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The Cursed Kingdom
The world knew him as Alexander the Great.
Bela knew him as the man who stole her heart.
Bela was never meant to rule. Bound to a city she calls home, she’s cursed by a goddess to live an empty existence. Looking to escape the inevitable doom that will fall upon the city, she meets the foreigner that will change it all. His presence will tear her loyalties apart. Now she only has one choice left. Betray her blood or her heart.
Protected by the sun god himself, nothing can stand in Alexander’s way. Until that night when she stumbles into his life. Now, standing at the gates of Babylon, he will face the greatest challenge of his life. Achieve what he was born to be or follow his heart and lose it all.
Bela knew him as the man who stole her heart.
Bela was never meant to rule. Bound to a city she calls home, she’s cursed by a goddess to live an empty existence. Looking to escape the inevitable doom that will fall upon the city, she meets the foreigner that will change it all. His presence will tear her loyalties apart. Now she only has one choice left. Betray her blood or her heart.
Protected by the sun god himself, nothing can stand in Alexander’s way. Until that night when she stumbles into his life. Now, standing at the gates of Babylon, he will face the greatest challenge of his life. Achieve what he was born to be or follow his heart and lose it all.
- GenresFantasy
228 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 27, 2019
About the author
Maya Daniels
91 books300 followersUSA Today Bestselling and multi award-winning fiction author, Maya Daniels shares her skillful and creative storytelling with audiences from around the world. Semiramis is her first published trilogy. Marrying her investigative journalism skills with her knowledge and passion of the esoteric, she spins compelling stories of magic, truth, romance, and adventure. She lives with her magick sprinkled familiar, a cat named Odyssey, in Southern California. When not reading all about the arcane, eating chocolate, or writing her next novel, she is busy with her Reiki healing practice.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
September 29, 2023
The Cursed Kingdom is a historical fantasy romance that will sweep you back to the days of Persia and Babylon. Full of outstanding descriptions, this story brings Alexander the Great to life, along with Bela obviously! In a deal made with Ishtar, Bela is bound to Babylon. However, when an army comes a'knocking, Bela's brother makes a mistake. This sets off a series of events that will change their lives forever.
I read this book in one sitting! It was so easy to keep on reading, with a smooth and flowing pace, and fantastic descriptions of people and places. With sexual tension, intrigue, and betrayal, there was certainly enough here to keep me involved and engrossed.
I certainly have no hesitation in recommending either this story or the author! The only thing I would say, is I wish I knew what happened to one of the characters at the end. Still, that's me being greedy!
Brilliant story ~ excellently told ~ highly recommended.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 28, 2019
I read this book in one sitting! It was so easy to keep on reading, with a smooth and flowing pace, and fantastic descriptions of people and places. With sexual tension, intrigue, and betrayal, there was certainly enough here to keep me involved and engrossed.
I certainly have no hesitation in recommending either this story or the author! The only thing I would say, is I wish I knew what happened to one of the characters at the end. Still, that's me being greedy!
Brilliant story ~ excellently told ~ highly recommended.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 28, 2019
February 27, 2019
Maya Daniels is a new to me author, and having said that, after this book I will read every single book she writes. Her characters are real, her plot keeps me engaged, and her imagery sets the tone of a story you can see the whole way through.
With the love, the enchantment, the curse, and the mytique present through every page, I couldn't put the book down. Bela is a strong, fierce, independent woman who isn't afraid of who she is. That alone made me want to read her story.
If you are looking for a story well told, with stromg but flawed characters and romance around every turn, look no further. Ms. Daniels has all that and more winlthin these pages. All you have to do is #oneclick to start!
With the love, the enchantment, the curse, and the mytique present through every page, I couldn't put the book down. Bela is a strong, fierce, independent woman who isn't afraid of who she is. That alone made me want to read her story.
If you are looking for a story well told, with stromg but flawed characters and romance around every turn, look no further. Ms. Daniels has all that and more winlthin these pages. All you have to do is #oneclick to start!
February 27, 2019
Fantastic stand-alone
Maya Daniels never ceases to amaze me with her creativity and storytelling.
She creates fantastic worlds with unique storylines filled with strong unforgettable characters.
Cursed Kingdoms was all this and more. This was such a fun read. It’s a fantasy based book filled with gods, goddess,and curses; with an added mix of betrayal, action and romance.
I enjoyed this so much, I didn’t want it to end.
If you love fantasy as much as I do, give this one a chance. You will not be be disappointed.
Maya Daniels never ceases to amaze me with her creativity and storytelling.
She creates fantastic worlds with unique storylines filled with strong unforgettable characters.
Cursed Kingdoms was all this and more. This was such a fun read. It’s a fantasy based book filled with gods, goddess,and curses; with an added mix of betrayal, action and romance.
I enjoyed this so much, I didn’t want it to end.
If you love fantasy as much as I do, give this one a chance. You will not be be disappointed.
March 2, 2019
I loved this book, it reminded me of historical romance books where the Conqueror Norman or Saxon armies come and the heroine falls in love with the invading commander. In this book it is Bella and she is no powerless heroine. In fact, I was pleasantly surprised to see the Goddess Ishtar (from the author's trilogy) here. Bella has powers and she has no problem using them against our hero, Alexander. Their fates are intricately intertwined and it was a joy to see them fall for one another. You will read this book without stopping.
August 20, 2020
A very enjoyable read with a lot of attention to details, the author seems to have put quite some time doing her research.
I loved the dialogues and could " feel " the tension building my expectations growing as the story evolved. You will see a side of Alexander The Great which you will not find in the history books.
I have read all of this author's books and I can say that the quality of her writing is progressing with every new story she brings us.
I loved the dialogues and could " feel " the tension building my expectations growing as the story evolved. You will see a side of Alexander The Great which you will not find in the history books.
I have read all of this author's books and I can say that the quality of her writing is progressing with every new story she brings us.
March 6, 2019
Good book.
This is a new author for me. But I am glad I found her. This book was very good. I liked the story line and she has great characters. Bela was cursed by a goddess to live a empty and lonely life. Then she meets a man who changes her life. Alexander was meant for big things. But can be let Bela go? Will he do what he was meant to do? This is their story. Once I started reading I was hooked. This is a great book I highly recommend.
This is a new author for me. But I am glad I found her. This book was very good. I liked the story line and she has great characters. Bela was cursed by a goddess to live a empty and lonely life. Then she meets a man who changes her life. Alexander was meant for big things. But can be let Bela go? Will he do what he was meant to do? This is their story. Once I started reading I was hooked. This is a great book I highly recommend.
March 1, 2019
❤AMAZING STORY❤
This is the first book I have read by Ms. Daniels but it will not buy the last! I absolutely loved this book it had all the Intrigue & Love wrapped up in a Wonderful Weaved Novel! I love the way she gives Bella the Sass to make it like at a time when WOMAN were supposed to be seen & not heard!
This is the first book I have read by Ms. Daniels but it will not buy the last! I absolutely loved this book it had all the Intrigue & Love wrapped up in a Wonderful Weaved Novel! I love the way she gives Bella the Sass to make it like at a time when WOMAN were supposed to be seen & not heard!
March 2, 2019
With elements of historical saga, supernatural romance and Greek tragedy, this story had me gripped from the beginning. I really felt for the heroine as she struggled against her fate when her brother attempted to sell her off for political gain. When her true destiny arrived in the form of strong sexual chemistry with the married enemy king, the book became impossible to put down.
March 28, 2019
My first book by Maya Daniels. The flow of the book and storyline definitely kept me interested. I loved how the characters, Bella’s vision, and Babylon were described. I was hoping to get a little story on Gula and a lot more from Roxana’s character, however over all the storyline was great. I loved the ending so hoping for a book two. I would recommend this book.
March 11, 2019
This book had me hooked from the begining. It's not a genre I usually read but so glad I did. I enjoyed the writing style and how the characters developed. I would love to read more of Bela and Alexander to delve deeper into their lives.
May 5, 2019
I love Maya Daniels and the books that she writes. Was so thrilled to get this one to read!!!
Bela is the princess of Babylon, her brother Awil is the prince, and her father is the king. Bela is also a seer. Bela devotes herself to Ishtar - who is the goddess of love and war. Ishtar saved her life as a baby. As a consequence, she cursed her to have to remain in the kingdom or she will die. In a vision, she sees a lion, blood and a rose. I don't write spoilers -- but I loved how the story keeps you totally engrossed from the beginning to the end!!!
I loved this book by Maya -- and look forward to reading the next book that she writes!!!
Bela is the princess of Babylon, her brother Awil is the prince, and her father is the king. Bela is also a seer. Bela devotes herself to Ishtar - who is the goddess of love and war. Ishtar saved her life as a baby. As a consequence, she cursed her to have to remain in the kingdom or she will die. In a vision, she sees a lion, blood and a rose. I don't write spoilers -- but I loved how the story keeps you totally engrossed from the beginning to the end!!!
I loved this book by Maya -- and look forward to reading the next book that she writes!!!
March 24, 2019
I enjoyed this book. The story itself made for interesting reading in how it plays out and the Gods interact with them. The ending was different to what I expected which is always a good thing. The only issue I had was the main characters name. When written in full it was difficult to pronounce and kept taking me out of the story, it doesn't just roll of the tongue and I found it a massive distraction. When it was used in the shortened version it made the words flow much easier. All in all it was a decent read.
May 19, 2019
This was a fun well-written book about a Babylonian princess whose real power and connection to her beloved city is threatened when Alexander The Great and his army arrives outside their gates. An entertaining and fast read, the romance elements were nicely intertwined with the political intrigue. The ending seemed to come about a little too easily and convenient for my tastes, though it didn't affect my overall enjoyment.
I'd definitely recommend it to fantasy/romance lovers.
I'd definitely recommend it to fantasy/romance lovers.
October 1, 2019
My mother inlaw wrights the most amazing fantasy books i have ever read they keep you on the edge of your seat the whole time you read they are catchy and you feel like you are apart of the book its amazing well done mum so proud if your work love Ann
The most amazing book ever love every book you wright mum your great at what you do very proud love you
The most amazing book ever love every book you wright mum your great at what you do very proud love you
April 20, 2019
4.5 fantastic stars...
This has it all. Romance, intrigue, history, gods and a bit of suspense all rolled up in a book which will appeal to both historical, contemporary and PNR readers. Add in a kick ass heroine, and you can't go wrong...
Thoroughly enjoyed it.
This has it all. Romance, intrigue, history, gods and a bit of suspense all rolled up in a book which will appeal to both historical, contemporary and PNR readers. Add in a kick ass heroine, and you can't go wrong...
Thoroughly enjoyed it.
February 19, 2020
Bela is the princess of Babylon, her brother Awil the prince, and her father the king. Bela is also a seer who devotes herself to Ishtar the goddess of love and war. The goddess saved her life as a babe and cursed her to HAVE to stay in the kingdom or die! She sees a lion in her vision, blood and a rose~ Alexander, his general (friend) and the army come to Babylon. He is to rule the world by the Sun Gods declaration. He meets Bela and instantly falls in love. But, he took a princess from Persia as his wife. So many twists and plots exist within the book. Someone is out to start war between the two factions and assassinate all of them! Who is it? What will he or she gain? Who will marry the princess? Who will survive and die? What is the fate of Babylon? This is an action packed fast paced read that will definitely hold your attention! I received this book for free and am leaving a voluntary review.
August 14, 2024
This was a romance book I wasn't prepared for, I have read a few of Maya's books and I've enjoyed every single one! This takes a whole different tone. As always, Maya's books are a quick light read packed with lots of action and a wonderful romance unfolding, with humour infused throughout. Well.... this one has deceipt, betrayal, manipulation of deities and humans, it has jealousy and greed, it has coveting another, it has action and it has magic. A much more involved and complex plot than I initially thought, I only noticed that the further on I was reading.
It starts off with Bela an unhappy young lady, who knows she's being traded to the highest bidder, to be a wife and she wishes she could change her fate, she's stiffled within the palace. She's the antithesis of the "norm" for a women in Babylon, she's more outspoken, she's tough, she manipulates if necessary to get what she wants, she has a voice. And... she has the ability to "see" the thoughts of those she touches. On top of it all, the visions she's having are disquieting to say the least, she sees bloodshed and violence. A chance encounter with a stranger throws her for a loop, feelings just aren't cooperating with logic. Having a father who barely sees her, barely acknowledges her, hurts deep. Even her only friend isn't really her friend, she's just there to achieve her own goal. Bela's only true friend is her brother, Awid who really does have her best interests at heart. But in a society where women should know "their place" that's challenging. So yes, Bela IS stiffled on all fronts.
And we have Aleksandra, who's rather arrogant, well I suppose he IS a descendent of the gods, and he's gorgeous, and he's a brilliant general, so I guess he sort of can be arrogant. But then he meets Bela and boy does she throw him for a loop! I really loved seeing Bela make emotional mincemeat out of him! He's so loyal to his soldiers, to his friends, his reputation is just that, a reputation. He firmly believes it's his destiny to rule the world, after at, his kin, the Sun god told him so.
