The Cursed Queen's Daughter

By: Elly Blake

Narrated by: Eleanor Bennett

In this darkly romantic companion to The Forest King’s Daughter, a warrior princess finds herself in a strange shadow land where danger and secrets hide around every corner—and a mysterious shadow prince stands between her and the truth.

Fearless Thea has never known life outside of war. As the favorite daughter of the Sylvan King, she's a relentless fighter who longs to lead his army as First Huntsman, ignoring the pretty clothes and fanciful notions others enjoy. But when a mysterious dress full of dark magic appears on her hearth one evening, Thea doesn’t know how to fight an enemy she can't see or touch. Still, her curiosity builds as a new gown appears each night—until she gives in to temptation and is whisked to a forgotten land of shadows.

The prince of the shadow realm is a handsome host, and while Thea does all she can to resist his charms, it's clear he knows something about the long-ago disappearance of Thea’s mother. All he asks in return is for Thea to dance with him, their dangerous attraction growing each time she returns for more information. Meanwhile, shadows are seeping into the living realm, and Thea may have to embrace her own darkness if she has any chance of saving her beloved sisters and home from an otherworldly threat.

From the author of the Frostblood Saga comes the second book in a spellbinding series about the daughters of the powerful forest king, with simmering romance and plot twists that will leave readers desperate to enter the Thirstwood themselves.

Critic reviews

"The tight pace and intriguing ending strengthen this engrossing tale. Intoxicatingly satisfying."—Kirkus Reviews

Praise for The Forest King's Daughter:

An Amazon Best Book of the Month for YA

"Vivid worldbuilding conjures an expansive setting against which this romantasy series launch by Blake (the Frostblood Saga) unfolds, resulting in a majestic tale that weaves together questions of destiny, love, and self-discovery."—Publishers Weekly

"[The] barb-trading, childhood-friends-to-enemies-to-lovers dynamic, in addition to the world of fantastical creatures and half-forgotten mythology, is sure to please fans of Rosamund Hodge and Laini Taylor. Blake displays particular skill with the worldbuilding, peppering chapters with diegetic literary quotes that illustrate the longstanding conflict while making clear their writers’ limited perspectives.... This is romantic fantasy that readers will gladly be swept up by."—BCCB

"Blake, known best for the Frostblood Saga, crafts another enchanting medieval world. Pick up for those seeking adventure and enemies-to-lovers romance."—Booklist

"Blake has delivered a fun and fast read that sets up interesting worldbuilding to be explored in the rest of the trilogy."—School Library Journal

"A sweetly romantic magical diversion."—Kirkus Reviews

Praise for The Frostblood Saga:

"Perfect for fans of Victoria Aveyard...will delight those who love fantasy, adventure, and romance."—School Library Journal

"A thrilling romp through an engrossing world. A sucker punch of escalating evil, sizzling romance, and a spitfire coming into her own."—Kirkus Reviews

"Enchanting and fast-paced...lights up the page with magic, romance, and action, all of which is expertly interwoven throughout the text."—Booklist

"This strong debut for Blake succeeds in laying down intriguing framework for the books to come."—Publishers Weekly

"Romantic and thrilling."—Booklist

"Ruby's a spitfire who faces her challenges with grit."—Kirkus Reviews

"The plot is well paced and engaging...fans of the series will not be disappointed."—School Library Journal