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Realm of Monsters

This Wicked Curse

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A cursed princess, a soulless pirate, and a deal that could change both of their fate. In a realm full of monsters, shadows are stolen, and promises are bound with blood… and sometimes marriage vows.

Princess by birth and sacrificial lamb by royal decree, Scarlet Midicious is ready to face her fate. She’s known her entire life that this day would come. Her wedding… The gauntlet… and likely her funeral.

Each time one of the king’s daughters turn twenty-three years of age, he hosts a gauntlet–a cruel fight to the death where one ruthless winner earns the title of prince and is rewarded with a bride. This year will be no different. It’s necessary to unite the clans of misfits and monsters within the realm, even if it means she’ll likely die at the hands of her soon-to-be husband.

However, on the night of the gauntlet she meets a mysterious man with striking green eyes and a sin-worthy smirk. He has no knowledge of what her gift is–that she’s of siren and witch blood, nor that she houses extraordinary magic that allows her to control the living like puppets–but he knows the king’s daughters are gifted in some way or another.

He offers her a deal. If she helps him win–so he can be pardoned of his crimes when crowned as a Prince of Solaria–then he’ll make sure Scarlet has a peaceful life. In the face of a gruesome future, she accepts his terms. How much worse can it be?

Little does she know, Sebastian Hook is a notorious pirate, wanted for murder and crimes beyond her imagination. The Dark One is as deadly and lethal as they come, and there’s only one thing he hates more than Pan. Witches.

All aboard the Jolly Roger–if you dare.

This Wicked Curse is an enemies-to-lovers tale featuring a slightly unhinged, shadow daddy with a broken moral compass. The world is dark, but it’s also full of adventure and magic. This story is a spellbinding fusion of Peter Pan and Greek Mythology, reimagined into a dark pirate fantasy romance, and takes place within Amanda Aggie’s Seven Realms World.

AUTHOR NOTE: Please know This Wicked Curse predates the events of This Wicked Fate. It is a standalone, like the rest of the Realm of Monsters series, and you do not need to read any of Amanda’s other books to understand or enjoy This Wicked Curse.

563 pages, ebook

Published August 31, 2023

113 people are currently reading
2489 people want to read

About the author

Amanda Aggie

23 books460 followers
Best known for her #1 Amazon bestselling series, Dark Halos, Amanda Aggie has many titles.

She's a wife, a mother to two beautiful tiny humans, a Mexican food connoisseur, and lives in SW Missouri. She’s a non-recovering caffeine addict, and more importantly, she writes choking hazard, fantasy romance. Her books will have you laughing out loud, swooning, and biting your nails all in one sitting.

Visit her website at: www.AmandaAggie.com for more information.

Get access to bonus content for all of her series by visiting: www.AmandaAggie.com/bonus-content

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews
Profile Image for Nia.
12 reviews
March 26, 2024
I had very high hopes for this book, I love dark retellings of fairy tales but this was something else. The writing in this book is very juvenile, but once you get to the 4th or 5th chapter, it really improves. I finished this book in one night and feel like I've been on an emotional rollercoaster, slapped in the face, and hit by a bus. Some of the character dialogue and background are written in a unique (very weird) way that is difficult to follow and in my opinion, doesn't really make sense with some of the character's personalities. I had some issues with this book and thought about DNFing about halfway through, but I persevered and wished I had ultimately put the book down.

Here are some of the main issues I had with the book:

1. One of the main characters, Sebastian Hook, is a criminal with a really cool backstory. My issue with him is that his character is all over the place. At the beginning of the book, he swears to Scarlet (Our other main character) that he will never hurt her and then proceeds to choke her out about three chapters later. Not to mention the consistent emotional abuse he inflicts on Scarlet, such as having sex with her and then telling her he will never love her, planning on leaving her alone on an island while he sails around the world, and attempting to throw her overboard to teach her a lesson on manners knowing she can't swim. This leads to my other issue with this book...

2. Scarlet is an absolute dumbass. After almost every instance of abusive behavior from Sebastian, Scarlet somehow finds redeemable qualities in him that make her stick around. The author is trying to make her come across as a strong, magic-wielding female lead and she has completely missed the mark. Not to mention the inconsistencies with Scarlet's magic abilities. At some points, she is crap at using magic, and other times on a whim she's able to stop a sea creature from breaking apart a ship? Or she's able to heal someone who is close to death without much trouble?

3. World-building was really lacking; I think the theme of this book is so fun, and I also think the setting should be able to match that it just wasn't. When I think of Peter Pan and magic, I think of colorful beaches, magical plants and animals, descriptive and unique races, and lore behind those races. The book did have some of this to give the author some credit, but not nearly enough for me to really be able to imagine the realm she's creating.

Especially with a lot of the scenes taking place on a boat, when the characters are on islands or in cities there really could've been more details and descriptions. In the end, it all felt like a large blur. The book does include a map, so being able to match detailed descriptions of locations to the map could've really helped with the immersion.

4. The smut. This book felt like the author just wanted to write sex scenes. There was no romantic tension, in fact, the main characters had sex immediately after meeting. These love scenes sometimes felt inappropriate given the context surrounding them and it really threw me for a loop. Oh, half your crew just died? Let's have sex. I found out you're descended from the type of witch that killed my whole family? Let's have sex. It just didn't make any sense to me, and I eventually just started skipping these scenes.

I gave this novel three stars because I could tell the author really put her heart and soul into this book. I'd love for Amanda Aggie to keep writing, she's really talented and has some amazing potential. I think working with the right publishers and editors could really give her a leg up, she's got the creativity but just needs help with the execution.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Katherine Bichler.
Author 1 book194 followers
September 1, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
4.5/5 STARS

Genre: Pirate Fantasy Romance

Similar Books:
The Ever King
The Pirate King’s Daughter

Synopsis:
A pirate king wins the marriage of a fae princess with a secret of her own. They sail across the sea trying to find the pirate’s shadow and avoid a mutiny.

