Thank you for the content warnings. I was not in the right headspace for a book, but I did read chapter 1 (2%). The writing is easy to follow, it flows well, it’s comfortable, and I would expect it to be a solid three to four stars with five for the right readers.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC.

DNF @ 33%
This book had me hooked at the beginning. Gothic romance? Magic? Curses? Sign. Me. Up. I understand that the book's setting is supposed to be remote; however, the world feels underpopulated. Part of this could be due to the main character's communication style or lack thereof. The introduction of the MMC fell flat, and their interactions afterward didn't do anything to build intrigue or sexual tension. Even as a YA book, I expect more banter or interaction in general at the beginning to set up their dynamic with each other. Overall, the storyline had potential, but for me, it fell flat.

I just love this book and the fact that it was so dark and compelling I couldn’t stop reading it. Romina really knows how to do worlds building in this story like you can seriously feel how Gothic it is the beginning of the story was sad, but then she gets a letter to go to her ancestral estate with a estranged aunt in Spain, which basically she was shocked about because she didn’t even know that she was even from Spain since her all her stuff was in America but I guess like her parents are keeping secrets before they Passed away the whole time. I read this I wanted to know why she only had the relative she had what her aunt was hiding what was going on in that place why she was seeing a man that only she could see with silver eyes whole time I was like maybe he’s a vampire but like you know, there was a lot of twists in this book that Really is what made me keep turning the page I love the slowburn heat between her and the black shadow she sees, which is that man that she can only see I feel like there was like a lot of jealousy between her and her town, neighbor, Felipe and then, of course, the man that she can only see because I feel like She really liked her shadow man that she can only see but she didn’t really like Felipe that way, but he liked her and he was like obsessed with seeing inside of her castle. I don’t wanna spoil too much but I enjoyed reading this book. It’s a fantasy book but it has Gothic vibes to it and if you like that type of story, I would suggest getting this book to read. I’m gonna give a five stars.

Absolutely blown away by this book! I totally binged it and I could not put it down! From start to finish I just wanted more! I need a physical copy of this asap! Count down until July is on!!!

If you are looking for something that will alter your mind- look no further!

I always love a good enemies to lovers moment, especially when they were sent to kill one of the main characters. This book has all types of mysteries that will keep you on your toes.

I will say I did enjoyed some aspects to the book. Though I just found my self lost and unable to stay interested in the book. It was slow in parts and others it was so much happening I just could figure it out.
DN
I love where the author was going but sadly at 37% I DNF this book.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

This was an interesting twist on the gothic novel that seemed to play around with many different themes im more used to seeing in family dramas. I appreciated the unique story and elements and setting.

Castle of the Cursed is a fantasy gothic set in Spain perfect for fans of the Twilight series and haunted house stories.

Castle of the Cursed follows Estela, who goes to live in Spain with her long lost relative after a mysterious attack claimed the lives of her parents. Once at the castle, Estela quickly realizes that something dark and otherworldly lives within its walls. Estela will have to uncover the secrets of the castle and by doing so, will learn a startling truth about her family, that something supernatural may be responsible for everything.

Shadowy figures, curses, blood magic, and portals are the fantastical elements included in this story. I thought the whole storyline was interesting and the Spanish setting added an exotic feel to the gothic vibes of it all. I think the castle served as a powerful metaphor for the pressures, conditioning, and indebtedness that families can sometimes entrap themselves in. The family curse that is a big part of the story used the supernatural to talk about topics such as free will, self-empowerment, and fate. The plot became more complex as the story progressed, but at the heart of it, was an intriguing mystery that had both multi-generational and multi-dimensional aspects...quite literally.

My only critique is that the transitions between scenes could have been better as it made the writing seem choppy.

Overall Castle of the Cursed was an original gothic mystery with dark fantasy elements that tells a spellbinding story about inheritance, family, love, and sacrifice.

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a free arc via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

DNF @38%. I wasn't expecting gothic Twilight. It's definitely frothy, a bit overwritten, and just not for me. Others will likely enjoy it.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange of an honest review. This was such a gothic and dark read, I loved reading it for the fall season. The characters were also well executed and crafted. A good read.