A villain origin story can only end one way. But it’s about the journey… and The Secret Curse takes you on a journey full of twists and turns. Let’s talk about the third book in The Queen’s Rise series, inspired by infamous fairy tale villains from stories like Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, and Beauty and the Beast.
Engaged to a prince, but not queen yet, when the royal family tries to cut Jezebel out of the picture, she wonders if she truly wants a future with them… or if she should carve a new path with the enemy.
As Jezebel and the Jinni prince begin their engagement tour, the only thing worse than the Jinni resentment is the increasing attacks from the Khaanevaade that hint at impending war. When they attempt to kidnap the illusive prince, they accidentally capture Jezebel instead.
Despite their fearsome dragon-like abilities, Jezebel believes she could easily save herself. But first she hopes to learn the enemies’ secrets. This way, she’ll prove her worth to the royal family once she escapes.
Instead, she uncovers the royal family’s rejection and the tribe’s fierce hatred of all things Jinni, including her. The leader’s son hates her most of all. Yet, as time passes, her handsome captor surprises her by being just as remarkable as Prince Shem. Maybe even more so…
Jezebel is caught between two life-changing decisions—and the princes that go with them.
World, Characters, and Plot
As always, I’m a huge fan of the worldbuilding in The Queen’s Rise series. The Jinn are such a fascinating group of people, and I really liked the introduction of the Khannevaade people, whose culture seems to be inspired by Native Americans. Both worlds have unique customs and traditions that draw the reader into the world without confusing the story.
Jezebel never fails to intrigue me. Her character has so many relatable struggles, like the struggle to feel seen and heard. I wanted to root for her. I wanted her to figure out her happy ending, even though I knew how it would end.
I was definitely glad the focus shifted from Shem (the flat Jinn prince) to Koda (the mysterious Khannevaade warrior) in The Secret Curse. Unlike Shem, Koda has several layers of complexity that put his character on the same level as Jezebel, making him a good fit for the plot. I only wish he had been introduced a little earlier, perhaps in the last book, so that I could have gotten more time to learn about his character and his people.
The finale of the book was climactic and exciting. I think the only thing I wish was different was the lead-up to it. Although it could have just been how I read it, I felt like there were almost too many clues about how the end would happen. Some darkness to obscure the finale might have added the final gut-punch at the end.
PAGED IN: This book has no profanity, no innuendo, and mild fantasy violence.
Conclusion
Of all the books in The Queen’s Rise series, The Secret Curse is by far my favorite. The characters are complex and developed, the plot is unique and climactic, and the world is expansive and intriguing. I highly recommend this final book!
You can buy The Secret Curse here.
Marie