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Curse of the Dark Kingdom #1
Prince of Frogs
At the moment tyrannical King Aegron the Cruel was assassinated, each of his children was struck by a different dark curse. Five years later, the Dark Kingdom is struggling to survive.
The Royal Family of Darkhar is responsible for most of the misery suffered throughout the Five Kingdoms. And Evonna's experienced it first hand.
In a desperate devils bargain, she agrees to assassinate the Dark Kingdom's notoriously cold-blooded and callous Frog Prince in exchange for help in finding her missing brother. But as she works her way closer to Alaistar, she discovers the cursed prince isn't the monster she's been led to believe.
And now she doesn't know if she wants to kill him... or kiss him. This Frog Prince inspired fantasy romance novel features a ruthless cursed prince, a reluctant assassin searching for her brother, enemies falling in love, and a mysterious magical cat.
The Royal Family of Darkhar is responsible for most of the misery suffered throughout the Five Kingdoms. And Evonna's experienced it first hand.
In a desperate devils bargain, she agrees to assassinate the Dark Kingdom's notoriously cold-blooded and callous Frog Prince in exchange for help in finding her missing brother. But as she works her way closer to Alaistar, she discovers the cursed prince isn't the monster she's been led to believe.
And now she doesn't know if she wants to kill him... or kiss him. This Frog Prince inspired fantasy romance novel features a ruthless cursed prince, a reluctant assassin searching for her brother, enemies falling in love, and a mysterious magical cat.
298 pages, Paperback
Published July 26, 2022
89 people are currently reading
567 people want to read
About the author
Amberlyn Holland
31 books63 followersAmberlyn grew up reading her older sister’s SFF collection and her mother’s category romances so it’s only natural her storytelling leans toward fantasy and paranormal romance.
She currently lives in Northern New York where her writing schedule, and life, revolve around the whims of her dog. When not catering to a demanding terrier or getting lost in books, she enjoys crafting, watching football and hockey, and hanging out with her husband.
If you want to keep up to date on new releases and special events, sign up for her newsletter.
She currently lives in Northern New York where her writing schedule, and life, revolve around the whims of her dog. When not catering to a demanding terrier or getting lost in books, she enjoys crafting, watching football and hockey, and hanging out with her husband.
If you want to keep up to date on new releases and special events, sign up for her newsletter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
March 22, 2024
Prince of Frogs is a beautifully written nod to the traditions of classic folklore, from which contemporary fairytales stem. The reader is Trapped with Prince Alaistar within a specific radius of the lighthouse that marks his territory, despite the events of the novel being only one piece of a much larger story. If sloppily written, this restriction would feel stifling and produce a flat, lifeless story. Instead, we get to experience the kingdom’s turmoil directly from Alaistar’s perspective, gaining a better understanding of his frustration at having to rely on the accounts and efforts of others as he attempts to stop the brewing civil war.
The resolution of the main conflict is set up so precisely the reader is caught up in a thrill of realization when the carefully laid pins of the story come into focus just as the author prepares to knock them out in a single strike. We are gifted the delicious feeling that this is the only way the conflict COULD be solved; Holland hasn’t invented the plot’s resolution, she has simply laid out the story’s natural conclusion, a skill that always gives me delightful shivers to witness. When an author seems as much a spectator of the story as the reader you know they truly have the gift of storytelling.
The resolution of the main conflict is set up so precisely the reader is caught up in a thrill of realization when the carefully laid pins of the story come into focus just as the author prepares to knock them out in a single strike. We are gifted the delicious feeling that this is the only way the conflict COULD be solved; Holland hasn’t invented the plot’s resolution, she has simply laid out the story’s natural conclusion, a skill that always gives me delightful shivers to witness. When an author seems as much a spectator of the story as the reader you know they truly have the gift of storytelling.
July 26, 2022
I love a good fairytale retelling and this dark frog prince retelling is simply awesome! The author does an incredible job drawing you into this incredible world, it’s intriguing, it’s mysterious and it’s very addictive as you dive right on in. Evonna is a fantastic character, strong & resilient as she embarks on a journey to find her brother. Alaistar our cursed prince is not what everyone says he is and is bound to the sea as a punishment and as these two characters come together the story becomes even more gripping and exciting. Throw in some twists and turns and a few surprises that may shock you, this is one adventure you do not want to miss.
May 10, 2024
Content:
No Language, or Sexual content.
TW: The series as a whole deals with emotional trauma brought on by an emotionally/mentally abusive parent. In particular, the main character is dealing with being emotionally shut down and a loss of sense of self.
Rating is rounded up, but probably should be a 3 star.
Okay, after reading this and the next book in the series, I've decided this is the emotional wound healing series. Each of the kids of the horrendous King who was (thankfully) assassinated, were cursed and now dealing with not just that, but how to heal from the demented trauma their own father inflicted on them.
Alastair, our Frog Prince, is the country's general and undefeated in battle. His father would not allow anything less from his favorite weapon. Alastair learned early and through horrible repercussions that any show of compassion or emotion would result in terrible consequences from his father. It's been five years since his father has died at the opening of the story, five years of being cursed to look like the monster Alastair believes himself to be on the inside.
And then he meets someone on the docks who stares at him, not in fear, but something else entirely. The byplay between our two protagonists is an intriguing back and forth, and it's so fun to see Alastair finally start to 'wake up' to the fact that he doesn't have to be what his father molded him to be. For the first time in his life, he has the choice. And it's so interesting to see him struggle to let go of long held survival tactics and how Evonna helps him to do it.
I enjoyed this a lot. I really resonated with Alastair and his struggles. We all wear masks, and it's hard to take them off and allow ourselves to be seen by others as we really are. Especially if we're still figuring it out ourselves. I loved this so much I immediately bought the next book, and I was distraught to see that I'll have to wait three months for the next installment!
Fun series. It's almost like going to therapy...hahahaha.
On repeated re-reads: There is far too much back-tracking in the story when switching perspectives. It can get annoyingly repetitive. There are a fair amount of typos, which I am able to ignore, but I tried having a family member read this and they rage quit due to the poor editing. There is a lot of telling rather than showing. I focused on the positives in my initial review, but felt I should point out the flaws as well.
No Language, or Sexual content.
TW: The series as a whole deals with emotional trauma brought on by an emotionally/mentally abusive parent. In particular, the main character is dealing with being emotionally shut down and a loss of sense of self.
Rating is rounded up, but probably should be a 3 star.
Okay, after reading this and the next book in the series, I've decided this is the emotional wound healing series. Each of the kids of the horrendous King who was (thankfully) assassinated, were cursed and now dealing with not just that, but how to heal from the demented trauma their own father inflicted on them.
Alastair, our Frog Prince, is the country's general and undefeated in battle. His father would not allow anything less from his favorite weapon. Alastair learned early and through horrible repercussions that any show of compassion or emotion would result in terrible consequences from his father. It's been five years since his father has died at the opening of the story, five years of being cursed to look like the monster Alastair believes himself to be on the inside.
And then he meets someone on the docks who stares at him, not in fear, but something else entirely. The byplay between our two protagonists is an intriguing back and forth, and it's so fun to see Alastair finally start to 'wake up' to the fact that he doesn't have to be what his father molded him to be. For the first time in his life, he has the choice. And it's so interesting to see him struggle to let go of long held survival tactics and how Evonna helps him to do it.
I enjoyed this a lot. I really resonated with Alastair and his struggles. We all wear masks, and it's hard to take them off and allow ourselves to be seen by others as we really are. Especially if we're still figuring it out ourselves. I loved this so much I immediately bought the next book, and I was distraught to see that I'll have to wait three months for the next installment!
Fun series. It's almost like going to therapy...hahahaha.
On repeated re-reads: There is far too much back-tracking in the story when switching perspectives. It can get annoyingly repetitive. There are a fair amount of typos, which I am able to ignore, but I tried having a family member read this and they rage quit due to the poor editing. There is a lot of telling rather than showing. I focused on the positives in my initial review, but felt I should point out the flaws as well.
Read
July 25, 2022Amberlyn Holland has become a favorite author of mine with the Curse of the Dark Kingdom Series. After reading The Princess of Thorns I found it difficult to wait for Prince of Frogs. It was everything I hoped it to be and more. The suspense is there along with enough secrets to keep you guessing and reading to find out what happens. Plus remarkable characters that you learn to love as well as seeing their growth makes this an incredible read.
I can’t say enough what a marvelous story this is with its unique take on the fairytales of old. So well-written that I was completely absorbed in the world that the author has created. It felt real, yet it is fantasy. I am impressed that this was all done without any bad language, sex or explicit violence. Prince of Frogs is an exceptional read for any age or audience. I highly recommend it to one and all.
The publisher/author gave me a complimentary ARC of the book which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I can’t say enough what a marvelous story this is with its unique take on the fairytales of old. So well-written that I was completely absorbed in the world that the author has created. It felt real, yet it is fantasy. I am impressed that this was all done without any bad language, sex or explicit violence. Prince of Frogs is an exceptional read for any age or audience. I highly recommend it to one and all.
The publisher/author gave me a complimentary ARC of the book which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 30, 2022
An intriguing, enjoyable Frog Prince retelling
The Prince of Frog’s world building is unique and creative. There is an instant connection between Alastair and Evonna, which is challenged due to Evonna’s “mission” and Alastair’s background. There is some back-and-forth between Alastair and Evonna’s point of view, which leads to some repetition of the story as they review the same scenes from their own perspective. It is an interesting story technique, which can be insightful, but can also be annoying and break up the action. The cat also made an appearance, but was not as involved in the story as much as I would have liked. Overall, the story flowed fairly smoothly, and had an extremely satisfying ending for Alastair and Evonna, while still hinting at a mysterious malevolent person of influence attempting to manipulate circumstances behind the scenes. I received a copy of this book from the author and am pleased to leave a review.
The Prince of Frog’s world building is unique and creative. There is an instant connection between Alastair and Evonna, which is challenged due to Evonna’s “mission” and Alastair’s background. There is some back-and-forth between Alastair and Evonna’s point of view, which leads to some repetition of the story as they review the same scenes from their own perspective. It is an interesting story technique, which can be insightful, but can also be annoying and break up the action. The cat also made an appearance, but was not as involved in the story as much as I would have liked. Overall, the story flowed fairly smoothly, and had an extremely satisfying ending for Alastair and Evonna, while still hinting at a mysterious malevolent person of influence attempting to manipulate circumstances behind the scenes. I received a copy of this book from the author and am pleased to leave a review.
September 14, 2022
A fantastic story. While this is a fairy tale retelling, it is unique enough to be considered for its merit. Evonna has traveled to the Darkhar to learn her brother's fate. He disappeared four years before in an attempt to reach Darkhar to sell some goods and earn a profit. To afford this trip, Evonna agrees to a mission she doesn't want to complete.
Alaistar, the Frog Prince, guards the port as though his father, Aegron the Cruel, is still alive but questions the rules and laws he enforces.
The story is intensely exciting. The pair are unwitting pawns in events beyond their imagination or understanding. While it doesn't end with a wedding or engagement, it seems to be a HEA.
Easy-to-read. Entertaining. Funny. Great world building. Happily Ever After. Inspirational. Page-turner. Romantic. Scary. Tear-jerker. Tragic. Twisted. Unpredictable. Whimsical. Wonderful characters.
I received a review copy of this book from a third party. This is my honest review.
Alaistar, the Frog Prince, guards the port as though his father, Aegron the Cruel, is still alive but questions the rules and laws he enforces.
The story is intensely exciting. The pair are unwitting pawns in events beyond their imagination or understanding. While it doesn't end with a wedding or engagement, it seems to be a HEA.
Easy-to-read. Entertaining. Funny. Great world building. Happily Ever After. Inspirational. Page-turner. Romantic. Scary. Tear-jerker. Tragic. Twisted. Unpredictable. Whimsical. Wonderful characters.
I received a review copy of this book from a third party. This is my honest review.
October 11, 2024
The world building in this enemies to lovers fantasy romance is creative and intense. A kingdom beset on all sides has been brought to its knees by a terrible curse. Alaistar has been transformed into a hideous monster called the Frog Prince, but he still tries to do his duty an work with his similarly cursed siblings. Evonna is bound by blood magic to assassinate Alaistar, but she can't bring herself to take that step. I enjoy stories about assassins who fall for their targets, and this one is more believable than most since she's just desperate and not a trained killer. The characters are easy to root for, and the message of justice and righting wrongs is a strong one, even as the kingdom falls into ruin. I recommend this story for fans of truly creative--and dark-- takes on well known fairytales.
November 15, 2025
Prince of Frogs is a fun, fast-paced twist on the original tale, and I really enjoyed the spin the author put on it. The setup grabbed me right away — a cursed royal family, a prince everyone fears, and an assassin determined to kill him to save her brother. But of course, nothing is as simple as it seems, and watching Evonna realize Alaistar isn’t the monster she expected was one of my favorite parts of the story.
The world has so much potential, and honestly, I would’ve loved an even longer version because the lore, the curses, and the characters could’ve gone even deeper. But at the same time, the quick pace worked for me. I wanted something short, fun, and easy to fall into, and this delivered exactly that.
Also… the magical cat? Perfect.
A great pick if you want a fairy-tale-inspired fantasy romance you can devour in one sitting.
The world has so much potential, and honestly, I would’ve loved an even longer version because the lore, the curses, and the characters could’ve gone even deeper. But at the same time, the quick pace worked for me. I wanted something short, fun, and easy to fall into, and this delivered exactly that.
Also… the magical cat? Perfect.
A great pick if you want a fairy-tale-inspired fantasy romance you can devour in one sitting.
January 28, 2023
Prince of Frogs
Curse of the Dark Kingdom #1
Fantasy
Amberlyn Holland
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
This was a great start to a new series. I liked that it's inspired by fairytales/folklore and the world building was good but I'd really like to explore the world before the curse some more.
The pacing was just right too, it was fast enough that I flew through it and was kept engaged but it wasn't rushed. The plot was interesting and I liked the dual POVs.
I did like the main characters, although they could be developed just a little bit more. I found the love between Evonna and Alaistar progressed a little too quickly for me but I'm sure it wouldn't be an issue for other people.
I will definitely read the second book in this series.
Curse of the Dark Kingdom #1
Fantasy
Amberlyn Holland
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
This was a great start to a new series. I liked that it's inspired by fairytales/folklore and the world building was good but I'd really like to explore the world before the curse some more.
The pacing was just right too, it was fast enough that I flew through it and was kept engaged but it wasn't rushed. The plot was interesting and I liked the dual POVs.
I did like the main characters, although they could be developed just a little bit more. I found the love between Evonna and Alaistar progressed a little too quickly for me but I'm sure it wouldn't be an issue for other people.
I will definitely read the second book in this series.
July 16, 2022
Received as an ARC, I am leaving my honest review. This is a brilliant rendition of the tale of the Frog Prince. A bargain deed, entranced by a spell, fills a young woman with hope on her search for her missing brother. A prince cursed to be bound to the sea, as punishment for his fathers deeds. What happens when the two meet will have you reading from beginning to the unforeseen end. Suspense and treacherous plans will keep your interest as the plot twists and turns with unexpected results. Emotions run high as truth is discovered and rumors dissolve. When the lighthouse beam changes color it beckons to a new day for the Dark Kingdom
August 4, 2022
This was a great second book in the series that follows Prince Alisair who is trapped by a curse that has befallen him and his siblings. Also called the Frog Prince, he is known to be notorious and cold blooded. Evonna comes to the kingdom in search of her brother and has made a promise bound by blood to assassinate the prince! The story sees the relationship between the two develop and how Evonna's misconceptions are clarified. The story moves at an interesting pace and is well written with good character development. I received a free copy of the book and this is my voluntary and honest review.
October 2, 2023
Ahhh luved it!
4,5 rounded to 5
Absolute great retelling. Why Frog Prince is not i e of my favs this really made it a great book! (Cant wait to my BB set :))
Sooo absolutly luvly characters! Great setup for heroine and hero.
An easy adventure perfect for a relaxing Sunday!
I also like that it is related to the other books but has some closure!
Also Im OK with the romance built but felt a bit insta luv… I dont feel they had enough interactions to be luv for life but they are and Im fine :D (thats the half deduction)
It also made me interesed in Alaistair lil sisterr’s story… so Im on that curve too!!
4,5 rounded to 5
Absolute great retelling. Why Frog Prince is not i e of my favs this really made it a great book! (Cant wait to my BB set :))
Sooo absolutly luvly characters! Great setup for heroine and hero.
An easy adventure perfect for a relaxing Sunday!
I also like that it is related to the other books but has some closure!
Also Im OK with the romance built but felt a bit insta luv… I dont feel they had enough interactions to be luv for life but they are and Im fine :D (thats the half deduction)
It also made me interesed in Alaistair lil sisterr’s story… so Im on that curve too!!
January 29, 2025
Alaistar known as the frog prince, following the imposition of a curse on the royal family after the assassination of tyrannical King Aegron the cruel, carries a reputation of being the best general of the kingdom as well as the most ruthless and heartless cold blooded enforcer of the king's policies and machinations.
Evonna has been in mourning for the past four years thinking her brother dead and lost at sea. She now learns that there is a chance that her brother survived and is incarcerated in the infamous prison of Darkhar. With the help of backer, she sets sail for the kingdom in order to confirm the rumor as well as fulfill the bargain made to pay her fare.
The author writes a masterful sequel to the beginning of the "Curse of the Dark Kingdom" series where Mystical beings, Adventure, love, treachery, exaggerated rumors, strong family bonds , and a series of twists and turns that make this book a page-turner that I rate with 5 Stars and that I highly recommend.
Evonna has been in mourning for the past four years thinking her brother dead and lost at sea. She now learns that there is a chance that her brother survived and is incarcerated in the infamous prison of Darkhar. With the help of backer, she sets sail for the kingdom in order to confirm the rumor as well as fulfill the bargain made to pay her fare.
The author writes a masterful sequel to the beginning of the "Curse of the Dark Kingdom" series where Mystical beings, Adventure, love, treachery, exaggerated rumors, strong family bonds , and a series of twists and turns that make this book a page-turner that I rate with 5 Stars and that I highly recommend.
July 14, 2022
Amberlyn does a great job with this Frog Prince retelling. I love the dynamic between the two main characters as well as the relationships with the support characters.. Both of the main charcoal have sad backgrounds but don't use them as an excuse for for poor behavior. I enjoy the growth that both characters show throughout the story and adore the ending. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the books in this new series!
August 15, 2022
Interesting Frog Prince tale
Interesting take on the Frog Prince. Recommend reading the prequel, which is the prince’s sister’s story, first - although this book can be enjoyed without it. It’s been a while since I read the prequel and I wished I had brushed up on it first.
Likable characters, a nice redemption arc, and an engaging plot. I’d love to see more of Oenry though I know we are moving on to a new location with the next book.
Interesting take on the Frog Prince. Recommend reading the prequel, which is the prince’s sister’s story, first - although this book can be enjoyed without it. It’s been a while since I read the prequel and I wished I had brushed up on it first.
Likable characters, a nice redemption arc, and an engaging plot. I’d love to see more of Oenry though I know we are moving on to a new location with the next book.
July 13, 2023
A wonderful read!
What would you do to protect the ones you love?
Both of the main characters have had troubled pasts that they must overcome. Lots of little things happen to make you scratch your head and wonder what is really going on.
A little mystery, clean romance, and fantasy all rolled into one. Worth reading!
What would you do to protect the ones you love?
Both of the main characters have had troubled pasts that they must overcome. Lots of little things happen to make you scratch your head and wonder what is really going on.
A little mystery, clean romance, and fantasy all rolled into one. Worth reading!
February 26, 2024
Enjoyable
I like this retelling of "The Frog Prince". It has the romance of the original tale, but the twists (like the commoner beloved) make it more real. This is enjoyable, and suitable for young adult readers looking for adventure as well as romance. I recommend it to fans of Megan Whalen Turner.
I like this retelling of "The Frog Prince". It has the romance of the original tale, but the twists (like the commoner beloved) make it more real. This is enjoyable, and suitable for young adult readers looking for adventure as well as romance. I recommend it to fans of Megan Whalen Turner.
November 5, 2024
Incredible clean romantasy
What a fabulous clean fairy tale inspired romance. I really loved this one as she managed to write a completely unique story about a frog prince. I love the setting of a light house port and a prince with a large garrison and prison at his command. Highly recommend. I love that all of Amberlynn's books are great stories but kept 100% pg.
What a fabulous clean fairy tale inspired romance. I really loved this one as she managed to write a completely unique story about a frog prince. I love the setting of a light house port and a prince with a large garrison and prison at his command. Highly recommend. I love that all of Amberlynn's books are great stories but kept 100% pg.
July 28, 2022
Good start to the series.
Clean fantasy romance.
Both MC have their own issues to work through to get their happy ending. Well wrote and a quick read.
Was given an ARC copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Will be reading the next book in the series when it's available.
Clean fantasy romance.
Both MC have their own issues to work through to get their happy ending. Well wrote and a quick read.
Was given an ARC copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Will be reading the next book in the series when it's available.
August 11, 2022
A very creative retelling story of the frog prince. Evonna wants to find her brother but, to do that she must kill the frog prince. Alaistar the cursed prince is not what everyone says he is. What will Evonna do? I really enjoyed reading this story.
August 17, 2022
Amberlyn Holland
Prince of Frogs (Curse of the Dark Kingdom Book 1)
Alastair and Evonna
An awesome retelling of the frog prince. It was an interesting, intriguing and compelling read.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Prince of Frogs (Curse of the Dark Kingdom Book 1)
Alastair and Evonna
An awesome retelling of the frog prince. It was an interesting, intriguing and compelling read.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 3, 2022
Awesome
Loved the way the story turned out. I think I have figured out who the "bad guy" is but I definitely won't reveal what I think. Read for yourself and see if you might figure it out.
Loved the way the story turned out. I think I have figured out who the "bad guy" is but I definitely won't reveal what I think. Read for yourself and see if you might figure it out.
July 27, 2023
Great start to this series
Clean, well written story with well developed characters - an excellent take on the frog prince fairy tale. No cliffhangers but I am keen to find out what is happening with his cursed siblings.
Clean, well written story with well developed characters - an excellent take on the frog prince fairy tale. No cliffhangers but I am keen to find out what is happening with his cursed siblings.
August 10, 2024
It's not bad, but the MCs have the chemistry of two friends, nothing romantic whatsoever. They interact very little, so it's not very believable when they "fall in love". If they had become friends, it would have been better, the romance felt forced.
July 25, 2022
Oh my goodness what an amazing book! Once I started I couldn't stop until it was done. I loved the characters and all their adventures.
September 10, 2023
Started a bit slow but by about a quarter of the way in I was hooked! Love the twist on the princess and the frog!
December 29, 2023
Very cute! Clean, enemies to lovers. Started off slow but was well worth it in the end. ❤️
October 27, 2024
A fun read into a fairy tale world with a curse that can only be broken by, well, you’ll see.
December 13, 2024
It worths 2.5 stars. I had fun reading it but it wasn't something special. I might continue it .
November 19, 2025
2.35/5 stars
This is a good retelling or this folklore story with good characters and the story is good with a good plot!
This is a good retelling or this folklore story with good characters and the story is good with a good plot!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews