Two friends. Two worlds. A selfish desire that threatens them both.

Raijin killed a witch and found himself cursed.

Sandro went to Raijin’s aid and became an assassin’s target.

Neither expected that they would trigger the biggest upheaval their world had seen in a thousand years.

And that it needed the love between them to lift the curse.

Cursed, the second book in the Balance of Magic series, is a slow-burn m/m fantasy romance featuring friends-to-lovers who become soulmates, irate death gods, curses, inept, narcissistic politicians, curious, compassionate witches, and a found family.

Purchase Link: Amazon.com

Goodreads: Cursed by Jackie Keswick

Review

Rating: 5 stars

*I received this novel for free in exchange for an honest review*

Cursed is the second book in the A Balance of Magic series. Picking up where the first book left off, we find Raijin trying to make sense of the events and their aftermath, as well as being appointed the new hunter for the Yamakage Clan.

Sandro is an orphan born into the Lugano Clan, but ostracised for reasons unknown to him after his parents’ death. Instead, he is raised in the Custodia, always wondering the truth of his past. When Raijin arrives at the Custodia, he is partnered with Sandro and the two quickly form a close friendship, which eventually turns into something more. Together they face demons and witches, whilst both trying to unravel secrets from their pasts.

I really enjoyed reading the second instalment to the series. It expanded greatly on the world created in the first novel. I loved how the author wove different mythologies and cultures together to create something truly unique. The characters of Raijin and Sandro were very different from each other. Raijin’s self-assurance contrasts against Sandro’s inverted nature, but the two just work perfectly together despite being opposites. I was also glad to see the inclusion of Rakurai and Tenzen from book one in the series, and I cannot wait to see what will happen next!