Garden of the Cursed is a well-written YA fantasy/mystery/romance. Marlow once lived with her mother among the elite residents of Evergarden, but after her mother's disappearance she moved to the Marshes, the downtrodden part of Caraza. She makes a living as a curse breaker, attempts to steer clear of the local gangs, and hangs out with her loyal friend Swift.
When Adrius, an estranged friend and scion of one of the five wealthiest families comes to her for help in breaking a curse that has been put on him, she agrees for the lucrative fee and the chance to re-enter Evergarden and investigate the disappearance of her mother. Adrius and Marlow enter into a fake romantic relationship to allow Marlow track down the source of his curse.
The world building is immersive and vivid. The magic system is fascinating with its varied hexes, spells, curses and enchantments. The plot is complicated and fast paced with unpredictable twists and turns. The characters are well developed and interesting. Garden of the Cursed was an enjoyable, entertaining story with a tough, clever heroine. I couldn't put it down.
When Adrius, an estranged friend and scion of one of the five wealthiest families comes to her for help in breaking a curse that has been put on him, she agrees for the lucrative fee and the chance to re-enter Evergarden and investigate the disappearance of her mother. Adrius and Marlow enter into a fake romantic relationship to allow Marlow track down the source of his curse.
The world building is immersive and vivid. The magic system is fascinating with its varied hexes, spells, curses and enchantments. The plot is complicated and fast paced with unpredictable twists and turns. The characters are well developed and interesting. Garden of the Cursed was an enjoyable, entertaining story with a tough, clever heroine. I couldn't put it down.