A review by bzliz
Curse of Shadows and Thorns by LJ Andrews

adventurous emotional mysterious medium-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? Yes

4.0

There is a steep learning curve here and you really get thrown into the pool without a floatie with terminology and lore about the history of the land. It tapers off as you familiarize yourself with the world. One of my least favorite tropes in fantasy novels is having silly terms for the passage of time. Here, years are turns and minutes/hours/seconds are clock ticks.

The slow start builds to a steady pace and by the end, events are flying by. I was concerned I’d have a DNF on my hands but I’m so glad I stuck it out and was rewarded for my diligence. I particularly loved the build up of Elise and Legion’s relationship. It has some enemies to lovers vibes without them ever truly being enemies. Every victory felt earned and I have no doubt this will continue in the next installment. 

Below I have listed many content warnings and provided some context for them in the spoiler tags. I highly recommend checking that if anything listed is a trigger for you before proceeding to reading. 

Content Warnings:
Blood (on page):
SpoilerSeveral injuries throughout including Elise getting stabbed, one character experiences severe bloodlust.

Confinement (on page):
SpoilerA “witch” is imprisoned, Elise is briefly captured roughly 2/3 through the book

Death/Murder (on & off page):
SpoilerOff page murders of the original royal family. On page murders of Agitators, an ally, lots of enemies, regicide.

Injury (on page):
SpoilerLots of people get stabbed or shot with arrows or crossbow bolts, main character is purposefully injured by allies to stave off bloodlust.

Incest (on page, not explicit):
SpoilerAs royals do, lest anyone taint the bloodline. Cousins intended to marry.

Sexism (on page):
SpoilerWomen are not allowed to do many things, like travel, and we are reminded many times that their worth comes from a good marriage.

Sexual assault/violence (on page, not explicit):
SpoilerWhen Elise is captured, she is tied to a bed and has her skirt lifted. She is threatened with a forced marriage then marital rape but is rescued before these threats are carried out. The language used is less explicit but the intent is clear.

Sexual content (on page):
SpoilerThe language used is non-explicit but the acts are clear. In one scene, Legion briefly performs manual sex on Elise. In another he does the same to completion and she does the same for him.

Slavery (on page):
SpoilerThe book term is serfs but it’s pretty clear they’re not free to leave. The king also enslaves anyone with fae powers.

Suicide attempt (off page):
Spoiler Brief mention that when Legion becomes the beast he seeks blood at all costs and will turn to his own if nothing else is available. It is mentioned that Tor has seen him try to die in his bloodlust but he cannot die so it all continues.

Torture (on page):
SpoilerInnocent people are captured and tortured on page prior to their attempted execution.

Violence (on page):
SpoilerSee all the other warnings
Expand filter menu Content Warnings