Cursed Crown

Beyond the Curse #0.25

by Laura Greenwood

Cienna’s father is desperate for her to marry Royalty, but when the only option is Xavier, she has other ideas. If only Prince Henry of Alventia hadn’t disappeared a few years ago…

Svetlana’s stepmother has been after her for years, wanting her for her youthful beauty. But when the rejection of a Prince sends her into the arms of a King, things take a dark turn.

Cursed Crown is a dark fantasy retelling of the Frog Prince crossed with Snow White, and is a prequel to the dark fantasy fairy tale retelling series, Beyond The Curse.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Fantasy Romance, Mythology, Paranormal

118 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 14, 2020

About the author

Laura is a USA Today Bestselling Author of fantasy romance and urban fantasy. She lives in the UK, where most of her books are set, with her partner. When she's not writing, Laura can be found exploring worldwide cusine with her partner, drinking tea, and reading fantasy books. Laura specialises in quick reads, featuring healthy relationships and consent-positive moments, regardless of whether she's writing light-hearted romance, mythology-inspired modern fantasy, cozy fantasy or anything in between.

Discover one of Laura Greenwood's most popular series:
- The Apprentice of Anubis (mythology inspired modern/urban fantasy)
- Forgotten Gods (mythology inspired fantasy romance)
- Jinx Paranormal Dating Agency (mythology inspired paranormal rom-com)
- House of Blood and Roses (vampire romantasy)
- Amethyst's Wand Shop Mysteries (urban fantasy murder mystery)
- Scales of Justice (mythology inspired modern/urban fantasy)
- Purple Oak Oasis (cozy fantasy romance)
- Falhaven Castle (cozy fantasy romance)

You can find a full book list and more information on her website, or in her Facebook Reader Group.

Happy Reading!

Reviews

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to admit that right now I'm starting all those Laura Greenwood books blank. I don't even look anymore what they're about and what kind of genre it is. Sometimes that leads to unpleasant surprises, where I need a little time to get into the story and to get into the environment. Sometimes that leads to really pleasant surprises where all of a sudden a story seems to be a lot more than I had expected it to be.

This book was such a book. The moment I realized what Greenwood was actually doing I started smiling broader and broader. I mean, I'm a huge sucker for Fairytales. I love the sweet Disney kind, I love the harsh Anderson and Grimm stories. I just love everything that is somehow fairytale-y. However, in this book Greenwood mashes up loads of different tales and it's brilliantly done. We get a few hints for what's waiting for us in the series, since this is a prequel, and I'm completely hooked!

It of course does help that in this book one of my favorite tales, the princess and the frog, does make an appearance. And it managed to get rid of the irritating spoiled princess and turned it into a wonderful romance. But, that wasn't the only fairytale making its appearance. We also find hints of Rumplestiltskin in this story and hints of Snow White. And we're promised Sleeping Beauty and Hansel and Gretel to show up in the main series, on top of most likely more tales.

Even though this is a prequel, and therefore not a long story at all, I was totally sucked into it. I also really felt like I got to know the characters, the characters who will no doubt play a role in the rest of the series too. It's mostly because all of those characters are unique and interesting. They have extra and hidden layers, they have stories to tell and adventures to have and they have secrets to reveal. I guess that what I felt while reading this book is what they call love at first sight.

[Amber Christiansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was fascinating. Several fairytales were blended together. There were two main point of view characters, both female, one good and one bad. And one minor point of view character who was a seeress. The end of the book left me with more questions than answers and I'm anxious to see what happens next. I really wish the rest of the series was out already.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review, but my opinions are my own.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

First prequel of two before the Beyond the Curse trilogy. This is the background on the parents Prince Henry and Lady Cienna that lead to Princess Keira’s birth. There are some confusion on Madeline, Cienna’s best friend, maid and seer’s, child’s paternity but the second prequel Betrayed Royals clarifies any confusion. Prince Henry’s involvement follows The Frog Prince retelling. With Svetlana “Lana” involvement we get a dark Snow White retelling. Snow White gone bad is my take as she becomes King Xavier’s Queen and Philip’s mother. From the author’s note, this prequel went under a major rewrite with less heat and I do like it. It’s more story than chemistry and I do like that. There are some areas that I feel need corrected, the author’s reference of Henry from Harry after the true reveal, for example. Overall I am please with this prequel but I do recommend reading the second right after.

