Title: A Curse of Gold

Author: Annie Sullivan

Pub. Date: September 22, 2020

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Curses and queens. Pirates and kings. Gods and magic. This highly anticipated sequel to Annie Sullivan’s enchanting A Touch of Gold, the story of the daughter King Midas turned to gold, is the gripping crescendo to this sweeping fantasy adventure. The final saga of a cursed queen, a vengeful Greek god, and a dazzling kingdom in the balance.

As bold and brave as ever, Kora sets out to find Dionysus, the very person who is trying to kill her, on the mysterious disappearing island of Jipper. Kora has no other choice. If she wants to save her kingdom and have any chance at reversing her father’s curse, she will have to enter into a deadly game with Dionysus, the greatest trickster the world, or the underworld, has ever seen.

This will be a spoiler free review. Thank you to NetGalley for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

Just like with book 1, I loved this book. I loved the drama, the high stakes, the tension. I probably took too much pleasure in the trials and torment these characters had to go through. But I always think a story is better when nothing is ever easy. This whole book was a giant test of figuring out what you want, who you are, and striving to achieve those things, despite the unfavorable outcome.

Kora and Co. don’t have it easy this book, the stakes are higher than ever, her kingdom on the brink of desolation, her people angry and upset and not believing she should be ruling alongside her father.

My favorite aspect of this book is the relationship between Royce and Kora. I can’t exactly tell you why, not even vaguely, without spoiling it. But Kora’s whole journey in this book is about trying to be a good ruler, and even if she – personally – got everything she wanted, would it be what’s best for her and her people? It’s very much, what is she willing to sacrifice if it means saving her kingdom. I desperately wish we’d had more, cute, there for each other moments.

Which brings me to my only complaint about this book. Just like with Touch of Gold, I wish this book had been longer. With the introduction of more Greek Gods and myths interwoven, I feel like this band of characters could go on so many more adventures. So, either a slight slowdown of the pace, or give me more books – I’d gladly read them. I have so many questions – most revolving around Triton – I need to know what happens in the future!

It would be so interesting to see Kora, Royce and Co. travel around and face off various Greek Myths or deities.

I loved reading these books – they’re just so much fun and so enjoyable. The stakes are high, but don’t require tons of mental gymnastics to keep straight, you can just sit down, relax and follow Kora on her journey of figuring out who she is, and claiming that power, owning who she is.

I highly recommend picking these books up. I don’t think you can go wrong. Touch of Gold and Curse of Gold are just fun as hell reads, and I’m always a sucker for Greek Mythology anything.