“Cursed Climb” Review

Description:

A swan, a bird catcher, and the plot they both intend to keep from hatching…

Working under her father as the Assistant Keeper of the Menagerie, Odessa Rothchild has always believed two things to be true: animals are much better listeners than people, and Boris Rothchild is the most brilliant man in all of Kovskia. All of that changes when an unfortunate discovery in her father’s workroom leaves her the recipient of a curse. Stuck in the body of a swan until the sun sets, Odessa begins to think that her search for the truth is hopeless—until, that is, a mysterious man crash-lands in the middle of her lake.

If there’s one thing in life that Jax should understand, it’s birds. As the fourth generation of a family of bird catchers, his future nest egg should be secure—and it would be, if he didn’t have his sights set on a different kind of winged creature. But after his search for a rare and elusive dragon egg goes wrong, Jax wakes up to find himself in the company of the one kind of bird he can’t seem to understand.

She needs his help to break her curse. He needs her to get his dragon. But as they work together, secrets are uncovered that create ripples bigger than either of them could have imagined, and they both must decide whether or not a happy ending is worth the climb…or the fall.Torn from one fairytale and trapped in another: the Displaced Fairytales series is a multi-author fairy tale retelling series of standalones from your favorite no-spice, closed door young adult romance authors. CURSED CLIMB is Jack and the Beanstalk meets Swan Lake with He Falls First, Found Family, and a dragon companion who doesn’t understand why he can’t be a swan.

Personal Thoughts:

This book and “Winter of the Wandering Wind” has changed my list of favorite books by Sarah Beran. I loved it so much. There was some confuseion on my part with who the main character is. So if you have read the Song of Magic Series, then you knowabout the character Avi and I thought this book was about him. It is not, instead it is about his nephew. (In my defense the characters are very similar personality wise, intentionally done by the author). After I figured that out it was very enjoyable. I really love how the characters in different books overlap and we see the stories from different points of view depending on which book you are reading.

Jax and Odessa were so cute together. There are many twists and turns that I didn’t see coming. It is part of the Displaced Fairytales series, and all of the books are currently on Kindle Unlimited.

Jax and Odessa’s internal conflict played out like two sides of the same coin. Similar but slightly different. They are both great characters, and I enjoyed reading their story so much. I think this one of the best Swan Lake retellings I’ve ever read. They are very cute together. Jax is hilarious! Probably one of the funniest characters I’ve ever read.

The dragon’s personality contained a mix of sweet and sarcastic.

Christianity- There are mentions of the Almighty, praying to Him, His will and power.

Magic- Odessa is cursed, but not all magic is shown as bad. Jax (in his world) music is magic and the Almighty has placed a song inside of everyone connected to special gifts. Also, there is an adorable pet dragon.

***Minor Spoilers below: highlight to read

A character curses several others with dark magic. Happy endings happen and they are turned back to normal. A character had the ability to speak with animals.

***End of Spoilers

Profanity- a few, “he cursed”.

Romance- A few hugs, and two kisses.

Violence- Threats, mild near-death experiences.

I recommend this for 14+, and I rate it as 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. My only note–if I am searching for something to pick at– is that if it had more faith content it would be the frosting on the cake. I plan to buy a physical copy for my bookself.