What do you think?
Rate this book
Chosen Curse
A traitor still lingers in the kingdom of Walyre and tension can be felt in the capital city of Walor. Who can be trusted? Who can be persuaded? Who else is lurking in the shadows waiting for the crown to topple from House Astana's head?
No longer being so confined by his Blessing, Prince Safir Astana is able to assume a more assertive role to assist his brother. Yet his attention is drawn to his advisor, Eve. Being given a second chance at life, Eve tries to embrace her new world and routine with vigor. Meetings with local lords, supporting the local orphanage, catching up on thousands of years of history in Walyre- no problem. But the ghosts that still live in Eve's head keeps her from embracing her new life. Hunter's deathly grasp never feels far away, and the promise she made to Nicky to find her own happiness feels impossible to keep amidst her grief.
All of this comes to a head when Safir and Eve travel to Xard. They're supposed to be representing the crown but there will be new faces to meet, battles to be won, and choices made that will be felt across the entire kingdom. Each moment counts as our characters learn that tomorrow is never guaranteed.
"I'm quite certain if courage were measured in height, not even the griffins could reach you."
No longer being so confined by his Blessing, Prince Safir Astana is able to assume a more assertive role to assist his brother. Yet his attention is drawn to his advisor, Eve. Being given a second chance at life, Eve tries to embrace her new world and routine with vigor. Meetings with local lords, supporting the local orphanage, catching up on thousands of years of history in Walyre- no problem. But the ghosts that still live in Eve's head keeps her from embracing her new life. Hunter's deathly grasp never feels far away, and the promise she made to Nicky to find her own happiness feels impossible to keep amidst her grief.
All of this comes to a head when Safir and Eve travel to Xard. They're supposed to be representing the crown but there will be new faces to meet, battles to be won, and choices made that will be felt across the entire kingdom. Each moment counts as our characters learn that tomorrow is never guaranteed.
"I'm quite certain if courage were measured in height, not even the griffins could reach you."
439 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 7, 2025
3 people are currently reading
19 people want to read
About the author
J.J. Park
2 books15 followersI am an indie author who loves to write fantasy romance and sci-fi romance. Brevity is my enemy, but I will tame the beast one day. Currently working on a portal high fantasy series before pursuing other works. I also love to write poetry to capture a brief moment or feeling, but again, brevity is a bust
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
June 13, 2025
"We are our own creation. Our own world. We decide our path, not those who came before us.”
This story is a slow burn, both in terms of romance and action. The first part is focused on learning more about Eve's new chosen world, delving deeper into the main characters, introducing new characters and setting the political game board. But when the action hits, it does so with the force of a landslide through a forested hill.
I'm constantly finding myself wanting to know more about the world, in future books. There's plenty of lore that would be great for future books, perhaps especially if developed through future additional POVs (I have some favourites I'm hoping will get a say).
While Eve's Blessing stands well as a standalone, I would recommend that Chosen Curse be read as part of the series (in order). There are events you need to understand and names to follow, that are not re-explained in this book. This doesn't take away from the enjoyment, but simply makes it less suitable as a standalone.
Will recommend, may read again, will continue the series.
⭐ 4.5
🌶️ 0.5
🧅 2
🤢 1
This story is a slow burn, both in terms of romance and action. The first part is focused on learning more about Eve's new chosen world, delving deeper into the main characters, introducing new characters and setting the political game board. But when the action hits, it does so with the force of a landslide through a forested hill.
I'm constantly finding myself wanting to know more about the world, in future books. There's plenty of lore that would be great for future books, perhaps especially if developed through future additional POVs (I have some favourites I'm hoping will get a say).
While Eve's Blessing stands well as a standalone, I would recommend that Chosen Curse be read as part of the series (in order). There are events you need to understand and names to follow, that are not re-explained in this book. This doesn't take away from the enjoyment, but simply makes it less suitable as a standalone.
Will recommend, may read again, will continue the series.
⭐ 4.5
🌶️ 0.5
🧅 2
🤢 1
June 20, 2025
*ARC Review*
This book was an emotional continuation of book 1. Eve and Safir struggle to overcome their past traumas as they navigate through the dangerous political landscape. Heavy on the character development, readers are shown the depths of unconditional love and the unending forgiveness that comes with being open with another being. There is little spice, but Park does an excellent job of showcasing affection and emotional intelligence in other ways, as shown by this quote "I extended my hand to allow her to decide how to receive me."
The Hurt/Comfort trope took the spotlight, and reading about how the characters were able to heal their hurts and find value in themselves again was incredibly moving. My favorite quote on the topic is: "you do not have to be whole to be loved."
This book was an emotional continuation of book 1. Eve and Safir struggle to overcome their past traumas as they navigate through the dangerous political landscape. Heavy on the character development, readers are shown the depths of unconditional love and the unending forgiveness that comes with being open with another being. There is little spice, but Park does an excellent job of showcasing affection and emotional intelligence in other ways, as shown by this quote "I extended my hand to allow her to decide how to receive me."
The Hurt/Comfort trope took the spotlight, and reading about how the characters were able to heal their hurts and find value in themselves again was incredibly moving. My favorite quote on the topic is: "you do not have to be whole to be loved."
June 12, 2025
Thank you to J.J. Park for the ARC.
Plot 3.75/5
Characters 4/5
Ending 4/5
Interest 3.75/5
Overall 3.75/5
-I am so glad I was able to read this book so soon after I read the first one of the series. I still had everything still fresh in my mind. Which isn’t actually the case with me writing this review, but I still remember. I’m still very intrigued by this world and all of the blessings. I pull love to know more lore about the origins of the blessings though. The story itself was quite intriguing although sometimes I wish it balanced plot line and romance a little better because, like in many other books, it’s often one section dedicated to the plot line and then the next chapter will be focused solely on the relationship that develops.
-Speaking of relationships, I am so glad Zae didn’t make an appearance in this book nor was she mentioned very often. I loved how I could focus on just Eve and Safir and not the other actors in their love story. It still very much felt like a slow burn because they weren’t jumping each other’s bones after everything that had gone down between them. Mostly it’s because of poor Eve’s PTSD. She had suffered a lot in the past and in just the first book so her having genuine (I think) reactions and not just brushing over it because she’s a strong female lead was nice and quite eye opening.
-There is so much more I want to discover in this world and about these characters. Loved the added family tree of the different characters we encounter in the books. I would love to read more soon enough.
Plot 3.75/5
Characters 4/5
Ending 4/5
Interest 3.75/5
Overall 3.75/5
-I am so glad I was able to read this book so soon after I read the first one of the series. I still had everything still fresh in my mind. Which isn’t actually the case with me writing this review, but I still remember. I’m still very intrigued by this world and all of the blessings. I pull love to know more lore about the origins of the blessings though. The story itself was quite intriguing although sometimes I wish it balanced plot line and romance a little better because, like in many other books, it’s often one section dedicated to the plot line and then the next chapter will be focused solely on the relationship that develops.
-Speaking of relationships, I am so glad Zae didn’t make an appearance in this book nor was she mentioned very often. I loved how I could focus on just Eve and Safir and not the other actors in their love story. It still very much felt like a slow burn because they weren’t jumping each other’s bones after everything that had gone down between them. Mostly it’s because of poor Eve’s PTSD. She had suffered a lot in the past and in just the first book so her having genuine (I think) reactions and not just brushing over it because she’s a strong female lead was nice and quite eye opening.
-There is so much more I want to discover in this world and about these characters. Loved the added family tree of the different characters we encounter in the books. I would love to read more soon enough.
August 6, 2025
This is a great follow-up to Eve's Blessing. You get a key piece of information in the prologue and the development of the relationships over the course of the story is subtle and believable. If you like a good slow burn, you'll love the romance. The dynamic between Safir and Eve is so sweet and tender (low spice). Be aware that this is not a fluffy book -- it's a story about grief and trauma and how we can help heal each other, with a backdrop of political intrigue and betrayal. The emotions are portrayed well and the action scenes are also well-done and immersive. I'm looking forward to the third book!
February 18, 2026
Excellent story telling
This was well done. I got the physical book and also the Kindle version. I loved this book and learning more about the characters. I can’t wait for the next one!!
This was well done. I got the physical book and also the Kindle version. I loved this book and learning more about the characters. I can’t wait for the next one!!
August 5, 2025
An amazing second novel from JJ Park! Found family and slow burn longing are always high on my list but add that with beautiful characters, a rich world, and deep history, it is just wonderful!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews