Book Review: The Encanto’s Curse by Melissa de la Cruz
As an avid fan of fantasy romances, I couldn’t wait to dive into The Encanto’s Curse by Melissa de la Cruz, the enticing sequel to The Encanto’s Daughter. After finishing the first book, I was left with a rollercoaster of emotions surrounding MJ, Lucas, and their complicated love dynamics. Already drawn in by the lush worldbuilding and the elements of Filipino folklore, I knew this new installment would further explore the intricacies of love, loss, and personal growth. Spoiler alert: it did not disappoint!
Picking up several months after the cliffhanger of the first book, MJ finds herself in a precarious position—still longing for Lucas, who is now engaged to his childhood friend Amador. The heartache is palpable, and I felt MJ’s internal struggle deeply. Her journey is one of self-discovery and resilience, especially when she loses her magic and faces the terror of a manananggal attacking her kingdom. This gives the narrative a darker edge, cleverly blending fantasy and romance, while forcing MJ to confront her feelings for both Lucas and Qian, Amador’s older brother.
What I truly appreciated about this novel was how it expanded on the characters we first encountered. Amador, once a mere “mean girl,” is richly fleshed out, revealing her burdens and desires. Through her complicated home life, we gain insight into her motivations and vulnerabilities, making her more relatable and human. As someone who enjoys when characters grow and evolve, I found this nuanced portrayal added layers to the story and made the love triangle even more engaging. It’s refreshing to see a “villain” given the depth that makes us reconsider the concept of good and evil.
The pacing of The Encanto’s Curse is brisk, and while that usually tends to muddle the storyline, de la Cruz masterfully balances the fast-moving plot with clear, accessible writing. Each plot point flows seamlessly, keeping you on your toes without feeling lost. I particularly loved how the voice in this narrative plays a crucial role—if you resonate with MJ’s perspective, it’s easy to navigate the various twists and turns of her emotional and magical journey.
One of the standout moments for me was when MJ grapples with her feelings for both Lucas and Qian. It’s refreshing to see a character who is torn between two love interests with such grace, especially as she tries to move forward with her life despite her unresolved feelings. As a reader who appreciates the messiness of real-life relationships, I felt this was handled with sincerity and depth.
I whole-heartedly recommend The Encanto’s Curse not only to fans of the first book but to anyone seeking a YA fantasy that isn’t afraid to veer off the traditional romance path. The book beautifully encapsulates themes of love, rejection, and self-acceptance amid a backdrop of Filipino folklore, and that representation is something I deeply cherish. For those looking for an engaging read that will spark conversation about relationships and personal growth, this book is an essential addition to your bookshelf.
In reading this sequel, I found myself not just lost in the pages but also reflecting on my own experiences with love and identity. It’s one of those books that lingers long after the last chapter, a true testament to the power of storytelling. Would you join MJ on her journey? I think you’ll find it’s a ride worth taking.
Discover more about The Encanto’s Curse (The Encanto’s Daughter, #2) on GoodReads >>