The Cursed Fae

Accessory to Magic #2

by Kathrin Hutson

The bank is a dud. The past is a joke. And the customer is always right. Until they’re not…Jessica Northwood thought she could handle running Winthrop & Dirledge Security Banking. Turns out she doesn’t even have a handle on herself.

The bank has lost its mind, magicals hunt Jessica down to ask when she’ll open the Gateway, and both her criminal and personal pasts are catching up to her. In the worst way possible. Now she has to fix the bank and its serious attitude problem as the memories she paid someone to remove slowly seep back into her mind. Which was supposed to be impossible.

While her present unravels and the magical world prepares for the task Jessica has no idea how to complete, the fae Leandras returns to add to the chaos. In return for her help, he promises answers. But aiding and abetting another magical fugitive means Jessica must be the witch she swore she’d never be again. And this time, there’s no turning back.



Ilona Andrews’ Innkeeper Chronicles meets The Magicians in this snarky, fast-paced Urban Fantasy Adventure from International Bestselling Author Kathrin Hutson.

Scroll up to one-click your copy now and join the chaos!

Genres: Fantasy, Magic, Fae, Mystery, Witches, Urban Fantasy

Kindle Edition

First published January 17, 2021

About the author

International Bestselling Author Kathrin Hutson has been writing Dark Fantasy, Sci-Fi, and LGBTQ Speculative Fiction since 2000. With her wildly messed-up heroes, excruciating circumstances, impossible decisions, and Happily Never Afters, she’s a firm believer in piling on the intense action, showing a little character skin, and never skimping on violent means to bloody ends. As a world traveler with her husband and young daughter, Kathrin makes a living writing fiction full time and a home of wherever she can write.

For updates on new releases, exclusive deals, and dark surprises you won’t find anywhere else, sign up to Kathrin’s newsletter at kathrinhutsonfiction.com/subscribe.

Reviews

[Alice · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 63% when Jessica magically regains the telepathic connection to the bank with no obvious reason.

While I was a sucker for the sentient bank setting, I was still extremely annoyed at the lack of information on our FMC Jessica even though we were getting the story from her perspective. She knew why she split her magic and what was so dangerous about it, but the reader barely got much info about what the heck was going on even though she kept bringing up the missing magic. Bringing in mystery and twists by intentionally hiding information from the reader that the narrator already knew led to a very frustrating experience.

Additionally, Jessica's stubborn personality hadn't improved much from the first book. The bank had already showed her from previous instances that when it said there was danger and that she should do X, it wasn't lying. Jessica still insisted on wasting time trying to do it her way before realizing that the bank was right and then ending up too late to do anything. Gahhhhhh....

The last straw that made me quit was just the overall lack of direction and information about the world. Jessica repeatedly went out to find more information about X, but it was always a dead end. More than halfway into the book, and we still hadn't learned much more about Jessica, the Gateway, the lizard, the bank, or really anything else in the world than when we started the story. The banter between the Jessica and the bank went on for pages and gave us absolutely no new information. I decided I spent enough time on this train to nowhere and was better spent finding a new series to read.
---
Ratings - abandoned series:
#1 The Witching Vault: ★★★☆☆
#2 The Cursed Fae (this book): ★☆☆☆☆ / DNF

[Anne · Rating 1 out of 5]

Oh, this was a slog for me. It reached the point where I just wanted to delete it. We still don't have a clear picture about Jessica and her past though a couple of people she knew are briefly introduced. We still don't know what's really up with the bank and the Gateway. Except for one scene where Jessica meets some interesting supernatural types and someone with a bit of a grudge, she does an incredibly poor job of finding out despite so many people she encounters outside the bank appearing to know.

Jessica, as a character, is not one I like. I like my UF heroines to not be perfect, but she's getting to the too stupid to live stage. She's in danger yet goes out and gets drunk in public. She gets hurts and doesn't even check it out, etc.

There's a mistake, the saying is chock full, not chalk full.

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

[Noemi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jessica is still trying to figure out what secrets the bank holds, but she's not making any progress. People are attacking her or expecting something from her, so she doesn't have a moment of peace. When a fae asks for help, more problems start piling up on her shoulders.

I really think this is a genial story with a wonderful plot, however, I feel like the pace of the book is too slow for my taste. Jessica still doesn't know anything about the Gateway and we are already on book 2.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

A continuation...

This book picks right up where the previous one left off. I still like the characters and really want to see what happens next, but honestly the middle is a bit of a mess. There are so many unanswered questions that keep getting delayed for no reason. The bank loses its ability to talk to Jessica, she goes on a weird bender, then magically it can talk to her again as if the previous chapters never even happened. Jessica not wanting her magic is mentioned repetitively but we’re never given anything more when it’s mentioned.
I will read the next book! Just a bit frustrated with things dragging on for no reason.

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Accessory to Magic series and the second book I’ve read by this author. I admit to not knowing how the author was going to keep a book interesting when the MC couldn’t, for the most part, leave the bank. However, both books have been very engrossing, so much so, this latest was hard to put down. Jessica is growing so much as the “owner” of the bank, but her past is trying to catch up to her. This book gives you tantalizing glimpses of her past, and I can’t wait for the next book to find out even more about what is going on with her past, the Gateway, and the end of this book. Excellent urban fantasy series which I highly recommend! I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

[Jacqueline · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series has potential but I really struggled with this book, there is a lot of rehashing of what has already happened, Jessica's past that she can't remember and a past she would rather forget. There was not much plot progression in this book. It felt as if Jessica was running around with no real results. I'm on the fence about reading the next book in the series, I'm hopeful that more will occur but I'm afraid that not much will happen again. I like the premise and Jessica's character has potential but because of the bank she is in her head a lot.

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

[Sarah Tindale · Rating 4 out of 5]

ive just started reading books from this author this book was little confusing only because when i recived this arc i hadnt read the first book that was my fault though because i thought this was the first .But any how i did enjoy the book it was action packed and i love a strong female i mean you cant get anymore head strong dont need any one kind of girl when it comes to jessica any who i am buying the first book to read and rereading this book again love love love.

[Scarolet Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cursed Fae by Kathrin Hutson is an awesome story to read. This is book number two in this awesome series that I have been so hooked on since the very beginning of this series. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about humor and fantasy.

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

[Shweta · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book 2 doesn't live upto the promise of the first book in the series.

It was a little disappointing but over all the book is not bad. We see more of Jessica's past and some blank spots get filled.

However, this book could have been better.

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

[Cath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book two of the Accessory to Magic series and sees the main character Jessica some two weeks into her lone running of the Winthrop & Dirledge Security Banking business, being driven mad by a bank that speaks to her in her head, but can’t tell her what the upcoming awakening means, nor anything about the magical Gateway she is supposed to protect. After all the mass attacks on the bank, matters have seemed to settle down a bit, but now any customer coming in, seems to only have one question and that is when she will open the Gateway! When the vault refuses to allow one annoying customer to empty his box, things start to go awry in the bank and even the voice stops, as something seems to have left the bank losing its mind and she has only part of her own memories, having voluntarily had some of her memories and half her magic removed years ago. The bank keeps telling her she needs the rest of her magic to overcome what might be coming, but she is stubborn and refuses, too afraid of what those memories might bring back and what her magic may be capable of!

She hasn’t been sleeping well, with bad memories coming to her in her dreams, things she shouldn’t be able to remember, from her criminal and personal past. Something that should have been impossible. When she leaves the bank to carry out research in the magical library, it seems she is being followed or has eyes on her everywhere, with magical beings signalling to her all over the city. Her research opportunity leaves her with little information about what she really wanted to know, but a bit closer to a clue going forwards. It seems that one of the groups who want into the bank and to take over control of the Gateway, have left someone on her trail, leaving her in a dangerous situation, especially after she allows herself to be under the weather, shall we say! She may have made up with one of her friends from her old crew, but finding their boss, and the one who dobbed her in and led to her being imprisoned, is actually a customer of the bank. The bank refuses his request as well, causing him to take umbrage against her failure to do as he wants, like he often would to his gang when she was a part of it.

Only the interference of the fae Leandras saves her life this time round, but in return he needs to ask her a personal favour. He has only added to the chaos, but hopefully she can finally get some information about the Gateway and what he awoke with the special coin he withdrew from his vault box. But to do this favour for Leandras, she must go back to her criminal past and those she used to work with and thought of as family, for the skills she will need to complete the favour, or die trying! When she will consider matters dangerous enough to actually need her full magic, instead of leaving it hidden in a small box in her underwear drawer, is yet to be seen and I can’t wait to see what that would bring. Somehow, there is a link between her and the bank, both with missing memories and now tied together to keep the Gateway secure from all comers. Action of a different sort in this one, with a job she is only just getting used to, that has now placed her in more danger than her criminal past ever did! I can’t wait to see what comes next and what happens between Jessica and the fae, with his difficult favour. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.

[Grady · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Her job was to run the witching vault. To protect the Gateway – whatever that was’

Colorado author Kathrin Hutson is also a fiction ghostwriter, an Independent Editor through her company KLH CreateWorks, and Fiction Co-Editor for Burlington’s Mud Season Review. Her genres – Dark Fantasy, Sci-Fi, and LGBTQ Speculative Fiction. She has penned four series – the diptych GYENONA’S CHILDREN, the trilogy THE UNCLAIMED, the diptych BLUE HELIX – and now surpasses her earlier fine work with this stunning dark urban fantasy novel, THE CURSED FAE that is the second volume for her series ACCESSORY TO MAGIC. The ‘fae’ of the title – supernatural beings that have existed secretly alongside unsuspecting humans for thousands of years!

Kathrin’s arresting prose style is present from page one throughout this impressive novel. She knows the importance of setting a mood for a dark urban fantasy adventure as the following demonstrates: ‘It was only a table, but it felt like another prison cell. What was she doing? She shouldn’t be here right now. She shouldn’t have come at all. Jessica Northwood slumped back in the chair at her table for two, which currently sat one, and tried not to stare at the front door of Café 19. Any minute now, her past would be catching up with her in ways she’d sworn she’d never allow. Any minute now, Mel would walk through the front door, smile at her, and undo the last six months of Jessica’s painstaking attempts to reinvent the witch she used to be…’

Being Book 2 of her series, it is important to know the primary character, and the author’s synopsis opens that opportunity – ‘Jessica Northwood thought she could handle running Winthrop & Dirledge Security Banking. Turns out she doesn’t even have a handle on herself. The bank has lost its mind, magicals hunt Jessica down to ask when she’ll open the Gateway, and both her criminal and personal pasts are catching up to her. In the worst way possible. Now she has to fix the bank and its serious attitude problem as the memories she paid someone to remove slowly seep back into her mind. Which was supposed to be impossible. While her present unravels and the magical world prepares for the task Jessica has no idea how to complete, the fae Leandras returns to add to the chaos. In return for her help, he promises answers. But aiding and abetting another magical fugitive means Jessica must be the witch she swore she’d never be again. And this time, there’s no turning back.’

A well-sculpted central character, a hefty dose of magic and fantasy, and a fast paced plot all combine in Kathrin’s skilled hands to create a very powerful and satisfying novel – a very successful second volume of her fine series – now five books in length! This author has polished skills. Recommended.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

After her release from magical prison, Jessica Northwood got a job as an apprenticeship at Winthrop & Dirledge Security Banking, but her training was cut very short when Tabitha is found dead after providing only a half-day of training. Jessica has no idea what she’s doing, but she runs the witching vault and protects the Gateway. The apparently sentient bank talks to her, but sometimes is not very helpful.

Jessica met her old friend Mel for lunch, and it was awkward and stiff. When she mentioned the bank, Mel was stricken and told her to get away from there immediately. She didn’t give specifics, but warned her it was dangerous. Jessica is becoming more confident as the “owner” of the bank, but her past memories are coming back, even though that should have been impossible. Many odd things are happening. When a Fae tries to make a withdrawal, the vault stops communicating with her and stops the transaction. The Fae Leandras comes back into her life asking for a favor and promises some answers to her questions in return. It is becoming known that she is the guardian of the bank. And that brings even more troubles to her. When her past comes back to attack her, will she lose her life? When will she begin to understand all that is going on?

This is such an unusual story line that fascinates as we get more information about Jessica’s history. She is still shrouded in so my mystery, however, that the reader cannot begin to guess what happens next. Grab your copy and follow the story until the pieces begin to fit together.

[Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Review

This was an engaging and brilliant next chapter in this LGBTQ-driven fantasy. The novel does an excellent job of peeling back the layers of protagonist Jessica’s backstory more and more in this sequel, highlighting not only her haunted past and her relationships outside of the Bank before her job there, but mirroring her relationships being built inside of the Bank as well, including newcomer Leandras. The Fae is not only a welcome addition to the cast, but his mystery and level of suspicion about his loyalties makes him an intriguing part of the narrative moving forward in the series.

The maturity and humor that can be found in this novel was a major hook and the balance that the author found was quite appealing. As a fan of series like The Magicians, it was great to dive into the mythology and magick of these stories while also balancing out the character interactions and wit that the writing had with more mature storytelling.

The Verdict

A wonderous, masterful, and entertaining next chapter in this LGBTQ Fantasy series, author Kathrin Hutson’s “The Cursed Fae” is an excellent next chapter in the ACCESSORIES TO MAGIC series. The balance of suspense that the protagonist’s past and her interactions with former friends and foes alike really set the tone for the narrative, while the growing mystery surrounding this Gateway and her role in the mysterious upcoming events really keeps readers hooked on this narrative. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

⚙️⚙️ONE TUMULTUOUS TREAT⚙️⚙️
Blazing bats boomer! Kathrin hit the ground running with this tough as nails thrill, delivering up some brain benders, wicked warblers and devious devil's run amuck as lines blur and memories are sketchy, catapulting this bad boy to new heights. Shenanigans, escapades and misfortune descend in a tempest of unexpected events and stunning mishaps, while observing the formidable struggles and challenging triumphs, attentive to the dramatic twists and perilous turns unfolding, wrapping this jewel up sleek, shiny and tight. Crushed boundaries and dispensing the limits, laying out strong suits, weighed and balanced, kicking down walls and bringing the heat, propelling this gem into a frenzy with astonishing impacts, blasting this hot number to life brilliantly. The characters, dialogue, interactions and charged atmosphere along with relatable qualities and individual traits, blend and flow adding depth and diversity, transforming into outstanding personalities. Throw in 100% on point realism, raising the stakes with such graphic scenarios that are so colorfully descriptive and vividly detailed its like you're living it with them instead of on the sidelines, feeling everything the characters feel. Amazing job Kathrin, thanks for sharing this little treasure with us.

[Jayden Rostie · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was painful to get through. We got no answer about anything, nothing really happened, and the author keep thinking their clever by not telling the audience anything about ANYTHING. When in reality, it's just frustrating, not understanding anything that's going on, or what anyone is referencing. Theres way this kind of it can be done that's fun and interesting and thrilling, keeping the audience hooked in the protagonists secret past or the mysteries of the world, but this isn't the way to do it. I don't understand the world or the world building, I don't understand the references being thrown around, I don't understand the magic, or why people are important or what makes someone powerful or literally anything. I almost dnf'd this book out of frustration after getting 94% of the way through it. Not to mention the MC almost dies and still makes dumb decisions regarding her magic for no reason, and we can't sympathize with her because we don't know anything, so all her actions just seem idiotic!!!!!! I've never been so frustrated by a book before, or so bored at the same time.

[Lene Blackthorn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The next book in the Accessory to Magic series keeps the high level established in book one and definitely did not disappoint.
The situation with the bank that speaks to Jessica in her mind does not seem to improve, and the whole situation around the Gateway seems to be peculiar. Even more so after the vault refuses a customer demand and the voice stops speaking to her. Her missing memories and part of her magic are supposed to be the key to defeat what comes, but she does not know what it is and is too afraid of her missing memories. Yet the memories seem to be returning anyway..
Action-packed and suspenseful, the book provides a great entertainment and hold-your-breath situations. Jessica is a very interesting and captivating character, able to turn the whole focus of the reader to her and the things happening to/around her. The element of the bank with a conscience is still a very original one that I much appreciated, and I can't wait for more of this story to come alive.

[Amber Kesner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay but kind of annoying..

I like the story itself, it’s fascinating and different. The whole idea of of the bank being a interacting being, the witching vault, and super secretive gateway was interesting. I made it to the 2nd book, didn’t finish. The main character just got really annoying for me. I understand she’s been betrayed and has trust issues. But I mean she worked for a criminal, so what’s so surprising about that? The way she treats people, talks to people and you know just flat out fights every single argument or plead for help. I understand the whole story behind the bank is supposed to be secretive and stuff but not knowing anything and reading the same thing over and over again with no different outcome on top of her continuous annoying “I’m better then you, what I say goes” attitude just turned me off from this book.

