Book Review: A Cursed Son (Remnants of the Fallen Kingdom, #1)
As I flipped through the pages of A Cursed Son by Day Leitao, I found myself captivated by its premise. A story revolving around a girl trained to impersonate royalty? I was immediately intrigued! And with an ARC in hand, I dove in, eager to explore a world rich with magic, secrets, and the complexities of human emotions.
The narrative centers on Astra, a young woman raised in a peculiar "school" where students learn to act as substitutes for the kingdom’s royals. Right off the bat, I found Astra to be a relatable character—a classic case of feeling out of place, yearning for a deeper connection, and grappling with the weight of duty. The plot unfolds as Astra becomes ensnared in a web of political intrigue and personal dilemmas, especially when she’s forced into a marriage with the enigmatic Marlak, the king’s wicked brother.
What kept me glued to the story was the character-driven nature of Astra’s journey. While not steeped in numerous plot twists, the exploration of her inner turmoil and desires draws you in. However, I did miss a more profound sense of character development. I craved a deeper dive into Astra’s psyche beyond her incessant questioning of her circumstances. The "show, don’t tell" principle often felt sidelined, and I found myself wishing for more immersive moments to truly grasp her emotional landscape.
Now, let’s talk about the setting. This fantasy world is reminiscent of the court intrigues seen in A Court of Thorns and Roses, complete with fae beings and deep-rooted magical lore. While I appreciated the whimsical touch of diverse magical powers, I felt that the lore was just skimmed over. It left me wanting more context and substance, particularly in understanding how these magical abilities really functioned within the laws of the world Leitao crafted.
That brings me to my biggest grievance: the writing style. I cringed at the repetitive phrases and odd sentence structures. It felt almost like a stream of consciousness, which sometimes detracted from my overall enjoyment. For instance, the constant use of certain words made the reading experience puzzling and even tedious. I found myself noting the excessive "wows" and “uhms” that littered the prose. And while dialogue can be casual, it shouldn’t overshadow the narrative.
Yet, in the midst of my critiques, I discovered a delightful dynamic between Astra and Marlak. Their forced marriage evolves into an intriguing “enemies to lovers” trope, showcasing plenty of tension and charm. As they navigate their unexpected bond, the interplay of banter and sarcasm became some of the book’s highlights, weaving a sense of humor amidst darker themes. Their shared moments of vulnerability and eventual acceptance of each other’s complexities added a nuanced layer that I genuinely enjoyed.
In conclusion, A Cursed Son has undeniable potential and will likely resonate with readers who appreciate character-driven stories infused with romantic tension. While I wrestled with its writing style and pacing, Astra’s journey—along with Marlak’s sweet, multifaceted character—made the experience worthwhile. If you’re keen on a fantasy world filled with moral dilemmas and budding love, this might be right up your alley. Personally, I’m left with questions that make me curious about the sequel, and given the chance, I would love to explore Astra and Marlak’s continued adventures. So, here’s to hoping the next installment brings that deeper dive into the enchanting world that Day Leitao has started to construct!
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