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The Ballad of the Curse: The Labyrinth of the Damned Book One
360 pages, Paperback
Published February 14, 2026
32 people want to read
About the author
T.A. Crownover
1 book1 followerT.A Crownover is a first-time fantasy romance author, working on her debut series. She lives with her husband and their two fur children in Pennsylvania, where she was born and raised. T.A is a full-time nanny when she's not writing.
She loves crafting stories using her own experiences and life events, pulling inspiration from popular books, movies, and television
https://www.tacrownover.org
She loves crafting stories using her own experiences and life events, pulling inspiration from popular books, movies, and television
https://www.tacrownover.org
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
If ACOTAR, Beauty and the Beast, and Quicksilver had a baby, it would be this book. It had elements of the classic romantasy vibes but had its own spin to it. I enjoyed the writing style immensely. The world-building was fairly solid and easy to understand. Overall, it was a fairly good book.
The big winners: I enjoyed Elera as a main character. She was feisty and protective of those she loves which was endearing. She did seem to be short-sighted at times which could be frustrating but admittedly, she was often working with less than ideal information so it was forgivable. Our eventual MMC was the one I was rooting for from the start. He was serious and well intentioned and actually had the most depth of any character in the book in my opinion. As a couple, I appreciated the witty banter and sarcasm and the spice was well done. A solid 2 out of 5 on the spice scale with lots of yearning leading up to it. The supporting cast was likeable and memorable as well which I enjoyed.
For the cons: The villain seemed a bit off. He had this huge scheme for the entirety of the book and yet didn’t see his own gaping failures (i.e. his plan would never work based on his behavior to the FMC). I’m still not sure if that was intentional or just a villain who was batting above his pay grade but it grated on me a bit. He may gain more depth in the second book though so I have hopes that he may have more depth in future installments. The other con is just that it seemed so reminiscent of so many other books I’ve read. I predicted the plot really early in the book so when the big reveal happened, it was a bit anticlimactic. I felt it could be a bit more original but maybe that will be stronger in the next book.
Overall, I did really enjoy this book. I will absolutely read the sequel when it's released and I have high hopes that with the strong writing, world-building, and likeable characters that the next installment may be more original. 4 stars overall.
I received this book as an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The big winners: I enjoyed Elera as a main character. She was feisty and protective of those she loves which was endearing. She did seem to be short-sighted at times which could be frustrating but admittedly, she was often working with less than ideal information so it was forgivable. Our eventual MMC was the one I was rooting for from the start. He was serious and well intentioned and actually had the most depth of any character in the book in my opinion. As a couple, I appreciated the witty banter and sarcasm and the spice was well done. A solid 2 out of 5 on the spice scale with lots of yearning leading up to it. The supporting cast was likeable and memorable as well which I enjoyed.
For the cons: The villain seemed a bit off. He had this huge scheme for the entirety of the book and yet didn’t see his own gaping failures (i.e. his plan would never work based on his behavior to the FMC). I’m still not sure if that was intentional or just a villain who was batting above his pay grade but it grated on me a bit. He may gain more depth in the second book though so I have hopes that he may have more depth in future installments. The other con is just that it seemed so reminiscent of so many other books I’ve read. I predicted the plot really early in the book so when the big reveal happened, it was a bit anticlimactic. I felt it could be a bit more original but maybe that will be stronger in the next book.
Overall, I did really enjoy this book. I will absolutely read the sequel when it's released and I have high hopes that with the strong writing, world-building, and likeable characters that the next installment may be more original. 4 stars overall.
I received this book as an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
February 8, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Ballad of the Curse
This book took its time with me—and I’ll be honest, my attention struggled at first. The beginning is slow and atmospheric, heavy on setup. I kept picturing Skyrim-level fantasy and couldn’t quite tell where the story was going, which made the early chapters feel uncertain.
But then… it grabbed me.
The banter started landing. The tension sharpened. The kidnapping took a turn, and the hints that her captors weren’t human became impossible to ignore. When the fae reveal happened, I felt vindicated—and fully hooked.
What I loved most is that for a long time, I genuinely couldn’t predict the plot or the romance. The Ballad of the Curse plays with expectations in the best way. You think you know who the love interest will be… and then the story quietly says no.
The king is cocky, rude, and tyrant-coded—morally gray and dangerous—but the true slow burn belongs to his head of arms. And that choice is perfection. This is very much a reverse Beauty and the Beast: the FMC isn’t there to soften a monster king, but to see—and be seen by—the weapon who serves him. The MMC is damaged, controlled, and deeply restrained, and the tension between him and the FMC is painful in the best way. Training turns into trust. Trust turns into something intimate and earned.
The FMC is no helpless damsel. She fights, adapts, and grows into her strength, and what makes the romance work so well is that they save each other—emotionally and physically. That mutual healing slow burn is my weakness, and this book delivered.
By the end, I was completely entranced. What started slow became dark, immersive, and addictive. I want more of this fae universe. I have been kidnapped—and I do not wish to be returned.
The Ballad of the Curse
This book took its time with me—and I’ll be honest, my attention struggled at first. The beginning is slow and atmospheric, heavy on setup. I kept picturing Skyrim-level fantasy and couldn’t quite tell where the story was going, which made the early chapters feel uncertain.
But then… it grabbed me.
The banter started landing. The tension sharpened. The kidnapping took a turn, and the hints that her captors weren’t human became impossible to ignore. When the fae reveal happened, I felt vindicated—and fully hooked.
What I loved most is that for a long time, I genuinely couldn’t predict the plot or the romance. The Ballad of the Curse plays with expectations in the best way. You think you know who the love interest will be… and then the story quietly says no.
The king is cocky, rude, and tyrant-coded—morally gray and dangerous—but the true slow burn belongs to his head of arms. And that choice is perfection. This is very much a reverse Beauty and the Beast: the FMC isn’t there to soften a monster king, but to see—and be seen by—the weapon who serves him. The MMC is damaged, controlled, and deeply restrained, and the tension between him and the FMC is painful in the best way. Training turns into trust. Trust turns into something intimate and earned.
The FMC is no helpless damsel. She fights, adapts, and grows into her strength, and what makes the romance work so well is that they save each other—emotionally and physically. That mutual healing slow burn is my weakness, and this book delivered.
By the end, I was completely entranced. What started slow became dark, immersive, and addictive. I want more of this fae universe. I have been kidnapped—and I do not wish to be returned.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 27, 2026
A Ballad Of The Curse is book 1 of The Labyrinth Of The Damned series in the romantasy genre.
🔥Slow-Burn🔥
🖤Enemies to Lovers🖤
✔️Fallen God ✔️
✨Banter✨
⛓️Forced proximity⛓️
2/5 🌶️
Elera, our feisty human FMC, makes a deal with fae worriers to save her sister who is her only remaining family after a fire claimed the lives of her parents.
In the fae realm she does everything she can to survive with the goal to escape. Elera does not intend to make friends along the way, or feel an urge towards one of our MMCs.
After discovering some hard truths and falling for one of the main character, she faces a deadly trial to save him and those trapped in the kingdom.
I personally loved the writing style of the author! World building was done well, I just wish there was a bit more detail. The characters are easy to connect with and pull you into their story. Banter and sass present in every chapter! Broody fae males, secrets and hard choices.
I do feel the pacing of the book was a bit rushed. Don’t get me wrong, the plot made sense and timeline was followed, I just wish some chapters would have been longer with more details. Especially the trials at the end.
I’m still routing for my favorite MMC, Elera ended the book with discovering he had kept something secret and I feel she didn’t understand he really had been telling her all along with little clues and actions.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and will absolutely read book 2! The cliffhanger was brutal! 😅
🔥Slow-Burn🔥
🖤Enemies to Lovers🖤
✔️Fallen God ✔️
✨Banter✨
⛓️Forced proximity⛓️
2/5 🌶️
Elera, our feisty human FMC, makes a deal with fae worriers to save her sister who is her only remaining family after a fire claimed the lives of her parents.
In the fae realm she does everything she can to survive with the goal to escape. Elera does not intend to make friends along the way, or feel an urge towards one of our MMCs.
After discovering some hard truths and falling for one of the main character, she faces a deadly trial to save him and those trapped in the kingdom.
I personally loved the writing style of the author! World building was done well, I just wish there was a bit more detail. The characters are easy to connect with and pull you into their story. Banter and sass present in every chapter! Broody fae males, secrets and hard choices.
I do feel the pacing of the book was a bit rushed. Don’t get me wrong, the plot made sense and timeline was followed, I just wish some chapters would have been longer with more details. Especially the trials at the end.
I’m still routing for my favorite MMC, Elera ended the book with discovering he had kept something secret and I feel she didn’t understand he really had been telling her all along with little clues and actions.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and will absolutely read book 2! The cliffhanger was brutal! 😅
Review of advance copy received from Author
A thoroughly intriguing Romantasy, full of action, adventure, intrigue and mystery!
Elera forced to look after her sick sister due to an unfortunate turn of events, has not had an easy life. Faced with hardship at every turn, she’s found herself being forced to beg, borrow and steal just to survive. When Elera is kidnapped from all she’s ever known and thrust into the magical world of Eldoria, Elera encounters a new kind of hardship she had never even considered before.
Elera is one feisty character. Not afraid to speak her mind, much to her detriment at times. Kind hearted, loyal and determined to get back to her sister.
As Elera learns more about her new ‘home’ she encounters other intriguing males along the way. I loved the friendship she developed with some and the angst, swooning Elera felt with others. That was just top notch for me, when it exploded it certainly went with a bang!!
"Good, because what I'm about to do to you isn't for beginners,"
A great first in the series, so many loose ends I can’t wait to see where we head to next!
I was given an ARC copy of this book by the author which I most definitely enjoyed!
Elera forced to look after her sick sister due to an unfortunate turn of events, has not had an easy life. Faced with hardship at every turn, she’s found herself being forced to beg, borrow and steal just to survive. When Elera is kidnapped from all she’s ever known and thrust into the magical world of Eldoria, Elera encounters a new kind of hardship she had never even considered before.
Elera is one feisty character. Not afraid to speak her mind, much to her detriment at times. Kind hearted, loyal and determined to get back to her sister.
As Elera learns more about her new ‘home’ she encounters other intriguing males along the way. I loved the friendship she developed with some and the angst, swooning Elera felt with others. That was just top notch for me, when it exploded it certainly went with a bang!!
"Good, because what I'm about to do to you isn't for beginners,"
A great first in the series, so many loose ends I can’t wait to see where we head to next!
I was given an ARC copy of this book by the author which I most definitely enjoyed!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Received this as an ARC from the author. This is my honest review.
First of all, I had an audible GASP within the first 4 pages. I had to message T.A. immediately, are you for real? 😲
The writing is smooth, seamless, pulls you in, and flows so beautifully.
This story will pull at your heart strings. The love that Elara, our FMC has for her sister is truly immeasurable. The challenges that Elara faces and her strength, wit, and ferocity... incredible.
The pacing was great throughout, with highs and lows at just the right points to keep you locked in.
The angst. The longing...but she makes you wait. Its the perfect amount of slow burn because, there's the scene. The scene where you're going to kick your feet and giggle like a school girl. Kingfisher who? 😏
The labyrinth was super creative and spoke to our FMCs determination and strength.
Wait. There's more! (IKR) Plot twists at the end that will make you smile... and possibly cry.
Read it and see. No spoilers here!
Well done. Absolutely cannot wait for book 2!
First of all, I had an audible GASP within the first 4 pages. I had to message T.A. immediately, are you for real? 😲
The writing is smooth, seamless, pulls you in, and flows so beautifully.
This story will pull at your heart strings. The love that Elara, our FMC has for her sister is truly immeasurable. The challenges that Elara faces and her strength, wit, and ferocity... incredible.
The pacing was great throughout, with highs and lows at just the right points to keep you locked in.
The angst. The longing...but she makes you wait. Its the perfect amount of slow burn because, there's the scene. The scene where you're going to kick your feet and giggle like a school girl. Kingfisher who? 😏
The labyrinth was super creative and spoke to our FMCs determination and strength.
Wait. There's more! (IKR) Plot twists at the end that will make you smile... and possibly cry.
Read it and see. No spoilers here!
Well done. Absolutely cannot wait for book 2!
Review of advance copy received from Author
First off thank you to T.A Crownover for the advance copy in exchange for a honest review.
The Ballad of the Curse pulled me in and did not let go. Once I got settled into the world, I was completely hooked. I will say the first chapter really hit me in the feels….
Elera is such a strong FMC. She’s fierce, loyal, stubborn, and willing to sacrifice everything for the people she loves. I loved watching her grow while still holding onto that fire inside her.
And the enemies-to-lovers tension?? The banter?? The build-up?? I was stressed. I was swooning. I was talking to the book.
The world felt rich and alive, but not in a way that made it hard to follow. It just pulls you in. There’s action, angst, magic, and that slow, drawn-out romance that makes you wait… and wait… and somehow makes it even better.
The ending left me both satisfied and desperate for book two.
If you love romantasy with strong character growth, tension you can feel in your chest, and a slow burn that actually burns… this is it.
The Ballad of the Curse pulled me in and did not let go. Once I got settled into the world, I was completely hooked. I will say the first chapter really hit me in the feels….
Elera is such a strong FMC. She’s fierce, loyal, stubborn, and willing to sacrifice everything for the people she loves. I loved watching her grow while still holding onto that fire inside her.
And the enemies-to-lovers tension?? The banter?? The build-up?? I was stressed. I was swooning. I was talking to the book.
The world felt rich and alive, but not in a way that made it hard to follow. It just pulls you in. There’s action, angst, magic, and that slow, drawn-out romance that makes you wait… and wait… and somehow makes it even better.
The ending left me both satisfied and desperate for book two.
If you love romantasy with strong character growth, tension you can feel in your chest, and a slow burn that actually burns… this is it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Ballad of the Curse by T.A. Crownover is everything an enemies-to-lovers story should be, and more. From the very first page, it pulls you in with its gripping pace and refuses to let go. Every chapter flows seamlessly, building tension that keeps you turning the pages long after you meant to stop.Elera’s journey is heartfelt and powerful. Watching her grow, struggle, and ultimately learn through the final chapters gives this story real emotional depth. The dynamic between the characters is electric, brimming with conflict, chemistry, and perfectly executed slow-burn romance.The ending was absolutely fantastic, satisfying yet full of questions that make you desperate for book two. T.A. Crownover has crafted something truly special here. If you love well-written fantasy with sharp tension and emotional payoff, The Ballad of the Curse is a must-read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this book as an Advanced Reader Copy - thank you!
I absolutely devoured this book! I couldn't put it down! The main character was super feisty and totally stubborn, but in the best of ways. I really respected the love and bond she had for her sister. Without giving any spoilers, I also enjoyed every single character. They were all so well written and we learned just enough about them to be satisfied with the info given in the first book. The love interest is just my kinda man haha. I absolutely loved their story and how they ended up together. I wish the labyrinth scene at the end would have been a bit longer, but other than that, this was a 5 stars through and through. Beautiful and immersive writing all the way through. I cannot wait for book 2!!
I absolutely devoured this book! I couldn't put it down! The main character was super feisty and totally stubborn, but in the best of ways. I really respected the love and bond she had for her sister. Without giving any spoilers, I also enjoyed every single character. They were all so well written and we learned just enough about them to be satisfied with the info given in the first book. The love interest is just my kinda man haha. I absolutely loved their story and how they ended up together. I wish the labyrinth scene at the end would have been a bit longer, but other than that, this was a 5 stars through and through. Beautiful and immersive writing all the way through. I cannot wait for book 2!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I’m a newer fantasy reader, but I truly loved this book. It pulled me in right from the start and kept me engaged the entire time.
Elera was a fantastic FMC. She’s fiercely protective of her sister and willing to do whatever it takes to keep her safe, even if that means sacrificing herself. I also loved that she’s strong, independent, and neither needs nor wants anyone to protect her.
The story is a very slow burn, but it’s absolutely worth it. I’m already sad that I have to wait for the next book because I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC of this book!
Elera was a fantastic FMC. She’s fiercely protective of her sister and willing to do whatever it takes to keep her safe, even if that means sacrificing herself. I also loved that she’s strong, independent, and neither needs nor wants anyone to protect her.
The story is a very slow burn, but it’s absolutely worth it. I’m already sad that I have to wait for the next book because I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC of this book!
February 9, 2026
I received this book as an Advanced Reader Copy - thank you.
At first I could not get into the book because of all of the authors set up of the story. But once I got into it I couldn't put it down. The banter and the tension started and oh was it so good. The characters were all so well written and we learned just enough about them to be satisfied.
A Ballad Of The Curse is book 1 of The Labyrinth Of The Damned series in the romantasy genre.
Slow-Burn
Enemies to Lovers
Fallen God
Banter
Forced proximity
At first I could not get into the book because of all of the authors set up of the story. But once I got into it I couldn't put it down. The banter and the tension started and oh was it so good. The characters were all so well written and we learned just enough about them to be satisfied.
A Ballad Of The Curse is book 1 of The Labyrinth Of The Damned series in the romantasy genre.
Slow-Burn
Enemies to Lovers
Fallen God
Banter
Forced proximity
Review of advance copy received from Author
If you mix beauty and the beast with quicksilver you have “The Ballad of the curse” by T.A crownover. Loved the main female character. She was feisty, willing to sacrifice herself to protect those she loved. Was rooting for the main male character to begin with. If you like action, romantasy, world building this book is for you. I can’t wait for book 2. T.A Crownover is a great writer and I hope all enjoy reading her new book. I highly recommend this book to romantasy readers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was sent an Arc copy for an honest review.
I rated this book a 4 star read.
I really enjoyed all the aspects in the book from the world building to the characters and everything inbetween.
it definetly was different from a few romantasy books ive read, but it was refreshing none less.
I look forward to reading more by the author.
I rated this book a 4 star read.
I really enjoyed all the aspects in the book from the world building to the characters and everything inbetween.
it definetly was different from a few romantasy books ive read, but it was refreshing none less.
I look forward to reading more by the author.
February 13, 2026
The Ballad of the Curse delivers fierce FMC energy, broody fae males, nonstop banter, and a slow burn that hurts so good. Loved Elera’s strength and the enemies-to-lovers tension. The world pulled me in, the ending felt a bit rushed, but that cliffhanger has me feral for book two.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews