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The Serpents and Kings Trilogy #1
The Queen of Cursed Things
Please note: A revised version of this book was released in September 2019. Some of the reviews below may reflect the old version.
She’s the last member of a cursed and deadly clan.
He’s the crown prince with a dangerous secret.
Together, they’ll save the empire. Or destroy it.
Decades ago, the High King of Sundolia waged a war that vanquished the serpent clan and drove them out of the empire, reducing them to nothing more than legends spoken of in occasional frightened whispers.
But they did not leave peacefully. Their parting gift included curses that now rest within the empire’s soil, beneath the shade of its jungles, treading through the waves of its seas. Growing more and more dormant as the years pass under the shadow of that increasingly tyrannical high king.
Until Alaya—a girl with a hidden serpent mark who shouldn’t exist—accidentally wakes one of them up. Then another. And suddenly she finds herself near universally despised and feared, a scapegoat exiled from her adopted village and left with no choice but to seek the truth about her cursed bloodline. About her true home. About a power, stolen from the serpent goddess herself, that is supposedly resting in that home. It is the sort of power that could help her overthrow a king, expose the lies he’s told, and put a stop to his wars.
But the closer she gets to that power, the more complicated the truth becomes. The more dangerous her waking power seems. And the more she begins to wonder: Can you still be the hero if you were born a curse?
She’s the last member of a cursed and deadly clan.
He’s the crown prince with a dangerous secret.
Together, they’ll save the empire. Or destroy it.
Decades ago, the High King of Sundolia waged a war that vanquished the serpent clan and drove them out of the empire, reducing them to nothing more than legends spoken of in occasional frightened whispers.
But they did not leave peacefully. Their parting gift included curses that now rest within the empire’s soil, beneath the shade of its jungles, treading through the waves of its seas. Growing more and more dormant as the years pass under the shadow of that increasingly tyrannical high king.
Until Alaya—a girl with a hidden serpent mark who shouldn’t exist—accidentally wakes one of them up. Then another. And suddenly she finds herself near universally despised and feared, a scapegoat exiled from her adopted village and left with no choice but to seek the truth about her cursed bloodline. About her true home. About a power, stolen from the serpent goddess herself, that is supposedly resting in that home. It is the sort of power that could help her overthrow a king, expose the lies he’s told, and put a stop to his wars.
But the closer she gets to that power, the more complicated the truth becomes. The more dangerous her waking power seems. And the more she begins to wonder: Can you still be the hero if you were born a curse?
364 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 29, 2017
1039 people are currently reading
7817 people want to read
About the author
S.M. Gaither
29 books2,005 followersI don't check Goodreads regularly, but you're welcome to send me an email ([email protected]) anytime!
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As a kid, S.M. Gaither spent way too much time playing video games like Final Fantasy and reading every book she could get her hands on instead of doing silly things like her assigned homework. As an adult…Well, not much has changed. Her goal is to write books that distract others from their life’s obligations, too, thus creating an army of fellow procrastinators over which she can reign supreme. These days, her personal favorite places to procrastinate are in the mountains near her North Carolina home, in the company of her husband, their daughter, and their very spoiled dog.
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As a kid, S.M. Gaither spent way too much time playing video games like Final Fantasy and reading every book she could get her hands on instead of doing silly things like her assigned homework. As an adult…Well, not much has changed. Her goal is to write books that distract others from their life’s obligations, too, thus creating an army of fellow procrastinators over which she can reign supreme. These days, her personal favorite places to procrastinate are in the mountains near her North Carolina home, in the company of her husband, their daughter, and their very spoiled dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 236 reviews
January 16, 2020
I received this eARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of this book in any way. I also only read the ARC until about the 50% mark, at which point I read from the published edition. All quotes are checked against the published edition and are not subject to change.
Obligatory Summary
Alaya is the last of a powerful clan, living in secret amongst the clanless and forgotten. But even in the most hidden corners, secrets can be discovered. Forced to confront her deadly powers and the mad High King who wants to end her clan once and for all, and with the help of the charming and disarming Prince Emrys and her best friends Sade and Kian, Alaya will do whatever it takes to save her kingdom and her clan. But with powers as deadly as hers and the curses they’re awakening in the land, is she fated to save the world or to destroy it?
My Thoughts
The first thing I thought when I started this was that it gave me Eragon vibes merged with, of all things, Throne of Glass. The nobody-girl in a nobody-town who discovers a dragon-related great power that’s destined to defeat the mad king, and also there are weird monster guys that the king sends in search of power such as this. Eragon-esque. And then there’s the cocky prince and the traveling crew in search of the powerful macguffin, and the girl’s hardcore and there’s banter. Throne of Glass-esque. But I really enjoyed it, and those aspects, instead of making it feel cliche or tropey, made me feel nostalgic for fantasy with journeys and motley bands of heroes. For betrayals and deaths and uncomfortably fleshy monsters. And for dragons, honestly, that can telepathically communicate and aren’t weredragons. Real, actual dragons.
The character banter was great, the dynamics so consistent and believable throughout. There was only a brief blip where I didn’t take Emrys seriously, but it ended pretty quick and I was happy with him on the whole. The themes were great, and the writing was stylistic and emotionally intense without being overbearing (though the sheer number of paragraph breaks kinda threw me). I think one of the best parts of this book were the roles the characters played in the story. I’m not usually a big fan of Strong Female Characters because they tend to be done really poorly and have a negative impact on female characters in general. But the two main girls in this, Alaya and Sade, were both hardcore and tough but also emotionally resonant and felt like actual people, not a cardboard cut out of a man in a dress. Kian, their guy friend, wasn’t just the Mal to Alaya’s Alina. He was strong in a different way, taking on the traits usually adopted by female characters, but no less masculine because of it. He was soft and nice but with some spunk too. He existed for his own reasons, not just to juxtapose Emrys.
I will say, though, that the middle really got me in a rut. I had a hard time reading it at all around a third in, and it wasn’t until two thirds in that I started feeling that epicness again. The weird cliche stuff with Emrys was mostly to blame for that, as well as some confusing and conflicting exposition, pacing blunders, and difficult to follow action sequences. I recognize that this book was re-released and I’m really glad the author was in a position to better a pretty good story. I never read the original so I can’t say how improved it really was, but this felt largely like a solid novel; however, a solid self-published novel, without some needed vigorous editing. But even traditional publishing needs more editing sometimes, so I won’t blame Gaither for that. There was a lot of effort here and definitely skill and talent, and it showed.
I had a really hard time reading this, and therefore a really hard time rating it. It wasn’t that it was bad, as I said, but I did start it in the beginning of September, and September was when The Great Reading Slump of 2019™ really struck and left me unable to read anything. And I don’t know if the feelings of disappointment and general unhappiness the middle of this book gave me were because of that slump or because of flaws of the book. Regardless of that, though, I did enjoy it a lot, and ultimately decided (obviously) on 4 stars instead of 3. And I would say that I recommend it. It was fantastical and epic, with no fae or weredragons.
“Curses are blessings in disguise, sometimes.”
Obligatory Summary
Alaya is the last of a powerful clan, living in secret amongst the clanless and forgotten. But even in the most hidden corners, secrets can be discovered. Forced to confront her deadly powers and the mad High King who wants to end her clan once and for all, and with the help of the charming and disarming Prince Emrys and her best friends Sade and Kian, Alaya will do whatever it takes to save her kingdom and her clan. But with powers as deadly as hers and the curses they’re awakening in the land, is she fated to save the world or to destroy it?
My Thoughts
The first thing I thought when I started this was that it gave me Eragon vibes merged with, of all things, Throne of Glass. The nobody-girl in a nobody-town who discovers a dragon-related great power that’s destined to defeat the mad king, and also there are weird monster guys that the king sends in search of power such as this. Eragon-esque. And then there’s the cocky prince and the traveling crew in search of the powerful macguffin, and the girl’s hardcore and there’s banter. Throne of Glass-esque. But I really enjoyed it, and those aspects, instead of making it feel cliche or tropey, made me feel nostalgic for fantasy with journeys and motley bands of heroes. For betrayals and deaths and uncomfortably fleshy monsters. And for dragons, honestly, that can telepathically communicate and aren’t weredragons. Real, actual dragons.
The character banter was great, the dynamics so consistent and believable throughout. There was only a brief blip where I didn’t take Emrys seriously, but it ended pretty quick and I was happy with him on the whole. The themes were great, and the writing was stylistic and emotionally intense without being overbearing (though the sheer number of paragraph breaks kinda threw me). I think one of the best parts of this book were the roles the characters played in the story. I’m not usually a big fan of Strong Female Characters because they tend to be done really poorly and have a negative impact on female characters in general. But the two main girls in this, Alaya and Sade, were both hardcore and tough but also emotionally resonant and felt like actual people, not a cardboard cut out of a man in a dress. Kian, their guy friend, wasn’t just the Mal to Alaya’s Alina. He was strong in a different way, taking on the traits usually adopted by female characters, but no less masculine because of it. He was soft and nice but with some spunk too. He existed for his own reasons, not just to juxtapose Emrys.
I will say, though, that the middle really got me in a rut. I had a hard time reading it at all around a third in, and it wasn’t until two thirds in that I started feeling that epicness again. The weird cliche stuff with Emrys was mostly to blame for that, as well as some confusing and conflicting exposition, pacing blunders, and difficult to follow action sequences. I recognize that this book was re-released and I’m really glad the author was in a position to better a pretty good story. I never read the original so I can’t say how improved it really was, but this felt largely like a solid novel; however, a solid self-published novel, without some needed vigorous editing. But even traditional publishing needs more editing sometimes, so I won’t blame Gaither for that. There was a lot of effort here and definitely skill and talent, and it showed.
I had a really hard time reading this, and therefore a really hard time rating it. It wasn’t that it was bad, as I said, but I did start it in the beginning of September, and September was when The Great Reading Slump of 2019™ really struck and left me unable to read anything. And I don’t know if the feelings of disappointment and general unhappiness the middle of this book gave me were because of that slump or because of flaws of the book. Regardless of that, though, I did enjoy it a lot, and ultimately decided (obviously) on 4 stars instead of 3. And I would say that I recommend it. It was fantastical and epic, with no fae or weredragons.
“So long as there is power, and those who do not have it, and those who want to have it, there will never be peace.”
October 10, 2019
*New Edition Review*
this is a republished book with some change to the original story line. It's more fleshed out and, thus, more clear what's happening. All of the prior problems I had with the last book were re-edited and confusing relationships became very clear, which was good.
Fear not, however, if still want the story of a somewhat aloof prince , cursed girl trying to do good, then look no further, this is still, at the core, a fantasy romance.
I'd like to do a more in-depth comparison of the two editions, but unfortunately I'm really strapped for time in my life right now. Let it be enough that this new edition gets two solid thumbs up from me. Well done, S.M. Gaither. The bravery to redo and republish does not go unnoticed. And it paid off.
..........
/
/
/
*Old edition review*
The Queen of Cursed things seems a bit daunting at first when you see the glossary at the beginning. Different sects of Gods and humans and it seemed to be that there was a lot going on. I feared for not, however. Ignore the glossary at first and get right into the story is my suggestion.
Alana is cursed by being born clan to the serphant God. She knows almost nothing of her kind and has been hiding her secret all her life, until a situation unfolds where she is forced to reveal her mark. Everyone in her village turns against her and she is brought to the cruel high king for death. However, death is not on the Agenda for Alaya. Many have other more devious plans for her.
Queen of Cursed Things was a better read and more complex than I had expected. Simply put I loved it. Sade and Kian, Alaya's two close friends are the only ones that do not turn against her when they find out her secret. It doesn't mean they aren't hurt or angry, but they both learn to get passed it to help their friend.
Prince Emerys was not what I was expecting at all. While he helped, he was a cleverly passive character for the most part. I would have liked to see an intense hate to love or hate to trust, but most of the time we get indifference to yea, okay Alaya, you're cool and maybe not the destroyer of the world.
We get some plot twists and there was a point I started crying when I realize literally no one is on Alaya's side, truly, but mostly at what happens at Sade's confession scene. Brava S.M. Gaither, brava. That scene was pure emotion.
I get why Sade and Emerys did the things they did after the quartet returns from Amara (aka dragon god Land) near the end, but it was still heart-wrenching. Sade I forgave completely later, but not Emerys. And I'm glad it was Sade who brings Alaya back from the brink of madness. Though betrayals like that from two of the only people you trusted doesn't just go away. Alaya is broken by the end and I think she really did make the right decision in the end.
I love journey fantasy plots. There is just something so fun about characters getting to know each other, little quirks, little spata, and all the fun things they get to fight and evade. This book definitely delivered on all those points.
Things I have quarrel with: STEP 👏 IT 👏 UP 👏 EMERYS. 👏 I literally have no idea what his relationship with Alaya is. Are they friends could they be more? I so desperately hoped they would. But by the end I could also see the glimmer of Emerys and Sade being together. I just don't know, what Emerys' relationship with ANYONE IS. Especially after the fight scene between Emerys and Alaya near the end. That just did not go as I expected. WHY DID NO ONE APOLOGIZE. BETRAYAL IS STILL BETRAYAL YOU TERRIBLE friends/lovers? Idk, like I said, by the end I don't really know what anyone's relationship with anyone is.
Finally, very minor, these names literally drove me mad. It's like they were made to be edgy and different but really I just got annoyed. Alaya is just an awful name and sounds like a poor excuse for Alana (*nods* at Tamora Pierce). Sade just sounded harshand like a failed attempt for Sadie. and Emerys, well I just kept ausing to figure out how on Earth to say his name. It doesn't flow off the tongue fast enough for me to keep reading his name. I think at the end I decided on the pronunciation as Em-er-is.
My hopes for book 2:
1. Emerys and Sade step up their game to support our girl and find ways to fix what they broke.
2. That Alaya does not spend the entirity/majority of the book away from Sade and Emerys. And then a love triangle happening while she is away. Please no. Just focus on the plot of and her finding what needs to be found for herself and returning.
3. Though the friendships we're strong, they were really tenuous. Yea that needs to stop.
4. Emerys apologizing and and stops being a passive little bitch both about his feelings and as a king.
this is a republished book with some change to the original story line. It's more fleshed out and, thus, more clear what's happening. All of the prior problems I had with the last book were re-edited and confusing relationships became very clear, which was good.
Fear not, however, if still want the story of a somewhat aloof prince , cursed girl trying to do good, then look no further, this is still, at the core, a fantasy romance.
I'd like to do a more in-depth comparison of the two editions, but unfortunately I'm really strapped for time in my life right now. Let it be enough that this new edition gets two solid thumbs up from me. Well done, S.M. Gaither. The bravery to redo and republish does not go unnoticed. And it paid off.
..........
/
/
/
*Old edition review*
The Queen of Cursed things seems a bit daunting at first when you see the glossary at the beginning. Different sects of Gods and humans and it seemed to be that there was a lot going on. I feared for not, however. Ignore the glossary at first and get right into the story is my suggestion.
Alana is cursed by being born clan to the serphant God. She knows almost nothing of her kind and has been hiding her secret all her life, until a situation unfolds where she is forced to reveal her mark. Everyone in her village turns against her and she is brought to the cruel high king for death. However, death is not on the Agenda for Alaya. Many have other more devious plans for her.
Queen of Cursed Things was a better read and more complex than I had expected. Simply put I loved it. Sade and Kian, Alaya's two close friends are the only ones that do not turn against her when they find out her secret. It doesn't mean they aren't hurt or angry, but they both learn to get passed it to help their friend.
Prince Emerys was not what I was expecting at all. While he helped, he was a cleverly passive character for the most part. I would have liked to see an intense hate to love or hate to trust, but most of the time we get indifference to yea, okay Alaya, you're cool and maybe not the destroyer of the world.
We get some plot twists and there was a point I started crying when I realize literally no one is on Alaya's side, truly, but mostly at what happens at Sade's confession scene. Brava S.M. Gaither, brava. That scene was pure emotion.
I get why Sade and Emerys did the things they did after the quartet returns from Amara (aka dragon god Land) near the end, but it was still heart-wrenching. Sade I forgave completely later, but not Emerys. And I'm glad it was Sade who brings Alaya back from the brink of madness. Though betrayals like that from two of the only people you trusted doesn't just go away. Alaya is broken by the end and I think she really did make the right decision in the end.
I love journey fantasy plots. There is just something so fun about characters getting to know each other, little quirks, little spata, and all the fun things they get to fight and evade. This book definitely delivered on all those points.
Things I have quarrel with: STEP 👏 IT 👏 UP 👏 EMERYS. 👏 I literally have no idea what his relationship with Alaya is. Are they friends could they be more? I so desperately hoped they would. But by the end I could also see the glimmer of Emerys and Sade being together. I just don't know, what Emerys' relationship with ANYONE IS. Especially after the fight scene between Emerys and Alaya near the end. That just did not go as I expected. WHY DID NO ONE APOLOGIZE. BETRAYAL IS STILL BETRAYAL YOU TERRIBLE friends/lovers? Idk, like I said, by the end I don't really know what anyone's relationship with anyone is.
Finally, very minor, these names literally drove me mad. It's like they were made to be edgy and different but really I just got annoyed. Alaya is just an awful name and sounds like a poor excuse for Alana (*nods* at Tamora Pierce). Sade just sounded harshand like a failed attempt for Sadie. and Emerys, well I just kept ausing to figure out how on Earth to say his name. It doesn't flow off the tongue fast enough for me to keep reading his name. I think at the end I decided on the pronunciation as Em-er-is.
My hopes for book 2:
1. Emerys and Sade step up their game to support our girl and find ways to fix what they broke.
2. That Alaya does not spend the entirity/majority of the book away from Sade and Emerys. And then a love triangle happening while she is away. Please no. Just focus on the plot of and her finding what needs to be found for herself and returning.
3. Though the friendships we're strong, they were really tenuous. Yea that needs to stop.
4. Emerys apologizing and and stops being a passive little bitch both about his feelings and as a king.
September 20, 2017
Thank you Kindle Unlimited for bringing this book to my attention!!
So lately I've been on this huge Fantasy binge, which I am not complaining about, just wanted to state the fact.
The Queen of Cursed Things was so interesting and way different than what I thought it was going to be about. It just throws you into the action from the first page and it takes you on an adventure. At the end, it's about forgiveness and some deep ass down soul searching. It is definitely a page turner my friends.
I loved the friendship between Alaya and Sade because they are two boss ass bitches. Hell even in the beginning you can understand that Alaya is going to be a BAB (Boss Ass Bitch) because her mom was a freaking bad ass. She killed a shit ton of people just to save her baby from being murder. If that doesn't scream love then I don't know what does. But she is definitely mother of the year. Decade even. LIFETIME.
I will only spoil the first scene of the book, nothing else. Go read it for yourself.
So lately I've been on this huge Fantasy binge, which I am not complaining about, just wanted to state the fact.
The Queen of Cursed Things was so interesting and way different than what I thought it was going to be about. It just throws you into the action from the first page and it takes you on an adventure. At the end, it's about forgiveness and some deep ass down soul searching. It is definitely a page turner my friends.
I loved the friendship between Alaya and Sade because they are two boss ass bitches. Hell even in the beginning you can understand that Alaya is going to be a BAB (Boss Ass Bitch) because her mom was a freaking bad ass. She killed a shit ton of people just to save her baby from being murder. If that doesn't scream love then I don't know what does. But she is definitely mother of the year. Decade even. LIFETIME.
I will only spoil the first scene of the book, nothing else. Go read it for yourself.
Want to read
September 2, 2017Really thought this would be about something else because of the title, but it still sounds intriguing!
March 17, 2021
I started reading this book after enjoying a previous book of this author. I had come across this book several times but for some reason I was never interested in it.
It wasn't as good as the book The Song of the Marked and it was very slow/ boring in some parts I am also curious to see how the curses play out.
It wasn't as good as the book The Song of the Marked and it was very slow/ boring in some parts I am also curious to see how the curses play out.
July 6, 2020
I really enjoyed this first book in the Serpents & kings series. It follows the story of Alaya, part of the serpent clan who was thought to be completely extinguished by the High King. Able to control the curses left behind by her powerful clan, Alaya is now the most wanted and most feared person in the kingdom.
The idea behind the plot and the world building is incredible, S. M. Gaither was able to create this world full of unique clans who each have a specific affinity to a certain element or skill. I really enjoyed learning about all the clans, the powers they carry, which is complemented nicely by art at the start of the book indicating the different clans. The story reads slow-paced at first and then it develops fluently with a descriptive plot. The moment the Prince was introduced I was very intrigued by his sassy and confident personality, and he became automatically my favorite character. The plot revolves around Alaya, which must with the help of her companions follow with the quest at hand, to understand her past and save the Sundolian Empire.
The Queen of Cursed Things is perfect for lovers of high fantasy, hero characters with mysterious nature and heritage, betrayals and plot twists, as well as dragons! :O
The idea behind the plot and the world building is incredible, S. M. Gaither was able to create this world full of unique clans who each have a specific affinity to a certain element or skill. I really enjoyed learning about all the clans, the powers they carry, which is complemented nicely by art at the start of the book indicating the different clans. The story reads slow-paced at first and then it develops fluently with a descriptive plot. The moment the Prince was introduced I was very intrigued by his sassy and confident personality, and he became automatically my favorite character. The plot revolves around Alaya, which must with the help of her companions follow with the quest at hand, to understand her past and save the Sundolian Empire.
The Queen of Cursed Things is perfect for lovers of high fantasy, hero characters with mysterious nature and heritage, betrayals and plot twists, as well as dragons! :O
October 17, 2019
EDIT: This is a republication of a book that I previously enjoyed. Except now, things are fleshed out much better. The inherent story of a prince and cursed girl still stand. So, if the fantasy romance you're into, look no further. I plan to do a bit more comparing between the two editions and how this one is much improved, but I'll save that for a later day when I have a bit more time. Overall, I love this book. It's unique and I would devour the second book in like 5 seconds if it came out right now.
.......
Previous review
The Queen of Cursed things seems a bit daunting at first when you see the glossary at the beginning. Different sects of Gods and humans and it seemed to be that there was a lot going on. I feared for not, however. Ignore the glossary at first and get right into the story is my suggestion.
Alana is cursed by being born clan to the serphant God. She knows almost nothing of her kind and has been hiding her secret all her life, until a situation unfolds where she is forced to reveal her mark. Everyone in her village turns against her and she is brought to the cruel high king for death. However, death is not on the Agenda for Alaya. Many have other more devious plans for her.
Queen of Cursed Things was a better read and more complex than I had expected. Simply put I loved it. Sade and Kian, Alaya's two close friends are the only ones that do not turn against her when they find out her secret. It doesn't mean they aren't hurt or angry, but they both learn to get passed it to help their friend.
Prince Emerys was not what I was expecting at all. While he helped, he was a clvery passive character for the most part. I would have liked to see an intense hate to love or hate to trust, but most of the time we get indifference to yea, okay Alaya, you're cool and maybe not the destroyer of the world.
We get some plot twists and there was a point I started crying when I realize literally no one is on Alaya's side, truly, but mostly at what happens at Sade's confession scene. Brava S.M. Gaither, brava. That scene was pure emotion.
I get why Sade and Emerys did the things they did after the quartet returns from Amara (aka dragon god Land) near the end, but it was still heart-wrenching. Sade I forgave completely later, but not Emerys. And I'm glad it was Sade who brings Alaya back from the brink of madness. Though betrayals like that from two of the only people you trusted doesn't just go away. Alana is broken by the end and I think she really did make the right decision in the end.
I love journey fantasy plots. There is just something so fun about characters getting to know each other, little quirks, little spata, and all the fun things they get to fight and evade. This book definitely delivered on all those points.
Things I have quarrel with: STEP 👏 IT 👏 UP 👏 EMERYS. 👏 I literally have no idea what his relationship with Alaya is. Are they friends could they be more? I so desperately hoped they would. But by the end I could also see the glimmer of Emerys and Sade being together. I just don't know, what Emerys' relationship with ANYONE IS. Especially after the fight scene between Emerys and Alaya near the end. That just did not go as I expected. WHY DID NO ONE APOLOGIZE. BETRAYAL IS STILL BETRAYAL YOU TERRIBLE friends/lovers? Idk, like I said, by the end I don't really know what anyone's relationship with anyone is.
Finally, very minor, these names literally drove me mad. It's like they were made to be edgy and different but really I just got annoyed. Alaya is just an awful name and sounds like a poor excuse for Alana (*nods* at Tamora Pierce). Sade just sounded harshand like a failed attempt for Sadie. and Emerys, well I just kept ausing to figure out how on Earth to say his name. It doesn't flow off the tongue fast enough for me to keep reading his name. I think at the end I decided on the pronunciation as Em-er-is.
My hopes for book 2:
1. Emerys and Sade step up their game to support our girl and find ways to fix what they broke.
2. That Alaya does not spend the entirity/majority of the book away from Sade and Emerys. And then a love triangle happening while she is away. Please no. Just focus on the plot of and her finding what needs to be found for herself and returning.
3. Though the friendships we're strong, they were really tenuous. Yea that needs to stop.
4. Emerys apologizing and and stops being a passive little bitch both about his feelings and as a king.
.......
Previous review
The Queen of Cursed things seems a bit daunting at first when you see the glossary at the beginning. Different sects of Gods and humans and it seemed to be that there was a lot going on. I feared for not, however. Ignore the glossary at first and get right into the story is my suggestion.
Alana is cursed by being born clan to the serphant God. She knows almost nothing of her kind and has been hiding her secret all her life, until a situation unfolds where she is forced to reveal her mark. Everyone in her village turns against her and she is brought to the cruel high king for death. However, death is not on the Agenda for Alaya. Many have other more devious plans for her.
Queen of Cursed Things was a better read and more complex than I had expected. Simply put I loved it. Sade and Kian, Alaya's two close friends are the only ones that do not turn against her when they find out her secret. It doesn't mean they aren't hurt or angry, but they both learn to get passed it to help their friend.
Prince Emerys was not what I was expecting at all. While he helped, he was a clvery passive character for the most part. I would have liked to see an intense hate to love or hate to trust, but most of the time we get indifference to yea, okay Alaya, you're cool and maybe not the destroyer of the world.
We get some plot twists and there was a point I started crying when I realize literally no one is on Alaya's side, truly, but mostly at what happens at Sade's confession scene. Brava S.M. Gaither, brava. That scene was pure emotion.
I get why Sade and Emerys did the things they did after the quartet returns from Amara (aka dragon god Land) near the end, but it was still heart-wrenching. Sade I forgave completely later, but not Emerys. And I'm glad it was Sade who brings Alaya back from the brink of madness. Though betrayals like that from two of the only people you trusted doesn't just go away. Alana is broken by the end and I think she really did make the right decision in the end.
I love journey fantasy plots. There is just something so fun about characters getting to know each other, little quirks, little spata, and all the fun things they get to fight and evade. This book definitely delivered on all those points.
Things I have quarrel with: STEP 👏 IT 👏 UP 👏 EMERYS. 👏 I literally have no idea what his relationship with Alaya is. Are they friends could they be more? I so desperately hoped they would. But by the end I could also see the glimmer of Emerys and Sade being together. I just don't know, what Emerys' relationship with ANYONE IS. Especially after the fight scene between Emerys and Alaya near the end. That just did not go as I expected. WHY DID NO ONE APOLOGIZE. BETRAYAL IS STILL BETRAYAL YOU TERRIBLE friends/lovers? Idk, like I said, by the end I don't really know what anyone's relationship with anyone is.
Finally, very minor, these names literally drove me mad. It's like they were made to be edgy and different but really I just got annoyed. Alaya is just an awful name and sounds like a poor excuse for Alana (*nods* at Tamora Pierce). Sade just sounded harshand like a failed attempt for Sadie. and Emerys, well I just kept ausing to figure out how on Earth to say his name. It doesn't flow off the tongue fast enough for me to keep reading his name. I think at the end I decided on the pronunciation as Em-er-is.
My hopes for book 2:
1. Emerys and Sade step up their game to support our girl and find ways to fix what they broke.
2. That Alaya does not spend the entirity/majority of the book away from Sade and Emerys. And then a love triangle happening while she is away. Please no. Just focus on the plot of and her finding what needs to be found for herself and returning.
3. Though the friendships we're strong, they were really tenuous. Yea that needs to stop.
4. Emerys apologizing and and stops being a passive little bitch both about his feelings and as a king.
dnf-or-skimmed
October 24, 2020Moving to my DNF shelf because after getting about ~30% I went to bed and, upon waking, I was so loathe to continue that I spent the whole day watching movies and ignoring my kindle.
Like, the story telling felt... weird. It felt disconnected and weirdly paced and the world was not well established enough for me to understand or care for any of what was happening.
I'm just not in the mood for forcing myself through books currently, despite me usually doing so just for the sake of saying I gave it a full try and finished it. I need to read some legit interesting stuff to balance out how much subpar stuff I've read or I'm gonna pop.
Like, the story telling felt... weird. It felt disconnected and weirdly paced and the world was not well established enough for me to understand or care for any of what was happening.
I'm just not in the mood for forcing myself through books currently, despite me usually doing so just for the sake of saying I gave it a full try and finished it. I need to read some legit interesting stuff to balance out how much subpar stuff I've read or I'm gonna pop.
September 23, 2023
S.M. Gaither invites readers into a fantastical world in "The Queen of Cursed Things," where curses, secrets, and the quest for truth collide. In this story, we meet Alaya, the last survivor of a cursed clan. Her existence is shrouded in mystery and danger as she bears a serpent mark, a symbol of her tainted bloodline. The curses unleashed by her clan's past actions lurk beneath the empire's surface, waiting to be awakened.
Alaya's journey is one of self-discovery and redemption as she grapples with her identity, the power within her, and the truth about her heritage. The character development in the novel is well-executed, and readers will find themselves drawn to Alaya's resilience and determination. The theme of found family adds depth to the story, as Alaya forms connections with those who accept her. Betrayals and twists in the plot keep the reader engaged, and the complexities of the characters' loyalties make for a compelling narrative.
The world-building in the novel is intriguing, although it may not be as immersive as in some of the author's other works. However, the story's focus on Alaya's journey of self-acceptance and the ethical dilemmas she faces creates an interesting narrative.
Alaya's journey is one of self-discovery and redemption as she grapples with her identity, the power within her, and the truth about her heritage. The character development in the novel is well-executed, and readers will find themselves drawn to Alaya's resilience and determination. The theme of found family adds depth to the story, as Alaya forms connections with those who accept her. Betrayals and twists in the plot keep the reader engaged, and the complexities of the characters' loyalties make for a compelling narrative.
The world-building in the novel is intriguing, although it may not be as immersive as in some of the author's other works. However, the story's focus on Alaya's journey of self-acceptance and the ethical dilemmas she faces creates an interesting narrative.
December 21, 2021
3.5/5.0
A really good story overall. The Gods are a bit too many to figure, making a few things kinda confusing, but it kept me turning pages and I’ll definitely be grabbing the next book!
A really good story overall. The Gods are a bit too many to figure, making a few things kinda confusing, but it kept me turning pages and I’ll definitely be grabbing the next book!
December 31, 2019
Completely disappointing
While this book has an intriguing premise, it moved at a snail's pace and the main character is completely useless. The plot seems to inch along, days getting jumbled; the storytelling is inconsistent. One chapter will address a day or two, but then suddenly tell you you've actually moved through a week or two with no evidence to back it up. It feels like the author had no sense of time. In all, it feels like maybe 2-4 weeks pass in the book, and almost nothing gets accomplished. Too much of the storytelling is the main character whining about her life, how angry she is, or how scared she is of her power; the worst is when she's mooning over a prince she's spent 20 minutes with. Too stupid to live doesn't cover this broad. Not only is she useless in a fight despite her training - cosntantly dropping her sword or being thrown around and "unable" to get up (seriously, there was one fight scene near the end where she was tossed around at least 3 times and struggled to get up, and that was basically her contribution to the fight) - but she's also a grade A idiot. "Like, omg, my captors want to kill me? I had no idea they would want to despite the fact they've been killing people for years so the King can have their magic. So surprising! But oh my, isn't that prince hot! He makes me all trembly with just a look." Literal wtf here. But let's ignore that first capture and look at the ones after where she's asking for help from her captors. Specifically Sylvan, who tries to blackmail her into it. I say tries because she had options, she's just too weak and lazy to take anything but the easiest path, which is giving in to his blackmail and pretending like it's going to be all right. So when he betrays her in the next book, she can be surprised. Girl is an airhead to the extreme and then instead of tackling her issues head on, decides to avoid them like they're going away. Too scared of everything but her own stupidity and actual enemies. I, for one, don't like main characters who lack common sense, fall instantly in lust with a pretty face and lose their heads in 5 seconds flat, and who are essentially useless outside of their need to be rescued and the fact that they have a special snowflake power.
While this book has an intriguing premise, it moved at a snail's pace and the main character is completely useless. The plot seems to inch along, days getting jumbled; the storytelling is inconsistent. One chapter will address a day or two, but then suddenly tell you you've actually moved through a week or two with no evidence to back it up. It feels like the author had no sense of time. In all, it feels like maybe 2-4 weeks pass in the book, and almost nothing gets accomplished. Too much of the storytelling is the main character whining about her life, how angry she is, or how scared she is of her power; the worst is when she's mooning over a prince she's spent 20 minutes with. Too stupid to live doesn't cover this broad. Not only is she useless in a fight despite her training - cosntantly dropping her sword or being thrown around and "unable" to get up (seriously, there was one fight scene near the end where she was tossed around at least 3 times and struggled to get up, and that was basically her contribution to the fight) - but she's also a grade A idiot. "Like, omg, my captors want to kill me? I had no idea they would want to despite the fact they've been killing people for years so the King can have their magic. So surprising! But oh my, isn't that prince hot! He makes me all trembly with just a look." Literal wtf here. But let's ignore that first capture and look at the ones after where she's asking for help from her captors. Specifically Sylvan, who tries to blackmail her into it. I say tries because she had options, she's just too weak and lazy to take anything but the easiest path, which is giving in to his blackmail and pretending like it's going to be all right. So when he betrays her in the next book, she can be surprised. Girl is an airhead to the extreme and then instead of tackling her issues head on, decides to avoid them like they're going away. Too scared of everything but her own stupidity and actual enemies. I, for one, don't like main characters who lack common sense, fall instantly in lust with a pretty face and lose their heads in 5 seconds flat, and who are essentially useless outside of their need to be rescued and the fact that they have a special snowflake power.
September 9, 2017
I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my honest and voluntary review.
First of all, S.M. Gaither most certainly has a way with words. The use of prose in this book is absolutely lovely. The descriptions are enthralling, the world building is intense. That being said...I was surprised that I had such a small connection with the characters. I liked Alaya, and Sade - and the Crown Prince - but I did not LOVE them. Actually...I had to set the book aside for a couple of days when work got crazy busy - and I don't really care whether or not I finish it. And I'm really disappointed about that! Because Gaither paints such a beautiful picture, I wanted to fall in love with the whole concept, and I just couldn't.
The theology of this world depicted by Gaither is pretty intense and difficult to keep track of. I don't know if you're better off trying to understand & remember it all, or if it's easier to just go with the flow and read the story as it comes.
There were twists and turns that I didn't see coming, and I enjoyed those.
All in all, I'm not sure why I couldn't sink into the book enough to finish it, I hope other readers will not have the same issue I did.
If you enjoy a beautifully written story, by all means give "The Queen of Cursed Things" a try.
First of all, S.M. Gaither most certainly has a way with words. The use of prose in this book is absolutely lovely. The descriptions are enthralling, the world building is intense. That being said...I was surprised that I had such a small connection with the characters. I liked Alaya, and Sade - and the Crown Prince - but I did not LOVE them. Actually...I had to set the book aside for a couple of days when work got crazy busy - and I don't really care whether or not I finish it. And I'm really disappointed about that! Because Gaither paints such a beautiful picture, I wanted to fall in love with the whole concept, and I just couldn't.
The theology of this world depicted by Gaither is pretty intense and difficult to keep track of. I don't know if you're better off trying to understand & remember it all, or if it's easier to just go with the flow and read the story as it comes.
There were twists and turns that I didn't see coming, and I enjoyed those.
All in all, I'm not sure why I couldn't sink into the book enough to finish it, I hope other readers will not have the same issue I did.
If you enjoy a beautifully written story, by all means give "The Queen of Cursed Things" a try.
September 18, 2019
(4,5 ☆)
This is a revised edition and I received an ARC from the author. I haven't read the first edition, so I can't compare the two, but I'm very happy with this one!
The world building is rather complex, with different clans being "guided" by different gods and goddesses, but a glossary in the beginning makes it quite easy to understand. The characters feel thought-out and I really like Alaya and her friends Sade and Kian. The Rook prince I was a bit unsure about to begin with, but he grew in to his role eventually.
There are some twists in the book (I approve!) and the pacing is good. The ending is a cliffhanger, so naturally I wish I could read the next book at once! If you enjoy a good fantasy with some curses in the mix you should give this a read!
This is a revised edition and I received an ARC from the author. I haven't read the first edition, so I can't compare the two, but I'm very happy with this one!
The world building is rather complex, with different clans being "guided" by different gods and goddesses, but a glossary in the beginning makes it quite easy to understand. The characters feel thought-out and I really like Alaya and her friends Sade and Kian. The Rook prince I was a bit unsure about to begin with, but he grew in to his role eventually.
There are some twists in the book (I approve!) and the pacing is good. The ending is a cliffhanger, so naturally I wish I could read the next book at once! If you enjoy a good fantasy with some curses in the mix you should give this a read!
March 29, 2019
This was really hard to review. The first third was a solid 4-star read, then it became a 3-star and by the ending I was totally uninvested. I loved the beginning, and was intrigued by the female friendship, the snug prince and so on. Then things got confusing. And overly complicated. There was one twist that I thought was cool, but... the world building that started off as intriguing didn’t get deep enough. So it’s a 2.49 stars from me.
March 27, 2020
I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. It follows a person capable of controlling curses however not the bad guy. The writing was well done and I am looking forward to reading the sequel. There were a few times that the terminology didn't fit the setting of the book things like genetic memory with no mention of how the science of the world would have known that I would have preferred a description of what was going. Over all I really liked it I liked the characters and when she was betrayed it made sense for the character to make that choice. And the romance was not too much.
September 6, 2024
*review for the new edition*
Oh my gosh I loved every second of this book! I read it so quickly I can't wait for the rerelease of the second one! Cause that ending I need to know what happens next!!!
Oh my gosh I loved every second of this book! I read it so quickly I can't wait for the rerelease of the second one! Cause that ending I need to know what happens next!!!
September 16, 2019
This is the first book that I read by this author and I was pleasantly surprised.
The plot was well thought out with all the fun twists and turns and all scenes and environments were well detailed and well described, making it very easy to stay within the story.
The characters were well written, each with his or her own issues, past, hopes, and fears. You walk alongside them along their journey, each with their own agendas. You see and feel them grow more into themselves, closer to each other, or well.. just the opposite.
While the start of the book was pretty slow, once it picked up the slack there was a really nice balance between action and conversation, a smooth continuation of the story.
The book itself was well written with no (noticeable for me) errors. There is no sex described in the book (if that is important to you).
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book and all in all, I enjoyed it, it was a nice read if a tad too slow at the start. It doesn't end on a cliffhanger, but it really makes me want to start the second installment as soon as possible! How is Ayala going to handle everything thrown her way?
The plot was well thought out with all the fun twists and turns and all scenes and environments were well detailed and well described, making it very easy to stay within the story.
The characters were well written, each with his or her own issues, past, hopes, and fears. You walk alongside them along their journey, each with their own agendas. You see and feel them grow more into themselves, closer to each other, or well.. just the opposite.
While the start of the book was pretty slow, once it picked up the slack there was a really nice balance between action and conversation, a smooth continuation of the story.
The book itself was well written with no (noticeable for me) errors. There is no sex described in the book (if that is important to you).
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book and all in all, I enjoyed it, it was a nice read if a tad too slow at the start. It doesn't end on a cliffhanger, but it really makes me want to start the second installment as soon as possible! How is Ayala going to handle everything thrown her way?
June 5, 2020
Couldn’t finish it. I just didn’t like the main character. I also struggled to want to read on, the book didn’t capture my attention I fell asleep while reading it which never happens to me.
I found the main character uninspired, for someone so special and aware of how she should hide herself...she seemed very careless and not smart. The premise makes it sound like the heroine will be mature and strong but she just didn’t feel like it for me.
One thing I was confused by is that once she was finally captured because of her make. They spend 3 days waiting to sacrifice her, superstition and all that didn’t seem like something a so called bad and evil king would do. I expected her to have to escape a dungeon or something not go to a party and dance with a prince.
Overall I just couldn’t keep reading. I was bored. Wanted to flick through pages hoping it got better. I’m sad. I really wanted to like this.
I found the main character uninspired, for someone so special and aware of how she should hide herself...she seemed very careless and not smart. The premise makes it sound like the heroine will be mature and strong but she just didn’t feel like it for me.
One thing I was confused by is that once she was finally captured because of her make. They spend 3 days waiting to sacrifice her, superstition and all that didn’t seem like something a so called bad and evil king would do. I expected her to have to escape a dungeon or something not go to a party and dance with a prince.
Overall I just couldn’t keep reading. I was bored. Wanted to flick through pages hoping it got better. I’m sad. I really wanted to like this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 27, 2021
There's lots to enjoy about this book. First, the works building is excellent with its intricate society structure and hierarchy denoted by markings. Next of course are the characters. Alaya is herself nicely layered and fascinating. It's a pleasure watching her develop as she deals with what's thrown at her, and the supporting cast of characters is equally strong. Finally, the plot, well written and full of adventure for our heroes to go through. As noted, lots to enjoy. I'm glad I downloaded this one and got the chance to do so. Definitely recommended.
March 21, 2020
The concept of this book and the foundation it lays on is flat out fascinating - but I found myself drifting away from it a few too many times. There is nothing wrong with it, it just couldn't hold my attention the way something like this should have.
A mysterious past, a rebellious prince, a destiny that could make or break the kingdom... it has all the elements that should have made this a 5 star read, and there are quite a few reviewers on Amazon that think it is, I am just not one of them. For me, it was just OK.
A mysterious past, a rebellious prince, a destiny that could make or break the kingdom... it has all the elements that should have made this a 5 star read, and there are quite a few reviewers on Amazon that think it is, I am just not one of them. For me, it was just OK.
December 15, 2024
3.5⭐️
Non avevo mai letto nulla di S.M. Gaither e sebbene "The Queen of Cursed Things" presenti qualche difettuccio che poteva essere sicuramente evitato con qualche accortezza in più, nel complesso si tratta comunque di un buon libro.
La protagonista di questa storia è Alaya, l'ultimo membro dei Serpenti, clan che è stato distrutto dal re di Sundolia decadi prima e che si è lasciato dietro diverse maledizioni.
Alaya ha passato tutta la vita a nascondere i suoi poteri, ma un giorno gli uomini del re la scoprono e la portano a palazzo. Qui la ragazza conosce il principe ereditario, Emrys, che le propone di aiutarla a sconfiggere suo padre, accompagnandola in un viaggio alla ricerca dell'unico manufatto che può mettere fine al regno di re Haben.
"The Queen of the Cursed Things" è il primo volume di una trilogia fantasy che è stata pubblicata la prima volta nel 2017, ma che l'autrice ha revisionato in un paio di occasioni, ripubblicandola.
A livello stilistico ho trovato il libro ben scritto, abbastanza scorrevole e avvincente. Ovviamente la trama non brilla per originalità, ma comunque è un libro che si fa leggere.
Il world-building è molto interessante, ma parecchio caotico. I nostri protagonisti intraprendono un viaggio che li porta a scontrarsi con tantissime entità, il problema è che ogni volta si tratta di creature diverse, espediente che sicuramente l'autrice ha inserito per dare più dinamicità alla storia, ma che non mi ha permesso di farmi un'idea chiara su questo mondo.
La storia è narrata dal punto di vista di quattro personaggi, Alaya, Emrys, Sade e Kian, anche se in realtà i veri protagonisti di questa storia sono i primi due.
Anche in questo caso non si tratta sicuramente di personaggi particolarmente memorabili, infatti Alaya è la solita protagonista perseguitata dalla sfortuna che deve salvare il mondo, Emrys è l'interesse amoroso dal passato tormentato, Kian è il migliore amico di Alaya, chiaramente interessato a lei fin da quando erano bambini e Sade la migliore amica sfrontata della protagonista.
Per il momento non mi sono ancora affezionata a nessuno di loro, ma essendo solo all'inizio della serie confido nel fatto che possa succedere più avanti.
L'autrice ha chiaramente provato a mettere le basi per una vera e propria found family, ma a mio parere l'avvicinamento tra i personaggi è avvenuto in modo troppo frenetico. Ho trovato alcune delle loro interazioni molto carine, ma non è ancora scattata la scintilla, per questo dichiaro il mio giudizio sui rapporti amicali e romantici all'interno del libro sospeso fino alla lettura del secondo volume.
Nonostante molti elementi della trama fossero prevedibili ammetto di non aver proprio visto arrivare i plot twist finali. Gli ultimi capitoli per me sono stati a tutti gli effetti una bomba e per questo sono abbastanza certa che il secondo volume mi piacerà più del primo.
Non avevo mai letto nulla di S.M. Gaither e sebbene "The Queen of Cursed Things" presenti qualche difettuccio che poteva essere sicuramente evitato con qualche accortezza in più, nel complesso si tratta comunque di un buon libro.
La protagonista di questa storia è Alaya, l'ultimo membro dei Serpenti, clan che è stato distrutto dal re di Sundolia decadi prima e che si è lasciato dietro diverse maledizioni.
Alaya ha passato tutta la vita a nascondere i suoi poteri, ma un giorno gli uomini del re la scoprono e la portano a palazzo. Qui la ragazza conosce il principe ereditario, Emrys, che le propone di aiutarla a sconfiggere suo padre, accompagnandola in un viaggio alla ricerca dell'unico manufatto che può mettere fine al regno di re Haben.
"The Queen of the Cursed Things" è il primo volume di una trilogia fantasy che è stata pubblicata la prima volta nel 2017, ma che l'autrice ha revisionato in un paio di occasioni, ripubblicandola.
A livello stilistico ho trovato il libro ben scritto, abbastanza scorrevole e avvincente. Ovviamente la trama non brilla per originalità, ma comunque è un libro che si fa leggere.
Il world-building è molto interessante, ma parecchio caotico. I nostri protagonisti intraprendono un viaggio che li porta a scontrarsi con tantissime entità, il problema è che ogni volta si tratta di creature diverse, espediente che sicuramente l'autrice ha inserito per dare più dinamicità alla storia, ma che non mi ha permesso di farmi un'idea chiara su questo mondo.
La storia è narrata dal punto di vista di quattro personaggi, Alaya, Emrys, Sade e Kian, anche se in realtà i veri protagonisti di questa storia sono i primi due.
Anche in questo caso non si tratta sicuramente di personaggi particolarmente memorabili, infatti Alaya è la solita protagonista perseguitata dalla sfortuna che deve salvare il mondo, Emrys è l'interesse amoroso dal passato tormentato, Kian è il migliore amico di Alaya, chiaramente interessato a lei fin da quando erano bambini e Sade la migliore amica sfrontata della protagonista.
Per il momento non mi sono ancora affezionata a nessuno di loro, ma essendo solo all'inizio della serie confido nel fatto che possa succedere più avanti.
L'autrice ha chiaramente provato a mettere le basi per una vera e propria found family, ma a mio parere l'avvicinamento tra i personaggi è avvenuto in modo troppo frenetico. Ho trovato alcune delle loro interazioni molto carine, ma non è ancora scattata la scintilla, per questo dichiaro il mio giudizio sui rapporti amicali e romantici all'interno del libro sospeso fino alla lettura del secondo volume.
Nonostante molti elementi della trama fossero prevedibili ammetto di non aver proprio visto arrivare i plot twist finali. Gli ultimi capitoli per me sono stati a tutti gli effetti una bomba e per questo sono abbastanza certa che il secondo volume mi piacerà più del primo.
September 3, 2024
Not quite an “ARC” as such, but I did receive a free copy of the New Edition released August 2024 from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Before I go any further, I have to state just how much I love all of the characters SM Gaither has created in her Marrlands world, and I cannot believe I had no idea of this series existence until recently. This was the first series the author has written in this world, but timeline wise, it is set between Flame and Sparrow and The Song of the Marked. It also is very much YA compared to F&S and its sequel, so please bear that in mind.
As always we’re introduced to a strong, independent and thoroughly well thought out female main character. SM writes found family really well, and this book is no exception.
We follow Alaya, who is not who she seems and is hiding a pretty big secret from her village and her friends. A shock discovery of this secret leads her to the empires capital, and an introduction to the Royal Family. The Rook King is not a good leader, in Alaya’s eyes he’s the reason for her mother’s death and why she has to keep so many secrets close to her chest. She wants revenge and she may just have found a way to enact it, with the help of her friends and a certain prince.
This is absolutely a book that focuses on self-discovery and redemption. Alaya doesn’t know who she is and this majorly impacts her life and her plans for the future. Character development is strong and there are some plot twists, particularly betrayals, which I did not expect. The complexity of the characters themselves and their behaviours kept me engaged and made for a compelling story.
The world building is just enough to keep you informed, but not overwhelm. You would probably find this much easier if you have already read the other books in the Marrland World, where the heavy detail of the God’s Hierarchy and the magic system have already been detailed.
Overall, as always, SM writes a fantastic fantasy story that makes you want to come back for more. I am already counting down the days for the re-release of book 2!
Before I go any further, I have to state just how much I love all of the characters SM Gaither has created in her Marrlands world, and I cannot believe I had no idea of this series existence until recently. This was the first series the author has written in this world, but timeline wise, it is set between Flame and Sparrow and The Song of the Marked. It also is very much YA compared to F&S and its sequel, so please bear that in mind.
As always we’re introduced to a strong, independent and thoroughly well thought out female main character. SM writes found family really well, and this book is no exception.
We follow Alaya, who is not who she seems and is hiding a pretty big secret from her village and her friends. A shock discovery of this secret leads her to the empires capital, and an introduction to the Royal Family. The Rook King is not a good leader, in Alaya’s eyes he’s the reason for her mother’s death and why she has to keep so many secrets close to her chest. She wants revenge and she may just have found a way to enact it, with the help of her friends and a certain prince.
This is absolutely a book that focuses on self-discovery and redemption. Alaya doesn’t know who she is and this majorly impacts her life and her plans for the future. Character development is strong and there are some plot twists, particularly betrayals, which I did not expect. The complexity of the characters themselves and their behaviours kept me engaged and made for a compelling story.
The world building is just enough to keep you informed, but not overwhelm. You would probably find this much easier if you have already read the other books in the Marrland World, where the heavy detail of the God’s Hierarchy and the magic system have already been detailed.
Overall, as always, SM writes a fantastic fantasy story that makes you want to come back for more. I am already counting down the days for the re-release of book 2!
February 26, 2020
This is my first encounter with S.M. Gaither's work but I was so captivated by this book I know she is going to become one of my very favourite authors to follow. Her book is intricate and so well planned out to the very minute details of every clan which goes into the making of the Sundolian Empire, with their different leaders and Gods, and a very multi tiered and stratified society which ostracised those who were unmarked and clanless. High Rook King Haben was the greediest and most power hungry of them all, and wanted to become immortal. He had killed off the clan of the serpent because he felt threatened by them, spreading rumours of fear amongst the people so everyone hated this clan, which was supposedly wiped out until Alaya, an orphan girl with a serpent mark on the palm of her hand, which she keeps hidden by magic, suddenly wakes up one of these and starts to gain more power as she feels the curses her ancestors had left behind before they were wiped out. She has been called a curse throughout her life, but she decides she wants to rid the world of the evil king and save the empire for all, including the clanless. She is part of a group of rebels who are captured by the soul collector's who take them to the palace of King Haben where she meets the Prince who says he wants to help her, but can she trust him? Can she and the Prince manage to do this or will they bring the Empire to its end? I was so intrigued by this very exciting book full of magic and courage, prejudice and superstition, loyalty and betrayal and love that I am dying to continue reading this captivating series.
January 22, 2021
Actual Rating: 4.25/5
"If they want to brand you a monster, the wind seemed to whisper to her, then you might as well play the part."
This book was wonderful and I found it so interesting. The author has a unique way of writing that I found refreshing. I enjoyed the fantasy world and the development of characters while they stayed true to their personalities and morals. The author's ideas behind the world-building involving clans, gods, and magic was distinctive and intriguing. The plot twists were unexpected and unpredictable. I was sitting there with my mouth hanging open by the end of the book!
The characters were entertaining and I was finding comfort in their banters and developing relationships. Alaya was great; I found her to have realistic character flaws which made her likable. Oh, and I loved the prince! He was snarky and clever, and I enjoyed the subtle romance between him and Alaya.
There were some inconsistencies with the pacing of the plot. It would jump in time and I feel like there were missed opportunities for character development, dialogue, and action. It wasn't enough to make me put the book down, and overall, I was pleased by the story that I'll be picking up the next book.
"If they want to brand you a monster, the wind seemed to whisper to her, then you might as well play the part."
This book was wonderful and I found it so interesting. The author has a unique way of writing that I found refreshing. I enjoyed the fantasy world and the development of characters while they stayed true to their personalities and morals. The author's ideas behind the world-building involving clans, gods, and magic was distinctive and intriguing. The plot twists were unexpected and unpredictable. I was sitting there with my mouth hanging open by the end of the book!
The characters were entertaining and I was finding comfort in their banters and developing relationships. Alaya was great; I found her to have realistic character flaws which made her likable. Oh, and I loved the prince! He was snarky and clever, and I enjoyed the subtle romance between him and Alaya.
There were some inconsistencies with the pacing of the plot. It would jump in time and I feel like there were missed opportunities for character development, dialogue, and action. It wasn't enough to make me put the book down, and overall, I was pleased by the story that I'll be picking up the next book.
September 11, 2017
I wasn’t sure about this book in the beginning as sounded like a lot of different clans or people at first and thought it might be hard to follow. I actually started it and set it aside as had problems concentrating as was getting a migraine. Well when I came back a couple days later found my fears were groundless. The story get told in a way that makes it easy to follow the different people so that it is not confusing. I did like the story and characters and it was left with more to follow it felt but not a cliffhanger more of a HFN. There was a couple twist did not expect, one I personally was not happy about but could see why it happened the way it did and understood it. I would read this author again and enjoyed the book. I did receive an ARC copy from Hidden Gems for an honest review.
May 23, 2020
That was wild!
First chaps pretty boring, won't lie there. That cover and the plot did keep me.
The following chapters were much much more easy and enjoyable. And then I waited for the breakthrough... and then I got it!
Unexpected! WELL WELL DONE.
Tragic though! All her relationships were based on a lie and a betrayal.
I can say that the stars reviled her future, but what she was about to endure.
Lasts chapters were something else.
The cover, again, is so good. As an artist I can appreciate it.
Catsy title.
Yeah, no other thoughts!
I did receive an ARC of this but only to say what I actually thought and to be honest. And that's what I did!!!
First chaps pretty boring, won't lie there. That cover and the plot did keep me.
The following chapters were much much more easy and enjoyable. And then I waited for the breakthrough... and then I got it!
Unexpected! WELL WELL DONE.
Tragic though! All her relationships were based on a lie and a betrayal.
I can say that the stars reviled her future, but what she was about to endure.
Lasts chapters were something else.
The cover, again, is so good. As an artist I can appreciate it.
Catsy title.
Yeah, no other thoughts!
I did receive an ARC of this but only to say what I actually thought and to be honest. And that's what I did!!!
September 3, 2024
This was a great start to a series I cannot wait to continue reading. It is set in the same world as the Shadows and Crowns series, though it is not necessary to read first. SM Gaither had a talent for writing about found family and that proves true in this book as well. Alaya ventures on her journey of self discovery and adventure with her found family. I enjoyed the banteru between Alaya and the prince. The book ends on a cliff hanger that makes me excited to pick up the next book in the series! Would absolutely recommend!
May 23, 2021
This is an interesting fantasy read with strong characters and tons of action. The author does a great job developing the story with all the twists and mystery and moves it quickly and smoothly with descriptive writing. It's well written and is an enjoyable read.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
September 2, 2024
This is the first in the Serpents and Kings series, so get ready for some epic world building! Of course that’s pretty much par for the course from this author. This book will take you on an epic adventure with our FMC as she not only fights the system but discovers herself. She will also gain an unlikely ally (and just might catch their eye). If you have loved this author’s other books you will be delighted with this one! There are also Easter eggs and some glimpses of fan favorites from the other series! I can’t wait to continue this series, especially with the author revamping it!
September 6, 2017
I'm a fan of fantasy and magic and this book delivered. I liked that this book has a different concept and the author created a wonderful world. There are clans based on the mark you're born with linking them to their associated God which determines their magic and hierarchy. There are a lot of moving parts in the book that kept me turning the pages. I really enjoyed the book and I'm looking forward to reading more from this author. Note: I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
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