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Harker Academy #2
Cursed City
Not yet published
Expected 29 Sep 26Welcome back to Harker Academy for Deviant Defense, where the line between hunter and hunted has never been thinner.
To rescue someone close to her, Viv Abbot must team up with Reid’s violent, unpredictable older brother, Deacon. Her uneasy truce with him offers Viv something Reid never could: the chance to embrace her darkness.
Viv’s mission takes her to the center of Astera’s seedy underbelly with none other than the White Stag as her guide. But when a bounty on Viv’s head puts those she cares about in danger, Viv will be forced to go to lengths she never dreamed in order to protect them.
With enemies closing in from all sides and a ticking clock on her life, Viv must save the Half City from destruction while surviving a betrayal that strikes at the heart of everything she’s fighting for. Because in a world where monsters wear familiar faces and temptation cuts deeper than any blade, making it through her second semester at Harker will take more than skill—it will take everything Viv has left to give. Who can she really trust in a city that thrives on lies?
To rescue someone close to her, Viv Abbot must team up with Reid’s violent, unpredictable older brother, Deacon. Her uneasy truce with him offers Viv something Reid never could: the chance to embrace her darkness.
Viv’s mission takes her to the center of Astera’s seedy underbelly with none other than the White Stag as her guide. But when a bounty on Viv’s head puts those she cares about in danger, Viv will be forced to go to lengths she never dreamed in order to protect them.
With enemies closing in from all sides and a ticking clock on her life, Viv must save the Half City from destruction while surviving a betrayal that strikes at the heart of everything she’s fighting for. Because in a world where monsters wear familiar faces and temptation cuts deeper than any blade, making it through her second semester at Harker will take more than skill—it will take everything Viv has left to give. Who can she really trust in a city that thrives on lies?
Kindle Edition
Expected publication September 29, 2026
33 people are currently reading
14426 people want to read
About the author
Kate Golden
10 books4,044 followersKate Golden is the USA Today bestselling author of both The Sacred Stones and Harker Academy trilogies. When she isn’t writing, Kate is an avid book reader, puzzle addict, and game night enthusiast. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and their puppy, Milo.You can find her on Instagram at @KateGoldenAuthor and on TikTok at @Kate_Golden_Author.
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Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
thank you kate golden, netgalley & berkley for the eARC—all thoughts are my own!
✦ publication date: october 06, 2026
hi kate, if you’re reading this, please look away! i don’t want to traumatize you, but oh boy, did you traumatize me. 😭
you know those rare books that make you have a full blown existential crisis and suddenly wish you lived in a fictional world instead of, well, reality? that is exactly what this book did to me after i finished it (or did it finish me?).
i'm keeping this PG because it’s an arc review, but GOODNESS GRACIOUS. kate golden is putting something illegal in these pages because i inhaled this book like a starving bitch. everyone talks about second book syndrome, but apparently, kate didn’t get the memo, because this is somehow even better than half city.
this book picked up right where half city ended. someone goes missing and viv abbot has to team up with deacon, reid’s dangerous and unpredictable older brother. working with deacon is difficult, but he offers viv something reid never could: a way to stop fighting her own dark side. viv’s mission takes her into the darkest parts of the city with the criminal known as the white stag as her guide. but when a bounty is put on viv’s head, the people she cares about are put in danger. to protect them, viv must do things she never thought she was capable of. and with enemies everywhere and very little time left, viv must save her city from destruction while dealing with a painful betrayal. in a world where monsters look like normal people and secrets are deadly, viv realizes that surviving her second semester at harker academy will take every bit of strength she has. who can she really trust when everyone around her is lying?
this is hands down one of the best urban fantasies i've ever touched. the writing is super effortless, and the characters are so complex, especially deacon. and the found family? chef’s kiss. penny, sophia, peter, elliot, ward, and baz… i would die for every single one of them. their friendship is the soul of this story.
viv’s growth is legendary. she’s impulsive, sure, but her loyalty is unmatched. she’s officially one of my favorite leads ever. and deacon? i would literally crawl over a mile of legos just to say hi to this man. he’s foul-mouthed, flirtatious that made my panties drop, and somehow still a total baby girl. he's like jacks from oubah and cardan greenbrier from the cruel price, but make it 18+ version lol. i am unwell. and reid? pookie, i love you, and loving you hurts.
the emotional rollercoaster was real: 10%: laughing. 20%: fidgeting. 40%: frustrated. 60%: sobbing. 80%: nervous sweating. 100%: pulling my hair out till i almost became bald because THAT ENDING?! miss author, you are not getting away with this! i'm sending you my entire therapy bill.
i'm still reeling. one minute i was giggling, and the next i was crying until my nose was running. just do yourself a favor: read this the second it comes out.
now, i need to go cry in a dark corner for the next three to five business days.
౨ৎ ⋮ more by kate golden
— if not my baby
— half city
— the scared stones trilogy
✦ publication date: october 06, 2026
hi kate, if you’re reading this, please look away! i don’t want to traumatize you, but oh boy, did you traumatize me. 😭
you know those rare books that make you have a full blown existential crisis and suddenly wish you lived in a fictional world instead of, well, reality? that is exactly what this book did to me after i finished it (or did it finish me?).
i'm keeping this PG because it’s an arc review, but GOODNESS GRACIOUS. kate golden is putting something illegal in these pages because i inhaled this book like a starving bitch. everyone talks about second book syndrome, but apparently, kate didn’t get the memo, because this is somehow even better than half city.
this book picked up right where half city ended. someone goes missing and viv abbot has to team up with deacon, reid’s dangerous and unpredictable older brother. working with deacon is difficult, but he offers viv something reid never could: a way to stop fighting her own dark side. viv’s mission takes her into the darkest parts of the city with the criminal known as the white stag as her guide. but when a bounty is put on viv’s head, the people she cares about are put in danger. to protect them, viv must do things she never thought she was capable of. and with enemies everywhere and very little time left, viv must save her city from destruction while dealing with a painful betrayal. in a world where monsters look like normal people and secrets are deadly, viv realizes that surviving her second semester at harker academy will take every bit of strength she has. who can she really trust when everyone around her is lying?
this is hands down one of the best urban fantasies i've ever touched. the writing is super effortless, and the characters are so complex, especially deacon. and the found family? chef’s kiss. penny, sophia, peter, elliot, ward, and baz… i would die for every single one of them. their friendship is the soul of this story.
viv’s growth is legendary. she’s impulsive, sure, but her loyalty is unmatched. she’s officially one of my favorite leads ever. and deacon? i would literally crawl over a mile of legos just to say hi to this man. he’s foul-mouthed, flirtatious that made my panties drop, and somehow still a total baby girl. he's like jacks from oubah and cardan greenbrier from the cruel price, but make it 18+ version lol. i am unwell. and reid? pookie, i love you, and loving you hurts.
the emotional rollercoaster was real: 10%: laughing. 20%: fidgeting. 40%: frustrated. 60%: sobbing. 80%: nervous sweating. 100%: pulling my hair out till i almost became bald because THAT ENDING?! miss author, you are not getting away with this! i'm sending you my entire therapy bill.
i'm still reeling. one minute i was giggling, and the next i was crying until my nose was running. just do yourself a favor: read this the second it comes out.
now, i need to go cry in a dark corner for the next three to five business days.
౨ৎ ⋮ more by kate golden
— if not my baby
— half city
— the scared stones trilogy
Read
March 24, 2026ALKDFJLSK <-- my brain after reading this book. I'm obsessed with these characters. The sexual tension. The found family. THE BANTER!!!
Here's my official blurb:
Cursed City is a magical combination of urban fantasy, Buffy nostalgia, and a forbidden romance that sizzles right off the page! It's whip-smart and packed with action, with romance that had me kicking my feet. I would die for Viv and her quirky little pack of hunters, but I would *kill* for the MMC and his smart, sassy mouth.
Here's my official blurb:
Cursed City is a magical combination of urban fantasy, Buffy nostalgia, and a forbidden romance that sizzles right off the page! It's whip-smart and packed with action, with romance that had me kicking my feet. I would die for Viv and her quirky little pack of hunters, but I would *kill* for the MMC and his smart, sassy mouth.
Want to Read
April 9, 2026reid for viv, deacon for me. 😛😛😛😛😛😛😛
THIS COVER!!
THIS COVER!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
5/5
Thank you eternally to Netgalley and Berkley for this e-arc!
This is nothing short of a stellar sequel, that takes everything I already loved beyond measure in Half City, my favourite read of 2025, and somehow elevates it into god-tier status. Half City I described as the perfect urban fantasy, and that only continues within Cursed City. This is not only a PERFECT sequel, but a PERFECT urban fantasy novel. I'm once again in complete awe of Kate Golden and her writing abilities. I could take 10000 urban fantasies from her and never get tired of them. She infuses an electric, tech-filled world with magic, deadly and gorgeous all at once. Her character work is spectacular, her weaving of plot and romance immaculate, and her development of the romantic arc in this book is nothing less than MASTERFUL.
I read Half City as an e-arc in October 2025, the perfect time for that late summer, early fall set book. Six months later, and I've been BURSTING with anticipation for this sequel. Cursed City, set for the majority during winter, is elevated by the bleak yet stunning atmosphere and scenery of Harker Academy and the Half City. This world in winter is alluring like nothing else, but Fever Dream is the highlight. Both neon night club and cozy home, Fever Dream is everything I wanted it to be and more. As Viv discovers more layers of Fever Dream and its inhabitants, her world only deepens in intrigue, romance, and danger.
Viv Abbott - heroine of my heart. Her growth in this book is beautiful to witness. Her immense self loathing is exposed with sharpness, her mental health treated with the proper delicacy. All of her insecurities are scrutinized, her trauma picked apart, to let someone stronger come forth. Viv's growth made me want to hug her so so bad. She is grieving and angry and messy in this novel, but she is the Viv of book 1 just the same with her empathy, immense love for her friends, her grit, wit, determination, and impeccable sense of humour (the toilet water quip is one of the funniest things I've read EVER). I will defend and love Viv for eternity.
Now, if you guys have read my review of Half City, you may know I gushed over a certain blonde demon named Deacon Graveheart. And let me tell you, he SHINES in this novel. I NEED HIM RIGHT NOW!!! I'm in LOVE with this man a million times over. He's hot and sexy and smart, but also achingly vulnerable at times, a steady pillar of strength, and someone who will do anything and everything for those he is loyal to. His sense of humour had me laughing out loud. His character development in this book was INSANE. Uncovering his layers just brings new facets and interpretations to everything he's done. I LOVE HIM!!!! I can't gush about Deacon enough.
Our side characters are once again the perfect found family. Penny's bigger role in this book was delightful as she was my favourite side character in book 1. Seeing her grow into someone willing to stand up for herself was so so rewarding. Sophia is funny and as achingly sad as always. Elliot is charming, funny, and strong. Peter is insanely smart, and slowly coming out of his emotional shell. Our new side characters, Baz and Ward, are iconic. As for Reid, I wasn't his fan in book 1 and although I grew more sympathetic of him here, I still don't jive with him!
The romance. My GOD. I'm not spoiling the direction here, so don't yell at me in the comments. BUT IT WAS INSANE. SLOW BURN BEYOND BELIEF. THE MOST TAUT SEXUAL TENSION EVER. Slowly uncovering layers of someone you once hated with ease. The slow realization that someone's very core can only be seen if you're willing to see them at their highs and lows. Soft moments peppered in between the intensity of feeling something but being unwilling to name it out of fear that it will be used against you. Kate Golden is nothing short of a master of romance, and this book left me in awe of her ability to create a romance so brimming of emotion, with a finger on the pulse of every messy facet of modern love. The angst had me on the verge of tears.
The plot of this book is an exquisite elevation of book 1. The stakes are higher, the twists are punchier, and the ending is even more insane. I knew how it would end back in book 1 (one can never accuse me of NOT making 3830 theories at once), and am SO terrified for book 3. The pacing of this one is a bit slower than book 1, giving readers time to really ruminate in the impossible stakes Viv must face. This book makes sure that her feelings and emotions are tied with the plot, making the journey so so rewarding. This book is filled with delicious action scenes aptly filled with gore and violence, more mysteries that slowly click into place, and a final 15% that will have your jaw on the floor. Kate's writing is elegant and propulsive as always, twisting the knife at the last second for maximum emotional damage.
Cursed City will, without a doubt, become not only a top 3 read of 2026 for me, but also become a new comfort read. It's THAT good and is, in my head, the urban fantasy version of ACOMAF. Stunning, stellar, and a masterpiece of fiction. Kate Golden is once more a genius!
Thank you eternally to Netgalley and Berkley for this e-arc!
This is nothing short of a stellar sequel, that takes everything I already loved beyond measure in Half City, my favourite read of 2025, and somehow elevates it into god-tier status. Half City I described as the perfect urban fantasy, and that only continues within Cursed City. This is not only a PERFECT sequel, but a PERFECT urban fantasy novel. I'm once again in complete awe of Kate Golden and her writing abilities. I could take 10000 urban fantasies from her and never get tired of them. She infuses an electric, tech-filled world with magic, deadly and gorgeous all at once. Her character work is spectacular, her weaving of plot and romance immaculate, and her development of the romantic arc in this book is nothing less than MASTERFUL.
I read Half City as an e-arc in October 2025, the perfect time for that late summer, early fall set book. Six months later, and I've been BURSTING with anticipation for this sequel. Cursed City, set for the majority during winter, is elevated by the bleak yet stunning atmosphere and scenery of Harker Academy and the Half City. This world in winter is alluring like nothing else, but Fever Dream is the highlight. Both neon night club and cozy home, Fever Dream is everything I wanted it to be and more. As Viv discovers more layers of Fever Dream and its inhabitants, her world only deepens in intrigue, romance, and danger.
Viv Abbott - heroine of my heart. Her growth in this book is beautiful to witness. Her immense self loathing is exposed with sharpness, her mental health treated with the proper delicacy. All of her insecurities are scrutinized, her trauma picked apart, to let someone stronger come forth. Viv's growth made me want to hug her so so bad. She is grieving and angry and messy in this novel, but she is the Viv of book 1 just the same with her empathy, immense love for her friends, her grit, wit, determination, and impeccable sense of humour (the toilet water quip is one of the funniest things I've read EVER). I will defend and love Viv for eternity.
Now, if you guys have read my review of Half City, you may know I gushed over a certain blonde demon named Deacon Graveheart. And let me tell you, he SHINES in this novel. I NEED HIM RIGHT NOW!!! I'm in LOVE with this man a million times over. He's hot and sexy and smart, but also achingly vulnerable at times, a steady pillar of strength, and someone who will do anything and everything for those he is loyal to. His sense of humour had me laughing out loud. His character development in this book was INSANE. Uncovering his layers just brings new facets and interpretations to everything he's done. I LOVE HIM!!!! I can't gush about Deacon enough.
Our side characters are once again the perfect found family. Penny's bigger role in this book was delightful as she was my favourite side character in book 1. Seeing her grow into someone willing to stand up for herself was so so rewarding. Sophia is funny and as achingly sad as always. Elliot is charming, funny, and strong. Peter is insanely smart, and slowly coming out of his emotional shell. Our new side characters, Baz and Ward, are iconic. As for Reid, I wasn't his fan in book 1 and although I grew more sympathetic of him here, I still don't jive with him!
The romance. My GOD. I'm not spoiling the direction here, so don't yell at me in the comments. BUT IT WAS INSANE. SLOW BURN BEYOND BELIEF. THE MOST TAUT SEXUAL TENSION EVER. Slowly uncovering layers of someone you once hated with ease. The slow realization that someone's very core can only be seen if you're willing to see them at their highs and lows. Soft moments peppered in between the intensity of feeling something but being unwilling to name it out of fear that it will be used against you. Kate Golden is nothing short of a master of romance, and this book left me in awe of her ability to create a romance so brimming of emotion, with a finger on the pulse of every messy facet of modern love. The angst had me on the verge of tears.
The plot of this book is an exquisite elevation of book 1. The stakes are higher, the twists are punchier, and the ending is even more insane. I knew how it would end back in book 1 (one can never accuse me of NOT making 3830 theories at once), and am SO terrified for book 3. The pacing of this one is a bit slower than book 1, giving readers time to really ruminate in the impossible stakes Viv must face. This book makes sure that her feelings and emotions are tied with the plot, making the journey so so rewarding. This book is filled with delicious action scenes aptly filled with gore and violence, more mysteries that slowly click into place, and a final 15% that will have your jaw on the floor. Kate's writing is elegant and propulsive as always, twisting the knife at the last second for maximum emotional damage.
Cursed City will, without a doubt, become not only a top 3 read of 2026 for me, but also become a new comfort read. It's THAT good and is, in my head, the urban fantasy version of ACOMAF. Stunning, stellar, and a masterpiece of fiction. Kate Golden is once more a genius!
Currently Reading
April 29, 2026no, im never going to shut up because WHAT DO YOU MEAN I HAVE AN ARC OF MY MOST ANTICIPATED BOOK OF 2026?!
series-to-continue
April 13, 2026UPDATE:
THAT COVER😍😍😍😍😍
And Deacon is there, too 🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹
The author told me a while ago that the second book would be released in October, but now it's officially official. 😍😍
ONLY 10 MONTHS LEFT TO WAIT!!!! 🥹
THAT COVER😍😍😍😍😍
And Deacon is there, too 🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹
The author told me a while ago that the second book would be released in October, but now it's officially official. 😍😍
ONLY 10 MONTHS LEFT TO WAIT!!!! 🥹
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
”The place I’ll never return to. The place I never left.”
HI HELLO I AM SCREAMING. Rip my heart out of my chest why don’t you!!!!
Is it really any surprise that I loved this?? Since I finished Half City in October, I have absolutely been DYING to read Cursed City. And sorry but I need to brag because my bestie El and I are actually so amazing… WE HAVE BEEN HERE SINCE OCTOBER WAITING FOR THE [REDACTED] REVEAL AND [REDACTED] AND WE WERE RIGHT. WE KNEW IT. WE KNEW THIS WOULD HAPPEN. I’m of course not going to say what but like oh I am just !!!! Like wow are we amazing HAHA I’m so proud of us. (No but seriously can you imagine how insane we felt briefly for a while when it was only us feeling this way?? LOL I feel so validated🤝)
Spoilers for HALF CITY below (because I mean I can’t NOT talk about that person anymore) but no spoilers from CURSED CITY of course.
ALSO DISCLAIMER: I have loved Deacon from the moment he appeared in Chapter 39 of HALF CITY so of course I will be gushing about him in this review but this doesn’t mean anything about where the romance is heading !!!
I knew from the moment I finished Half City that Cursed City would be a 5 star. From the snippets to actually starting the book… guys, I don’t even have words. This was everything that I wanted and more. Blessed with Viv’s presence. Blessed with Viv and the goonie squad (please I’m actually dead over this nickname btw). Blessed with the Viv and Penny moments. (I want to sob I love them so much) Blessed with the Viv and Deacon moments. LIKE HELLO?! I am not exaggerating when I say I was laughing from the first chapter because of these guys. Their banter was actually golden, god tier, I AM OBSESSED. Deacon loves pissing off Viv it’s literally his new favourite hobby, I could not stop laughing over so many scenes LOL. AND THE NEW SHIPS??? YES, MORE THAN ONE. I AM SOOO HERE FOR THEM. YES YES YES. And the new lore??? The reveals we get?? My jaw dropped SO MANY TIMES. I MEAN HELLO?? Some reveals I even guessed!! (Though for two of them I only saw them after someone pointed things out and then on my HF city reread I soo saw it and agreed) And the reveals I didn’t see coming?!?! I really could not stop gasping. Truly this book had EVERYTHING.
Right when Viv was finally finding her place at Harker, chaos came in and everything’s been totally awful for her. Reid’s missing, the sybraxa is on her back, the Brood are after her, and she has lots of doubts about some things!! She really was going through IT like oh my god someone give her a break. I constantly wanted to give Viv the biggest hugs.
Viv learning to love herself and appreciate every part of herself, the dark parts especially that she considers evil. OH I absolutely adored the different perspective she was given in this and how she slowly realized and came to terms with some things. IT HAD ME SO EMOTIONAL. This book has literally cemented Viv as one of my favourite main characters in existence. Her character just feels so so real, the anger, the fear, the uncertainty, the loneliness… I am forever Viv's #1 defender, fight me.
Self-loathing has been a constant theme throughout this series and especially in Cursed City do we see it more. I love how Kate explored it through not only Viv but also other characters as well. And I'm still waiting on some backstories like it's a NEED. Prepare yourself to feel like crying 92357925 times throughout this book !!!
I genuinely am suffering because I realize the downside to reading this so early is that I cannot gush to my heart’s content about Deacon😩 Y’all trust me when I say he will NOT disappoint (though really I think that was obvious from chapter 39 in Half City sooo). The amount of goofy things he would say, like please I love him your honour. The famous historical figures he’s apparently met??? It’s so random and I can’t even imagine it but I believe it LOL. His sense of humour, his loyalty to his people, his bluntness and the way he would be pushing Viv to embrace her darkness and accept herself AHHH I LOVE HIM. “It’s not a burden to be what you are” Deacon spitting facts!!! They have the most beautiful friendship imaginable, I cannot express it enough. The way their relationship progressed was so natural and beautifully written, there were so many scenes that had me emotional because of the tenderness and vulnerability in them like um HELLO don’t make me cry!!! Best new friendship that came out of this book.
Then the romance… no spoilers but once again it was EVERYTHING. KATE, I LOVE YOU SO MUCH YOU ABSOLUTE QUEEN. Amazing development to witness and that's all I'll say!!!
And then talking about the side characters, we get more of a lot of them who didn’t appear too much in book 1 and I adored it SO much. PENNY MY GIRL !!!!! WE GET SO MUCH MORE OF HER AND I LOVED EVERY SINGLE SCENE. She is a literal sunshine incarnate, everyone needs a Penny in their life. And SOPHIA. Sophia continues to be the absolute queen that she is. And Peter and Elliot !!!! Love them as always. Plus getting some Ward and Baz oh they are so so interesting !!! I absolutely need more of everyone in book 3, I’m so excited.
Never have I wished to yap more and especially to mention in detail all my favourite scenes and quotes (spoiler: there are A LOT), but this is an ARC so! Just know that I have over 350 annotations on my kobo and 10 pages full of reactions, which should tell you how much Cursed City totally had me in a chokehold. There was never a dull moment, in fact, your heart will constantly be going like 📈📉📈📉. ESPECIALLY TOWARDS THE END. I was in a constant state of anxiety and oh my goddd I will never be getting over it. There’s no doubt that this series is one of my favourite series ever and has one of the best written couples, I LOVE THEM. Waiting until Summer 2027 will be absolute torture, but I can’t wait!!
Thank you thank you thank you to Kate, Emily and Berkley Publishing/Ace for the ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review!! Eternally grateful to be on the street team!!!
____________
pre-read review:
I WILL BE ON MY KNEES WAITING FOR THIS BOOK. #blondemensupremacy
February 22, 2026
I FEAR I WILL NEVER RECOVER
Cursed City picks up right where Half City left off and is an action packed ride to the very end. I’m over the moon to say that there is ZERO second book syndrome here, and I’d dare to say that this is not only my favorite book in the series so far, but my favorite Kate Golden book of all time.
this book has everything i look for in an urban fantasy sequel - more lore and world building, deeper character connections (especially side characters), fast pacing, and twists that i didn’t see coming. i already loved the setting of grungy half city contrasted with gothic academia Harker Academy, but i loved getting to pull back the curtain into certain characters’ worlds 👀
i am obsesseddddd with the side characters and im wholly invested in their romances as well. PROTECT THEM ALL AT ALL COSTS
this book had me gasping and sitting up in my seat at some parts - i was that flabbergasted. consider my gasts flabbered.
AND THE ROMANCE? THE TENSION? THE - DARE I SAY - YEARNING? it was done so well. i love a slow burn that makes me WAIT AND WAIT AND WAIT questioning if anything will ever happen. oh and it was painful. my favorite brand 😩
Cursed City is literally that girl and if you haven’t picked up Half City, please take this as your sign to do so. worth all the hype, especially if you’re a shadowhunters / vampire diaries girl looking to feel ALIVE
thank you endlessly to Kate Golden for the early opportunity to read and review Cursed City! these thoughts are all my own and my genuine feral musings 🫶🏼
Cursed City picks up right where Half City left off and is an action packed ride to the very end. I’m over the moon to say that there is ZERO second book syndrome here, and I’d dare to say that this is not only my favorite book in the series so far, but my favorite Kate Golden book of all time.
this book has everything i look for in an urban fantasy sequel - more lore and world building, deeper character connections (especially side characters), fast pacing, and twists that i didn’t see coming. i already loved the setting of grungy half city contrasted with gothic academia Harker Academy, but i loved getting to pull back the curtain into certain characters’ worlds 👀
i am obsesseddddd with the side characters and im wholly invested in their romances as well. PROTECT THEM ALL AT ALL COSTS
this book had me gasping and sitting up in my seat at some parts - i was that flabbergasted. consider my gasts flabbered.
AND THE ROMANCE? THE TENSION? THE - DARE I SAY - YEARNING? it was done so well. i love a slow burn that makes me WAIT AND WAIT AND WAIT questioning if anything will ever happen. oh and it was painful. my favorite brand 😩
Cursed City is literally that girl and if you haven’t picked up Half City, please take this as your sign to do so. worth all the hype, especially if you’re a shadowhunters / vampire diaries girl looking to feel ALIVE
thank you endlessly to Kate Golden for the early opportunity to read and review Cursed City! these thoughts are all my own and my genuine feral musings 🫶🏼
May 5, 2026
Holy six stars. Honestly, I don’t even know what to say besides: WTF, WOW, AHHH!!! This book was everything I wanted and then some. We pick up right where we left off in Half City, and from that moment on it’s completely full throttle. Every chapter hit like a shockwave! I’m not exaggerating when I say I felt emotional whiplash the entire time. I was so consumed by the story that putting it down felt almost impossible. In fact, I tried to slow myself down because I just knew Kate was going to gut me with another cliffhanger… and wow, did she deliver. Painful doesn’t even begin to cover it. Like—how dare you stop there??! I need book three immediately!!
The character growth in this book was incredibly impactful. Watching the bonds within the found family deepen was one of my favorite parts, especially for Viv. Her journey really stood out. Seeing her confront her inner demons, come to terms with the gray areas of her world, embrace the darker parts of herself, and still find the strength to love who she is, was powerful and genuinely moving.
Now, I know some of you are waiting for me to talk about Reid and Deacon, but I’m choosing silence—for now. Sorry, not sorry. *evil laughs* What I will say is this: I liked Reid in Half City, but the second Deacon showed up? Yeah, I was done for. You mean to tell me I’m supposed to ignore the confident asshole with tattoos who drives a motorcycle?? I’m just a girl. (And let me be clear—I’m talking about ME, not Viv, so don’t start! yes I’m talking to YOU, you know who you are.)
As for the real questions: did Kate pull a Tamlin with Reid? Does Deacon have his own love interest? I have my answers…but you’ll have to discover for yourself. *devil smirks*
While this book still carries echoes of Crescent City, House of Devils, and Zodiac Academy, it leans even more into those The Vampire Diaries and Buffy the Vampire Slayer vibes.
HUGE TY to netgalley for sending me an e-arc! Can you send me book three already, tysm!
The character growth in this book was incredibly impactful. Watching the bonds within the found family deepen was one of my favorite parts, especially for Viv. Her journey really stood out. Seeing her confront her inner demons, come to terms with the gray areas of her world, embrace the darker parts of herself, and still find the strength to love who she is, was powerful and genuinely moving.
Now, I know some of you are waiting for me to talk about Reid and Deacon, but I’m choosing silence—for now. Sorry, not sorry. *evil laughs* What I will say is this: I liked Reid in Half City, but the second Deacon showed up? Yeah, I was done for. You mean to tell me I’m supposed to ignore the confident asshole with tattoos who drives a motorcycle?? I’m just a girl. (And let me be clear—I’m talking about ME, not Viv, so don’t start! yes I’m talking to YOU, you know who you are.)
As for the real questions: did Kate pull a Tamlin with Reid? Does Deacon have his own love interest? I have my answers…but you’ll have to discover for yourself. *devil smirks*
While this book still carries echoes of Crescent City, House of Devils, and Zodiac Academy, it leans even more into those The Vampire Diaries and Buffy the Vampire Slayer vibes.
HUGE TY to netgalley for sending me an e-arc! Can you send me book three already, tysm!
April 28, 2026
first of all, a HUGE thank you to netgalley and berkeley/ace for this e-arc. this was one of my most anticipated releases of the year and i’m beyond grateful to have gotten an early copy. i devoured this in less than 24 hours, just like i did with half city, so honestly… no one is surprised.
i’ve been sitting here for the past hour trying to gather my thoughts after that ending, so bear with me because this is going to be a little chaotic (and vague to avoid spoilers).
i said this about half city and i’ll say it again: this series is such a standout in urban fantasy and i’m genuinely obsessed with how fun it is! it’s fast-paced, addictive, has a plot that keeps you on edge, romance that hurts in the best way, a unique magic system, and such a good mix of supernatural elements. it was impossible to put down.
while viv is still struggling with who she is and what she’s capable of, i loved seeing that start to shift in this book. there’s a constant push and pull between wanting to be good and fearing what’s inside her. she’s still impulsive and messy, and you might not always agree with her, but her intentions are good—and you can tell she’s slowly starting to accept the parts of herself she used to hate and figure out what she truly wants and needs.
this delivered on the slow burn, tension, banter—you name it. i was equally kicking my feet, fighting for my life, and somehow also crying? so do with that what you will lol. the development was amazing!! (i need to be so inconspicuous since my friends are going to read this review and immediately clock the way this book turned out if i don’t).
the found family is one of my favs ever. penny, sophia, peter, elliot—i love them all so much. and the new additions?? a vampire and a werewolf?? i’m already obsessed. kate also continues to deliver with the side romances, and i was fully invested in every single one. after that one scene at the end… give me book three pls.
this still gives me those zodiac academy and crescent city vibes that i loved in book one, but this time it leans even more into that vampire diaries / buffy the vampire slayer energy.
and the ending… actually DIABOLICAL. like somehow even meaner than book one?? while this entire book had me stressed, the last 10% had me shaking. i truly don’t understand how i’m supposed to wait a year for the next book without losing my mind. i need answers!!!
“𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒊’𝒍𝒍 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒓𝒆𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒏 𝒕𝒐. 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒊 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒍𝒆𝒇𝒕.”
i’ve been sitting here for the past hour trying to gather my thoughts after that ending, so bear with me because this is going to be a little chaotic (and vague to avoid spoilers).
i said this about half city and i’ll say it again: this series is such a standout in urban fantasy and i’m genuinely obsessed with how fun it is! it’s fast-paced, addictive, has a plot that keeps you on edge, romance that hurts in the best way, a unique magic system, and such a good mix of supernatural elements. it was impossible to put down.
while viv is still struggling with who she is and what she’s capable of, i loved seeing that start to shift in this book. there’s a constant push and pull between wanting to be good and fearing what’s inside her. she’s still impulsive and messy, and you might not always agree with her, but her intentions are good—and you can tell she’s slowly starting to accept the parts of herself she used to hate and figure out what she truly wants and needs.
this delivered on the slow burn, tension, banter—you name it. i was equally kicking my feet, fighting for my life, and somehow also crying? so do with that what you will lol. the development was amazing!! (i need to be so inconspicuous since my friends are going to read this review and immediately clock the way this book turned out if i don’t).
the found family is one of my favs ever. penny, sophia, peter, elliot—i love them all so much. and the new additions?? a vampire and a werewolf?? i’m already obsessed. kate also continues to deliver with the side romances, and i was fully invested in every single one. after that one scene at the end… give me book three pls.
this still gives me those zodiac academy and crescent city vibes that i loved in book one, but this time it leans even more into that vampire diaries / buffy the vampire slayer energy.
and the ending… actually DIABOLICAL. like somehow even meaner than book one?? while this entire book had me stressed, the last 10% had me shaking. i truly don’t understand how i’m supposed to wait a year for the next book without losing my mind. i need answers!!!
“𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒊’𝒍𝒍 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒓𝒆𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒏 𝒕𝒐. 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒊 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒍𝒆𝒇𝒕.”
interested-in
April 11, 2026on my knees for.. i mean, cant wait for more of Deacon 😚 OCTOBER HURRY TF UP I NEED THIS BOOK
Want to Read
May 2, 2026GUESS WHO GOT THE ARC!!! (running to read book 1 LOL)
May 3, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Kate Golden, I am eating right out of your hands. Begging for crumbs of book 3. Wildly, over-dramatically unwell.
I COULD NOT WAIT to get my hands on Cursed City after I read Half City early in January. I just did an audiobook re-read, and the Teddy Hamilton of it all had me even more feral for book 2.
Cursed City picks up right where Half City left off: Reid seemingly sacrificing himself in the battle against the Brood and a desperate, syrabraxa-imbued Viv seeking help from his dangerous brother Deacon.
I am obsessed. Deacon’s snark. His and Viv’s verbal sparring. The way they slowly start to bring out the best in each other — the black and white/good and evil developing into vibrant grays. It’s just too good.
I’m so emotionally attached to all of Viv’s friends. They feel so real and distinct. I want to be part of the group!
Not sure how to talk about the plot without spoiling anything. But ugh, perfection. It all comes together masterfully. I cannot wait to do an audiobook re-read!
Thanks to Berkley Publishing Group | Ace and NetGalley for the e-ARC! All opinions are my own.
I COULD NOT WAIT to get my hands on Cursed City after I read Half City early in January. I just did an audiobook re-read, and the Teddy Hamilton of it all had me even more feral for book 2.
Cursed City picks up right where Half City left off: Reid seemingly sacrificing himself in the battle against the Brood and a desperate, syrabraxa-imbued Viv seeking help from his dangerous brother Deacon.
I am obsessed. Deacon’s snark. His and Viv’s verbal sparring. The way they slowly start to bring out the best in each other — the black and white/good and evil developing into vibrant grays. It’s just too good.
I’m so emotionally attached to all of Viv’s friends. They feel so real and distinct. I want to be part of the group!
Not sure how to talk about the plot without spoiling anything. But ugh, perfection. It all comes together masterfully. I cannot wait to do an audiobook re-read!
Thanks to Berkley Publishing Group | Ace and NetGalley for the e-ARC! All opinions are my own.
May 5, 2026
4.75 ⭐️ THIS was the direction I was hoping this series would head in, I absolutely loved Half City but this book delivered simply everything I needed!
The place I’ll never return to. The place I never left.
Secrets are uncovered, the betrayal was next level, the banter was phenomenal, found family fantastic, our sweet baby Penny may even find herself in a little romantic situation as well. I also loved that we got even more mythical creatures in this book! Viv is questioning who she can trust, and may find the people she thinks she can trust the most are the ones who may betray her. Viv is fighting to find a way to remove the curse on her back, and her “reformed brood demon” boyfriend who may or may not be dead. The only person she can turn to for protection just so happens to be the scariest demon in Astera, and her boyfriend’s brother. The one place she thought she’d be safe ended up being the place she’d be hunted.
The way this book ended has me on the edge of my seat for where book 3 is headed! This series just keeps getting better and better!
Thank you so much to Berkeley publishing and Kate Golden for the opportunity to read this pre-release in exchange for my honest review.
The place I’ll never return to. The place I never left.
Secrets are uncovered, the betrayal was next level, the banter was phenomenal, found family fantastic, our sweet baby Penny may even find herself in a little romantic situation as well. I also loved that we got even more mythical creatures in this book! Viv is questioning who she can trust, and may find the people she thinks she can trust the most are the ones who may betray her. Viv is fighting to find a way to remove the curse on her back, and her “reformed brood demon” boyfriend who may or may not be dead. The only person she can turn to for protection just so happens to be the scariest demon in Astera, and her boyfriend’s brother. The one place she thought she’d be safe ended up being the place she’d be hunted.
The way this book ended has me on the edge of my seat for where book 3 is headed! This series just keeps getting better and better!
Thank you so much to Berkeley publishing and Kate Golden for the opportunity to read this pre-release in exchange for my honest review.
April 30, 2026
this one was sooo much better than the first!!! when I wasn’t reading I was thinking about the book and I love when that happens. I really liked how the story evolved and how the relationships between all the characters grew (especially with a certain club owner who I love very much btw 😁😁😁)
now that ending???? diabolical!!!!!! please give me the third book right now thank you
now that ending???? diabolical!!!!!! please give me the third book right now thank you
Want to Read
April 27, 2026Initially I wasn't going to read the Harker Academy series but I just received this ARC so now I need to know what the hype is about.
My Libby wait for Half City is about 15 weeks.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Berkley Publishing Group/Ace and the author, Kate Golden for an early copy of this book.
Publication date: October 6, 2026
My Libby wait for Half City is about 15 weeks.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Berkley Publishing Group/Ace and the author, Kate Golden for an early copy of this book.
Publication date: October 6, 2026
Want to Read
April 15, 2026
April 30, 2026
What in the Salvatore brothers!!!!! Vampire Diaries fans…you’re gonna love this.
These books are so addictive. Half City was good, Cursed City was EVERYTHING.
“Go. Before I beg you to stay." MY HEART.
These books are so addictive. Half City was good, Cursed City was EVERYTHING.
“Go. Before I beg you to stay." MY HEART.
Want to Read
January 18, 2026how soon is too soon to start knocking on berkley’s door
May 3, 2026
[ 5 ⭐️]
okay what the fuck ?!? i’m actually sitting here crying like WHATTTTT. this book was so damn good i am in shock. the last 5% of the book killed me 😭😭😭😭
kate golden has such a way with extraordinary world building and really making you feel like you’re in the world with these characters. i LOVE these characters so much they all have such unique personalities!
deacon graveheart … the (monster) you are … i actually loved his character and i was rooting for him the whole book! i will always fall for the broody, scarred, emotionally distant men but yk what that’s okay 🙂 i knew there was something special about him and i knew it from half city !!! im excited for more of him in book 3!!
viv really had a LOT of character growth in this book and wow she is a badass!!!! literally obsessed with her! i thought all of her decisions (even the dumb ones) were justified and she stuck by her morals. i think she’s stronger than she gives herself credit for and i respect that. we see a lot of inner struggles with her and not knowing what’s best for her & her city. i am VERY happy with her decisions at the end because they’re the same ones i would’ve made !!
i truly have zero complaints about this book i fear this is going to be my new obsession for the next few months. i’m calling it now but this is my fave read of may !!!!! if you haven’t read half city i cannot recommend this series enough!!!
thank you to ace publishing and netgalley for allowing me to read this in exchange for my honest opinions!
💌 pub day: 9/29/26
okay what the fuck ?!? i’m actually sitting here crying like WHATTTTT. this book was so damn good i am in shock. the last 5% of the book killed me 😭😭😭😭
kate golden has such a way with extraordinary world building and really making you feel like you’re in the world with these characters. i LOVE these characters so much they all have such unique personalities!
deacon graveheart … the (monster) you are … i actually loved his character and i was rooting for him the whole book! i will always fall for the broody, scarred, emotionally distant men but yk what that’s okay 🙂 i knew there was something special about him and i knew it from half city !!! im excited for more of him in book 3!!
viv really had a LOT of character growth in this book and wow she is a badass!!!! literally obsessed with her! i thought all of her decisions (even the dumb ones) were justified and she stuck by her morals. i think she’s stronger than she gives herself credit for and i respect that. we see a lot of inner struggles with her and not knowing what’s best for her & her city. i am VERY happy with her decisions at the end because they’re the same ones i would’ve made !!
i truly have zero complaints about this book i fear this is going to be my new obsession for the next few months. i’m calling it now but this is my fave read of may !!!!! if you haven’t read half city i cannot recommend this series enough!!!
thank you to ace publishing and netgalley for allowing me to read this in exchange for my honest opinions!
💌 pub day: 9/29/26
May 3, 2026
“a vengeful, crooked smiled god, perhaps. a cunning trickster or a wicked tempest born with a demons soul, but a god nonetheless. he takes my breath away.”
I don’t even know what to say?! how to word everything that I want to say, without my dam of thoughts bursting out in some sort of gibberish lol. Like that ending?? 😫 So many emotions funneled through my body. I was flabbergasted. shocked. heartbroken. The way my best friend and I barely got up and did anything but read this book from start to finish in basically one sitting, and then continued to talk about it nonstop for two hours after we finished. Literally just ruminating over every little thing that happened in the last half. It’s really hard for plot twists to get me, and there were definitely a bunch of plot twists that happened here that I definitely DID NOT see coming.
There’s so much growth in this book, for almost all of the characters I feel like, ( shout out to the goonie squad 🥹. ) It was so monumental to see certain characters move past preconceived notions of themselves and others, and witness the realization that nothing is so black and white. There’s beauty in the darkness, beauty in being in love with who you are, while finding the courage and strength to do so.
Book one was amazing, Book two blew it out of the park.
Not sure how i’m getting over this one anytime soon 😫
I don’t even know what to say?! how to word everything that I want to say, without my dam of thoughts bursting out in some sort of gibberish lol. Like that ending?? 😫 So many emotions funneled through my body. I was flabbergasted. shocked. heartbroken. The way my best friend and I barely got up and did anything but read this book from start to finish in basically one sitting, and then continued to talk about it nonstop for two hours after we finished. Literally just ruminating over every little thing that happened in the last half. It’s really hard for plot twists to get me, and there were definitely a bunch of plot twists that happened here that I definitely DID NOT see coming.
There’s so much growth in this book, for almost all of the characters I feel like, ( shout out to the goonie squad 🥹. ) It was so monumental to see certain characters move past preconceived notions of themselves and others, and witness the realization that nothing is so black and white. There’s beauty in the darkness, beauty in being in love with who you are, while finding the courage and strength to do so.
Book one was amazing, Book two blew it out of the park.
Not sure how i’m getting over this one anytime soon 😫
April 26, 2026
This was even better than the first! It had every romance trope I could want: true enemies to lovers, morally gray MMC, black cat FMC, snarky banter, yearning, SLOW burn, forced proximity (forced naked proximity), forbidden romance (demon/demon hunter). Deacon is everything—to me he’s a mix of Damon from TVD, Rhysand from ACOTAR, and fanfic Draco Malfoy. I also really love all of the side characters especially Deacon’s little found family we were introduced to in this book. THAT ENDING…. I did not want this to end. UGH. Kate, you need to get on #3 ASAP. Also, a Penny POV would be much appreciated.
Read
May 3, 2026review to come!!
Want to Read
March 25, 2026My Buffy-loving heart's never been so happy to hear we'll get TWO books from this series in the same year!
Want to Read
April 24, 2026i ended my review of the first book saying i didn't think i'd continue with this series, but you bitches got me with your book 2 arc reviews
April 17, 2026
This is a 6-star read…and quite possibly my favorite book now.
Holy shit. The characters were incredible, the stakes were high and there was all the tension. And that fucking ending? Omfg!!
If you need anything to read, this is it.
Holy shit. The characters were incredible, the stakes were high and there was all the tension. And that fucking ending? Omfg!!
If you need anything to read, this is it.
April 13, 2026
Oh. My. God. You guys aren’t ready for this sequel.
The plot is twisting, the cliff is hanging. Buckle your seatbelts because this sequel is WILD.
The plot is twisting, the cliff is hanging. Buckle your seatbelts because this sequel is WILD.
May 5, 2026
Infinity stars? I think YES.
Thank you to Kate Golden, Berkley Publishing Group and Netgalley for the eARC!
Oh my word. The ending left me speechless and reeling! The last 5-10% of Cursed City felt like a never ending roller coaster of emotions and now that the ride has come to a stop, my hair is all disheveled, my eyes are red from crying and my heart can’t stop beating erratically. WHAT A RIDE.
Our girl Viv (that’s powerhouse demon hunter extraordinaire Vivienne to you) is back but with a battered spirit and hurting heart. We last left Viv at the doorstep of Deacon, Reid’s mysterious yet deadly older brother. She is desperate to find Reid after he was taken by the Brood. Deacon, on the other hand, isn’t his brother’s keeper but has his own reasons for helping Viv. What ensues is a riveting and binge-able adventure where Viv and Deacon have to (reluctantly, of course) learn to work together and stop the Brood from succeeding in their plans. I’m purposefully being very vague about a lot of details because you’ll just need to read the book in order to find out ;).
Viv goes through an incredible character arc in Cursed City (as do Deacon and many other important characters) but I absolutely loved how Viv learned to accept and love herself just as she was. The fight scenes were gripping and intense, the banter and tension crackled between Viv and Deacon and Penny is a doll. She must be protected at all costs!
Y’all, I will always read Kate Golden’s works. I just love her writing style so much and I am absolutely gnawing at my enclosure for the third book. What a cliffhanger!!
“Cursed City” releases on Sept. 29th!
Thank you to Kate Golden, Berkley Publishing Group and Netgalley for the eARC!
Oh my word. The ending left me speechless and reeling! The last 5-10% of Cursed City felt like a never ending roller coaster of emotions and now that the ride has come to a stop, my hair is all disheveled, my eyes are red from crying and my heart can’t stop beating erratically. WHAT A RIDE.
Our girl Viv (that’s powerhouse demon hunter extraordinaire Vivienne to you) is back but with a battered spirit and hurting heart. We last left Viv at the doorstep of Deacon, Reid’s mysterious yet deadly older brother. She is desperate to find Reid after he was taken by the Brood. Deacon, on the other hand, isn’t his brother’s keeper but has his own reasons for helping Viv. What ensues is a riveting and binge-able adventure where Viv and Deacon have to (reluctantly, of course) learn to work together and stop the Brood from succeeding in their plans. I’m purposefully being very vague about a lot of details because you’ll just need to read the book in order to find out ;).
Viv goes through an incredible character arc in Cursed City (as do Deacon and many other important characters) but I absolutely loved how Viv learned to accept and love herself just as she was. The fight scenes were gripping and intense, the banter and tension crackled between Viv and Deacon and Penny is a doll. She must be protected at all costs!
Y’all, I will always read Kate Golden’s works. I just love her writing style so much and I am absolutely gnawing at my enclosure for the third book. What a cliffhanger!!
“Cursed City” releases on Sept. 29th!
May 1, 2026
omg omg omg omg that was SO WILD AND GOOD AND WHERE IS BOOK 3
This is such a six star series for me and I am so antsy for more already. What an adventurous, heart-racing, heart-wrenching, unexpected, wild, FUN YET FEARFUL sequel!
Tysm to Berkley for approving me for the Netgalley e-arc I am so thankful. 🩷🩷
This is such a six star series for me and I am so antsy for more already. What an adventurous, heart-racing, heart-wrenching, unexpected, wild, FUN YET FEARFUL sequel!
Tysm to Berkley for approving me for the Netgalley e-arc I am so thankful. 🩷🩷
Want to Read
March 20, 2026is anyone more excited than me.......
that's not a question.....
that's not a question.....
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