This is a stand alone book in The Realm of Monsters series. I read This Wicked Fate first which actually happens after this book. There are no spoilers except you know the fate of one of the characters in this book. It did not bother me or change my opinion of the book, but just an FYI.
The book is a fun twist on Peter Pan with the characters being Hook (the pirate king), Smee (Hook’s sister), & the crocodile (Hook’s uncle). Plus, part of the book is set in Neverland with other characters being mentioned from Peter Pan. It is not a retelling, but more a new story using the idea of the characters.
It is a spicy enemies to lovers romance with a touch her and die vibe. There are a lot of fun plot twists and it is so action packed that I flew through it. I really enjoy the world that it is set in. This Wicked Fate is completely different than this book, but still so good. I will be reading every other book from this author! If you are a pirate romantasy fan, this book will not disappoint!

Thank you to Amanda for the ARC! 🏴‍☠️🖤
Profile Image for Michelle .
2,128 reviews304 followers
September 17, 2023
A cursed princess, a soulless pirate, and a deal that could change both of their fate. In a realm full of monsters, shadows are stolen, and promises are bound with blood… and sometimes marriage vows
-------
This Wicked Curse is the second book in the Realm of Monsters series by Amanda Aggie, but this is not a series that you need to read in order. Each of the books are complete standalones set in a shared world, so start with any book you would like. This Wicked Curse is a re-imagining of a captain hook romance.

In This Wicked Curse we see pirates! This is a dark fantasy romance told in Dual point of view between our main characters, Scarlet and Sebastian. Scarlet is a princess who makes a deal with Sebastian Hook on the eve of a competition, where the winner gets her hand in marriage. This deal sweeps our characters off in a totally different direction and adventure, full of romance, mystery, morally grey characters, awesome magical abilities and a really fun story. I liked it way more than the original take on Peter Pan because it felt completely original and its' own story entirely.

Scarlet's magical abilities are really cool (and kind of scary when you think about it). I really enjoyed seeing how they would play into the overall story. Scarlet and Sebastian were an excellent pair as well. There was a fantastic push and pull between the two of them. I really enjoyed this book. I couldn't put it down and it is my favorite book in the Realm of Monsters world so far! I can't wait to see what Amanda Aggie writes next!


This Wicked Curse is perfect for readers who enjoy:
Dual POV
Morally gray pirates
Only one bed
Touch her and die
enemies to lovers
Wanted criminal
Puppet master heroine
Fight to the death
Profile Image for thewoollygeek (tea, cake, crochet & books).
2,811 reviews117 followers
September 12, 2023
Having loved This Wicked Fate, I was so excited and couldn’t wait to dive into This Wicked Curse, the second book in the realm of monsters series. This Wicked Curse did not disappoint me at all, having read the synopsis I knew it would be right up my alley, and based on Amanda Aggie’s previous books, I kind of knew going in how much I would love it.
I completely underestimated how much I would love Sebastian, such a fantastic morally Grey main character, I loved his temper, his protectiveness towards his sister, the crew and obviously of course Scarlet. I really appreciated the fact that he wasn’t perfect, he didn’t think he was perfect. He was well aware of his flaws. I should also mention how much I really loved Scarlet too, I did really love her. It may be just Sebastian stole my attention slightly more, that I haven’t mentioned her first. She too, isn’t perfect, she doesn’t have the usual instant grasp of power and has to learn, which I enjoyed. I also loved how much she was willing to stand up for herself, so great to see strong women so represented, but not without her insecurities or fears.
This book is full of great characters, whether they are lead cast or supporting, they are equally well constructed and developed, the story is fantastic. Full of action from the start, it will take hold of you and really make you not want to put it down, even when you do have work in the morning ! It’s a thrilling ride and I can’t wait for the next book in the series and from Amanda.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 12, 2023
From the very start, 'This Wicked Curse' promised a fun and thrilling twist on Peter Pan's world, and it certainly delivered. The characters, reminiscent of Hook, Smee, and the Crocodile, brought a fresh perspective to a classic tale. Scarlet's character immediately caught my attention, with her strong sense of self and her journey of growth. Likewise, Sebastian's morally grey character, his protectiveness, and his struggles with personal flaws made him an endearing figure to root for. Scarlet and Sebastian's story captured my heart in a delightful twist on the Peter Pan world.

The plot was a whirlwind of action, with hardly a dull moment. It kept me engaged from start to finish, never missing a beat. Even amidst all the action, the romance between Scarlet and Sebastian blossomed seamlessly. The pacing of the story was impeccable, and I was continually drawn into the next thrilling event. It's clear that the author crafted a well-paced narrative with all the elements that make for an exciting read. The story also brings closure while leaving readers wanting more from these beloved characters.

If you enjoy pirates, Peter Pan, and magical adventures, 'This Wicked Curse' is a must-read. I had a fantastic time with this book and will be recommending it to fellow readers.
Profile Image for Amanda Mercedes.
678 reviews9 followers
February 3, 2024
This book is SO GOOD. Such an easy read in that you just get completely captivated in it. Also imagining Hook as Hook/Killian from Once Upon a Time.. 😚👌 . I am definitely going to go back and read the first book in the series, This Wicked Fate. This Wicked Curse can be read as standalone, so no worries if you have not read it yet.
It’s got all the goodies though: arranged marriage (he fights in a gauntlet to win her hand in marriage), one bed, lots of monsters, and pirates! Also, in case it wasn’t obvious by ‘Hook’; it’s Peter Pan inspired. It also is its own story though, with Peter Pan inspirations sprinkled about, as well as use of some character names. Something that happened towards the end shocked me a little, but I see why it had to happen. All in all, a great read and on my recommendations list!
Profile Image for Emily Benson.
255 reviews2 followers
March 7, 2024
I forget how much I used to be obsessed w Jack sparrow until I read a book abt a pirate… loved this tho & liked the Peter Pan retelling (which I never think I’m going to like)
Profile Image for CozyReaderDevan.
74 reviews49 followers
September 16, 2023
Rating:4.5/5
Spice: 4/5
This was such a captivating read. I couldn’t put it down. This book had me up wayyyy past my bedtime and I’m not even sad about it. The writing was beautiful and so smooth. I was flying through those pages, but at the same time I was completely immersed in the story. I’m obsessed with this world Amanda Aggie has created and in awe of how she is able to keep hold of all this information. This is the second book in the Realm of Monsters Series that takes place in the same universe as her Dark Halos Trilogy. These can be read without reading the original trilogy, but you might as well read those too! I thought the first standalone, This Wicked Fate, was good, but holy hell…this one topped it!
I have not read the original trilogy (YET!), but having read these two standalones has made me fall in love with this universe. It has basically anything you could think of in a fantasy universe and even more. The world-building is done so well and doesn’t take away from the plot at all.
I will admit I didn’t think I was going to enjoy Scarlet as a main character in the beginning. I found her to be very to have very little feelings. I also felt bad for Zelix! I realize how wrong I was now. I feel it was more ignorance than anything. She knew nothing of the world outside of the castle and the truly horrible things her father was capable. She also never believed in her wildest dreams that the gauntlet would be the very opportunity she needed to live a better life. Her feelings were probably closed off in order to keep her safe and also keep her from losing herself completely. Now having finished the book, I find she was such a strong-willed character. She stayed true to herself the whole time and I truly admire that. Then we have our Shadow Daddy, Sebastian. There’s something about a cocky morally gray character that reels me in every time. A character who literally lacks emotion, but still has a heart of good for the people he cares for. The people he doesn’t? Well…that’s a whole other story (a very sexy story)! Their relationship was fire and ice and a whole lotta spice. I loved it! There was so much development between them in a short amount of time and nothing seemed rushed. They will be on my top fantasy couple list for quite awhile.
This read had me feeling so many things. There was pain, happiness, giddiness, shock and awe. My heart was overwhelmed but also very very happy. It might just give out when I get to book 3, but I’m ready!!
Profile Image for Mandy Sickle.
1,463 reviews152 followers
September 17, 2023
I received This WIcked Curse in return for an honest review from the Author as part of the tour hosted by Book Of Matches Media.

Scarlet's time has come to be married off to the winner of the gauntlet. With a chance encounter she meets one of the a man who offers her a deal that will change her life forever. When Hook wins the gauntlet she see's a chance to survive and travel the world. There is only one catch that her husband hates witches which she just happens to be. What will happen when he learns the truth?

I love Scarlet she's willing to do what it takes to survive even if it ends up outing her and revealing the truth that she is a witch. I really like Hook he's a great counter part for Scarlet and complements her so well. The chemistry between the two is sizzling I love the banter between the two it just works so well. I loved a few of the crew on the ship like Smee and Zephyr are both great characters they quickly became my favorites as well as our lovely main characters.

I love the world the author has created the mythology and fairy tale blending is fascinating and I was hooked right from the start. The story is an action packed romance filled with monsters adventures and just the right mix of romance. That characters are amazing I just loved them all and couldn't wait to see how their love story would play out. I ended up devouring This Wicked Curse in just one afternoon I couldn't put it down till the very last page. My only complaint is I wanted more and I hope to see them in future books because I'm not ready to say goodbye yet.

I've never read a Hook retelling before and This Wicked Curse was my first and it nailed it beautiful creating a complex enchanting story. This isn't my first book by the author I actually read This Wicked Fate first and Love Eva and Finn. However, that being said I feel like Scarlet and Hook are giving them a run for the money. As much as I love Eva and Finn I think I have to choose Scarlet and Hook as my favorite duo so far. I can't wait for the next installment with all new characters to fall in love with. Amanda Aggie is a brilliant storyteller she creates the most unique and beautiful stories.
Profile Image for Dominique.
116 reviews15 followers
September 5, 2023
*May contain light spoilers, but I keep things as vague as possible*

First, let me just say that I had so much fun with this book! I couldn't put it down, and I never wanted it to end.

From the moment I met Scarlet, I knew I was going to like her character. I liked that she had her own sense of self, a decent grasp on her power while not being a master (I like to see growth throughout the character's journey), and a backbone when it came to standing up for herself. She had realistic moments of fear and anger and naivete, which to me makes her character likeable as I found it easier to relate to her.

I also immediately loved Sebastian. He's the kind of morally grey that I truly love. His dedication to his crew and his sister was endearing, his immediate protectiveness over Scarlet was perfection, and his charisma had me swooning. Similar to Scarlet, though, he was not without his flaws and I found that his quick temper and inability to think clearly, due to clouded lustful thoughts, made me like him a lot more. I really like when characters have personal flaws to work on, and when they make solid efforts to do so even when it's clearly a very difficult struggle for them.

In addition to great characters, and side characters (because let's be honest, I'm a huge sucker for kickass side characters), the plot of this book was equally as good. It was action packed from the very beginning, and honestly didn't stop until the very last pages of the book. I don't even know how anyone had time to fall madly in love with one another, but they did and everything flowed so seamlessly. Seriously, I was so impressed with how much actually happened, all while two characters discovered their own sense of self while realizing, fighting, and finally acknowledging and celebrating their feelings for one another. The pacing of the book never faltered, and I was continuously sucked in by the next set of events that unraveled.

If you are a fan of Once Upon a Time, pirates, Peter Pan, and a good magical swashbuckling tale, this book is perfect for you. I had so much fun reading it, and I will absolutely be recommending it to all my reader friends.

Thank you to the author and Book of Matches Media for my review copy in return for an honest review. My opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Becca.
417 reviews28 followers
August 31, 2023
WOW

I fell in love with Scarlet and Sebastian’s story.

This was a fun twist on Peter Pan. Our MMC is Hook, Sebastian Hook that is and our FMC is Scarlet.

Pan plays a role in our story but is not one of our main characters. I do love that Smee is Hooks sister and she is a great side character and the Crocodile is their uncle. We also get to have a glimpse at Neverland and the pixies and pixie dust are mentioned too!

I am definitely a sucker for a pirate fantasy and this book did not disappoint me. My only complaint is that it’s a standalone! I LOVED these characters so much that I want more adventure! This is a HEA so we aren’t left on a cliffhanger or with things unexplained but really I just love Sebastian and Scarlet.

I’m regards to how the story reads, it is perfectly paced, and has witty banter, action, adventure, lust, love, plot twists, betrayal and as I said above we did have everything all wrapped up for a great ending.

This book has:
-Morally Grey PIRATES
-Arranged Marriage to Captain Hook's son.
-Only One Bed
-An Epic Swashbuckling Adventure
-An ALL the FEELS
-Touch her & ☠️
-Enemies to Lovers
-Puppet Master Heroine
-Fight to the death
-Wanted criminals
-A new shadow daddy 😉
-Spice

"You kiss me, and
for a moment I don't feel like I'm missing half of my Soul."
Profile Image for Klaudia.
34 reviews5 followers
September 11, 2023
This Wicked Curse by Amanda Aggie ~ARC Review🏴‍☠️🧚🏼‍♂️

Book Rating—⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A curse princess, a soulless pirate, and a deal that could change both of their fates. In a realm full of monsters, shadows are stolen, and promises are bond with blood. . . And sometimes marriage vows.

All aboard the Jolly Roger—if you dare!

This was such a wonderful Peter Pan retelling with a touch of Greek mythology! This is honestly my first time reading a Peter Pan retelling and I absolutely loved it! I feel like there are not many Peter Pan retellings out there so it was wonderful to finally read one and one that was SO WELL written. Scarlets and Hooks world wind love story kept me on my toes the entire time. I highly recommend this book if you love:

🏴‍☠️Peter Pan retellings
🧚🏼‍♂️Greek mythology retellings
🏴‍☠️Enemies to lovers
🧚🏼‍♂️Marriage of convenience
🏴‍☠️Shadow daddy with a broken moral compass
🧚🏼‍♂️Dark pirate fantasy romance
🏴‍☠️Magic

Some favorite quotes and moments:

🧚🏼‍♂️“Keep making noises like that and I will give you whatever you want.”

🏴‍☠️“I like you like this…All knotted up and at my mercy.”

🧚🏼‍♂️“The gods blessed you with those beautiful perfect lips. It’d be a sin not to make use of them..one way or another.”

🏴‍☠️“I’d die for him, even if it’s by his hand in which I bleed.”
Profile Image for Lydia Schriel.
165 reviews32 followers
May 14, 2024
Absolutely loved this book! 😍

Scarlet has been let to believe that she needs to be sacrificed to prevent war but everything changes once Sebastian enters the Gauntlet. They make a deal she helps him win and he makes sure she remains to live after the gauntlet.

While Scarlet keeps a secret of her own, she tries everything to get to know Sebastian and make the most out of it. But eventually all secrets will come to light. Once he discovers what she is, he feels betrayed and torn. His little sister Smee causes for a whole lot more of problems because she thinks she needs to save her brother. The Crocodile is a cunning pirate and he got the upper hand twice but in the end. He lost everything including his life! And he deserved it so much!

How sad I am of how this has backfired towards Smee. I’m glad she is with the man she loves and she got to see her brother before she went over to the afterlife. And I’m glad Sebastian got his shadow back and that he is happy with Scarlet.

I loved all the nicknames he gave her especially “little lamb”

That ending was perfect! Recommend this to all Romantasy lovers 💜
Profile Image for bookishfrag.
180 reviews10 followers
August 31, 2023
Oh my God! I laughed and cried and swooned and raged with the characters. There were so many emotions there. I couldn't even comprehend it most of the times. I was smiling and crying at the same time. Happy and sad together It was so good. I loved the dynamics so much. The characters and their development was spot on. It had everything and so much more.

The spice was the right amount, there when it was possible/required. These characters couldn't catch a break omg. It was one thing after another. The twists, the surprises were so intense. I loved it and can't wait to reread the book.

Highly highly recommended to every pirate romance lover with a touch of mythology and magic involved. This is a must read. Run, don't walk to get this book.

- bookishfrag
Profile Image for Nancy.
242 reviews42 followers
September 6, 2023
"You might legally share my name, but I have no intentions of falling in love with a
witch... no matter how deliciously tempting she may be."
Ugh. My heart. It was so so easy to fall in love with these characters that Amanda created for this book. I enjoyed her first one, This Wicked Fate, and THIS 2nd book of hers was just as adventurous. Filled with the drama, the heartaches, the relationships and friendships of all the characters. A truly enjoyable quick read! The one thing I felt I would've loved to see more about, would've been a Pan interaction. But the Sebastian name made up for it because I have a soft spot for that name lol just a little obsessed ..
Profile Image for Shelbe.
127 reviews3 followers
September 6, 2023
This book made me fall in love with pirates all over again (and has revived my love for the Pirates of the Caribbean movies 😆).
It's filled with adventure, secrets, romance, and magic. I always find myself pleasantly surprised with Amanda's talent for making the plot flow smoothly, making her books ones that I absolutely have to binge read.
If you're looking for something with lots of action and a bit of angst between two main characters that cannot seem to stay away from each other, I highly suggest this one.
Profile Image for sof.
98 reviews12 followers
October 19, 2023
the writing of this book was so bad it was basically a wattpad book. and the characters had no chemistry like you can’t just keep making them say “oh he/she is so hot and perfect” you have to actually build the relationship and tension.
Profile Image for Laura ♥ ♑︎.
17 reviews10 followers
September 19, 2023
5 ⭐️ | 3.5 🌶️

⚔️ morally grey mmc
⚔️ cursed princess
⚔️ pirates
⚔️ shadow daddy
⚔️ Peter Pan retelling
⚔️ enemies to lovers
⚔️ arranged marriage
⚔️ touch her & 💀


I am a sucker for Peter Pan retellings, a shadow daddy, and enemies to lovers. If you haven’t read this yet, you need to.

This Wicked Curse is a standalone dark romantasy with pirates, a cursed princess, forbidden love, secrets, and found family.

I love Amanda’s books, and I was so excited for this! I loved how this book had it all - comedy, romance, heartbreak, the sweetest redemption after a betrayal. This book left me speechless.

Once I started, I was done for. I couldn’t stop reading and was attached to my kindle all damn day 😅 It was so freaking good. I may never recover from this one.

Fav Quotes

- I’d die for him, even if it’s by his hand in which I bleed.

- “Mental note, bribe her with books and she listens...”

- “And you say I’m the one with stars in my eyes.” “Excuse me?” he asks, cocking his head. “Would you prefer I make you see them instead?”

- I also know my home is wherever you are, and this place means so much to you. It’s where you feel closest to them.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
7 reviews
September 14, 2023
3.5, fun read, I really liked the story but there were significant typos and misspellings that took me out of the story at times/made it difficult to follow what was happening on the page. The ending felt disjointed, there was a lot happening in a short period of time yet it bounced between high & slow pace in a way that made it feel like a lurch to the end rather than a consistent build to the climax.
Profile Image for Brooke.
336 reviews6 followers
September 14, 2023
"Careful, love. I'm in no rush to get rid of you"

Each time one of the King of Solaria's daughters turns twenty-three, a ruthless and barbaric gauntlet is held, where the last person standing wins the daughter's hand in marriage, ensuring the Kings continuous lineage and peace amongst the realms. Scarlet Midicious is ready to face the fate thrust upon her, on the night of the gauntlet she finds herself face to face with a man who embodies sin itself. Cocky, charming and never without a delicious smirk playing upon his lip, Sebastian Hook decides to take fate into his own hands and coming to a mutual agreement with the princess, Scarlet helps Sebastian win, and he gives her a life of peace and freedom. However, Sebastian Hook has his own games to play, a notorious and wanted pirate, known for his ruthless demeanour and murderous crimes, he's determined to win the gauntlet and finally be pardoned for his crimes, allowing him free roam of Solaria to find and put an end to Pan once and for all and reclaim the shadow that was stolen from him. But with both Scarlet and Sebastian holding deep secrets from one another, can their forced marriage, and fragile friendship really give them both what they've craved for so long, or break them both in the process?

Whew! This story stars off with a bang! I was immediately captivated and invested.

Sebastian Hook, notorious pirate, and wanted murderer has taken up mantle as captain of the Jolly Roger. Determined to get his shadow back from his arch nemesis Pan, he follows his father's last request to win the gauntlet with the help of the princess, to win a pardon for him and his crew to scour the realms for Pan, and defeat him once and for all. Sebastian is sarcastic, cocky, self-assured and sexy as fuck.

"So wet for me already" he rasps, biting my lower lip. "Just from a kiss? And you call me needy"


He's brooding, and rugged, yet surprisingly gentle, be prepared for fall incredibly hard, for this morally grey, charming, and seductive Captain Hook. He's got me in a chokehold and has become one of my top tier broody and deliciously devilish book boyfriend. It also doesn't help that I can't stop picturing mister Killian Jones from OUAT, as Sebastian, just with tattoos and if he stayed as the Dark One constantly.


Scarlet has spent her life preparing for the gauntlet, revising her lines, and perfecting her stoic expression. At this point in her life she's just ready to get it over with, unsure of what's a worse fate, being stuck in her gilded cage at the palace or potentially killed by her betrothed like her sister's before her. So when a ruggedly handsome and confident man approaches her with the chance of the freedom and adventure she's always craved, she can't refuse. Scarlet Midicious is strong, fierce and brave, she faces all the pain and suffering she endures with stead-fast resilience, always with a spark of hope that one day she'll escape and lead a life of freedom. She took every opportunity to rebel against her father whilst growing up, quietly but fiercely, taking joy and thrill from even the smallest of rules broken. I adored her and her tenacious, unwavering spirit, she faces danger head-on, with an unflappable and brave air, her confidence and ability to take what she wants was truly so empowering and inspiring to watch.

The banter and tension is electrifying and exceptionally giddying, I could not stop giggling and kicking my feet. The way Scarlet holds a literal dagger to his throat, and not only does he walk towards her, but he maintains his charismatic, sarcastic self, and his growls... man alive, their flirty banter is unmatched.

The stakes are so intense, the action and nail-biting tension is constantly palpable, so get ready to be sucked into a whirlwind of nerve-wracking, thrilling yet seductive adventure. 'This Wicked Curse' is so rich, and vibrant with immersive and vivid world building, fantastical lore, and a refreshing, and intricate magic system woven throughout. I genuinely cannot get enough of this book, I didn't want to put it down or do anything other than devour this story. Do yourself a favour and pick this one up, a swashbuckling, high stakes, dark romantasy with morally grey characters, and plot twists a plenty. Get ready to set seas on the Jolly Roger.
Profile Image for Rachel Reads Romance.
383 reviews11 followers
September 12, 2023
This book had me hooked! (Pun intended)

The story: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
The heat: 🔥🔥🔥🔥

The world of Solaria takes the familiar fairytales we grew up with and spins them into something new, refreshing, and utterly fascinating. It's a harsh world I wouldn't want to live in, but am happy to endlessly explore it.

I haven't read the first book in this series, but thats ok! Each book can be read as a standalone, or enjoyed together.

The king of Solaria is desperate for an heir, specifically a male heir, and his daughters face dark fates for the crimes of being born. He marries them off to monsters, and so far, none of the princesses have survived their marriages. Scarlet, the next in line, doesn't expect much better, and has the type of brave, strong, yet fearful personality that comes from someone who expects to die young (and violently). She's a character that grabs your attention quickly, someone who is always willing to try and survive the next obstacle.

Surprisingly who ends up marrying her is not a monster, but Captain Hook's son, Sebastian. This guy has had a hard life! As a child, Pan stole his shadow, and recently his father was killed. Now the responsibility of their pirates crew is on Sebastian's shoulders, and it becomes time to take his shadow back, but he needs a pardon to do so. Winning Scarlet is a way to get everything he wants.

Sebastian is a dark character, fitting since he's known as The Dark One. One of the consequences of not having his shadow is his soul feels numb, but this character comes across as anything but numb. He shows care and consideration to the people close to him in small but significant ways that quickly won me over. He's like a cinnamon roll hero topped with tajin, sweet and spicy at the same time. And this sweet+spice combo is the PERFECT match for Scarlet!

From the very first meeting he tries to make her feel safe and respected, he cares about consent and boundaries. Absolutely the type of guy that would burn the world down for his woman. But Scarlet doesn't see all of that immediately because she has a secret, a complicated secret that could make Sebastian turn on her. The type of secret that would have most people killing first and ask questions later. Between Scarlet's traumatic past and the dangers of this secret, her motivations for keeping Sebastian at arms length makes a lot of sense, and kept the suspense throughout the story. It gave me a chance to see all the good qualities about Sebastian without being frustrated that she wasn't feeling safe or talking about her problems.

It wouldn't be a classic Peter Pan retelling without Smee, in this story the character is reimagined as Sebastian's sister. Where Scarlet is strong, and Sebastian is kind, Smee is a spitfire that is so fun to watch hold her own! I couldn't get enough of her!

This book blew me away from start to finish! Scarlet is a strong character that makes you want to root for her immediately, and Sebastian made me swoon several times over (especially every time he used Scarlet's nickname). The magical world is extremely creative and made me feel like I was getting to experience something special. I can't wait to see more of these characters and where the series will go from here!
Profile Image for Ariel Carter.
20 reviews
September 4, 2023
This Wicked Curse continues the thrilling adventure of the Realm of Monsters series with its captivating characters and an enthralling storyline. The second book in the series is a stand alone, it surpasses expectations and delivers a spellbinding experience that will leave readers hooked from start to finish. You get to meet another daughter to the High King and go on an epic journey as she discovers her abilities. This book is not a retelling of Peter Pan but a twist and is darker. If you love Morally Grey PIRATES, witches, Enemies to Lovers, and spice then this book is for you.

In this installment, Scarlet is faced with the challenges of being a daughter of the High King of Solaria. She is forced to marry who ever wins the gauntlet. Hook has his own secrets that he keeps close but unknown to him, Scarlet has her very own.

One of the standout aspects of This Wicked Curse is the author's ability to create a vivid and immersive world. From enchanting landscapes to treacherous realms, the detailed descriptions transport readers right into the heart of the story. The realm's magic and fantastical elements are seamlessly woven into the narrative, making it easy for readers to suspend disbelief and immerse themselves in the world of Captain Hook and Scarlet.

The character development in This Wicked Curse is commendable. Scarlet's growth as a protagonist shines through as she confronts her fears and embraces her unique abilities. Her resilience and determination make her relatable and empowering, setting a great example for readers. Additionally, the supporting characters are well-rounded and play integral roles in the story, each with their own strengths and weaknesses.

The plot of This Wicked Curse is both thrilling and unpredictable, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. The pacing is expertly done, allowing for moments of intense action followed by periods of reflection and character development. The book masterfully balances suspense, adventure, and emotional depth, creating a rich reading experience.

The author's writing style is engaging and flows smoothly throughout the story. The dialogue feels natural, and the descriptions bring the vivid world to life. With every turn of the page, the tension and excitement build, ensuring that readers will find it difficult to put the book down.

Beyond the fantastical elements, This Wicked Curse also explores timeless themes such as the power of friendship, the importance of self-belief, and the complexity of good versus evil. These underlying messages add depth and meaning to the story, making it more than just an entertaining read.

In conclusion, This Wicked Curse - Book 2 of the Realm of Monsters series - is a must-read for fans of pirate fantasy. With its compelling characters, immersive world-building, and a gripping plot, it takes readers on an unforgettable journey. Amanda Aggie continues to prove their skill as a talented storyteller, and I eagerly look forward to the next installment in this captivating series.
Profile Image for Razzle Reads.
265 reviews31 followers
October 6, 2023
📚ARC REVIEW📚

This Wicked Curse by Amanda Aggie
(Part of the Realm of Monsters series)

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/3
Genres: Fantasy Romance
Tropes: morally gray pirates, arranged marriage, “touch her and die”, Peter Pan retelling, soul bonds, strong FMC

The King has been cursed to never have a male heir, so he holds a gauntlet (fight to the death) with volunteers from the realm, with the prize being power, money, and a marriage to one of his daughters (and thus becoming a partial heir).

Sebastian Hook has been on a hunt most of his life to find a way to get back his Shadow (essentially the part of the soul that feels emotions). He is a pirate, and his people are not on good terms with the King’s people, and he believes the way to get his shadow back is within the King’s land. He decides to disguise himself and enter the gauntlet, because winning would allow him access to the King’s land.

The night before, he meets Scarlet (the daughter who has been promised as a prize for this gauntlet) and strikes a deal for her to help him win in return for a peaceful life and a chance to see the world.

After he wins and his identity is revealed, Scarlet realizes he is the enemy of her father. She also has a secret of her own that will get her killed if Sebastian ever finds out.

This story is a dual POV between Sebastian and Scarlet.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I really enjoyed this book, definitely a good addition to the Realm of Monsters collection. I thought the pacing was really good, and the characters were relatable and interesting. It was also a cool twist on a classic story (Peter Pan).

Scarlet started off fairly strong willed but definitely got even stronger and more confident as the story went on. It was interesting to see her character arc.

I had a couple issues. First, there were some loose ends in the plot that never got explained or resolved. Second, some of the character actions didn’t feel realistic/believable.

Overall, this was a good fantasy romance with a touch of darkness. If you like fairytale retellings (especially Peter Pan) definitely check this one out!

Thank you to the author for a copy of this to read ✨





‼️‼️‼️book specific notes, may contain spoilers‼️‼️‼️

-the way she talk like she knows him (“my husband has layers”) is really weird, considering she has known him literally less than 24hrs

-unclear how the witches mark works? Her mom was able to give her a mark? Without her using sacrificial magic? It is mentioned it maybe was transferred through birth but it still doesn’t really make sense.

-Scarlet is literally locked in her room as a prisoner but she’s in the mood to get herself off? Doesn’t really feel believable, or consistent with her character

-she’s a little too chill when she almost gets killed (multiple times, in multiple spots). In one, she’s bound and almost thrown overboard to die. Sebastian looks at her tied up and basically says it’s hot. Is this not concerning considering she was almost just killed?

