Curse The Heart

Mystics of Ashora #2

by Emily Blackwood

For Sinner and Athena, captivity never ends.

After their fight against the ministry ended in capture, the two are forced to move to the barracks, where they’ll live and train with the other claimed mystic pairs.

The only problem?

They never completed the claiming.

As two of the most powerful mystics in the camp, Sinner and Athena try their best to convince everyone their bond is complete, even as the truth seems to slip further and further away.

Only the claimed survive here.

And even that might not be enough.

As the deadly war games approach, their forged connection strains.

But something else simmers beneath the surface… something that connects them beyond the strength of any claiming.

The war games are coming.

Sinner and Athena never imagined claiming with anyone.

But options are running out.

Bond or die.

Unless it’s already too late…

Genres: Fantasy, Enemies To Lovers, Romantasy, Dark Romance, Forced Proximity, Romance, Found Family

386 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 11, 2026

Reviews

[Laura Greenhalgh · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 🌟 Thank you Emily for the early copy!! I absolutely DEVOURED Beg the Night (book one) and did a reread just before diving into this one, and this was a great continuation on from that, another addictive and fast paced read. I really enjoyed the development of the plot, change of setting and I loved getting Margaret’s POV and getting to know her on a deeper level. The ending was crazy 🥲🥲 Emily, please, you can’t leave me like this 😭

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5⭐

This is book 2 in the Mystics of Ashora series by Emily Blackwood. I’ve swallowed book 1, Beg the Night, in 1 go and was very excited when I got the arc for Curse the Heart.

I don’t know why I thought this was a duology, but the last 30 pages made me realize it wasn’t 🤣🙈 Because there was no way everything could be wrapped up that fast. Spoiler: it didn’t.

In Curse the Heart, Sinner and Athena are back with the Ministry. They have to train with the other claimed pairs and prepare for the War Games. These games are essential in the real war against the Earthlies. Or so, Director says.

This whole training and then the War Games felt very much like The Hunger Games. Everybody but your claimed is your rival. Everybody will try to kill you. And then there is the whole Mystics vs Earthlies thingy. The Ministry says the Earthlies want to kill them, but the Resistance doesn’t see it that way. Very The Hunger Games again. I never trust leaders of a resistance so I’m very curious to see what this leader will do in book 3!

Sinner is a man obsessed and I am so here for it. He and Athena aren’t truly claimed but somehow, they can use each other’s magic and sense a whole lot about each other. Whatever this is, or how it’s possible, remains very vague. I was hoping to get more answers but I think they’ll have to wait until the third book. Sinner can deny it all he wants but his possessive behavior isn’t a show at all, which I really enjoyed.

About the claiming… it’s basically a forced mating situation. Sinner and Athena began their claiming in book 1 but never completed it. The book blurb made me feel as if this would get them into trouble and potentially force them to finish their claiming but none of that happened. I also don’t really see where the problem in them not being truly claimed lies. Given the fact that they sense each other as if they were.

There were also other vague or mysterious things that I would’ve liked some answers to. Especially regarding Margaret, Sinner’s sister, and Alexander.

I truly enjoyed Curse the Heart but it didn’t have that same tension and high stakes danger for me as Beg the Night. But knowing this is a sequel, I can see why. I’m still invested enough for book 3, but I did wish we had some more answers in this one.

[Coralie’s library · Rating 5 out of 5]

The mystic of Ashora series truly deserves all the love !!♥️✨

I completely devoured book 1 & 2. Book 3 cannot come soon enough !!! The ending had me going like 🤯

No cause I truly did not expect the ending !! I think this cliffhanger was even bigger than book 1’s cliffhanger and I LOVED IT !!

The magic system and world building is super easy to understand and both of these were quick & entertaining reads ☺️

The slowburn is truly burning 🥵 im obsessed 🤭

If you love tropes like this :

Forced proximity
Enemies to lovers ⚔️
Slowburn 🔥
Touch her & 💀
Hidden powers
Magical bonding 🪄

Then you should definitely add it to your tbr ☺️

Thank you so much again @authoremilyblackwood for the early copy !!! 🫶🏼

[ℛℰ · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 ⭐️

Read it during my exams and honestly it felt like a filler. NGL the twists were solid but I was confused idk is this because my brain was fried from my exams or it it really was unnecessarily complicated. Like it felt we were moving in circles with out reaching a certain point or adding a new or different element

[Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2 picks up right where book 1 left off. I enjoyed getting right back into the story. I found this to be a quick and easy read and I think I liked it a little better than the 1st book. I love Elijah as an MMC, he is so protective and obsessed with Athena.

What honestly had me almost more intrigued was the secondary couple we got in this book…. Something about it has me sooo excited to see where that storyline goes.!!

I found the ending to be a lil anticlimactic but I’m excited we don’t have to wait too long for book 3 and it will likely also jump right back into it which is a positive!!

[Kristen Barger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I inhaled this book! This is definitely a 6 star read, IMO.
Sinner and Athena thrown into the Ministry's training arenas to "fight a war". Rebels trying to save them and fight against the Ministry.
Sinner and Athena denying their feelings almost the entire book.
The description of the environment, the other characters, the world building was still present throughout the entire time. It felt like you were there living amongst the characters with them. The powers, the manipulation, the guilt, the fear, the rage. All of it bled through each page perfectly.
I love the way Athena doesn't take shit from Sinner still but yet brings out his obsessive, possessive love for her, even though he's still denying it.
That ending though....what. was. that!
Because now are we going to see Marg look at Athena differently? Is their friendship ruined? Is there any coming back from what Athena and Sinner did? Do they join the rebels or do they still believe it's all not real?
I cannot wait for book 3! Well done, Emily!

[Lex Mak · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this may be my favourite book Emily has written, and that says a lot because I LOVED the golden city duet.

I was literally in such a slump, and this brought me back to life!
There was amazing banter, so much freaking tension, the world and the magic was unreal! This gives vibes of dystopian and everything I love about Romantasy.

What I love so much about Emily’s writing is that you can literally picture the world and the scenes without being removed from the story with so many descriptors. It’s flawless and effortless, you feel what the characters are feeling, and you are rooting for them every step of the way.

With the Beg the Night ending the way it did - starting this one didn’t skip a beat. We still got the enemies to lovers with the two main characters Athena and Sinner. We also got a new POV which I LOVED to be honest it was so refreshing to see another side of the story and their own plot. The banter between Athena and Sinner had me cackling, don’t even get me started on the tension.🤭 oh and the possessiveness. “Mine” always gets me.

The plot was so fast paced and had me so locked in I read this in just over 24 hours, I left no crumbs ok. NONE. The new element brought in was so interesting I couldn’t wait to find out more! Honestly you never knew who to trust in this story, it’s every man and woman for themselves and you experience that until the end when I was left wanting book 3 yesterday. What do you mean I have to wait for the next book 😅

I had such a good time with this and I’m excited for the rest of the story.

Thank you Emily and her team for the eARC copy 🤍

[Paige Ciemnolonski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my god. They really did a number on Sinner and Athena's minds. After all the torture and training and mind games... No wonder they don't know what's real and not. It is heartbreaking to see the ministry actually succeeding in getting to them. I don't like it.
Poor Margaret. But also .. I REALLY wanna see what comes of her and Gideon.
I need Elijah and Athena to be shown what is real again. It will be rough for them but necessary.
I have a feeling book 3 will be emotional And difficult for our babies.

[Kathrin-Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need book 3 now. The ending excuse me????? I am speechless

[Keeley Fogg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m sorry THE ENDING!?!?

[Jelizareads · Rating 5 out of 5]

THAT ENDING WAS INSANE! I found myself questioning what was real or fake and who we could trust throughout the WHOLE book! The ministry won’t stop killing earthlies until there are none left and they’ll kill all the mystics who stand in their way. Little did we know that the Director knew EXACTLY what they were doing. Athena and Elijah were too fooled to realize it. Oh my heart can’t take that ending and all the death that came from it! It’s going to take me forever to process it 💔
GIDEONNN! I am obsessed with him and Margaret together! She’s just so sweet and innocent and Gideon is like a dark god. The way he stalks her and tries to help her but also calls her little snake! Ahhhh I loved reading Margaret’s pov! Can’t wait to read more from them! But also see what the defiance does next

[Desi · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

I refuse to spoil this for anyone who hasn't read it, but I just... my mind was blown so many times reading this ARC.

This book is a masterclass of why I LOVE dual POV books. Sinner's internal commentary and struggles when it comes to his feelings (or the fact that has feelings) was amazing. I loved being able to have a front row seat to the developments in Athena and Sinner's relationship, but also their internal struggles they really wanted to keep private while they sorted through it all.

I also loved being able to witness the character development of Mags, Katherine, and Benedict. At first, I wasn't sure how it'd all tie back together, but when I got to the final pages, I realized it was going to be another "WAIT WHAT" moment like when I read Onyx Storm.

Emily, why did you do this to us? And why do I have to wait so long for book three? Absolutely loved this book and am so grateful to have received an ARC. Romantasy folks, absolutely add this series to your list, but beware IT IS INCOMPLETE (as of June when I'm writing this review).

[sadie · Rating 3 out of 5]

are they fucking stupid

[𐙚 moon · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Don’t forget who you belong to,” I told her. “I’m not some random man lusting after you, and I’m certainly not someone you can tell to back off.” Her nostrils flared. “You have no control over me. I can do what I want.” A shot of dark amusement coursed through me. “It’s cute that you think that.”

𐙚 Sort of enemies to lovers
𐙚 they hate each other but they're still obsessed with each other
𐙚 Forced proximity
𐙚 Captivity
𐙚 War
𐙚 Touch her and die
𐙚 Found family
𐙚 TW : Past child abuse, implied incest, sexual assault, death of family members, mass murder, indoctrination. (The abuses/sexual assault are not committed by the MCs)

Okay, that book was SO good to me. I already loved the first one, and now i'm loving this one too.

Elijah and Athena's relationship was awesome. The push and pull ? The tension ? The wanting ? Yeah i'm living for it.

Plot wise, it was good to see them captivated again but in another setting. We learn more about the mystics, the war and it is so twisted. Everything was so well written.

As for the plot twist part, I really enjoyed it at first and then it was mind blowing. (For me there's two/three plot twist, and I enjoyed the first while the other was mind blowing) For some maybe predictable, or not that mind blowing, but not for me. I wouldn't have thought about that.
I won't say much because I don't want to spoil anyone, but this sequel really went ahead in the story and gave us much more background on some characters.

I can't wait to read book 3 !!!

— Quotes

“Tell me you’re mine,” he growled. “We may hate each other, but that doesn’t change reality. You. Are. Mine. Not his. Not anyone else’s.”

“Mine, Athena. Nobody else can have you,” I reminded her.

“I’m thinking you’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid eyes on.”

“What?” He stepped closer, taking me in from head to toe. “I said, you are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid eyes on, Athena. That’s what I’m thinking.”

His hands roamed my body—my torn, foul dress, my raw, damaged skin. But his touch was like home. He was home.

“If you think I’m going to tell you to stop, Sinner, you’ve really lost your mind.” “Elijah,” I said, some instinct taking over. She smiled, her lips almost brushing mine. “Please kiss me, Elijah.” God have mercy on my fucking soul, I did.

“Are you telling me there are other women out there you like looking at?” she teased, trailing a finger across my chest. I snatched her wrist and squeezed. “How could I possibly even think of other women when you consume my every. Fucking. Thought?”

“I’m obsessed with you. You think I would lie about that?” The thought alone made me laugh. “How many times have I told you that you’re mine?” “I thought that was just you being possessive. Your phantoms wanting to own me and my power.” I brought my face closer to hers. Close enough that I could feel her breath on my lips. “I am possessive,” I gritted out. “I’m also outrageously obsessed with you, and I will never look at another woman.”

[Valerie | Vanelena.Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Curse the Heart is a fast paced and exciting sequel in the Mystics of Ashora series.

After the events of book 1 - Beg the Night - I knew that Curse the Heart would be an exciting ride, and Emily has absolutely delivered. Book 2 picks up right where we left off, with Sinner and Athena captured by the Ministry, still not claiming each other, but somehow connected. There are War Games, which expand the world a bit and add some excitement to the plot. We also get a new POV with Margaret, who adds such a rich layer to the story. Sinner and Athena are still enemies, but also need each other to survive. Their banter is top tier, and Sinner's possessiveness and yearning is so good. They are struggling with their feelings for each other - not sure if it is related to their partial claim, or something more. I was truly sucked into this book, and am so ready for book 3!

Thank you so much to Emily Blackwood for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own!

[Meg Epperson · Rating 5 out of 5]

what do you mean it ended like that….???????????????

I’m traumatized. genuinely. I don’t know how we’re going to move on from that ending.. 😀 if I am being honest, I was gooped and gagged this whole book. The addition of Margaret’s POV was genius, she is hilarious and I need more of her- there’s also still so much to unpack and unravel with her!!!!! I love the way Emily is building this world and planting seeds of things to come, I truly will be thinking of this book until the very second the next one is in my hands.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved book 1 and was so excited to read this! Thank you Emily for an ARC!

It started out a little slow (& I didn’t do a reread before) but I enjoyed Margaret’s pov and the war games were interesting. After that ending, I need to know what happens next!!

I really hope the next book has Gideon’s pov because I need more of him please. I think my favorite part of this whole book was him calling Margaret little snake. 🫠

[Cassie Jo Perkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is literally so great. Even better than the first one! The yearning and banter in this book is PEAK enemy’s to lovers. The new characters in this book also have gained a part of my heart too! I could not put this book down and when I did was only to sleep and eat. As per usual it wouldn’t be an Emily Blackwood book if it didn’t end on a cliffhanger. SO READY FOR BOOK 3!!!!

[Frances Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genuinely really liking this plot line! Reads like a fantasy and dystopian wrapped in one. I definitely think the author could have spent more time developing the plot because there is so much potential there and I feel really teased with the whole “claiming thing” like get to it already. Excited for book 3 tho!

[Kayleigh Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

[jadeee · Rating 4 out of 5]

great dual pov!

[Carly Carr · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 🌟

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Ebba · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bättre än vad jag förväntade mig

[Hastogy]

This book done piss me off.

1 - a relação inteira deles ter começado do zero was annoying as fuck
2 - hunger games copy cat looking ah-
3 - eles no fim irritaram-me profundamente porque HOW DUMB CAN YOU BE BRO WHAT THE FUCK
4 - Basicamente nenhuma cena deles juntos like? That was the only reason I was here
5 - A revelação dos poderes dele foi LAME like como assim os poderes não são dele? What are you an unemployed looser?

Ugh whatever ao menos a química da irmã com o outro gajo was serving

estes livros lembra-me bué do shatter me ainda por cima também são curtinhos. Whatever ainda bem que ainda não há um terceiro porque assim não vou continuar a ler

[Kendall Olsen]

Don't piss me off. What the actual fuck was that ending? Actually, no, what was that entire book. The ending of the first book left off with so much potential, where did all of that go?

[minnie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The ending was so tragic

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️

[Radhika · Rating 2 out of 5]

So the main characters don’t have critical thinking skills or independent thought.

Let’s just believe whatever some random sus boy from the historically corrupt government has to say and slaughter a whole town after you were told it was a “war game” (dumb title). Mind you, you were kidnapped by them and you actually questioned it when you first got there and they didn’t answer any of your questions.

[Lauren Walker · Rating 2 out of 5]

So drawn out for no reason and the ending annoyed me. Won’t be carrying on