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manglitter's review against another edition
5.0
I thank Day Leitao for this ARC that I was crazy waiting for. I loved the first book which made me discover her.
Now, she did it again, Day Leitao is a master of cliffhangers and suspense. I can't wait for book 3, how could you do this to me?! Oh my god, what is going to happen to all of them?
I loved this second book, it was something different from the first one and the plot was well made. The first one was all about the challenges but this one was more about the mystery behind the curses. I loved that the second characters were well developed with their own stories. I love how Larzen is with Riadne and the new characters entring the story like Tris. There is so much mystery and the secrets are not so easily revealed , you have to work the pages to get to them but without it being boring.
I love Day leitao writing style, she doesn't write a lot just to say a little like with an amount of descriptions and nonsense. In other words, it is well written, clear to the point and even her characters speak like that. While reading her books it never ever gets dull. I like it and I had enjoyed discovering this new chapter of Zora's adventures. Thank you so much.
Now, she did it again, Day Leitao is a master of cliffhangers and suspense. I can't wait for book 3, how could you do this to me?! Oh my god, what is going to happen to all of them?
I loved this second book, it was something different from the first one and the plot was well made. The first one was all about the challenges but this one was more about the mystery behind the curses. I loved that the second characters were well developed with their own stories. I love how Larzen is with Riadne and the new characters entring the story like Tris. There is so much mystery and the secrets are not so easily revealed , you have to work the pages to get to them but without it being boring.
I love Day leitao writing style, she doesn't write a lot just to say a little like with an amount of descriptions and nonsense. In other words, it is well written, clear to the point and even her characters speak like that. While reading her books it never ever gets dull. I like it and I had enjoyed discovering this new chapter of Zora's adventures. Thank you so much.
afantaseaofbooks's review
5.0
◦ I've received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ◦
Everything went wrong at the Royal Games. Zora won the games, but now she and Griffin are on the run. A cursed prince, a troubled brother, and a mysterious cup with the power to doom them all.
The 2nd book picks right up where the 1st one ended, and if you need a quick refresh this book has a quick summary of events from the 1st book at the end, perfect to know where you left it. The mystery and the new characters give this book a different feel. Our Zora is still sassy and a powerful heroine and doesn’t back down from anything.
I can definitely say I’ve had a blast reading this book. The way the 1st book ended really made me curious how or what’s going to happen in the 2nd book and it didn’t disappoint. After winning the Royal Games, instead of being a joyful event, Zora and Griffin are on the run. Griffin is cursed with a deadly curse, his brother for some reason is troubled and wants him dead and his other brother got a strange alliance with an impostor that pretends to be someone else. There’s so much mystery involving everyone, plenty of questions unanswered yet, most likely we’ll get them answered on the 3rd book which of course I can’t wait to see it released!
We’ve finally got the romance I’ve been waiting for – between Zora and Griffin. I loved their honesty after plenty of lies they told each other and hold for themselves and even tho they had ups and downs along with the 1st book and the 2nd one they worked their issues, spoke truthfully about what they were hiding making their relationship develop and grow along the pages. Their sweet talks about the future and life really warms my heart, I could feel her feelings and love for Griffin and how slowly but surely they were falling in love and their tender moments were the perfect touch for the book.
I love the way Day is writing her books, there’s no “wondering” moment, there is always something explained from the way the life in Dark Valley was to the family of Griffin – unless she doesn’t want you to know that thing yet, then she leaves a trail of mystery behind luring you deeper between the pages of her books, which of course makes you more addicted.
The book got a perfect mix of enemies to lovers, romantic fantasy, witty banter, adventure and a big dose of magic to make you believe in it again!
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Everything went wrong at the Royal Games. Zora won the games, but now she and Griffin are on the run. A cursed prince, a troubled brother, and a mysterious cup with the power to doom them all.
The 2nd book picks right up where the 1st one ended, and if you need a quick refresh this book has a quick summary of events from the 1st book at the end, perfect to know where you left it. The mystery and the new characters give this book a different feel. Our Zora is still sassy and a powerful heroine and doesn’t back down from anything.
I can definitely say I’ve had a blast reading this book. The way the 1st book ended really made me curious how or what’s going to happen in the 2nd book and it didn’t disappoint. After winning the Royal Games, instead of being a joyful event, Zora and Griffin are on the run. Griffin is cursed with a deadly curse, his brother for some reason is troubled and wants him dead and his other brother got a strange alliance with an impostor that pretends to be someone else. There’s so much mystery involving everyone, plenty of questions unanswered yet, most likely we’ll get them answered on the 3rd book which of course I can’t wait to see it released!
We’ve finally got the romance I’ve been waiting for – between Zora and Griffin. I loved their honesty after plenty of lies they told each other and hold for themselves and even tho they had ups and downs along with the 1st book and the 2nd one they worked their issues, spoke truthfully about what they were hiding making their relationship develop and grow along the pages. Their sweet talks about the future and life really warms my heart, I could feel her feelings and love for Griffin and how slowly but surely they were falling in love and their tender moments were the perfect touch for the book.
I love the way Day is writing her books, there’s no “wondering” moment, there is always something explained from the way the life in Dark Valley was to the family of Griffin – unless she doesn’t want you to know that thing yet, then she leaves a trail of mystery behind luring you deeper between the pages of her books, which of course makes you more addicted.
The book got a perfect mix of enemies to lovers, romantic fantasy, witty banter, adventure and a big dose of magic to make you believe in it again!
Follow me on my social media for more than just reviews:
BookBub
Reedsy
Blog
sofirifi5's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
anotherstoryreader's review
4.0
I loved book #1 The prince and the Cup last year. It was one of my favorite reads and really helped me in the middle of a book slump. So when Day Leitao offered me a chance to read and review her new book I JUMPED at the chance. I'm so very grateful!
So in book 2 The Curse and the Prince we see things change a bit. Zora won the cup but things became extra sticky for her and the handsome cursed prince. The beginning of the book sees the pair fleeing for their lives and wounded. On the hunt for the cup that could end the curse on the prince.
One of the things I loved about the first book was the court intrigue and scheming of the brothers. There were fewer plotting brothers in this book and more relationship development between Zora and Griffin. So yeah to more romance!
I was a little confused in the beginning when Tris was introduced. I COULD NOT remember her from the first story and how she ended up a prisoner. Well, I wasn't meant to remember her because she was a new element to the story. A very interesting one at that! But that leads me to note there was some confusion for me with changing perspectives. The chapters change perspective without noting who we are reading beforehand. It did slow down my progress a bit.
Overall I enjoyed this continuation of Zora's story. I loved seeing her weald Butterfly and fight beside her handsome prince. Just when you think they have a clear path in front of them you get a big surprise conclusion.
I should note there IS a cliffhanger so if you are one who hates those you might wait a bit to read. I believe the third book comes out later this year. Fingers crossed!
So in book 2 The Curse and the Prince we see things change a bit. Zora won the cup but things became extra sticky for her and the handsome cursed prince. The beginning of the book sees the pair fleeing for their lives and wounded. On the hunt for the cup that could end the curse on the prince.
One of the things I loved about the first book was the court intrigue and scheming of the brothers. There were fewer plotting brothers in this book and more relationship development between Zora and Griffin. So yeah to more romance!
I was a little confused in the beginning when Tris was introduced. I COULD NOT remember her from the first story and how she ended up a prisoner. Well, I wasn't meant to remember her because she was a new element to the story. A very interesting one at that! But that leads me to note there was some confusion for me with changing perspectives. The chapters change perspective without noting who we are reading beforehand. It did slow down my progress a bit.
Overall I enjoyed this continuation of Zora's story. I loved seeing her weald Butterfly and fight beside her handsome prince. Just when you think they have a clear path in front of them you get a big surprise conclusion.
I should note there IS a cliffhanger so if you are one who hates those you might wait a bit to read. I believe the third book comes out later this year. Fingers crossed!
nite0wl29's review
4.0
I want to thank the author for gifting me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review! This book picks up right where The Cup and the Prince left off—and oh boy, the family drama revolving around Griffin’s brothers is never ending. Poor Zora for getting herself tangled up in their mess.
Speaking of Zora and Griffin...I loved their scenes as they continue working together to find the Blood Cup in hopes of ending Griffin’s curse as well as the possibility of freeing Zora’s village from its dark magic. And of course, their inevitable budding romance. ;)
While The Cup on the Prince focused solely on Zora and Griffin’s POVs, this book offers a couple new POVs. Which, unfortunately, is the main reason I docked a star. I appreciated the fact that we get a better glimpse inside these characters’ heads, but the mid-chapter POV changes made the storytelling feel a little clunky and confusing in spots. Other than that, I enjoyed this book! I’m excited to see how it all ends.
Speaking of Zora and Griffin...I loved their scenes as they continue working together to find the Blood Cup in hopes of ending Griffin’s curse as well as the possibility of freeing Zora’s village from its dark magic. And of course, their inevitable budding romance. ;)
While The Cup on the Prince focused solely on Zora and Griffin’s POVs, this book offers a couple new POVs. Which, unfortunately, is the main reason I docked a star. I appreciated the fact that we get a better glimpse inside these characters’ heads, but the mid-chapter POV changes made the storytelling feel a little clunky and confusing in spots. Other than that, I enjoyed this book! I’m excited to see how it all ends.
haileydonna's review
4.0
In the second book of the Kingdom of Curses and Shadows series, Zora and Griffin are on the run after being declared enemies of Gravel. They're also trying to defeat shadow creatures, find a hidden magical artifact, break not one, but two curses and maybe figure out their relationship in the meantime. Back in the castle, Larzen discovers the true identity of a certain "princess" and forms an uneasy alliance in a bid to save the royal family from certain doom.
The Curse and the Prince was another really fun read from [a:Day Leitao|17839874|Day Leitao|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1612117914p2/17839874.jpg]. The writing was definitely more polished than the first book and there was deeper exploration of the characters and the world they inhabit. I'm thoroughly enjoying this YA fantasy series and looking forward to continuing the journey in the final book.
Many thanks to the author, [a:Day Leitao|17839874|Day Leitao|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1612117914p2/17839874.jpg] for providing a copy of her book for review.
The Curse and the Prince was another really fun read from [a:Day Leitao|17839874|Day Leitao|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1612117914p2/17839874.jpg]. The writing was definitely more polished than the first book and there was deeper exploration of the characters and the world they inhabit. I'm thoroughly enjoying this YA fantasy series and looking forward to continuing the journey in the final book.
Many thanks to the author, [a:Day Leitao|17839874|Day Leitao|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1612117914p2/17839874.jpg] for providing a copy of her book for review.
trin_ney18's review
1.0
1/5 Stars
DNF'd at page 52 or 17%
The reason I struggle so much with reading books on my kindle is that I never really seem to process them correctly. Or at least that's one of my reasons for why I think I liked this book so little. It could very well be that there was a noticeable difference in writing quality. Whatever it is, I genuinely cannot read any more of this. It's just not doing it for me.
Don't get me wrong, I wanted to like this so much. I enjoyed the first book so much and I wanted this to be a new favorite, underground series. I love the concept and all the different parts. But I think there's too many different parts and they just weren't meshing together well. I also didn't care for much of the character dialogue both internal and external. It felt young and stilted.
DNF'd at page 52 or 17%
The reason I struggle so much with reading books on my kindle is that I never really seem to process them correctly. Or at least that's one of my reasons for why I think I liked this book so little. It could very well be that there was a noticeable difference in writing quality. Whatever it is, I genuinely cannot read any more of this. It's just not doing it for me.
Don't get me wrong, I wanted to like this so much. I enjoyed the first book so much and I wanted this to be a new favorite, underground series. I love the concept and all the different parts. But I think there's too many different parts and they just weren't meshing together well. I also didn't care for much of the character dialogue both internal and external. It felt young and stilted.
chateauofbooks's review
4.0
First of all, i want to give a big thanks to the author for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review. This in no way affects my rating or review.
Day Leitao did it AGAIN!!
THAT ENDING!! WOW
The Curse and the Prince kept up to my expectations and didn't dissapoint at all. She knows how to keep her readers entertained and hooked in the story, there's plot twists that i didn't see coming, the characters are amazing and i never got bored.
I was so excited to read this sequel since i really liked the first book, i'm glad the wait wasn't much. I binge read it, it was so addictive, i have to admit that i was kinda in a reading slump and this book made the difference, personally i like the plot because it involves magic, action, adventure, romance, some mystery and fierce protagonists with a touch of humor, so basically all the elements i like in one book, i felt like if i was reading Throne of Glass which is one of my favs.
I kinda like this one better than The Cup and the Prince, since the story is more unfolded, it has new and different povs, the plot twists catched my interest and the worldbuilding is great. I really enjoyed Riadne's pov, she's def my fav. her backstory is interesting, also Allegra's there's still much to know about her and her intentions. I liked Larzen more, and the fact that Zora's and Griffin's relationship didn't feel rushed, i like how Day Leitao dealt their realationship. The whole stuff about the cup, the ancient curse, other kingdoms, dark magic and creatures, family secrets, they're all entwined somehow and i love it. Lastly, that ending killed me! i didn't even saw THAT coming either!.
I definetely enjoyed this book, i'm more than excited to read the final book and to know how it all will unfold and end. Hoping for the best! :D
Day Leitao did it AGAIN!!
THAT ENDING!! WOW
The Curse and the Prince kept up to my expectations and didn't dissapoint at all. She knows how to keep her readers entertained and hooked in the story, there's plot twists that i didn't see coming, the characters are amazing and i never got bored.
I was so excited to read this sequel since i really liked the first book, i'm glad the wait wasn't much. I binge read it, it was so addictive, i have to admit that i was kinda in a reading slump and this book made the difference, personally i like the plot because it involves magic, action, adventure, romance, some mystery and fierce protagonists with a touch of humor, so basically all the elements i like in one book, i felt like if i was reading Throne of Glass which is one of my favs.
I kinda like this one better than The Cup and the Prince, since the story is more unfolded, it has new and different povs, the plot twists catched my interest and the worldbuilding is great. I really enjoyed Riadne's pov, she's def my fav. her backstory is interesting, also Allegra's there's still much to know about her and her intentions. I liked Larzen more, and the fact that Zora's and Griffin's relationship didn't feel rushed, i like how Day Leitao dealt their realationship. The whole stuff about the cup, the ancient curse, other kingdoms, dark magic and creatures, family secrets, they're all entwined somehow and i love it. Lastly, that ending killed me! i didn't even saw THAT coming either!.
I definetely enjoyed this book, i'm more than excited to read the final book and to know how it all will unfold and end. Hoping for the best! :D
andervic000's review
4.0
We got lots more answers in this book, which I appreciated. I also feel like the characters had more depth and the writing was clearer. I liked seeing more of Larzen and some budding relationships
bookwyrm96's review
3.0
Loved this continuation! The story is captivating and the exchanges between characters reel you in. The cliffhanger at the end had me wanting to throw the book across the room (which means you know it's a good one).
Thank you to Day Leitao for sending me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review, I don't know if I could have waited much longer to find out what happened to our protagonists - and antagonists for that matter.
Like I said the story is well thought out and the world she has created makes sense and you want to know more and see more. The only reason I'm giving it 3 stars is the writing itself, the language is still inconsistent (sometimes slipping into modern-day slang and sometimes using a more formal, elevated speech you expect in fantasy), and there are many odd word choices (like using "guy" instead of "boy" or "man") that pull you out of the story. However, I think with a little bit of elevating (and some checks for typos) this series will become a must-have for every fantasy-lovers shelves!
Thank you to Day Leitao for sending me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review, I don't know if I could have waited much longer to find out what happened to our protagonists - and antagonists for that matter.
Like I said the story is well thought out and the world she has created makes sense and you want to know more and see more. The only reason I'm giving it 3 stars is the writing itself, the language is still inconsistent (sometimes slipping into modern-day slang and sometimes using a more formal, elevated speech you expect in fantasy), and there are many odd word choices (like using "guy" instead of "boy" or "man") that pull you out of the story. However, I think with a little bit of elevating (and some checks for typos) this series will become a must-have for every fantasy-lovers shelves!