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Fated Mates of Shadowbone Academy #1
A Curse So Cruel
Enter Shadowbone Academy where the shadows come alive, the professors are dark gods, and humans fight for immortality.
When I get locked in my local library overnight, I look on the bright side: I'm surrounded by smutty books, my backpack is full of snacks, and a cushion fort is calling my name. What I don't account for is the four powerful, breathtakingly beautiful, and lethally dangerous shadow warriors who crash my impromptu slumber party.
Professors from Shadowbone Academy, an elite war college in the shadow realm where students train to become ruthless shadow warriors, they're here for me. Unfortunately, my strengths include stubbing my big toe, dreaming about book boyfriends, and enjoying chocolate like my life depends on it. I'm not cut out for fighting shadow monsters, but enrollment isn't negotiable, and I'm not ready to die just yet.
To make matters worse? Yeah, I'm pretty sure these four professors are my fated mates no matter how they try to deny it. I swear, someone is definitely having a laugh, and it's not just me.
Let the fun times begin.
A Curse so Cruel is a fun but dark(ish) why choose fantasy romance novel, and the first book in the Fated Mates of Shadowbone Academy series. It features a clumsy, relatable heroine, and her droolworthy, reluctant mates who will do anything to possess her. The story is in first person, present tense, and note that while the main focus is on our leading lady, there is also MM in the harem.
This series is connected to the Game of Psychos series, but can easily be read as a standalone series. For a full list of content warnings, please visit the author's website.
When I get locked in my local library overnight, I look on the bright side: I'm surrounded by smutty books, my backpack is full of snacks, and a cushion fort is calling my name. What I don't account for is the four powerful, breathtakingly beautiful, and lethally dangerous shadow warriors who crash my impromptu slumber party.
Professors from Shadowbone Academy, an elite war college in the shadow realm where students train to become ruthless shadow warriors, they're here for me. Unfortunately, my strengths include stubbing my big toe, dreaming about book boyfriends, and enjoying chocolate like my life depends on it. I'm not cut out for fighting shadow monsters, but enrollment isn't negotiable, and I'm not ready to die just yet.
To make matters worse? Yeah, I'm pretty sure these four professors are my fated mates no matter how they try to deny it. I swear, someone is definitely having a laugh, and it's not just me.
Let the fun times begin.
A Curse so Cruel is a fun but dark(ish) why choose fantasy romance novel, and the first book in the Fated Mates of Shadowbone Academy series. It features a clumsy, relatable heroine, and her droolworthy, reluctant mates who will do anything to possess her. The story is in first person, present tense, and note that while the main focus is on our leading lady, there is also MM in the harem.
This series is connected to the Game of Psychos series, but can easily be read as a standalone series. For a full list of content warnings, please visit the author's website.
388 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 29, 2025
645 people are currently reading
1325 people want to read
About the author
Mia Hartson
14 books186 followersMia Hartson is an Australian author who loves writing stories about feisty heroines who aren't afraid to get their hands dirty, hunky, misunderstood heroes who would do anything to protect their girl, and intriguing fantasy worlds filled with magic.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
September 8, 2025
This is a new-to-me author and I can say with total confidence that I'm impressed! This was just the right amount of romance and plot to keep me hooked. There was tension, mystery, and chemistry!
There's a lot the heroine is in the dark about due to extenuating circumstances, so the mystery aspect of this was very much prevalent. We still don't know much and, at this point, I'm curious about how we'll discover anything, considering even her mates don't seem to be connecting any parallels from what she's been putting down. I'm glad the heroine found a BFF and how loyal they end up being to each other.
The thorn in my side was the stereotypical mean girl whose name I still question how to pronounce. It's spelled Satine. Would I read it like the fabric type Sa-teen? Maybe it's Sa-tine (like time but with an n)? Maybe it's like the type of fabric weave Satin? Maybe it's like christianity's big bad Satan. Her name made me hate her even more, if I'm being honest. I loved the moment when Satine decided that even though the heroine was doing nothing that the heroine was in fact taking attention away from Satine, and the heroine just had to get gone (sarcasm).
The guys were ok. I liked Galen and Raith off the bat. Thane eventually grew on me. Knox is an annoyance. He's got the hot and cold thing going on. You can tell he has a soft spot for Shade (the heroine), but insists on pushing it away. He's going to come around, the question is when.
P.S. If I had a nickel for every time I read a reverse harem and it named the only guy that's against having a mate Knox, I'd have two nickels. Which isn't a lot, but it's weird that it's happened twice.
There's a lot the heroine is in the dark about due to extenuating circumstances, so the mystery aspect of this was very much prevalent. We still don't know much and, at this point, I'm curious about how we'll discover anything, considering even her mates don't seem to be connecting any parallels from what she's been putting down. I'm glad the heroine found a BFF and how loyal they end up being to each other.
The thorn in my side was the stereotypical mean girl whose name I still question how to pronounce. It's spelled Satine. Would I read it like the fabric type Sa-teen? Maybe it's Sa-tine (like time but with an n)? Maybe it's like the type of fabric weave Satin? Maybe it's like christianity's big bad Satan. Her name made me hate her even more, if I'm being honest. I loved the moment when Satine decided that even though the heroine was doing nothing that the heroine was in fact taking attention away from Satine, and the heroine just had to get gone (sarcasm).
The guys were ok. I liked Galen and Raith off the bat. Thane eventually grew on me. Knox is an annoyance. He's got the hot and cold thing going on. You can tell he has a soft spot for Shade (the heroine), but insists on pushing it away. He's going to come around, the question is when.
P.S. If I had a nickel for every time I read a reverse harem and it named the only guy that's against having a mate Knox, I'd have two nickels. Which isn't a lot, but it's weird that it's happened twice.
September 5, 2025
3 ⭐️
This was … fine. I didn’t hate it but I also didn’t love it.
This was my first introduction to Shade and while it was easy enough to follow without having read anything else in the world, nothing about her really stood out to me. She’s clumsy, she’s hiding the fact that she used to be a crow and honestly the most memorable thing about her was the feathered clothes she randomly made.
The four mates? Meh. I didn’t feel much spark or pull from them and by the time I went to write this review, I honestly had to go back and remind myself what had even happened in the book. That’s never a great sign.
It’s not a bad read but it didn’t stick with me. So three stars feels fair.
This was … fine. I didn’t hate it but I also didn’t love it.
This was my first introduction to Shade and while it was easy enough to follow without having read anything else in the world, nothing about her really stood out to me. She’s clumsy, she’s hiding the fact that she used to be a crow and honestly the most memorable thing about her was the feathered clothes she randomly made.
