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The Stolen Kingdom #3
The Cursed Hunter
Nesrin Ahmadi needs a dragon’s egg, no matter the cost.
The money from its sale could cancel her family’s enormous debt and keep them in the lavish lifestyle they’re accustomed to. Only one problem. A dragon’s egg is incredibly rare; and no one has ever found one fully intact before.
After years of searching, she’s about to give up, when debtors come to threaten her family. Climbing to heights she’s never dared to go before, Nes risks everything to find an egg…
…and finds a dragon instead.
The Cursed Hunter is a loose “Beauty and the Beast” retelling. Set in a world that humans share with mermaids, dragons, and the elusive Jinn, this is not the fairytale you remember…
If you enjoy clean romance, adventure, and intrigue, then try the books in The Stolen Kingdom series now! These interconnected fairy tale retellings each feature a different princess who has to fight for her happily ever after.
THE STOLEN KINGDOM SERIES READING ORDER:
Book 1: The Stolen Kingdom: An Aladdin retelling
Book 2: The Jinni Key: A Little Mermaid retelling
Book 3: The Cursed Hunter: A Beauty and the Beast retelling (releasing June 30th & available for preorder)
Book 4: The Enchanted Crown: A Sleeping Beauty retelling (coming Fall 2020)
The money from its sale could cancel her family’s enormous debt and keep them in the lavish lifestyle they’re accustomed to. Only one problem. A dragon’s egg is incredibly rare; and no one has ever found one fully intact before.
After years of searching, she’s about to give up, when debtors come to threaten her family. Climbing to heights she’s never dared to go before, Nes risks everything to find an egg…
…and finds a dragon instead.
The Cursed Hunter is a loose “Beauty and the Beast” retelling. Set in a world that humans share with mermaids, dragons, and the elusive Jinn, this is not the fairytale you remember…
If you enjoy clean romance, adventure, and intrigue, then try the books in The Stolen Kingdom series now! These interconnected fairy tale retellings each feature a different princess who has to fight for her happily ever after.
THE STOLEN KINGDOM SERIES READING ORDER:
Book 1: The Stolen Kingdom: An Aladdin retelling
Book 2: The Jinni Key: A Little Mermaid retelling
Book 3: The Cursed Hunter: A Beauty and the Beast retelling (releasing June 30th & available for preorder)
Book 4: The Enchanted Crown: A Sleeping Beauty retelling (coming Fall 2020)
138 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2020
About the author
Bethany Atazadeh
26 books903 followersBethany Atazadeh is best known for her young adult fantasy novels, The Stolen Kingdom Series, which won the Best YA Author 2020 Minnesota Author Project award. She is obsessed with stories, chocolate, and her corgi puppy, Penny.
Using her degree in English with a creative writing emphasis, Bethany enjoys helping other writers through her YouTube aka "AuthorTube" writing channel: https://www.youtube.com/bethanyatazadeh and Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/bethanyatazadeh
If you want to know more about when Bethany's next book will come out, visit her website at https://www.bethanyatazadeh.com/contact where you can sign up to receive monthly emails with exciting news, updates, and book releases.
CONNECT WITH BETHANY HERE:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorbetha...
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/bethanyl...
Website: https://www.bethanyatazadeh.com
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/bethanyatazadeh
Using her degree in English with a creative writing emphasis, Bethany enjoys helping other writers through her YouTube aka "AuthorTube" writing channel: https://www.youtube.com/bethanyatazadeh and Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/bethanyatazadeh
If you want to know more about when Bethany's next book will come out, visit her website at https://www.bethanyatazadeh.com/contact where you can sign up to receive monthly emails with exciting news, updates, and book releases.
CONNECT WITH BETHANY HERE:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorbetha...
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/bethanyl...
Website: https://www.bethanyatazadeh.com
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/bethanyatazadeh
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
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June 15, 2020The Cursed Hunter is officially done and ready for release on June 30th! AH!
This is a loose retelling of "Beauty and the Beast" in a four-book series of fantasy retellings, all based in the same world.
It's a companion novel to books 1 and 2, and can be read as a stand-alone or as book three in the series.
Title: The Cursed Hunter
Genre: YA Fantasy Retelling
Series: Book 3 of 4 (or stand-alone)
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Nesrin Ahmadi needs a dragon’s egg, no matter the cost.
The money from its sale could cancel her family’s enormous debt and keep them in the lavish lifestyle they’re accustomed to. Only one problem. A dragon’s egg is incredibly rare; and no one has ever found one fully intact before.
After years of searching, she’s about to give up, when creditors come to threaten her family. Climbing to heights she’s never dared to go before, Nes risks everything to find an egg…
…and finds a dragon instead.
