If I had to sum up Cursed in one sentence, it would be: a witty, modern twist on fantasy clichés that doesn’t take itself too seriously but still manages to pack an emotional punch.

The book kicks off with a bang—Chapter 1 is basically a modern-day spin on A Court of Mist and Fury’s infamous wedding chapter, complete with snarky humor and self-aware commentary. From the very beginning, this book had me laughing out loud as it gently poked fun at both fantasy tropes and modern-day quirks (Harry Potter references, anyone?).

One of my favorite aspects was how the curse in the story was portrayed. It’s not just a vague, looming evil that needs to be defeated—it’s an almost sentient, layered thing desperately fighting to survive. It’s a refreshing twist that adds depth without becoming overly complicated. I couldn’t help but want to peel back all the layers and figure it out.

The FMC (female main character) is such a relatable delight. She’s caffeine-obsessed (a girl after my own heart) and her reaction to a baby unicorn is exactly how I imagine most of us would respond—with a mix of shock and giddy excitement. Her authenticity really shines through, and that’s a core theme of the book: being true to yourself, even when the world demands otherwise.

I also appreciated the balance between the fantasy world and her old life in New York. When we returned to NYC halfway through, it added an emotional depth I didn’t expect—it was heartbreaking yet grounded the story in a relatable way.

The book is packed with fun references, including Greek mythology and subtle nods to fantasy staples. Sure, it makes jokes about “A Court of Ice and Emptiness” and ends with talk of mates, but rather than feeling derivative, it leans into these tropes with a self-aware charm.

At around 300 pages, it’s a quick and breezy read—it honestly felt like 50 pages. While the last 20% takes a turn for the action-packed, I did find the ending a touch too convenient. That said, it seems like there’s a sequel on the horizon, so I’m curious to see where the story goes next!

This book is perfect for anyone looking for:

• A lighthearted fantasy that’s great for getting out of a slump.

• A fun, self-aware take on popular tropes without the heavy world-building.

• A story with a strong found-family vibe and laugh-out-loud humor.

Yes, there’s a curse and everyone might die, but there’s also a baby unicorn. What more could you want?