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The Darker Woods #2
Shadow Cursed
Ten years ago, there was a battle, a curse, and a princess. It sounds like a fairy tale. It isn’t.
Still deep in her eversleep, powering the wards of the last fae sanctuary, Vlari has one adversary to fight: time. Time for the folk to gain the weapons they need to fight against the invaders.
Each passing day, she’s less likely to awaken. Drusk has ceased to hope she ever will, until something changes at the very core of Tenebris.
Still deep in her eversleep, powering the wards of the last fae sanctuary, Vlari has one adversary to fight: time. Time for the folk to gain the weapons they need to fight against the invaders.
Each passing day, she’s less likely to awaken. Drusk has ceased to hope she ever will, until something changes at the very core of Tenebris.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 4, 2020
176 people are currently reading
577 people want to read
About the author
May Sage
143 books1,923 followersMay Sage is a USA Today Bestselling romance writer dabbling in different genres.
When she isn’t writing, she spends her time with her German Shepherd and her two Savannahs. She loves reading, ballet, running, and cake. Mostly, cake.
May Sage also writes longer fantasy romance novels as Alexi Blake.
When she isn’t writing, she spends her time with her German Shepherd and her two Savannahs. She loves reading, ballet, running, and cake. Mostly, cake.
May Sage also writes longer fantasy romance novels as Alexi Blake.
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January 31, 2023
RATING: 2 stars to Shadow Cursed ★ ★
He smiles without an ounce of kindness. “Oh, I see it. The rage, the darkness. The madness. I see it buried within your pretty eyes.” He turns to Meda. “Your granddaughter truly is an Evergreen, is she not? Beautiful, hard, and filled with bloodlust.” He’s discerned everything I try to hide about me. He knows who I am inside. The person who wants to keep taking, and taking, and taking lives. The monster.
They aren’t spell books, or memoirs, or even dull historical novels. These are stories. Human stories, printed by the hundreds. I’m astonished to find them here. “My greatest secret. I am a lover of adventure. Just not when it happens outside of the safety of these pages.”
They start playing with strings and flutes, an unrefined, never-rehearsed cacophony that embodies the beauty and the wildness of the fae, all over the drumming of the soldiers’ shields and swords. It’s chaos. It’s sensual. It’s unseelie, to the last string.
It's fair to say that I didn't expect a wily ace in the hole after wrapping up Wicked Court and heading straight into the second part of this duet. Shadow Cursed might not be a radiant feat (like it's former) but it is slightly better written than the first book in this fantasy romance duology. Whether that's because Drusk's POV is much more preferable to (and less thrawn than) Vlari's or whether it's just because May Sage's writing leveled up a mini rung, this book was a lot easier to follow. It's likely the fact that Drusk's perspective makes the sequel more interesting, though there are later chapters from Vlari too. Faintly better written as this is though, it still falls to similar faults and inconsistencies as book one. Apart from the fact that Drusk's POV can and does wear itself out at times, there's little that's memorable in the way of matter, intrigue and storytelling finesse. The side characters continue to read in a way that can be called flat, (and who don't bear significance), the main characters are less flat than book one but still flat come book two. The action scenes don't quite drum up the level of anticipation needed, and that was a little disappointing for me because battle scenes are an enormous relish for me (especially a final 'this is it' fight scene). The Fae Sea Prince though? I liked him.
Shadow Cursed actually takes place a decade forward. And while that length of time might seem surprising, we know that the passage of time is a different form of longevity in Fae terms. But Wicked Court's end still wasn't an end that I enjoyed by any means; the means to get there didn't measure up. And It's plain that Sage's hero feels the same. To distract himself from a sacrifice Vlari made, a very wounded Drusk has funneled all his efforts into training up the Fae for war. Pouting for all of ten years, he's not at all happy with the decisions Vlari made to secure Whitecroft as a sanctuary for the Fae. But without that choice, the remaining folk of Tenebris would have died or been conquered by a changeling who ruthlessly took the throne. As Vlari describes herself, she's taken up the role of "the shield of Tenebris" and her life force is their protection, but when Drusk visits her after ten years of denying her existence, what he discovers becomes a turning point. And that's when he starts to act more purposefully as opposed to operating in the vacant zone.
Shadow Cursed is as fast paced as Wicked Court, and whether it's because of the pace or other stylistic foibles, the important moments don't have the feel of important moments. As aforementioned, I prefer for battle scenes to really raise the roof with some roar (for example) but even they don't push for impact, and a bit of a disservice too that both Vlari and Drusk, who have extraordinary magic, are in a few positions where their power feels wasted and misspent against their foes. A few side characters don't make it through to the end, but even those losses Vlari has to face and accept aren't given any real impact. I didn't receive a sense that much mattered to Vlari beyond her instincts, urges and Fae personage. If the author was hoping for a complex heroine, we needed a show of depth and degree. Even the surrounding - though very few - relationships Vlari has are underdeveloped. While I was scanning through some reviews, I did - accidentally - get spoiled by an uncensored review and therefore was well aware of a certain spoiler, and what I can say for this is that if I hadn't gotten spoiled, the twist involving a certain power-hoarding queen would have been a surprise.
I also can't admit to liking the epilogue either. It felt as empty as what I had already taken in from the story thus far, and perhaps skips too far ahead, which furthered the distance between myself and my book. I love that we have a bisexual hero in Drusk but even that detail was thrown into the fold like a passing sigh. Admittedly, unfortunately and regrettably this was neither the daring nor dashing duology I thought it would be, and like I expressed in my review for Wicked Court, nobody's pouting harder at that than me. I was a true and tried high-hoper for this, and as much as I hoped that the furthering story would course correct itself in Shadow Cursed and come together in some way, I didn't come out of this with a high reason or a higher rating on the brain. The two-parter that is Ruled by Blood doesn't unpack itself well enough and I found myself dragging my heels throughout both books all the same, unable to summon the appropriate level of interest that amalgamate this duet. Every story is however suited to someone, so whether this is a TBR pick for you or if You're May Sage-curious I do hope this is that for you!
Content Warning: death, violence, sex scenes.
-----------------------------------------------
Visit my blog for more reviews: V.L. Book Reviews
T W I T T E R: @TheVicarious1
I N S T A G R A M: @Vicarious.Hearts
-----------------------------------------------
He smiles without an ounce of kindness. “Oh, I see it. The rage, the darkness. The madness. I see it buried within your pretty eyes.” He turns to Meda. “Your granddaughter truly is an Evergreen, is she not? Beautiful, hard, and filled with bloodlust.” He’s discerned everything I try to hide about me. He knows who I am inside. The person who wants to keep taking, and taking, and taking lives. The monster.
They aren’t spell books, or memoirs, or even dull historical novels. These are stories. Human stories, printed by the hundreds. I’m astonished to find them here. “My greatest secret. I am a lover of adventure. Just not when it happens outside of the safety of these pages.”
They start playing with strings and flutes, an unrefined, never-rehearsed cacophony that embodies the beauty and the wildness of the fae, all over the drumming of the soldiers’ shields and swords. It’s chaos. It’s sensual. It’s unseelie, to the last string.
It's fair to say that I didn't expect a wily ace in the hole after wrapping up Wicked Court and heading straight into the second part of this duet. Shadow Cursed might not be a radiant feat (like it's former) but it is slightly better written than the first book in this fantasy romance duology. Whether that's because Drusk's POV is much more preferable to (and less thrawn than) Vlari's or whether it's just because May Sage's writing leveled up a mini rung, this book was a lot easier to follow. It's likely the fact that Drusk's perspective makes the sequel more interesting, though there are later chapters from Vlari too. Faintly better written as this is though, it still falls to similar faults and inconsistencies as book one. Apart from the fact that Drusk's POV can and does wear itself out at times, there's little that's memorable in the way of matter, intrigue and storytelling finesse. The side characters continue to read in a way that can be called flat, (and who don't bear significance), the main characters are less flat than book one but still flat come book two. The action scenes don't quite drum up the level of anticipation needed, and that was a little disappointing for me because battle scenes are an enormous relish for me (especially a final 'this is it' fight scene). The Fae Sea Prince though? I liked him.
Shadow Cursed actually takes place a decade forward. And while that length of time might seem surprising, we know that the passage of time is a different form of longevity in Fae terms. But Wicked Court's end still wasn't an end that I enjoyed by any means; the means to get there didn't measure up. And It's plain that Sage's hero feels the same. To distract himself from a sacrifice Vlari made, a very wounded Drusk has funneled all his efforts into training up the Fae for war. Pouting for all of ten years, he's not at all happy with the decisions Vlari made to secure Whitecroft as a sanctuary for the Fae. But without that choice, the remaining folk of Tenebris would have died or been conquered by a changeling who ruthlessly took the throne. As Vlari describes herself, she's taken up the role of "the shield of Tenebris" and her life force is their protection, but when Drusk visits her after ten years of denying her existence, what he discovers becomes a turning point. And that's when he starts to act more purposefully as opposed to operating in the vacant zone.
Shadow Cursed is as fast paced as Wicked Court, and whether it's because of the pace or other stylistic foibles, the important moments don't have the feel of important moments. As aforementioned, I prefer for battle scenes to really raise the roof with some roar (for example) but even they don't push for impact, and a bit of a disservice too that both Vlari and Drusk, who have extraordinary magic, are in a few positions where their power feels wasted and misspent against their foes. A few side characters don't make it through to the end, but even those losses Vlari has to face and accept aren't given any real impact. I didn't receive a sense that much mattered to Vlari beyond her instincts, urges and Fae personage. If the author was hoping for a complex heroine, we needed a show of depth and degree. Even the surrounding - though very few - relationships Vlari has are underdeveloped. While I was scanning through some reviews, I did - accidentally - get spoiled by an uncensored review and therefore was well aware of a certain spoiler, and what I can say for this is that if I hadn't gotten spoiled, the twist involving a certain power-hoarding queen would have been a surprise.
I also can't admit to liking the epilogue either. It felt as empty as what I had already taken in from the story thus far, and perhaps skips too far ahead, which furthered the distance between myself and my book. I love that we have a bisexual hero in Drusk but even that detail was thrown into the fold like a passing sigh. Admittedly, unfortunately and regrettably this was neither the daring nor dashing duology I thought it would be, and like I expressed in my review for Wicked Court, nobody's pouting harder at that than me. I was a true and tried high-hoper for this, and as much as I hoped that the furthering story would course correct itself in Shadow Cursed and come together in some way, I didn't come out of this with a high reason or a higher rating on the brain. The two-parter that is Ruled by Blood doesn't unpack itself well enough and I found myself dragging my heels throughout both books all the same, unable to summon the appropriate level of interest that amalgamate this duet. Every story is however suited to someone, so whether this is a TBR pick for you or if You're May Sage-curious I do hope this is that for you!
Content Warning: death, violence, sex scenes.
-----------------------------------------------
Visit my blog for more reviews: V.L. Book Reviews
T W I T T E R: @TheVicarious1
I N S T A G R A M: @Vicarious.Hearts
-----------------------------------------------
October 4, 2021
2⭐️ Review:
For most of this book, I actually enjoyed it more than the first. I found Drusk’s POV more pleasant than Vlari’s. I thought I would like this more than Wicked Court.
However, at the climax of the book, it felt rushed. I don’t feel fight scenes are this series strong-suits. Then the ending/epilogue just didn’t satisfy me.
Overall though, it was an ok series.
For most of this book, I actually enjoyed it more than the first. I found Drusk’s POV more pleasant than Vlari’s. I thought I would like this more than Wicked Court.
However, at the climax of the book, it felt rushed. I don’t feel fight scenes are this series strong-suits. Then the ending/epilogue just didn’t satisfy me.
Overall though, it was an ok series.
February 16, 2021
"There are plenty of things I want to say. Stay with us. Stay with me. Come back to me."
Esperaba más, tampoco tenía altas expectativas pero esperaba que me gustara más que el primer libro. Si me entretuvo. Pero no algo que fuera memorable.
Ahora este libro se le une otro punto de vista y es de Drusk, donde explica cuáles eran sus sentimientos después de todos los años que estuvo desparecido de la vida de Vlari, fue algo que ayudaba a complementar la historia porque habían huecos.
Como en el primero, no hay mucho relleno, acá va al grano y está lleno de batallas, alianzas y traiciones.
La historia continuó con Vlari, que está en un “coma” por el bien de su reino, también se tiene a un Drusk sufriendo por la ausencia de ella y si bien pasan 10 años desde que ocurrió todo esto, esa ausencia le permitió a él aclaran sus sentimientos sobre ella. Además de los villanos que ya se presentaron antes, uno se lleva la sorpresa de saber quién está detrás de todo esto.
La guerra llega a su final apresuradamente, me refiero porque todo pasó tan rápido que no es que les tomara tanto tiempo en el libro, sin contar los 10 años pero ese es un vacío.
Hay algo que me ha dejado disgustada y es el trato que hace Vlari y el cómo lo mencionan de qué fue lo qué pasó con ese tema.
Esperaba más, tampoco tenía altas expectativas pero esperaba que me gustara más que el primer libro. Si me entretuvo. Pero no algo que fuera memorable.
Ahora este libro se le une otro punto de vista y es de Drusk, donde explica cuáles eran sus sentimientos después de todos los años que estuvo desparecido de la vida de Vlari, fue algo que ayudaba a complementar la historia porque habían huecos.
Como en el primero, no hay mucho relleno, acá va al grano y está lleno de batallas, alianzas y traiciones.
La historia continuó con Vlari, que está en un “coma” por el bien de su reino, también se tiene a un Drusk sufriendo por la ausencia de ella y si bien pasan 10 años desde que ocurrió todo esto, esa ausencia le permitió a él aclaran sus sentimientos sobre ella. Además de los villanos que ya se presentaron antes, uno se lleva la sorpresa de saber quién está detrás de todo esto.
La guerra llega a su final apresuradamente, me refiero porque todo pasó tan rápido que no es que les tomara tanto tiempo en el libro, sin contar los 10 años pero ese es un vacío.
Hay algo que me ha dejado disgustada y es el trato que hace Vlari y el cómo lo mencionan de qué fue lo qué pasó con ese tema.
March 19, 2024
I liked the first book in this duology better but this one has more smut. Looking forward to the next duology in this series.
August 6, 2020
The first book was great - it surpassed every expectation and pleasantly surprised me throughout. This second book, though, made me feel like Cinderella's carriage turned back into a pumpkin. It wasn't exactly BAD, but it was also nowhere near the level of the first book and I found myself getting bored and skimming through scenes, which is something I honestly could not imagine happening after the first book. What happened? I'm not sure. Both main and side characters that were complicated and interesting turned into two dimensional cutouts. The main plot lost its way. I'm still bewildered at how I ended up liking the first novel THAT much and but the followup THIS little, especially since I waited months for it.
April 10, 2024
Personally, I like this book so much more than the first one. The only thing I really miss is getting to truly know how Vlari and Drusk are mates. Like how it came about. The dynamic is this book is so much more vast and inviting to the reader. And the twist! I feel like there are several missing parts like what happened to Alven or Rystan's sister (aside of knowing they are gone). Side note, there are so many typing errors, it is a little annoying.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2022
Et bah voilà une petite d'urologie bien sympa !
Ce 2eme tome est légèrement plus long que le 1er mais reste assez court (60k mots), l'histoire se déroule 10 ans après la fin du 1er et les 35\40% du début sont sous le pov de Drust puis ça repasse comme pour le 1er : presque essentiellement Vlari. Et c'est à partir de ce moment que tout s'enchaîne et peut être un peu trop vite...
Et c'est justement mon petit bémol, un peu plus de profondeur et de mise en place de la fin aurai enlever cette impression que l'intrigue est arrivée comme un cheveux dans la soupe d'un chauve... 😅
Il n'empêche que malgré tout, je ne m'y attendait pas !
J'au vu à la fin du roman qu'il y avais d'autre romans dans le même univers mis avec d'autres protagonistes que je lirais sûrement quand l'envie me prendra 😊
Ce 2eme tome est légèrement plus long que le 1er mais reste assez court (60k mots), l'histoire se déroule 10 ans après la fin du 1er et les 35\40% du début sont sous le pov de Drust puis ça repasse comme pour le 1er : presque essentiellement Vlari. Et c'est à partir de ce moment que tout s'enchaîne et peut être un peu trop vite...
Et c'est justement mon petit bémol, un peu plus de profondeur et de mise en place de la fin aurai enlever cette impression que l'intrigue est arrivée comme un cheveux dans la soupe d'un chauve... 😅
Il n'empêche que malgré tout, je ne m'y attendait pas !
J'au vu à la fin du roman qu'il y avais d'autre romans dans le même univers mis avec d'autres protagonistes que je lirais sûrement quand l'envie me prendra 😊
July 7, 2024
I thought the first book was fun. I don’t think I have enough experience with the different species in this book because I was getting very confused. One of my biggest gripes was sacrificing her mother to only turn around and kill her grandfather anyways. Other random things, Did she ever reconcile her dad? Did her wings ever heal? What about a third child? Why did they bang after her mom died? You couldn’t pick any other moment in time, even with the explanation it was completely unhinged behavior. I started skimming toward the end so maybe some of my questions were answered. I did enjoy the beginning but the ending felt rushed even the twist felt rushed, so I did lose interest if Im being honest. I’m not sure I’d recommend this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 1, 2024
I did enjoy the 2 books and characters overall, but I felt like the ending was just anticlimactic. It was as if as soon as they got back to the dome with the army, it was over.
The fights at the end and the epilogue were just meh. I would have liked to have seen more with the battles and also of the rebuild of their world and the courts? Their new lives? Her broken wing? Their marriage? Etc etc
And the handing over the 3rd child? She is mentioned for a split second in the epilogue, but there's just so much missing.
The fights at the end and the epilogue were just meh. I would have liked to have seen more with the battles and also of the rebuild of their world and the courts? Their new lives? Her broken wing? Their marriage? Etc etc
And the handing over the 3rd child? She is mentioned for a split second in the epilogue, but there's just so much missing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 7, 2020
Solid Duet from May Sage
When I finished the first of the Cursed Crown duets, I wondered where May Safe would go. I was not disappointed. A lot of this book was from Drusk’s POV (which seems unusual for May Sage’s style) and I liked that. I liked getting to know the hero as much as we know the heroine. Plot twist kept it interesting and a lively epilogue.
When I finished the first of the Cursed Crown duets, I wondered where May Safe would go. I was not disappointed. A lot of this book was from Drusk’s POV (which seems unusual for May Sage’s style) and I liked that. I liked getting to know the hero as much as we know the heroine. Plot twist kept it interesting and a lively epilogue.
December 14, 2023
Overall, it's a good story but I just didn't fully care for the characters. Something about the way the world is built just didn't really grab me. Nothing at all wrong with the author or the writing, etc. I just didn't connect much with it all. The ending is good and the action is well choreographed. There's just a smidge of spice. All in I'd say if you like fae/fantasy ts not a bad read.
June 6, 2020
So worth the wait!!!
This was great ending and beginning. Not expecting the betrayal, the sacrifice, or the game death. Then to top it off, the ending gave me a heart attack that I wasn't expecting. I will continue to read and devour all of May Sage's books!!!
This was great ending and beginning. Not expecting the betrayal, the sacrifice, or the game death. Then to top it off, the ending gave me a heart attack that I wasn't expecting. I will continue to read and devour all of May Sage's books!!!
June 13, 2020
The story was good and fast paced.
I loved Drusk's POV.
The ending was good I suppose, but I guess I expected more hence the four stars.
I expected a lot more of the romance between Vlari and Drusk. I would have liked to read Drusk's perspective when he figures out that they are mates.
I loved Drusk's POV.
The ending was good I suppose, but I guess I expected more hence the four stars.
I expected a lot more of the romance between Vlari and Drusk. I would have liked to read Drusk's perspective when he figures out that they are mates.
June 14, 2020
I loved this story!
As usual, great writing, character, & world building. I enjoyed it so much I was sad to realize I’d reached the end. Looking for another book by May to add to my collection.
As usual, great writing, character, & world building. I enjoyed it so much I was sad to realize I’d reached the end. Looking for another book by May to add to my collection.
June 23, 2020
Gripping
This was gripping. It reveals the brutality of war and cruelty of the fae. Despite this the Drusk and Vladimir are so wonderful you will devour each line. This concludes the narrative of the first book but there is more in the series to come.
This was gripping. It reveals the brutality of war and cruelty of the fae. Despite this the Drusk and Vladimir are so wonderful you will devour each line. This concludes the narrative of the first book but there is more in the series to come.
July 30, 2020
Really Good Story
May Sage has teased and twisted an excellent story in the pages of this book. It has all of the things that you would want, adventure, heroic acts, love, sex, drama and a happy ending. The story has all its loose ends closed. I couldn’t put the book down.
May Sage has teased and twisted an excellent story in the pages of this book. It has all of the things that you would want, adventure, heroic acts, love, sex, drama and a happy ending. The story has all its loose ends closed. I couldn’t put the book down.
January 26, 2021
I expected something more epic. The battle wasn't very memorable.
Maybe Morgana's return was the highlight.
Entertaining to hang out.
PS: I liked that Drusk was a narrator. I get stressed that he doesn't realize before that Vlari is his partner.
Maybe Morgana's return was the highlight.
Entertaining to hang out.
PS: I liked that Drusk was a narrator. I get stressed that he doesn't realize before that Vlari is his partner.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 2, 2021
Good read
A good read, I recommend it. Argh, why does this require more words? I would read the first book, I think it would make more sense then reading it without the first book. But yeh, enjoyable.
A good read, I recommend it. Argh, why does this require more words? I would read the first book, I think it would make more sense then reading it without the first book. But yeh, enjoyable.
February 17, 2022
hated all the sacrifices, but loved all the intrigue! there was also times when things didn't add up, some people had differents and the timings were differents at times too, it made it confusing at times, but i liked most of it and i'm waiting eagerly for what comes next!!!!
June 21, 2022
The Decisions of Royals
Wow did not expect the twists in this one. Loved this duet. The world building and the characters are phenomenal. Drusck and Vlari will finally get their HEA but not without tragedy.
Wow did not expect the twists in this one. Loved this duet. The world building and the characters are phenomenal. Drusck and Vlari will finally get their HEA but not without tragedy.
October 24, 2022
Another Wonderful Book!!
This is the sequel to Shadow Court ( you'll want to read that first), and it was everything I wanted and more!! I cannot wait to read the next novelle related to this world ( The Cursed Crown) !!!
This is the sequel to Shadow Court ( you'll want to read that first), and it was everything I wanted and more!! I cannot wait to read the next novelle related to this world ( The Cursed Crown) !!!
February 4, 2023
This was a good duology. I can really appreciate a fantasy story that can be wrapped up in 2 books. There definitely could have been more details and this absolutely could have been stretched into longer or more books. In the end though, I felt satisfied with the story.
June 4, 2020
A somewhat generous 3. The duology was ok, fun and fast paced.
June 7, 2020
Magical, gripping and truly extraordinary, May Sage’s Shadow Cursed delivered a one of a kind story.
June 7, 2020
Loved it! They way it ended was different and perfect!
Read
June 12, 2020Now that’s an ending
Wonderful read and pleasant end to a great duo. Love the spunk and sass. Also great battles but still some sad devastating loss.
Wonderful read and pleasant end to a great duo. Love the spunk and sass. Also great battles but still some sad devastating loss.
June 16, 2020
Gap since read first book but ending was rushed and not satisfying at all
August 15, 2020
Noooo I don’t want it to be over!!!! Great finish, such a thrilling ride! I love the set.
March 15, 2021
It was really good. Though the last quarter seemed a bit rushed and everything is just tidied up like that.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews