Of Kingdoms and Curses

I am unwell after finishing this. I don't know where to start.. This amazing novel is a debut by author Amy Woodruff and you wouldn't have ever known when reading this. Of Kingdoms and Curses is not at all what it seems to be. There's a tournament, trials, fae, witches, magic, and so many secrets. Thank you so much to NetGalley and Owl City Press for the ARC of this amazing book, I am so glad to be able to rave about Of Kingdoms and Curses.

We follow our FMC Bridget Adam's, who is a ward to Cora, the head Witch of the Virgo Coven. Bridget doesn't have any memories of Before she woke up one day. When she recovered she only had three things: a necklace, a note, and her name. She knew that she wasn't meant to be with the Coven so she keeps trying to escape. She gets a chance when the Coven is attacked by the Prince, but Cora catches her before she can get far. Cora and Bridget escape and go to the captial where there is a Tournament held to find the Prince a bride. Cora coerces Bridget into entering the tournament to gather information.. this tournament is won by the woman with the strongest magical abilities. Now, Bridget is completely human, she has no magic! But she enters the tournament and this is the start of her story...

I had such a great time reading Of Kingdoms and Curses. This had me giggling, gasping, and tearing up. The writing was incredible for being a debut novel, with the style being easy to read yet descriptive. The world building was nicely incorporated into the dialogues or monologues, it didn't feel like I was being info dumped. There were times I didn't even notice there was plot building happening in a conversation because it happened so smoothly. It is setting in a modern urban / fantasy mix.. really hard to explain but the author does an amazing job letting us understand the time/place setting.

I would say this book is a mix of The Selection series with the competition for the Prince but with trials like in Fourth Wing (no dragons). I really recommend this book if you are looking for a swoon worthy romantasy with no spice.

I will be picking up the next book because after that ending!?!? I either need the next book today or financial compensation because I am UNWELL