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Night Elves Trilogy #1
Cursed Prince
My heart hasn't beat in a thousand years. I haven't uttered a word in prison, and the guards keep their distance. If they get too close, they die--until at last, my magic binds my soul to another.
Unfortunately, the person destined to save me is a Night Elf--the enemy of my kind. And yet, when I see her in the cell across from mine, an ember starts to burn in my chest. When we escape together down the palace walls, it’s almost like I can feel again.
As we journey to find the magic that will save us both, attraction simmers between us. But I keep my secrets close. Because if she finds out what I am, she will find a way to kill me--even if it means sacrificing herself to do it.
Unfortunately, the person destined to save me is a Night Elf--the enemy of my kind. And yet, when I see her in the cell across from mine, an ember starts to burn in my chest. When we escape together down the palace walls, it’s almost like I can feel again.
As we journey to find the magic that will save us both, attraction simmers between us. But I keep my secrets close. Because if she finds out what I am, she will find a way to kill me--even if it means sacrificing herself to do it.
310 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 26, 2020
3446 people are currently reading
12767 people want to read
About the author
C.N. Crawford
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C.N. Crawford are Wall Street Journal bestselling authors of romantasy books, including books with fae, demons, and magical academies.
We write fantasy romance, urban fantasy, and portal romance. Our books often include trials, banter, and enemies to lovers stories.
CN Crawford’s books are perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Jennifer L. Armentrout, K.F. Breene, and Laura Thalassa.
Note: We are actually two people--a former biologist (Nick) and a former school psychologist (Christine).
To join C.N. Crawford's fan group and chat to the authors, Click here.
To stalk on instagram, Click here.
For a free standalone novel, Sign up here.
C.N. Crawford are Wall Street Journal bestselling authors of romantasy books, including books with fae, demons, and magical academies.
We write fantasy romance, urban fantasy, and portal romance. Our books often include trials, banter, and enemies to lovers stories.
CN Crawford’s books are perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Jennifer L. Armentrout, K.F. Breene, and Laura Thalassa.
Note: We are actually two people--a former biologist (Nick) and a former school psychologist (Christine).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 534 reviews
May 6, 2020
So I was talking to my sister tonight and she told me how much she enjoyed this book. At that point I was at 60% and I was wondering if it was ever going to get better, I considered abandoning this but when she told me that, I stuck it out.
This review is more of a grievance to my sister. Obviously she has no taste because this book sucked, I might be generous and say it was mediocre but I wouldn't take a leap and call in an enjoyable read. I'm obviously the one with taste in my family.
Ok , having said all that. This book was like child's play. I felt no emotional connection to any of the character, the plot which had them journeying to the land of the dead to find Loki's wand has no iota of enjoyment to deliver. The motive did not even ring true. The hate Ali had for Galin/High Elf was just told to us but we didn't actually see it or feel it. Then the ending where Marroc and Ali realize whats going on with the king was just so cringey. Also, we got to hear how she's an assassin, though she only told Marroc it felt like she told everyone because her inner dialogue always ran along the lines of her being an assassin. WE GET IT.
The fake manufactured love/mate thing they had took a backstory for half the book. It was also full of repeated conversations. I just can't.
I am not reading the next one.
This review is more of a grievance to my sister. Obviously she has no taste because this book sucked, I might be generous and say it was mediocre but I wouldn't take a leap and call in an enjoyable read. I'm obviously the one with taste in my family.
Ok , having said all that. This book was like child's play. I felt no emotional connection to any of the character, the plot which had them journeying to the land of the dead to find Loki's wand has no iota of enjoyment to deliver. The motive did not even ring true. The hate Ali had for Galin/High Elf was just told to us but we didn't actually see it or feel it. Then the ending where Marroc and Ali realize whats going on with the king was just so cringey. Also, we got to hear how she's an assassin, though she only told Marroc it felt like she told everyone because her inner dialogue always ran along the lines of her being an assassin. WE GET IT.
The fake manufactured love/mate thing they had took a backstory for half the book. It was also full of repeated conversations. I just can't.
I am not reading the next one.
August 15, 2023
Only the occasional adventurous moments kept me going, but overall, the book failed to deliver on its promising premise. Disappointing read for fantasy enthusiasts.
April 28, 2020
Really 4.5 ⭐️
This book was great! I loved that this is a brand new world and a completely different mythos than their previous series. This novel was definitely action packed and included some really interesting takes on mythological monsters and villains. I also love that CN Crawford has decided to stick with the 2 POV format. The only thing I wish it had more of was romance but other than that this book was definitely one thrilling ride!
This book was great! I loved that this is a brand new world and a completely different mythos than their previous series. This novel was definitely action packed and included some really interesting takes on mythological monsters and villains. I also love that CN Crawford has decided to stick with the 2 POV format. The only thing I wish it had more of was romance but other than that this book was definitely one thrilling ride!
July 27, 2022
🆗❌ World-building
🆗❌ Plot
❌ Romance
❌ Characters
DNF at 50%
I didn’t enjoy this book nearly as much as I hoped I would. The world-building is a weird mix of dystopian civilization and Norse mythology with mentions of Odin, Thor, Loki, and Ragnarok. Different species seem to be living on Earth after the Ragnarok happened, there are High Elves and Night Elves, both hating the others, there are also trolls and undead creatures, but I am not even sure if there are humans anymore.
Ali is a Night Elf, and like every other Night Elf, she hates the High Elves because they forced the Night Elves to live underground in misery… at least that’s what I think is happening, as I said, the setting is confusing at times.
I think my problem might be with the author’s style because it’s the second book I’ve read by C.N. Crawford lately and I was not impressed by any of them. Both are very bland and boring. I felt no connection at all with the characters and the whole mate thing feels forced. We have no backstories on any of the characters and I just can’t bring myself to care for them at all. They are boring. The character development really is a problem in both books I’ve read from this author.
I was also under the impression after reading the blurb that it would be more a prison romance/escape together, but it’s more a treasure hunt, with a lot of repetitive inner monologues and it was hard to keep up with the mix of faes, elves, mythology and magical objects that kept popping into the story without much explanation or details. The names are getting more and more complicated and it's hard to keep track of every magical spell, every new word, and every character with an over-complicated name.
I am done with this author, I gave it a try, and it definitely didn’t work for me, there is potential in the ideas and the story, but it really fell short, mostly because of the crappy character development and the unclear world-building.
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🆗❌ Plot
❌ Romance
❌ Characters
DNF at 50%
I didn’t enjoy this book nearly as much as I hoped I would. The world-building is a weird mix of dystopian civilization and Norse mythology with mentions of Odin, Thor, Loki, and Ragnarok. Different species seem to be living on Earth after the Ragnarok happened, there are High Elves and Night Elves, both hating the others, there are also trolls and undead creatures, but I am not even sure if there are humans anymore.
Ali is a Night Elf, and like every other Night Elf, she hates the High Elves because they forced the Night Elves to live underground in misery… at least that’s what I think is happening, as I said, the setting is confusing at times.
I think my problem might be with the author’s style because it’s the second book I’ve read by C.N. Crawford lately and I was not impressed by any of them. Both are very bland and boring. I felt no connection at all with the characters and the whole mate thing feels forced. We have no backstories on any of the characters and I just can’t bring myself to care for them at all. They are boring. The character development really is a problem in both books I’ve read from this author.
I was also under the impression after reading the blurb that it would be more a prison romance/escape together, but it’s more a treasure hunt, with a lot of repetitive inner monologues and it was hard to keep up with the mix of faes, elves, mythology and magical objects that kept popping into the story without much explanation or details. The names are getting more and more complicated and it's hard to keep track of every magical spell, every new word, and every character with an over-complicated name.
I am done with this author, I gave it a try, and it definitely didn’t work for me, there is potential in the ideas and the story, but it really fell short, mostly because of the crappy character development and the unclear world-building.
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May 13, 2020Journey to the Centre of the Earth, Norse Mythology style
I’m leaving this review unrated. I know so many people who will probably love this book but I’m not one of them apparently.
Somethings missing and it’s hard to pin point. It’s full of action and powerful fae, it has a wonderfully dark antihero with a mate bond to our girl. He’s even that bit different with a curse that doesn’t allow him to speak.
But I felt no connection to these characters though. The feels were missing. It’s like I was reading the facts of someone’s life without any feelings behind it.
On reading the blurb I thought it was a prison romance. It’s not. So I was a bit disappointed when it turned out to be a treasure hunt around the world of Norse Mythology.
I love Norse mythology so that wasn’t the problem.
Yes Thor you are still my OTL
The mix of fae magic and Norse names however were a little much to keep track of. New names, spells and monsters popped up at every turn. It was just too much too quick.
Great for readers who love action and adventure and don’t really mind it being just that
August 27, 2022
It was a great read.
The world building was phenomenal. The main characters were so easy to love. I especially love that it was not overly centred on the romance. There was rich and dynamic storyline. The world of the undead gave me the chills, but I love the story so much, I journeyed with the characters through the gore.
It was highly entertaining and I want to find out more about Elly and Marek (aka…I can’t say…spoiler). Book to here I come. 4 stars.
The world building was phenomenal. The main characters were so easy to love. I especially love that it was not overly centred on the romance. There was rich and dynamic storyline. The world of the undead gave me the chills, but I love the story so much, I journeyed with the characters through the gore.
It was highly entertaining and I want to find out more about Elly and Marek (aka…I can’t say…spoiler). Book to here I come. 4 stars.
December 12, 2020
CHARACTERS
I thought I could give these characters a four, but then I asked myself:
What’s their background?
The hero doesn’t count, he lost his memory.
Okay what’s the heroine’s?
Um... she’s an assassin...
Did you ever read about her assassinating anyone?
No.
So the only thing you know about this girl is a meaningless piece of information.
And let me guess, you only know this meaningless information, because the author beat you over the head with it?
Yes. Oh wait! She has a brother!
Great! And what did that brother do for the story?
He gave her a reason to have courage. She wanted to get back to him and speak of all that happened.
Okay. So the author created an entirely new character (which is supposed to have background and an in depth personality) to motivate the main character?
Yes.
The main character who was already an assassin?
Yes.
That seems like a bit of a waste doesn’t it?
I mean, I guess.
Did you at least build a connection to the brother’s character? Did he have an amazingly written personality?
Well we didn’t actually meet him until the final two percent of the book.
But I liked knowing she had someone other than the hero!
Fine! Okay. Whatever.
What was that hero’s name again?
I can’t remember.
...
CHARACTERS: ⭐️⭐️
PLOT
I liked the plot.
It had absolutely zero sex. I don’t even think they kissed if they didn’t have to. But I liked it.
I liked their entire dilemma it was interesting and unpredictable. Which is a major plus. However, I was disappointed by the ending. I enjoyed the first book, but it seems like the second book would exhaust me. My attention span is already short and I find it gets shorter with the absence of sexual tension. So, I won’t be continuing.
But I did enjoy this.
PLOT: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
WRITING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Character development was crappy.
Average: 3
I thought I could give these characters a four, but then I asked myself:
What’s their background?
The hero doesn’t count, he lost his memory.
Okay what’s the heroine’s?
Um... she’s an assassin...
Did you ever read about her assassinating anyone?
No.
So the only thing you know about this girl is a meaningless piece of information.
And let me guess, you only know this meaningless information, because the author beat you over the head with it?
Yes. Oh wait! She has a brother!
Great! And what did that brother do for the story?
He gave her a reason to have courage. She wanted to get back to him and speak of all that happened.
Okay. So the author created an entirely new character (which is supposed to have background and an in depth personality) to motivate the main character?
Yes.
The main character who was already an assassin?
Yes.
That seems like a bit of a waste doesn’t it?
I mean, I guess.
Did you at least build a connection to the brother’s character? Did he have an amazingly written personality?
Well we didn’t actually meet him until the final two percent of the book.
But I liked knowing she had someone other than the hero!
Fine! Okay. Whatever.
What was that hero’s name again?
I can’t remember.
...
CHARACTERS: ⭐️⭐️
PLOT
I liked the plot.
It had absolutely zero sex. I don’t even think they kissed if they didn’t have to. But I liked it.
I liked their entire dilemma it was interesting and unpredictable. Which is a major plus. However, I was disappointed by the ending. I enjoyed the first book, but it seems like the second book would exhaust me. My attention span is already short and I find it gets shorter with the absence of sexual tension. So, I won’t be continuing.
But I did enjoy this.
PLOT: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
WRITING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Character development was crappy.
Average: 3
April 12, 2021
What an entertaining story!
Action packed, thrilling, mysterious and great humour.
And that cover though😍
And talk about an insane world building that this author duo made work!
Elves and magic mixed with a destroyed “modern world” AND Norse mythology. Come on that’s not easy to sell.
But they did. So beautifully and I am so invested.
Read: 31/08/2020
1st rating: 4 BIG stars
Genre/tropes: Elves/Magic/mates/romance/action/paranormal
Cover: 5 stars
POV’s: Dual -1st person (Ali & Marroc)
Will I recommend: Totally yes
Action packed, thrilling, mysterious and great humour.
And that cover though😍
And talk about an insane world building that this author duo made work!
Elves and magic mixed with a destroyed “modern world” AND Norse mythology. Come on that’s not easy to sell.
But they did. So beautifully and I am so invested.
Read: 31/08/2020
1st rating: 4 BIG stars
Genre/tropes: Elves/Magic/mates/romance/action/paranormal
Cover: 5 stars
POV’s: Dual -1st person (Ali & Marroc)
Will I recommend: Totally yes
April 26, 2020
Title: Cursed Prince
Author: C. N. Crawford
Genre: NA / Fantasy
Release Date: 29th April 2020
Star rating: ⭐⭐⭐💫
Thank you to the author for providing me with an Arc for an honest review.
Overview:
Marroc has been kept prisoner and has not uttered a word in a thousand years. When his magic binds his soul to another person it looks like his curse can be lifted at last.
Unfortunately his soul has bound itself to the enemy, a Night Elf named Ali. If she finds out what he is she will find a way to kill him to save her people - even if it means sacrificing herself.
I have been waiting for a new instalment from husband and wife writing duo - C. N. Crawford ever since I finished Rising Queen - Rising Queen Review
As soon as I heard the new series would be inspired by Ragnarok and contained elves, I knew I would have to read it as soon as I could get my hands on it!
This story was fast paced, funny and a total binge read. I finished it within a few hours of starting!
The opening chapters were extremely energised and I couldn't stop laughing at the part where Ali said she gets tears in her eyes thinking of the Rick Astley Never Gonna Give You Up song. I think we can all say we've had tears in our eyes over that song - especially if played on repeat!!
For a while though, it felt like the world building was at the character development expense. It was a struggle to connect with either Marroc or Ali as I just wanted to know more about the world they lived in. It wasn't until the half way point that I really started to click with the two main characters. This is why I wish the book were longer (as I do with all their previous books) as things were really starting to get going and I just needed more!
There was plenty of sexual chemistry between Ali and Marroc, though at this point I feel like Ali is holding back - the next book might be steamier especially if Marroc gets his way.
The character I related to most in this book was the 'draugr' that killed her husband and plucked out his eyeballs for eating his food too loudly. I felt that.
Most memorable scene for me - was the scene with the needle. Honestly had me checking my hand and rubbing my fingers whilst I read it. It gave me the heebie jeebies.
As usual the tension building up to the climax was filled with adrenaline and a bittersweet twist.
I'm so excited about the potential of this series, the conclusion promises a wild ride for the next instalment.
Favourite Quotes:
Because when something terrible happens, there's only one way to make it right, isn't there? Make something worse happen to someone else.
It wasn't like I'd joked with anyone in the past thousand years. I'd just eaten them
Amazon | Goodreads | Instagram
Author: C. N. Crawford
Genre: NA / Fantasy
Release Date: 29th April 2020
Star rating: ⭐⭐⭐💫
Thank you to the author for providing me with an Arc for an honest review.
Overview:
Marroc has been kept prisoner and has not uttered a word in a thousand years. When his magic binds his soul to another person it looks like his curse can be lifted at last.
Unfortunately his soul has bound itself to the enemy, a Night Elf named Ali. If she finds out what he is she will find a way to kill him to save her people - even if it means sacrificing herself.
I have been waiting for a new instalment from husband and wife writing duo - C. N. Crawford ever since I finished Rising Queen - Rising Queen Review
As soon as I heard the new series would be inspired by Ragnarok and contained elves, I knew I would have to read it as soon as I could get my hands on it!
This story was fast paced, funny and a total binge read. I finished it within a few hours of starting!
The opening chapters were extremely energised and I couldn't stop laughing at the part where Ali said she gets tears in her eyes thinking of the Rick Astley Never Gonna Give You Up song. I think we can all say we've had tears in our eyes over that song - especially if played on repeat!!
For a while though, it felt like the world building was at the character development expense. It was a struggle to connect with either Marroc or Ali as I just wanted to know more about the world they lived in. It wasn't until the half way point that I really started to click with the two main characters. This is why I wish the book were longer (as I do with all their previous books) as things were really starting to get going and I just needed more!
There was plenty of sexual chemistry between Ali and Marroc, though at this point I feel like Ali is holding back - the next book might be steamier especially if Marroc gets his way.
The character I related to most in this book was the 'draugr' that killed her husband and plucked out his eyeballs for eating his food too loudly. I felt that.
Most memorable scene for me - was the scene with the needle. Honestly had me checking my hand and rubbing my fingers whilst I read it. It gave me the heebie jeebies.
As usual the tension building up to the climax was filled with adrenaline and a bittersweet twist.
I'm so excited about the potential of this series, the conclusion promises a wild ride for the next instalment.
Favourite Quotes:
Because when something terrible happens, there's only one way to make it right, isn't there? Make something worse happen to someone else.
It wasn't like I'd joked with anyone in the past thousand years. I'd just eaten them
Amazon | Goodreads | Instagram
July 17, 2021
Kindle Unlimited has been advertising the hell out of this to me for months. They finally wore me down into reading it, but it was only so-so.
April 29, 2020
C.N.Crawford have outdone themselves with this book!
