Review: Garden of the Cursed (Garden of the Cursed #1) by Katy Rose Pool

 *I received an advance bound manuscript of this book from Raincoast Books in exchange for an honest review.

Garden of the Cursed

(Garden of the Cursed #1)

by Katy Rose Pool

June 20, 2023

Goodreads Summary:

In this thrilling YA fantasy/mystery duology from award-winning author Katy Pool, cursebreaker Marlow Briggs reluctantly pretends to be in love with one of the most powerful nobles in Caraza City to gain entry into an illustrious—and deadly—society that holds clues to her mother's disappearance. Perfect for fans of Veronica Mars, These Violent Delights, and Chain of Iron.

Since fleeing the gilded halls of Evergarden for the muck-filled canals of the Marshes, Marlow Briggs has made a name for herself as the best godsdamn cursebreaker in Caraza City. But no matter how many cases she solves, she is still haunted by the mystery of her mother’s disappearance.

When Adrius Falcrest, Marlow's old friend and scion of one of Caraza's most affluent spell-making families, asks her to help break a life-threatening curse, Marlow wants nothing to do with the boy who spurned her a year ago. But a new lead in her mother’s case makes Marlow realize that the only way to get the answers she desperately seeks is to help Adrius and return to Evergarden society—even if it means suffering through a fake love affair with him to avoid drawing suspicion from the conniving Five Families.

As the investigation draws Marlow into a web of deadly secrets and powerful enemies, a shocking truth emerges: Adrius’s curse and her mother’s disappearance may just be clues to an even larger mystery, one that could unravel the very foundations of Caraza and magic itself.

Review

Garden of the Cursed caught me by surprise. Riveting and smart, I gobbled up the pages. The mystery, in particular, peaked my interest. I needed to see the story through and wow was it positively gratifying!

Marlow is excellent at her job. Her hardworking nature and convincing attitude had me cheering her on at every turn. Regardless of her demeanor, Marlow cared for others. The motivation behind her becoming a cursebreaker was an extremely admirable one. Marlow did her best to help Adrius and to find closure for herself.

I hated everyone in Evergarden on behalf of Marlow but there was no denying the allure of the high society. Even though the politics were deeply unnerving, the gossips were too juicy to pass up. I was drawn in. Even more so as one after another, secrets were uncovered. The road to answers was a twisty but logical one and I loved every moment of it.

As far as star-crossed lovers go, Marlow and Adrius are it. Some delicious back and forth was not enough to overcome the numerous obstacles in their way. Despite a heartfelt confession in Garden of the Cursed, the two still have so much s**t to work out. I pray Marlow and Adrius will prevail because no one can help them but themselves.

Full of tension and angst, Garden of the Cursed was a sharp story. The sequel title, Masquerade of the Heart, has me already mentally preparing myself for an emotional ride.

*I received an advance bound manuscript of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and not affected in any way. Any quotes included in my review were taken from the copy I received.