I’ll be honest – I requested this book from NetGalley based on the title and cover alone. I mean, look at it. It’s a piece of art.
After her mother’s disappearance, Marlow moves to the other side of the tracks and makes a name for herself as a cursebreaker. This is a concept I haven’t read before, and it immediately intrigued me. When former BFF Adrius, scion of an affluent family, requests her help in breaking his curse, she’s unsure about taking the case. For reasons unknown, he spurned and humiliated her a year ago, and the pain is still there. Adrius has been cursed to do anything he’s commanded. Just take a sec and think of the implications of that. Tell him to jump off a building – he does it. Hand over all his money – it’s yours. Even worse, if the curse isn’t broken within a certain timeframe it becomes irreversible. In order to find the person who cursed Adrius, he and Marlow must pretend to “fake date” so no one questions her presence in the wealthy Evergarden society as she investigates.
Fake dating is a popular trope, but I grew weary of it pretty quickly. Especially since it’s so obvious Marlow and Adrius still care deeply for each other. Judging by other reviews I’m in the minority on this, but I’m more of a straightforward person so that explains it. Marlow holds onto her pain and anger so tightly she’s oblivious to the truth in front of her, for which she ultimately pays a high price.
As far as who cursed Adrius, there’s a list of obvious suspects with clear motives. I was sure I’d pegged the culprit, but I was wrong each time. And that ending? My heart is still bruised over that one, and I’ll be needing that sequel really soon.
With a cat named Toad who can detect curses, a fast-paced plot that rarely stands still, incredibly high stakes, and an intriguing mystery, this fantasy novel will keep you flipping the pages.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
After her mother’s disappearance, Marlow moves to the other side of the tracks and makes a name for herself as a cursebreaker. This is a concept I haven’t read before, and it immediately intrigued me. When former BFF Adrius, scion of an affluent family, requests her help in breaking his curse, she’s unsure about taking the case. For reasons unknown, he spurned and humiliated her a year ago, and the pain is still there. Adrius has been cursed to do anything he’s commanded. Just take a sec and think of the implications of that. Tell him to jump off a building – he does it. Hand over all his money – it’s yours. Even worse, if the curse isn’t broken within a certain timeframe it becomes irreversible. In order to find the person who cursed Adrius, he and Marlow must pretend to “fake date” so no one questions her presence in the wealthy Evergarden society as she investigates.
Fake dating is a popular trope, but I grew weary of it pretty quickly. Especially since it’s so obvious Marlow and Adrius still care deeply for each other. Judging by other reviews I’m in the minority on this, but I’m more of a straightforward person so that explains it. Marlow holds onto her pain and anger so tightly she’s oblivious to the truth in front of her, for which she ultimately pays a high price.
As far as who cursed Adrius, there’s a list of obvious suspects with clear motives. I was sure I’d pegged the culprit, but I was wrong each time. And that ending? My heart is still bruised over that one, and I’ll be needing that sequel really soon.
With a cat named Toad who can detect curses, a fast-paced plot that rarely stands still, incredibly high stakes, and an intriguing mystery, this fantasy novel will keep you flipping the pages.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.