Slowly and excruciatingly, you'll be transformed into a mindless beast who destroys everything-and everyone-you love. Any of us could be tainted. Any of us could be lying. Any of us could be caught and killed by the authorities. And I'm terrified that I might be next. There's only one other person who might suspect my secret.
He's like my shadow, following me wherever I go. Part protector, part tormentor, fully annoying. Sometimes I think I am just one of the million unfathomable secrets he keeps hidden. Because Lucan definitely knows something. And if I'm dragon cursed, death might be the only mercy I get.
Themes & Tropes:
- Upper YA Fantasy
- Epic Fantasy
- Fast Paced
- Deadly Dragons
- Dragon Hunters
- Slow-Burn Romance
- High Stakes
- Chosen One
- Found Family
- Forced Proximity
- Plot Twists
Review:
Dragon Cursed by Elise Kova was a great way to start out the New Year. I devoured this book in two days. I had a really hard time putting it down. Kova is a master with words. The chapters are short. The story is very fast paced, which I really appreciate it. I love when things are moving quickly, it helps me pay attention. Kova is a master world builder. I really enjoy diving into the universes that Elise Kova creates. In the world of Vinguard, everything is grim and cruel. Dragons are killed on the spot. The Mercy Knights are on the look out for anyone that may be Dragon Cursed. The last thing you want to be is Dragon Cursed.
Isola is considered to the Valor Reborn because she survived a dragon act as a long child. From this attack she has a permanent scar on her heart and two golden eyes. Everything in Vinguard is dependent on what she will become. Vinguard is the last city to be standing in a world that is overrun by dragons. Isola has a lot of pressure on her shoulders and she feels like a fraud. She doesn’t believe herself to be the Valor Reborn. She is of age where she has to enter a Tribunal with her best friend and several others around her age. They are tested to their wits end to find out if anyone is Dragon Cursed. Being Dragon Cursed means that you turn into a dragon when you are pushed to your limits. If you are Dragon Cursed, then you receive Mercy (which is a swift death).
I really enjoyed the characters in this one. Isola is our female main character. She is petrified that she is dragon cursed. She feels like a fraud. Sometimes I wanted to shake Isola and tell her to wake up and be brave. It has been ingrained into her to be afraid. She lets that fear rule her entire life. She gets to a point where she is done being afraid. I really enjoyed watching Isola change and grow within this story. I look forward to the next chapter of her story.
Lucan is our male main character. He has been Isola’s shadow for years. He is the Vicar’s son. All he does is do the Vicar’s bidding or does he? I really liked getting to know Lucan. I had such a soft spot for him even though it was creepy when he would randomly pop up sometimes.
Saipha is Isola’s best friend. They do everything together. Saipha is the definition of drinking the kool-aid. Saipha drove me crazy. She was constantly upset with Isola and wouldn’t even giver her best friend the benefit of the doubt. Shouldn’t you cut your bestie some slack?
Dragon Cursed is so good. Please go read this book. I am serious when I say it was the best way to kick off my reading goal for 2026. Be prepared, there is a cliffhanger that is going to leave you desperate for book two.
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