Tag: the curse of ophelia

ARC Book Review: The Legacy of Ophelia (The Curse of Ophelia #5) by Nicole Platania

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Rating: ★★★★
Audience: Fantasy Romance
Length: 750 pages
Author: Nicole Platania
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: August 7th, 2025
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

A forgotten myth resurrected. A legacy to conquer them all.

Ophelia and Malakai have been ripped from their loved ones and are at the mercy of a vengeful god.

But they quickly discover that in order to uncover secrets buried among realms, that may be precisely where they need to be. Even if it jeopardizes all they have fought to become.

Meanwhile, their friends receive a surprise visit from a potential ally that spurs them to rekindle partnerships, deny the bounds of power, and push love to the brink of destruction.

With myths resurrected and the very fabric of Ambrisk at risk, can the warriors survive their final battle against the deities? Or are they fated to become the legends stories are written of?

Everything culminates in this high-stakes, realm-shattering conclusion to the Epic Romantic Fantasy series, the Curse of Ophelia. With a loveable found family, scorching slow burn romances, and inspiration from Greek mythology, this series introduces a universe full of twisted lore and ancient battles that is perfect for fans of Chloe C Penaranda, Sarah J Maas, and Melissa K Roehrich.

MADE IT.

I miss the era of longer series and I loved that this has five books (+ a novella) with so many characters to love and appreciate. Each book was genuinely solid. NP crafted an incredible world with an amazing magic system and storylines I was deeply attached to reading.

I won’t go into much detail here because I don’t want to lead into any spoilers. But I’ll be CLEAR, you should absolutely read this series. Especially if you’ve been chasing the high of Throne of Glass ever since you finished the series. It is in no way a copycat, it just has the vibes in all the best ways.

The length of this one got to me a little bit (which could have been a mood thing so take that with a grain of salt). Otherwise, I don’t have any complaints. I loved seeing where all of these pairs ended up, there were so many memorable, soul-binding scenes and the antagonist got their due. The roller coaster of emotions was stellar. I can’t wait to read NP’s next series.

Overall audience notes:

  • Fantasy Romance
  • Language: mild – moderate
  • Romance: 4-5ish open door
  • Violence: high
  • Content notes: abuse (mental/emotional), loss of loved ones, mild blood/gore, torture, assault, PTSD

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ARC Book Review: The Myths of Ophelia (The Curse of Ophelia #4) by Nicole Platania

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Rating: ★★★★★
Audience: Fantasy Romance
Length: 686 pages
Author: Nicole Platania
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: November 21st, 2024
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Constellations may fall,
but perhaps all the myths are alive.

Ophelia has survived warfare, curses, and betrayals. Now, as the Revered of the Mystique Warriors and the Chosen of the Angels, she faces an unprecedented threat: The bloodthirsty Queen of the Fae sails for the shores of Gallantia. To ensure the safety of her people, Ophelia is forced into a deadly bargain.

As the hunt for the remaining two Angel emblems continues–now with newfound allies–Ophelia’s chosen family is thrown into peril and prophecies. Fates are questioned, magic seeks to kill, and each day, the Angels try to bend Ophelia further to their will.

But she is born of myths and legend, and she will scorch the deities before they pull her strings. Can Ophelia discover the remedy to the Angelcurse and harness her newfound power, or will centuries-old secrets rip her apart at the seams?

The Myths of Ophelia is book four in the Curse of Ophelia series, a new adult epic romantic fantasy with inspiration from Greek Mythology. It’s a high-stakes warrior adventure filled with bantering found family, meddling gods and Angels, and multiple slow burn romances, perfect for fans of Carissa Broadbent, Sarah J Maas, and Chloe C. Peñaranda.

Thank you to the author for an eARC.

DEVASTATION.

I’m back for another review for this series and once again in desperate need of more people to pick it up!! If you’re looking for something with Throne of Glass vibes (but is its own story!!) then you have to try TCOO.

I’ll be brief for lack of wanting to spoil anything for anyone who’s reading this without having read the other books. BUT essentially, there’s more of everything. The world building is continually expanding, I love seeing where the magic system is going and the mythical creatures that are popping up are my favorite.

I love how many POV’s are present and how this also adds more romances (and I think I spotted another one that I’m already obsessed with). I love this entire cast. I love how the different strengths and weaknesses in this found family have come together to work towards the greater good of their lands. I am anxiously waiting for the next (and I believe last?) installment. It’ll gut me, AND I’M READY.

