Seriously, WHAT DID I JUST READ?? I did NOT expect to be as blown away as I was. When I tell you this book had me in a chokehold right up until the end, I'm not exaggerating.

A Cursed Age is basically a pirate romantasy: we have slow burn, fated mates, witches, mermaids and pirates. The world building is incredible! And honestly a little out of my comfort zone since I'm not usually one to require elaborate descriptions, but in this case it really helps to immerse you in the story.

It starts off SLOW!! Give it a few chapters to really start building momentum, the author is just setting the scene! Don't rush it, don't put it down, trust the author!!

I absolutely loved Emmeline, she's a quietly strong heroine with real growth throughout the book. It's refreshing to see a FMC who isn't completely helpless, but she's not some secret ninja assassin either haha. She's RELATABLE!! And Ryland is absolutely swoon-worthy with his own journey of personal growth. Gwenifer is suitably horrendous with her own villain origin story, and the side characters are so likable and funny and not just there to push the story along. I'd totally read a spin-off just of Captain Dormer, yum!!

I really didn't want this story to end, but the author did a beautiful job of bringing everything together and tying up loose ends that I hadn't even noticed. This is one that I'll be adding to my shelf collection for sure!!

ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Man, I wish this had been better! The description sounded so promising. Steampunk alt-historical fiction with pirates? Something about a sea witch? Hell yeah.

But this really fell short and I was so disappointed.

First off, it's loooooong. And weirdly for as long as it is, I feel like the worldbuilding could have been stronger. But my main gripe is that this book has worse instalove than Twilight. It is SOO bad!! Literally the two MCs have absolutely noo chemistry whatsoever and their relationship was not developed in a way that made sense to me. This is kinda explained by the fact that *spoiler* <spoiler> they are fated to be together, but it's not really explained WHY they are soulmates. It also doesn't seem like this is something that exists for other people in this world so again, WHY are these two seemingly random people so special that they have this epic fated love? How does it work?? I have so many unanswered questions and this book answered none of them. I really dislike fated love as a theme in general but pretty much every other book i've read it in (Throne of Glass series by SJM comes to mind) does it better than this, because at least there it's explained why they are fated soulmates. </spoiler>.

But this is a critical plot theme and it just didn't work for me. I was rolling my eyes so hard because at least in YA, it makes sense, because, teenagers. These are adults. Blegh. 2 ish stars

I love a fabulous fantasy and pirate book! Love this book! Dual point of views. Sea creatures. i just really cant get enough!

A. M. Dunnewin does it again. I loved this. I was hooked by page 4.

Captain Ryland Caldwell has a strange ailment that keeps him trapped in the West Indies. Emmeline Whittock has his solution in the form of an airship that she has designed. From their first meeting, their souls seem to recognize each other from a past life. But don't worry, there is an evil sea which practicing dark magic that is trying to keep Ryland for herself.

This book has dark gothic and steampunk vibes with a dash of historical fiction thrown in during the time of Napoleon Bonaparte's reign of terror.

This book explores grief, the oppression of women in society, and a slow burn fated lover's romance. It has pirates, sirens, harpies, and voodoo!

Thank you Dark Hour Press, and of course A.M. Dunnewin for sharing this eARC with me. I impatiently await your next project and will gladly read whatEVER you write!

First off, that gorgeous cover immediately grabbed my attention . Next it was the Pirates of the Caribbean/gothic steampunk vibes it was giving that kept me hooked. Im not usually a huge nautical adventure fan but this one hits on many level. I love the beautiful and complex character of Emmeline, and the equally complex Ryland. Pirates, mermaids, sea witches, curses, immortality,love story - it’s just a really fun read. The ending crushes though,so be prepared.

This was such an adventure. Ryland is grappling with a curse of immortality while searching for a way to break it. As he journeys on a ship that is transporting one woman, Emmeline, he helps them to make a map along the way. But Emmeline is far more than just a woman, and Ryland is quick to learn. As they race time and battle creatures of myth, they realize that they're more than just fellow passengers.

Danger, excitement, magic and a curse to unravel, this was an adventure worth the read!

Unfortunately, this book ended up being a DNF for me pretty early on. I requested the ARC because the premise sounded completely up my alley: a Victorian-era love story with sea monsters? Hello? But I ran into a few things that really pulled me out of the experience.

People who enjoy slower, atmospheric historical fiction might still enjoy this. Personally, the setting and tone gave me strong steampunk-meets-Lovecraft vibes—very much in the vein of The Sinking City. The characters had interesting backstories, and the world itself did seem well thought-out. But for me, the writing style was hard to get into. It’s written in omniscient third-person, and the constant head-hopping, from one character's thoughts to another’s, made it hard to stay grounded. I kept getting yanked out of the flow.

The romance also didn’t work for me. It felt a bit too insta-lovey and was pushed so hard so early that I couldn’t take it seriously. Which is unfortunate, because I wanted to be swept up in it.

I do think this could be someone else’s kind of book—it just wasn’t mine.

Since receiving this ARC I have now read two books by A.M. Dunnewin and have fallen in love with her beautiful writing. Every time I open one of her books I am immediately sucked in and immersed into its world. The opening scene where the sea witch is introduced was so epic I knew right then and there I would love this book and love it I absolutely did. A.M. Dunnewin takes you into a magical world filled flying airships, battles, pirates, an evil sea witch and Ryland, a captain who has been cursed by his scorned lover from under the sea. Be prepared to have every emotion pulled out of you while reading, A Cursed Age. It is a book that is sure to live on in your mind for years to come.

The one and only reason I lowered my rating to 4 stars is because this book was a little on the longer side. I feel like it could have been a little shorter.

I have no idea what I really expected from this book aside from pirates, but it far exceeded my expectations. Perhaps it was the emotional damage I wasn't expecting because yes, there is emotional damage, which sent me into a spiral of unexpected feelings. That only tells me it's a good book!

The synopsis is spot on, and you can tell that Dunnewin thoroughly researched the history to bring this book to life. Beyond that, our main characters, Ryland and Emmeline, are brought to life and their emotions bleed off the page into the reader. Emotional damage, remember? I vacillate between calling this book tragic or bittersweet. At the very least, it is bittersweet. While I am a huge fan of happy endings, I enjoy and appreciate bittersweet and/or tragic endings when done well and when they fit plot. This one was done so well so kudos to Dunnewin (even though I found myself tearing up and crossing my fingers for something else).

My only critique is that this book is hefty-close to 600 pages-and may have benefited from just a bit more editing. While the writing is descriptive and wonderful, there are moments where it does seem to go on a little laboriously. I acknowledge that you want your readers to be in the world and in the story, but I believe that at times succinctness benefits the storytelling better than too much description.

Overall, very enjoyable and I just wish there was more or another book in this wonderful world Dunnewin created.

A Cursed Age truly is an adventure above the high seas. Mermaids, a Sea Witch, Harpies, and Pirates…oh my. In this world of myth come to life we find ourselves on ships that not only ride the waves, but also the clouds. The author drags you along on an emotional journey full of revenge,longing, and camaraderie. The female main character Emmeline is born a bit too clever in a time that doesn’t appreciate it and our male main character Ryland has lived past his expiration date due to a curse placed on him by an ex-lover. Together they tackle the sky searching for answers and freedom.
The slow burn romance in this read was swoon worthy, the found family aspect was handled beautifully, and the ending should have come with a tissue warning. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and look forward to reading more from A.M. Dunnewin.

🌊✨ A Cursed Age by A.M. Dunnewin ✨🌊
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

If you’ve ever wished Pirates of the Caribbean had more steampunk, higher stakes, and a cursed love that spans centuries—you need this book in your life.

Set in a Nautical Gothic world during the Napoleonic Wars, this standalone sweeps you away with cursed pirate Captain Ryland Coldwell (yes, I’m a little obsessed) and fierce airship captain Emmeline Whittock. The vibes? Dark magic, airships, sea witches, betrayal, and a love story that refuses to stay buried.

Emmeline is everything I want in a heroine—smart, resilient, and totally done with being pushed around. And Ryland? Let’s just say he’s morally gray immortal with tragic backstories 💀❤️ Gwenifer, the vengeful sea witch and Ryland’s ex (yes, it’s complicated), adds that perfect layer of haunting menace.

The pacing is intense, the atmosphere is amazing, and the blend of steampunk and historical fantasy feels totally fresh.