The four mates? Meh. I didn’t feel much spark or pull from them and by the time I went to write this review, I honestly had to go back and remind myself what had even happened in the book. That’s never a great sign.
It’s not a bad read but it didn’t stick with me. So three stars feels fair.
November 18, 2025
dnf the writing style not for me and i don’t like books where the fmc talks about reading monster smut as im reading the book
September 1, 2025
I love that Shade gets her own series, and it is just as chaotic as I'd hoped. My only complaint is that I miss her being a crow. The next book is several months out, so I guess I'll just sit here and wonder what Shade's shadow animal friend is going to be until then and if it'll like snacks. Can shadows eat snacks? What kind of snack would a shadow even eat?
I don't think I've ever read "cum blood" in a sentence of any book ever, so I'm pretty stoked about that.
I don't think I've ever read "cum blood" in a sentence of any book ever, so I'm pretty stoked about that.
January 12, 2026
*5 STARS*
This is an amazing story! I understood the world build really easily and the dynamics of all the different characters just hit me in the right way. Now I just have to wait a full month until I can read the next one. Which I really want now because that cliffhanger was not nice.
Maybe I'll read her other series that is connected to this one to ease my mind...
This is an amazing story! I understood the world build really easily and the dynamics of all the different characters just hit me in the right way. Now I just have to wait a full month until I can read the next one. Which I really want now because that cliffhanger was not nice.
Maybe I'll read her other series that is connected to this one to ease my mind...
August 26, 2025
Mia Hartson's Game of Psychos is getting a spin-off, and it's featuring our favorite feathered friend. That's right, Shade is getting her own series. It all starts with A Curse So Cruel.
Shade had me dying! The human version (because she was previously a crow) is a hoot and a howler. She definitely marches to the beat of her own drum. Her commentary was the best; I cackled (yes, I admit it) through the entire book. I feel bad for Shade, and I shouldn't. This is an all-professor harem; it should be good times. As Shade puts it, there is just something about this universe where the mates are duds. The guys are alphaholes. At least they start off that way. As the story went on, I liked Galen and Raith more. They become more playful and more lighthearted as the story goes on. Thane frustrated me the most because he was pretending to be indifferent and let Knox (of all people) take the lead in their situation. As for Knox, he's just your typical alphahole. It may be for a reason, but I still wanted to strangle him.
The world-building was amazing. However, I want to know, am I the only one picturing this world in black, white, and gray? No. Just me? Okay. The details were incredible, especially the magic. Shadow pathways, shadow manipulation, shadow creatures, talking shadows, and so much more. It was cool. The rings the students get are what I'm most jealous of. I thought that we would get some answers about Shade, but all I have are a lot more questions. There's a prophecy to deal with. Also, there's a war with evil shadow entities and mean girls to contend with. Plus, the original warriors are giving off serial killer vibes, and the queen is exactly what I expected: the ultimate mean girl. Something hinky is going on; I just can't figure out what.
Mia had a lot of my favorite tropes in this one. Set in an academy, all professors in the harem, hidden past, cool magic, forbidden romance, and a prophecy. I'm sure I'm forgetting a lot more, but yasss! If you enjoy any of these tropes, then I highly suggest reading A Curse So Cruel and Game of Psychos while you're at it. Shade is in that one, too.
Shade had me dying! The human version (because she was previously a crow) is a hoot and a howler. She definitely marches to the beat of her own drum. Her commentary was the best; I cackled (yes, I admit it) through the entire book. I feel bad for Shade, and I shouldn't. This is an all-professor harem; it should be good times. As Shade puts it, there is just something about this universe where the mates are duds. The guys are alphaholes. At least they start off that way. As the story went on, I liked Galen and Raith more. They become more playful and more lighthearted as the story goes on. Thane frustrated me the most because he was pretending to be indifferent and let Knox (of all people) take the lead in their situation. As for Knox, he's just your typical alphahole. It may be for a reason, but I still wanted to strangle him.
The world-building was amazing. However, I want to know, am I the only one picturing this world in black, white, and gray? No. Just me? Okay. The details were incredible, especially the magic. Shadow pathways, shadow manipulation, shadow creatures, talking shadows, and so much more. It was cool. The rings the students get are what I'm most jealous of. I thought that we would get some answers about Shade, but all I have are a lot more questions. There's a prophecy to deal with. Also, there's a war with evil shadow entities and mean girls to contend with. Plus, the original warriors are giving off serial killer vibes, and the queen is exactly what I expected: the ultimate mean girl. Something hinky is going on; I just can't figure out what.
Mia had a lot of my favorite tropes in this one. Set in an academy, all professors in the harem, hidden past, cool magic, forbidden romance, and a prophecy. I'm sure I'm forgetting a lot more, but yasss! If you enjoy any of these tropes, then I highly suggest reading A Curse So Cruel and Game of Psychos while you're at it. Shade is in that one, too.
September 3, 2025
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. A great start to a new series! This book was an exciting start to Shade’s story set in a war academy that holds answers to her mysterious past and may even give her answers as to why she was cursed to live as a crow.
Shade is hesitant to join Shadowbone Academy as she is most certainly not a warrior and doesn’t have any aspirations to be one either, she would much prefer to read books in peace, however, when her options are join or die, she is taken to Shadowbone Academy by four shadow daddy professors, where she will train to become a Shadow Warrior.
The professors all feel as though they are connected to Shade. Shade feels they could be her Fated Mates however, they tell her this is impossible.
As shade begins her classes and goes about regular academy life it becomes impossible to deny that there is most definitely a connection between her and these men’s and feelings they cannot fight begin to surface. Forces beyond anyone’s control attempt to separate them and they must fight for their budding relationships and uncover the origin of their curses together.
The characters are all unique and the relationships they have to each other are exciting and I’m keen to see them explored in more detail in future books. Galen and Raith are my current favourites however, grumpy professor Thane is slowly growing on me and Knox the resident tortured soul bad boy I can definitely see winning me round in future.
This book has so many great tropes, Fated Mates, Touch her and Die vibes as well as MM action all combined in an academy setting with the forbidden nature of this relationship make this book impossible to put down.
Shade is hesitant to join Shadowbone Academy as she is most certainly not a warrior and doesn’t have any aspirations to be one either, she would much prefer to read books in peace, however, when her options are join or die, she is taken to Shadowbone Academy by four shadow daddy professors, where she will train to become a Shadow Warrior.
The professors all feel as though they are connected to Shade. Shade feels they could be her Fated Mates however, they tell her this is impossible.
As shade begins her classes and goes about regular academy life it becomes impossible to deny that there is most definitely a connection between her and these men’s and feelings they cannot fight begin to surface. Forces beyond anyone’s control attempt to separate them and they must fight for their budding relationships and uncover the origin of their curses together.
The characters are all unique and the relationships they have to each other are exciting and I’m keen to see them explored in more detail in future books. Galen and Raith are my current favourites however, grumpy professor Thane is slowly growing on me and Knox the resident tortured soul bad boy I can definitely see winning me round in future.
This book has so many great tropes, Fated Mates, Touch her and Die vibes as well as MM action all combined in an academy setting with the forbidden nature of this relationship make this book impossible to put down.
December 31, 2025
This book landed perfectly in my fantasy era and surprised the hell out of me.
The FMC is the heart of the story, written with such warmth and authenticity that her love for books makes her instantly relatable. She feels genuine, grounded, and effortlessly charming, with sharp comic timing and a quiet strength that stays with you long after you turn the page.
The story works wonderfully as a standalone, even if you’re unfamiliar with the wider Demon Universe, and the opening draws you in with strong pacing, smooth flow, and an undercurrent of suspense that keeps you reading just one more chapter.
The tension builds steadily, and the thrill is consistent throughout, though the final stretch felt a bit rushed for my taste. I was hoping for more academic elements within the Shadow Realm, moments that could have deepened the setting before everything leapt toward the finale.
The cliffhanger arrives abruptly, less of a slow burn and more of a sudden drop, but despite that, the story delivers an immersive experience.
I loved the characters, the atmosphere, and the suspense, and I’m more than ready for the second book to confirm what the hints have been teasing all along, finally.
The FMC is the heart of the story, written with such warmth and authenticity that her love for books makes her instantly relatable. She feels genuine, grounded, and effortlessly charming, with sharp comic timing and a quiet strength that stays with you long after you turn the page.
The story works wonderfully as a standalone, even if you’re unfamiliar with the wider Demon Universe, and the opening draws you in with strong pacing, smooth flow, and an undercurrent of suspense that keeps you reading just one more chapter.
The tension builds steadily, and the thrill is consistent throughout, though the final stretch felt a bit rushed for my taste. I was hoping for more academic elements within the Shadow Realm, moments that could have deepened the setting before everything leapt toward the finale.
The cliffhanger arrives abruptly, less of a slow burn and more of a sudden drop, but despite that, the story delivers an immersive experience.
I loved the characters, the atmosphere, and the suspense, and I’m more than ready for the second book to confirm what the hints have been teasing all along, finally.
September 4, 2025
In the Game of Psychos, Shade was a crow friend of the main character and at the end her curse is broken. Now, she has no memory of her life before and is barely functioning as a human, trying to trigger her memories by hanging out in a familiar place... the library. If only she had a book boyfriend of her own. But be careful what you wish for! She gets locked in the library one night and four shadow warriors appear, professors at Shadowbone Academy, and surprisingly her fated mates. She been chosen to attend the academy even though she's the least likely human to become a shadow warrior.
Shade's history leaves so many questions and this book only created more. I love the guys and their shadow creatures, the shadow magic, the Hogearts- like academy, just all of it! And now with the threat of war and the graduation games coming early, the next book should be really exciting.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Shade's history leaves so many questions and this book only created more. I love the guys and their shadow creatures, the shadow magic, the Hogearts- like academy, just all of it! And now with the threat of war and the graduation games coming early, the next book should be really exciting.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 24, 2026
I went into this wanting pure chaos: reverse harem, fated mates, messy energy over polished writing—and somehow this still didn’t deliver on vibes. The setup had potential (amnesia, mystery around Shadow, elite academy, shadow warriors), but the execution just…flatlined. The central conflict is painfully obvious from the start, and instead of leaning into the tension, it drags. The biggest miss? Fated mates who actively refuse to show up for their mate. If you’re going to sell me destiny, obsession, and inevitability—I need the men to act like it. This felt like the opposite.
Shadow as a heroine didn’t land for me either. She reads more irritating than quirky, and it’s hard to root for her when she lacks presence in her own story. The spice is underwhelming, the emotional payoff is missing, and the dynamics never hit that addictive, chaotic RH energy I was hoping for. I’ll give book two a shot purely because I want answers about her past and maybe a backbone upgrade—but expectations are low.
Shadow as a heroine didn’t land for me either. She reads more irritating than quirky, and it’s hard to root for her when she lacks presence in her own story. The spice is underwhelming, the emotional payoff is missing, and the dynamics never hit that addictive, chaotic RH energy I was hoping for. I’ll give book two a shot purely because I want answers about her past and maybe a backbone upgrade—but expectations are low.
August 25, 2025
ARC READ
I really liked this book, it dragged you in, making you feel every twist and turn. making you hope for the best and fear the worst. if you like fantasy with some spice then you will love this
I really liked this book, it dragged you in, making you feel every twist and turn. making you hope for the best and fear the worst. if you like fantasy with some spice then you will love this
September 15, 2025
I LOVED this one.
It’s funny, it’s saucy, it’s fantasy.
The start of the book is a bit difficult to grasp but after 25% I was HOOKED. I have so many questions and I’m so excited for the next book.
I honestly couldn’t pick a favourite, they are all perfect in their ways
It’s funny, it’s saucy, it’s fantasy.
The start of the book is a bit difficult to grasp but after 25% I was HOOKED. I have so many questions and I’m so excited for the next book.
I honestly couldn’t pick a favourite, they are all perfect in their ways
December 16, 2025
This was unexpectedly funny, and a good story! The ending was kind of weird, came out of nowhere with those jokes but it’s been a while since I’ve so thoroughly enjoyed a book!
January 17, 2026
4.2✨ I really liked the world, I devoured it in a day ❤️
February 23, 2026
Oohhh this was a fun and gripping read!! I loved the banter and humour of the FMC. It ends perfectly.. wanting me to get the next book asap.
My first read of this author but not my last!!
My first read of this author but not my last!!
September 17, 2025
This was the first book I have read by this author. Now I want to go through and read EVERYTHING she has written, I am hooked!!
At the start it was giving HVB vibes with the 4 mates. Love how clumsy the FMC is, I really relate!! The guys start as real alphaholes, but really grew on me.
The world building has been done really well! The magical aspects were amazing, with the shadow pathways and shadow creatures, not to mention the awesome rings that the students get at the Academy!
At the start it was giving HVB vibes with the 4 mates. Love how clumsy the FMC is, I really relate!! The guys start as real alphaholes, but really grew on me.
The world building has been done really well! The magical aspects were amazing, with the shadow pathways and shadow creatures, not to mention the awesome rings that the students get at the Academy!
March 5, 2026
I liked shade when she was away from her mates, but when she was with them she became a doormat
In my fantasy books I want my MMC to be willing to let the world burn for her I want them to only think of her and prioritize her wellbeing over others
In this book the mmcs are willing to let her die for themselves and the world, because of a prophecy…
When she is selected to be hunted they don’t try to save her or anything they ignore her and let her go die, the only reason she didn’t is because the school was attacked so they saved her. I wonder if they would do so if the school was not under attack…
And their explanation about letting her go out to die is because they didn’t want the queen to know they cared? So they are willing to let her die so the queen don’t find out their her mates, to protect her??? How does that even make sense?..
And when the fmc confronted them about them letting her get hurt or die they just say that she mean something to them and she just excepts that explanation and stops being angry and I just know they will not have to grovel or anything in book two, all will be forgiven and forgotten. Her explanation is that they didn’t plan to murder her so it’s all okay… it’s literally the absolute bare minimum when the love interest is not actively planning to murder her?
I hate fmcs that have no backbone and just except bad behavior and never holds a grudge or stay angry for more than minute before forgiving the MMC
In my fantasy books I want my MMC to be willing to let the world burn for her I want them to only think of her and prioritize her wellbeing over others
In this book the mmcs are willing to let her die for themselves and the world, because of a prophecy…
When she is selected to be hunted they don’t try to save her or anything they ignore her and let her go die, the only reason she didn’t is because the school was attacked so they saved her. I wonder if they would do so if the school was not under attack…
And their explanation about letting her go out to die is because they didn’t want the queen to know they cared? So they are willing to let her die so the queen don’t find out their her mates, to protect her??? How does that even make sense?..
And when the fmc confronted them about them letting her get hurt or die they just say that she mean something to them and she just excepts that explanation and stops being angry and I just know they will not have to grovel or anything in book two, all will be forgiven and forgotten. Her explanation is that they didn’t plan to murder her so it’s all okay… it’s literally the absolute bare minimum when the love interest is not actively planning to murder her?
I hate fmcs that have no backbone and just except bad behavior and never holds a grudge or stay angry for more than minute before forgiving the MMC
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 1, 2025
So immediately off the back I was kind of tired of the main character already. Ah yes two pages in let's make the readers completely aware she's kinky loves smut and also has no memories. Great.
Instead of building a world for us to follow it tells us straight forward kind of breaking the fourth wall in a way? "I should explain there are nine realms including Seral, the demon realm..."
OK well I mean sure atleast I have a few details and no it doesn't tell us all 9 just 3 but that's fine.
Again why is the word that jumps out at her tampons that sends her to another world and somehow that's not picked up on again...? Unless it was but this was a heavy DNF.
From the get go when she met her "mates" (this is literally in the first chapter) she says they're her mates but they do not think so.
From here I immediately picked up on this she has no memories she feels like their mate but somehow can't be. Yeah yeah I've read enough books to see where this is going.
I decide to search in the book the word "mates" and oh my days it comes up every 10 pages where she claims they're her mates and they just outright refuse and talk to each other saying she can't be.
Also her character is just so not my style. Clumsy and just I don't even know.
**SPOILER: IT'S JUST ONE PARAGRAPH BUT AN END TO SPOILERS AFTER PARAGRAPH*
She suddenly is at the end (I didn't read this I just skimmed it as I searched it up) but however they killed their last mate and well wow they can only ever have one mate. But she can't be the long lost mate right they didn't know her for long but would recognise her but the queen lowkey is out to get her and she has no memories. Doesn't take a genius to figure this out. But then having a mate means they'll lose the war so no wonder the queen is out for her.
***END OF SPOILERS***
So as you can see in a singular search of one word because I had a theory I was able to assume and read the entire plot in 3 lines. So what was the point of reading it that the entire plot surrounded of she can't be our mate omg. Yeah no. Also from another line I got the idea there was no smut as if they did anything with her itd cement the mate bond which they do not want. So from the get go the author made it seem smutty but it is not.
I don't know why I've actually written a review here as I haven't done this in a while and maybe I'm just venting as I haven't liked any of the books I've read recently but my god. Why read 400 pages when the first 20 pages already clued me into everything.
Instead of building a world for us to follow it tells us straight forward kind of breaking the fourth wall in a way? "I should explain there are nine realms including Seral, the demon realm..."
OK well I mean sure atleast I have a few details and no it doesn't tell us all 9 just 3 but that's fine.
Again why is the word that jumps out at her tampons that sends her to another world and somehow that's not picked up on again...? Unless it was but this was a heavy DNF.
From the get go when she met her "mates" (this is literally in the first chapter) she says they're her mates but they do not think so.
From here I immediately picked up on this she has no memories she feels like their mate but somehow can't be. Yeah yeah I've read enough books to see where this is going.
I decide to search in the book the word "mates" and oh my days it comes up every 10 pages where she claims they're her mates and they just outright refuse and talk to each other saying she can't be.
Also her character is just so not my style. Clumsy and just I don't even know.
**SPOILER: IT'S JUST ONE PARAGRAPH BUT AN END TO SPOILERS AFTER PARAGRAPH*
She suddenly is at the end (I didn't read this I just skimmed it as I searched it up) but however they killed their last mate and well wow they can only ever have one mate. But she can't be the long lost mate right they didn't know her for long but would recognise her but the queen lowkey is out to get her and she has no memories. Doesn't take a genius to figure this out. But then having a mate means they'll lose the war so no wonder the queen is out for her.
***END OF SPOILERS***
So as you can see in a singular search of one word because I had a theory I was able to assume and read the entire plot in 3 lines. So what was the point of reading it that the entire plot surrounded of she can't be our mate omg. Yeah no. Also from another line I got the idea there was no smut as if they did anything with her itd cement the mate bond which they do not want. So from the get go the author made it seem smutty but it is not.
I don't know why I've actually written a review here as I haven't done this in a while and maybe I'm just venting as I haven't liked any of the books I've read recently but my god. Why read 400 pages when the first 20 pages already clued me into everything.
September 10, 2025
I hate all the male leads, and I hate the double standards that she needs to show them respect when they don't do that to you, I hate how they're willing to hurt their mate, and most of all I hate Knox I don't give af about his sob story he felt like a misogynist
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2025
This was my first book by this author and the book was fine I guess. Very little world building or character development. I couldn’t tell you the men’s names, except the obligatory Knox. It wasn’t terrible or upsetting, just not great. I won’t pick up the next book.
August 22, 2025
I am so happy that Shade is getting her own series! Back when she was a crow in the 'Game of Psychos' series, she was Blake's hilarious friend, sidekick, and inner voice of snark. Until a major battle freed her of that form and she became human.. Now, the poor girl has to maneuver clumsily on legs instead of flying, as well as try to regain her pre-crow memories.
Stumbling upon a confrontation of Shadow people/creatures, she is suddenly thrust into another realm and enters an academy training shadow warriors. Yeah, right! She's a tiny, clumsy new-to- being-on-two-legs-again human with plenty of snark but not much muscle, stamina or fighting skills and they expect her to fight the Xalgrith dark warriors who are trying to take over the realm?! Well, there is an offer of immortality and extra strength and magic, so...better than being a mortal? What the heck, she's going to give it a try...especially since she believes that the four gorgeous shadow men she spied on are her fated mates!
This is a slow burn (since the guys don't believe she could be their Fated Mate even though they are drawn to her) start but with plenty of action, intrigue, and 2 hysterical shadows, Tarlaz and Elgen, who everyone at the academy can see, but for some reason, Shade is the only one who can hear them as well! While the descriptions of Raith, Galen, Knox, and Thane really do them justice in my mind's eye, I am hoping to get more depth and background on them in the next installment to round out their characters more.
Be aware that there are some darker scenes that could be triggers for some readers...but the author does put in a warning.
Well written, catchy storyline that grabs the attention and won't let go. There is a cliff hanger but expected and makes sense at this point. I can't wait to follow Shade on this journey of discovering more about her past...I have a feeling she is a dynamo!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Stumbling upon a confrontation of Shadow people/creatures, she is suddenly thrust into another realm and enters an academy training shadow warriors. Yeah, right! She's a tiny, clumsy new-to- being-on-two-legs-again human with plenty of snark but not much muscle, stamina or fighting skills and they expect her to fight the Xalgrith dark warriors who are trying to take over the realm?! Well, there is an offer of immortality and extra strength and magic, so...better than being a mortal? What the heck, she's going to give it a try...especially since she believes that the four gorgeous shadow men she spied on are her fated mates!
This is a slow burn (since the guys don't believe she could be their Fated Mate even though they are drawn to her) start but with plenty of action, intrigue, and 2 hysterical shadows, Tarlaz and Elgen, who everyone at the academy can see, but for some reason, Shade is the only one who can hear them as well! While the descriptions of Raith, Galen, Knox, and Thane really do them justice in my mind's eye, I am hoping to get more depth and background on them in the next installment to round out their characters more.
Be aware that there are some darker scenes that could be triggers for some readers...but the author does put in a warning.
Well written, catchy storyline that grabs the attention and won't let go. There is a cliff hanger but expected and makes sense at this point. I can't wait to follow Shade on this journey of discovering more about her past...I have a feeling she is a dynamo!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
August 23, 2025
Having spent years cursed as a crow, Shade is hoping to find something to help her regain her memories in the human world. But she much prefers to work through the romance section of the library. Her pastime gets her in trouble when she finds herself locked overnight in the library on a night when shadow warriors come to capture an errant student. When Shade is discovered, she's convinced the four professors are her fated mates. And as her mysterious tattoo is a sign that she is supposed to attend Shadowbone Academy, she agrees to go with the professors to attend the school. But her teachers are confident that she can't be their mate, and Shade is woefully out of her depth in the treacherous school. Can Shade recover her memories before she's killed?
I found this book to be quite enjoyable. Shade may not be very physically capable, but she refuses to let other people get her down. While she's not very willing to work on physical training, she is willing to do what it takes to obtain her own personal goals. She is prone to giving into the men she believes are her mates more than I would like, but she starts to truly start depending on herself and not trusting them by the end of the book.
Unlikely many reverse haram books, the male love interests are extremely conflicted about their possible relationship with Shade. Due to a prophecy, they are convinced that their mate will spell their doom, and they've already made deadly decisions to prevent that future from happening. But their previous actions have had some serious personal repercussions. With an ongoing war drawing nearer and nearer, each professor has to decide who Shade is them and what they are going to do about it.
A Curse So Cruel is an interesting reverse haram with dark academia vibes, somewhat cruel love interests, and a main protagonist refusing to let it all get her down. A fun read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I found this book to be quite enjoyable. Shade may not be very physically capable, but she refuses to let other people get her down. While she's not very willing to work on physical training, she is willing to do what it takes to obtain her own personal goals. She is prone to giving into the men she believes are her mates more than I would like, but she starts to truly start depending on herself and not trusting them by the end of the book.
Unlikely many reverse haram books, the male love interests are extremely conflicted about their possible relationship with Shade. Due to a prophecy, they are convinced that their mate will spell their doom, and they've already made deadly decisions to prevent that future from happening. But their previous actions have had some serious personal repercussions. With an ongoing war drawing nearer and nearer, each professor has to decide who Shade is them and what they are going to do about it.
A Curse So Cruel is an interesting reverse haram with dark academia vibes, somewhat cruel love interests, and a main protagonist refusing to let it all get her down. A fun read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 20, 2025
Shade is a fun character from Mia's Hartson series Game of Psychos. She was stuck in crow form until her friend Blake freed her from her cage. She became Blake's funny sarcastic sidekick (as most sidekicks are) but now it's Shade's turn to shine!
She accidentally eavesdrops on four men threatening someone and finds out they are teachers at a mysterious school. The school selects students with special tattoos, and Shade is their newest recruit.
She's convinced these men are her fated mates, but they don't believe her. One nearly kills her (Knox), the other seems indifferent (Thane), and the remaining two (Galen and Raith) may be more susceptible to the idea.
I struggled a bit to tell the male leads apart. Knox stands out as the one who resists, while his twin Raith leans into everything Knox pushes against. Galen and Thane blurred together at times, their personalities less distinct. Still, their dynamic with Little Shadow was compellingly charged with tension, loyalty, and moments of unexpected warmth that kept me invested.
This made for a quick entertaining read. Shade is probably my favorite character with her inner monologues. She shows a tender sensitive side whenever she's rejected by one her mates and you feel the sting with her. I only wish the author had leaned harder into the angst. I think there’s so much emotional depth waiting to be unraveled.
Shade’s journey feels like it’s just beginning. There’s a sense she’s more than even she realizes, and I’m genuinely excited to watch her grow into whatever truth the next book reveals. I look forward to her bff Blake making an appearance soon too.
Tropes:
-Academy 🏫
-Fated Mates ♥️
-MMFMM
-Slow burn, slow build 🔥
-Spice 🌶️🌶️
-Shadow daddies
-Animal familiars 🦁
-Mean girls
-OWD - refers only to someone that died
She accidentally eavesdrops on four men threatening someone and finds out they are teachers at a mysterious school. The school selects students with special tattoos, and Shade is their newest recruit.
She's convinced these men are her fated mates, but they don't believe her. One nearly kills her (Knox), the other seems indifferent (Thane), and the remaining two (Galen and Raith) may be more susceptible to the idea.
I struggled a bit to tell the male leads apart. Knox stands out as the one who resists, while his twin Raith leans into everything Knox pushes against. Galen and Thane blurred together at times, their personalities less distinct. Still, their dynamic with Little Shadow was compellingly charged with tension, loyalty, and moments of unexpected warmth that kept me invested.
This made for a quick entertaining read. Shade is probably my favorite character with her inner monologues. She shows a tender sensitive side whenever she's rejected by one her mates and you feel the sting with her. I only wish the author had leaned harder into the angst. I think there’s so much emotional depth waiting to be unraveled.
Shade’s journey feels like it’s just beginning. There’s a sense she’s more than even she realizes, and I’m genuinely excited to watch her grow into whatever truth the next book reveals. I look forward to her bff Blake making an appearance soon too.
Tropes:
-Academy 🏫
-Fated Mates ♥️
-MMFMM
-Slow burn, slow build 🔥
-Spice 🌶️🌶️
-Shadow daddies
-Animal familiars 🦁
-Mean girls
-OWD - refers only to someone that died
April 1, 2026
A Curse So Cruel was such a chaotic, addictive ride in the best way. New author for me and I was hooked almost immediately.
Shade is exactly the kind of FMC I love. Zero tact, clumsy, unfiltered, and armed with a razor sharp wit and a dark sense of humour that genuinely had me laughing out loud. The banter in this is elite. Dry, sarcastic, perfectly timed, and elevated even further by the narration.
Academy romances can start to feel a bit copy paste, but this one stands out. Instead of the usual polished magic school, we’re thrown into a shadow war academy with shadow magic, shadow politics, and a whole lot of chaos. It feels darker, stranger, and far more unhinged in a way that works.
And yes… that lecture scene. Unhinged. Hot. Ridiculous. Memorable.
What I really appreciated was how the book leans into its tropes while also poking fun at them. Mean girls, the best friend roommate, all there but self aware. Shade calling things out as a smut reader who is fully aware of the genre adds a layer that feels fresh and clever.
The pacing is strong. One of those audiobooks where you hit play and suddenly you’re several hours in wondering where your day went.
The narration is a huge standout. Multi cast, dual style with three narrators, and they bring so much life to each POV. Occasionally a touch overacted, but overall a really high quality, immersive production.
Book one lays solid groundwork. World building, character dynamics, shadow systems, and just enough breadcrumbs about Shade’s identity, her missing memories, and the wider plot to keep you hooked.
Fast, funny, a little feral, and incredibly easy to binge. Now I just need book two on audio immediately.
*A massive thank you to the author for sending me an ALC and introducing em to her work!
Shade is exactly the kind of FMC I love. Zero tact, clumsy, unfiltered, and armed with a razor sharp wit and a dark sense of humour that genuinely had me laughing out loud. The banter in this is elite. Dry, sarcastic, perfectly timed, and elevated even further by the narration.
Academy romances can start to feel a bit copy paste, but this one stands out. Instead of the usual polished magic school, we’re thrown into a shadow war academy with shadow magic, shadow politics, and a whole lot of chaos. It feels darker, stranger, and far more unhinged in a way that works.
And yes… that lecture scene. Unhinged. Hot. Ridiculous. Memorable.
What I really appreciated was how the book leans into its tropes while also poking fun at them. Mean girls, the best friend roommate, all there but self aware. Shade calling things out as a smut reader who is fully aware of the genre adds a layer that feels fresh and clever.
The pacing is strong. One of those audiobooks where you hit play and suddenly you’re several hours in wondering where your day went.
The narration is a huge standout. Multi cast, dual style with three narrators, and they bring so much life to each POV. Occasionally a touch overacted, but overall a really high quality, immersive production.
Book one lays solid groundwork. World building, character dynamics, shadow systems, and just enough breadcrumbs about Shade’s identity, her missing memories, and the wider plot to keep you hooked.
Fast, funny, a little feral, and incredibly easy to binge. Now I just need book two on audio immediately.
*A massive thank you to the author for sending me an ALC and introducing em to her work!
September 1, 2025
Blake and Shade's relationship in the Game of Psychos series was by far the most entertaining thing I've ever read. I loved the type of bond they formed and how easily they bounced witty comments back and forth between each other, so to see Shade get a book of her own, I couldn't be happier.
What I love about Shade in this book is that what you see is what you get. This isn't an overpowered fmc that starts out with massive strength from the get go. She's clumsy, her tongue is sometimes faster than her brain, she has a very poor sense of direction, and she has a deep love for smutty books. She isn't your typical fmc, but she sure is lovable and she is sure to keep you wanting for more.
I have a huge feeling that with some time Shade's powers will develop into something more, especially as whatever block she seems to have on them is released, but I think a lot will have to happen to get there. This first book took her through so much already and I know she's going to have much more in store for her. More eyes are on her, her safety will be at risk, and time is of the essence before she, along with many other unprepared classmates, will be forced to fight in a war that we still don't even know much about. There are a lot of questions that I want answered, many that we probably won't find out answers to anytime soon, and many that I fear will have very sad backstories and reasons for why they occurred. Even though I've been looking forward to learning more about Shade's backstory and what all happened to her pre-crow, I'm slightly worried about the amount of betrayal that I predict happened to put her in that position to begin with. I hope Blake gets big mad at all the people that hurt her bestie.
What I love about Shade in this book is that what you see is what you get. This isn't an overpowered fmc that starts out with massive strength from the get go. She's clumsy, her tongue is sometimes faster than her brain, she has a very poor sense of direction, and she has a deep love for smutty books. She isn't your typical fmc, but she sure is lovable and she is sure to keep you wanting for more.
I have a huge feeling that with some time Shade's powers will develop into something more, especially as whatever block she seems to have on them is released, but I think a lot will have to happen to get there. This first book took her through so much already and I know she's going to have much more in store for her. More eyes are on her, her safety will be at risk, and time is of the essence before she, along with many other unprepared classmates, will be forced to fight in a war that we still don't even know much about. There are a lot of questions that I want answered, many that we probably won't find out answers to anytime soon, and many that I fear will have very sad backstories and reasons for why they occurred. Even though I've been looking forward to learning more about Shade's backstory and what all happened to her pre-crow, I'm slightly worried about the amount of betrayal that I predict happened to put her in that position to begin with. I hope Blake gets big mad at all the people that hurt her bestie.
August 29, 2025
Dear Mia Hartson,
Today marks the day I must begin incessantly begging you for the sequel; it cannot be helped. You have been warned!
Impatiently Waiting,
Your Ravenous Reader
P.S. Write fast! 😝
In all seriousness, I loved finally getting my grubby little hands on Shade's story. Once Blake's story ended, I hoped for some answers to my questions about Shade. While many of those questions are still not answered in this book (if anything, the questions have doubled now), I am beyond excited to read the next book. I do have a few suspicions to Shade's background, and I look forward to seeing if I am right.
Shade is still the same sassy, sarcastic and funny character, even as a human. Reading her fascination with monster smut in the first chapter alone brought me back into the wonderful action-packed world I missed from Blake's trilogy. Romance lovers are going to immediately say "girl, me too" when they see Shade smelling the pages of a book and getting lost in a fictional world. She's an easy character to connect with and root for. Crow curse aside, Shade is incredibly relatable at times.
Typical of Shade, I did want to shake her because of her behavior towards the end; she seems to let her pride (and a healthy dose of miscommunication) get in her way. Other than that, I solidly like three of her four mates, although the fourth is growing on me as I can see he means well at times. We get some spice here, but it's a straight up teasing compared to a main course of smut scenes. I cannot wait for the full 🌶️!
I had the opportunity to receive a copy of this book via the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Today marks the day I must begin incessantly begging you for the sequel; it cannot be helped. You have been warned!
Impatiently Waiting,
Your Ravenous Reader
P.S. Write fast! 😝
In all seriousness, I loved finally getting my grubby little hands on Shade's story. Once Blake's story ended, I hoped for some answers to my questions about Shade. While many of those questions are still not answered in this book (if anything, the questions have doubled now), I am beyond excited to read the next book. I do have a few suspicions to Shade's background, and I look forward to seeing if I am right.
Shade is still the same sassy, sarcastic and funny character, even as a human. Reading her fascination with monster smut in the first chapter alone brought me back into the wonderful action-packed world I missed from Blake's trilogy. Romance lovers are going to immediately say "girl, me too" when they see Shade smelling the pages of a book and getting lost in a fictional world. She's an easy character to connect with and root for. Crow curse aside, Shade is incredibly relatable at times.
Typical of Shade, I did want to shake her because of her behavior towards the end; she seems to let her pride (and a healthy dose of miscommunication) get in her way. Other than that, I solidly like three of her four mates, although the fourth is growing on me as I can see he means well at times. We get some spice here, but it's a straight up teasing compared to a main course of smut scenes. I cannot wait for the full 🌶️!
I had the opportunity to receive a copy of this book via the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 23, 2026
From 4 to 3 to 2.5 stars
This just got worse and worse.
I really liked the first third of this book. Even though I had no idea what all the "crow" nonsense was about (this is book is part of 2 interconnecting series) and the other series is referenced a lot. The h (Shade) is not a badass, but she leans into "the fool" role really well. And manages to do it in a way that’s not demeaning or weak. She got the better of her mates (Thane, Raith, Knox, Galen) with her weird, impulsive, overshare nature.
Unfortunately the last two thirds of the book are full of repeating thoughts and lots of stalling. The h gets weaker, a lot less funny, and starts making pussy driven decisions. The men pass her around like a posable sex doll (once you realize how little she moves on her own around them you can't unrealize it). Her inner monologue is about them too. No goals, no plans, just them. Her backstory/personality is "I like libraries" and “I have memory loss.” All the crow stuff from the other series is a special torture device just for us, the h only ever thinks about it, she refuses to actually tell anyone in this whole gd book.
Then the aww hell nos started piling up:
❌ The useless professors issue. Wherein we have harem men who are school authority figures, that hardly teach but stare and grope a lot. Without a work ethic and some professional integrity the student/professor thing doesn't work.
❌ The h dropping every trope from every romance book out loud irl was cute once or twice, then became deeply cringe. She says “shadow daddy” more than 'the'. She asks the mean girl if she's a mean girl trope. Uh... this book won’t age well.
❌ More on that topic, I hate romance authors who keep trying to insert their career into their books. Get a life.
❌The problem with centuries-old brotherhoods. Meanwhile the h is a 22yo ditz who won’t stop talking about being a crow, couldn't fight a feeling-let alone an opponent, and never does anything right. I should be used to this by now in RH/PNR but it gets so old, seeing how sidelined and unimportant the leading women are in these stories. Whatever happened to two (or more) equal or like-minded people, wanting a relationship, meeting organically and falling in love?
This just got worse and worse.
I really liked the first third of this book. Even though I had no idea what all the "crow" nonsense was about (this is book is part of 2 interconnecting series) and the other series is referenced a lot. The h (Shade) is not a badass, but she leans into "the fool" role really well. And manages to do it in a way that’s not demeaning or weak. She got the better of her mates (Thane, Raith, Knox, Galen) with her weird, impulsive, overshare nature.
Unfortunately the last two thirds of the book are full of repeating thoughts and lots of stalling. The h gets weaker, a lot less funny, and starts making pussy driven decisions. The men pass her around like a posable sex doll (once you realize how little she moves on her own around them you can't unrealize it). Her inner monologue is about them too. No goals, no plans, just them. Her backstory/personality is "I like libraries" and “I have memory loss.” All the crow stuff from the other series is a special torture device just for us, the h only ever thinks about it, she refuses to actually tell anyone in this whole gd book.
Then the aww hell nos started piling up:
❌ The useless professors issue. Wherein we have harem men who are school authority figures, that hardly teach but stare and grope a lot. Without a work ethic and some professional integrity the student/professor thing doesn't work.
❌ The h dropping every trope from every romance book out loud irl was cute once or twice, then became deeply cringe. She says “shadow daddy” more than 'the'. She asks the mean girl if she's a mean girl trope. Uh... this book won’t age well.
❌ More on that topic, I hate romance authors who keep trying to insert their career into their books. Get a life.
❌The problem with centuries-old brotherhoods. Meanwhile the h is a 22yo ditz who won’t stop talking about being a crow, couldn't fight a feeling-let alone an opponent, and never does anything right. I should be used to this by now in RH/PNR but it gets so old, seeing how sidelined and unimportant the leading women are in these stories. Whatever happened to two (or more) equal or like-minded people, wanting a relationship, meeting organically and falling in love?
January 27, 2026
This was phenomenal.
You’ve got the best of everything and then some:
- fated mates
- shadow daddies (not one, not two, not three, but FOUR smoking hot shadow daddies)
- a hilarious, badass FMC who is likeable and relatable
- a solid plot
- a funny and sweet partner in crime BFF
- bonded shadow pets
This is basically like if ACOTAR, blood of Hercules and fourth wing had a baby, but that baby was a model and absolute perfection.
I had an absolute blast reading this one and it pulls you in immediately. The pacing is perfect, the characters are well written, the banter is spot on and the complexities in the plot and the realms make things interesting without being confusing or a lot to try to keep track of at once.
I love the friendship between Kenzie and Shade, the two are just two peas in a pod and the way they lean on and support each other, the kindness and empathy is just chefs kiss.
The four shadow daddy fated mates are different from each other in so many ways but the banter they have with her is just incredibly done. You can feel the chemistry with her and them every time. I loved Galen and Raith’s hilarious banter with each other and the way they joked around with Shade. Knox is your classic extremely grumpy, very broody, tortured shadow daddy who undoubtedly will be the biggest heart of gold. Thane is just giving the best golden retriever vibes.
The cliffhanger is brutal and I need that second book ASAP to get answers.
♾️⭐️
2.5🌶️
You’ve got the best of everything and then some:
- fated mates
- shadow daddies (not one, not two, not three, but FOUR smoking hot shadow daddies)
- a hilarious, badass FMC who is likeable and relatable
- a solid plot
- a funny and sweet partner in crime BFF
- bonded shadow pets
This is basically like if ACOTAR, blood of Hercules and fourth wing had a baby, but that baby was a model and absolute perfection.
I had an absolute blast reading this one and it pulls you in immediately. The pacing is perfect, the characters are well written, the banter is spot on and the complexities in the plot and the realms make things interesting without being confusing or a lot to try to keep track of at once.
I love the friendship between Kenzie and Shade, the two are just two peas in a pod and the way they lean on and support each other, the kindness and empathy is just chefs kiss.
The four shadow daddy fated mates are different from each other in so many ways but the banter they have with her is just incredibly done. You can feel the chemistry with her and them every time. I loved Galen and Raith’s hilarious banter with each other and the way they joked around with Shade. Knox is your classic extremely grumpy, very broody, tortured shadow daddy who undoubtedly will be the biggest heart of gold. Thane is just giving the best golden retriever vibes.
The cliffhanger is brutal and I need that second book ASAP to get answers.
♾️⭐️
2.5🌶️
September 4, 2025
Mia Heartstone has done it again—this book had me hooked from page one. FOUR shadow daddies, forbidden student/professor tension, and a heroine who proudly reads smut? I was cackling and swooning the whole way through. Shade, our feathered friend turned human, is pure chaotic fun—her snark had me dying. The guys? Total alphaholes at first (looking at you, Knox), but Galen and Raith definitely grew on me.
The world-building is dark, magical, and deliciously twisted—shadow creatures, talking shadows, and rings I desperately want for myself. Add in war, prophecy, and mean girls from hell, and you’ve got pure addictive chaos. I’m obsessed and already desperate for the next book.
This book is a trope lover’s dream. The academy setting, a full professor harem, forbidden romance, a hidden past, and a juicy prophecy driving it all forward. Add in fated mates, “touch her and die” energy, and some delicious MM action, and you’ve got the perfect storm. With cool shadow magic, dangerous secrets, and tension at every turn, A Curse So Cruel is impossible to put down. If you love these tropes, grab this one—and don’t forget to check out Game of Psychos for even more Shade.
I received this as an ARC copy.
The world-building is dark, magical, and deliciously twisted—shadow creatures, talking shadows, and rings I desperately want for myself. Add in war, prophecy, and mean girls from hell, and you’ve got pure addictive chaos. I’m obsessed and already desperate for the next book.
This book is a trope lover’s dream. The academy setting, a full professor harem, forbidden romance, a hidden past, and a juicy prophecy driving it all forward. Add in fated mates, “touch her and die” energy, and some delicious MM action, and you’ve got the perfect storm. With cool shadow magic, dangerous secrets, and tension at every turn, A Curse So Cruel is impossible to put down. If you love these tropes, grab this one—and don’t forget to check out Game of Psychos for even more Shade.
I received this as an ARC copy.
March 20, 2026
Tricky, tricky this book.
It is an interesting storyline, with our FMC, Shade, being an adorably naive girl who is just trying to sort through life after losing her memories (and being a crow). The MMCs actually were well built and I didn't have a hard time recognizing each of their voices. There are a lot of elements that I found super unique and interesting!
The magic system/world building is where my rating started to drop. World building was there, but it wasn't expanded on enough beyond a literal oral explanation. In a history classroom. Come on now, that is a little bit of a cheat to it. Didn't hate it but it did feel like an info dump to try to explain things without dedicating more words to it.
The other star dropping is that there were way too many elements setup to be discussed in later books. There was no sly teasing, it was super blatant that "hey this thing that I am making very clear is important will come up again." It took away a lot of the suspense, and in a way made it more predictable.
It is a good read and I will probably be reading the next book, I just wish the story was a little more evenly spread and there was more focus on the current story rather than how it could expand in the future.
It is an interesting storyline, with our FMC, Shade, being an adorably naive girl who is just trying to sort through life after losing her memories (and being a crow). The MMCs actually were well built and I didn't have a hard time recognizing each of their voices. There are a lot of elements that I found super unique and interesting!
The magic system/world building is where my rating started to drop. World building was there, but it wasn't expanded on enough beyond a literal oral explanation. In a history classroom. Come on now, that is a little bit of a cheat to it. Didn't hate it but it did feel like an info dump to try to explain things without dedicating more words to it.
The other star dropping is that there were way too many elements setup to be discussed in later books. There was no sly teasing, it was super blatant that "hey this thing that I am making very clear is important will come up again." It took away a lot of the suspense, and in a way made it more predictable.
It is a good read and I will probably be reading the next book, I just wish the story was a little more evenly spread and there was more focus on the current story rather than how it could expand in the future.
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