Since I read The Ever King the other day I was intrigued by the story of Livia’s parents. So I began their trilogy. And while this story is interesting (and the audio good enough), I’m not yet sold on this series nor the author’s talent of storytelling. It was a bit slow going tbh. Of course, with me having read the spin-off first, the big plot twist came as no surprise to me but I tried to not let it influence my judgement. Ritual Baths: Taking ritual baths infused with cleansing herbs, salts, or essential oils can help wash away negative energy and break the curse’s effects. Visualize the water purifying your body, mind, and spirit as you immerse yourself in the healing waters. Isolation and Alienation: Under the curse of shadows and thorns’s influence, the individual may feel increasingly isolated from others. Relationships may suffer, leading to a sense of loneliness and an inability to connect with loved ones or find support. The Curse of Shadows and Thorns is characterized by an aura of darkness and despair, emanating from the intertwining malevolent forces of shadows and thorns that shroud the affected realm in perpetual twilight. Its corruptive influence seeps into the hearts of its inhabitants, magnifying negative emotions and fostering an atmosphere of distrust.

The once-vibrant golden apples of the cursed tree metamorphose into symbols of affliction and suffering, reflecting the curse’s power to taint even the most life-giving elements. The Curse of Shadows and Thorns effects are mirrored in afflicted characters who represent a spectrum of human emotions, showcasing its ability to amplify inner struggles. Yet, amidst its darkness, the curse becomes a canvas for themes of redemption and compassion, as the hero’s journey to break its hold highlights the transformative potential of connection and the triumph of inner light over pervasive shadows. The Book of Shadows Breaking the Curse of Shadows and Thorns Energy Healing and Rebalancing: Explore energy healing modalities such as Reiki, acupuncture, or sound healing. These practices aim to rebalance and restore the body’s energy flow, potentially aiding in breaking the curse’s hold and promoting overall well-being.

Publication Order of Dragon Mage Books

We’ve seen this done many times before and I’m sad to say… we’ve seen it done better. So nothing new, nothing all that exciting happening here and EXTREMELY predictable. Like, didn’t even try to hide it at all. Seek Divine Intervention: Call upon spiritual or religious figures associated with light, healing, and protection. Engage in prayer, meditation, or rituals that align with your beliefs, seeking their intervention to counteract the curse of shadows and thorns’s influence. The Hero’s Journey Enter the protagonist, a young and courageous hero named Elara. Fated to confront the curse and redeem the garden, Elara embarks on a quest fraught with challenges. Her journey takes her through treacherous landscapes, where she encounters characters afflicted by the curse. Each encounter reveals a layer of the curse’s malevolence and sets the stage for redemption. Curse of Shadows and Thorns” is the first novel in the “Broken Kingdoms” series and was released in 2021. A curse with no end, a bargain between enemies, and a love which will bring a kingdom to its knees. I am not sure what the title means to the story as neither court really used Ice or Ash…but overall from a storyline perspective this sequel was better than the first book, but I’m a little underwhelmed and feel this is more a 3.5 than a solid 4 that book 1 was.

The ending was surprising! I love it when books suprise me like this and have a lot it things that you didn’t see coming.We have Elise, a princess who doesn’t like to follow the rules, she’s cunning, witty and brave. She’s your typical female lead. Prayer and Affirmations: Engaging in prayers, affirmations, or mantras focused on breaking the curse and invoking positive energies can be a powerful practice. This can involve reciting specific prayers or creating personalized affirmations that affirm your intention to release the curse’s grip and invite positive change into your life. The Triumph of Light In a climactic moment, as the sorceress’s heart softens and her remorse becomes evident, the shadows and thorns begin to dissipate. The golden essence at the core of the tree re-emerges, bathing the garden in renewed radiance. The curse is broken, and the enchanted creatures regain hope. Elara’s journey and sacrifice become a beacon of inspiration, illustrating the power of redemption and transformation.

The plot also really doesn’t go anywhere, it’s almost like most of this could have just been added to book 1 (to make it longer than it was) and made this a duology, instead of have us suffer through a book with “middle book syndrome.” When a coup upends the kingdom, Elise flees with Legion, only to discover he holds more secrets than anyone. Unknowingly, Elise sets in motion a beastly curse Legion has endured as long as he can remember. Heightened Sensitivity to Darkness: Those under the curse of shadows and thorns may have an intensified aversion or discomfort around darkness or shadows. They may feel an overwhelming presence of darkness, even in well-lit environments, or experience a heightened sensitivity to eerie or foreboding atmospheres.The Path to Redemption: The hero, often named in the legends as Elara, sets forth on an odyssey that mirrors the garden’s transformation—from light to darkness and, ultimately, to redemption. Elara’s encounters with the cursed inhabitants serve as mirrors reflecting the deeper aspects of human nature—fear, anger, regret, and the potential for change. Through compassion and unwavering determination, Elara seeks to understand and heal those afflicted by the curse. His hair was paler like Timorans, my people. But his skin and eyes glimmered with the unique dark shade of Ettans, the people mine enslaved during the raids.” As niece of the king, Elise Lysander cares about two things: sneaking into gambling dens, and avoiding an advantageous marriage at all costs.