A Charming Start to the "Cursed Fae" Series: My Thoughts on Cold Hearted by Leia Stone and Julie Hall
There are days when a cozy, enchanting read is all you crave—a whimsical adventure filled with magic, mystery, and a dash of romance. That’s exactly what drew me to Cold Hearted by Leia Stone and Julie Hall. As the first book in the Cursed Fae series, it promised just the right mix of excitement and sweetness, ideal for a light escape. I dove in, and while the experience was filled with enjoyable moments, I found myself navigating the dual currents of charm and certain disconnects that I want to share.
Dawn, our spirited female protagonist, is born into a royal family with a singular—yet chilling—destiny: to travel to a mirror realm and eliminate an Ethereum Lord to save her kingdom. This high-stakes mission quickly becomes complicated when she’s captured by Zander, a dashing royal guard with secrets of his own, and they find themselves sharing not just a perilous journey but also a single horse. Their dynamics created a delightful blend of tension and chemistry, embodying the best of the enemies-to-lovers trope.
What I particularly appreciated was the dual POV structure, allowing readers to distinctly feel the characters’ struggles, motivations, and desires. It’s refreshing to see both Dawn and Zander grappling with their secrets and emerging vulnerabilities. While intriguing, the plot itself didn’t deviate much from familiar fantasy formulas. However, the writing kept me engaged; I found the prose well-crafted, with dialogue peppered with both humor and heartfelt moments that felt authentic.
The pacing of Cold Hearted was spot-on; at just 288 pages, it offered a swift yet satisfying adventure, with little downtime to pull me away from the unfolding story. From the moment I turned the first page, the action started immediately, allowing me to zoom through the book in a short sitting—a perfect palate cleanser between heavier reads.
However, amidst the whimsical elements, there was a recurring theme regarding virginity that left me pondering. While I respect individual choices surrounding sexuality, I felt uneasy about the implications of a woman’s worth being measured by her v-card status. It’s a discussion many readers might resonate with, especially those who’ve encountered similar narratives. While this theme isn’t central to the plot, it does invite reflection, and I found it necessary to address.
Despite some reservations, I’m eager to continue the series. The preview for Faint Hearted hinted at deeper representation that could enrich the world-building and enhance the reading experience. I’m hopeful the second installment will continue to tug at those threads while expanding the narrative in new directions.
Overall, if you’re a fan of light fantasy with charming twists, a touch of romance, and characters who wrestle through magical dilemmas, Cold Hearted will likely delight you. It may not be the most original journey, but it’s one that offers warmth and an entertaining read. This book is perfect for those times when you want to escape into a delightful world without heavy emotional weight. Thank you to the authors and The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC. This review reflects my honest thoughts, and I can’t wait to see where the Cursed Fae series takes us next!
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