Honest review of Secrets & Curses of Crimson

In Shay Taylor's Secrets & Curses of Crimson, the first book of the Secrets & Curses Trilogy, Thea, exiled and haunted by cryptic dreams of a golden-eyed stranger, faces a perilous new mission: eliminate the Crimson bloodline. Returning to Cerithia, she encounters Cassius, a man who awakens something deep within her, filling the void she's felt. But their burgeoning connection is overshadowed by Thea's incomplete prophecy and unbroken curse. As she uncovers dangerous truths that rewrite her destiny, Thea must choose between embracing the will of the gods and forging her own path, a path that may cost kingdoms and kings – and even Cassius's life. Will she become an unstoppable force, or will the secrets she guards reshape their fates forever?

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4.7 / 132 ratings

Review Secrets & Curses of Crimson

Oh my goodness, Secrets & Curses of Crimson! Where do I even begin? This final installment in Shay Taylor's trilogy completely blew me away. Going in, I thought I had a pretty good grasp on things – Thea's journey, her relationship with Cassius, the unfolding secrets. Boy, was I wrong! This book was a whirlwind of unexpected twists and turns, a rollercoaster that kept me breathlessly flipping pages until the very end.

The emotional journey this book took me on was intense. I laughed, I cried, I screamed at the characters (mostly at Cassius for being so frustratingly infuriating, but also endearing!), and I felt every single beat of Thea's heart as she navigated betrayals, heartbreak, and the crushing weight of her destiny. Taylor masterfully builds the tension, weaving together the threads of prophecy, family secrets, and forbidden love in a way that feels both epic and deeply personal.

What truly impressed me was how much more depth this book provided. I initially thought the previous books had revealed all the major secrets, but Crimson unveiled even more shocking truths that completely reshaped my understanding of the world and the characters. The revelations regarding Thea's past, particularly her time in Exile, were gut-wrenching and added such a powerful layer of complexity to her already compelling story. I found myself completely absorbed in her emotional struggle and her unwavering determination to fight for what she believed in.

And Cassius! Oh, Cassius. He’s a complex character – the morally grey leading man we’ve come to expect, but his struggle to balance his feelings for Thea with the demands of his duty was heart-wrenching. Their relationship felt so authentic, full of sizzling passion, witty banter, and a deep-rooted love that felt earned and utterly captivating. The moments of intimacy between them were electric, but the moments of vulnerability and shared pain felt even more potent. Their story isn't just a romance; it's a testament to the strength of love amidst chaos.

The pacing was perfect; never lagging, always keeping the reader engaged. The plot itself moved at a thrilling pace, and the action sequences were incredibly well-written, painting vivid pictures in my mind. The overall plot was just so satisfying. It wrapped up everything perfectly, tying up loose ends and delivering a conclusion that felt both epic and deeply personal, leaving me feeling satisfied but also a little wistful that the story had come to an end.

Honestly, I completely devoured this book in a day. It's the kind of story that leaves you completely engrossed, making it impossible to put down. Shay Taylor's writing has improved with each book, showcasing a remarkable talent for crafting richly detailed worlds and unforgettable characters. The conclusion was everything I hoped for and more. I’m already eagerly anticipating Della and Haden's story, and I can confidently say that this series has earned a permanent place on my bookshelf, and in my heart. If you are looking for a high-stakes fantasy romance filled with action, emotion, and unexpected twists, this is the trilogy for you. You absolutely won't regret it.

Information

• Dimensions: 5 x 1.32 x 8 inches
• Language: English
• Print length: 527
• Publication date: 2024

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