Book review of The Kingdom Cursed by Iron

In Zara Storm's The Kingdom Cursed by Iron (The Gold Weaver), a heartbroken protagonist flees a treacherous faerie court only to be forcibly returned by her captor, the dark Fae Prince Ruskin. Bound by a past deal, she's tasked with awakening the cursed Queen Evanthe, a mission that intertwines with a sinister plot threatening the land. As the protagonist uncovers the iron-soaked curse, she discovers a hidden magic within herself, a power inextricably linked to Ruskin. Their dangerous relationship, fraught with manipulation and undeniable attraction, becomes central to breaking the curse, even as his secrets jeopardize their survival and the fate of the kingdom. This captivating tale of betrayal, forbidden love, and magical discovery promises a thrilling journey into a dark and beautiful faerie realm.

Paperback 17.99 USD

4.3 / 690 ratings

Review The Kingdom Cursed by Iron

Wow, "The Kingdom Cursed by Iron" completely swept me away! I dove into this second installment of Zara Storm's Gold Weaver series with high expectations, and honestly, they were more than met. From the very first page, I was hooked by Eleanor and Ruskin's complicated relationship – the simmering tension, the undeniable attraction battling against a backdrop of betrayal and secrets, kept me utterly captivated. It's the kind of relationship that’s both frustrating and exhilarating, leaving you constantly guessing where things will land.

The plot itself is a masterclass in suspense. Storm expertly weaves together political intrigue, a looming magical threat, and a deeply personal quest for Eleanor to uncover her own powers, all while keeping the pacing brisk and engaging. There were moments where I genuinely gasped out loud – unexpected twists that completely shifted the narrative, leaving me desperate to turn the page and discover what happened next. The sheer cliffhanger at the end? Brutal! I immediately started the third book because I simply couldn’t bear the thought of waiting.

While the book certainly utilizes some familiar fantasy romance tropes – the dark prince, the reluctant heroine, the forbidden love – Storm handles them with skill and nuance. The characters aren't simply archetypes; they’re complex individuals with flaws, motivations, and compelling arcs. I found myself invested in their journeys, even when they frustrated me (and let’s be honest, Eleanor’s stubbornness tested my patience at times!). The supporting characters, too, are vividly drawn and contribute meaningfully to the overall narrative. I especially appreciated how the author allowed several characters to grow and evolve, showing introspection and a willingness to confront their past actions.

Some readers mentioned a slower pace in certain parts, and I can see how that might be the case, particularly compared to the breakneck speed of the action-packed climax. However, I felt those slower moments were necessary to develop the characters and world-building further. They allowed for more emotional depth and intimacy, which is crucial in a story like this that prioritizes romance along with the high-stakes fantasy elements. The world itself felt incredibly real; Storm’s descriptive writing brought the faerie courts – both the breathtaking beauty and the insidious darkness – to life. I could almost feel the chill of the Unseelie court and the vibrant energy of the Seelie court.

While some felt the steamy romance aspect was less prominent than in the first book, I actually appreciated this shift. The focus was more on the development of Eleanor and Ruskin’s relationship, moving beyond the initial attraction to explore the complexities of trust, forgiveness, and navigating a dangerous political landscape together. That said, the romantic tension remains palpable throughout, adding another layer of emotional intensity to an already gripping narrative. Overall, "The Kingdom Cursed by Iron" is a fantastic read – a captivating blend of fantasy, romance, and thrilling adventure that left me breathless, emotionally invested, and desperate for the next book. Highly recommended!

Information

• Dimensions: 6 x 0.75 x 9 inches
• Language: English
• Print length: 362
• Publication date: 2025
• Publisher: Relay Publishing

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