A Cursed Reign

Whims of Fae #5

by Nissa Leder

The fate of the Otherworld is in her hands. After rescuing Raith from the Darkland, Scarlett must deal with the aftermath of the ritual Ankou performed. Visions plague her as the darkness inside her grows. When Kaelem learns of a weapon that can kill Ankou, he and Scarlett must go on a quest to the mortal realm to find the man with the answers they seek. With Ankou free to leave the Darkland, time isn't on Scarlett's side. Because the weapon she searches for can not only kill him, but can kill her as well.

Genres: Fantasy, Fae, Romance, Young Adult, Fiction, Magic, Paranormal

230 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 27, 2018

Reviews

[Ashlee » libraryinthecountry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just need more Kaelem in my life. 😏

[Kay Moody · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am really enjoying the struggle between light and dark magic in this series. Based on the title of the next book, I think that struggle is only going to get more interesting. I went on a week-long vacation in the middle of reading this book, so I sadly, don't remember a lot of details from the beginning of it. And the things I do remember, I can't remember if they happened in the previous books or this one.

But the ending was pretty cool! I was surprised by Nevina's decisions near the end. I'm really excited to see what happens with her. And Morta? Yeah, no surprise there. Which also makes me look forward to the next book.

Oh yeah, and I loved the Do-or-do-not Stars Wars reference. That was really fun. Can't wait to start the next book and finally finish the series!! :)

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little slower to get through, although that could have just been me in a reader slump. The end picked up the pace very quickly! Again, Leder knows how to yield a plot twist. Excited and sad for the finale 💙

[Taylor S · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thankful to have 1 more book left of this very mediocre series, so I never have to think about it again

[⋆☆☽ Kriss ☾☆⋆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This installment could have used a bit more time in an editor's hands because I noticed several big flaws, like repeating dialogue within a few lines of itself.

I will say that the author has been able to keep the plot going along with twists and turns and developments, so it's been a fun read despite the simplicity of the story. Although I can't speak for this series having a whole lot of depth or complexity, it has been something of an engaging read that improves as things progress.

I think that the sea faeries were, yet again, just sort of a convenient plot addition that wasn't well developed on the basis of "well, they're off in their own world and unconcerned with the land so no need to do much more with them". I feel like any time a story has water-based faeries that live in the ocean or rivers or what not, they tend to not get a lot of attention. It was like this in the Wicked Lovely series, for example.

I'm also happy to say that the romance is a lot more slow burn and off to the side than anticipated. We've had a lot of time for these elements to simmer. I really like that the author didn't just jump into everyone automatically being soulmates and in love, there's still a tension and divide and other priorities beyond Scarlett finding true love, so her relationships feel a lot more authentic because they've talked and go through things and spent time together.

And also at this point either Raith is gonna haul ass to win Scarlett's love or Kaelem will be it. I don't mind but like, I could sense it. It's a very ACOTAR twist lol.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Series

Let me start off by saying that I have finished Whims of Fae 1-5 books in 4 days which is crazy but I loved these books. However this is my prerogative with the series. The author has given us POV’s for several of the characters which I love BUT in doing so she is not giving these characters more growth than what they deserve. I feel like Scarlett has the same mind set since the very first book which is whiny and very self dependent on others. First Cade then Raith now Kaelem. I thought since she has become queen she would be independent but I was wrong. And does anyone actually plan or think about any of the situations before the delve head first into them? I wanted to smack my head against the wall like 15 times throughout this book and I’ve screamed at all of the choices that Scarlett makes over and over again. I mean besides the very end when she actually went for help but still. I HOPE in this next book the author takes more time into character development and storyline than the 5 different POV’s. 🙌🏽

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm usually wary of getting into series with this many books, as authors sometimes end up stretching plots out endlessly or sacrificing pacing for the sake of a longer series, but I was pleasantly surprised by the Whims of Fae series. While each of the books are relatively quick reads, they do feel like they are complete books, each with their own important plot points and development. The stories or characters don't feel tired, and the relationships between the characters continue to be interesting and keep you on your toes. I finished this book in one sitting, and the final book is definitely next in my TBR list. The Whims of Fae series is a good balance between being a read that is relatively easy to follow and get into, while also not being vapid or feeling pointless. The YA fantasy equivalent of an excellent "beach read" series.

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

*sigh* I think there's more errors in this book than the last 4 and that's saying something. I feel like a broken record so I won't moan as much on this issue but seriously... get a new editor.

I found myself hoping that each chapter would have Kaelem in it because he is literally the main interest for me in this whole series. I'm glad Cade has come to his senses and is thinking how a good king should be even if people assume he's with the fates.

I feel like there's random realms popping up out of nowhere in this book. I know Avel had the dagger but the whole sea court just felt pointless if I'm honest.

I'm glad Nico got what he deserved, Maeron is intriguing but I feel like his character won't be expanded much, just pops into the story when convenient and not actually get to know him like with so many of the other characters.

[Sky · Rating 4 out of 5]

NISSA! How can you leave us hanging like this without the next one! What are you doing?? 😂

Mermaids people. MERMAIDS. Enough said.

As always my favorite characters are Kaelem and Scarlett. I could read an entire book about them watching paint dry and love every page of it. Scarlett really is growing up in every book, kicking ass and taking names. I loved getting more backstory on Sable. It really made me connect to her character, which we didn't get before. Raith redeemed himself ever so slightly, obviously I'm still team Kaelem tho 👌

This series really grows with each book. I love how Nissa writes each character and develops the story in such a honest real way. I can't praise this series enough. It is one of my favorites. I can't wait to see how it ends.

[Jennifer Pezzella · Rating 4 out of 5]

So glad this book came out sooner than I expected - there was a lot happening in this story and a lot of action. Definitely one of the better books of the serious - very fast paced though. I appreciate that the author doesn't focus so much on Scarlett's love interest and focuses more on the story. Also the grammatical errors were very few compared to the other stories so that was an improvement.
I don't want to give anything away but after what happened in this book, I wonder how Scarlett and the gang are going to save the realms?
This is a good read!

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

So the last two books have been a struggle. They feel slightly repetitive in the sense that I’m constantly being told how everyone feels about the same things they did before. I don’t think there needs to be a mini recap in every book. Also where is the character development? There has been some but I feel like they’re all pretty similar to how they started. However I did still enjoy the plot development. This story has definitely taken some twists and turns. I’m definitely interested to see how this all ends up.

[Wrenaria · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was perhaps the least compelling of the series thus far, despite the (too brief) side quest featuring mermaids. I'm trying to care about Sage's storyline, but it just feels like unnecessary extra noise that isn't adding anything to the main plot. Raith continues to be useless. Cade continues to let his mother walk all over him. Scarlett continues to rush into action with no real plan. There might be too many perspectives for my taste. I'm interested to see what happens with Nona; she seems different than her sisters. Onto the finale!

[Brittany Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Cursed Reign continues to keep us on our toes!

This one was a bit slower to get through but I think that has to do with more detail to take in. At the end there is a major plot twist and that will throw us into a spiral for the next book.

Again the style is simply wonderful. The characters all maturing and I am really torn between Kaelem and Raith now!! Also what is Scarlett going to do??!

I’ve really enjoyed this series and I can so see myself reading them again !! It’s so bittersweet that it’s coming to an end-what will we do?!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been a while so I really felt like I needed to go back to the first book, but I didn't. I think I'll go back and reread it all at once later. It was a good book. The story flowed quickly so I wasn't ever bored, but the changing points of view would throw me off at times if I wasn't paying close attention. Plus there are so many important characters in this series I feel all over the place. Off to read the last installment. See you on the flip side.

[Lolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Needs major proofreading

The storyline was interesting and I do want to know what comes next, but man this book needs some major proofreading and cleaning up!!! So many typos and grammatical errors that it threw me off multiple times. I’m even shocked to see a character’s name spelled wrong... Nico suddenly became “Niko” towards the end.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, still not quite were the first few books were

Okay, still not quite were the first few books were, also way too short the last 2 books just felt like a filler where not much happens and no shocking twists

[Rach]

I really, enjoy this story. I’ve enjoyed the introduction of different characters and more courts, and I’m loving the twists and turns the plot takes. It needs major proof reading though. There’s just too many typos and grammatical errors that sadly became a distraction when reading.

[Chianna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Glad to see the story continue but typos, grammar errors, and a feckless heroine is wearing on my patience.

Scarlett is the worst and weakest heroine...attempting to make her relatable and show the struggle for growth to be a powerful ruler she comes off whiny.

I’m glad I’m on to the last!

[ErinTurnsPages · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just couldn’t get into this book very well. I do like the ending twist and the introduction to the under sea world.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Rachael · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one definitely had more of a quest vibe to it. I’m really enjoying the struggle between light and dark magic. Scarlett’s emotions are all over the place, which honestly, same. Excited/nervous for the last book!

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book 5

It's an okay read. Had to keep reading to find out how it all ends. Waiting in next book now

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

Another great edition to the series. Can’t wait to see how the story finally ends in the sixth book. The characters are amazing and so is the story.

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing and gripping read

I truly didn't know what to expect when I started reading this series. I fell in love almost instantly! Love!

[Jess · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eh

[KimberlyRN · Rating 5 out of 5]

A definite read!

Book 5 in this series is a real page turner. The climactic scenes will have you on the edge of your seat! And this ending will have you dying to read book 6.

[Charity · Rating 5 out of 5]

Geeez! Didn't see that one coming

[Jen · Rating 2 out of 5]

dnf

[allie · Rating 4 out of 5]

i don’t think you understand my love for scarlett and kaelem.

[Liv]

Dnf @ 28%

[Elizabeth Smith · Rating 2 out of 5]

Still single layered characters and bland action descriptions. I've never been so emotionally bored by an intriguing story before.