Spiciness is low BUT there is way more focus on the relationships between characters, slow burn tension, and all the things that make up all the emotional longing.

⚓️ For fans of: Gothic vibes, enemies-to-reluctant allies, immortal curses, and historical fantasy with teeth.

5 ⭐️
A.M. Dunnewin dd a phenomenal job with A Cursed Age! If you're a 90’s kid like me and enjoyed the vibe from Treasure Planet, this one is for you. This is a steam punk style, gothic, semi-dark romance, magical adventure filled with cleverly written banter and spice.
We have a sea witch with Harpies under her command, pirates and adventure, a sexy romance and sizzling encounters, magic, curses, and so much more! There is also a hint of history as the story takes place in Venice, Italy during the time of Napoleon no less, who also happens to be the goal of capture for someone *wink*. Captain Ryland Coldwell is our adventurous pirate trapped in the West Indies, and Emmeline Whittock the only female aboard the vessel, Nyx. Eventually we end up in New Orleans and by the end of the adventure on the last page you might even have some big feelings and tears. Not typically something I would ever mention, but this hits some tropes out of the park: morally grey, slow burn, vengeance, and a lot more.

*Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for permitting me to read and review this book prior to release to the public.*

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+ love story - even with the insta lovey -- which I normally do not like, It worked for this one.
+ the ending! Great way to wrap up the story for a standalone book.
+ the writing was 10/10
+ I love a good (evil) sexy sea witch

- was a *teeny* bit too long. I think it's fine overall bc it was good storytelling and I wasnt super bored just felt long... It did kinda fit with the MMC's character being this man of adventure. They were always traveling here and there but it just was a lot to read through.

Overall, I loved it!

A Cursed Age is a masterpiece! I absolutely loved this book. I laughed and cried and it gave me all the best feels. The prologue had me hooked right away. I loved how lyrical and descriptive the book was. I really felt like I was there with the characters. This book was so rich with myths and lore. I have been in search of a book that gives me the vibes, feels and adventure of Pirates of the Caribbean and I found it in this book. It had pirates, a sea witch, mermaids, magic, love and an airship. What more could you want? It was such an adventure! The cast of characters was my absolute favorite. There is just something about a found family that sees you for who you are and will do anything for you. The crew was so diversed and I really felt like I got to know each of them.
I loved Emmeline and her character. She was dealt a hard hand in life but didn't let that stop her. Ryland was such a complex character. And I loved the journey of emotions that his character takes you on.
I absolutely adored Ryland and Emmeline's love story. I loved that it developed throughout the whole book. Their story really makes you believe in love. The ending was a breath of fresh air. It was
bittersweet but gave me so much hope. I will definitely read this book again!

⭐️ 4.5

Ugh that ENDING so so tragic and bitter sweet and perfect. I would love a prequel story of Ryland’s time and adventures before meeting Emmeline!!! I don’t want to leave these characters :(

Goodness me, this was such a good book. Highly entertaining. Would definitely recommend to others, that's for sure!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Dark Hour Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

A Cursed Age is a dark historical fantasy book filled with curses, pirates, intertwined fates and chosen family.
Even though it was close to 600 pages, personally it didn't feel like a long book at all because I found the pacing perfect and was so invested in the characters and their journey.

While there certainly is a solid plot that is fast-paced, what I appreciated most about this book was the contrast of toxic, obsessive love to a pure, sweet love without the drama and 'excitement', as well as the paths we take in life - whether we allow our experiences to make us bitter and hateful, or to fight to stay kind in spite of it.

This beautiful, thoughtful exploration, in both the main and side characters, reveals how quiet strength is often overlooked and that staying kind in a cruel world is one form of that.

A Cursed Age by A.M. Dunnewin grabbed my attention the minute I read the summary. I love a good book about magic and pirates. Throw in some steampunk aspects and I'm sold. I honestly couldn't put this one down and while it seemed a bit drawn out at times, I still wanted to know everything that was going to happen next so I kept turning the pages.

Our mmc is Captain Ryland Coldwell. He's a pirate and adventurer who just happens to be trapped in the West Indies. He's also immortal due to angering the wrong woman but he's determined to get off the island he's been trapped on to get revenge on his ex, Gwenifer, the witch who cursed him. The problem is that he can't use a normal ship to escape because along with the immortality, she's made it so that anytime he tries to leave, Ryland is pulled back to the island by whatever means necessary. And typically that requires the sinking of the ship he is on. Luckily for him, the world has begun to evolve and with the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte there has also come the rise of the airship, the only type of vessel that Ryland thinks he has a chance of getting away on. So when one happens to reach the shores of the West Indies, he knows he has to take a chance.

Our fmc is Emmeline Whittock. She is the only woman on board the airship Nyx and to say it's been a challenging trip would be an understatement. Not only are they off course in the West Indies but she just happens to be fleeing from her murderous fiance and the threats of Napoleon's army. When she and her crew are attacked by pirates, Ryland is the one who comes to save the day and for some reason Emmeline feels a pull toward him despite knowing nothing about him. But because of the assistance he has provided, she agrees to take him on board not realizing that the growing storm is the wrath of the sea witch Gwenifer, hunting for the man who wasn't supposed to leave.

This was such a great book in terms of characters. Not only do we have Emmeline and Ryland but there is an entire crew on this ship that we get to know and it was lovely to see and understand how they came to be where they were and why they were there to support Emmeline. Of course you have the bad guys (her fiance and father - I won't say anything here but you'll learn all about them) but from Arthur, the Captain, Brent, Porter, Miguel, Gutter...all of them had an impact on the story and a purpose.

Emmeline herself has been through some stuff. Her childhood, despite her place in society, hasn't always been easy but she always had her brother to lean on and now that she's on her own, she has to find a way to stand on her own. She's still finding her way but she's slowly coming to see her strength and Ryland is pushing her to do that as well as pushing her to see what's good around her.

Ryland recognizes he hasn't always made the best choices but he is determined to get his revenge and at the same time, keep his commitment that he won't harm Emmeline and her crew. He also knows now what Emmeline is to him and he decides he will be the monster (so she doesn't have to) and destroy those around her that would harm her if that's the last thing he does. And boy, does he come through.

The relationship build between Emmeline and Ryland was done really well too. There was an immediate connection which is explained as the story unfolds and I loved how it came together. I'm not ashamed to say that the ending actually made me tear up...and you'll know why when you read it.

All that to say I truly enjoyed this book. There is action, magic, curses, romance, and danger throughout. Dunnewin takes the reader from the West Indies to New Orleans to Venice and I was along for the ride. If you're looking for a new Fantasy with great characters and a page turning story to pick up consider this one. Don't let the length scare you away, it is a bit long but I think you will enjoy it.

I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher allowing this book up for a free-read.

WOW. Sign me up for finding a new favorite author! What got me to read this was how the author was saying this was a gothic romance, infused with Treasure Planet and pirates. She wasn't wrong!

We are introduced to our sea witch and her 'hide-away' with her court of harpies and boy oh boy, I was like - okay, this is what I am talking about in a book. She is sexual, beautiful, wicked, and out for revenge and conquering her foe / past lover. Our past lover is a captain who has been 28 for over a hundred years. In that time he has experienced a lot, can shoot like crazy, use a sword like a beast, but he cannot die. Oh, he also can't leave the island due to her curse of making him immortal.

Our female lead escaped a marriage, recently lost her brother, and stole her flying ship from her fiance's clutches. With her trusted group of men, she is heading for America to live with her uncle. She and the male lead when he assists her men in outmaneuvering her fiance's hired goons. Seeing that she has a flying ship, and he can't go near the water, this will assist him greatly in getting off the island, questing to find the sea witch and killing her.

This book is a one-shot / stand alone and it's sad because there is a plot element that I feel, based on the fantasy aspect and 'fate' that could use a second book (with a happier ending) if the author so truly wished. However, if that were to occur that will cheapen the ending. The ending was right, and reminded me of The Canterville Ghost strangely enough.

Oh, and the romance? The romance was AMAZING. Lingering glances, "I would do anything for you" moments, he falls first and hard, she slowly falls in love with him, and finally being one another's anchor.

I really encourage any one who loves really well done fated / doomed love stories to check into this one. You won't regret it.

Nautical Gothic tale set in 1806 about a cursed pirate, a wrathful sea witch, and the rise of the airship.
"Alls fair in love and war... and revenge"
Not my usual genre to read but I did enjoy. Suspenseful and intriguing!