Once Charmed, Twice Cursed
"Once Charmed, Twice Cursed" by Shaylin Gandhi is a delightful read that combines the charm of "The Princess Bride" with a unique magic system involving charms and nulls. This fun, quick read hooked me from the beginning, offering a perfect escape.
Weston's brute nature and Bria's inner turmoil over her identity created engaging character dynamics. The back-and-forth between Bria and Weston was filled with tension and many sweet moments between them made me smile. There were moments where I wanted to yell at both of the characters to speak up, but I get that their Marks defined their identities, making it hard for them to find their inner strength.
What I loved:
Princess Bride vibes
Charms and Nulls
Weston + Bria
Bria's struggle with her Mark and her desire for freedom, along with her complicated feelings for Weston, added depth to her character. The plot of the masked highwayman kidnapping her en route to her arranged marriage provided an exciting plot foundation. The story's pace and the enchanting world kept me turning the pages, eager to see how Bria would navigate her path to normalcy and love.
I do wish the character backstories could have been more fleshed out, but the ease of getting lost in this world made up for these minor shortcomings.
Overall, "Once Charmed, Twice Cursed" is an enchanting and easy read that offers a delightful blend of romance, magic, and adventure. It was the perfect palate cleanser for me after a complex fantasy novel book, allowing me to immerse myself in a charming and whimsical world.
