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The Cursed Kingdoms #2

The Cursed Fae King

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Curses and crowns.

That’s what it takes to make a crumbling kingdom. And the Northern Kingdom, it’ll soon be an empire of dusty remains if we can’t find our enemies hiding in plain sight.

King Iri isn’t exactly my ally in all of this either. The prophecy and our marriage are all he’s focused on. It’s all he thinks he needs to keep his kingdom’s faith.

Faith isn’t strong enough for what we need though. It won’t stop whoever is behind all this from spreading death across his lands like wildfire.

We don’t need faith at all.

We need revenge.

NOTE: The Cruel Fae King is a fiery, panty melting enemies to lovers tale intended for readers 18 and over. Fans of Holly Black, Sarah J Maas, and all things sexy fae will fall in lusty hate with the Cursed Kingdoms Series.

Reading Order
The Cruel Fae King
The Cursed Fae King - Releasing Dec 10th
Book Three - Release date coming soon

234 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 10, 2019

389 people are currently reading
491 people want to read

About the author

A.K. Koonce

103 books883 followers
A.K. Koonce is a USA Today best selling author. She's a mom by day and a fantasy and paranormal romance author by night. She keeps the fantastical stories in her mind on an endless loop, while she tries her best to focus on her actual life and not that of the spectacular but demanding fictional characters who always fill her thoughts

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Community Reviews

5 stars
339 (38%)
4 stars
280 (31%)
3 stars
211 (24%)
2 stars
40 (4%)
1 star
9 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
Profile Image for Black_White.
256 reviews
December 22, 2019
I really liked the end of the book.

Loved the fact that they finally confessed their feelings for each other.

Only problem I had was Iri's ex. Can't believe he still kept her around and because of the this hated him.

Everything that is happening in Iri's kingdoms is because of him, because he decided to keep his ex around, and I really hope the ending makes him guilty AF.

I liked the princess whom I've already forgotten the name of, she has almost no flaws, all the flaws she has, I can forgive her for. But not Iri, never Iri.

Let's hope the next book makes Iri better.

Only reason this has 4 stars is because I loved the princess and the ending.
Profile Image for Lynn's books.
619 reviews2 followers
June 21, 2020
Needlessly longer then it should have been

Ok. Book 2 felt drawn out. There were a lot of unnecessary interactions. I also didn't care for syren pushing bear away all the time and then (snap of the fingers) she wants him. The ending held my interest so for that reason alone I gave it 3 stars.
Profile Image for Zimt.
227 reviews8 followers
February 7, 2020
Syren is described as a warrior princess who is also quite intelligent. In this book she tries to find a cure like a scientist but on the other side she is working with Aisha which is quite stupid. Also, Syren showed her fighting abilities through a show sword fight but now we see nothing of this. Hopefully the next book shows more action in this field. The rest of the story is just right. The pacing is fast but not hectic. Therefore the story stays dynamic and exciting with quite romantic moments. Moreover, the culprit is onvious but not how the grand finale will happen. The tension was nearly unbearbale, beautifully done Mrs. Koonce. There are some twists and surprises along the way, too. Bears transformation to the end for example. The end is a cliffhanger, so the next book is a must.
Profile Image for Monika Baranyay.
41 reviews
December 12, 2019
I need the next one!

Its not often that i say this anymore...BUT I NEED THE NEXT BOOK...i have to know what happens next, and it takes a really good author to write characters and a world interesting enough to have me hooked like this😃

The main female is hilerious and thankfully not in an immature way...she just knows herself really well and is just really whitty and i LOVE IT ...the main H is strong, broody and grows on you over time, which again I LOVE😍 i love reading a relationship develop naturally and not insta love all the time

This is definitly 18and over type of book, highly reccomend (especially coming from a very fussy reader)

My ONLY small thing that was annoying me, was in the first she talked so much about being not a traditional princess, training and all that, but you bareley get a sense of that in the book...she never really trains and wears dresses Everyday...even horse riding ...who wares a dress horse riding! ....i just felt like her character called for her to be her own woman by demanding her own style...or wearing pants on occasion...i dont know, like i said...im a fussy reader, and i want my cake to eat it too😚
1,641 reviews6 followers
December 20, 2019
The second book in this really great series and I love it so much. Really like the entire storyline altogether. Couldn't put down and am so ready for more.
Profile Image for Izzy.
450 reviews43 followers
January 19, 2020
I'm sorry to say that this was awful. It's so awful it's on the "Wtf just happened?" scale.

Have the authors given up on writing a fantasy romance? Based on the first book, the story is set in a fae world/kingdom that's reminiscent of the medieval times. And yet, in this book, the characters suddenly use more modern, informal speech. And let's not forget the "That's what she said." joke.

Not only were there a number of spelling mistakes and errors but it felt like the authors just gave up. The majority of this book does not make sense e.g. the characters suddenly acted out of character in order to make it easier on the authors to allow the story to advance e.g.
731 reviews7 followers
December 12, 2019
Way too short

I do enjoy this series and story even if it’s on the bleak side. Although I love the heroine. Bear is just shy of crazy. He is not right for her in my opinion.

I think with a longer book and bear actually being nice to his subjects once in a while would help. He is not a good king or even a ruler. He should step down and just be a soldier and let the queen rule for him.

That being said I am interested to see how it ends.
Profile Image for Cassie Starkel .
539 reviews2 followers
December 15, 2019
Read this and your heart will feel so much.

I have never laughed, cried and been so angry at a certain fire fae as I did in this book. I loved every moment of Syren and King Iri’s story from the arguments to the making up to find answers and yes even to the end because I know that the last book will blow me away.
Profile Image for Angellison.
155 reviews7 followers
January 10, 2020
I've really enjoyed this series so far. This is the first book i've read by this author and so far i'm a fan. I love the dynamic between Syren and "Bear" The idea of the story i think is a good one. Forgotten princess brought out of banishment to save the world! It's been done before, but this was slightly different. While Syren has water powers, her's are highly underdeveloped. She resorts mostly to parlor tricks. So it's not her powers saving the day, it's her brains and determination that will win the day in the end. it's her intuition that it isn't a curse, but something or someone else trying to destroy the kingdom and it's citizens. Syren is the supposed savior of the kingdom. Her marrying the king is supposed to bring an end to the plague that is devouring the kingdom. She doesn't believe it at all. She thinks that there is no way her marrying the king will stop the plague. She believes that someone is using dark magic to poison everyone, and she sets out to discover who it is. Let me just say that my assumptions while reading ended up being correct in the end. I won't spoil it here, but it was kind of predictable on who the bad guy was going to end up being.

But so far so good. I'll read the next book to see how it may end. But i have a feeling it will end as many stories like this do. But that's ok. It's a nice easy read. Very enjoyable.

Profile Image for Talarah.
587 reviews8 followers
August 29, 2020
That ending!

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It was very easy to read.
I didn't feel like I wanted to stop but I also felt like I could stop, which is what I like when reading books.

I really enjoy the banter of this couple. They have some adorable and hilarious moments.
Iri is a grumpy a$$hole and doesn't understand social cues or "wooing" a woman (you'll know what I mean when you read it), but even through all that he has a bit of a marshmallow heart, which I found very in endearing.

We finally find out at the very end of this book what this curse is all about and I liked how it was shown to us. You kind of but don't really expect what's going to happen at the end which is always good in a book.

I am definitely looking forward to reading the third book in this series!

I have enjoyed reading this series as fresh books to cleanse my palette from all the dark and angsty reads that I have been devouring lately.
Profile Image for Amethyst.
41 reviews2 followers
September 28, 2021
This book didn’t improve on any of the issues I had with the first book. It feels like instead of writing three books, the authors wrote one large novel and arbitrarily divided it into three sections during editing.

Spoilers ahead:

It makes absolutely no sense that syren somehow just knew that one specific flower happened to be causing the illness. It’s already ridiculous enough that she somehow just stuck to the idea that it was dark magic that’s causing the sickness, but let’s ignore that and assume that maybe illnesses caused by dark magic are common or that there’s some other background information that would prime siren to suspecting dark magic after just one small chance encounter. Surely there are other plants that can be used in dark magic? They never specify that bloodroot is the only harmful plant, so what makes her so sure that it’s this specific flower? Jus because it’s the first one she saw?

It’s just way too convenient and badly thought out
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Angelica Young.
292 reviews1 follower
January 3, 2020
Jumping back into this series was great, I absolutely love that these characters build up their love for one another. No insta-love here. Bear is definitely my husband. He has fallen into his role without even realizing it and Syren shows him that, by calling him out on his cruel behavior. And he wants to be better for her, "I want to be the man that she needs and the man that she wants. I want to be the king that she wants."
I was a little disappointed at the slow burn aspect of the story - but that's just because Bear is so sexy! I get that what they build instead is sweeter and way more swoon-worthy. Anyone who says Bear is not the man for Syren is not reading the same book as me. They're perfect for each other, once they get out of their own way.
I can't wait to see what our badass Fae Queen has in store in the final book.
Profile Image for Denisa.
1,381 reviews332 followers
November 28, 2021
Boring...


I was hoping this series would get better...

Guess what?

Nope.

So, it's not really the story that's boring, but the writing. The idea is nice, the characters are... well, not great, but not awful either. They are annoying, I admit, but not the throw-it-out-the-window kind of annoying.

But there's nothing happening! And, when there is, I'm just so tired that I don't really 'see' the action anymore.

Is this a bad book/series? Not necessarily. I just didn't have the time and the energy to invest in actually finishing the series. I don't even know what happened in most of the first book, and I barely finished it.

So, all in all, it's not really a series I'd recommend, but I wouldn't say it's completely awful. You choose.
114 reviews
December 10, 2019
The series I never knew I needed.

I’ve been on a RH kick for a while now and it’s been hard for MF books to hold my attention. When I read book 1 in this series, I loved it I didn’t think the second could make me love the series anymore but dang. This one was even better than the first. Not only is the romance steamy but the plot and characters are amazing. I absolutely adore Syren. If you haven’t started this series, do it now! Otherwise you’re missing out. Also, Bear’s mine. You can’t have him 😉
218 reviews
January 28, 2020
This book was not my favorite. I have some issues with the writing. She has some great components to the book, but never developes then. For instance Jubilee didn’t make an appearance in the first book and this book I felt like she was added and then forgotten and quickly readded to not loose any characters. Also the heroine says she values her guard but we never saw that. He was nothing more than a background character until he wasn’t. Also I didn’t really feel the love of the two. I’ll read the last one to finish but no really interested.
Profile Image for Fabiola Guerra.
33 reviews1 follower
May 20, 2020
I really enjoyed seeing the main characters develop more in this book. Syren has such a strong persona and is so resilient as she faces so many unthinkable challenges and situations! I really like how the writers get deeper into the mystery of the curse and allow the reader to really think about its origin and how it can possibly be broken!

Mostly, I love seeing the way Syren's walls finally let in some of the love she absolutely deserves from Bear!!

I have a theory about the curse...looking forward to Book 3 to find out if I'm correct!!
276 reviews
December 10, 2019
Great!

The curse is getting worse but Syren doubts it’s a curse but instead someone is poisoning the kingdom and she stops at nothing to find out if it is and how to cure it. King Ire is trying to express his feelings and Syren keeps instigating fights with him. But the twist at the end of this book is like a murder mystery. Have to read to find out who! A must read and I can’t wait for book 3
Profile Image for Haylee James.
396 reviews4 followers
December 11, 2019
This book is just awesome. I felt like I was part of this story and I was so clearly on Miranda's side trying to get Bear and Syren to see how much they care for each other and and that they need each other to defeat this curse and heal the kingdom. There's surprises along the way to finding what is killing the kingdom and Syren will do whatever it takes to make it stop. It's a wonderful story and it's very easy to read. I highly recommend this series to everyone.
144 reviews
December 29, 2019
Cursed for sure!

This one had me in tears. I don't believe in spoilers, so I'll make this short. Syren and Iri have come a long way together. They have found love at last and have a good shot at happily ever after. Until her crazy lady in waiting finally snapped. Then all hell breaks loose. The next installment is not due until March 2020, and I've already preordered mine. Can't wait!
2 reviews
January 13, 2020
Amazing Story

The first book was awesome but I liked this one even better. The characters are rich in development and enjoyable to read. I enjoyed seeing how Bear and Syren grew as a couple and as individuals in this second book. A must read series!

I rated it 4 stars instead of 5 because there were a lot of errors I saw throughout the book which were distracting at times. Please edit then edit again before publishing.
Profile Image for Betteroffwithbooks.
921 reviews14 followers
January 18, 2020
I am at a loss for words after finishing this book. I am a fan of anything and everything AK Koonce has written and this is no different. This book hit me right in the feels seeing Bear try harder to be the man Syren deserves. They both opened up and showed their emotional sides which is something that was missing in the first book. True to form the cliffhanger is enough to rip your heart out. I need the next book ASAP.
795 reviews4 followers
March 14, 2020
AGH another cliffhanger

However, the next book is out, so I really cannot complain. But wow, what a doozy. I suspected who the suspect was, but I thought I was wrong. Twists and turns and the last part of the book is a nail biter. Which I feel is a great thing because it means I am so immersed into the story that I feel like I am a character in the book. I am looking forward to the next book because I need to know how Syren is going to get out of her situation.
Profile Image for Natalie.
284 reviews
February 7, 2022
The saga continues…

This story is progressing very nicely. With the curse killing more and more innocents, Syren is forced to pair with an enemy to find the cure. But, will things go as she plans?

More questions are asked, the pair of lovers ignite and some people are not who they seem. As the tension grows, will Syren and Iri be able to find out who’s responsible for the sickness plaguing the people?

This series has become addicting, keeping me turning page after page just to finish. I cannot wait to read the conclusion.
Profile Image for Manda.
7 reviews
December 12, 2019
Can't Wait

For the next book! Syren is a strong, funny, interesting character that I could happily read about all day. Again it's well written and well edited with only a few minor typos like the last book in the series. I highly recommend if you enjoy enemies to lovers and steamy tension.
Profile Image for Katie.
1,990 reviews16 followers
January 1, 2020
Another book that I absolutely loved!!! Both authors are freaking amazing with stories. This is book 2 of series and it did not disappoint. Entire storyline is really good. Kept my attention from the start to finish. I want to read more!!! Love the characters. Definitely a must read series. Highly recommend.
Profile Image for Eyke.
280 reviews3 followers
January 23, 2020
Good for the “middle” book

This is a trilogy and after the debut book I was t sure if they could keep the fiery plot going but they did!! Plot moved forward nicely if a bit predictable. But still some original romantic swoons worthy scenes. Ended on a cliff hanger but that was to be expected. Can’t wait for book 3.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews

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