A mysterious drought has plagued the queendom of Scorpio. With an empty throne trapped behind a power-hungry regent, Scorpio has fallen susceptible to rebels bent on destroying the floating realm of Gaianos.
As an aspiring dancer in Gemini, Rahzlyn Ariti couldn’t care less for politics. After a foolish mistake thrusts her into a world of prophecies and danger, Rahzlyn finds herself at the mercy of a powerful group of rebels with two options: commit treason to protect her brother, or face death. Saved from that impossible choice by a mysterious man who both infuriates and entices her, she is taken to Scorpio’s fragile court as their next cursed princess.
Raithe Katsaros is a cynical guardian who will do anything to break Scorpio’s curse, including revealing Rahzlyn as a secret rebel—the brazen woman he captured and is now sworn to protect. As the lines between duty and desire blur, Raithe and Rahzlyn must learn to trust each other—but time is running out. They will have to overcome their biggest adversary in order to survive: themselves.
Suncursed is a debut epic fantasy featuring slow-burn forbidden romance, astrological magic, and breathtaking floating kingdoms.
Nephele Lane is a city girl with her head in the clouds. Born and raised in the midwest, she spent her youth enacting fantastical stories that she’d eventually inscribe on paper. Suncursed is the first novel in the Of Stars and Blood series—a lifelong dream realized. When she isn’t chasing clouds or working on her next romantic fantasy, she can be found reading her horoscope over herbal tea or exploring the outdoors with her husband and two dogs.
An interesting book about suffering and interpersonal relationships trauma, which is considered in this book so be aware and check out any trigger warnings you might have,
Other an amazing how it’s taken on as a joint POV of the FMC, and MMC, and how they are bullied into future marriage by abusers the family and their potential spouse is the worse kind of leacherous stalker that lurks about to watch the FMC, simply exceptional character development and world building in general that this was frankly an amazing read, and I look forward to what’s next.
I went into this with zero expectations and a vague notion of the plot and I’m glad I did because this book was a delight!
We’re in a world that is controlled and organized by astrology, each sign is its own kingdom and they have specific powers and customs. Rahzlyn and her twin live in Gemini where Rahzlyn has always been the odd one out. Considered not smart enough for work and just pretty enough to marry she feels very trapped in her life and when given the opportunity to dance she signs without reading the contract. Our girl is sometimes painfully naive and a little too trusting. As the dance contract she signs is with the rebel group and she’s tasked with seducing the king to keep her brother safe. Who does she accidentally seduce instead? The guardian Raithe from Scorpio. He’s been sent my the Scorpio seer to find a “black rose” who can hopefully break Scorpio’s curse.
Raithe kidnaps Rahzlyn and is surprised to discover upon entering Scorpio that’s she’s their next princess. Their push pull dynamic was great, both slowly fighting their attraction to each other. “The Chosen” are supposed to remain celibate so the forbidden love is quite hot. This is also a slow burn, there is maybe 1 kiss total.
The plot slows a bit in the middle and there’s a lot packed into the end. This is the first book in the series so a lot of book 1 is laying the groundwork for later books. I really enjoyed how each zodiac kingdom was described and how the people tended to mirror it. Both Rahzlyn and Raithe are on good growth journeys and I’m excited to see how they evolve.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Sorry if these thoughts are jumbled - The characters are interesting and extremely relatable, the use of astrology and the ‘magic/power’ system was fascinating and refreshing, the descriptions were great for visualizing, side characters stood out. You’re dropped into the story and actively coming up with more questions as you world build, the pacing kept me interested.
Although much of the story is “predictable”, the journey still feels fresh and like things could go awry from what you think is supposed to happen. The little clue and slight plot twist at the end has me interested enough to read book 2 (whenever that is!)
Please note, I received this book as an eARC from the author
I was immediately drawn into this story. Initially, I was nervous the magic system would be complicated (having no solid knowledge-base in celestial matters) but the author’s descriptions were thorough and concise. Once I started, I couldn’t put it down! Such a unique magic and political system and I am dying that there’s no second book to read yet!! And the forbidden romance? Out of this world. Absolutely recommend.
eARC provided by author in exhange for an honest review, thank you!
This book was intriguing and had my interested from the beginning. We are given a lot of information, right from the start and it set my brain on fire - which I loved. I also really liked the incorporation of aspects of the zodiac and tarot.
I really like Rahzlyn and her brother Basil. I enjoy their dynamic with one another as well as individually. I like Raithe as well. Both he and Rahzlyn have mystery surrounding them that make them even more interesting and his stubbornness made me yell more than once. I also need to say, the more I read of Raithe's POV, the more my heart broke for him. Felaf, Alekko and Letti are also great characters that quickly burrowed their way into my heart.
The plot of this book had me reeling and considering so much within the first 20% and it kept me hooked throughout the entire read. I love stories that have so much to consider, and for me, this story had that in spades. It only got more and more involved, intriguing and blew my mind more as it continued and I loved every second of it.
I was emotionally involved and engrossed in the plot more and more with each chapter. I figured some things out and had others blow me away, and enjoyed each and every moment regardless of whether or not I could predict it. I was a victim of plot twists that I saw coming as well as one's I didn't, and I still freaked out either way.
By the halfway point of the book, I had already felt like I'd been through an emotional war. I came to love these characters so quickly and watching them be hurt, watching them know there's nothing they can do at certain times, knowing how much it hurt them - hurt me deeply. By the end of this book I was consumed.
This is one of the most intellectually stimulating plots I have ever read. The characters are nuanced and the story has layers on layers and its so much fun to dig through them and to get caught off guard by some things and figure others out. The world, the magic, honestly everything felt unique and refreshing and I miss it already. There are questions I still need answered and I will absolutely not be recovering from this ending until book 2 or maybe later.
Yes! Yes! Yes! I absolutely loved this book and I cannot wait to add it to my physical shelf and see how the series continues. Floating kingdoms, Zodiac gods, a forbidden romance with perfect tension? Yes, thank you. Honestly, I ate this one up.
The world building was fantastically layered and unique. The main characters were dynamic and lived-in, and so incredibly likeable. The tension & slow-burn is just how I like it. Raithe is a ‘Chosen’ guardian, and an oathbound celibate. Because of his traumatic and abusive upbringing though, he is used to living unattached and has no intention of creating meaningful relationships/attachments with anyone. My heart ached for Raithe and all he’d been through!
On the other hand, Rahzlyn has lived a seemingly simple life running an apothecary with her grandparents. But this life has left her feeling stifled and trapped. That is, until she decides to take a job dancing at the mysterious Serpentine. This is a major turning point.
While the main characters’ relationship begins as that of captor/captive, it quickly evolves into a new dynamic as truths are revealed.
I found this one to be so refreshing--the world was magical, the pacing was perfect, and the plot and character development was emotional and raw. I grew to genuinely care about these characters.
I highly recommend this one to romantasy readers that love a forbidden romance dynamic with a slow-burn.
First of all ,I want to say thank you to Nephele for letting me be part of her ARC team.
I have never read any book related with Zodiacs & I'm glad it was this one. I loved the world & how it's sectioned off my kingdoms depending on the Zodiacs. I love how each kingdom is so different in their culture & how they dress. Rahzlyn was so different from any other Gemini where she's from & as the story continues we see why & then we truly have come to see her blossom. She still has her faults, which makes her so relatable, but she also gained so much strength because of them & found some hidden strength underneath them. The chemistry between Rahzlyn & Raithe is undeniable & I loved their back & forth. Seeing how much their relationship changed throughout the story was intriguing. I did enjoy the world, the lore, the quest & the romance but I felt like something else was missing. Maybe I just needed some more closure for Rahzlyn. I just wanted one good thing to happen to her to give her more confidence & maybe help more with the quest at hand. Other than that I enjoyed everything else & I do think everyone should give it a chance. Especially with that cliffhanger at the end & I can't wait for the sequel that I hope can tie some loose ends.
Possibly the easiest five stars I've given this year.
I could not put this book down unless it was to rave about it to my friends then get right back into reading it.
