Book Review: Cursed Dragon (Creatures of the Otherworld, #6) by Brogan Thomas
As I embarked on my journey with Cursed Dragon, I felt a spark of excitement mixed with a tad of frustration—why, oh why, hadn’t I picked up a Brogan Thomas book sooner? This vibrant entry in the Creatures of the Otherworld series is a standalone, which allowed me to dive right in, and I have to admit, my only regret after finishing it was that I hadn’t experienced more of Thomas’s work before! Imagine my surprise and delight when I found myself utterly absorbed in Kricket’s world, a captivating blend of magic, struggle, and unparalleled character growth.
Cursed Dragon introduces us to Kricket, a retail worker ensnared in a web of magical restrictions due to the "taint" of Dragon blood flowing through her veins. From the very first page, I could feel her frustration radiating off the page; it was palpable and relatable. Kricket is not your typical heroine—she’s not a conformist, and her incredible skills at charm-making are both a blessing and a curse. As she navigates her challenges, particularly during a chaotic invasion of her supposedly safe town, I was right there with her, feeling the weight of her trials and victories.
The pacing of the story is thrilling, and Thomas’s writing style kept me glued to my seat. There’s a wonderful ease to her narrative, and her talent for depicting relatable, multi-dimensional characters shone through every encounter. I found Kricket’s journey to be profoundly satisfying; her growth from a troubled individual restricted by her circumstances to a powerful figure embracing her true potential takes center stage. I couldn’t help but cheer for her as she faced challenges that would have broken many.
One character who left an indelible mark on my heart was Soren, the gargoyle peacekeeper—his tough exterior hides a comforting soul, and I loved every moment spent learning about his uniquely beautiful essence. Similarly, Kricket’s entourage, including the fiery warrior Forrest, added depth and charm to the narrative, making each scene dynamic and rich. I particularly appreciated how Thomas crafted a corroded council and a self-serving cult that threatened their very way of life—these elements elevated the stakes and made the plot all the more engaging.
The way Kricket’s magic unfolded was like a flower blooming amidst chaos; each spell she cast wound its way deeper into my heart. One standout moment was when her hidden power bubbled forth, signaling not just her growth as a character but also the author’s adept ability to weave complex themes of family, sacrifice, and self-acceptance into the fabric of the story. “Gracious me,” I found myself laughing out loud at Kricket’s thoughts, proving that Thomas has an incredible grasp of humor as well.
In conclusion, Cursed Dragon isn’t just a must-read for fantasy lovers; it’s for anyone who appreciates a well-told story that immerses you in a rich tapestry of characters and emotions. If you adore tales of resilience, magical landscapes, and vibrant personalities, then this book— and indeed the whole series—should be right at the top of your TBR pile. As for me? I will be diving headfirst into more of Brogan Thomas’s enchanting creations because trust me, this is one charm I won’t be relinquishing anytime soon!
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