Reviews

A Curse of Queens by Amanda Bouchet

thisinkedodyssey's review against another edition

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4.0

RTC!!! honestly watch out for this one

cg_13's review against another edition

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slow-paced

3.0

chricelle's review

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Didn’t feel like reading it after reading the first four books. Might pick up again later on. 

spinmeyouryarns's review against another edition

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3.0

It was a joy to rejoin these characters, though it makes me sad to see how things change (no spoilers here). The story took awhile to get started, but was fun once it did. Jo and Flynn didn’t quite do it for me as much as Cat and Griffin, though I’m happy they got the ending they did.

I’m happy the author opened up the series to new storylines. I’m excited to see where we go next!!!

alexandra_92's review against another edition

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5.0

I received an e-ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Full review and fangirling can be found on *Milky Way of Books*

I am not a person to usually boast things? But boy am I going to boast about this just one time! :D
I had the incredible luck to help Amanda Bouchet by offering tidbits of my knowledge on Greek mythology as part of both my uni curriculum and because I am Greek. Plus some words and endearments you will read when this book comes out, will stay with you and yes we have pretty damn amazing words for "my heart".

Fangirling and boasting aside, the next installment of the Kingmaker Chronicles brings you back to the world of Thalyria where Greeks gods are alive and influence politics and kingdoms, and a quest to save the Queen leads my lovebirds Flynn and Jocasta to a quest to a certain witch's island.

I dove into the book without actually reading the summary, that much I wanted to discover what could happen between those two characters from the previous trilogy had intrigued me. Jocasta is a healer whose dedication and hard work make her a very fine example of a strong woman and Flynn my man whose loyalty is strong to a fault and he feels too much to even form words at times.

The story takes us to a quest across Thalyria with monsters along the way and a conspiracy that may tear their world apart. Along with Jocasta and Flynn we also have Carver and Bellanca as also the Titan Prometheus. The banter and dialogue between them was a very welcome distraction from the slow burn romance between Jocasta and Flynn as their quest took more and more dangerous paths.

If you love Greek mythology and want to immerse into this world I do recommend reading first the other 3 books of the series. Definitely recommended!

romancelibrary's review against another edition

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4.0

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

A Curse of Queens is the 4th book in the Kingmaker Chronicles and I recommend reading the original trilogy first so you don't miss out on Flynn and Jocasta's romantic build up. I've been pining for Flynn and Jocasta from the beginning and I'm so happy that the author wrote their story. 

Jocasta has always been in love with Flynn, her brother's best friend. Flynn and Jocasta were also friends, but one impulsive act completely changed their dynamic 6 years ago. And now things are strained and awkward between them. But what they don't know is that the pining is actually mutual. When the queen Cat gets cursed, Flynn and Jocasta are forced to go on a quest together to find a cure.

OMG the mutual pining and angst killed me!!! 😩 If y'all love a pining hero, then this book is for you 😩 The way Flynn pines...Lord, have mercy 😩 He wants Jocasta so much that he thinks he's going to die from the wanting 🥺 This is how I like my pining heroes 🤌🏽 It's an absolute treat being inside Flynn's head. He pines so hard for Jocasta, but he holds himself back.  His backstory is incredibly heartbreaking. This is one of those rare moments where I can actually understand why Flynn fights his feelings for Jocasta. I empathize with Flynn so much and I can understand why he's so scared of taking that step with Jocasta. 

A Curse of Queens is slow-paced in terms of plot, especially when compared to the original trilogy. This book is more character-driven and relationship-driven. The plot takes a backseat to the relationship and character growth. I personally didn't mind because I truly enjoyed Flynn and Jocasta as individual characters and as a couple. The author does an incredible job writing Flynn's emotional growth - it takes time for him to lower his walls completely and come face to face with his fears. Jocasta's journey is also very well-written as she finally saves the day and achieves her dreams. 

The quest itself doesn't actually begin until the third act at the 70% mark. The journey leading to the quest takes a lot more space that I had originally expected. The pacing and structure is a bit weird and unconventional. There is also a lack of proper transition between acts. Ultimately, I think it all comes down to the author's writing style because I had the same issues with the previous books in this series. Despite the quest happening so late in the story, it somehow worked out all right. It didn't feel rushed at all. I really liked the climax because it perfectly aligned with Jocasta, with who she is, and with her overall strengths. Instead of forcing a physical battle on Jocasta, the author wrote a climax that fits Jocasta's personality and strengths.

My only complaint about the romance is the low steam 😭 I needed more steam 😭 It's not fair that Cat and Griffin got all the steamy scenes, but the author held out on Flynn and Jocasta ugh. I really enjoyed the romance, but I am still disappointed with the low steam. After all the pining and angst, I really needed the payoff to be steamier.

The ending is phenomenal and I'm so excited for the next couple's story!!! I hope we get some Flynn and Jocasta scenes in the next book, but I highly doubt it.

mindylou's review against another edition

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5.0

This book has me so excited for more in this series. SO MUCH gets revealed towards the end and I can not wait! The beginning of this book was a bit slow. I was used to Cat and Griffin's books that had action from the first chapter on. You don't get that in this book. It comes, just not right away. Believe me the end makes up for it in a big way. This book does conclude Jocasta and Flynn's story, but I have no doubts we will keep seeing them in more books. There is just too much revealed at the end to not see this whole group of characters coming back for more. I don't want to spoil a thing so I'm going to leave this right here and pray the next book comes soon!

wiesi_wiesi's review against another edition

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3.0

I liked it - however it did not really grip my attention.... the love story was VERY cute though - having a grown-a** man worry about his inexperience just DOES something, you know?

The story was solid and enjoyable to read, but I also never had the feeling I could not put the book down. I really liked being in the world again and getting to know some of the characters better and the craziness of Greek mythology never disappoints

_vicki_reads_'s review against another edition

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3.0

"Because loss really never left you. New beginnings also meant endings. Hope was what you found on the other side of suffering. And life was good, but it would never be the same."

3.6/5

mizunotsubasa's review against another edition

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4.0

Mm will there be another book.