Lucretia's Curse

by Olivia Noelle

A curse, a cure, and the centuries between them.

Of all the myths painted across the coastal land of Marai, nineteen-year-old Nielle Lucretia has only ever feared one kind of monster: the man that assaulted her last year. As she searches for a way to cure the scar he left behind, she realizes that her secret gift—the ability to hear the songs of nature—binds her to something dark, and cursed beneath the bones of Marai.

Centuries later, an archaeologist named Briar believes the myth of Lucretia has been lost for good, until he accidentally unleashes a curse from her sarcophagus. He’s forced to travel to Ancient Marai to strike a deal with Nielle: he’ll help her cure her scar if she helps him break his curse.

But history demands to repeat itself, and once Nielle finds out the truth behind who started this curse, she vows that no one, not even fate, will ever write her story again.

Genres: Fantasy

315 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 15, 2026

Reviews

[Erin Liedtky · Rating 4 out of 5]

i LOVED this book! i thought the plot was very well structured and things were interesting. i was hooked when nielle was brought to the guild. i personally needed some more transitions, but overall very good book.

read lucretia’s curse when it releases!!!

[Erica Smillie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely incredible! The story was so beautifully written and pulled me in immediately. I can’t wait to read the second!

[Cameron Sidney🦉🏛️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Review in exchange for ARC*

A truly intriguing and well rewritten debut. This book is truly a breath of fresh air in the over saturated fantasy/romantasy space. The premise of this novel is unique from what I have read previously and I truly enjoyed reading about Lucretia & her journey.

Writing
The writing in this novel is top tier. Blending beautiful prose with well written dialogue. I never felt like the writing got in the way of the story which I always appreciate

Fantasy
During the beginning of the novel I thought this was going to be a slower paced fantasy but it picked up great towards the end.It Incorporated unique concepts with some classic tropes, which I loved. There were some small twists — while they did not truly shock me they still added some fun to this novel.

Romance
I would say this book is low spice/ no spice. The romance is a very small part of this book( which you may or may not enjoy). I personally enjoyed spending my time focused on the main plot and exploring Lucretia’s emotions. While the romance was present it did fall a tad flat for me. I just didn’t really feel that the characters had chemistry or a connection, but considering how small a part the romance is of this book it’s not really an issue for me.

Stand-alone?
I would say this book is a standalone. While there is potential for this to become a series. The story itself wraps up nicely in this book.

Overall a really fun read, pick it up and support indie authors!

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Something about the concept of time-travelling steampunk archaeologists has made me realise what a breath of fresh air unique fantasy books like this one are. The prose was lyrical and beautifully crafted, and I really liked the idea of a magic system based around the songs emitted by different creatures, though I would’ve liked to see it a bit more fleshed out in the story.

The plot had an interesting premise and was well executed for the most part - a woman trying to heal both physically and mentally gets roped into a quest for a cure that spans centuries. It was fast-paced and full of intrigue, and I particularly liked seeing the protagonist's character growth and personal journey. The only thing I felt was holding it back was the insertion of specific popular tropes that felt a bit clunky and out of place in the overall narrative. These are scientists and archaeologists frantically searching for the cure to an apparently catastrophic plague - why are they throwing a masquerade ball all of a sudden?

Overall, an enjoyable debut novel that could have been excellent if it was a little more refined and the author was able to free herself from the shackles of trying to be palatable to BookTok.

[Anastasia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading Lucretia’s Curse on the plane to D.C., and a few hours later, I found myself standing in front of the painting of Tarquin and Lucretia at the National Gallery of Art. I didn’t know about the painting, and I just so happened to look at the plaque next to it. When fiction and reality meet unexpectedly like this, it often feels a little like fate. This painting tells one version of the story of Lucretia from Ancient Rome, but Olivia Noelle tells another.

Lucretia’s Curse is a lyrical, genre-bending tale that gives the protagonist, Nielle, agency and power. It blends fantasy, sci-fi, historical fiction, mythology, and romance. In short, everything I enjoy in a book. Nielle is such a compelling protagonist. Her story is told with care and complexity as she begins to reclaim the narrative and write her own story.

This is a fantastic debut novel, and I highly recommend it. I’ve seen the story evolve over the last several years, and it is so cool to read it in its final form. I can’t wait to read Olivia Noelle’s next book!

[Allyssa Sayers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Time travel, magic, a beautiful character arc, action, beasts—THIS STORY HAS ALL MY FAV THINGS!

This is truly one of those books that I would love to see get its own film adaptation. The story would translate so well to the screen for so many reasons!

The story telling style, characters, and plot were so enjoyable! The first half it took me a minute to feel pulled into the story but the last fifty percent had me on the edge of my seat! I could NOT put it down. I have NEVER read a book with a concept anywhere close to this. So unique and creative—genius, really!

Something I loved was Nielle’s personal arc and story. Her journey was truly beautiful to witness. Not to mention so completely inspiring. I believe that any girl who went through what she did will feel seen and known through this story.

The love interest had so many of the classic characteristics that I look for in a MMC while also being ALL his own. He didn’t feel corny or redundant and I fully appreciate that.

All in all, I thought it was such a great read and I highly recommend!

[Siobhan MW · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review!
Rating: 3.5/5

Lucretia's Curse started off promising, with the introduction of a compelling main character, Nielle. I truly felt for her and her desire to change her fate. The author handled the dark topics of this book with care, and never did I feel that it fell to the wayside.

However, while I connected with Nielle, I had difficulty connecting with the other characters. Her brother interested me the most, and I enjoyed reading about her reconnecting with her family. But I did not feel much chemistry from the romance, and could not bring myself to care about the love interest, Briar.

Overall, while this book's concept was intriguing, it fell just a little short of my expectations. There wasn't anything wrong with it, but I didn't connect with the story or the characters as much as I wanted to.

[Megan Scibetta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a sucker for mythology-inspired stories, complicated women, and a little romance thrown in for good measure, and Lucretia’s Curse delivered all three.

What I enjoyed most was that beneath the curses, time travel, and mythology, there’s a surprisingly emotional story about women, power, and the stories we inherit about them. Nielle especially stuck with me. She’s complicated, wounded, and allowed to be both of those things without the story asking her to become smaller or easier to swallow.

An ambitious, heartfelt debut from Olivia Noelle, and I’m genuinely excited to see where she goes from here.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book. Initially it pulls you in with the cute romance and butterfly moments. However, by the end, more than anything, I was completely in love with the main character and her story. Olivia truly makes you feel emotionally connected and invested in Nielle’s story and growth. She is one of those characters that feel real, like you can really see yourself in them. Tears were shed and I’m already excited to go back and reread to start connecting dots from the plot twists that get revealed at the end! cannot recommend this book enough.

[Katie Barbour · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got some steampunk vibes while reading this delightful fantasy story.

I was intrigued by the premise… the idea of someone searching for a cure for a scar. As someone who has multiple scars I’d love to not have anymore, it was interesting to see if Nielle would succeed. Although, at different parts of the story I wondered if Nielle focused so much on the physical scar in order to avoid the mental and emotional scar left behind from her attack.

The story kept me interested with twists I didn’t see coming. It’s a solid fantasy read. 😁

[Erica · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

Super great first novel! Congrats Olivia. This story was beautifully written and my favorite part was right before the ending, when Calias and Nielle were battling against each other, the imagery was so strong I could see them right before my eyes. And the plot twists shock me everytime- what do you mean the bone is in Nielle's heart!? What do you mean the rapist was Calias?! Overall I really enjoyed reading this story and it was an interesting read! Wasn't dreadful to read at all👍👍Again, super great first work and I'm excited to read your future stories!

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The premise of this novel is unique from what I have read previously. I truly enjoyed reading about Lucretia & her journey.

It was fast-paced and full of intrigue, and I particularly liked seeing the characters growth and personal journey.

Overall, an enjoyable debut novel and an easy read! I loved the writing style and the amazing characters she created. This book had all the feels.

Definitely did not want to put it down!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

[The_enchanted.Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

The writing is just beautiful. So poetically written and fresh.

The mythological and historical links were fascinating and it enhanced Lucretia's story and her character arc. The symbolism and physical repercussions of her scars of past trauma was interwoven so respectfully and with so much depth. It was a window into the past, yet it also echoes into our world and shows how universal the human experience is.

Thank you to the author for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Kendyl Haagen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! The banter between the main characters was great! I was sucked in! There was plenty of times I was caught on the edge of my seat and the next moment I had tears in my eyes. There is fantastic figurative language, character development, slow burn romance, a curse to be broken, time traveling, and monster hunting! What more could you ask for!

[Mia Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book and an easy read! Definitely did not want to put it down! A few plot twists here and there that tied in with so many things and then everything just felt connected!
Loved the ending and can’t want for more!!

[Hallie Schwartzkopf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ancient Roman aesthetic? Check. Dangerous monster hunting? Check. Adorable romance? Also check. This book is for anyone who loves a unique concept, read Percy jackson when they were 12, or enjoys being transported into a book with creative imagery. Crossing my fingers and hoping for a sequel! 🤞

[Coral Rey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewing ARC given by author!

I absolutely fell in love with the characters and the story. I enjoyed following Nielle’s journey as I read. I don’t normally do romantasy but Noelle’s writing is magnificent and keeps you locked in wanting for more. I can’t to see what else she comes up with!

[Nicolette Hakes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this so much! The world building made me feel like i could literally step into it. I just wish i could read it again for the first time haha

[Donel Hakes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it!!!

[B.G. White · Rating 3.75 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for an ARC copy of this book!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3.75/5

t r o u p es
🗝 steampunk vibes
🏛 Roman mythology
🐉 monster hunters
🖤 curses
🌸 sweet, slow burn

m y • t h o u g h t s
Lucretia's Curse is such a fun, sweet read! This was a great palette cleanser, and everything I could've wanted in a Roman-inspired romantic fantasy! The cover is gorgeous, Olivia's writing is beautiful, and it totally sucked me into the world. Now I want more of it! 🤗✨

🖋 t h e • p r o s e 🖋
Like I said, Olivia's writing was so delightful! It captured the whimsy of the world and the characters. I was very impressed this was her debut novel!

🕯 p l o t + p a c i n g 🕯
The pacing was almost perfect! It was just enough to describe the world and events of the story, while moving the story forward. That's why I felt it was such a good palette cleanser--it was just the right amount of everything <3
I thought the plot was really interesting, too! Ironically, it read a lot like an actual mythology in the way the story was structured. It starts out with a little of mystery and action, and then we quickly discover the conflict of the story and struggles of the characters. Then there's a series of different events that eventually lead to the climax. It's one of those stories where you genuinely have no idea what's going to happen next, but it's still predictable in a satisfying way.
I will say that not all the scenes seemed to move the story forward, but I did enjoy some of the slower bits for character development! (I loved the library scenes where Nielle and Briar were studying together!)
I definitely didn't expect that ending, but it was sooo good!
Overall, it was fun read and I definitely recommend!

🌸 c h a r a c t e r s🌸
The characters were so fun! Nielle was a unique protagonist with a strong motivation. The whole concept of her wanting to rid herself of her scar as a way to cope with her past trauma, was very neat and made for an interesting story.
Her relationship with Briar was sooo adorable and they balanced each other perfectly! I thought Briar was so sweet, but also mysterious, always with something new to learn about him.
I didn't really trust any of the other characters (lol, rightfully so), but in the end I ended up loving Nielle's father and how they mended their relationship 🥹
Nielle's brother was also sooo fun and I loved his dynamic with her! All so well done!

🏛 w o r l d b u i l d i n g 🏛
The world of Marai is strongly inspired by the Roman era, so it gave a lot of Italy/Greece vibes. It felt like it was a real place, but in a mythical time. The steampunk elements were a little surprising at first, but added such a neat facet to the story!
I loved the magical elements of monsters, artifact bones, and curses too! It was just the perfect touch to this mythical world and reminded me a lot of Percy Jackson!

🐉 c o n t e n t 🐉
This is a very clean book, though there are a couple of slightly graphic elements that add a level of depth to it (they end up in a witch's hut with some dead bodies that are pretty creepy).
There's also mentions of SA throughout the book, since Nielle was raped a year before the book begins. None of that is graphic, and I think was handled in a very delicate way.
I'd probably recommend for 15+