[Scott Sammons · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good, minor copy editing errors.

Despite Katherine having a much larger entourage of professionals to receive thanks; there remain some small but significant errors. Putting perfection aside; this series is great! The choices to have a modern story with fantastical creatures worked in without undue secret society or hidden world artifice is great. (Perhaps the very definition of Urban Fantasy ; ) I like stories that just start in the middle and trust the reader to keep up as the details trickle in without a long stretch of extemporization. In my mind this series is second only to "Sleep Water Beat" in the Katherine Hudson collection. I have never read a book that she has written that I dis not enjoy, but certainly have my favorites.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

The plot thickens

In this second novel, we start off about a week or so after the conclusion of the first novel. Jessica's life continues to be complicated and full of surprises, too, after all she has no idea what is really going on.

The pacing is quick, the interaction between Jessica and the bank is mostly amusing, and we learn a bit more about Jessica. But, she's still not fully known partly due to magical reasons and partly because she doesn't want to think about it.

The book ends right before her next big event so you'll want to continue. The implication is that we'll finally get some real answers about the Gateway.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story can make you laugh but it can also make you wonder what is going on. Jessica is now in charge and the bank can talk to her but no one else hears him. People think she is talking to herself. Then there is the lizard that gets into her things and likes to hiss at Jessica. We know something is going on and Leandras is up to no good. There is so much more going on and it ends with Jessica getting the old gang together. Cannot wait for the next book to see what is going to happen.

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

[Paula Hanlon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good book, better than the first one

She's in over her head, the bank is broken and acting crazy, and everywhere she goes it seems people know who she is. Now her ex boss knows she's out of jail and wants to murder her until Leandras, that dratted fae stops that from happening. Now he needs a favor to keep himself from dying. She knows she's being played but how else can she get the info she needs?

[Romaine Heart · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's only been two weeks since Jessica has taken over the bank. She needs answers yesterday. An incident has put a glitch in the bank forcing her into the outside world looking for answers.
When two ghosts of her past appear she is put in an awkward position that almost cost her her life.
Thank you Booksprout and the author for a digital copy. Read and reviewed voluntarily and the opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own

[Dew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second verse, same as the first

The author did a spectacular job introducing the story and I liked the pick up of book 2, but the plot ends up in a rut. I kept waiting for Jessica to stop whinging and start doing anything, literally, anything at all. Instead, the second book feels like a prolonged introduction carrying over from the first book, but without a clear concept for what is supposed to happen next.

[sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Back and forth with the bank..

I love the bond Jessica and the bank are starting to form. Jessicas hidden memories start to come forward but just as they do something happens to the bank and it goes haywire losing its voice inside Jessicas head. As Jessica goes out on her own to find out whats wrong with the bank of course she finds all the trouble. Now the fae saves her and she has to go on a quest for him. Leaves you wondering and hoping to find answers.

[Nan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cursed Fae

Jessica is still settling in as the new owner of the bank when she has to face her next emergency - dealing with a malfunctioning bank. Everything seems to be connected to the mysterious Gateway and now parts of her past are starting to crop up. I love the storyline, especially learning bits and pieces of Jessica’s past and Leandor.

[fred jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this one

A really enjoyable story. Loved the characters, Jessica the ex-con witch with secrets and no idea what's going on, her sentient bank and strangely intelligent lizard. Great world building. The book ends in a cliff-hanger and you really need to have read book one to follow the story. I look forward to continuing the series in the next book

[Barbara Harrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spend two days with this PG paranormal set in Golden, Colorado west of Denver during November, which picks up where The Witching Vault, which you should read first or risk spoilers, left off.

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

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book continues where the other book left off. Jessica deals with multiple issues throughout. The characters are awesome. The storyline kept me intrigued and wanting more. I love the lizard and its antics.

[Dolly Kalasin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

Let the ride continue
This is just as good as the first book.
I am loving this story and can't wait for the next book

[Rachael · Rating 3 out of 5]

Till a glaring lack of information about anything, but it is keeping me hooked and wanting to know more.

On to book 3.