC, Arina, who doesn’t put up with anyone’s BS. Arina is badass in the fact that she is doing what it takes to take care of herself and enters the trials, the only girl to do so, to become a knight. She’s been THROUGH it but that only fuels her fire.
And then we have Raiden. Oh, Raiden. He’s been working with the rebellion to restore the kingdom to what it once was. And he’s been watching, oh has he been watching our girl.
Their banter and tension is chefs kiss. And the plot twists that dropped!! I’m going to need book two please.
April 25, 2026
The Smog Cursed Kingdom by E.F. Watson [ARC REVIEW]
★★★★☆
4/5 stars
Release date: April 14th, 2026
Is it romance? Dystopian? Adventure? — Yes, and even more.
------------------------------------------------
READ THIS BOOK IF:
→ You like a bold, brave FMC pitted against a repressed-but-YEARNING MMC
and
→ You want adventure, fantasy, politics, magic, rebellion, AND romance
and
→ You get attached to side characters easily
------------------------------------------------
≪ The only selfish thing I allow myself is her. ≫
------------------------------------------------
HIGHLIGHTS:
•Unique character voices | Genuinely intriguing premise | Expansive adventure | Loveable side characters•
The Smog Cursed Kingdom doesn’t know when to stop, and I mean that in the best possible way. This is a book that doesn’t let you get comfortable with one simple story arc: it starts with a military tournament, then transitions into an underground rebellion, then becomes a seafaring adventure with high danger and even higher stakes. Through it all, the two main premises shine through, informing every new beat: the dystopian curse that plagues the kingdom, and the undeniable pull between the two leads.
Our leads are established quickly, and they’re established WELL.
→ Arina is as strong and self-assured as any fantasy lead, but where she really shines is in her subversion: she’s a healer, but she’s training to be a soldier. She’s a devoted daughter, friend, and subject to her Queen, but at no point does she refuse to do what needs to be done. Her compassion for people is only ever a strength, and she knows when to use and when to set it aside; it’s not a compulsion but a CHOICE, which is something I personally love to see. She is wise, pragmatic, and capable, but the narrative still finds ways to challenge her and keep her constantly growing and moving forward.
→ Raiden is an absolute KING of yearning, and his challenges come from the disconnect between what he wants and what he needs to be. He walks a tightrope between his goals: to free the kingdom from tyranny, to reunite the world, and to have his woman. Managing the balance between these goals—where he focuses his energy, what he allows himself (and how he feels about those allowances after the fact), and what he looks to next—is his biggest challenge. We are instantly dropped into the mind of a man who is fighting every moment between a list of wants that don’t necessarily serve each other, and it’s clear from the beginning that they are all WANTS and not obligations.
The character voices are very strong and unique for most of the book. There were a few instances in the third quarter (50%-75%) where I had to flip back to remind myself whose voice I was reading, but those were rare and due mostly to the fast-paced nature of the second half.
Each and every side character that was introduced pulled their weight, narratively and emotionally. From family to friends to rivals to enemies; rivals that become friends; friends that become suspect; enemies that become more; characters lost and characters found… each named side character that appears on the page appears for a reason, almost none of them feel half-formed, none of them are redundant, and the background character arcs we get to witness are smoothly managed and consistent.
The evolving chemistry between Arina and Raiden sits in an interesting narrative space that I really enjoy: the romance isn’t the engine for the plot, but the scaffolding. The chemistry isn’t necessary for the plot to keep moving, but it holds everything up in a fundamental way. The numerous plot elements are expertly blended together and they all carry each other forward, maintaining immersion and investment through multiple angles all at once. If I wasn’t reading for the romance, I was reading for the adventure, or the stakes, or the intriguing nature of the world itself. There was always a reason to turn the page, and it wasn’t always the SAME reason, and I really liked that.
------------------------------------------------
≪ “There is no hole you can slither into that I will not pull you out of. Nowhere in the depths of darkness you can sink into that I will not find you.” It’s a threat, I think. ≫
------------------------------------------------
WISHLIST:
• Slow down! •
The first half of this book was paced BEAUTIFULLY. I was drawn through the introduction to the characters, the stakes, the tournament, and what comes immediately after with a comfortable ease, learning things exactly when I needed to and getting new hooks at precisely the right places. The second half, though, increased the pace to a point where I started feeling left behind. I wanted to sit in the big revelations and really let them LAND, emotionally, but the story kept sweeping off to the next beat without lingering. The story and characters were worth lingering in and I wish I had been able to. I hope that, for whatever comes next, Watson takes her time and lets the big moments REALLY hit us and the characters before moving on.
------------------------------------------------
FAVOURITE…
• MAIN CHARACTER? → Arina, but it’s very very close
• SIDE CHARACTER? → Lavinia, and it’s NOT close
• CHAPTER? → Chapter 12. The TENSION. The REVELATION.
• QUOTE? → ≪ She has sprouted roots that knot and tangle around my heart, and if she denies me, then she can rip it from my chest. I will not care. ≫
------------------------------------------------
*I received an Advance Review Copy of this book from the author
★★★★☆
4/5 stars
Release date: April 14th, 2026
Is it romance? Dystopian? Adventure? — Yes, and even more.
------------------------------------------------
READ THIS BOOK IF:
→ You like a bold, brave FMC pitted against a repressed-but-YEARNING MMC
and
→ You want adventure, fantasy, politics, magic, rebellion, AND romance
and
→ You get attached to side characters easily
------------------------------------------------
≪ The only selfish thing I allow myself is her. ≫
------------------------------------------------
HIGHLIGHTS:
•Unique character voices | Genuinely intriguing premise | Expansive adventure | Loveable side characters•
The Smog Cursed Kingdom doesn’t know when to stop, and I mean that in the best possible way. This is a book that doesn’t let you get comfortable with one simple story arc: it starts with a military tournament, then transitions into an underground rebellion, then becomes a seafaring adventure with high danger and even higher stakes. Through it all, the two main premises shine through, informing every new beat: the dystopian curse that plagues the kingdom, and the undeniable pull between the two leads.
Our leads are established quickly, and they’re established WELL.
→ Arina is as strong and self-assured as any fantasy lead, but where she really shines is in her subversion: she’s a healer, but she’s training to be a soldier. She’s a devoted daughter, friend, and subject to her Queen, but at no point does she refuse to do what needs to be done. Her compassion for people is only ever a strength, and she knows when to use and when to set it aside; it’s not a compulsion but a CHOICE, which is something I personally love to see. She is wise, pragmatic, and capable, but the narrative still finds ways to challenge her and keep her constantly growing and moving forward.
→ Raiden is an absolute KING of yearning, and his challenges come from the disconnect between what he wants and what he needs to be. He walks a tightrope between his goals: to free the kingdom from tyranny, to reunite the world, and to have his woman. Managing the balance between these goals—where he focuses his energy, what he allows himself (and how he feels about those allowances after the fact), and what he looks to next—is his biggest challenge. We are instantly dropped into the mind of a man who is fighting every moment between a list of wants that don’t necessarily serve each other, and it’s clear from the beginning that they are all WANTS and not obligations.
The character voices are very strong and unique for most of the book. There were a few instances in the third quarter (50%-75%) where I had to flip back to remind myself whose voice I was reading, but those were rare and due mostly to the fast-paced nature of the second half.
Each and every side character that was introduced pulled their weight, narratively and emotionally. From family to friends to rivals to enemies; rivals that become friends; friends that become suspect; enemies that become more; characters lost and characters found… each named side character that appears on the page appears for a reason, almost none of them feel half-formed, none of them are redundant, and the background character arcs we get to witness are smoothly managed and consistent.
The evolving chemistry between Arina and Raiden sits in an interesting narrative space that I really enjoy: the romance isn’t the engine for the plot, but the scaffolding. The chemistry isn’t necessary for the plot to keep moving, but it holds everything up in a fundamental way. The numerous plot elements are expertly blended together and they all carry each other forward, maintaining immersion and investment through multiple angles all at once. If I wasn’t reading for the romance, I was reading for the adventure, or the stakes, or the intriguing nature of the world itself. There was always a reason to turn the page, and it wasn’t always the SAME reason, and I really liked that.
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≪ “There is no hole you can slither into that I will not pull you out of. Nowhere in the depths of darkness you can sink into that I will not find you.” It’s a threat, I think. ≫
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WISHLIST:
• Slow down! •
The first half of this book was paced BEAUTIFULLY. I was drawn through the introduction to the characters, the stakes, the tournament, and what comes immediately after with a comfortable ease, learning things exactly when I needed to and getting new hooks at precisely the right places. The second half, though, increased the pace to a point where I started feeling left behind. I wanted to sit in the big revelations and really let them LAND, emotionally, but the story kept sweeping off to the next beat without lingering. The story and characters were worth lingering in and I wish I had been able to. I hope that, for whatever comes next, Watson takes her time and lets the big moments REALLY hit us and the characters before moving on.
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FAVOURITE…
• MAIN CHARACTER? → Arina, but it’s very very close
• SIDE CHARACTER? → Lavinia, and it’s NOT close
• CHAPTER? → Chapter 12. The TENSION. The REVELATION.
• QUOTE? → ≪ She has sprouted roots that knot and tangle around my heart, and if she denies me, then she can rip it from my chest. I will not care. ≫
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*I received an Advance Review Copy of this book from the author
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review of Advanced Copy from Author
I had the honor of being selected as an ARC reader for The Smog Cursed Kingdom, and I approached this read very carefully. I took notes throughout the entire book so I could give thoughtful and fair feedback. With that in mind, I also want to acknowledge that this is a pre-publication copy, so things like grammar, setup, and a few plot holes may very well be refined before the final release.
That said, I genuinely enjoyed this story. The worldbuilding has great bones. The premise of a kingdom slowly suffocating under magical smog immediately caught my attention, and the deeper the story went, the more layers appeared. The mythology woven through the world—gods, demi-gods, ancient symbolism, and the political dynamics between realms—made the setting feel ambitious and imaginative. There were so many ideas here that I often found myself wanting to linger in the world longer.
One thing I particularly enjoyed was how the symbolism and naming throughout the book hinted at deeper meaning. From serpent imagery to healer lore and divine bloodlines, there’s clearly a mythological structure under the surface of the story that I found really fun to pick apart as a reader.
I was also pleasantly surprised by the direction the author took with the FMC. Many fantasy stories place the female lead directly into the role of the chosen savior, but this story takes a slightly different path. Personally, I found that refreshing. While I do wish her healing abilities had played a slightly larger role in this first book, it feels very much like groundwork for something bigger in the future, and I’m curious to see how that develops in the next installment.
If I had one main critique, it’s that this is a story that could have benefited from slowing down in certain moments. There were several scenes where I found myself wanting just a little more emotional depth, more character reaction, or more time spent in key developments. The world and characters are interesting enough that expanding those moments could make the story even stronger.
That said, my biggest reaction while reading was simply wanting more. More detail, more emotional exploration, and more time in this world. That’s not a bad thing at all—it actually speaks to how rich the ideas behind the story are.
Overall, I had a really fun time reading this book. Watson clearly has a vivid imagination and a strong foundation for this world, and I’m genuinely excited to see how both the story and the author grow from here. There’s a lot of potential in this series, and I’m very curious to see what comes next.
And Watson, if you ever want my full notes let me know!
I had the honor of being selected as an ARC reader for The Smog Cursed Kingdom, and I approached this read very carefully. I took notes throughout the entire book so I could give thoughtful and fair feedback. With that in mind, I also want to acknowledge that this is a pre-publication copy, so things like grammar, setup, and a few plot holes may very well be refined before the final release.
That said, I genuinely enjoyed this story. The worldbuilding has great bones. The premise of a kingdom slowly suffocating under magical smog immediately caught my attention, and the deeper the story went, the more layers appeared. The mythology woven through the world—gods, demi-gods, ancient symbolism, and the political dynamics between realms—made the setting feel ambitious and imaginative. There were so many ideas here that I often found myself wanting to linger in the world longer.
One thing I particularly enjoyed was how the symbolism and naming throughout the book hinted at deeper meaning. From serpent imagery to healer lore and divine bloodlines, there’s clearly a mythological structure under the surface of the story that I found really fun to pick apart as a reader.
I was also pleasantly surprised by the direction the author took with the FMC. Many fantasy stories place the female lead directly into the role of the chosen savior, but this story takes a slightly different path. Personally, I found that refreshing. While I do wish her healing abilities had played a slightly larger role in this first book, it feels very much like groundwork for something bigger in the future, and I’m curious to see how that develops in the next installment.
If I had one main critique, it’s that this is a story that could have benefited from slowing down in certain moments. There were several scenes where I found myself wanting just a little more emotional depth, more character reaction, or more time spent in key developments. The world and characters are interesting enough that expanding those moments could make the story even stronger.
That said, my biggest reaction while reading was simply wanting more. More detail, more emotional exploration, and more time in this world. That’s not a bad thing at all—it actually speaks to how rich the ideas behind the story are.
Overall, I had a really fun time reading this book. Watson clearly has a vivid imagination and a strong foundation for this world, and I’m genuinely excited to see how both the story and the author grow from here. There’s a lot of potential in this series, and I’m very curious to see what comes next.
And Watson, if you ever want my full notes let me know!
April 2, 2026
Series Status: First in a Planned Series
Genre/Subgenres: Fantasy, Romance
Romantic Spice Level: Open Door (~Low - couple scenes)
Point of View: 1st POV alternating viewpoints
I’m a mood reader, to a fault, so when I started reading this book a few weeks ago, I only made it about a chapter before getting distracted by a different book that I was reading. I picked it up again yesterday, starting again from the beginning, and I devoured it in about a day!
What Worked Well for Me:
I appreciated the FMC Arina’s self-sufficiency and desire to help her community more than being a healer in her kingdom. Her friendship with Phil felt genuine, and her estranged relationship with her mother was difficult but portrayed in a realistic way. I also enjoyed that the world building was woven into the story in such a way that it didn’t overwhelm or weigh down the story.
The MMC and his character development and driving storylines also contributed to the story’s quick pace. I enjoyed many of their early conversations, which the author sometimes let us see similar conversation from each of their viewpoints to round out the perspective. Their romantic relationship had solid banter and supportive moments.
Since this is the first in a planned series, I appreciated that the book had a sneak peek of the story to come, but it wasn’t an abrupt, throw-the-eReader-down-in-frustration type of cliffhanger, thankfully.
What Didn’t Quite Work as Well for Me:
I will be the first to admit that I don’t usually enjoy the fated mates trope, often because it often relies on insta-love, which can progress a storyline more quickly but often makes the relationship feel like it was rushed or underdeveloped. In this case, I perceived that Arina experienced some large shifts in her feelings about certain characters in a short amount of time-we don’t witness much of how that happens in the story, just see the “after”. The pace of the first third to half of the book worked well for me, but then I felt like it was on a faster speed, so to speak, and the second part of the book moved through a lot of big developments and introduced several characters, some of which I actually expected the next book. I would have liked more scenes to expand the connections being built between characters because it would have made some later scenes more impactful.
This book is a great fit for someone who wants a binge-able romantasy in under 300 pages!
I received an advanced reader copy from the author—I thank her for the opportunity to read this early. All opinions are my own and given freely!
Genre/Subgenres: Fantasy, Romance
Romantic Spice Level: Open Door (~Low - couple scenes)
Point of View: 1st POV alternating viewpoints
I’m a mood reader, to a fault, so when I started reading this book a few weeks ago, I only made it about a chapter before getting distracted by a different book that I was reading. I picked it up again yesterday, starting again from the beginning, and I devoured it in about a day!
What Worked Well for Me:
I appreciated the FMC Arina’s self-sufficiency and desire to help her community more than being a healer in her kingdom. Her friendship with Phil felt genuine, and her estranged relationship with her mother was difficult but portrayed in a realistic way. I also enjoyed that the world building was woven into the story in such a way that it didn’t overwhelm or weigh down the story.
The MMC and his character development and driving storylines also contributed to the story’s quick pace. I enjoyed many of their early conversations, which the author sometimes let us see similar conversation from each of their viewpoints to round out the perspective. Their romantic relationship had solid banter and supportive moments.
Since this is the first in a planned series, I appreciated that the book had a sneak peek of the story to come, but it wasn’t an abrupt, throw-the-eReader-down-in-frustration type of cliffhanger, thankfully.
What Didn’t Quite Work as Well for Me:
I will be the first to admit that I don’t usually enjoy the fated mates trope, often because it often relies on insta-love, which can progress a storyline more quickly but often makes the relationship feel like it was rushed or underdeveloped. In this case, I perceived that Arina experienced some large shifts in her feelings about certain characters in a short amount of time-we don’t witness much of how that happens in the story, just see the “after”. The pace of the first third to half of the book worked well for me, but then I felt like it was on a faster speed, so to speak, and the second part of the book moved through a lot of big developments and introduced several characters, some of which I actually expected the next book. I would have liked more scenes to expand the connections being built between characters because it would have made some later scenes more impactful.
This book is a great fit for someone who wants a binge-able romantasy in under 300 pages!
I received an advanced reader copy from the author—I thank her for the opportunity to read this early. All opinions are my own and given freely!
Review of advance copy
Pain Is Temporary
Where to begin? E.F. Watson has done it again. She’s created characters I love, a cause I care about and a world I want more of.
First of all I want to thank her for the opportunity to read TSCK with an ARC. I am so grateful to have gotten to know her over these past few years and have tumbled headfirst in love with her stories, writing style and well…her.
The introduction to Arina is one that hurts, seeing her massive heart and feelings that she should, could do more but inability to do so was so real. I think we’ve all been in a situation like this and know how much it stings when you’re not able to fix it fully. Life is a first class A-Kicker and we have to just roll with it sometimes, but sometimes, sometimes we get to push back, to find a way around the restrictions put in front of us and that’s what Arina did by training for the Queens Guard tournament. Boy did she turn round to the universe and go F-U - I’ll make this world a better place someway, somehow.
I love a Dual POV, and falling in to Raidens brain early on so that you can get both sides of the conflict (or at least the beginnings of both sides because we love a drawn out plot) was brilliant. I wanted to root for him, his cause. The yearning was evident and made me want to do the whole smush their faces together ‘now kiss’ but also…work for it Raiden - our girl needs someone who can be her equal. She also utterly deserves someone to look after her. Being the strong one, the constant support for everyone is so draining, especially when you do it silently. The strongest people so very often are the ones who are most hurt.
Arinas relationship with Demitra was painful to witness. The writing was so authentic here and told a tale of someone who so desperately wanted a parent that was exactly that. Not someone who needed to be parented. Addiction is a horrible disease, one that is something that affects so, so many people and is so difficult to overcome. The strain it puts on those around the afflicted can be so far beyond traumatic and Arina clearly suffered at her mother’s hand and tongue. I wanted to wrap her up and keep her safe from it all, just like Raiden. She deserves it all.
Found Family is my favourite trope, there, I said it. I was just talking with my best friend yesterday about how side characters, best friends in stories are our favourite parts so often and TSCK did not disappoint at all. Phil was funny and could take Arinas BS, could see right through it. She was the one that Arina could be utterly herself with, we all need someone like that in our lives. I’m excited to learn more about her in the future. Then we have my darling angel Livvy, I loved her from the second we met her. She was sunshine with a solar flare, I wouldn’t have wanted to cross her but would have basked in her light all day long. I CANNOT stress enough how much I NEED her story.
The way the story was wrapped up, the plot twists and the shock factor was just perfect for a fantasy under 300 pages. It didn’t feel rushed to me, and was left in such an open way for multiple future stories/plots and I’m so damn excited to see what comes next!
Where to begin? E.F. Watson has done it again. She’s created characters I love, a cause I care about and a world I want more of.
First of all I want to thank her for the opportunity to read TSCK with an ARC. I am so grateful to have gotten to know her over these past few years and have tumbled headfirst in love with her stories, writing style and well…her.
The introduction to Arina is one that hurts, seeing her massive heart and feelings that she should, could do more but inability to do so was so real. I think we’ve all been in a situation like this and know how much it stings when you’re not able to fix it fully. Life is a first class A-Kicker and we have to just roll with it sometimes, but sometimes, sometimes we get to push back, to find a way around the restrictions put in front of us and that’s what Arina did by training for the Queens Guard tournament. Boy did she turn round to the universe and go F-U - I’ll make this world a better place someway, somehow.
I love a Dual POV, and falling in to Raidens brain early on so that you can get both sides of the conflict (or at least the beginnings of both sides because we love a drawn out plot) was brilliant. I wanted to root for him, his cause. The yearning was evident and made me want to do the whole smush their faces together ‘now kiss’ but also…work for it Raiden - our girl needs someone who can be her equal. She also utterly deserves someone to look after her. Being the strong one, the constant support for everyone is so draining, especially when you do it silently. The strongest people so very often are the ones who are most hurt.
Arinas relationship with Demitra was painful to witness. The writing was so authentic here and told a tale of someone who so desperately wanted a parent that was exactly that. Not someone who needed to be parented. Addiction is a horrible disease, one that is something that affects so, so many people and is so difficult to overcome. The strain it puts on those around the afflicted can be so far beyond traumatic and Arina clearly suffered at her mother’s hand and tongue. I wanted to wrap her up and keep her safe from it all, just like Raiden. She deserves it all.
Found Family is my favourite trope, there, I said it. I was just talking with my best friend yesterday about how side characters, best friends in stories are our favourite parts so often and TSCK did not disappoint at all. Phil was funny and could take Arinas BS, could see right through it. She was the one that Arina could be utterly herself with, we all need someone like that in our lives. I’m excited to learn more about her in the future. Then we have my darling angel Livvy, I loved her from the second we met her. She was sunshine with a solar flare, I wouldn’t have wanted to cross her but would have basked in her light all day long. I CANNOT stress enough how much I NEED her story.
The way the story was wrapped up, the plot twists and the shock factor was just perfect for a fantasy under 300 pages. It didn’t feel rushed to me, and was left in such an open way for multiple future stories/plots and I’m so damn excited to see what comes next!
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Smog-Cursed Kingdom delivered such a satisfying blend of political tension, slow-burn romance, and a heroine whose strength actually feels earned and that alone made this stand out for me.
Arina was easily the highlight of this story. I loved that she wasn’t just thrown into chaos and magically capable of handling it. Her skills came from years of intentional training, discipline, and preparation, and you can feel that in every decision she makes. She’s not reckless or blindly stubborn, she’s calculated. She understands when to fight, when to hold back, and when survival means playing a role others might underestimate. That level of awareness made her feel incredibly grounded, especially in a genre where FMCs are often written as impulsive just for the sake of tension.
Her background as a healer also added such an interesting layer to her character. She’s not just physically trained—she’s compassionate, observant, and thinks critically about the consequences of her actions. That duality made her choices feel heavier and more meaningful, especially as her understanding of the rebellion and the kingdom begins to shift.
Raiden was equally compelling in a completely different way. He’s strong, strategic, and deeply tied to his sense of duty, but there’s an emotional undercurrent to him that made him so easy to connect with. His internal struggle (between what he owes his people and what he feels in his heart) added a lot of depth to his character. And the way Arina unsettles him without even trying? I ate that up.
The romance itself is more subtle and emotionally driven, with very mild spice and mostly fade-to-black moments, but it didn’t feel lacking. If anything, it allowed the tension, trust-building, and shifting loyalties to take center stage, which really worked for the story being told.
One of my favorite aspects was the constant questioning of “who is actually right?” Nothing is black and white, and as Arina is forced to confront new perspectives, the story becomes even more layered. The political dynamics, the rebellion, and the looming larger conflict all add to that sense that something much bigger is unfolding.
And that ending? It really set the stage for what’s to come. With the hints of a larger war - especially involving the gods- and the new environment our characters are stepping into, there is so much potential for this series to expand in really exciting ways.
I’m definitely invested and can’t wait to see how Arina and Raiden continue to grow, both individually and together, as everything begins to unravel.
Arina was easily the highlight of this story. I loved that she wasn’t just thrown into chaos and magically capable of handling it. Her skills came from years of intentional training, discipline, and preparation, and you can feel that in every decision she makes. She’s not reckless or blindly stubborn, she’s calculated. She understands when to fight, when to hold back, and when survival means playing a role others might underestimate. That level of awareness made her feel incredibly grounded, especially in a genre where FMCs are often written as impulsive just for the sake of tension.
Her background as a healer also added such an interesting layer to her character. She’s not just physically trained—she’s compassionate, observant, and thinks critically about the consequences of her actions. That duality made her choices feel heavier and more meaningful, especially as her understanding of the rebellion and the kingdom begins to shift.
Raiden was equally compelling in a completely different way. He’s strong, strategic, and deeply tied to his sense of duty, but there’s an emotional undercurrent to him that made him so easy to connect with. His internal struggle (between what he owes his people and what he feels in his heart) added a lot of depth to his character. And the way Arina unsettles him without even trying? I ate that up.
The romance itself is more subtle and emotionally driven, with very mild spice and mostly fade-to-black moments, but it didn’t feel lacking. If anything, it allowed the tension, trust-building, and shifting loyalties to take center stage, which really worked for the story being told.
One of my favorite aspects was the constant questioning of “who is actually right?” Nothing is black and white, and as Arina is forced to confront new perspectives, the story becomes even more layered. The political dynamics, the rebellion, and the looming larger conflict all add to that sense that something much bigger is unfolding.
And that ending? It really set the stage for what’s to come. With the hints of a larger war - especially involving the gods- and the new environment our characters are stepping into, there is so much potential for this series to expand in really exciting ways.
I’m definitely invested and can’t wait to see how Arina and Raiden continue to grow, both individually and together, as everything begins to unravel.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A Kingdom Shrouded in Ash and Ache
The Smog Cursed Kingdom by E.F. Watson is a story that doesn’t just unfold—it lingers, heavy and aching, like smoke that clings to your skin long after the fire has burned out. This is a deeply emotional, hauntingly immersive read that captures both the devastation of a broken world and the fragile, stubborn hope that refuses to be extinguished.
From the very first page, Watson crafts an atmosphere thick with tension and sorrow. The kingdom itself feels alive in its suffering—choked by smog, weighed down by its past, and teetering on the edge of collapse. But within that darkness, there is something quietly powerful: resilience. Not the loud, triumphant kind, but the soft, persistent kind that lives in survival, in small acts of defiance, in choosing to keep going when everything feels lost.
The characters are where this story truly takes hold of your heart. They are not untouched by their world—they are shaped by it, scarred by it, and yet still capable of love, loyalty, and impossible choices. Their journeys are raw and intimate, filled with grief, sacrifice, and the kind of emotional weight that feels almost too real at times. You don’t just witness their pain—you carry it with them.
The relationships, too, are beautifully layered. Whether romantic or platonic, every connection feels earned, built slowly through trust, vulnerability, and shared hardship. There’s a tenderness woven through even the darkest moments—a reminder that even in a world clouded by ruin, love still finds a way to exist.
What makes The Smog Cursed Kingdom a five-star read is its emotional depth. It doesn’t shy away from the heaviness—it leans into it, allowing space for grief, for anger, for longing. And yet, it never loses sight of hope. It reminds you that even in the darkest places, light doesn’t disappear—it just becomes harder, and more meaningful, to find.
If anything, this is not a light read—it asks you to feel deeply, to sit in discomfort, and to embrace the ache. But that’s exactly what makes it unforgettable.
A breathtaking five-star read—achingly emotional, beautifully written, and filled with a quiet, enduring hope that stays with you long after the final page.
The Smog Cursed Kingdom by E.F. Watson is a story that doesn’t just unfold—it lingers, heavy and aching, like smoke that clings to your skin long after the fire has burned out. This is a deeply emotional, hauntingly immersive read that captures both the devastation of a broken world and the fragile, stubborn hope that refuses to be extinguished.
From the very first page, Watson crafts an atmosphere thick with tension and sorrow. The kingdom itself feels alive in its suffering—choked by smog, weighed down by its past, and teetering on the edge of collapse. But within that darkness, there is something quietly powerful: resilience. Not the loud, triumphant kind, but the soft, persistent kind that lives in survival, in small acts of defiance, in choosing to keep going when everything feels lost.
The characters are where this story truly takes hold of your heart. They are not untouched by their world—they are shaped by it, scarred by it, and yet still capable of love, loyalty, and impossible choices. Their journeys are raw and intimate, filled with grief, sacrifice, and the kind of emotional weight that feels almost too real at times. You don’t just witness their pain—you carry it with them.
The relationships, too, are beautifully layered. Whether romantic or platonic, every connection feels earned, built slowly through trust, vulnerability, and shared hardship. There’s a tenderness woven through even the darkest moments—a reminder that even in a world clouded by ruin, love still finds a way to exist.
What makes The Smog Cursed Kingdom a five-star read is its emotional depth. It doesn’t shy away from the heaviness—it leans into it, allowing space for grief, for anger, for longing. And yet, it never loses sight of hope. It reminds you that even in the darkest places, light doesn’t disappear—it just becomes harder, and more meaningful, to find.
If anything, this is not a light read—it asks you to feel deeply, to sit in discomfort, and to embrace the ache. But that’s exactly what makes it unforgettable.
A breathtaking five-star read—achingly emotional, beautifully written, and filled with a quiet, enduring hope that stays with you long after the final page.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This debut absolutely swept me away.
Once a thriving realm filled with life and divine magic, the kingdom now suffocates beneath an endless blanket of smog, a curse that has drained the land of both hope and power. Magic has become rare… and survival even rarer.
Our FMC, carries one of the most precious gifts left in the kingdom: healing magic. She’s fierce, compassionate, stubborn in the best way, and determined to help restore her homeland to what it once was.
Her plan seems simple. Join the military, protect the Queen, and do everything she can to save her people.
Then she meets him.
Our MMC is widely seen as the villain, the man leading a rebellion determined to overthrow the Queen. He’s dangerously charismatic, morally grey, and completely convinced that removing the crown is the kingdom’s only chance at survival.
When their paths collide, everything she thought she knew begins to unravel.
What follows is a race against time through a kingdom choking under its own curse, where loyalties blur, truths surface, and the question becomes:
What do you do when the life you believed in turns out to be a lie?
This story delivers adventure, tension, brilliant world building, and characters that absolutely pull you in. The banter had me laughing, the stakes kept rising, and the chemistry between our leads was chef’s kiss.
✨ Tropes & Vibes
• Enemies to Lovers
• Forced Proximity
• Found Family
• Court Politics
• Gods & Fae
• Epic World Building
• Laugh-out-loud banter
• Magic & Mayhem
• Mystical Creatures
And yes… be warned.
That ending? A cliffhanger that will leave you staring at the last page in emotional distress.
For a debut novel, this was incredibly impressive. I genuinely loved every moment of this journey and will absolutely be getting my hands on a physical copy for my shelves.
Thank you so much for trusting me with your baby, you should be incredibly proud of yourself for creating an incredible story!
🩷
Once a thriving realm filled with life and divine magic, the kingdom now suffocates beneath an endless blanket of smog, a curse that has drained the land of both hope and power. Magic has become rare… and survival even rarer.
Our FMC, carries one of the most precious gifts left in the kingdom: healing magic. She’s fierce, compassionate, stubborn in the best way, and determined to help restore her homeland to what it once was.
Her plan seems simple. Join the military, protect the Queen, and do everything she can to save her people.
Then she meets him.
Our MMC is widely seen as the villain, the man leading a rebellion determined to overthrow the Queen. He’s dangerously charismatic, morally grey, and completely convinced that removing the crown is the kingdom’s only chance at survival.
When their paths collide, everything she thought she knew begins to unravel.
What follows is a race against time through a kingdom choking under its own curse, where loyalties blur, truths surface, and the question becomes:
What do you do when the life you believed in turns out to be a lie?
This story delivers adventure, tension, brilliant world building, and characters that absolutely pull you in. The banter had me laughing, the stakes kept rising, and the chemistry between our leads was chef’s kiss.
✨ Tropes & Vibes
• Enemies to Lovers
• Forced Proximity
• Found Family
• Court Politics
• Gods & Fae
• Epic World Building
• Laugh-out-loud banter
• Magic & Mayhem
• Mystical Creatures
And yes… be warned.
That ending? A cliffhanger that will leave you staring at the last page in emotional distress.
For a debut novel, this was incredibly impressive. I genuinely loved every moment of this journey and will absolutely be getting my hands on a physical copy for my shelves.
Thank you so much for trusting me with your baby, you should be incredibly proud of yourself for creating an incredible story!
🩷
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Smog Cursed Kingdom by E.F. Watson
Lukasia’s King died years ago, and that’s when the smog curse started. Think of constant polluted dark clouds, no sun, no stars and barely any plants or animals. It’s hard to breathe and has an odour. The magic the fae of the land had has been affected, it’s not as powerful and fades more and more as time goes on.
Almost 30 years ago, Rebels broke into Arina’s family home and took her father. He was never seen again, and her mother-Demitra a healer has wasted what magic she has left. She’s an abusive alcoholic who Arina has considered leaving, but faces guilt of abandonment.
Arina is a healer who also trains with the Queen’s guard. She’s hopeful to obtain a spot on the Queen’s guard to protect Queen Daphne by participating in the Queen’s tournament.
Arina’s best friend, Phillipa owns the town’s bar, and after a hard day of training, Arina stops in to see her friend and have a few drinks. Phillipa convinces Arina to attend the Queen’s banquet before the tournament with her.
Phillipa leant Arina a dress for the Queen’s banquet, and when Arina arrives just outside the door she overhears a conversation that wasn’t meant for her. Dolan is talking to two large men about killing the Queen and not waiting for the Rebel’s plan.
Raiden is part of the Rebels, and watches Arina. He interrupts the dance she is having with the Captain on the Queen’s guard to have her help him, since she overheard Dolan outside the banquet. He wants her to kill Dolan or his right hand man, Baltas, will kill Phillipa. Arina agrees to protect her best friend.
Will Arina succeed killing Dolan to save Phillipa? Will she become one of the Queen’s guard?
E.F captivates you from the very beginning and leaves you wanting more. This blend of romance and fantasy is addictive! I could not put this down. Arina is a character you can relate to, and you will be rooting her on!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️
Lukasia’s King died years ago, and that’s when the smog curse started. Think of constant polluted dark clouds, no sun, no stars and barely any plants or animals. It’s hard to breathe and has an odour. The magic the fae of the land had has been affected, it’s not as powerful and fades more and more as time goes on.
Almost 30 years ago, Rebels broke into Arina’s family home and took her father. He was never seen again, and her mother-Demitra a healer has wasted what magic she has left. She’s an abusive alcoholic who Arina has considered leaving, but faces guilt of abandonment.
Arina is a healer who also trains with the Queen’s guard. She’s hopeful to obtain a spot on the Queen’s guard to protect Queen Daphne by participating in the Queen’s tournament.
Arina’s best friend, Phillipa owns the town’s bar, and after a hard day of training, Arina stops in to see her friend and have a few drinks. Phillipa convinces Arina to attend the Queen’s banquet before the tournament with her.
Phillipa leant Arina a dress for the Queen’s banquet, and when Arina arrives just outside the door she overhears a conversation that wasn’t meant for her. Dolan is talking to two large men about killing the Queen and not waiting for the Rebel’s plan.
Raiden is part of the Rebels, and watches Arina. He interrupts the dance she is having with the Captain on the Queen’s guard to have her help him, since she overheard Dolan outside the banquet. He wants her to kill Dolan or his right hand man, Baltas, will kill Phillipa. Arina agrees to protect her best friend.
Will Arina succeed killing Dolan to save Phillipa? Will she become one of the Queen’s guard?
E.F captivates you from the very beginning and leaves you wanting more. This blend of romance and fantasy is addictive! I could not put this down. Arina is a character you can relate to, and you will be rooting her on!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is filled with cursed magic, a suffocating smog covered kingdom, a healer determined to protect her Queen & a rebel determined to tear it all down! The secrets are running so much deeper than everyone thinks!
I LOVED our healer Arina! She’s trying to do what’s right while questioning everything she’s ever believed & I was eating that UP. She’s strong but still soft, a total badass, headstrong & doesn’t let anyone walk all over her. I loved how she pushed forward even when she was overwhelmed, constantly standing her ground & refusing to be pushed aside. Watching her step into her power was everything!
Raiden had me kicking my feet as soon as he came on the page! Broody rebel thats fiercely protective? YES PLS! This man is all duty, pressure & responsibility. He’s spent his whole life trying to fix what’s been broken, carrying the weight of a entire kingdom on his shoulders. Hes guarded, intense, and so focused.. but underneath all of that? He’s conflicted & slowly unraveling. The second Arina enters his life you just KNOW it’s about to turn his whole world upside down!
Their wasn’t a lot of spice but when their was it was SPICYY! The chemistry between them is ANGSTY in the best way. It’s all tension, conflicting loyalties & stolen moments. The push & pull? I was living for it.
I flew through this and was LOCKED IN! The more we learn, the messier it gets. Their motives, their actions, what they’re actually fighting for.. it all starts to blur and suddenly you’re questioning everything. This world was so immersive and layered! The rebels, the smog, the political intrigue, the found family, everything just worked together so perfectly! Despite how much was going on, the story was still easy to follow and I never felt lost or overwhelmed!! It was such a fun, fast paced read that I flew through and I enjoyed every second of it!Very excited to see what comes next😍
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review of The Smog Cursed Kingdom
𝕀 𝕣𝕖𝕔𝕖𝕚𝕧𝕖𝕕 𝕒𝕟 𝕖𝕒𝕣𝕝𝕪 𝕒𝕕𝕧𝕒𝕟𝕔𝕖𝕕 𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕𝕖𝕣 𝕔𝕠𝕡𝕪 𝕠𝕗 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕓𝕠𝕠𝕜 𝕗𝕣𝕠𝕞 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕡𝕦𝕓𝕝𝕚𝕤𝕙𝕖𝕣/𝕒𝕦𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕣. 𝕋𝕙𝕖𝕤𝕖 𝕒𝕣𝕖 𝕞𝕪 𝕠𝕨𝕟 𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕤 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕗𝕖𝕖𝕝𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕤 𝕒𝕗𝕥𝕖𝕣 𝕗𝕚𝕟𝕚𝕤𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕓𝕠𝕠𝕜. 𝕋𝕙𝕒𝕟𝕜𝕤 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕝𝕖𝕥𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕞𝕖 𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕, 𝕀'𝕞 𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕝𝕝𝕪 𝕘𝕣𝕒𝕥𝕖𝕗𝕦𝕝 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕠𝕡𝕡𝕠𝕣𝕥𝕦𝕟𝕚𝕥𝕪! ✨️🖤
This book starts off strong with a FMC who wants to get rid of the curse that puts a thick Smog over the kingdom. Arina is a healer fae who enters a tournament to join the queen's guard. She gets kidnapped by the rebels and finds out the truth about the smog-curse and the world she'd been living in.
"𝓝𝓮𝓮𝓭𝓵𝓮𝓼 𝓹𝓻𝓲𝓬𝓴 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓫𝓪𝓬𝓴 𝓸𝓯 𝓶𝔂 𝓮𝔂𝓮𝓼 𝓪𝓽 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓼𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽 𝓸𝓯 𝓶𝓲𝓵𝓵𝓲𝓸𝓷𝓼 𝓸𝓯 𝓽𝓲𝓷𝔂 𝓵𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽𝓼 𝓬𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓻𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓼𝓴𝔂 𝔀𝓱𝓮𝓻𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓢𝓶𝓸𝓰 𝓾𝓼𝓮𝓭 𝓽𝓸 𝓫𝓮. “𝓘'𝓿𝓮 𝓱𝓮𝓪𝓻𝓭 𝓸𝓯 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓼𝓽𝓪𝓻𝓼,” 𝓘 𝓼𝓪𝔂 𝓲𝓷 𝓪 𝔀𝓱𝓲𝓼𝓹𝓮𝓻. “𝓘'𝓿𝓮 𝓳𝓾𝓼𝓽 𝓷𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻 𝓼𝓮𝓮𝓷 𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓶 𝓫𝓮𝓯𝓸𝓻𝓮.”
Raiden is the mysterious MMC who turns up during the tournaments. He's in the rebellion and his goal is to bring down the curse and win back his kingdom. Things get complicated when Arina turns out to be more than just a pawn in his plan.
“𝓣𝓱𝓮𝓻𝓮 𝓲𝓼 𝓷𝓸 𝓱𝓸𝓵𝓮 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓬𝓪𝓷 𝓼𝓵𝓲𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓲𝓷𝓽𝓸 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓘 𝔀𝓲𝓵𝓵 𝓷𝓸𝓽 𝓹𝓾𝓵𝓵 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓸𝓾𝓽 𝓸𝓯. 𝓝𝓸𝔀𝓱𝓮𝓻𝓮 𝓲𝓷 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓭𝓮𝓹𝓽𝓱𝓼 𝓸𝓯 𝓭𝓪𝓻𝓴𝓷𝓮𝓼𝓼 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓬𝓪𝓷 𝓼𝓲𝓷𝓴 𝓲𝓷𝓽𝓸 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓘 𝔀𝓲𝓵𝓵 𝓷𝓸𝓽 𝓯𝓲𝓷𝓭 𝔂𝓸𝓾.”
Up until half way in I feel a strong connection to the characters and their goals. The relationships in this half feels solid, there's found family and great banter. In the second half I feel like a lot is happening really fast. They go places, meet many different creatures, develop new relationships, battle, deaths... It starts to feel a bit rushed and I feel disconnected emotionally even though there's many big things happening.
I did enjoy the story and really liked the beginning especially. I would personally want more depth and wouldn't mind it being longer. If you’re used to fantasy with strong emotional depth, this might feel lacking, but, if you are new to fantasy, this would be a great book to start with as it's not too long, 281 pages, and easy to get into! ♡
𝕀 𝕣𝕖𝕔𝕖𝕚𝕧𝕖𝕕 𝕒𝕟 𝕖𝕒𝕣𝕝𝕪 𝕒𝕕𝕧𝕒𝕟𝕔𝕖𝕕 𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕𝕖𝕣 𝕔𝕠𝕡𝕪 𝕠𝕗 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕓𝕠𝕠𝕜 𝕗𝕣𝕠𝕞 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕡𝕦𝕓𝕝𝕚𝕤𝕙𝕖𝕣/𝕒𝕦𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕣. 𝕋𝕙𝕖𝕤𝕖 𝕒𝕣𝕖 𝕞𝕪 𝕠𝕨𝕟 𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕤 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕗𝕖𝕖𝕝𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕤 𝕒𝕗𝕥𝕖𝕣 𝕗𝕚𝕟𝕚𝕤𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕓𝕠𝕠𝕜. 𝕋𝕙𝕒𝕟𝕜𝕤 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕝𝕖𝕥𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕞𝕖 𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕, 𝕀'𝕞 𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕝𝕝𝕪 𝕘𝕣𝕒𝕥𝕖𝕗𝕦𝕝 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕠𝕡𝕡𝕠𝕣𝕥𝕦𝕟𝕚𝕥𝕪! ✨️🖤
This book starts off strong with a FMC who wants to get rid of the curse that puts a thick Smog over the kingdom. Arina is a healer fae who enters a tournament to join the queen's guard. She gets kidnapped by the rebels and finds out the truth about the smog-curse and the world she'd been living in.
"𝓝𝓮𝓮𝓭𝓵𝓮𝓼 𝓹𝓻𝓲𝓬𝓴 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓫𝓪𝓬𝓴 𝓸𝓯 𝓶𝔂 𝓮𝔂𝓮𝓼 𝓪𝓽 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓼𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽 𝓸𝓯 𝓶𝓲𝓵𝓵𝓲𝓸𝓷𝓼 𝓸𝓯 𝓽𝓲𝓷𝔂 𝓵𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽𝓼 𝓬𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓻𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓼𝓴𝔂 𝔀𝓱𝓮𝓻𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓢𝓶𝓸𝓰 𝓾𝓼𝓮𝓭 𝓽𝓸 𝓫𝓮. “𝓘'𝓿𝓮 𝓱𝓮𝓪𝓻𝓭 𝓸𝓯 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓼𝓽𝓪𝓻𝓼,” 𝓘 𝓼𝓪𝔂 𝓲𝓷 𝓪 𝔀𝓱𝓲𝓼𝓹𝓮𝓻. “𝓘'𝓿𝓮 𝓳𝓾𝓼𝓽 𝓷𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻 𝓼𝓮𝓮𝓷 𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓶 𝓫𝓮𝓯𝓸𝓻𝓮.”
Raiden is the mysterious MMC who turns up during the tournaments. He's in the rebellion and his goal is to bring down the curse and win back his kingdom. Things get complicated when Arina turns out to be more than just a pawn in his plan.
“𝓣𝓱𝓮𝓻𝓮 𝓲𝓼 𝓷𝓸 𝓱𝓸𝓵𝓮 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓬𝓪𝓷 𝓼𝓵𝓲𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓲𝓷𝓽𝓸 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓘 𝔀𝓲𝓵𝓵 𝓷𝓸𝓽 𝓹𝓾𝓵𝓵 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓸𝓾𝓽 𝓸𝓯. 𝓝𝓸𝔀𝓱𝓮𝓻𝓮 𝓲𝓷 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓭𝓮𝓹𝓽𝓱𝓼 𝓸𝓯 𝓭𝓪𝓻𝓴𝓷𝓮𝓼𝓼 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓬𝓪𝓷 𝓼𝓲𝓷𝓴 𝓲𝓷𝓽𝓸 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓘 𝔀𝓲𝓵𝓵 𝓷𝓸𝓽 𝓯𝓲𝓷𝓭 𝔂𝓸𝓾.”
Up until half way in I feel a strong connection to the characters and their goals. The relationships in this half feels solid, there's found family and great banter. In the second half I feel like a lot is happening really fast. They go places, meet many different creatures, develop new relationships, battle, deaths... It starts to feel a bit rushed and I feel disconnected emotionally even though there's many big things happening.
I did enjoy the story and really liked the beginning especially. I would personally want more depth and wouldn't mind it being longer. If you’re used to fantasy with strong emotional depth, this might feel lacking, but, if you are new to fantasy, this would be a great book to start with as it's not too long, 281 pages, and easy to get into! ♡
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was an ARC read. Thank you E.F. Watson.
Look—this is a better story than I could ever write, and it takes guts to put something like this out there, so respect where it’s due… but I did not like this book.
If this had been a novella? Totally fine. But as a full-length book (which I’m assuming it’s marketed as)… it just didn’t work for me.
The first ~30% during the tournament was actually solid. I was into it. But then suddenly we’re jumping to five different locations, doing a million things in the span of a few pages, with barely any explanation. It felt rushed and disjointed.
We’re also expected to immediately care about Raiden’s ex-fiancée the second she appears… with no buildup. Same with her (the ex fiancés) father, he shows up, we’re supposed to feel something, and then he dies. Arina’s best friend? Same issue. I just didn’t feel any connection, even though it felt like I was supposed to love these characters.
And Arina’s relationship with her father made it even more confusing. He abandoned her and her mother for some “greater quest,” and she was clearly angry about it… but then she just instantly forgives him? There was no emotional buildup or payoff...it just happens, and it didn’t feel believable at all.
The romance didn’t hit for me either. The MMC and FMC went from enemies to insta-love way too fast. I can accept the “he’s mean to push her away” trope, sure, but the FMC went from strong to suddenly weepy, begging for him, and it didn’t feel earned. And his reason for holding back sex isn’t even explained until the very end, so the whole dynamic just felt off.
It honestly felt like the characters were changing to fit the plot instead of the plot developing naturally around them.
The evil goddess twist—pretty sure she’s in the ex-fiancée now—and it ends on a cliffhanger for book two… but I’m not sure I’m invested enough to continue.
2⭐️
0.5🌶
Look—this is a better story than I could ever write, and it takes guts to put something like this out there, so respect where it’s due… but I did not like this book.
If this had been a novella? Totally fine. But as a full-length book (which I’m assuming it’s marketed as)… it just didn’t work for me.
The first ~30% during the tournament was actually solid. I was into it. But then suddenly we’re jumping to five different locations, doing a million things in the span of a few pages, with barely any explanation. It felt rushed and disjointed.
We’re also expected to immediately care about Raiden’s ex-fiancée the second she appears… with no buildup. Same with her (the ex fiancés) father, he shows up, we’re supposed to feel something, and then he dies. Arina’s best friend? Same issue. I just didn’t feel any connection, even though it felt like I was supposed to love these characters.
And Arina’s relationship with her father made it even more confusing. He abandoned her and her mother for some “greater quest,” and she was clearly angry about it… but then she just instantly forgives him? There was no emotional buildup or payoff...it just happens, and it didn’t feel believable at all.
The romance didn’t hit for me either. The MMC and FMC went from enemies to insta-love way too fast. I can accept the “he’s mean to push her away” trope, sure, but the FMC went from strong to suddenly weepy, begging for him, and it didn’t feel earned. And his reason for holding back sex isn’t even explained until the very end, so the whole dynamic just felt off.
It honestly felt like the characters were changing to fit the plot instead of the plot developing naturally around them.
The evil goddess twist—pretty sure she’s in the ex-fiancée now—and it ends on a cliffhanger for book two… but I’m not sure I’m invested enough to continue.
2⭐️
0.5🌶
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4⭐ - 🌶️🌶️
I was pulled into this one right away and stayed entertained the whole time.
Arina is a healer in a cursed fae kingdom who is determined to prove herself and protect the queen she deeply admires. When she is captured by a rebel, she begins to realize the truth about her world is not as simple as she once believed. Raiden, a rebel leader focused on reclaiming his kingdom, finds his plans complicated by her presence and his growing feelings for her. As everything begins to unravel, they are both forced to question where their loyalties truly lie.
Arina is such a strong character, both physically and mentally. She comes from a painful past with an abusive mother and an absent father, which makes her determination to protect her home and people even more meaningful.
At first, Raiden comes off a little creepy and stalkerish, which I was totally fine with lol, but as you learn more about him, his actions start to make sense. He has a bigger plan to break the curse, and he falls hard for Arina while trying to keep his distance. She takes a while to trust him, which I liked, and the yearning on his side was so good. There is also a bit of jealousy from both of them, which made things even more fun.
There are a lot of twists throughout the story. Some I saw coming, some surprised me, and a few did not fully land for me, but they were still fun to experience.
We do get a happy ending, with potential for a spinoff or even a second book, which I liked. Overall, I really enjoyed this, but it did feel like something was missing. Since it is a shorter book, I think spending more time developing the character backstories would have made it even stronger. There was also one thing mentioned that never got answered, which left me a little confused.
Thank you to the author for my early copy!
I was pulled into this one right away and stayed entertained the whole time.
Arina is a healer in a cursed fae kingdom who is determined to prove herself and protect the queen she deeply admires. When she is captured by a rebel, she begins to realize the truth about her world is not as simple as she once believed. Raiden, a rebel leader focused on reclaiming his kingdom, finds his plans complicated by her presence and his growing feelings for her. As everything begins to unravel, they are both forced to question where their loyalties truly lie.
Arina is such a strong character, both physically and mentally. She comes from a painful past with an abusive mother and an absent father, which makes her determination to protect her home and people even more meaningful.
At first, Raiden comes off a little creepy and stalkerish, which I was totally fine with lol, but as you learn more about him, his actions start to make sense. He has a bigger plan to break the curse, and he falls hard for Arina while trying to keep his distance. She takes a while to trust him, which I liked, and the yearning on his side was so good. There is also a bit of jealousy from both of them, which made things even more fun.
There are a lot of twists throughout the story. Some I saw coming, some surprised me, and a few did not fully land for me, but they were still fun to experience.
We do get a happy ending, with potential for a spinoff or even a second book, which I liked. Overall, I really enjoyed this, but it did feel like something was missing. Since it is a shorter book, I think spending more time developing the character backstories would have made it even stronger. There was also one thing mentioned that never got answered, which left me a little confused.
Thank you to the author for my early copy!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review: The Smog Cursed Kingdom by E.F. Watson
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐.75 / 5
Genre: Fantasy Romance
The Hook: A healer desperate to save her home meets a prince desperate to reclaim his. The Smog Cursed Kingdom is a compelling tale of shifting loyalties, hidden truths, and a curse that isn't quite what it seems.
The Setup: The story follows a healer who will stop at nothing to join the Queen’s Guard and protect her matriarch. But after being kidnapped by a group of rebels, she is forced to face Raiden Silas—the man who threatens everything she believes in. As Raiden struggles to balance his duty to his people with his growing feelings for the healer, she must decide if the kingdom she’s been fighting for is actually the one worth saving.
My Highlights: The Central Dynamic: I really enjoyed the chemistry between the two main characters. Their journey from opposing sides to finding common ground was well-paced, and Raiden’s internal conflict between his heart and his crown added a great layer of tension.
The World-Building: Learning the history of the curse and exploring different parts of the world was one of the most satisfying parts of the book. Watson does an excellent job of expanding the scope of the setting beyond just the palace walls.
A Strong Supporting Cast: The side characters felt well-developed and helped make the world feel lived-in and high-stakes.
Moral Complexity: I loved watching the FMC grapple with the realization that the world isn't black and white. Watching her navigate which side truly deserved her support kept me engaged until the end.
Final Verdict: This was a solid 3.75-star read with great world-building and a romance that keeps the stakes high. I’m very curious to see how the consequences of that final decision play out in Book 2!
Thank you E.F. Watson for an arc of this book for an honest review.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐.75 / 5
Genre: Fantasy Romance
The Hook: A healer desperate to save her home meets a prince desperate to reclaim his. The Smog Cursed Kingdom is a compelling tale of shifting loyalties, hidden truths, and a curse that isn't quite what it seems.
The Setup: The story follows a healer who will stop at nothing to join the Queen’s Guard and protect her matriarch. But after being kidnapped by a group of rebels, she is forced to face Raiden Silas—the man who threatens everything she believes in. As Raiden struggles to balance his duty to his people with his growing feelings for the healer, she must decide if the kingdom she’s been fighting for is actually the one worth saving.
My Highlights: The Central Dynamic: I really enjoyed the chemistry between the two main characters. Their journey from opposing sides to finding common ground was well-paced, and Raiden’s internal conflict between his heart and his crown added a great layer of tension.
The World-Building: Learning the history of the curse and exploring different parts of the world was one of the most satisfying parts of the book. Watson does an excellent job of expanding the scope of the setting beyond just the palace walls.
A Strong Supporting Cast: The side characters felt well-developed and helped make the world feel lived-in and high-stakes.
Moral Complexity: I loved watching the FMC grapple with the realization that the world isn't black and white. Watching her navigate which side truly deserved her support kept me engaged until the end.
Final Verdict: This was a solid 3.75-star read with great world-building and a romance that keeps the stakes high. I’m very curious to see how the consequences of that final decision play out in Book 2!
Thank you E.F. Watson for an arc of this book for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for the eARC which I was happy to review. All thoughts are my own.
The Smog Cursed Kingdom felt like stepping into a world slowly suffocating under its own magic, and I found myself completely drawn in.
At just under 300 pages, this was a story I read in a single day. The first half unfolds gently, weaving together the world, its curse, and the lives of our main characters. Then the pace quickens, pulling you into a whirlwind of tension, shifting loyalties, and a love story that slowly blooms in the midst of chaos.
We follow Arina, a healer fae born into a land plagued by the Smog. She is fierce and driven by her desire to protect, to heal, and to fight for her kingdom by joining the queen’s guard. Her strength lies not only in her power, but in her convictions.
Then there is Raiden, a rebel leader whose path collides with hers in a way neither of them can escape. What begins in conflict slowly unravels into something far more complicated, threading us into an enemies to lovers dynamic filled with tension and shifting truths.
Told through dual POV, we’re given glimpses into both sides of the conflict, and into the hearts of two characters standing on opposite ends of a fractured world.
I loved Arina’s determination and courage, though I did find myself wishing for just a little more depth especially in the part of the story when she decided to join the rebels cause.
The plot moves steadily, never lingering too long, making it an easy and engaging read, perfect for when you want to fall into a story without hesitation.
If you enjoy fast-paced romantasy with political intrigue, layered relationships, and a touch of open-door spice, this one will easily find its place on your shelves.
I’m already curious to see where the next book will take us — especially with how this one leaves the story poised to unfold even further.
The Smog Cursed Kingdom felt like stepping into a world slowly suffocating under its own magic, and I found myself completely drawn in.
At just under 300 pages, this was a story I read in a single day. The first half unfolds gently, weaving together the world, its curse, and the lives of our main characters. Then the pace quickens, pulling you into a whirlwind of tension, shifting loyalties, and a love story that slowly blooms in the midst of chaos.
We follow Arina, a healer fae born into a land plagued by the Smog. She is fierce and driven by her desire to protect, to heal, and to fight for her kingdom by joining the queen’s guard. Her strength lies not only in her power, but in her convictions.
Then there is Raiden, a rebel leader whose path collides with hers in a way neither of them can escape. What begins in conflict slowly unravels into something far more complicated, threading us into an enemies to lovers dynamic filled with tension and shifting truths.
Told through dual POV, we’re given glimpses into both sides of the conflict, and into the hearts of two characters standing on opposite ends of a fractured world.
I loved Arina’s determination and courage, though I did find myself wishing for just a little more depth especially in the part of the story when she decided to join the rebels cause.
The plot moves steadily, never lingering too long, making it an easy and engaging read, perfect for when you want to fall into a story without hesitation.
If you enjoy fast-paced romantasy with political intrigue, layered relationships, and a touch of open-door spice, this one will easily find its place on your shelves.
I’m already curious to see where the next book will take us — especially with how this one leaves the story poised to unfold even further.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow, what a fun surprise! I went into this mostly blind for a buddy arc-read and I'm absolutely mind blown on how much I enjoyed this.
The Smog Cursed Kingdom is a total rush of action, adventure, and slow burn tension that had me gripping my kindle well into the night!
The story captured me from the very beginning. I loved Arina's character right away, and was fascinated by the smog cursed kingdom. I completely felt for Arina's struggles, and related to her determination and the family situation she had to endure. Her grit, desire to train and serve the Queen, and make a better life for herself was very enjoyable to read. I even found myself cheering out loud for her while she battled the other contenders in the trials.
And then we meet Raiden. There's so much I can say about him, but Raiden is just smokin' hot. I love his character, the mystery around him, and the immediate chemistry between him and Arina, even with the death threats and hatred between them.
As always, found family gets me every time. The friendship and loyalty between the MCs and their BFF side characters, especially Lavinia, was fantastic! I loved meeting the different races and characters as the adventure continues.
The world building and pacing were spot on. I loved the world E.F. Watson created, from the smog curse to the rebellion and the various races of characters across the lands. The undersea world though was so fantastical, I only wish I could visit!
The story moved so quickly, filled with constant action, that I devoured it in a few hours. I'm really hoping I'm right that there will be a sequel, and I think I know which MC's it will be if so. Fingers crossed, because I need more of this world!
The Smog Cursed Kingdom is a total rush of action, adventure, and slow burn tension that had me gripping my kindle well into the night!
The story captured me from the very beginning. I loved Arina's character right away, and was fascinated by the smog cursed kingdom. I completely felt for Arina's struggles, and related to her determination and the family situation she had to endure. Her grit, desire to train and serve the Queen, and make a better life for herself was very enjoyable to read. I even found myself cheering out loud for her while she battled the other contenders in the trials.
And then we meet Raiden. There's so much I can say about him, but Raiden is just smokin' hot. I love his character, the mystery around him, and the immediate chemistry between him and Arina, even with the death threats and hatred between them.
As always, found family gets me every time. The friendship and loyalty between the MCs and their BFF side characters, especially Lavinia, was fantastic! I loved meeting the different races and characters as the adventure continues.
The world building and pacing were spot on. I loved the world E.F. Watson created, from the smog curse to the rebellion and the various races of characters across the lands. The undersea world though was so fantastical, I only wish I could visit!
The story moved so quickly, filled with constant action, that I devoured it in a few hours. I'm really hoping I'm right that there will be a sequel, and I think I know which MC's it will be if so. Fingers crossed, because I need more of this world!
April 6, 2026
4⭐️ Review
1🌶️ Spice
📚The Smog Cursed Kingdom by E.F. Watson
E.F. Watson’s The Smog Cursed Kingdom is, at its heart, a character-driven story that leans heavily on the emotional gravity between Arina and Raiden.
Their mate bond is the true anchor of the novel, intense, layered, and compelling in a way that keeps the pages turning even when the world around them feels uncertain. Arina’s resilience and inner conflict balance well against Raiden’s guarded strength, and watching their connection evolve from tension to trust is easily the strongest aspect of the book. Their dynamic feels earned, not forced, and it adds a depth that elevates the story beyond a typical fantasy romance.
That said, the pacing doesn’t always do the characters justice. Certain moments, particularly ones that could have expanded on the world or deepened the emotional stakes, feel rushed, as if the story is moving too quickly past opportunities to linger. I often found myself wanting more. More time with the characters, more exploration of the bond, and more insight into the surrounding world that shapes their journey.
The ending, while satisfying on a surface level, feels somewhat self-contained. It wraps things up in a way that reads more like a standalone than the beginning of a larger series, which is a bit disappointing given how much potential there is to continue Arina and Raiden’s story.
Overall, this is a strong, engaging read with memorable characters and a powerful central relationship. I’m giving it four stars, highly enjoyable, but just shy of five due to the pacing and the sense that there was more story left to tell.
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read their work. I received this book as an ARC and this is my honest review.
1🌶️ Spice
📚The Smog Cursed Kingdom by E.F. Watson
E.F. Watson’s The Smog Cursed Kingdom is, at its heart, a character-driven story that leans heavily on the emotional gravity between Arina and Raiden.
Their mate bond is the true anchor of the novel, intense, layered, and compelling in a way that keeps the pages turning even when the world around them feels uncertain. Arina’s resilience and inner conflict balance well against Raiden’s guarded strength, and watching their connection evolve from tension to trust is easily the strongest aspect of the book. Their dynamic feels earned, not forced, and it adds a depth that elevates the story beyond a typical fantasy romance.
That said, the pacing doesn’t always do the characters justice. Certain moments, particularly ones that could have expanded on the world or deepened the emotional stakes, feel rushed, as if the story is moving too quickly past opportunities to linger. I often found myself wanting more. More time with the characters, more exploration of the bond, and more insight into the surrounding world that shapes their journey.
The ending, while satisfying on a surface level, feels somewhat self-contained. It wraps things up in a way that reads more like a standalone than the beginning of a larger series, which is a bit disappointing given how much potential there is to continue Arina and Raiden’s story.
Overall, this is a strong, engaging read with memorable characters and a powerful central relationship. I’m giving it four stars, highly enjoyable, but just shy of five due to the pacing and the sense that there was more story left to tell.
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read their work. I received this book as an ARC and this is my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5
🗡️ ARC Review 🗡️
"Maybe it would have been better if I had left her there to die. Maybe that would have made everything easier. I’ve never been the kind to do things the easy way, though."
In this debut from E.F. in the Romantasy genre, Arina lives in, well, a kingdom cursed to live in Smog-filled conditions. In addition to never seeing a beautiful sunset or the starry night sky, the curse is physically oppressive.
🗡️ Arina boldly wants to try to save the queen and rescue the kingdom, so she signs up for the competition to become a Queen's Guard - yeah, that's not something girls really do there.
🥰 While embarking on this personal mission, she finds new friends, discovers more truths than she could've imagined, and finds that she has more courage than even she realized.
I really enjoyed this book! But, it was so short!! 😭 I really wish there was more that I could read right now. That being said - if you're looking for a quickish read that could be done over a weekend, check this one out!
I loved Arina and Phillipa, but when Lavinia came in, I fell in love with her. She's such a free spirit who's not been allowed to be free because of political power engagements, but this bi-sexual (pan? poly?), strong, cheeky, extroverted powerhouse of a princess exuded grace and command and I just want her to be my bff. 🤞
I was pulled in from the beginning with a knight tournament. Adding on revolt and redemption, hero vs villain, and gods to appease, I stayed engaged for the whole book.
That ending! 😲🤯😵💫 Gold!
🌶️ It wasn't super spicy, but there is an open door scene and there were a few mentions of a sexually explicit nature throughout the book.
If you like royal games, are looking for a weekend read, or love surprises, you may like this book
🗡️ ARC Review 🗡️
"Maybe it would have been better if I had left her there to die. Maybe that would have made everything easier. I’ve never been the kind to do things the easy way, though."
In this debut from E.F. in the Romantasy genre, Arina lives in, well, a kingdom cursed to live in Smog-filled conditions. In addition to never seeing a beautiful sunset or the starry night sky, the curse is physically oppressive.
🗡️ Arina boldly wants to try to save the queen and rescue the kingdom, so she signs up for the competition to become a Queen's Guard - yeah, that's not something girls really do there.
🥰 While embarking on this personal mission, she finds new friends, discovers more truths than she could've imagined, and finds that she has more courage than even she realized.
I really enjoyed this book! But, it was so short!! 😭 I really wish there was more that I could read right now. That being said - if you're looking for a quickish read that could be done over a weekend, check this one out!
I loved Arina and Phillipa, but when Lavinia came in, I fell in love with her. She's such a free spirit who's not been allowed to be free because of political power engagements, but this bi-sexual (pan? poly?), strong, cheeky, extroverted powerhouse of a princess exuded grace and command and I just want her to be my bff. 🤞
I was pulled in from the beginning with a knight tournament. Adding on revolt and redemption, hero vs villain, and gods to appease, I stayed engaged for the whole book.
That ending! 😲🤯😵💫 Gold!
🌶️ It wasn't super spicy, but there is an open door scene and there were a few mentions of a sexually explicit nature throughout the book.
If you like royal games, are looking for a weekend read, or love surprises, you may like this book
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