The kingdom of Blunder is under a magical curse. An ancient mist permeates the woods and threatens to overcome the entire town and a fever leaves the survivors with dangerous magic. The only way to save the town and cure the fever is to collect 12 cards of different suits, each with a double sided power. Each use offers great rewards but causes the user ill effects. The cards are collected and bartered for power within the town. When Elspeth touches one of the cards she is set on a path that leads her straight into the path of the power hungry king.
Oh how I loved this story. I could not put it down. It’s dark and dripping with gothic vibes and intriguing magic. The world building was utterly immersive. I really loved Elspeth, Ravyn and even Nightmare as characters. I was so invested. I even enjoyed the romance within, which usually would annoy me in a fantasy. The whole time I wanted to know what happened and yet didn’t want it to end. And ugh – then it didn’t.
This was on track for five stars and my favorite read of the year, and then there was the dreaded cliffhanger. This one was definitely a slap in the face and I’m taking a whole star off for it. Zero resolution makes me angry. A good cliffhanger is one that wraps some things and gives us some threads left to chase in the next book. This one literally ends mid-scene. If you don’t like that, wait til the next book comes out to read this one. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐
Thanks to Orbit Books via Netgalley for access to this novel. I did go on to purchase a copy, because I’m a sucker for a good story… and now sweating it out until the sequel. All opinions above are my own.
What’s the most recent horror you read and loved?
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Oh, this sounds good, and then the dreaded cliffhanger. I have mixed feelings about them. I don’t mind a few teasers for the next book, but if it leaves the main plot completely unresolved, that doesn’t work as well.
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