The Cursed Hunter is a loose “Beauty and the Beast” retelling. Set in a world that humans share with mermaids, dragons, and the elusive Jinn, this is not the fairytale you remember…
If you enjoy clean romance, adventure, and intrigue, then try the books in The Stolen Kingdom series now! These interconnected fairy tale retellings each feature a different princess who has to fight for her happily ever after.
THE STOLEN KINGDOM SERIES READING ORDER:
Book 1: The Stolen Kingdom: An Aladdin retelling
Book 2: The Jinni Key: A Little Mermaid retelling
Book 3: The Cursed Hunter: A Beauty and the Beast retelling
Book 4: The Enchanted Crown: A Sleeping Beauty retelling
PREORDER THE CURSED HUNTER:
https://books2read.com/thecursedhunter
ADD IT ON GOODREADS:
http://bit.ly/cursedhuntergoodreads
BOOK 1, THE STOLEN KINGDOM:
https://books2read.com/thestolenkingdom
BOOK 2, THE JINNI KEY:
https://books2read.com/thejinnikey
THE STOLEN KINGDOM WEBSITE:
https://bit.ly/thestolenkingdom
*This is book three in four, set to release on June 30th, 2020*
This is a loose retelling of "Beauty and the Beast" in a four-book series of fantasy retellings, all based in the same world.
It's a companion novel to books 1 and 2, and can be read as a stand-alone or as book three in the series.
Title: The Cursed Hunter
Genre: YA Fantasy Retelling
Series: Book 3 of 4 (or stand-alone)
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Nesrin Ahmadi needs a dragon’s egg, no matter the cost.
The money from its sale could cancel her family’s enormous debt and keep them in the lavish lifestyle they’re accustomed to. Only one problem. A dragon’s egg is incredibly rare; and no one has ever found one fully intact before.
After years of searching, she’s about to give up, when creditors come to threaten her family. Climbing to heights she’s never dared to go before, Nes risks everything to find an egg…
…and finds a dragon instead.
The Cursed Hunter is a loose “Beauty and the Beast” retelling. Set in a world that humans share with mermaids, dragons, and the elusive Jinn, this is not the fairytale you remember…
If you enjoy clean romance, adventure, and intrigue, then try the books in The Stolen Kingdom series now! These interconnected fairy tale retellings each feature a different princess who has to fight for her happily ever after.
THE STOLEN KINGDOM SERIES READING ORDER:
Book 1: The Stolen Kingdom: An Aladdin retelling
Book 2: The Jinni Key: A Little Mermaid retelling
Book 3: The Cursed Hunter: A Beauty and the Beast retelling
Book 4: The Enchanted Crown: A Sleeping Beauty retelling
PREORDER THE CURSED HUNTER:
https://books2read.com/thecursedhunter
ADD IT ON GOODREADS:
http://bit.ly/cursedhuntergoodreads
BOOK 1, THE STOLEN KINGDOM:
https://books2read.com/thestolenkingdom
BOOK 2, THE JINNI KEY:
https://books2read.com/thejinnikey
THE STOLEN KINGDOM WEBSITE:
https://bit.ly/thestolenkingdom
*This is book three in four, set to release on June 30th, 2020*
September 1, 2021
Easily the most beautiful cover I have ever seen.
The first third was slow, so I was afraid It'll be like that the whole time, but once it picked up the pace, I couldn't put it down. It didn't hurt that it's a small book, either.
I've probably said this in my review for the last two books, but I never liked or cared about the princess stories. One reason is that they are unbelievable, the other is that the relationships are not healthy at all.
But this series makes them healthy. It twists them until they become healthy, and that's my favorite thing about them. They don't have high stakes and are not really emotional, but they are sweet quick stories you can read, doesn't matter what mood you are in.
And it fascinates me how these different princess stories morph into one series in the same world.
I'm really curious what the last book will bring to the table.
The first third was slow, so I was afraid It'll be like that the whole time, but once it picked up the pace, I couldn't put it down. It didn't hurt that it's a small book, either.
I've probably said this in my review for the last two books, but I never liked or cared about the princess stories. One reason is that they are unbelievable, the other is that the relationships are not healthy at all.
But this series makes them healthy. It twists them until they become healthy, and that's my favorite thing about them. They don't have high stakes and are not really emotional, but they are sweet quick stories you can read, doesn't matter what mood you are in.
And it fascinates me how these different princess stories morph into one series in the same world.
I'm really curious what the last book will bring to the table.
May 29, 2020
THE CURSED HUNTER is my favorite of Bethany Atazadeh's books that I've read. I felt the connection between Nes and the dragon. The growth that both of them go through with help from one another helps drive the story forward. Both characters have agency, neither one of them just sitting back and accepting the cards dealt them. They're strong, fighters and survivors. I've never read a dragon book to completion before THE CURSED HUNTER. I didn't think it was something I could be interested in. But Bethany's words changed that for me, and pulled me out of a reading slump. THE CURSED HUNTER is a fast-paced read full of emotions and genuine connection and respect, not between one person and another, but between one species and another.