-they made a point of mentioning that Smee is clumsy at the beginning of the book, but never mentioned anything about it again
Profile Image for Leslie || original book nerd.
922 reviews44 followers
September 14, 2023
This Wicked Curse  – Realm of Monsters #2 - Review
 
Couple: Princess Scarlet & Sebastian Hook
 
Author: Amanda Aggie
 
Tropes: PNR, dark romance, magical quest, fantasy romance, monster romance, saga reads, Peter Pan reimaging, enemy to lovers, arranged marriage, hidden powers
 
Review: An intoxicating dark fantasy reimaging of Peter Pan that will captivate you from the first page. Amanda delivers a thrilling twist on the classic tale as we journey with the son of the infamous Captain Hook as he searches for his Shadow! In this dual POV story, we meet Scarlet who is the older sister of Eva whose story we read in book 1.
 
Scarlet’s character was a surprise since I was unsure how she would fit into this story. I enjoyed how she overcame her past and all the trauma her father, the King, put her through but also was hoping we could see more of her sisters in this book. Since this book travels back in time from the events of book 1, we get to see more of the unrest and repression that overflows in the previous book. Scarlet’s story of romance and danger is addictive and I loved how her past and true powers were not revealed until the end.
 
Sebastian is the son of Captain Hook and the themes Amanda intertwines with this reimagining were perfect. I loved how the central theme of his story was him finding his shadow and becoming whole again. I also enjoyed how the tension between him and Scarlet was more slow burn. His journey on the Jolly Roger was dark and intriguing since we begin to see how much his past shaped him into the captain he is in the present. The dilemma of his hatred for Blood Witches and Scarlet being one (albeit in secret) is also an area I loved in this book and Amanda created the perfect twist in the plot in regards to Scarlet’s identity coming out.
 
This book has a ton of chemistry. While it is not a fated mates romance, it has many themes that align with one. However, the communication between the two MCs was better than I expected for a arranged marriage story! I enjoyed how the chemistry seemed natural and not forced. Amanda did a wonderful job with keeping me on my toes since there were so many twists and turns that I never saw coming. The deception towards the end that bring everything full circle was shocking and heartbreaking but made sense in the end.
 
Rating: 10/10, Amanda gives us a new take on the dark story of Hook and Pan!
Profile Image for Tralyn.
187 reviews8 followers
September 15, 2023
I read and loved Amanda Aggie’s This Wicked Fate over the summer. So, when I was invited to read and review This Wicked Cursed for a book tour hosted by R&R Book Tours, I jumped at the chance. Thank you to both for inviting me along and for the gifted copy. This book was amazing!

Scarlet has accepted her fate as basically being the sacrificial maiden her king requires in order to keep peace between the clans. Most of the women don’t live past their wedding night following the Guantlet–a competition where the entrants fight to the death to win the king’s daughter’s hand in marriage and earning the right to become the next king of the realm. When a stranger offers her a deal, Scarlet has a glimmer of something she’s never had before. Hope.

I love Scarlet and Sebastian’s relationship. Enemies-to-lovers to enemies again. There are so many secrets, so many half-truths we never really know how this will end up. Until about 60% through. Oh, we know how each of them truly feels, but can they get out of their own way and put past beliefs aside long enough to see it for themselves?

The villains. These people are dreadful. They are easy to hate and easy to want to see get what they deserve. There is action-packed dangerous adventure on the open sea. Just when you think this ship and its crew has had enough, something else comes at them. The last few chapters are heartbreaking. I was in tears. You kind of see it coming but really hope things turn out the way you want them to.

I love Zephyr. He is that best friend who always seems to be the voice of reason. He cares so deeply and can see beyond what everyone else sees. He wants to see Sebastian to be happy and fulfilled and would do whatever is in his power to make it happen.

This story is a unique twist on the fairytale, Peter Pan. I love how it was fused with some Greek mythology as well. Amanda’s writing and all of the emotion she puts into the story makes you feel as if you’re on the Jolly Roger with them. I laughed and cried and felt their fear. There are some moderately explicit sex scenes that are very well-written. The slow-burn and tension made those moments perfect.

I absolutely loved This Wicked Curse and highly recommend it to fans of fantasy romance, spicy romance, enemies-to-lovers, slow-burn romance, Peter Pan retellings, Greek mythology, morally grey characters, high seas adventure, forced marriage, and pirate stories.
Profile Image for Anais (atrailofpages).
956 reviews26 followers
September 15, 2023
I recently finished this AMAZING book by Amanda Aggie! I loved the first book This Wicked Fate and I just knew I’d love the second book, This Wicked Curse, in the Realm of Monsters series!

The dedication in this book is my favorite because it spoke to my heart! “To the girls who fall hard for the brooding, fictional villains with a heart of gold”. This girl is me! 🥰

Hook is trying to find Pan and get his shadow back. However, if his crew sets foot on the mainland, they would be arrested for their crimes. Hook and his crew decide to drink potions that will allow them to be disguised to walk on the mainland and join the gauntlet where Hook strikes a deal with the princess, next in line for the gauntlet to become a wife to one of the monsters, to win the gauntlet that will give him and his crew the pardon to be on the mainland and allow sheltered Scarlet to see the world.

Ahhhh this book was so so good!!! It was a conglomeration of Peter Pan, Captain Hook, the Little Mermaid, and more! I love unique retellings like this one! And Amanda’s books always deliver!

Scarlet is such a fierce female character! She has a secret that she has to keep or it may mean the death for herself and she never backs down from Hook, despite how scary he can get. She’s a good match for him!

And Hook is normally the villain, and he is, but yet, maybe more like misunderstood villain? 😉 I adored Hook! He could be scary and intimidating, but the way he doted Scarlet, gahhhh, I loved it! Plus, his relationship with his sister and his family on his ship was lovely and I loved the loyalty amongst the crew 🥰

Then the romance *swooooon*!!! I love a good enemies to lovers romance with the tension and OBVIOUS attraction and whether it will work out. I read this book so fast just like the first one!

Highly recommended! I received a free digital copy to read. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Jennifer Davis.
433 reviews16 followers
September 12, 2023
My mind is blown…completely and totally! This book was outstanding! From beginning to end, Amanda takes us on an epic adventure with witches, mages, elementals, sea monsters and swashbuckling pirates to boot! Scarlett is the princess daughter to the Wicked King (and he’s definitely wicked), and is set to be married or killed on her 23rd birthday by means of the gauntlet. Sebastian Hook, our devilishly handsome, pirate captain enters the gauntlet in hopes of winning, thereby receiving a ten year peace for his people from the king’s cruel tyranny. Immediately these two characters are drawn to each other, and Scarlett does what she can to help Sebastian win. After the gauntlet is complete the real adventure begins. Hook is on the hunt for his shadow that was stolen by Pan, but the journey to find it is riddled with danger, deceit and betrayal. And when Sebastian discovers the life altering secret that Scarlett is harboring things will never be the same again. I know this book doesn’t incorporate the idea of soul mates, but I ho early believe that these two characters are the literal definition of mates. The draw between them is undeniable. And the lengths that Scarlett is willing to go through to save Sebastian so many times just made me love her even more! These characters were written so beautifully that from the moment they meet you’re pulling for their happily ever after. The storyline and the retelling aspect of Peter Pan was done so well. And the emotional angst turmoil these characters go through just made this book such an amazing read! I cannot recommend this book enough if you’re a fan of fairytale retellings, fantasy stories or pirates and princesses. This book was amazing!
Profile Image for Tairen Soul.
90 reviews14 followers
October 8, 2023
This Wicked Curse by Amanda Aggie was absolutely everything I wanted in a pirate themed romantasy. We got everything - evil kings, flirty pirates, witches, and most importantly a heaping dash of enemies to lovers. From page one this book was almost impossible to put down.

Book two in the Realm of Monsters series Scarlett and Sebastians story did not disappoint. This book was such an epic adventure, full of action and the romance evened it out beautifully weaving a magical tale.

The characters of This Wicked Curse are some of my favorites Sebastian Hook is ultimately morally grey and I just loved him as our pirate king. Scarlett is the perfect match for him and I love how well their characters balanced each other. Scarletts character is really something else and I’m glad we finally got a fierce female in a book that was a strong but also was able to show emotion without it making her weak. She has easily won her place as one of my favorite witchy females.

The realm of This Wicked Curse is truly a magical world the author has created - taking old fairytales and mythology and twisting them to create her own stories is a true skill and she does it smoothly without missing a beat.

This Wicked Curse is an absolute must have for your bookshelf if you are a fan of - broody dark haired pirates, adventures at sea, dark and moody fairytale twists, enemies to lovers, and witches.

Captivating from beginning to end I cannot recommend this gorgeous book enough it is definitively a new favorite of mine that I’m sure I’ll be rereading soon. I can only imagine what the author has in store for book three - This Wicked Bond.

{ Thanks so much to the author for the review copy I obviously LOVED it! }
Profile Image for Kelsi.
523 reviews28 followers
September 1, 2023
The Peter Pan reimagining I didn’t know I needed!!

Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️

I just recently started getting into Amanda Aggies books and wow was this one amazing! I will honestly admit that Peter Pan was never one of my favorite stories but this reimagining sounded way to interesting to not give it a shot!! And boy oh boy was I glad I did!! This is the perfect grumpy/sunshine, enemies to lovers, slow-burn romance with the perfect blend of fast-paced action, and just the right amount of a Peter Pan reimagining that’ll keep fantasy lovers on the edge of their seat.

This had such a diverse cast of interesting characters that it’s hard to pick just one favorite, but I have to say the real stand outs were Hook and Scarlett. I immediately liked Scarlett she was loyal to her family and county, with the most perfect rebellious streak. She was easy going, smart, and while a bit timid perfectly capable of putting her fears aside to protect those she cared about, even if they had wronged her. And Hook was awesome! I loved watching him dealing with the new struggle of having a “princess” on board his ship, as well as how to navigate his feelings about having that princess on board! I loved his alpha-hole personality, towards his whole crew and while he was an alpha-hole he was still willing to burn the world down for those he treasured. He was such an open and honest character even when it may not have been to his benefit, honestly he was just an overall amazing character!!

Truly, if you’re a fan of slow-burn, enemies to lovers, romances with the best action, and great story line then this is the book for you!!

HAPPY READING 📖
Profile Image for theromantasybookcorner._.
336 reviews36 followers
September 10, 2023
𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍��: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️//𝟓

Thank you x1000000 to Amanda Aggie and BOMM for the ARC of this book!

Uhm this book was absolutely AMAZING. I absolutely loved This Wicked Fate and was so ecstatic to receive an ARC of This Wicked Curse and I was left utterly SPEECHLESS when I finished. I did not want it to end! Scarlet and Hook are AMAZING. I loved reading their story and I was hooked from the very first word to the last.

This story follows Scarlet and Hook - their chemistry was off the charts amazing. Hook was just… SWOON. Not only is he apart of my Shadow Daddy club, he’s also a pirate. I could not get enough of him. Scarlet is an amazing FMC - she was fierce and brave and I loved watching her discover who she is throughout the book!

This story is set in Amanda’s Realm of Monsters universe, and while it helps to read her other stories, this book can be read as a stand-alone. I LOVE this universe! Amanda’s use of imagery really helps the reader envision Solaria and the Outer Realms and the world building is just so beautifully written.

I also could not get enough of the Peter Pan references. I’m a sucker for Fairytale retellings and this book does such an amazing job of being its own story while also referencing and drawing from the original Peter Pan story. The twists and turns this book took had me staying up way too late all week because I literally could not put it down.

I could probably write a book in itself about how much I LOVED This Wicked Curse! Please go read this book because it was seriously such an amazing read and you’ll fall in love with it!!

𝘼𝙡𝙡 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙖𝙧𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙅𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙍𝙤𝙜𝙚𝙧–𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙙𝙖𝙧𝙚.

🏴‍☠️✨🏴‍☠️
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