Overall audience notes:

  • Fantasy Romance
  • Language: moderate – high
  • Romance: multiple open door (plot > spice though)
  • Violence: high

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ARC Book Review: The Breaker of Stars (The Curse of Ophelia #3.5) by Nicole Platania

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Rating: ★★★★
Audience: Fantasy Romance Novella
Length: 220 pages
Author: Nicole Platania
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: July 25th, 2024
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

A war of fractured hearts.
A fate written in the stars.

Cypherion does not love recklessly, but he loves hard. And while his friends may have forgiven Vale’s betrayal following the Battle of Damenal, he has kept the Starsearcher at arm’s length.

That is, until his Revered commands the two embark on a quest to Vale’s territory in order to find the secrets hidden within her damaged magic. And with so many betrayals being exposed in her life, Vale has one goal: win him back, even if only as a friend.

With weeks alone, under the watch of no one but the stars, will Cypherion be able to continue protecting his heart, or will he find a fate that outweighs the risks of love? And if he does, will the eddies of war allow him to keep it?

The Breaker of Stars is a second chance fantasy romance with cunning political intrigue, sprinkles of celestial magic, and a dazzling love story. It is book 3.5 in The Curse of Ophelia series and contains important series details, recommended to be read between books 3 and 4.

Thank you to the author for the eARC!

GREAT ADDITION.

If you’ve been enjoying this series and are curious if it’s worth picking up the novella, I say it is! I loved being back in this world and getting to deep dive into two characters I have really liked.

I liked the pacing and story line. It really feels well woven into the larger plot while maintaining this as a personal story to Cypherion and Vale. I love this world and seeing another view point of it only added to the experience. There’s some good tender moments, a bit of spice and I am definitely curious how this will continue into book four.

Overall audience notes:

  • Fantasy Romance Novella
  • Language: moderate
  • Romance: 3 open door
  • Violence: high
  • Content Warnings: physical altercations, depictions of emotional/mental abuse and neglect, torture, physical ailments related to seizures

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ARC Book Review: The Trials of Ophelia (The Curse of Ophelia #3) by Nicole Platania

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Rating: ★★★★★
Audience: Fantasy Romance
Length: 645 pages
Author: Nicole Platania
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: March 19th, 2024
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

The Angels are calling, and so her hunt begins.

After the devastation on Daminius, Ophelia threw herself into restoration to cope with her losses. Two months later, answers to an ancient curse still evade her, a queen threatens her life, and war rages in the southern mountains. Despite her scars and the loved ones lost, Ophelia knows she must move forward for her people.

When a note arrives with the clue they’ve been hoping for, Ophelia and her friends embark on a journey that will test their bonds and their faith in the Angels.

Ophelia must unravel legends while navigating a budding romance and trying to hold the Mystiques together–even if it means sacrificing herself.

The Trials of Ophelia is the third installment in the new adult romantic fantasy series, The Curse of Ophelia. With roots in Greek mythology, heartrending love stories, found family, and a unique fantastical world, this series is perfect for fans of Carissa Broadbent, Chloe C. Peñaranda, and Sarah J Maas.

Thank you to the author for an eARC.

LOVED IT.

I am just absolutely hooked on this series. I am in love with progression of both the story and the writing. Each book has gotten better and better and the way I love these characters is INTENSE.

The pacing here is slowed down a bit, but NOT in a bad way. There’s clearly a build to the last two books and I am anxious to see where those go. This also allowed for amazing character growth across the entire cast. I loved seeing both main romantic pairings (trying not to say specifics because spoilers) lean on each other and take steps on their own. This book is engaging and still has those intense action scenes where you’re not sure who’s going to make it back out.

PLUS. There were some amazing reveals that had me questioning the entire world and I love that. This world and magic system is growing even more and I love how the it’s been laid out. And I love that this book has spice without overshadowing the story. Emotional depth and connection is my favorite and there’s that in heaps here.

Another beautiful installment. I am obsessed with many scenes throughout (and my kindle highlights will back me up). If you’re now seeing this review, go back and start this series!! Absolutely worth it.

Overall audience notes:

  • Fantasy Romance
  • Language: low-moderate
  • Romance: 2-3 open door; low-moderate explicit; light innuendo
  • Violence: high
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: depictions of alcohol/drug dependency, discussions of sexual assault (not on page), recounted child abuse, torture, PTSD

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