July 9, 2020
This series just keeps getting better and better with each new book!
This is a pretty loose retelling of "Beauty and the Beast," and one of the most unique I've ever read! Nesrin is my favorite heroine of the series at this point-- I loved her personality and rational mindset, as well as her sense of humor ;)
As usual, the worldbuilding is fabulous, and as usual, the ending left me more than ready for book four. I'll wait for the SB retelling to tie off this wonderful series *heart eyes*
This is a pretty loose retelling of "Beauty and the Beast," and one of the most unique I've ever read! Nesrin is my favorite heroine of the series at this point-- I loved her personality and rational mindset, as well as her sense of humor ;)
As usual, the worldbuilding is fabulous, and as usual, the ending left me more than ready for book four. I'll wait for the SB retelling to tie off this wonderful series *heart eyes*
July 2, 2020
Back in April, I was introduced to the enchanting world of Bethany Atazadeh's Stolen Kingdom series. The first two books, The Stolen Kingdom and The Jinni Key, told the story of two princesses and their struggles to find love and save a kingdom. I eagerly awaited The Cursed Hunter, the third book in the series, in the hopes that it would continue the story and expand the world. When I finally got the opportunity to read it, it felt like it was from a completely different series that lacked the robust setting that was teased in the first two books. The Cursed Hunter is a simple story that feels dry and empty despite taking place in the same world. The expansive lore of Jinnis and Meremaids is replaced by a tale of a lone woman on a boring quest. I wish I could say this book was just as engaging and emotionally provocative as the first two, but I'm afraid The Cursed Hunter is a different beast entirely. Bethany Atazadeh is clearly a talented author, so I'm not sure what happened here.
The Cursed Hunter is about a young woman named Nesrin who wishes to save her family from bankruptcy by finding a priceless dragon egg. It is unclear why she thinks that a dragon's egg is the only way to make money when she has no experience with dragons and has never seen one of their eggs before. Even though she has selfless intentions, it often feels as though she is going on this quest to satiate her own desire for adventure than to help her family. Her quest leads her to the lair of a black dragon who turns out to be more sentient than she gives him credit for. She expects to be eaten on the spot, but her silent protector fights off other dragons and clumsily reveals his story to her in spite of a massive communication barrier. This book is promoted as a retelling of "Beauty and the Beast," but it feels more like a loose adaptation of "Rumpelstiltskin" as Nesrin must learn the dragon's true name to break his curse, not to fall in love with him. Another major difference is that this book primarily takes place in a filthy cave instead of the ornate palace that the "beauty" character finds herself trapped in.
I try not to judge books by their covers, but in this particular case, I found the cover of The Cursed Hunter to be extremely misleading. The Selena Gomez lookalike in the yellow gown bears virtually no resemblance to the tomboy described within these pages. Bethany Atazadeh redesigned the covers for all three books in this series, and the first two made perfect sense because they centered around princesses who were at somewhat feminine in nature. While there is nothing wrong with a female character who is more masculine than her peers, I would have liked to see a more accurate depiction of Nesrin before I started the book. So much of it reads like the tale of an adventuring prince on an epic quest to slay a dragon, except that the prince just happens to be a woman. There is no point in the story where Nesrin puts on a yellow ballgown, nor is she the type of person who would ever want to. She is described as wearing trousers, hunting boots, and the occasional dragon scale armor vest, which admittedly would have made a more unique image than the one that was ultimately used.
Nesrin is far less social than her princess predecessors. While Arie and Rena from the previous two books were surrounded by colorful faces that added strong emotional connections to their stories, Nesrin spends the majority of this book alone with a mute dragon as her only companion. This leads to endless pages of description about what she eats, where she sleeps, and occasionally how the dragon tends to her wounds. There are many times in the book where she awkwardly talks to herself due to the dragon's inability to talk back. This sensory-driven survival story is so visually dependent that it works far better for animated series such as Samurai Jack than it does with written words alone. I related far more to the chapters that were told from the dragon's perspective as he struggled to recover his humanity than to learning how Nesrin survived another day with no human contact. Unfortunately, the dragon's chapters were few and far between and rarely longer than a page, which accounts for the shorter length of this book compared to the rest of the series.
The Cursed Hunter does little to expand upon the rich world that was introduced in The Stolen Kingdom and The Jinni Key. It does not reveal anything new about the elusive Jinnis despite Nesrin visiting their homeland. Though it was adapted from one of the greatest love stories of all time, it contained little to no romance. This book is not a good fit for people who enjoyed princess stories like the other two in the series. Nesrin is more of an adventurer than a princess, and not a particularly good one at that. Her quest would have surely gotten her killed if it hadn't been for the cursed dragon that she encountered. The fourth and final book in the series, The Enchanted Crown, promises to bring back Princesses Arie and Rena, so I would recommend skipping over this book and reading that one when it gets released next year instead.
The Cursed Hunter is about a young woman named Nesrin who wishes to save her family from bankruptcy by finding a priceless dragon egg. It is unclear why she thinks that a dragon's egg is the only way to make money when she has no experience with dragons and has never seen one of their eggs before. Even though she has selfless intentions, it often feels as though she is going on this quest to satiate her own desire for adventure than to help her family. Her quest leads her to the lair of a black dragon who turns out to be more sentient than she gives him credit for. She expects to be eaten on the spot, but her silent protector fights off other dragons and clumsily reveals his story to her in spite of a massive communication barrier. This book is promoted as a retelling of "Beauty and the Beast," but it feels more like a loose adaptation of "Rumpelstiltskin" as Nesrin must learn the dragon's true name to break his curse, not to fall in love with him. Another major difference is that this book primarily takes place in a filthy cave instead of the ornate palace that the "beauty" character finds herself trapped in.
I try not to judge books by their covers, but in this particular case, I found the cover of The Cursed Hunter to be extremely misleading. The Selena Gomez lookalike in the yellow gown bears virtually no resemblance to the tomboy described within these pages. Bethany Atazadeh redesigned the covers for all three books in this series, and the first two made perfect sense because they centered around princesses who were at somewhat feminine in nature. While there is nothing wrong with a female character who is more masculine than her peers, I would have liked to see a more accurate depiction of Nesrin before I started the book. So much of it reads like the tale of an adventuring prince on an epic quest to slay a dragon, except that the prince just happens to be a woman. There is no point in the story where Nesrin puts on a yellow ballgown, nor is she the type of person who would ever want to. She is described as wearing trousers, hunting boots, and the occasional dragon scale armor vest, which admittedly would have made a more unique image than the one that was ultimately used.
Nesrin is far less social than her princess predecessors. While Arie and Rena from the previous two books were surrounded by colorful faces that added strong emotional connections to their stories, Nesrin spends the majority of this book alone with a mute dragon as her only companion. This leads to endless pages of description about what she eats, where she sleeps, and occasionally how the dragon tends to her wounds. There are many times in the book where she awkwardly talks to herself due to the dragon's inability to talk back. This sensory-driven survival story is so visually dependent that it works far better for animated series such as Samurai Jack than it does with written words alone. I related far more to the chapters that were told from the dragon's perspective as he struggled to recover his humanity than to learning how Nesrin survived another day with no human contact. Unfortunately, the dragon's chapters were few and far between and rarely longer than a page, which accounts for the shorter length of this book compared to the rest of the series.
The Cursed Hunter does little to expand upon the rich world that was introduced in The Stolen Kingdom and The Jinni Key. It does not reveal anything new about the elusive Jinnis despite Nesrin visiting their homeland. Though it was adapted from one of the greatest love stories of all time, it contained little to no romance. This book is not a good fit for people who enjoyed princess stories like the other two in the series. Nesrin is more of an adventurer than a princess, and not a particularly good one at that. Her quest would have surely gotten her killed if it hadn't been for the cursed dragon that she encountered. The fourth and final book in the series, The Enchanted Crown, promises to bring back Princesses Arie and Rena, so I would recommend skipping over this book and reading that one when it gets released next year instead.
November 22, 2020
Um...I hoped to like this book. And it had some good points. But it was by far the worst of the series for me. I really enjoyed the first in the series, the second was okay, but this one just totally missed the mark for me.
Most of the book is the main character alone with a mute human-dragon. And this creates a flat world that results in so much description and lack of conflict. It takes an incredibly special book to carry a plot with one or maybe two characters, and this one didn’t work for me.
But what greatly bothered me was the complete lack of the prior series plot line. There was no mention of it at all, and I felt very let down by that.
Overall, this might be the book that makes me not read on. I was more excited about this book than the second book (preordered this one but waited to read the second), and I just feel like it mislead me into reading it with false expectations about the series overall.
The good: it had good plot points, good potential for conflict, and well realized characters.
Overall maybe 2.5/5 stars.
Most of the book is the main character alone with a mute human-dragon. And this creates a flat world that results in so much description and lack of conflict. It takes an incredibly special book to carry a plot with one or maybe two characters, and this one didn’t work for me.
But what greatly bothered me was the complete lack of the prior series plot line. There was no mention of it at all, and I felt very let down by that.
Overall, this might be the book that makes me not read on. I was more excited about this book than the second book (preordered this one but waited to read the second), and I just feel like it mislead me into reading it with false expectations about the series overall.
The good: it had good plot points, good potential for conflict, and well realized characters.
Overall maybe 2.5/5 stars.
July 5, 2020
I loved this story such a cool spin on Beauty and the Beast, can’t wait for the 4th book.
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March 18, 2021Nesrin is the heroine of this story. She desperately needs to find a dragon's egg to help her family. But she finds something a bit bigger than an egg, a dragon.
This book is captivating from the start. The stakes are high when Nesrin starts her journey which makes it so interesting.
Nesrin is a great character and I was rooting for her from the start.
There are also chapters written from the dragon's perspective, which was absolutely brilliant! It definitely added to the story and was such an original choice.
This book is like the other ones in the series a retelling. I love this take on beauty and the beast!
The world Bethany has build in this series is so wonderful. I love the details, the magical beings and I really like the fact that you learn something new in every book.
This was one of those addicting story and I finished it in one sitting. I would highly recommend it!
This book is captivating from the start. The stakes are high when Nesrin starts her journey which makes it so interesting.
Nesrin is a great character and I was rooting for her from the start.
There are also chapters written from the dragon's perspective, which was absolutely brilliant! It definitely added to the story and was such an original choice.
This book is like the other ones in the series a retelling. I love this take on beauty and the beast!
The world Bethany has build in this series is so wonderful. I love the details, the magical beings and I really like the fact that you learn something new in every book.
This was one of those addicting story and I finished it in one sitting. I would highly recommend it!
March 7, 2020
Really good
Ahhhhh I can’t spoil But I’ll just say the cover lies this very magical looking cover is not at all like the story that is nothing against the story it is one of the best story’s that I’ve ever read but yes don’t run away from the story from the cover
Ahhhhh I can’t spoil But I’ll just say the cover lies this very magical looking cover is not at all like the story that is nothing against the story it is one of the best story’s that I’ve ever read but yes don’t run away from the story from the cover
March 20, 2021
Ahh, this book was so good!! It was gripping and intriguing, and you learn a lot of important things in this one.
I absolutely loved that the beast was a dragon in this retelling. I thought Nes's and the dragon's (not saying any names because of spoilers) relationship was written really well, how they went from dragon trying to kill girl to tentative friends to possibly lovers. And I loved how it still had many Beauty and the Beast elements while still being a very different story and not following the original completely.
Both main characters were great!! I really liked Nesrin, loved the dragon's personality, and am excited to see what parts they play in the fourth book.
The beginning started out a little slow and tedious, but I was quickly hooked and pulled in. I absolutely CANNOT wait for The Enchanted Crown!! I'm super excited to see how Bethany combines all of the characters and their stories and wraps it all up.
I absolutely loved that the beast was a dragon in this retelling. I thought Nes's and the dragon's (not saying any names because of spoilers) relationship was written really well, how they went from dragon trying to kill girl to tentative friends to possibly lovers. And I loved how it still had many Beauty and the Beast elements while still being a very different story and not following the original completely.
Both main characters were great!! I really liked Nesrin, loved the dragon's personality, and am excited to see what parts they play in the fourth book.
The beginning started out a little slow and tedious, but I was quickly hooked and pulled in. I absolutely CANNOT wait for The Enchanted Crown!! I'm super excited to see how Bethany combines all of the characters and their stories and wraps it all up.
September 19, 2020
So I pre ordered this book, and didn't hear from them for a long time... found out that they couldn't get a copy. Ordered from another place and it finally came Friday. I was so excited, but I said to myself, "No, I won't read it now, I'm currently reading 7 other books. I'll finish a few of them first. And here I am a little over 24 hours, writing my review. This was my absolute favourite book in this series, really can't wait for the next one!
June 12, 2020
[I was given the opportunity to read this before the release, but my review is fair and true. I have pre-ordered the paperback myself as well]
I love this re-telling. There is so much one could compare to the original, however it is very different. The way the author has written this novel is perfect in my opinion. It works perfectly as a stand-alone/companion to the rest of the series but also works perfectly well slotted in as the third book.
In Rena's journey [in the second book], she meets a dragon with his own dark secret. This book explores that a little further but focuses on the journey of Nesrin. Every character in the book had a lot of depth and gave little hint and details about the Kingdom of Jinn and their queen.
It is an exciting arc that will keep your fingers twitching for the next page, after page. It's a thoroughly enjoyable read. I hope you will all enjoy it as much as I did. I cannot wait for the final book in the series.
I love this re-telling. There is so much one could compare to the original, however it is very different. The way the author has written this novel is perfect in my opinion. It works perfectly as a stand-alone/companion to the rest of the series but also works perfectly well slotted in as the third book.
In Rena's journey [in the second book], she meets a dragon with his own dark secret. This book explores that a little further but focuses on the journey of Nesrin. Every character in the book had a lot of depth and gave little hint and details about the Kingdom of Jinn and their queen.
It is an exciting arc that will keep your fingers twitching for the next page, after page. It's a thoroughly enjoyable read. I hope you will all enjoy it as much as I did. I cannot wait for the final book in the series.
September 18, 2020
Bethany Atazadeh has upped her writing game with The Cursed Hunter, with a easy to root for protagonist and vivid world and story, this is my favorite of The Stolen Kingdom series to date and left me wanting more and looking forward to the finale of the series, The Enchanted Crown!
This installment takes nods out of Beauty and the Beast, and unlike the first two, this can be read on it’s own, as while knowing the first two books can enhance your understanding of certain plot points, it’s not required, as outside of a couple of mentions of a supporting character and sharing the same world, those characters don’t play a factor in this one. And while it takes basic nods from the Beauty and the Beast story, it feels like it’s own story with many twists and turns that had me surprised to an extent, along with a lot of emotional resonance that felt like a step up from her past works. It moves at a nice quick pace, with plenty of action and suspense and some mystery, and I breezed through most of the book in a day. The world is built well, as I could picture all of the setting clearly and pulled me into the magical, and it had a sense of place (outside of one or two short hiccups), and I commend Atazadeh for her improvement in this category. The prose is easy to read as well and rarely did I get lost.
The characters were fleshed out and I connected to each of them as the story continued. Especially with Nesrin, our main protagonist, who’s desperate to get a dragon egg to save her family from financial ruin. She’s adventurous and doesn’t shy away from femininity, and I love how she grows and develops throughout, committed to getting that egg. One PoV I didn’t expect starting out was The Dragon that captures her to start out with, and he has an interesting story, which I won’t get into because of spoilers. I was blown away to find out what his actual story is and grew to like him too.
While the main story is resolved, there’s a reconnect to the rest of the series and the lead up to the final book in the series, The Enchanted Crown, which I’m looking forward to reading more than before, and I’m hoping Nesrin shows up as well!
This installment takes nods out of Beauty and the Beast, and unlike the first two, this can be read on it’s own, as while knowing the first two books can enhance your understanding of certain plot points, it’s not required, as outside of a couple of mentions of a supporting character and sharing the same world, those characters don’t play a factor in this one. And while it takes basic nods from the Beauty and the Beast story, it feels like it’s own story with many twists and turns that had me surprised to an extent, along with a lot of emotional resonance that felt like a step up from her past works. It moves at a nice quick pace, with plenty of action and suspense and some mystery, and I breezed through most of the book in a day. The world is built well, as I could picture all of the setting clearly and pulled me into the magical, and it had a sense of place (outside of one or two short hiccups), and I commend Atazadeh for her improvement in this category. The prose is easy to read as well and rarely did I get lost.
The characters were fleshed out and I connected to each of them as the story continued. Especially with Nesrin, our main protagonist, who’s desperate to get a dragon egg to save her family from financial ruin. She’s adventurous and doesn’t shy away from femininity, and I love how she grows and develops throughout, committed to getting that egg. One PoV I didn’t expect starting out was The Dragon that captures her to start out with, and he has an interesting story, which I won’t get into because of spoilers. I was blown away to find out what his actual story is and grew to like him too.
While the main story is resolved, there’s a reconnect to the rest of the series and the lead up to the final book in the series, The Enchanted Crown, which I’m looking forward to reading more than before, and I’m hoping Nesrin shows up as well!
July 21, 2020
By far the best Stolen Kingdom book so far! I loved every second of it, and could not be in more pain waiting for the last book. Also, best. Epilogue. EVER!!!
This was actually one of the best Beauty and the Beast retellings that I have ever read (and I am not just saying that because I am hyped by the ending and the wait for the next one). It had all the classic 'beauty and the beast' elements, but at the same time, it was completely original. Beauty and the Beast is my favorite fairy tale (well, Beauty and the Beast AND Rapunzel), so I have read many of them. Most of the time, the author is forced to follow the story structure, and it ends up feeling flat and forced. The Cursed Hunter, on the other hand, felt like it could have been the inspiration for the story archetype. It was so flawless, and yet at the same time natural. Each scene flowed into the next, and created this story that was amazing, and deserving of so much more credit than it has gotten. I would say that I want someone to make this into a movie, but it is too perfect and they would just wreck it. Seriously, one of the BEST beauty and the beast retellings ever.
**Update, three days later, and I am STILL thinking about this book -- and super grateful that I bought it so I could reread it. *Cough* Twice.
This was actually one of the best Beauty and the Beast retellings that I have ever read (and I am not just saying that because I am hyped by the ending and the wait for the next one). It had all the classic 'beauty and the beast' elements, but at the same time, it was completely original. Beauty and the Beast is my favorite fairy tale (well, Beauty and the Beast AND Rapunzel), so I have read many of them. Most of the time, the author is forced to follow the story structure, and it ends up feeling flat and forced. The Cursed Hunter, on the other hand, felt like it could have been the inspiration for the story archetype. It was so flawless, and yet at the same time natural. Each scene flowed into the next, and created this story that was amazing, and deserving of so much more credit than it has gotten. I would say that I want someone to make this into a movie, but it is too perfect and they would just wreck it. Seriously, one of the BEST beauty and the beast retellings ever.
**Update, three days later, and I am STILL thinking about this book -- and super grateful that I bought it so I could reread it. *Cough* Twice.
August 7, 2020
.... I'm speechless... After reading the first two books in the series, I was sure there was no way it could possibly get any better... then I read The Cursed Hunter... Y'all! I don't even have the words to describe it! *Takes a deep breath* Okay, here's my attempt: Action-packed and beautiful.
I'm not a retellings person; never have been. I jumped into this series because I found Miss Bethany through her YouTube channel, and thought I should support her in return for all the support she's offered me and all her other subscribers. I honestly didn't think I would like the series all that much because, as I mentioned, I don't like retellings. But, while there are some similarities, this book isn't a real retelling. It's not bound to Beauty and the Beast. In fact, if I hadn't been told it was a Beauty and the Beast retelling, I never would've guessed.
I'll stop before this review gets too long, and you get bored, deciding to scroll through Instagram instead. So, what are you waiting for!? Go buy this novel!!!
I'm not a retellings person; never have been. I jumped into this series because I found Miss Bethany through her YouTube channel, and thought I should support her in return for all the support she's offered me and all her other subscribers. I honestly didn't think I would like the series all that much because, as I mentioned, I don't like retellings. But, while there are some similarities, this book isn't a real retelling. It's not bound to Beauty and the Beast. In fact, if I hadn't been told it was a Beauty and the Beast retelling, I never would've guessed.
I'll stop before this review gets too long, and you get bored, deciding to scroll through Instagram instead. So, what are you waiting for!? Go buy this novel!!!
September 2, 2021
This is probably my favorite beauty and the beast retelling that I've read! It has a unique take on the story that makes the kidnapping part much more okay but still has the fun tie ins to the original.
I absolutely loved the characters. The main character is the type of girl I would love my girls to look up to--determined, caring, capable, and kind. I also loved the interactions between her and the dragon! It was a brilliant love story, despite the fact that the dragon can't talk. And I loved the tie in with the previous books, I can't wait to read the next in the series!
I absolutely loved the characters. The main character is the type of girl I would love my girls to look up to--determined, caring, capable, and kind. I also loved the interactions between her and the dragon! It was a brilliant love story, despite the fact that the dragon can't talk. And I loved the tie in with the previous books, I can't wait to read the next in the series!
February 27, 2021
Loved this loose retelling of Beauty and the Beast (one of my fave Disney movies!). I enjoyed the added POV to see things from Doost's perspective and hear his voice. Their interactions reminded me of Hiccup and Toothless sometimes which is super fun. :) Nes was a relatable and strong female character which is no surprise with Bethany's awesome character development. The ending set up the last book in the series perfectly, and now I can't wait for the grand finale in The Enchanted Crown!
April 30, 2021
This is my favorite book in THE STOLEN KINGDOM series so far. Although the story was slow to start and I predicted about everything, I loved Nesrin and Doost's story. This one was action-packed, the romance wasn't instant--it developed, and the mystery/suspense kept me intrigued and reading late into the night.
Now I'm off to see how all the stories will combine and end!
Now I'm off to see how all the stories will combine and end!
June 26, 2020
I'm actually coming into this series out of order, but that being said, this book was spectacular all on it's own, especially as an ERC! The book was sent to me by Bethany with no obligation to leave a review, but I loved this too much. The visuals were vivid, the characters well-rounded, the action breathtaking, and the romantic pay-off in no way disappointed. If you love a good Beauty and The Beast retelling this one delivers- moreso even- I was happier with everything we got in the end than most books.
July 16, 2020
This one sucked me in, what a fantastic retelling. The best part for me was Nes she is a fantastic and strong character who I look forward to seeing more of in book 4 of 'The Stolen Kingdom Series.' I loved that this book stood on it's own but I'm real curious to see how it ties in with the rest...this is going to be good.
Very roughly biased on Beauty and the Beast this is a fantastic retelling involving dragons, desperation and Jinni. I loved that the fairy tale concept was there but it was a story that had it's own merit. A few times I thought I had the plot figured out and each time I was wrong, which is fantastic. I hate when I can predict a book.
Very roughly biased on Beauty and the Beast this is a fantastic retelling involving dragons, desperation and Jinni. I loved that the fairy tale concept was there but it was a story that had it's own merit. A few times I thought I had the plot figured out and each time I was wrong, which is fantastic. I hate when I can predict a book.
August 5, 2020
This is an amazing book! I can't recommend it enough! Bethany is an amazing person and writer! She has really outdone herself with this book! I love the strong female lead and it has dragons! It's a fun twist on a classic tale! If you love retellings this is the book for you!
May 15, 2022
Such an engaging 'loose' beauty and the beast retelling!! once you start making the connections from this story to the other books in this series, you can not stop reading it!
August 2, 2020
Loved it! I really enjoyed the third book in "The Stolen Kingdom" series and meeting new loveable characters! Cant wait to see how their story ends.
September 15, 2020
Love the characters
This book was impossible to put down! Nesran and her dragon are dynamic and engaging. Definite Beauty and the Beast vibes, but with a whole new story. The sudden ending was jarring, but I can’t wait for more.
This book was impossible to put down! Nesran and her dragon are dynamic and engaging. Definite Beauty and the Beast vibes, but with a whole new story. The sudden ending was jarring, but I can’t wait for more.
July 1, 2020
This book drew me in and I enjoyed it a lot! A great tale with the bare bones of the beauty and the beast story.
July 22, 2020
4.5 stars
Loved this book, it was a loose retelling of Beauty of the Beast and it did a fabulous job of using certain elements from the original and told them in a unique way. I devoured this book, thanks for getting me our of my reading slump by the way. The relationship between the dragon and Nes was well done and developed nicely. I am enjoying that all three books have pieces of each other and will finally come together in book four. I was disappointed in the length of this book, it was much shorter than expected but the story was still great. I highly recommend this series and can't wait for the next book.
Loved this book, it was a loose retelling of Beauty of the Beast and it did a fabulous job of using certain elements from the original and told them in a unique way. I devoured this book, thanks for getting me our of my reading slump by the way. The relationship between the dragon and Nes was well done and developed nicely. I am enjoying that all three books have pieces of each other and will finally come together in book four. I was disappointed in the length of this book, it was much shorter than expected but the story was still great. I highly recommend this series and can't wait for the next book.
September 2, 2020
Bring on book 4!
The story gets better with each book. I really enjoyed Nesrin's character. The pacing was on point again and I can't wait for the next book!
The story gets better with each book. I really enjoyed Nesrin's character. The pacing was on point again and I can't wait for the next book!
July 22, 2020
I simply loved it, It was a solid four-hour read. It was faster past then the Stolen Kingdom and the Jinny Key. I can't wait for the last book.
July 10, 2020
Devoured this book in a day, that’s how good it is!
The third book in the Stolen Kingdom series, is a loose retelling of my all time favorite fairytale, Beauty and the Beast. Where the Beast is a dragon and the Beauty is a headstrong wannabe dragon hunter.
Nes, is a perfect “Belle”. She is considered odd for being a dragon hunter, because that’s a man’s occupation. She doesn’t care what people think about her. She risks everything for her family.
Her mission may have been to get a dragon’s egg but her ultimate goal is saving her family. Every move she makes while climbing up Dragon Cliff is with the sole purpose of returning honor and merit back to her family. Instead of an egg she finds a dragon and her life is turned upside down from that moment onward.
What she ends up achieving up in those cliffs is deeper than settling a debt. Nes discovers self worth, compassion and a story that’s much bigger than she could ever imagine.
I love how this book can be read as a stand-alone within the series, but being set in a world where humans share with mermaids, dragons and the elusive Jinn, it all ties together at the end. I can’t wait to see how Nes’ story unfolds in the 4th book alongside Arie and Rena 🥰
The third book in the Stolen Kingdom series, is a loose retelling of my all time favorite fairytale, Beauty and the Beast. Where the Beast is a dragon and the Beauty is a headstrong wannabe dragon hunter.
Nes, is a perfect “Belle”. She is considered odd for being a dragon hunter, because that’s a man’s occupation. She doesn’t care what people think about her. She risks everything for her family.
Her mission may have been to get a dragon’s egg but her ultimate goal is saving her family. Every move she makes while climbing up Dragon Cliff is with the sole purpose of returning honor and merit back to her family. Instead of an egg she finds a dragon and her life is turned upside down from that moment onward.
What she ends up achieving up in those cliffs is deeper than settling a debt. Nes discovers self worth, compassion and a story that’s much bigger than she could ever imagine.
I love how this book can be read as a stand-alone within the series, but being set in a world where humans share with mermaids, dragons and the elusive Jinn, it all ties together at the end. I can’t wait to see how Nes’ story unfolds in the 4th book alongside Arie and Rena 🥰
July 12, 2020
Bethany has done it again! This book is absolutely fantastic! A loose retelling of Beauty and the Beast where the Beast is a dragon and Beauty is a dragon hunter! My only complaint is how short this book was. I didn't want the story to end. I am so excited for book 4 in The Stolen Kingdom series, a loose Sleeping Beauty retelling, when all of our favorite characters will unite to (hopefully) end the rule of the Queen of Jinn! I highly recommend this fabulous series!
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