Excellent world building? ✅ Dynamic, loveable characters ✅ Captivating plot ✅ Banter ✅ Enemies to ...?? ✅
The story is set in a world based on the signs of the Zodiac with 6 Kingdoms and 6 Queendoms in existence. The Queendom of Scorpio is struggling, dealing with a curse that is causing the mass suffering of its (poorer) people. Our MMC Raithe is one of the Chosen Guardians, selected to protect the Queen of Scorpio - only a queen hasn't been chosen in 12 years. Struggling as a child, he is given the will to survive when a seer says he will save them all.
Our FMC Rahzlyn's story begins in the kingdom of Gemini. Struggling with finding herself, her story is an adventure of growth and self discovery, of learning the strengths and pitfalls of her trusting, almost wild nature.
As Rahzlyn's and Raith's destinies collide, they begin to learn from each other and question the world they've been raised in.
Thank you SO much to author Nephele Lane for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I can't wait to get my hands on a physical copy!
This is a wonderful and unique story that kept me captivated and entertained from beginning to end!
⭐️ Romantasy ⭐️ Slow Burn ⭐️ Forbidden Love ⭐️ Unique Magic System ⭐️ Political Unrest ⭐️ Deception and Betrayal ⭐️ Child Abuse ⭐️ Curse ⭐️ Pegasus ⭐️ Zodiac Sign Kingdoms ⭐️ Family Secrets
In a world where Kingdoms are separated by an individual's zodiac sign, families are torn apart and breaking a rule in the Treaty of the Twelve may result in death. Rahzlyn does not feel that she fits in and believes herself to be a failure. With encouragement from someone she trusts, she makes a rash decision and gains employment with the hope that she will become ndependent and nake her family proud. Not all is as it seems and when she is betrayed, Rahzlyn is placed in a precarious situation.
This is an interesting book with a fascinating magic system and intriguing political hierarchy. It is a compelling story of betrayal, manipulation and deception. The FMC and MMC face challenges that are emotionally devastating and traumatizing yet find strength in each other and those around them. I look forward to seeing where this story leads. ❤️📚
**HONEST ARC REVIEW** Came for the sky world setting and celestial vibes, stayed for the complex characters and interesting plot! Rahzlyn is passionate and Raithe is intense and the burn there is sloowww in a what is going to happen next?? way that keeps you intrigued alongside the bigger picture plot. The side characters have depth and I definitely fell for them, too. The world building eases you in, which I really appreciate in fantasy. I never felt like I was being info-dumped on, but I also never felt confused in a way that took me away from the story. I appreciate the pacing! Every page kept me excited for the next without feeling rushed. I didn’t expect the complexity of the political climate and I’m eager for more details on that in the next book. I also really want an open world video game that lets you go explore each zodiac’s land. I need more sky land vibes! Dear Nephele … THAT ENDING?! I’m champing at the bit for the next book, you wonderful weaver of words ❤️🩹
“I’ve never thought about anyone else so incessantly the way I do you”
Guardians Cursed Royalty Zodiac Multiple POVs Rebellion Family secrets Prophecy Longing Forbidden love Heartbreak
Wild, strong willed, and free spirit Rahzlyn doesn’t just want to be someone’s wife. She wants to be free, she just wants to dance. Listening to the songs on the wind. Forced into a precarious situation to save her family. Finding herself in unknown lands with the weight of a curse on her shoulders.
Her twin Basil is much more level headed and serious than his sister. With a touch of the sight he is helping his family run the apothecary.
Raithe is a guardian determined to help break the Scorpio curse and is killing off all the potential royals and keeping them from accessing their magic. He will do whatever it takes for his queendom. Continually putting him in the firing rage of the power hungry queen regent.
Look no further as you have found your next book binge series!
This world building The magic system The yearning….
*chefs Kiss*
My LORD I devoured this book (ignoring all chores and life duties)
It gave me the feelings I got from reading ACOTAR, Fourth Wing and Quicksilver.
The tension is addicting, the forbidden romance ❤️🔥 and the info dumping is given all at the right time in the right quantity and STILL somehow leave you wanting more.
It’s safe to say that I cannot wait for book 2 & 3! I have so many questions, I need to know where threads lead and WHO Rahzlyn and us the reader can trust as right now I can’t really name one person bar the MMC!
Eeeek! I’m excited to keep gushing about this book, it needs recognition and coming from an Indie Author more work is needed to spread the word!
Full disclosure…Romantasy isn’t usually my thing because I don’t have the most vivid imagination and I get super nauseated by the toxic nature of the relationships in those books. I was drawn in by curiosity about the astrology concepts in Nephele Lane’s book. I really enjoyed this book! It was a slow burn but not boring, and I never felt lost or confused in the fantastical world because there were such great descriptions. The imagery was really well done. I loved the way feminism, respect and consent was incorporated into the romance. I really enjoyed that I didn’t see the ending coming but it made perfect sense. I don’t want to wait for the next book to find out what happens!
I'm actually blown away by how good this book was, especially as a debut book. It took me 25% through the book to understand the plot and the inner workings of the characters. After that, the story REALLY picks up. As a Scorpio, I loved the idea of them being ruled by a queendom.
Suncursed is a true slow burn, full of magic and intrigue. I love the side characters, Felaf is my favorite. She plays by the rules but I have a sneaking suspicion there's more under the surface.
HOLY CLIFFHANGER THOUGH! Nephele please..... I need book two like yesterday. Waiting is going to be difficult 😭
Also, I will be buying the physical book once it comes out, it deserves a spot on my shelf, not just in the kindle.
I loved this book!! The world building/magic was easy to understand and the setting extremely intriguing. The main characters have a good amount on depth to them and I’m excited to see where their relationship goes. I love and hate the side characters and excited to learn more about them in future books.
I usually prefer a little more spice in my fantasy novels but honestly this book was so easy and enjoyable to read I didn’t mind! Pacing was fantastic.
The cliffhanger at the end has me salivating for more!!!!! I have so many unanswered questions that can’t wait to read their resolutions in the next book!
Thank you to the author for an advanced copy of Suncursed, all opinions are my own
4.5 stars rounded up, I really liked this book and I definitely should have read it sooner
Readers are thrown right into the books’ astrological/ magic system in the very beginning but I promise that it is easy to follow as the story goes along. For readers who are unfamiliar with the zodiacs, their elements, and even natal charts, it might be a good idea to look up the wheel of the zodiac (or don’t and just go with the flow).
What a brutal way to end book 1, Im already impatient for the next one to find out what happens next 😩
This was the first book I have ever arc read. Let me say I'm so glad I did it, for my first time doing this it was a hell of a good book. The plot was interesting and kept a very nice pace, the fmc and the mmc each show excellent growth throughout and had great chemistry. The world building and politics of it all being Zodiac based and rooted well into the metaphysical make for an excellent vibe and setting. I will def be recommending this book to my reader friends and look forward to the next one! Thank you Nephele!🤌🏽🤌🏽🫰🏽
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I couldn't put this book down. I literally read it in 2 days. This romantasy has a unique astrological magic system. The world is built throughout the pages. So you don't get overwhelmed with details. There will be floating kingdoms, trauma, trust issues, prophecies, and curses. The forbidden romance was one of the best. It was slow with the tension building and you are still left wanting more. And can we talk about the ending? Can I have book 2 already?
Wow!! I really enjoyed this one! I thought this was such a unique take on a romantasy and the magic and world-building was so different! I absolutely loved it!! I really enjoyed this book! The world building was a bit of a challenge at first, but easy enough to get through and definitely caught my interest right away! What a great debut, I can’t WAIT for the second one!
With Suncursed, the first in a new series, Nephele has crafted a fabulous story. The world-building is intriguing and impressive, as is the cast of characters. There’s thrills and suspense, wonderful dialog and relationships, and twists to keep the pages turning. Well done!!
This book is exactly what you need for a summer read! Our FMC has growth and so does our MMC both in different areas. The story and plot move at a good pace and keep you locked in. The side characters are good. If you enjoy fantasy and a bit of mythology this is you book! I can't wait for book 2
Family drama ✔️ Pegasus ✔️ Rule bending 🤷🏼♀️ Take your hands off her 🤌🏻 Mythology ✔️ Its about to go down 🤯