Rating: 4/5
I received an eARC for my honest opinion.

What would you do if you put on cursed shoes and now you must trust strangers to help you get them off/break the curse?

I really liked this book; I didn’t know what I was going into when I started it, but I do agree with a lot of people, it’s not really a high fantasy but more of an urban fantasy and when I let that go, I was able to really get into this book.

I enjoyed the retelling of The Red Shoes and having the author mix it up with having a mix of mythical creatures. I did feel that this book could have been broken up into 2 books so that we could have more plot, action, and character development throughout the book. However, with that being said, it was beautiful in its own way.

I really enjoyed the characters and getting to learn more about them. I do wish that we could have had more information about Bennett and to have more time learning about Peeraphan gifts. With Peeraphan you will see a strong female character, who is open minded about the magical world. Who isn’t scared of doing whatever she has to make sure the ones she cares for are ok. Bennett is a sexy vampire who has some trust issues when it comes to humans but that is only because he is scared to love again. I l really enjoyed the banter between Thomas and Bennett and having Peeraphan tell them they have a bromance made me laugh. You could tell the chemistry between Peeraphan and Bennett from the beginning and of course you have the dread of waiting around for them to figure out everything, but it wrapped up nicely at the end.

I got the audio for this book as well and I loved how the narrator really helped to bring this book to life. I did have a moment in the beginning where I thought Peeraphan's name was supposed to be Peter Pan but when I looked it up in my eARC I saw that it was just the accent of the narrator.

I really enjoyed getting to watch all the mythical creatures get a lot and use their special abilities to help this secret society. I cannot wait to see where the Mythwoven series will go next, I am looking forward to reading the next book.

I want to thank NetGalley for the opportunity to review this eARC and Audio of this book.

Thank you to Netgalley and Dreamscape audio for the ARC.

Overall I enjoyed this book. I love the secret organization of supernatural creatures and the world thr author managed to build. Also, I loved the mythology in the story and especially the unique spin on vampires. I can't wait to read more from this series and see how the world builds and the mythology that will be incorporated.

My only problem was the romance. It just felt a bit flat. I didn't get Peeraphan's interest in Bennett. He was just meh.

Overall I recommend more for the fantasy aspect then the romance aspect.

This book was a bit of a struggle for me. I had high hopes because of the description. It was just kind of long, drawn out and boring. The beginning started out good and kept me interested, but as it went on I just lost interest. It was just confusing. At times, I didn't really know what was going on.. I did enjoy the budding romance between Bennett and Peeraphan. The audiobook narrator did a decent job narrating the book. It just wasn't for me. Big thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to listen and review this book.

Audiobook Version of Wings Once Cursed & Bound by Piper Drake
Provided this ARC by NetGalley and Dreamscape Media. Thank you!

The Red Shoes are cursed, the one who wears them will dance to their death. Bennet is too late... they've fallen into the hands of Perraphan, a young dancer. To his shock, she seems unaffected. However the ones who have cursed these shoes are now going to be hunting her. Bennet realized he needs to protect her and figure out a way to save her from the cursed shoes. Only to find out that there is something special about Perraphan and off we go to a world of magic, danger, and love. This is book one in the Mythwoven series.

I really liked the narrator, Cindy Kay. She did a great job. This book just fell very flat for me. I felt a bit bored and found the idea of the cursed shoes a bit odd. I was intrigued by the idea of a secret organization that hunts dangerous mythical objects and hides them to protect humanity. Sadly that's about the only thing I enjoyed about the book.

I do think the writing was fluid and easy to get through, this was simply a case of a premise that was a miss for me.

A secret organization of super natural beings is guarding the humans by collecting the magical objects and restraining them far away from human reach. But one day when, they are a little late and the mischevious red shoes are already slipped on.!

A magical tale that brings to us an urban fantasy set-up making things novel but in a modern world. The variety of mythical creatures included in this world makes the series quite interesting. There is also a side stream of Rmantasy flowing in here between a Vampire and Fairy. I liked almost all the parts of the book except the steamy romance scenes. I would have liked it more if some things were left just for the reader's imagination to be filled.

Thanks @netalley @piperjdrake @dreamscape_media for the Digital ARC

Genre: #fantasy #romance
Rating: 4/5 ⭐️

This review probably will be as scattered brained as I felt this book was.

I was drawn into the Thai mythology aspect of this book, but the story and characters fell kinda flat for me.

The FMC “Punch” is the Main Character.. but was she? I don’t know. I just couldn’t find myself to care for her. Or any of the characters if I’m being honest. But I did like her name and that she had sugar gliders! She seemed nice, but I found myself bored.

The romance is.. generic. It seemed pretty InstaLove. And definitely rushed at the end with like 2 spice scenes after the 90% mark.

I feel like this should definitely be labeled as Urban Fantasy.

There was a lot of “telling” in this book. I just couldn’t connect. And extra POV’s were added near the end, I couldn’t figure out what the purpose was for that.

I also wished we had more Kinaree exploration.

I can see others liking this book. It just didn’t click for me.

The audiobook was ok. Not great.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for an audiobook arc in exchange for an honest review.

Wings Once Cursed & Bound

Plot: 1
Writing: 1
World Building: .5
Characters: .5
Themes: .5
3.5/5

Spice: 1/5

A fun, quick read of a low fantasy infused with Thai mythological creatures. It started off strong but towards the end I had to really be intentional about focusing.

The slow-burn romance had really good open communication. I really liked that. I just wanted a little more depth but maybe we'll get that later on.

Wings Once Cursed and Bound is the first novel in the Mythwoven series. While it is being marketed as being for fans of Jennifer Armentrout and Sarah Maas, I can see elements where the three authors are similar, but not enough to compare them. For me, it seems more about marketing to those giant fanbases compared to connecting the three authors and their styles. This novel is more urban fantasy instead of the high fantasy novels that are typically written by the other two authors. I love urban fantasy, so I do wish that this was more the focus of the marketing as there is still a huge fanbase for this genre. The story follows Peeraphan “Punch” who receives a new pair of dancing shoes that turn out to be cursed in a more contemporary Seattle. Bennet Andrews was supposed to retrieve the shoes before they reached Punch, but it was too late. Punch is a Thai mythological kinnaree born in a family of humans and the story revolves around breaking the curse.

Kinnarees seem to be well-known by the characters of the story, but, unfortunately, I, as the reader, could not tell you very much about them. While those familiar with the mythology or want to go on a deep dive into Wikipedia (or another search method) will be able to understand, I feel that is unfair to every other reader. For me, I would have preferred some information given to the reader, such as the history or general meaning. As a lot of the novels contains many passages of telling rather than showing, I expected some additional information to be given about this part of the mythology. As for the rest of the telling rather than showing, this my least favorite of writing styles as it tends to feel forced rather than a story unfolding organically. This style even occurs during some climactic scenes where the readers is shown only a portion of the events and the rest is told through exposition/dialogue. Unfortunately, this type of style just is not for me as I need a lot more showing rather than telling for me to connect with a story.

Given the older ages of the characters, this story still has some YA vibes so I can see it appealing to readers of both genres. There is an expected romance that develops between Bennett and Punch, but it is rushed considering the story takes place in about 24-hours. They had great chemistry, and I don’t mind some initial speed in the development of their relationship, but I prefer it to then slow down a bit for the characters to actually connect and deepen the relationship. Through their journey a lot of other characters and beings are introduced, so it will be interesting to see how they all fit together in the sequels. The Thai-inspired aspect of this story was unique as I have not read a lot of stories using this mythology. Overall, the writing needs a little more work, for me, in terms of tightening up the story and maybe expanding on the showing aspect; however, there is a great concept presented and it will be interesting to try the sequel(s).

**I give a special thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this enjoyable novel. The opinions expressed are completely my own.**

I really enjoyed this book. It's very different from any book I have ever read. I love PR and Urban Fantasy, it the first genre's I started reading. I saw this listed as PR but I would call it more UF. I wasn't familiar with the story of the red shoes and actually looked it up once I was done with this book. The story was very interesting and I think this author did a great job of retelling the story in her own way.

Peeraphan is a dancer and when given a pair of beautiful red shoes she finds that once they are on the can not be taken off. But Peeraphan isn't a normal human and when given the red shoes she senses someone not human though she isn't sure who he is. Bennet has the task of finding the red shoes and getting them knowing once they on a persons foot they will not come off till the person has died. When he see's Peeraphan with them on he is shocked to see what he is told and what he knows will happen after doesn't.

Now Peeraphan and Bennet have to try to find a way to get them off Peeraphan's feet and away from evil hands with plans for the shoes. As they search Peeraphan has to face truths she's run from while also coming to a new found love with Bennet who may be someone she can't have.

This story does a great job of introducing us to a new world with all different kinds of mystical creatures and beings and setting us up for a lot of world building. My only thing I wish was a little different was some of the chapters seemed to end abruptly and in a weird way. It didn't take me out of the story and it wasn't horrible it was just something I noticed. I'll be really interested to see what the next book is about. I think I have an idea but I'm kinda excited to see if maybe it's something I wouldn't expect.

This book is very easy to get drawn into the world and I really liked how different it was from my normal read. It was a book that I wouldn't have expected but Im glad I found. I loved Bennet and Peeraphan together but (and this is a crazy statement) I think I really loved the world Piper Drake created the most. I really loved how detailed and thought out it all is and how much she creates int this world.

*Thank you NetGallery and Dreamscape Media for this ARC for my review.

Great story. The melding of the lesser known Thai creature with the more familiar supernatural creatures of European legend is really fun.

I think the audio narrator is a good one, however her voice doesn't really seem to suit the story or the main character. She sounds extremely white. I would have really appreciated a reader who's voice suited the character and story more.

Thank you to netgalley for the advanced listening copy of wings once cursed and bound by piper drake. This was great, I read and listened. The story was cute and the very unknown magical creature was a very interesting choice. I am hopeful this gets a second book to give some answers. The book was a good story bringing together our 2 mcs in a tumultuous relations.

It's the good start for a paranormal romance series. I found it intriguing as it features a kinnaree and elements of Thais myths.
The plot flows and, even if I was a bit perplexed at times, I enjoyed the story and liked the world building.
Peeraphan is a bit naif at times and the vampire are interesting.
I liked the narrator that made the story come alive.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine

I really enjoyed this audio. i think that the narrators did a fantastic job of bringing the story to life. The book was a hot mess and while usually that would turn me off it somehow just seemed to work for the story. I loved how this story began; the tale of the red dancing shoes is one that i remember as a child so i was really drawn into what was happening. I enjoyed the characters but there wasn't much development within themselves over the arc of the story which i would have expected due to the story line. It didn't really retract from the book it's self but i would have loved to see more growth with Punch especially. i loved all the mythical creatures that show up in this book. It was really neat to see ones that i knew and learn more about ones that i hadn't heard about before. All together i am excited to see where the Mythwoven series is going to go next and look forward to the next book.

A very enjoyable book one.
I really liked the Thai mythology and how fluid the world building and paranormal aspects wove into the story.
The characters were great and I’m interested to see them get even more developed as the series continues. It didn’t feel like a cliffhanger as much as the adventures have other places to explore.
*this is tagged as YA I don’t think that is accurate?

Thanks to NetGalley and dreamscape audio.

Punch (who we later learn is named Peeraphan) is a dancer who receives a new pair of shoes prior to a performance. She is unaware that the shoes are cursed and whoever wars them cannot take them off and will dance to their death.

Bennet was on his way to intercept the cursed shoes but was too late. He finds Punch wearing them, but when she's able to stop dancing while still wearing them, he's surprised and confused. He then saves her from a vampire rival and the two are thrown together.

I liked the Thai mythology and mythology. I wish they had delved more into the mythical creatures and the supernatural. I needed to know more about the myth as I had no prior knowledge.

This book held my interest enough that I would read the next one hoping that one pulls me in further. I would have liked the romance to be amped up more as well.

I would say I don't think the marketing of this being like a Sarah J. Maas book holds up. But it was still an interesting read and would have been more so with more of the mythology being told.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Sourcebooks Casablanca and Dreamscape media for both an ARC and ALC in exchange for my honest review.

Wings Once Cursed and Bound by Piper J. Drake
4/5 Stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

•••Spoiler free review below•••

This was such an enjoyable and quick read! I have seen so much hype for Wings Once Cursed and Bound and I was thrilled to have the opportunity to listen to an advanced audio copy. Our narrator, Cindy Kay, is also one of my favorite narrators so that didn't hurt either.

While I did really like this one, I do feel like it may be a bit miss-marketed. This read is definitely an urban fantasy with magic woven into our character's everyday life. Peeraphan is a dancer located in Seattle. When she mistakenly puts on a pair of cursed shoes, she is ensnared into a world of supernatural creatures. Our story takes place over 24 hours and is filled with high stakes, suspense, and a bit of romance. I would have enjoyed learning more about the world and Peeraphan's abilities before being thrust into the conflict, but I do appreciate the enthralling way the plot moves forward.

Read this book if you like:
- urban fantasy reads
- Thai lore
- multi-POV stories
- romance as a main plot point
- VAMPIRES
- magic shoes

Wings Once Cursed and Bound will be released on April 11th and if it's not already on your tbr, it should be!
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Special thanks to Dreamscape Media for sharing a free copy with me in exchange for my honest opinions.

This was a really fun new fantasy series featuring a kick ass magical/mythological heroine, a vampire hunting down mythological objects plus some other supernatural creatures. Set in a world where magical creatures walk around hidden from humans, this was full of memorable characters, had great Asian mythological references and was great on audio narrated by Cindy Kay. Written by a new to me author, I will eagerly await the next book in the series. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review!

3.5 Peeraphan is a Thai Bird Princess who loves to dance and when she put red shoes to dance and they didn't ruin her like past victims. However, she cant get them off so Bennet a (Vampire) comes to rescue her. I was entranced by the beginning but somehow it fell of a bit in the middle to end. It needs a little bit more world building and less confusing mythical-ism

4⭐️ 1🌶️ 4🎧

- M/F
- Asian American Rep
- Thai mythology
- Vampires/Fae/Werewolves/Dragon
- Cute animal sidekicks
- Epic journey/ quest
- Cursed objects

I really enjoyed this book! Piper wove such a vibrant story that beautifully combined Thai mythology with mythologies from all over the world to create an eclectic cast of characters that I loved so much!

One day a mysterious donation shows up while Peeraphan is at dance rehearsal that includes a pair of beautiful red satin dancing shoes that fit her perfectly. But little did she know that these shoes are cursed to make the wearer dance to death. With the help of a sexy, stoic vampire and her long lost cousin, who happens to be a werewolf, Peeraphan embarks on quest to discover how to remove the shoes. Along the way she meets a host of other supernatural beings and accepts that she might not be as human as she thought.

I loved these character so much! Peeraphan was such a kind and open minded person who risked her own safety to save Bennett when he was injured trying to protect her. But she wasn’t a pushover. I died when she called Bennett on his crap. I loved that she was a Kinnaree! I think I’ve only read about them in one other book and they are really interesting and beautiful!

Bennett was the sexy vampire boyfriend of our dreams. He promised never to care for another after he outlived his human lover. But he was unable to resist Peeraphan who accepts and loves him without judgement. I loved the enemies to friends banter he had with Thomas and how Peeraphan called it a bromance.

My absolute favorite part is this book was the running joke about Peeraphan not being “too dumb to live.” As someone who absolutely loathes dumb characters and often says they were too dumb to live, this just spoke to my soul and made me incredibly happy.

As much as I loved this story, it was written in third person POV and I always struggle a little with this and is the reason for 4⭐️.

I listened to the audiobook and Cindy Kay did a wonderful job. I loved both her male and female voices.

I loved the whole cast of characters in this book and I can’t wait to see what happens next. I wonder if the next book will focus on Peeraphan and Bennett or if maybe we’ll get one focused on Thomas.

4/5 ⭐
1/5 🌶️
4/5 🎧

I really enjoyed this new world that Piper brought to us, paranormals in a human led world with suspense, mystery and more. I really loved the Thai myths mixed with your standard vampire, werewolf and faerie lore. Piper even has breakdowns of the stories she used in WOCAB at the end of the book, which were fantastic. It was just a smidge spicy and a very slow burn, but it was perfect for this plot driven story.

I listened to this one and really loved Cindy Kay's narrating although it got a star docked just because it was a dual narrated story with only one narrator. If Bennett had had his own voice this would have easily been 5 stars. Cindy did a great job with Peeraphan and Marie and I did enjoy her male voices too.

Peeraphan and Bennett were really fun main characters. Their chemistry and angst was really well done and I loved them both. Bennett's fear of loving was paired perfectly with Peeraphan's optimistic and open armed view of love, the way they came together in the end was so sweet. It somehow still felt like an instalove situation despite the slow burn too.

I don't have any details for what's next in the Mythwoven series, but it felt like Peeraphan and Bennett's story was wrapped up in a way that the next story could be a continuation of them or a different set of characters. Either way I am so excited to see what Piper has in store for us next.