A Crown So Cursed

The Goldenchild Prophecy #5

by Tanya Anne Crosby

In ancient Pretania, peace has come with a price—the separation of soulmates.

For twenty-two years, Málik Danann has clung to the memory of Gwendolyn of Cornwall. But with the Shadow Court threatening to strip him of his crown unless he takes a bride, time is running thin. The realm demands an heir. His people demand a queen. And yet, how can he surrender to duty when his heart still belongs to another...

Just as Málik contemplates surrendering to their demands, Gwendolyn seeks the help of her father, Manannán, to navigate her way to Tír na nÓg. But will their long-awaited reunion spark hope for the future, or ignite a new rebellion within the Fae Court? Gwendolyn returns to a treacherous court filled with ancient ambitions and deception. She will be tested to reclaim her place at Málik's side, even as chaos threatens to extinguish their love.

From New York Times bestselling author Tanya Anne Crosby comes a passionate novella set in the world of The Goldenchild Prophecy . A standalone second-chance romance infused with myth, magic, and a touch of spice, this tale is a love letter to Crosby’s longtime readers—honoring her romantic roots while offering something fresh for new fans alike.

Genres: Historical Romance, Fantasy

178 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 26, 2025

About the author

Tanya Anne Crosby is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of thirty novels. She has been featured in magazines, such as People, Romantic Times and Publisher’s Weekly, and her books have been translated into eight languages. Her first novel was published in 1992 by Avon Books, where Tanya was hailed as “one of Avon’s fastest rising stars.” Her fourth book was chosen to launch the company’s Avon Romantic Treasure imprint.
Known for stories charged with emotion and humor and filled with flawed characters Tanya is an award-winning author, journalist, and editor, and her novels have garnered reader praise and glowing critical reviews. She and her writer husband split their time between Charleston, SC, where she was raised, and northern Michigan, where the couple make their home.

Reviews

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this is the first book I have read in the series, I really enjoyed the book. It’s full of mystery, magic and fairies. You feel like you’re right there with them going through the good and the bad. It’s a great magical read!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Suzette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tanya Anne Crosby's "A Crown So Cursed" is an exceptional finale to an already captivating series. This brilliant conclusion not only meets but exceeds expectations with its vivid character descriptions and enchanting settings that leap off the page. The characters are wonderfully crafted, sparking the imagination and drawing you deep into their world.

Crosby's storytelling paints every detail with vivid clarity, making it easy to lose yourself in the rich tapestry of the narrative. The seamless blend of action, emotion, and intrigue keeps you hooked. Most gratifying is the satisfying, happy ending that ties the series together beautifully.

For fans of the series and new readers alike, "A Crown So Cursed" is a must-read. It’s a testament to Crosby's talent as an author, leaving you both fulfilled and longing to revisit this magical world again and again.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the book. I truly won’t write my review based on Tanya’s synopsis of the book. Or give you my explanation of ashy the Crown is Cursed. Who is Gwendolyn? What reason is she part of the curse? Who is Milak? Where does her sister Esme fit in? Friend or foe? What trials does she and friends have to do along the way to finish the prophecy? Does Gwendolyn get a happy ever after? If not, with who? Come purchase the book, sit back and find out how the story ends. Please don’t forget to purchase the entire series to truly enjoy the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[dlfuller54 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Tanya Anne Crosby for feeding my romantic heart by showing us the ending that I was so wanting to see, a happy-ever-after. You did it in such a way that also gave us a little intrigue, adventure and I loved every minute of reading.

[Denise Paszek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awestruck!

This ending was so worth the wait. In less than 200 pages, the answers to all the mysteries between Malik and Gwendolyn are unearthed. The power of love abides. Couldn't ask for a better HEA.

[Ron Tyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS WAS A GREAT BOOK. GWEN WAS SUCH A STRONG WOMAN AND HAD EXPERIENCED SO MUCH BUT NEVER GAVE UP. ESME`S LOVE FOR HER AND MALIK WAS RARE. MALIK`S LOVE FOR GWEN HAD LASTED CENTURIES. IT WAS GOOD TO SEE THINGS TURN OUT THE WAY THEY DID. I ESPECIALLY LIKED THE SPIDER WOMAN.

[fran Pfarmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

At last together

Love endure forever for these two. Who fought for love
I read all five books and happy I waited for number five
They were made for each other

[Terry Cauthen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing books!!! I'll read them all again.

I chose this rating because the book were well written and they kept the story going through all the books

[Barbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book: A Crown So Cursed
Author: Tanya Anne Crosby
Series: The Goldenchild Prophecy, Book #5
Publisher: Oliver Heber Books
Length: 179 Pages
Overall Rating: 5 Stars

Spoiler Free Review:
In this novella which is the fifth and the final book from the riveting Goldenchild Prophecy series. In this book it starts off showing how two soulmates have been living for the past twenty years without each other. Both have been miserable and broken without each other. Now Málek is King of the Fae and has been pressured by the Shadow Court in the fae realm to take a wife or he will lose his crown.

The main reason he is being forced to take a wife is to produce heirs. This is not unusual with the nobility no matter if they are human or fae. The woman chosen for Malek is Lirael Silvershade who is very much a shrew and does not love him and only wants to become a Queen for wealth and status. Although this agreement has not been formally made. Plus her manipulating father Erik who is pressuring Málek to pick his daughter. Now this will put him in a high and powerful position too if he is the father-in-law of the fae King. He also has done some underhanded deeds so Makek and Gwendolyn remain apart.

Now everyone knows Málek loves his soulmate and human Queen Gwendolyn of Cornwall who is now a Dowager Queen where her son is now in charge but he has agreed to this. Málek has begged Gwendolyn so many times to join him and each time she has refused him. Not realizing that Gwendolyn has finally decided to go Málek in the fae realm. Of course she is worried he won’t feel the same because she no longer looks like the young girl of her youth she once was. Yet he being fae will still look the same youthful, ageless, beautiful man! Of course Málek could care less about vanity as his love comes from the heart and soul and he will love Gwendolyn forever!

I don’t want to give away any spoilers but I have followed this series since the beginning and this book is expertly crafted that will keep readers dazzled! I love how Cosby weaves the true history of the first Queen with a fictional romantic fantasy which is absolutely breathtaking! It also tied up all the loose ends perfectly for the series finale. This series absolutely broke me, then put me back together again. It made me laugh, cry, and sigh. I had so many emotions during this amazing journey that I still can’t stop yearning for.

A magical story you can read as a stand alone book but I definitely recommend the entire series which was such a treasure to read. Cosby is such a beautiful story teller and there is a reason I have been reading her beautiful books for over 33 years. I highly recommend this book and I am looking forward to her next romantic fantasy.

Disclaimer: Thank you to Oliver Heber Books, Tanya Anne Cosby and Booksprout for this eArc. All words, thoughts and ideas are my own.

The Goldenchild Prophecy Series
1)The Cornish Princess
2)The Queen’s Huntsman
3)The Forgotten Prince
4)Arise The Queen
5) A Crown So Cursed

[Lilith's_Library_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨Arc Review✨

Thank you to the author Tanya Anne Crosby And @booksprout for sending me a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

-All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A Thrilling and Satisfying Finale — Perfect for Binge Reading

A Crown So Cursed* by Tanya Anne Crosby is the final chapter in Malik and Gwendolyn’s story, and even as my first book in the series, it didn’t disappoint. The story is packed with intrigue, danger, and some welcome help from old friends, making for a fast-paced and exciting read.

Even without the full backstory, I found myself drawn into the stakes and the romance, and the well-deserved happy ending feels like a real payoff after everything they’ve been through. It’s the kind of book that makes you want to go back and binge the rest of the series to catch up on all the drama and passion that led here.

Why four stars? While the story hooked me, I think readers who have followed the series will get even more out of the secondary characters and the emotional depth that builds over time. But overall, it’s a strong, engaging finale that delivers on excitement and heart.

If you like romantic drama with a side of suspense, A Crown So Cursed is a great pick — especially if you’re in the mood to binge an entire saga.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an exciting story! I felt like I was stepping into a real world that was magical —again— as I had for all the books in this series. Therefore, the world building is wonderful! The characters are well drawn, and most are familiar to readers of the series. For new readers, there are enough clues given to give one a sense of what has generally occurred in past books, to understand the current one. (I suspect it will whet the appetite of such readers to go back and read any volumes they may have missed). The plot moves along well, and there are surprises along the way, such as finding out where the Sword in the Stone of King Arthur’s world comes from and how it came to be in the stone!
Our Hero and Heroine do, finally, reach their HEA. Will there be another book where we see a known foe come back do disrupt the peace of this world? Will we ever see Gwendolyn’s father again? Will the worlds ever be united again? I can only hope so, as I so enjoyed this book, as well as the entire series!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sahar's Honest Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Will the King Finally Get His Queen?
Gwendolyn and Málik’s journey has been long, filled with trials, heartache, and danger. This finale tells a complete story, but it’s especially meaningful if you’ve followed their journey from the very start of The Golden Child Prophecy series.
The choice of a queen looms before Málik, and Gwendolyn returns at the crucial moment. Yet danger and betrayal surround them. Will the forces working against them tear them apart once more, or will love finally triumph?
This novella delivers a second-chance romance steeped in history, fantasy, and danger. If you’ve walked this journey with Gwendolyn and Málik, you’ll want to see how it all ends. If not, you may want to begin at the very beginning—so you can experience the whole saga before reaching this enchanting conclusion.

[SZ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 5 of the Goldenchild Prophecy Series. This series should be read in order to fully follow the characters and context to this point. Malik and Gwendolyn haven’t seen one another in 22 years. Malik must choose between his true love and his crown. Tanya Anne Crosby stated that this is her favorite series and A Crown So Cursed is her favorite book. I must agree with her. This series captured me from the first chapter of the first book, The Golden Child Prophecy, and I have anxiously awaited each installment. Malik and Gwendolyn have had a tumultuous relationship from the beginning, yet they have stood and fought together throughout the series. I highly recommend reading this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sheri-Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an utterly delicious way to end the Goldenchild series by Tanya Anne Crosby!

A Crown So Cursed is a page-turning, stunning conclusion for Gwendolyn and Malik's story. Familiar characters stroll through the pages, bringing comfort, causing mayhem, and more. We won't mention what the unfamiliar ones are up to, you'll just have to see!

Although this novella stands well on its own, you would be doing yourself a disservice by not starting at the beginning of this series and devouring it in its entirety.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[N Dent · Rating 5 out of 5]

She had her father’s crown but had lost her true love 💕 After 22 years, Gwendolyn sought her true love, Malika. She entered the portal and the veil lifted colors burst as she plunged through! Completely defenseless she walked towards Malika. She was human and he was fae and the Fae Court was fickle. She had to prove herself by Rite of Blood. Her cloak shimmered and her body started changing. She yielded to her King. True love will always prevail and overcome all obstacles with determination. Together they were unstoppable.

[Melody · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book Tanya Anne Crosby gives us readers a conclusion that we greatly deserve!
There is adventure, revelations, true love, villains, schemes, and a HEA all wrapped together in a short and sweet tale. If you have been a Malik fan throughout the series then this is your reward. I thoroughly enjoyed the change in POV in this book, particularly enjoying the Malik chapters. A Crown So Cursed is one of Ms.Crosby's books that I will likely read again and again.

Please note that it is far steamier than the first four books in The Goldenchild Prophecy

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This is an awesome way to end the series. I really enjoyed reading this book and it made my emotions go wild. It was satisfying to read what happens to Lirael and her father Lord Elric. They caused a lot of trouble. Of course you get to meet Puca again, my favourite character! Gwendolyn has a lot of decisions to make and some of them made me sad. However her and Malik are soulmates and they deserve to be together. I would recommend this series and book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Stephanie Herron · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the final chapter for Malik and Gwendolyn. They have been through so much throughout the series and so it's no surprise that they have more to go through in order to find their happily ever after. There is more intrigue, danger and old friends who show up to help. It's definitely a well deserved happy ending for them. Now that we have the final chapter, this would be a good series to binge read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Donna Nalbandian Woerner Homschek · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely heartwarming ending to a torturous story for Malik and Gwendolyn. I didn’t read the previous books in this series but Tanya provides enough background so you are not at a loss. Wonderful characters with great descriptive writing allowing you see through the eyes of the characters. Even though I know the ending I will go back and read the previous books. A great read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michael Acosta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fans of Tanya Crosby's Golden Child Prophecy series will not be disappointed! Tanya has given her fans a gift with this extended epilogue or capstone to this dearly. loved series. This book provides a satisfying ending to this epic tale of adventure and love. It makes me want to start over and read the entire series again!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mary Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book continues with the story of Malik and Gwendolyn in ways that were unexpected. We again witness all that they both have to endure, the vindictiveness of the fae court, but also the loyalty of those who care about them. Love the roles that Esme and Arachne have in bringing this story to the cementing of their relationship. Hopefully we will see more from Tanya with characters from these realms!

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This well-written story is one you don't want to put down once you start reading it! It is filled with plenty of action, plot twists, mystery, romance, intrigue, and much more to keep you turning the pages. Answers to all questions regarding Gwendolyn are revealed in the end. The Evil though that reeks when she decides to return to her true love is unnerving for anyone and what they have to deal with on their road to a happily ever after is an amazing tale that you will enjoy reading!!

[Debdutch · Rating 5 out of 5]

“A Crown So Cursed” by Tanya Anne Crosby

-The final novella in the Goldenchild Prophecy series delivers a magical, emotional conclusion. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.

Mystery, fae politics, and soulmate love collide as Málek and Gwendolyn fight for their future. The worldbuilding is lush, with nods to Arthurian legend adding depth and surprise.

A stunning, heartfelt finale that ties loose ends while leaving the reader enchanted.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a final novella in the Goldenchild Prophecy series. It ties up the HEA.

The main characters are all there and you learn more about the past secrets each has held.

A great ending to a great series!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kath · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where do I start, this is what fantasy should be ,grabbing you by the hand and taking you on a ride through a make believe land and have you believing it's all real .. A wonderful story and making me want to go back and reread the Golden Child series..

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sandi Niemeyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

This was such an amazing series. I very much enjoyed each chapter, each book. The layers of these books were immensely satisfying, and I must confess to reading this last book slowly, as I really didn't want it to end. Unfortunately, it has for now, but I can certainly see myself rereading it again and again.
Thank you, Tanya Anne Crosby, it was magnificent.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mystery, magic and romance are the hallmarks of this story. Book 5 of this amazing series is all about Malik and Gwendolyn. It's important to read the series in order to obtain the full impact. Well written, thrillingly engaging and one that will keep you on your toes from beginning to end.

[Jody Holt · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Fae Court is pressuring Malik to fulfill his responsibilities. His heart belongs to a long lost love and he is struggling to rectify he may never see her again. Love, treacherous tests and utter chaos keep the reader interested and spellbound!

[Gayle Doukas · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Satisfying Conclusion

A Crown So Cursed is the best book in the Goldenchild Prophecy series. It was worth it to stick with this series to the end.

[Geri Gay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the series

Really loved this. It gave an ending to the Golden child Prophecy. Loved the whole series. A complete story of legend.