It was utterly amazing! The blend of mythical beings and places with different magical races was awesome. I couldn't help but root for Maddoc. I love that we got to piece together information about him throughout the story. His POV made the story golden. I liked how as the story went on you could see how his apathetic nature began to ebb away and he began to feel again. I appreciate that it wasn't a hurried romance tale. They both feel for each other, but only one knows the extent to which it goes. I enjoyed the journey through different realms and the ending was spectacular. Ali is so steadfast in her loyalty to the Night Elves that I fear it may begin to waver in the next book. I'm also anxious to see more interactions of Ali with her brother and see the familial bonds they share. I'll definitely be eagerly awaiting the next chapter in their story.
Some of my favorite quotes:
" Obviously, that's my concern. That's my fucking question." 🤣
" My brain snagged on the word beautiful, and I felt my lips curl into a smile."
"Nothing like burned flesh to underscore a message."
"Don't say I never took you anywhere nice."🤣
This one I thought was pretty profound:
"Because when something terrible happens, there's only one way to make it right, isn't there? Make something worse happen to someone else."
It was utterly amazing! The blend of mythical beings and places with different magical races was awesome. I couldn't help but root for Maddoc. I love that we got to piece together information about him throughout the story. His POV made the story golden. I liked how as the story went on you could see how his apathetic nature began to ebb away and he began to feel again. I appreciate that it wasn't a hurried romance tale. They both feel for each other, but only one knows the extent to which it goes. I enjoyed the journey through different realms and the ending was spectacular. Ali is so steadfast in her loyalty to the Night Elves that I fear it may begin to waver in the next book. I'm also anxious to see more interactions of Ali with her brother and see the familial bonds they share. I'll definitely be eagerly awaiting the next chapter in their story.
Some of my favorite quotes:
" Obviously, that's my concern. That's my fucking question." 🤣
" My brain snagged on the word beautiful, and I felt my lips curl into a smile."
"Nothing like burned flesh to underscore a message."
"Don't say I never took you anywhere nice."🤣
This one I thought was pretty profound:
"Because when something terrible happens, there's only one way to make it right, isn't there? Make something worse happen to someone else."
April 28, 2020
I am always happy when this author duo has a new book out, and I happily dived in. Marroc has been in prison for over a thousand years, and when our heroine is caught stealing she’s thrown in the cell across from his. I really liked Ali from the start. She was a little plucky, and I liked that. It took me longer to like Marroc, and it didn’t take too long for me to figure out (no spoilers) some things about him. There were some surprises though. This was an interesting world, and I am looking forward to what happens next especially with the end. I hope we get to see more of Ali’s world, too. I’m intrigued. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
June 11, 2020
DNF partway through chapter 4. It felt rough, and the way the book opens didn’t sit well with me. I felt like I was pulled into the middle of a series, with names dropped, lore hinted at, and a whole different world then real life, and expected to stay invested while it feels so rushed? I couldn’t do it :(
March 4, 2021
It was a interesting idea, with the difference elves living in different and unfair and unequal conditions, so it brings an element of dystopian and rebelliousness to it. A little bit of Norse mythology added in as well, which I liked. So although I liked the idea of the book, the problem for me was the characters and at times how it dragged on a bit. I swear half of this book they just spent travelling (don't quote me on that, I zoned out) and the chemistry and the connections with the main character and the love interest, to each other and to the reader, felt notably absent.
→ 3.5 stars
→ 3.5 stars
April 26, 2020
Omg! So so amazing!! Every book this duo writes is phenomenal. This story is so fascinating and intense that I couldn’t put it down. I was anxious to see what happened next! The characters are amazingly written and I cannot WAIT for the next installment in this fantastic new series!! Well done!!
May 31, 2020
An enjoyable read!
The enchanting world the author created was interesting. The heroine was fierce and courageous. Her loyalty to her race and their betterment is applaudable.
The hero was se*y mystery from the beginning and when the big revelation was out I wasn’t surprised by the one fact out of the two.
And thankfully this didn’t end with a cliffhanger.
Though I liked the story, I wasn’t mind boggled by it.
Safe and recommended.
The enchanting world the author created was interesting. The heroine was fierce and courageous. Her loyalty to her race and their betterment is applaudable.
The hero was se*y mystery from the beginning and when the big revelation was out I wasn’t surprised by the one fact out of the two.
And thankfully this didn’t end with a cliffhanger.
Though I liked the story, I wasn’t mind boggled by it.
Safe and recommended.
September 13, 2020
Half a point for the immortal giant squirrel. THE BEST.
Is it just me or was it weird that the clearly monsterous Cursed Princeling talked about little else other than sucking Ali's or someone else's soul out for 89% of the time yet was guilt-strickenly asking himself if he was a monster because he had failed to ask for the name of his mate for a second time?
Oookay...so I was under the impression that this was not a distopian fantasy novel based on nothing of the sort being mentioned in the blurb and the cover not giving it away and it being elvs and stuff and...I was pretty disturbed when Ali had an "ear piece" to communicate with her brother and was running around Boston. Or something. This would have all just worked so much better for me without setting this in a modern and yet futuristic US setting with so many mentions of Harvard and Yale and ohsomany-Squares that should probably stand out to me but don't. And the smothie maker as an "ancient human device" should have probably been funny, but just annoyed me.
We were off to a flying start with stuff happening at an incredible pace that was...just not giving me time to adjust or get into the mood. A flying start flying off a steep steep wall (yes, that also happened in the book- I am being clever here) and (in my case) crashing hard into the ground. Expectations shattered. Dreams shattered. Will to live/continue this book at a minimum. All within 25% of the book.
This kind of book would have needed world building. Really. And I am not usually one to cry for excessive amounts of it, but this just really needed...something. MORE. I can see how this was a fascinating and dark world in the author's head, it just never made it into mine because I would have needed more help with that. Speak to me Crawford! Write it down so I can understand/ see/feel/fill in whatever you want to get out of a book here.
More opinions and possible spoilers ahead.
I liked the "not being able to speak"-part a lot. It gave the whole getting to know one another an interesting twist that I hadn't anticipated and I like the idea that a book, that consists of and depends on words even more than relationships do, took on the challenge of creating two characters that lacked that. I thought it was really cute how they silently communicated and got closer by Marroc literally spelling things out for her. It also adds to the sexyness of it all, in my eyes. The whole silent thing put so much more weight on the voice of a person, not only the one you are attracted to. It made me think about that a lot. That was good.
Ali was a bit weird, but also badass in a cool way. How she lost her ring finger and said it "wasn't ideal". Haha lol! That's such a male stereotype thing to say, like in all those Fast and Furious movies, but she pulled it off by shrugging it off and I liked that she was a carefully and yet clumsily crafted female empowering female main character. It worked for her. It worked for me. Still she lacked depth and more explanation of her thought process. Sometimes I was just like: 'huh? What was that? Why?' I think the 2 perspective thing didn't work so well in this case, because it switched so often and so frequently and thus made it hard for me to immerse myself in her character.
I am always down for stories of mated and fated, soul-bound romances. This was one of them, but with a twist. A twist I liked for the most part, even though it was a lot of the same for the most part and I think this could have been A LOT more interesting had it been set up differently. And it's kind of tedious to introduce the concepts of mates just to then say Marroc is unable to love anyways, because of who he is. I mean...excuse me??? Do you not get the concept of mates or something??? I mean Crawford seems to struggle with a lot of the generic fantasy stereotypes she used anyway, but this?? And the High Elf with a wand?? That needs to recharge?? I beg your pardon but that is just riddiculous! Utterly riddiculous.
The tone of the book was not consistently witty and entertaining, but some of it and it was enough. Enough for 2.5 stars and an indifferent shrug and an "it was okay" if anyone would ask me about this book. It's not life changing. It's not good- but it's okay. For the most part. So if you are not looking for "the one", but are ready for a mediocre book date that will not completely bore you to death and only irritate you a little: this is it.
Is it just me or was it weird that the clearly monsterous Cursed Princeling talked about little else other than sucking Ali's or someone else's soul out for 89% of the time yet was guilt-strickenly asking himself if he was a monster because he had failed to ask for the name of his mate for a second time?
Oookay...so I was under the impression that this was not a distopian fantasy novel based on nothing of the sort being mentioned in the blurb and the cover not giving it away and it being elvs and stuff and...I was pretty disturbed when Ali had an "ear piece" to communicate with her brother and was running around Boston. Or something. This would have all just worked so much better for me without setting this in a modern and yet futuristic US setting with so many mentions of Harvard and Yale and ohsomany-Squares that should probably stand out to me but don't. And the smothie maker as an "ancient human device" should have probably been funny, but just annoyed me.
We were off to a flying start with stuff happening at an incredible pace that was...just not giving me time to adjust or get into the mood. A flying start flying off a steep steep wall (yes, that also happened in the book- I am being clever here) and (in my case) crashing hard into the ground. Expectations shattered. Dreams shattered. Will to live/continue this book at a minimum. All within 25% of the book.
This kind of book would have needed world building. Really. And I am not usually one to cry for excessive amounts of it, but this just really needed...something. MORE. I can see how this was a fascinating and dark world in the author's head, it just never made it into mine because I would have needed more help with that. Speak to me Crawford! Write it down so I can understand/ see/feel/fill in whatever you want to get out of a book here.
More opinions and possible spoilers ahead.
I liked the "not being able to speak"-part a lot. It gave the whole getting to know one another an interesting twist that I hadn't anticipated and I like the idea that a book, that consists of and depends on words even more than relationships do, took on the challenge of creating two characters that lacked that. I thought it was really cute how they silently communicated and got closer by Marroc literally spelling things out for her. It also adds to the sexyness of it all, in my eyes. The whole silent thing put so much more weight on the voice of a person, not only the one you are attracted to. It made me think about that a lot. That was good.
Ali was a bit weird, but also badass in a cool way. How she lost her ring finger and said it "wasn't ideal". Haha lol! That's such a male stereotype thing to say, like in all those Fast and Furious movies, but she pulled it off by shrugging it off and I liked that she was a carefully and yet clumsily crafted female empowering female main character. It worked for her. It worked for me. Still she lacked depth and more explanation of her thought process. Sometimes I was just like: 'huh? What was that? Why?' I think the 2 perspective thing didn't work so well in this case, because it switched so often and so frequently and thus made it hard for me to immerse myself in her character.
I am always down for stories of mated and fated, soul-bound romances. This was one of them, but with a twist. A twist I liked for the most part, even though it was a lot of the same for the most part and I think this could have been A LOT more interesting had it been set up differently. And it's kind of tedious to introduce the concepts of mates just to then say Marroc is unable to love anyways, because of who he is. I mean...excuse me??? Do you not get the concept of mates or something??? I mean Crawford seems to struggle with a lot of the generic fantasy stereotypes she used anyway, but this?? And the High Elf with a wand?? That needs to recharge?? I beg your pardon but that is just riddiculous! Utterly riddiculous.
The tone of the book was not consistently witty and entertaining, but some of it and it was enough. Enough for 2.5 stars and an indifferent shrug and an "it was okay" if anyone would ask me about this book. It's not life changing. It's not good- but it's okay. For the most part. So if you are not looking for "the one", but are ready for a mediocre book date that will not completely bore you to death and only irritate you a little: this is it.
August 23, 2020
In the slightly odd way serendipity works, I'd started wanting a romance with a lich and here it is. I didn't even need to search 'lich romance' it just showed up, and he had a phylactery and everything!
Ok, not quite everything, he wasn't chilling with his own army of undead, but he was magic and amnesiac/crazy and hot.
The heroine lives in a post-Ragnarok world and her night elf people have been exiled to the shadow realms, while the high elves live on the frozen Midgard, sort of our world 1,000 years in the future and nicer than underground shadow realms. Until she meets the hero, her only experience in music is Rick Astley's one hit wonder, which she calls RickRoll, and do you realise that is a really old joke now, I mean really old? I support it though, it's classic.
The heroine is a thief and assassin and is given a mission to get a lock box out of a bank in Boston. She gets the box, puts on the gold ring from the box, has a magic freakout and gets captured by the high elves.
Her prison buddy across the hall is the lich and they end up escaping together. Before that though, a nasty elf princess chops the heroine's finger off to get the ring.
The lich is after Loki's wand, and this entire book is having magical adventures to get it. These aren't pleasant magical adventures, every other being in the post-Ragnarok worlds is terrible. The heroine spends a lot of time being dangerously without shoes, warm jackets and appropriate running for her life athleisure wear. She is dehydrated all the time and doesn't get enough to eat. Oh, and she fixes the finger wound by burning it shut on a stove and that's badass cauterising but I don't rate it for a comprehensive wound care treatment plan. There are more books to come, so hopefully she can magically grow back her finger, or do some finger physio so her hand is ok and the scaring stays flexible and clean. Or whatever it needs, I both don't want to lose a finger or imply that anyone without one is any less of a badass.
I went straight from this book to C.N. Crawford's Sea Fae series, and it's clear that being dirty, thirsty, hungry and cold is the default condition for her heroines. Possibly to distract them from the fact that they could do better than the boyfriends the plot gives them.
Ok, not quite everything, he wasn't chilling with his own army of undead, but he was magic and amnesiac/crazy and hot.
The heroine lives in a post-Ragnarok world and her night elf people have been exiled to the shadow realms, while the high elves live on the frozen Midgard, sort of our world 1,000 years in the future and nicer than underground shadow realms. Until she meets the hero, her only experience in music is Rick Astley's one hit wonder, which she calls RickRoll, and do you realise that is a really old joke now, I mean really old? I support it though, it's classic.
The heroine is a thief and assassin and is given a mission to get a lock box out of a bank in Boston. She gets the box, puts on the gold ring from the box, has a magic freakout and gets captured by the high elves.
Her prison buddy across the hall is the lich and they end up escaping together. Before that though, a nasty elf princess chops the heroine's finger off to get the ring.
The lich is after Loki's wand, and this entire book is having magical adventures to get it. These aren't pleasant magical adventures, every other being in the post-Ragnarok worlds is terrible. The heroine spends a lot of time being dangerously without shoes, warm jackets and appropriate running for her life athleisure wear. She is dehydrated all the time and doesn't get enough to eat. Oh, and she fixes the finger wound by burning it shut on a stove and that's badass cauterising but I don't rate it for a comprehensive wound care treatment plan. There are more books to come, so hopefully she can magically grow back her finger, or do some finger physio so her hand is ok and the scaring stays flexible and clean. Or whatever it needs, I both don't want to lose a finger or imply that anyone without one is any less of a badass.
I went straight from this book to C.N. Crawford's Sea Fae series, and it's clear that being dirty, thirsty, hungry and cold is the default condition for her heroines. Possibly to distract them from the fact that they could do better than the boyfriends the plot gives them.
November 16, 2020
I liked the story but the narration/audiobook editing wasn’t great.
January 2, 2024
DNF @ 38%
2.5 stars
This is boring and stupid and full of plot holes. How can you have a fake fur coat, com device, jump drive, and means of listening to music from said jump drive, and yet be surprised by things such as a kitchen or washer and dryer.
"Fake fur is less biodegradable due to its composition of various synthetic materials. These materials often include blends of acrylic and modacrylic polymers derived from coal, air, water, petroleum, and limestone, which can potentially take between 500 and 1,000 years to break down."
Marroc has been imprisoned for 1000 years. Yada yada come the fuck on.
Here are my notes, they are very classy:
2%
So these people have been scouting this bank for an undetermined number of days but enough that she knew a bunch of details of the security routines and knew "all the bank's secrets," yet she gets in there and immediately encounters a guard she didn't, "but should have," expected and had no idea what the vault would be like.. Why would a thief break into a bank to steal a safety deposit box and not have any idea about the vault or it's locking mechanism?
The job was everything. The job would mean freedom for her people. And yet she came woefully unprepared and uninformed. Sure Jan.
7%
omg okay they had spent the last year planning this shit?
Fuck right off.
9%
okay so they captured her and then threw her into jail wearing the same clothes and the ring she just stole? They have headsets and computers? How can they be this inept? Is there no process?
Your mother.
27%
you have acrylic fake fur jackets but "I'd read about places like this. Kitchens, they'd been called."
Suck my dick.
38%
This is boring. Okay I just read a review that said there's no sex. I'm audi.
2.5 stars
This is boring and stupid and full of plot holes. How can you have a fake fur coat, com device, jump drive, and means of listening to music from said jump drive, and yet be surprised by things such as a kitchen or washer and dryer.
"Fake fur is less biodegradable due to its composition of various synthetic materials. These materials often include blends of acrylic and modacrylic polymers derived from coal, air, water, petroleum, and limestone, which can potentially take between 500 and 1,000 years to break down."
Marroc has been imprisoned for 1000 years. Yada yada come the fuck on.
Here are my notes, they are very classy:
2%
So these people have been scouting this bank for an undetermined number of days but enough that she knew a bunch of details of the security routines and knew "all the bank's secrets," yet she gets in there and immediately encounters a guard she didn't, "but should have," expected and had no idea what the vault would be like.. Why would a thief break into a bank to steal a safety deposit box and not have any idea about the vault or it's locking mechanism?
The job was everything. The job would mean freedom for her people. And yet she came woefully unprepared and uninformed. Sure Jan.
7%
omg okay they had spent the last year planning this shit?
Fuck right off.
9%
okay so they captured her and then threw her into jail wearing the same clothes and the ring she just stole? They have headsets and computers? How can they be this inept? Is there no process?
Your mother.
27%
you have acrylic fake fur jackets but "I'd read about places like this. Kitchens, they'd been called."
Suck my dick.
38%
This is boring. Okay I just read a review that said there's no sex. I'm audi.
June 2, 2020
This book was ok if you are into weak main characters and the typical male hero who is only interested in screwing the heroine. Which brings me to some other points I had issues with. I GET THAT HE IS HARD AS STEEL, I DON'T NEED TO BE TOLD FIVE MILLION TIMES. Why the need to describe his looks over and over again? Also, ALI IS AN ASSASSIN. HOW CAN SHE FEEL SAFE IN THE ARMS OF SOMEONE SHE JUST MET, IN JAIL TOO? I honestly don't understand.
Also, why does she say curse words and slang that we hear nowadays if the apocalypse happened a thousand years ago? I get that she probably read books from our time, but nobody adopts speech like that from a book that is a thousand years old. Language changes all the time, and sometimes meaning is lost completely unless studied over and over again, which if she doesn't even really know who Beyonce is, then clearly old human culture does not matter as much as the author tried to make it so.
I would understand the dialogue if this only took place a couple, hell even a decade or two after Ragnarok, but not a thousand years later.
There was only one redeeming quality of this book and why I gave it two stars: the plot was semi-interesting. I will admit that I was curious about the plot and wanted to learn more about this world, but I felt that the weird mix of modern, and thousand-year-old apocalyptic towns did not mix well.
Basically, I felt that this was a missed opportunity and could have been so much better.
Also, why does she say curse words and slang that we hear nowadays if the apocalypse happened a thousand years ago? I get that she probably read books from our time, but nobody adopts speech like that from a book that is a thousand years old. Language changes all the time, and sometimes meaning is lost completely unless studied over and over again, which if she doesn't even really know who Beyonce is, then clearly old human culture does not matter as much as the author tried to make it so.
I would understand the dialogue if this only took place a couple, hell even a decade or two after Ragnarok, but not a thousand years later.
There was only one redeeming quality of this book and why I gave it two stars: the plot was semi-interesting. I will admit that I was curious about the plot and wanted to learn more about this world, but I felt that the weird mix of modern, and thousand-year-old apocalyptic towns did not mix well.
Basically, I felt that this was a missed opportunity and could have been so much better.
September 12, 2020
Fun read
This is the first book I read by the author, it will not be the last. I enjoyed this amazing world, the adventure and the slow yet growing romance that developed between the MCs. I enjoyed the story even more because romance was not the focal point, for me it ensured the quality of story telling. Great characters, fun plot, and a fantastic ending that sent me rushing to read book #2. I cannot recommend this series enough. Go read it!
This is the first book I read by the author, it will not be the last. I enjoyed this amazing world, the adventure and the slow yet growing romance that developed between the MCs. I enjoyed the story even more because romance was not the focal point, for me it ensured the quality of story telling. Great characters, fun plot, and a fantastic ending that sent me rushing to read book #2. I cannot recommend this series enough. Go read it!
November 28, 2022
*3.5 stars
Marroc is a magical being trapped in this prison for a thousand years. He is cursed and has no soul. He put his soul into a ring that can only be found by his fated mate. His fated mate just so happens to be Ali, who is a night elf. She ends up across the ring and actually gets thrown into the same prison as Marroc. This sparks their journey of discovering that they are destined to be together.
Man was this a whirlwind of a fantasy romance!
This world really reminds me of the Crescent City world SJM created, but it takes place in our world. There are magic, gods, and fantastical creatures. It was super fun to read about how C.N. Crawford made Earth magical. I cannot wait to finish the rest of this trilogy!
TROPES: urban fantasy romance, fated mates, magical
Marroc is a magical being trapped in this prison for a thousand years. He is cursed and has no soul. He put his soul into a ring that can only be found by his fated mate. His fated mate just so happens to be Ali, who is a night elf. She ends up across the ring and actually gets thrown into the same prison as Marroc. This sparks their journey of discovering that they are destined to be together.
Man was this a whirlwind of a fantasy romance!
This world really reminds me of the Crescent City world SJM created, but it takes place in our world. There are magic, gods, and fantastical creatures. It was super fun to read about how C.N. Crawford made Earth magical. I cannot wait to finish the rest of this trilogy!
TROPES: urban fantasy romance, fated mates, magical
November 17, 2023
4 stars
The Crawfods' books have been hit or miss for me, but I really enjoyed this one. I enjoyed the fact that when identities were revealed, although there was a reaction, it wasn't impulsive. I'm excited to see where this series goes.
The Crawfods' books have been hit or miss for me, but I really enjoyed this one. I enjoyed the fact that when identities were revealed, although there was a reaction, it wasn't impulsive. I'm excited to see where this series goes.
April 23, 2023
⤏ What to expect:
∘ Adult PNR Romance
∘ Fae, Elves, Sorcerers
∘ Magic & Mythology
∘ Dual POV
⤏ Tropes:
∘ Enemies to Lovers
∘ Reluctant Allies
⤏ Summary
Mysterious Marroc has been imprisoned for a thousand years, in which time his heart's been still. Not anymore.
After all this time he finally has a chance at escaping the hell he's been living in, because he's been bound to someone who can save him. the only problem is that she is a Night Elf. A Night Elf who hates the High Elves and if she finds out who he really is, she'll hate him and most probably seek to kill him, even if it means sacrificing herself in the process. Their future was doomed from the very beginning.
After escaping from the High Elves' clutches, they embark on a journey to discover a magic artefact that may save them both. Things between them only complicate further and it's clear they won't get out of this unscathed.
⤏ Plot/Writing
The author tried to somehow merge urban fantasy, fae kingdoms and Norse mythology and I'm personally not a fan of the final product.
The plot is all over the place, in my opinion. One moment the protagonist is locked up in a cell, the next she's marveling at Marroc's home, then they're on a journey to the underworld. Too much happening too fast and I found some scenes to be unnecessary.
I won't even get into the worldbuilding because I'm honestly still confused about the whole thing.
⤏ Characters
∘ Ali is a Night Elf trained as an assassin who is captured by the High Elves when a mission goes wrong, and that is how she meets Marroc.
∘ Marroc is an ancient being with secrets that threaten to unravel the progress he has made in his relationship with Ali, the one who can save him.
⤏ Romance
After finding out what Ali's to Marroc, it's clear in which direction their temporary alliance is heading. However, I failed to see the chemistry between the two characters, and their interactions fell flat for me.
⤏ Final Thoughts
Cursed Prince was a short, fast-paced and action-packed book.
Me and C.N. Crawford's books have a difficult relationship. There are books written by her that I loved, there the ones I can't even remember the MC's names let alone the plot and then there are the ones I struggled to finish.
I'm not ready to stop reading her books just yet, because I still have my eyes on Frost , but I'm not sure I'll finish this series.
April 29, 2020
1000+ years since Rahnarok.. the cursed prince is an amazing account of what happens to the god and the fall out after.. Ali and Marroc are two superbly written MC’s and with the whole story being told from both their POV’s you get to see how they both grow as characters.. and all their individual and joint struggles to deal with the prophecy’s, curses, high fae and even their own instincts. I love that the whole book is action packed, full of brilliant twists and fast paste. An absolute brilliant read that I would highly recommend.. I can’t wait for more from this series.
September 1, 2024
dnf — 50%
this world building is all over the place. there’s elves and Loki and it’s set in Boston and cars and banks and the main thing I could not get over is that the MMC was in prison for a thousand years and then when he breaks out it’s legitimately the easiest thing in the entire world.
why didn’t you do that 999 years and 11 months and 29 days ago?
like he can reference Rick Rolling? but he’s a lich? wtf?
and also it’s incredibly hard to have a romance novel where one of the characters doesn’t have the ability to speak. having an immortal character that’s 1000 years old just bothers me for some reason. how is his house still immaculate? how does he have a working washing machine?
there were also a lot of repeated sentences in multiple chapters, over and over. “I want to eat her soul. But I can’t. But I want to.” needed editing.
all of these things worked together to make me dnf
this world building is all over the place. there’s elves and Loki and it’s set in Boston and cars and banks and the main thing I could not get over is that the MMC was in prison for a thousand years and then when he breaks out it’s legitimately the easiest thing in the entire world.
why didn’t you do that 999 years and 11 months and 29 days ago?
like he can reference Rick Rolling? but he’s a lich? wtf?
and also it’s incredibly hard to have a romance novel where one of the characters doesn’t have the ability to speak. having an immortal character that’s 1000 years old just bothers me for some reason. how is his house still immaculate? how does he have a working washing machine?
there were also a lot of repeated sentences in multiple chapters, over and over. “I want to eat her soul. But I can’t. But I want to.” needed editing.
all of these things worked together to make me dnf
May 13, 2020
This is my genre - Fantasy and adventure
I stumbled across this book in KU and I am hooked
Let me start with the world-building -
Crawford blended Norse mythology (primary) with a few other mythological creatures and beliefs creating a unique universe for this series.
In this first in series, we don't get a lot of details regarding Topside (?) more a rough imagery of that section of the world. We don't really spend a whole lot of time there though so that could be it 🤷
Now when we venture below?
I had no problem seeing the imagery as though I was there
The cast -
Marroc - I want to keep him! He was such an enigma constantly battling with what should be and what is - His current form caused by a curse left him a soulless cold-hearted entity until a certain little someone shook everything up.
Ali - little spitfire of an assassin. Her attitude, the way she processed the events (for lack of a better word) that kept upending her quest - She is my heroine. Quick to process and takes the initiative. She was calculating and fearless but at the same time she has a softer side - I truly am excited to see how she deals with the truths she revealed during this first episode.
These two are polar opposites and just like their magnetic counterparts there is a lot of push and pull between them.
Cursed Prince is a solid start for the series with a compelling story line that kept me engaged and entertained from the opening scene to the closing. I enjoyed the easy connection I found with the characters and the way I was able to get lost in their story.
I did wish there was a bit more background when it came to the 'topside' and supporting cast there. Though honestly a lot was revealed as the story progressed and some of it was some pretty big OMG revelations.
Many of the events and characters introduced both 'topside' and in Hel were more introductions and foundation builders - IMO
I know I can't have it all at once - I can't help that I am a bit greedy when it comes to books I enjoy
I am not sure when the next in series comes out - I went to grab book two as soon as I had finished this and was unable to locate any information.
Soon I hope
I stumbled across this book in KU and I am hooked
Let me start with the world-building -
Crawford blended Norse mythology (primary) with a few other mythological creatures and beliefs creating a unique universe for this series.
In this first in series, we don't get a lot of details regarding Topside (?) more a rough imagery of that section of the world. We don't really spend a whole lot of time there though so that could be it 🤷
Now when we venture below?
I had no problem seeing the imagery as though I was there
The cast -
Marroc - I want to keep him! He was such an enigma constantly battling with what should be and what is - His current form caused by a curse left him a soulless cold-hearted entity until a certain little someone shook everything up.
Ali - little spitfire of an assassin. Her attitude, the way she processed the events (for lack of a better word) that kept upending her quest - She is my heroine. Quick to process and takes the initiative. She was calculating and fearless but at the same time she has a softer side - I truly am excited to see how she deals with the truths she revealed during this first episode.
These two are polar opposites and just like their magnetic counterparts there is a lot of push and pull between them.
Cursed Prince is a solid start for the series with a compelling story line that kept me engaged and entertained from the opening scene to the closing. I enjoyed the easy connection I found with the characters and the way I was able to get lost in their story.
I did wish there was a bit more background when it came to the 'topside' and supporting cast there. Though honestly a lot was revealed as the story progressed and some of it was some pretty big OMG revelations.
Many of the events and characters introduced both 'topside' and in Hel were more introductions and foundation builders - IMO
I know I can't have it all at once - I can't help that I am a bit greedy when it comes to books I enjoy
I am not sure when the next in series comes out - I went to grab book two as soon as I had finished this and was unable to locate any information.
Soon I hope
February 28, 2021
Honestly, I'm a bit confused.
They are in Boston but it's called Midgard now? I mean, I'm okay with Norse Myth, but was confused why it's called Boston. I'd rather it be called the place in Midgard than confuse me with US geography. Lol.
It's good, world building is good. Romance is not instantaneous. Which is great. Attraction is there though. But idk. I was confused a lot, so I feel like I didn't enjoyed it that much. Hoping for a better telling on the sequel.
Also, I liked that it's dual POV. I get to see what Marroc thinks about. Most of the time we have female MC POV, but glad this one also have the male MC POV.
They are in Boston but it's called Midgard now? I mean, I'm okay with Norse Myth, but was confused why it's called Boston. I'd rather it be called the place in Midgard than confuse me with US geography. Lol.
It's good, world building is good. Romance is not instantaneous. Which is great. Attraction is there though. But idk. I was confused a lot, so I feel like I didn't enjoyed it that much. Hoping for a better telling on the sequel.
Also, I liked that it's dual POV. I get to see what Marroc thinks about. Most of the time we have female MC POV, but glad this one also have the male MC POV.
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