Skip to main content
book cover for Cursed in the Lost City

Cursed in the Lost City

An addictive, queer rom-com set in a fantasy version of Elizabethan England

You must sign in to see if this title is available for request. Sign In or Register Now

Book 2 of Cursed
Send NetGalley books directly to your Kindle or Kindle app

1
To read on a Kindle or Kindle app, please add kindle@netgalley.com as an approved email address to receive files in your Amazon account. Click here for step-by-step instructions.
2
Also find your Kindle email address within your Amazon account, and enter it here.
Pub Date Jul 17 2025 | Archive Date Jul 23 2025

Talking about this book? Use #CursedintheLostCity #NetGalley. More hashtag tips!


Description

It’s 1599. Fang and Lazare are on the run with their friends Amber, Nell and half-fae child Tem. The news that Tem possesses the power to make humans immortal is spreading across London like wildfire – and has even reached the ears of the ailing Queen Elizabeth Tudor.
Desperate to avoid capture by the English crown, keep Tem safe, reverse their curse and not all die, the gang flee to The Lost City of Llanelli, the realm of the dragon queen Redthroat the Invincible. Rumoured to have almighty power, does Redthroat really have the answers to their problems? And if they can stop getting attacked by muggers, harpies and dragons for five minutes, might Fang and Lazare be able to confess that they are falling in love?

It’s 1599. Fang and Lazare are on the run with their friends Amber, Nell and half-fae child Tem. The news that Tem possesses the power to make humans immortal is spreading across London like wildfire...


Advance Praise

PRAISE FOR CURSED:

'The sort of story you want to climb inside so you can hang out with all the characters. Hilarious, warm and kind!' Louie Stowell, author of the Loki series

'Gabby is one of the funniest writers I know' Sarah Millican

'A perfect mix of thrilling, sexy and funny, all set in an alternate sixteenth century London' Poppy Kuroki, author of Gate to Kagoshima

'I absolutely loved it! Danger, excitement and kissing – it's got the lot. I can't wait to see what happens next' Lucy Porter

'Funny, joyous, subversive' Joanne Harris, author of Broken Light

‘Dark, dangerous and very funny. A chuckle on every page guaranteed’ Mark Stay, author of The Witches of Woodville series

'A funny, emotional rollercoaster' David Quantick, author and script writer of The Thick of It

'Captivating, accessible and, of course, hilarious, Gabby has created a world of mythological and paranormal lore that’s completely unique. Magic, funny and addictive with characters you’ll fall in love with' Sara Gibbs, author and comedy writer

'A spectacular romp with all the wit you'd expect from a writer with comedy talons as sharp as Crouch's. A hugely imaginative read!' Rose Biggin, author of The Belladonna Invitation

'A pacey fantasy that manages to be both sharp and warm – a satirical blast of supernatural romance with a host of loveable weirdos you want to hug' Margaret Cabourn-Smith, comedy actress

'Very funny and completely gripping. To the extent that I'm a bit annoyed I have to put it down to write this quote' Gareth Gwynn, script writer of Tourist Trap

‘A dazzling supernatural romance in the vein of Terry Pratchett. The world Gabby has created is so rich, captivating and full of heart. You'll want to immerse yourself until the very last page’ Emma Nagouse, writer of You're Dead to Me podcast

'A terrific book with a big beating heart. Every page sizzles and the cast of eccentric characters keeps you hooked' TL Huchu, The Library of The Dead series

'Equal parts Pratchett, Blackadder and Horrible Histories, with a charmingly awkward romance at its centre' Eddie Robson, author of Drunk on All Your Strange New Words

'A fab comedy fantasy adventure set in a late 16th-century alternative London with vampires, zombie, swans, and plenty of the gays' Dave Jones (BAFTA-longlisted actor and voice of Halsin in Baldur's Gate 3)

'Witty, immersive and so much fun. Gabby Hutchinson Crouch is always a sure bet!' Stephanie Burgis, author of Wooing the Witch Queen

PRAISE FOR CURSED:

'The sort of story you want to climb inside so you can hang out with all the characters. Hilarious, warm and kind!' Louie Stowell, author of the Loki series

'Gabby is one of the...


Available Editions

EDITION Paperback
ISBN 9781788425414
PRICE £9.99 (GBP)
PAGES 304

Available on NetGalley

NetGalley Reader (EPUB)
NetGalley Shelf App (EPUB)
Send to Kindle (EPUB)
Send to Kobo (EPUB)
Download (EPUB)

Average rating from 6 members


Featured Reviews

This is going to be a book everyone wants to read as a “gear up” to their “spooky season” reads! I feel like this is the PERFECT mood changer kinda book. the perfect segway from once gene to another

Was this review helpful?

This series is so fun, so as soon as I saw this was read now on ng I requested it straight away, especially since I had just finished rereading the first book in preparation.

This book picks up directly where the first one finished, with our strange little family still trying to find a way to break the curse and travelling to Wales (Obviously the magical capital of the uk). I think this one suffered a little in comparison to the first book because there was so much going on. It was action packed, and whilst it kept the pace moving, I would have liked a little time to really sit with the characters. (Even the love confessions are done on the back of a fast moving dragon.)

I will say I loved the found family elements, and Tem being Fang's daughter is just the cutest thing in the world. This one was a little more angsty than the first book but I really liked the discussions around PTSD and trauma. Fang opening up to Lazare and them supporting each other was just lovely.

I am still going to continue the series to see how it all ends, these guys deserve to be a family and get their happy ending!

Was this review helpful?

The world building and fight scenes are so well described that it draws the reader in. This book was a fun action packed adventure full of entertaining characters. This was my first experience with both the author and the series I was able to pick up this book with very little plot or character related mix-ups on my end. The romance was cute.

Was this review helpful?

This is such an amazing book! The plot walks a tightrope between comedy and drama. The characters are endearing to a point. The twist at the end that was brilliantly foreshadowed but was never once spoiled. I found myself laughing out loud more than once during the whole read. If you’re looking for something a bit different in your fantasy reading pick up this book.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to the author and NetGalley for giving me an ARC.

This was a fantastic follow up to the first book. It had the same balance of humour, tenderness, and great world-building as the previous one, and developed the characters from the first book further.

I really liked the progression of Lazare and Fang's relationship - it felt like they moved beyond just physical attraction/minor crush into being in love, and it was so organic and well-written. I love that the characters are allowed to be silly and light-hearted, yet there are definite moments of seriousness and real emotion. Fang being a father to Tem is absolutely adorable and I love their progression of Fang finally giving into Tem calling him dad and allowing himself to be her father figure. It was so adorably wholesome.

It was really nice to see Nell return to her homeland. I like that she acknowledged that no one from her home supported her in her venture to start a business in London and recognised that she had already found her home with Tem, Lazare, Fang, and Amber. I love a good found family trope.

This had some genuine laugh out loud moments, as well as emotional moments that made me tear up, and an incredible twist at the end that was hinted at but I did NOT see coming.

This series is so incredible.

Was this review helpful?

This was just as fun as the first book was. I love the humor even if it is a little much sometimes. The found family aspect might be my favorite thing honestly. All the different creatures made me ready for Halloween and spooky reads. I can't wait for the next book!

Was this review helpful?

Readers who liked this book also liked: