Title: A Cursed Son by Day Leitao
Genre: Romantasy
Pub Date: March 6, 2024

❄️ Elemental Magic
👑 Disgraced Prince
❣️ Enemies to Lovers
✨ Banter for DAYS
💍 Arranged Marriage

⭐ 4.5/5
🌶️ 3/5

Need to preface this by saying the cliffhanger will hurt you, but never fear as book 2, A Traitor Sister, is to be released in November '24!

The dream connection is so intriguing! I loved the tension between Astra and Marlak, how the dreams lead to awkwardness between them. There were times it felt somewhat repetitive, but it didn't take away from the story. I did feel frustrated with the miscommunication/lack of communication, but I think that was intentional! I hope in book 2 we get a secondary romance for Talia too! 🫶 I loved it and I can't wait to read A Traitor Sister!

Impeccably performed, this audiobook brings a new and engaging dynamic to an already strong and intriguing story.

Astra has trained her whole life as an Elite Guard ready to step into the role of pretending to be the princess in important diplomatic missions. Her life is changed for life when her carriage is attacked by the disgraced fae prince and he shortly after comes to an agreement with Astra's master to marry her. To add to the confusion, Astra has spent many years dreaming about this prince without knowing that it was him.

I absolutely love this story and the slow-building romance between Astra and Marlak. The story is strengthened by a strong cast of characters who feeling fully realised and add another level of entertainment to the story.

This is a strong start to the series and I can't wait to see where Leitao goes next with it!

“What’s the point in a story that’s not real?”⠀
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He leans back in his chair and brings a ringless finger to his chin. “The feelings are real. There’s something about feeling them while knowing you can’t truly get hurt.”⠀
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“Feelings? Like despair? What’s the fun in it?”⠀
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“Well, if you’re depressed, you look at your own life and say, ‘nevermind. This could be so much worse.’” He chuckles again. “No. It’s about getting out of that dark place, and reading sometimes makes you believe you can do it too.”⠀
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Day Leitao, A Cursed Son ⠀
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A Cursed Son by Day Leitao is an Adult Romantic Fantasy with a swoon worthy enemies to lovers story that has one of the most unique "dreamy" romances I've read in quite a while! The banter between Marlak and Astra is perfection and I love how they push each other to be more adventurous and hopeful. I absolutely shrieked when Marlak got hurt and Astra went all "who did this" on him!!! The vibes are just so so good! I thought the elemental magic was really interesting and reminded me of Shadow and Bone. The worldbuilding with the different kingdoms and courts as well as the Faelands gave this story a lush feel. I was on the edge of my seat, especially with the epic ending. Like, OMG what are you doing to me! ⠀
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Day is a master at balancing magical fantasy with thrilling romance in a fun and whimsical way. I love her books and this one is definitely at the top of my favorites now! I would recommend it to anyone who likes stories like Fourth Wing, A Kingdom of Flame and Fury, or The Plated Prisoner Series.

I enjoyed the narrator, Caitlin Kelly, immensely and would love to hear more books by them. They captured the playful banter and inner turmoil of the characters perfectly!

I LOVED this book. It's been a long time since I have finished a book so quickly. I loved Astra and Marlak's banter so much, it was so well done. As well as the choice of Caitlin Kelly for audiobook was PERFECT, i would definitely recommend checking out the audiobook if you haven't already. So excited for the second one. 🫶🏻

My new obsession!

Caitlin Kelly did a phenomenal job narrating this story and I hope she's doing the sequel as well! This series is officially up there with Throne of Glass, Fourth Wing, and The Kindred's Curse Saga for favorite romantasy series. I don't want to summarize the story because I think it's best to go in blind with these types of books. So if you enjoy romantasy, uncovering secrets, and strong FMCs do yourself a favor and read A Cursed Son by Day Leitao.

Holy shoot, this was even better than I thought it would be. The description had me super intrigued and the cover I was instantly drawn to and clearly for good reason. This book had all the fantasy elements you want with elemental magic, political intrigue, great world building, as well as the romance elements we love like enemies to lovers, arranged marriage and the bannnnnterrrrr. Chef's kiss. That ending though... ouch. This was a really exciting first book in a new romantasy series and I am super excited to see where this goes now with book 2! The audio was very well done, and I really enjoyed is and easily followed along.