[Douglas Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a prequel to a series which offers new takes on classic fairy tales. Certainly a topic that has been done before, but then each time the stories are retold, we get a new perspective. This one is certainly very new. The story is well written and easy to read with a couple of intriguing characters and a very interesting setting. As a prequel, we only get a taste of what is to come, but I like it already. The setting is definitely intriguing and there are plenty of mysteries to explore. Overall, an excellent introduction and I am looking forward to the actual series.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.

[Katheyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Cursed Crown” is intended as a prequel to the “Beyond the Curse” series by Laura Greenwood, which consists of dark fantasy retellings of well-known fairy tales, that narrate classical stories in a brand-new style, that pick and mix various elements to create original new stories.

“Cursed Crown” mixes Snow White and the Frog Prince tropes together , two of the most pivotal Brothers Grimm stories into a very well-crafted prequel that introduces the series spirit and narrative style to perfection.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a NON-SPOILER REVIEW. Cursed Crown by Laura Greenwood is the prequel to her Beyond The Curse series. I really enjoyed this read. Laura Greenwood does an awesome job of remixing Snow White and The Frog Prince into a darker and more Grimm like fairytale. This is definitely the hook to get you addicted to her twisted fairytale telling and it does exactly that. By the end of the read I felt like the Cookie Monster wanting cookies!

This honest and voluntary review was made possible by reading a copy through Booksprout.

[Rhonda Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who would've thought combining the "Frog Prince' and 'Snow White' into a combined fairytale retelling? Laura Greenwood, that's who. And what a retelling it was!! A dark, twisted fairytale with all the emotional, twists and turns, danger, and BDSM in the storyline. Oh, and the characters? Yeah, they have all the personality you'd expect in a fairytale with enough flaws to make them relatable in a Laura Greenwood book. This one definitely had me hooked and I can't wait for 'Betrayed Royals' next.

[Jerri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who would thing combining 2 fairy tales would be so enjoyable and so wonderful to read? Not me for sure. I am usually a purist for my fairy tales but this author has definitely changing my mind with this series. I have loved the books I have read so far and this one was no different. Characters were well written and were intriguing. Loved the world building and the storyline being combined was so new and so different that it read like a new story. Loved it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cursed Crown is the prequel to the 'Beyond the Curse' book series by Laura Greenwood. It's an interesting reinterpretation and amalgamation of two very well-known Grimm fairy tales, the Frog Prince and Snow White.
I really liked the dark twist with Snow White, which surprised me positively. The author has created a whole new fairy tale universe and the story makes the reader very excited about the book series. I found the prequel really successful and makes you want more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Trina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not one of my favourite books by Laura. I felt the book had been rushed when it was written as some parts were a bit disjointed. It may all come together in the next book, but I won’t be reading it. As usual she has great characters who do create strong emotions in the reader. I hate giving a 3 star to such a great author, but it just didn’t do it for me. Read some of her other books.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[WILMA from the Netherlands · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cursed Crown is a great start to this new series ,, Beyond the Curse". This is a retelling of two classic fairy tales. The Frog Prince and Snow White. Written with dark twists, interesting characters and an intriguing world created fascinatingly by the author. This was a really strong dynamic story Which I really enjoyed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[sherri jones-teachout · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is a mish mash of several different fairy tales. With a twist.
Snow White, the Frog who turned into a Prince, Hansel and Gretel, the girl who could spin straw into gold. Interesting dynamics because some of these characters aren’t the good guys from the old fairy tales. Some of these characters are down right evil. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am over the moon about this new series. This is the prequel to Greenwood's new series Beyond the Curse and I can't wait. This was a short read but so incredibly full - Greenwood writes like no other and this book has completely captivated me - this is a dark fantasy and is a mesh of several fairy tales told with a twist! I was left with so many questions and I can't wait for more in this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read a lot of books written by Laura Greenwood; she has done an excellent job at writing a good short story; she is one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.

The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.

I loved the characters.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marilyn Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a dark retelling of the classic fairytale The Frog Prince and Snow White. The originals were a great story of good over evil but this wasn’t it as evil may get a chance! This was an intriguing storyline and will have you enjoying it even more. Plus the characters were perfect and pulled you into this story!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 4 out of 5]

These are not the Disney fairy tales you grew up with. This blend of Snow White and The Frog Prince reads like something much closer to the tales used to scare children spitless that the brothers Grimm originally collected. Having read the author's Beyond the Curse series first, I really appreciated being able to learn what sparked all the animosity. Now I need to read all about how the curse came into being.

[Rose Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book!
“Cursed Crown” is an exciting blending of two fairytales with fresh eyes. I enjoyed the contrast between the two main characters. The tale was short and left me wanting more. I’m excited about this series and can’t wait to see what happens next.
I voluntarily reviewed this book for an honest review

[Carlynne Toomey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! The storyline was well developed, the characters were complex and well developed and the story world was detailed. The writing drew me in and I felt immersed in the story! I always enjoy books by this Laura Greenwood and would highly recommend it!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ken Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Cursed Crown is a dark fantasy retelling of the Frog Prince crossed with Snow White, and is a prequel to the dark fantasy fairy tale retelling series, Beyond The Curse.”
Another great retelling of a timeless coupling of classic fairy tails as only Laura can produce.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cassi Sanchez-Manning · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a prequel to the Beyond the Curse series. This series is a new take on the classic fairytales we all know and love. This mix of Snow White and The Frog Prince got me hooked and made me eager to read more of this series. Once again this author did not disappoint.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tegan Brinkman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read in one sitting well written except for the few word choices I disagreed with or the rare missed word.
The story had me enrapt, the difference between what we know of fairy tales and this merging mish mash of the story was great
I’m definitely going to pick up the series when I can

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[DMA · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really strong dynamic story which set in place a complex series of events which will touch all of the characters futures.
Well written tale, can't wait to read the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cursed Crown is a great start to the new series Beyond the Curse. This is a retelling of two classic fairy tales, the Frog Prince and Snow White. I enjoyed the unique storyline with dark twists, interesting characters, and the intriguing world the author has created. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.

[Christinaraven · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this easy read that takes 2 fairy tales and mixes them together into a good story. I liked reading them and thought it was a blast with some danger, twists, and interesting characters. Kept me reading to the end to see what would happen next.

[Ingrid Vermeulen-Quakernaat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Different fairytales meet here but there is no ".... and they lived happily ever after".
A short story with a special view on fairytales
3,5*

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rebecca Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful book by author Laura Greenwood.
I loved the awesome characters. Loved reading this book.
I highly recommend reading any or all of her wonderful books.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cursed Crown: A Beyond The Curse Prequel by Laura Greenwood --Its short even for a novella, but it was interesting! A Rumpelstiltskin retelling that manages to be even more sinister than the original! Happy Reading!

[Dawn Milligan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great prequel setting up a wonderful world and fantastic story line!!! Amazing read!!

[Isabel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Glad to have found and read this before the year ends!

Welp! The year's not yet over. I can sure add my discovery of this book and author to my list of "good stuff in 2020". This book is dark, imaginative and very, very interesting. Give it a read!

[Cleocutie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting story that blends two classic fairytales into something new and different. The characters are well done and the story flows nicely.