It's pretty much, to me, a tongue in cheek story, evolving quickly, pacing fast and steady and a really fun read. There were plots hidden in plots I never saw coming, someone is trying to start a war, someone is using foul means to achieve this goal but, thankfully, Bela and Aleksandra cotton on to the scheme and set a plan in motion. Except... that didn't go as planned! Nothing went as planned! When the pieces start sliding into place, who did what and why, was NOTHING like I expected! So if you're after a quick, fun read, with so many twists you'll need night vision goggles, this is the book for you!
It starts off with Bela an unhappy young lady, who knows she's being traded to the highest bidder, to be a wife and she wishes she could change her fate, she's stiffled within the palace. She's the antithesis of the "norm" for a women in Babylon, she's more outspoken, she's tough, she manipulates if necessary to get what she wants, she has a voice. And... she has the ability to "see" the thoughts of those she touches. On top of it all, the visions she's having are disquieting to say the least, she sees bloodshed and violence. A chance encounter with a stranger throws her for a loop, feelings just aren't cooperating with logic. Having a father who barely sees her, barely acknowledges her, hurts deep. Even her only friend isn't really her friend, she's just there to achieve her own goal. Bela's only true friend is her brother, Awid who really does have her best interests at heart. But in a society where women should know "their place" that's challenging. So yes, Bela IS stiffled on all fronts.
And we have Aleksandra, who's rather arrogant, well I suppose he IS a descendent of the gods, and he's gorgeous, and he's a brilliant general, so I guess he sort of can be arrogant. But then he meets Bela and boy does she throw him for a loop! I really loved seeing Bela make emotional mincemeat out of him! He's so loyal to his soldiers, to his friends, his reputation is just that, a reputation. He firmly believes it's his destiny to rule the world, after at, his kin, the Sun god told him so.
It's pretty much, to me, a tongue in cheek story, evolving quickly, pacing fast and steady and a really fun read. There were plots hidden in plots I never saw coming, someone is trying to start a war, someone is using foul means to achieve this goal but, thankfully, Bela and Aleksandra cotton on to the scheme and set a plan in motion. Except... that didn't go as planned! Nothing went as planned! When the pieces start sliding into place, who did what and why, was NOTHING like I expected! So if you're after a quick, fun read, with so many twists you'll need night vision goggles, this is the book for you!
August 13, 2024
I have read this author before, and I really like her books so I knew that this one would be the same. While I admit I’m not fond of books that take place in the past, I still enjoyed the vivid descriptions and story that the author wove for us readers. I felt so much for poor Bela, Alexander, Awil…well, just about all of them. The end was great and satisfying; I wish I could have been there when…well, I can’t say much, or I’ll ruin the ending. This is an intriguing fantasy romance that will keep readers glued to the page. Recommend.
August 27, 2024
I am impressed with this book. I honestly thought I would not like it, and I really didn't want to read it. I did read it, however, because I love Maya's books, and I wanted to give this one a chance. And boy, am I so glad I did! I absolutely love this book! I really like Alexander and Bella together. They compliment each other very well. It's really going to drive me nuts to wait for the next book!
July 27, 2021
Maya Daniels is one of my favorite authors and this book was another notch in my collection that I've read of her writings. I love Bela and Alexander and she had me guessing throughout this whodunit. I really enjoyed this book.
September 2, 2024
Not the type of book I typically read, but I liked this one. The intrigue kept you guessing waiting to see what would happen next. Will there be a war? Will the city survive? Will Bela survive? Bela is an uncommon woman way ahead of her time.
June 18, 2021
The cursed kingdom.
This is a fab love story, with twists and turns and a fantastic HEA. Well written and gripping,from Cover to cover.
This is a fab love story, with twists and turns and a fantastic HEA. Well written and gripping,from Cover to cover.
September 8, 2024
A fantastic stand alone read!
I really enjoyed stepping into this world! The characters were so intriguing, and I loved being able to read from different characters views.
Bela is a princess who is both gifted by the goddess Ishtar and cursed. Alexander is destined to rule the world, but his world is turned upside down when he meets Bela. Such incredible world building - action packed, curses, betrayal, goddess, snakes, lions, death, love - its all here!
I really enjoyed stepping into this world! The characters were so intriguing, and I loved being able to read from different characters views.
Bela is a princess who is both gifted by the goddess Ishtar and cursed. Alexander is destined to rule the world, but his world is turned upside down when he meets Bela. Such incredible world building - action packed, curses, betrayal, goddess, snakes, lions, death, love - its all here!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews