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The Convenient Curse
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Expected 23 Feb 26Hyacinth's boring (and lonely) life flips upside down the day her cat, Max, tricks her into travelling through a portal to another world.
But in the whimsical land of LaWardia, he's no feline—he's a brawny pirate and he knows way more about her than he's letting on.
Hyacinth soon realizes she isn't who she thought she was, thanks to a bag of magic marbles, a mysterious itch, an enchanted boat—oh, and a family that's hunting her down.
As she flees, travelling island to island searching for answers, she discovers that bigger matters claim an ancient magic, a looming audit, and her growing feelings for Max.
But in the whimsical land of LaWardia, he's no feline—he's a brawny pirate and he knows way more about her than he's letting on.
Hyacinth soon realizes she isn't who she thought she was, thanks to a bag of magic marbles, a mysterious itch, an enchanted boat—oh, and a family that's hunting her down.
As she flees, travelling island to island searching for answers, she discovers that bigger matters claim an ancient magic, a looming audit, and her growing feelings for Max.
291 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication February 23, 2026
3 people are currently reading
7 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
December 6, 2025
Suspense, family drama, love, The Convenient Curse was everything I needed in a fantasy novel. Berri takes you on a journey that doesn’t disappoint. From Berri’s detailed narrative, you are immersed in the whimsical lands she describes. If you want to tuck into a cosy read that transports you, this is the book for you. Rating: 4.5 stars.
I received an advanced copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advanced copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 25, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️½ The Convenient Curse by Jendra Barri
The Convenient Curse is a solid, enjoyable read with a fun premise and enough emotional pull to keep you turning pages, even if it doesn’t fully hit its potential.
The concept itself is interesting and gives the story a strong starting point. There’s a nice blend of magic, tension, and romance, and the world feels thoughtfully put together without being overly complicated. When the story leans into its strengths, it’s genuinely engaging.
Where it stumbles a bit is in the execution. Some moments feel rushed, especially emotionally, and a few plot beats resolve a little too conveniently for the weight they’re meant to carry. The characters are likable, but they sometimes feel like they’re just on the edge of being fully fleshed out.
That said, it’s still an enjoyable read. The writing is smooth, the tone is consistent, and the story has a charm that makes it easy to finish. The Convenient Curse lands comfortably at 3.5 stars — good, entertaining, and promising, even if it leaves you wishing it had gone a little deeper.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The Convenient Curse is a solid, enjoyable read with a fun premise and enough emotional pull to keep you turning pages, even if it doesn’t fully hit its potential.
The concept itself is interesting and gives the story a strong starting point. There’s a nice blend of magic, tension, and romance, and the world feels thoughtfully put together without being overly complicated. When the story leans into its strengths, it’s genuinely engaging.
Where it stumbles a bit is in the execution. Some moments feel rushed, especially emotionally, and a few plot beats resolve a little too conveniently for the weight they’re meant to carry. The characters are likable, but they sometimes feel like they’re just on the edge of being fully fleshed out.
That said, it’s still an enjoyable read. The writing is smooth, the tone is consistent, and the story has a charm that makes it easy to finish. The Convenient Curse lands comfortably at 3.5 stars — good, entertaining, and promising, even if it leaves you wishing it had gone a little deeper.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
I received an ARC of this book, which does not affect my review. Thank you to the author and Booksirens for the chance to read this book.
This was a book I struggled to rate, as in some areas, it does things quite well, and in others (especially some parts in the beginning), I had a hard time going forward with it. I loved the idea, and there were many whimsical parts of the book that gave it its own cozy feel, but not without struggles or stakes for the main character. Talk about family drama and unraveling mysteries! I also enjoyed the characters, Max most of all. His accent was a nice touch and it was written very well. It made me in the mood to watch Outlander or something like that! I think this book will do especially well for anyone who likes cats. You wouldn’t think a pirate fantasy novel would include so much about cats, but it does and it works well. The plot is not very complicated, but there is still mysteries to unravel for Hyacinth as she strives to get accustomed to LaWardia, the truth about her cat (Max, my favorite character), and as she learns more about her family and herself. There are also many fantasy creatures in this novel: Sprites, Trolls, and the like. It gives the book its distinctive cozy fantasy feeling.
I struggled the most with the pacing and the way information was given. Characters would often go on long spiels about stories, and even in the beginning, small things like physical appearances were written in a “laundry list” way, where physical descriptions were written out like a list rather than integrated into the story. While that was only a small problem, it took me out of the story in the beginning. Likewise, due to the approach to giving the reader information, the pacing was affected, and the book reads a bit rocky from time to time.
However, it improves in the end. By the last quarter of the book, I was far more invested than I had been previously, and that is what bumped my rating up. In fact, I actually loved the ending, but it is no surprise by now that anytime there is a bit of twist or an unexpected decision thrown in, I am a gigantic fan. I was invested in how Hyacinth and Max’s story would play out, and the choices the author made felt so fitting yet not something I would have expected in the beginning.
For this reason, I would recommend The Convenient Curse, with a small warning that you might have to trudge through parts in the beginning and some uneven pacing in order to get to the parts that make it worth it. But it is worth it. The characters are lovely, and when the plot does unfold and finds its footing amidst the action, it is something you want to stick around for.
This was a book I struggled to rate, as in some areas, it does things quite well, and in others (especially some parts in the beginning), I had a hard time going forward with it. I loved the idea, and there were many whimsical parts of the book that gave it its own cozy feel, but not without struggles or stakes for the main character. Talk about family drama and unraveling mysteries! I also enjoyed the characters, Max most of all. His accent was a nice touch and it was written very well. It made me in the mood to watch Outlander or something like that! I think this book will do especially well for anyone who likes cats. You wouldn’t think a pirate fantasy novel would include so much about cats, but it does and it works well. The plot is not very complicated, but there is still mysteries to unravel for Hyacinth as she strives to get accustomed to LaWardia, the truth about her cat (Max, my favorite character), and as she learns more about her family and herself. There are also many fantasy creatures in this novel: Sprites, Trolls, and the like. It gives the book its distinctive cozy fantasy feeling.
I struggled the most with the pacing and the way information was given. Characters would often go on long spiels about stories, and even in the beginning, small things like physical appearances were written in a “laundry list” way, where physical descriptions were written out like a list rather than integrated into the story. While that was only a small problem, it took me out of the story in the beginning. Likewise, due to the approach to giving the reader information, the pacing was affected, and the book reads a bit rocky from time to time.
However, it improves in the end. By the last quarter of the book, I was far more invested than I had been previously, and that is what bumped my rating up. In fact, I actually loved the ending, but it is no surprise by now that anytime there is a bit of twist or an unexpected decision thrown in, I am a gigantic fan. I was invested in how Hyacinth and Max’s story would play out, and the choices the author made felt so fitting yet not something I would have expected in the beginning.
For this reason, I would recommend The Convenient Curse, with a small warning that you might have to trudge through parts in the beginning and some uneven pacing in order to get to the parts that make it worth it. But it is worth it. The characters are lovely, and when the plot does unfold and finds its footing amidst the action, it is something you want to stick around for.
February 3, 2026
A Cozy Adventure with Sharp Edges: The Convenient Curse by Jendra Berri
Some books feel like slipping into a well-worn sweater. The Convenient Curse feels like that… except the sweater occasionally whispers secrets and nudges you toward adventure.
From the start, Jendra Berri drops us into a world that looks calm on the surface but hums with quiet magic. We follow Hyacinth, an unexpectedly relatable main character whose life takes a sharp turn the moment her cat turns out to be far more than a cat. And honestly? That reveal alone hooked me. Talking animal companions can go either way, but Max is written with just enough attitude and mystery to avoid being gimmicky. He’s funny, yes — but also unsettling in the way he always seems to know more than he’s saying.
What I loved most about this book is its tone. It’s whimsical without being fluffy, cozy without being dull. The magic doesn’t explode off the page; it seeps in. Curses, enchanted objects, and hidden rules of the world are introduced gradually, giving the story a steady, confident pace. Nothing feels rushed, but nothing drags either.
Hyacinth’s journey isn’t just about magic — it’s about adjustment. Watching her navigate danger, responsibility, and a destiny she never asked for feels grounded and human. The stakes build quietly, and before you realize it, you’re invested not just in what happens next, but in who she’s becoming.
The worldbuilding deserves a mention, too. Berri crafts a setting that feels lived-in, with touches of humor and bureaucracy that make the fantasy feel oddly familiar. Something is charming about a magical world where consequences exist, and systems matter — even when curses are involved.
By the time I reached the end, I wasn’t left with explosive cliffhangers, but with something better: curiosity. The kind that lingers. The kind that makes you want to return to the world, spend more time with the characters, and see how the “convenient” parts of this curse might unravel.
Final thoughts: The Convenient Curse is perfect for readers who enjoy cozy fantasy with depth — a story that smiles at you while quietly tightening its grip. It’s thoughtful, imaginative, and just sharp enough to keep things interesting.
And yes… I would absolutely trust the cat. Probably a mistake
Some books feel like slipping into a well-worn sweater. The Convenient Curse feels like that… except the sweater occasionally whispers secrets and nudges you toward adventure.
From the start, Jendra Berri drops us into a world that looks calm on the surface but hums with quiet magic. We follow Hyacinth, an unexpectedly relatable main character whose life takes a sharp turn the moment her cat turns out to be far more than a cat. And honestly? That reveal alone hooked me. Talking animal companions can go either way, but Max is written with just enough attitude and mystery to avoid being gimmicky. He’s funny, yes — but also unsettling in the way he always seems to know more than he’s saying.
What I loved most about this book is its tone. It’s whimsical without being fluffy, cozy without being dull. The magic doesn’t explode off the page; it seeps in. Curses, enchanted objects, and hidden rules of the world are introduced gradually, giving the story a steady, confident pace. Nothing feels rushed, but nothing drags either.
Hyacinth’s journey isn’t just about magic — it’s about adjustment. Watching her navigate danger, responsibility, and a destiny she never asked for feels grounded and human. The stakes build quietly, and before you realize it, you’re invested not just in what happens next, but in who she’s becoming.
The worldbuilding deserves a mention, too. Berri crafts a setting that feels lived-in, with touches of humor and bureaucracy that make the fantasy feel oddly familiar. Something is charming about a magical world where consequences exist, and systems matter — even when curses are involved.
By the time I reached the end, I wasn’t left with explosive cliffhangers, but with something better: curiosity. The kind that lingers. The kind that makes you want to return to the world, spend more time with the characters, and see how the “convenient” parts of this curse might unravel.
Final thoughts: The Convenient Curse is perfect for readers who enjoy cozy fantasy with depth — a story that smiles at you while quietly tightening its grip. It’s thoughtful, imaginative, and just sharp enough to keep things interesting.
And yes… I would absolutely trust the cat. Probably a mistake
Review of advance copy
Thank you to the author, the publisher, and Booksirens for the ARC.
This is a 3.75, rounded up to 4.
Hyacinth's lonely life flips upside down the day her cat, Max, tricks her into travelling through a portal to another world.
But in the whimsical land of LaWardia, he's no feline—he's a tough pirate, and he knows way more about her than he's letting on.
Hyacinth soon realizes she has possession of some magic marbles, which are part of the family legacy that requires her to ascend to the Arch Crown at a terrible cost. To avoid that, she flees and starts running away from her family, who are hunting her down, travelling island to island searching for answers. She discovers that she has multiple fish to fry: an ancient magic, a looming audit, and her growing feelings for Max.
As a cat mom, wherever there is a feline MC, there I am. Which is also why I really loved Max as a character and found that his little habits, behavioral patterns, and intentions were very well written and based on typical cat behavior we all know and love. Hyacinth was also easy to connect with as the FMC, and thankfully, her feelings for Max did not come across as super awkward or inappropriate, which was what I feared getting into the story. Also, just like her, there are no lengths I wouldn't go to for my cat!
For the most part, it was an enjoyable read, and I found the language the author used easy to follow, except for Max using the word "lass" way too much in the beginning. The world-building was decent, and the groups and creatures mentioned in the story were well thought out. Honestly, there were even a couple of scenes where I held my breath and hoped for the best outcome. However, and very sadly, the ending fell a bit too flat for me and it felt a little too rushed. Looking at its emotional depth, this story definitely deserved a much better executed ending.
Still, I'm glad I read it, and I think it is an enjoyable fantasy read for some cozy down time.
This is a 3.75, rounded up to 4.
Hyacinth's lonely life flips upside down the day her cat, Max, tricks her into travelling through a portal to another world.
But in the whimsical land of LaWardia, he's no feline—he's a tough pirate, and he knows way more about her than he's letting on.
Hyacinth soon realizes she has possession of some magic marbles, which are part of the family legacy that requires her to ascend to the Arch Crown at a terrible cost. To avoid that, she flees and starts running away from her family, who are hunting her down, travelling island to island searching for answers. She discovers that she has multiple fish to fry: an ancient magic, a looming audit, and her growing feelings for Max.
As a cat mom, wherever there is a feline MC, there I am. Which is also why I really loved Max as a character and found that his little habits, behavioral patterns, and intentions were very well written and based on typical cat behavior we all know and love. Hyacinth was also easy to connect with as the FMC, and thankfully, her feelings for Max did not come across as super awkward or inappropriate, which was what I feared getting into the story. Also, just like her, there are no lengths I wouldn't go to for my cat!
For the most part, it was an enjoyable read, and I found the language the author used easy to follow, except for Max using the word "lass" way too much in the beginning. The world-building was decent, and the groups and creatures mentioned in the story were well thought out. Honestly, there were even a couple of scenes where I held my breath and hoped for the best outcome. However, and very sadly, the ending fell a bit too flat for me and it felt a little too rushed. Looking at its emotional depth, this story definitely deserved a much better executed ending.
Still, I'm glad I read it, and I think it is an enjoyable fantasy read for some cozy down time.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a bit of a struggle for me to get through...
I absolutely adored the characters of Hyacinth and Max and their strange companionship. For most of the first half of the book, it's rather confusing due to the FMC's mental confusion and as she is figuring out what happened to her memory. I'm not a big fan of the obvious political content. I would've preferred it to be toned down or in a more metaphorical sense. Many of the politics within the story didn't make sense for the world building, the types of characters, or the plot of the overall story. It brought me out of the story many times and I had to take several breaks and come back to it. It definitely wasn't for me but I hope others enjoy it.
I absolutely adored the characters of Hyacinth and Max and their strange companionship. For most of the first half of the book, it's rather confusing due to the FMC's mental confusion and as she is figuring out what happened to her memory. I'm not a big fan of the obvious political content. I would've preferred it to be toned down or in a more metaphorical sense. Many of the politics within the story didn't make sense for the world building, the types of characters, or the plot of the overall story. It brought me out of the story many times and I had to take several breaks and come back to it. It definitely wasn't for me but I hope others enjoy it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I will preface this by saying that I am not a fantasy fan in the slightest. I wanted to read this book in an effort to branch out and diversify, and I am SO GLAD that I did!! This was a wonderful, well-written book. I couldn’t put it down! Our main character wakes up at the start of the book with no memory of who she is or where she comes from - and that made the fantasy world so much easier to digest, because I was learning along with her! This book had so much heart, and everything wrapped up in a way that was extremely satisfying.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
I really enjoyed this as a pirate fantasy novel, it had that element that I was expecting from a description, it had that fantasy concept and was engaged from start to finish. I was hooked with the journey and how well the characters were used to tell the storyline. I enjoyed getting into the adventure element and how everything was used to tell the story it needed to. Jendra Berri was able to create something that worked in the genre and characters and was glad I was able to read this.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
What a weirdly cute and beautiful storyline about greed, love and cats, among others.
Hyacinth is kind of the unaware anti-heroine trying to piece together her past while surviving Brixies, Fae, Pixies and Sprites in her present. Thank goodness for dragons, magic, friends and Max!
And a strange but powerful, unexpected ending.
Four stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Hyacinth is kind of the unaware anti-heroine trying to piece together her past while surviving Brixies, Fae, Pixies and Sprites in her present. Thank goodness for dragons, magic, friends and Max!
And a strange but powerful, unexpected ending.
Four stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews