Now, when I started this book I didn't know there was going to be a sequel. So, when it ended in the middle of the story I was a little frustrated. That might have affected my rating a bit. But if you go in knowing there is a sequel you will not suffer the same fate. And until the abrupt ending I was enjoying the story. I like fantasy and magic and this book has lots. I think Marlow, the main character, is well done. She is bitter, but not so bitter that you can't like her, she can take care of herself but has some cool friends to help her out, she is confident enough in herself to be different, but is not obnoxious. The story is full of intrigue, and secrets and magic and lies. There is romance too. Which usually I can do without. But here it fits into the story without taking it over. As I read, the story picked up speed and I did get wound up in it. I enjoyed watching all the threads start to come together. I wanted to get back to it to see how Marlow would work it all out. It is a fun, rather quick read. I will probably read the second one because I am involved with the characters now. And I might seek out more by Katy Rose Pool in the future. ( )

Garden of the Cursed by Katy Rose Pearl
Book #1 in the series by the same name. YA fantasy with romance.
Marlow Briggs desperately wants to find her mother who disappeared a year ago. When Adrius Falcresrt bargains to hire her to break a curse, she agrees knowing she will be able to search for clues to find her mother in the Evergarden society. Though posing as his once-again lover after he spurned her is not how she expected to be walking among the elite again. Someone else knows why she’s there and about the curse on Adrius and consequences of talking to the wrong person could be deadly for them both.

Intriguing magic setup where the magic and curses are stored or held on cards. The relationship between Marlow and Adrius is convoluted as it’s revealed and covered with lies. The deadly and dangerous underworld is mixed in with high society back rooms where secrets are traded.
Marlow refers to herself as a teenager in at least one scene, yet the situations and text reads older. Without those statements or it stated everywhere as “YA”, I would have thought mid 20’s.
A slow start that ramps up to compelling and ends with questions yet to be answered. A duology that does not end here.
4.5

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. Opinions are my own. ( )

This was an amazing first look that didn't disappoint with the rest of the book! It opens on a magical speakeasy with (what I imagine to be) magical tarot cards and skyrockets off from there! I love the prickly main character who is trying to unraveller a mystery greater than herself that takes her back into the high society life she grew up in but suddenly had to leave. From the first meeting of the characters I felt like they had real history, even going past what we were told about in the book. They felt real, which is a huge accomplishment for the author! It was a lot of fun working out the different characters motivations and how they all interlocked with the main character! I am desperate to get my hands on the next book! The ending just about killed me. I cannot wait an entire year to see a certain relationship play out! I was pleasantly surprised with this book and eagerly wait for the sequel! ( )

Garden of the Cursed is a well-written YA fantasy/mystery/romance. Marlow once lived with her mother among the elite residents of Evergarden, but after her mother's disappearance she moved to the Marshes, the downtrodden part of Caraza. She makes a living as a curse breaker, attempts to steer clear of the local gangs, and hangs out with her loyal friend Swift.
When Adrius, an estranged friend and scion of one of the five wealthiest families comes to her for help in breaking a curse that has been put on him, she agrees for the lucrative fee and the chance to re-enter Evergarden and investigate the disappearance of her mother. Adrius and Marlow enter into a fake romantic relationship to allow Marlow track down the source of his curse.
The world building is immersive and vivid. The magic system is fascinating with its varied hexes, spells, curses and enchantments. The plot is complicated and fast paced with unpredictable twists and turns. The characters are well developed and interesting. Garden of the Cursed was an enjoyable, entertaining story with a tough, clever heroine. I couldn't put it down. Thank you to BookishFirst for a copy to review. ( )

My kind of twisting tale, interesting world, even more interesting characters and an ending that made me want to hop in my time machine so I could go into the future and get the next book NOW. ( )