Seventeen-year-old Rowan is a walking, breathing curse. He just hasn’t realized it yet.
Since birth, Rowan has been the object of scorn in his village. The reason? He’s a dikyli—an outsider with albino skin and an ominous mark blazoned on his neck. So when his fourth guardian-mother is found dead, all blame falls on him, and he is banished before his life-draining curse can strike again. The only path left to Rowan is clear: He must discover who cursed him and alter his horrible fate—or forever lose everyone he loves.
From facing treacherous seas, soul-devouring Moonshades, and desert terrors, Rowan battles for his very survival to reach his homeland—the far-off kingdom of Shandria, a land rife with hostilities. Dark surprises and back-stabbing betrayals emerge as two devious Iron Barons—who know the scandalous origin of his curse—plot to imprison him in the Mountain of the Damned with the rest of the accursed.
To make matters worse, Rowan’s curse threatens to claim another life when he meets Tahira, a spunky, pertly persistent Shandrian who vows to aid him in his quest despite the overwhelming odds. Their alliance of trust and necessity develops into love—a love doomed to end in death if Rowan remains cursed. With the hope of a future hanging in the balance, he must overcome the greatest challenge of his life. For the only way to end his curse is to slay the Conjurer who cast the life-draining spell.
Holy adventure! I immediately fell in love and felt protective over Rowan. From the beginning I wanted to snatch him from the book and hug him. I don't think there was a single point in the book I felt bored. All in all this book did not disappoint and is one I'll be recommending to all my friends.
Stephanie Cotta has created a wildly imaginative book that takes you on a vivid journey with rich storytelling and characters and a master voice. While TCC is more on the scale of epic fantasy, this is an easy read, the world not terribly complicated. My only issue was that at times the plot got slow, but I'm also SUPER picky about what I read in fantasy so I think it was just me!
Also, can we please talk about the incredible interior!! This is a beautifully done book with pictures that match the aesthetic and take you along for the ride. *Fangirls* I cannot for the book to release and hold it in my hands!! Four stars. <3
This book is really good. I was drawn to the story and wanted to know why Rowan was cursed and follow his journey. I like the characters. There were few characters I despite like his half brother, but then I like him at the end. I had moment of good laugh and felt saddened on certain parts. I highly enjoy the book and felt it was good wrap up. It is a story about overcome evil with good. But I see there is another story coming. I'm curious to know more. Anyway, I highly recommend this if you like quest and magic and important lesson of forgiving and second chance and love.
I bought this book on a friend’s recommendation. It’s easy reading. It keeps moving. I think it’s well written and fun. I like the characters. I’ll keep an eye out for another book by this author.
I'm quite new to reading fantasy and I thoroughly enjoyed this book and concept. I especially liked elements of Scottish dialogue weaved in throughout.
I found myself routing for Rowan but as always my favourite character was the sidekick--Akaran.
It was beautifully written and left me wanting more. Well done Stephanie on a wonderful debut. Looking forward to more.
I read this fabulous ARC, and loved it. It is an unpredictable adventure with plenty of twists that keep you leaning in throughout the story. Rowan is a refreshing young hero, who battles his own curse as well as a world bent against him. I love the refreshing side characters that bring light and hope along the way. The world of Conjurers curse leaves the imagination lit with its many different landscapes, people groups and monsters. This is a MUST READ.
The Conjurer’s Curse written by Stephanie Cotta took me on a journey filled with magical adventure, sweet romance, and of course dark curses. Stephanie has created a beautiful, yet ruthless world where the main character, Rowan, faces challenges from within dangerous jungles, across turbulent seas, and traveling deadly deserts. All so that he may find a place he can call home. The Conjurer’s Curse is truly an engaging story that will have you rooting for Rowan every step of the way.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Omg this book. I loved reading and tagging along with Rowan on his journey. I could not put this book down at all!! I love being able to immerse myself in a story and feel as though I am on the quest right along with him! I need book 2! I will definitely be reading it when I can get my hands on it. This is a story that you do not want to miss out on!
Rowan has always been different. Since the day he was born, he has battled a curse that brings death to those around him, the morbid result of his mother’s actions long ago. After Rowan’s curse kills his fourth Guardian-Mother, he is banished from his island and forced to sail off in search of somewhere he can belong. After finding family in Shandria, Rowan thinks he has found a place to call home. But, the stakes grow as he tries to navigate love while learning who to trust in this world of cunning, monsters, and dangerous magic.
The Conjurer’s Curse is a coming-of-age fantasy story written by Stephanie Cotta. It follows seventeen-year-old Rowan as he searches for a place to be accepted and break the curse that has plagued him his entire life. Set first in the deep jungle, then in the vast land of Shandria, this story opens an impressive fantasy world where the magic takes its toll, and people fall prey to the conniving Conjurers who wield it. Full of dynamic characters and nail-biting conflict, this story is an exciting ride from start to finish.
The Conjurer’s Curse is never dull and transports the reader to Rowan’s world through vivid descriptions and emotional impact. One thing that really grabs the reader’s attention is the excellent use of dialogue. Accents and different dialects are a big part of it, and there are times when the characters come across as very clever. Cotta also proved to be skilled with pacing, based on the plot progression and romance timing.
The Conjurer’s Curse is complex and exciting and has beautiful descriptions and dialogue. This would be an excellent read for middle schoolers and above or anyone who wants to experience the adventure in this young adult epic fantasy novel.
The Conjurer's Curse is the first novel in a new series written by Stephanie Cotta, and what a story it is! I was immediately drawn in by the main character, Rowan, and the unique world the author has created.
When Rowan is cast out from his adopted homeland for being cursed, he is forced to begin a journey in search of where he came from. But when you're doomed to cause the deaths of anyone who gets too close to you, even the road that leads to home is a lonely one.
Although he does not think he will ever allow himself to love again, the beautiful and brave Tahira opens his heart, and helps him find his long-lost family, both those that are happy to see him, and those that are not.
This book has twists and turns that take Rowan from the only island he has ever known, all the way to the Mountain of the Damned to find the source of his curse. I loved the complex characters, the enchanting world, and the intriguing storyline. This book had me on the edge of my seat as I rooted for Rowan to succeed in his quest to destroy the Conjurer who cursed him. I absolutely can't wait to read book number two!
Loved it! There was never a dull moment as I followed Rowan on his journey to break the curse that killed all those who loved and got close to him. Cotta has developed characters with emotional depth, whose struggles I felt. Their complexities ring true, and I was sucked into Rowan's adventures and all the twists and surprises. I was invested and interested, and when I had to put the book down (sadly I can't always be reading) the characters, even bad boy Akaran, wandered through my thoughts as I tried to figure out what would happen next.
At the core of this story is a message about the power of hope and forgiveness, and the world Cotta has created comes to life through her vivid descriptions. The fact that book 2 will be released by the end of the year made it a little easier to leave the world of Rowan, Tahira, and Akaran when the book ended since I know I will join them again soon.
This book is worth the read, and that comes from someone who typically reads mystery books, not fantasy. There is mystery and intrigue and shocking reveals that will keep a mystery fan engaged and rooting for Rowan.
A fully immersive and beautifully described fantasy world, with a story that is full of adventure and challenge, and yet also tugs at the heart. We are swept into the world from the very first line, walking with Rowan as he attempts a difficult rite of passage. Will he succeed? Will he find acceptance amongst his people if he does succeed? Are they really even his people?
Rowan is a strong central character. As we learn more about him we can't help but feel what it is like to walk in his shoes. We want him to succeed, but there are so many challenges he must overcome. Is it even possible to lift a curse he has no knowledge of? How?
Stephanie's world-building and descriptive language is mesmerising. She effectively weaves a consistent and exciting fantasy adventure, with a truly exciting, pulse-racing conclusion.
Highly recommended, and not just for lovers of fantasy. If you are interested in well-crafted coming-of-age stories that deal with identity, belonging and hope, then look no further than The Conjurer's Curse. The fantasy elements are an added bonus!!
You need to read this book. I love a lot of books, I won't lie, but this is one that is a must for every fantasy fan's bookshelf. Scratch that, for every bookshelf - no matter what genre you're a fan of. It goes beyond fantasy and to the core of humanity.
What I loved:
- The depth and complexity of every character. There are no two-dimensional villains or heroes here. Each one has a gripping story behind them, a reason that makes the reader stop and wonder what they would have done in the same situation.
- The plot - It's a simple plot, but Stephanie Cotta weaves a story with it that makes it's simplicity pure genius. There is no need to muddle it or to add twists just to make it interesting. It is compelling in itself.
This is a book that you will want to return to many times. Trust me, grab a copy and devour it!
Rowan has been rejected and spurned his entire life. His village feared him and kicked him out. All of his guardian-mothers died. He had no one and nowhere to go. Embark with Rowan as he battles curses, twisted family dynamics, and a love that he doesn’t want to lose
The constant male POV is refreshing, especially when the male is so good, kind, and pure. The world building is complex and introduces vast cultures, lands, and people. The love story is sweet and innocent. The villains are despicable and ruthless. And each corner hides a twist.
All in all, I really enjoyed the ARC and would give ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 starts!
My cousin Almedia Ryan (whose debut book releases later this year) shared another new author, Stephanie D. Cotta and her debut novel. I found the name and cover intriguing so I checked out the synopsis and decided to give it a try. I highly recommend y'all give this book a read! She weaves a great tale that introduces a cast of intriguing characters. She seamlessly lays some groundwork for the followup in a way that leaves you looking forward to the next book but without making it feel like things are left incomplete here. Great read for teenagers and up in my opinion! Some violence, death, and gore so maybe a bit much for younger readers.
THE CONJURER’S CURSE is an epic fantasy with exceptional world-building that I loved reading! With powerful themes and an intriguing magic system, the story comes alive and is told with perfect pacing until the end. As exciting as the story is, my favorite part of this novel has to be the characters. They were all unique, and even the side characters were amazing. Thankfully this will be a series, because fantasy fans will eagerly look forward to continuing this epic adventure! #TeamRowan
The Conjurer's Curse is a delightful YA fantasy! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this adventure with Stephanie Cotta's vivid descriptions, wonderful dialogue and dialects. This first of a two part series is beautifully published by Monarch Educational Services LLC. Go to monarcheducationalservices.com for a reader's guide. "This free educational resource is perfect for educators, librarians, homeschools, small groups, and readers who want more of Rowan and Tahira's story."
This was a really cool book!! I loved all the different cultures and the world building. It was also super interesting that there seems to be a tyrant ruler, but that wasn't part of the main plot. Very intriguing!! Rowan and Tahira were both awesome. I loved his tenacity and his arc with Akaran (who actually became one of my favorites), and I loved her stubborn kindness. And of course they were a cute couple!
This is a great young adult novel that is full of adventure, suspense, mystery, and a hint of love. I found the characters really relatable. It is amazing all the places our main character, Rowan, takes the reader. From the desert to sea to mountains, you will not want to put this book down.
This book I really did not think I'd like but I ended up LOVING it. The characters are really well developed, the storyline is impeccable with more than one villain, and despite not being very long actually had a very well written backstory. I love the idea of the main character not knowing anything of their past and finding out along the way
Loved the intro scene and how it set up the fundamental mantra that Rowan would adhere to throughout the book. His growth and determination to push beyond fate and determine his own worth and future made for a book that connected with the reader on a deeper level. I cannot wait to read more from this author 🤍
Stephanie Cotta's prose is breathtaking. I felt privileged to tour Shandria and its surrounding areas through her words. The Conjurer's Curse offered a bit of everything- romance, action, adventure, violence, and magic. I'm admittedly not a huge fantasy reader, but I loved this.
The Conjurer’s Curse is a freshly original and delightfully imaginative debut novel full of magnificent adventure, suspense, tension, and perfect plotting and pacing. Prepare to be up all night & left eager for future books in this series! #TeamAkaran
The real Conjurer’s Curse is the pen that Stephanie wields in creating this spell-binding tale! Rowan’s plight and Tahira’s fate will drive you through each chapter at a breathless pace.
Absolutely loved this story. Stephanie Cotta delves deep into what it means to be an outcast in society and trying to find one's place in an ever changing world. I connected with Rowan, the lead character on so many levels as he sets out on his quest to discover who he is. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and anticipate more works from the author.
Spoilers! I really enjoyed this book! We Meet Rowan who is considered an outcast in the village he lives. Once the fourth woman who has taken him in as a son passes away he is cast out as a cursed one. Rowan then travels to the lands of his people to discover where he belongs, and how to break the curse that is upon him. He soon discovers that the curse will kill anyone who comes in close proximity to him. Making it impossible for him to get close to anyone. Through the love of a strong and persevering young woman, an imbittered half-brother and the teachings of his guardian mothers, Rowan is able to overcome the curse and have his happily ever after. There was a lot of world building, the magic system is simple as it appears there is only a certain number of casters and they are few and far between. At the end Rowan's betrothed is enchanted and the only way to wake her is not by loves kiss, but by an enemy's kiss. I chuckled at that twist quite a bit. A very fun read, and I can't wait for the next book!
Stephanie Cotta’s debut novel, The Conjurer’s Curse will take you to unexplored kingdoms as Rowan embarks to find the conjurer who cursed him. You will be on the edge of your seat and in suspense as Rowan faces insurmountable odds. With a curse killing those closest to him and others wanting him dead, you will wonder if Rowan will survive such evil. As Rowan takes you deep into his world with twists and turns in every chapter, it will be hard to put this book down.
In this adventure Rowan will discover a world he never knew existed outside of Karahvel and his true origin story. An outcast from birth, he will finally learn the secrets hidden from him his whole life. Along the way he finds hope, courage, and an unbreakable love. He meets Tahira a Shandrian like himself, and they form a bond not even a curse could separate. You will fall in love with these characters and be left wanting more. Can’t wait for book two!
Rich world buildings mixes with adventure and danger in an exciting epic fantasy, which flows in an easy read.
Rowan is an outside no matter how long he lives with the tribe, which took him in. Not only is he an albino, but his guardian mothers have died, one after the other. The village claims he's cursed, although he's not convinced. Still, when he's finally kicked out, he's forced to travel into a world he doesn't know to discover the truth behind his heritage and birth. But Shandria, the land of his race, is far away, which means overcoming a dangerous journey, and even then, there are rumors that the kingdom he seeks holds more evil than the rest of his travels combined.
This is a deliciously, rich world, which draws in and brings the scenes to life...and that without a dump on descriptions. Even from the first page, the author creates vivid landscapes, cultures, characters, and situations, and considering how diverse Rowan's travels are, it's a smorgasbord on quick world building. Yet, it reads easily and keeps a pretty even pace.
Rowan is a hero to sympathize with, shunned by his adoptive village, on a journey to discover himself, and watching all those he loves around him die. He's hardworking, kind, and ready to give everything he has when necessary. During the first chapters, his innocence shines through, and this makes him easy to root for as he's forced to discover the true world and grows as he's faced with one trial after the other. It's a slow progression, which builds in a way fitting to create a nice character.
The story holds many surprises, adventures, action, and even emotional moments as Rowan journeys to his land, and then, is faced with even more difficulties there. The characters he meets along the way surprise, their true intentions (good and bad) not instantly clear. Some of these run by quickly, while others gain more depth. Especially the first part of the book skimmed over some situations more quickly and easily, skipping past some needed depth, but then, this book covers quite a bit of ground and could have easily created a series. The adventure is quick paced, for the most part, and offers all sorts of possibilities.
Oh, and I can't forget the illustrations. This is a beautiful book, on that end, which was a nice surprise all on its own.
Epic fantasy can tend to weigh down with the world building and word choice, both of which this author avoids. While the text does take-on a bit of this older flair in the vocabulary and wording, the dialogue and thoughts steer away from that enough to make it much lighter than it might have been. It creates an easy read, which flies by and lets the adventure simply take control. In other words, it's a fantasy to enjoy. I received a complimentary copy and really enjoyed accompanying Rowen on his adventure.