by: Elise Kova
Series: Dragon Cursed
Genre: Teen/Young Adult Fantasy w/Romantic Elements
Release Date: January 6, 2026
Publisher: Entangled ~ Mayhem Books
The moment you see a dragon is usually your last…
Since the dragons emerged–along with the scourge that ravaged our lands and people–there’s only one human city that remains standing: Vingard.
But the hellfire from above is nothing compared to the threat from within. For there is no worse fate than being dragon cursed. 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.
Dragons have destroyed the world, except for the last human stronghold of Vinguard. Vinguard is a self-contained city, built behind high stone walls. It’s controlled by the Creed, but is mainly run by Vicar Darius. Vinguard is an interesting city in that it is located above ground, as well as below ground, although those who are underground do not have the same class status as those living above ground. For centuries, dragons have attacked, which is why at the age of eighteen, every child of Vinguard is ordered to go through the Tribunal. A brutal and deadly three weeks in which they are forced to do and endure the unthinkable. This is said to weed out those who are considered to be weak and possibly untransformed dragons. Only after they pass the Tribunal are they considered to be a full citizen of Vinguard and are assigned duties.
At the age of twelve, Isola Thaz survived a dragon attack and, in the process, killed the dragon, though she has no memory of this. As a result, Isola wears a scar from that encounter. Having survived the dragon attack, Vicar Darius proclaimed Isola to be “Valor Reborn”; the legendary Dragon Slayer returned, meaning she is destined to be the one to save Vinguard and slay the Elder Dragon, considered to be the king of the dragons. While in theory, having this moniker is a blessing and something to be celebrated, for Isola, it’s anything but. She has to work harder and sacrifice more than anyone sees, and yet, that still isn’t enough. The vicar isn’t an easy man, and his son, Lucan, seems on the surface to be an extension of him.
Isola and Saipha are best friends and are as close as sisters. In fact, Saipha is the only true friend Isola has. They would do anything for each other. Lucan has been a thorn in Isola’s side for a while. He’s almost like her shadow and is someone she doesn’t trust. But once the Tribunal starts, the three team up to form an alliance to get through the trials. Things aren’t easy, and they find themselves facing multiple challenges that push their minds and bodies to the breaking point.
Going in, I was thinking Dragon Cursed was going to be Fourth Wing for young adults. It’s not. Isola is completely unprepared for the events that transpire. Yet, she doesn’t back down. She’s a quick thinker and faces challenges and obstacles head-on, with courage and determination, whether she feels those things or not. Saipha and Lucan were both surprises in their own way. I loved these three as characters. Looks can be deceiving, and these three definitely proved that.
Dragon Cursed contains great world-building and has an intriguing cast of characters. Just a few of the tropes are: enemies-to-reluctant allies-to-lovers and forced proximity. There are some gruesome moments. Yet through it all, you find out who the characters are at their core. There are twists and surprises, with an ending that will blow your mind. I was definitely left with questions. I’m looking forward to seeing how this duology will end.
~ Favorite Quotes ~
“You are so much stronger than you know.”
“Sometimes the right solution is the most obvious.”
“Looks can be deceiving.”
“Bravery isn’t about conquering easy challenges. It’s about facing what scares you and doing it anyway.”
“You are enough.”
“To be alive is to survive. That’s why you’ve got to look for the things that make it worth living.”
“You are always worth the risk.”
“There is nothing for me to be ashamed of. I am me. Wolly and unapologetically.”
“This will not be easy, but hard doesn’t mean impossible. Don’t fear difficult.”
**Received a copy of the book from the publisher and voluntarily reviewed it. Also personally purchased a hardcover copy.**
Rating: 5
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