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The Ballad of the Curse

The Labyrinth of the Damned Book 1

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Book 1 of Labyrinth of the Damned

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Pub Date Feb 14 2026 | Archive Date Oct 27 2026


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Description

This is BOOK ONE in a trilogy. Book two is also available on Net Galley

When fae warriors descend on her village, Elera offers the only thing she has left to save her sister: herself.

Whisked away to a realm she never knew existed, Elera becomes a "guest" of King Haldorin, the fallen God of Death cast out for a forbidden love. His kingdom is a gilded cage, cursed to vanish for ten years at a time. Elera has only months to escape before the curse swallows her and the island forever.

Standing in her way is Cal, the King's captain. Elera knows she must gain his trust to survive, but every conversation is a dangerous chess move.

Elera must decide how far she's willing to go to win her freedom. But in the court of a fallen God, the greatest danger isn't the curse, it's the man she's forced to rely on.

This is BOOK ONE in a trilogy. Book two is also available on Net Galley

When fae warriors descend on her village, Elera offers the only thing she has left to save her sister: herself.

Whisked away to a...


Advance Praise

Review by Karolina Books; 4 stars.

Apparently, all Elera needed was one peaceful week and the universe said, absolutely not. This woman cannot catch a break. Between losing so much, protecting Liora, being dragged into the fae world and then discovering that basically everyone has secrets, I was tired for her. I really liked Elera as a FMC. She’s stubborn, protective and definitely has a mouth on her when someone pushes the wrong button. Her love for Liora is such an important part of who she is and I appreciated that she never completely loses that part of herself even as everything around her changes.

Cal was definitely the character who had me the most emotionally conflicted. The slow burn between him and Elera worked for me because there was actual tension and uncertainty before things finally shifted. I liked watching their relationship grow through the little moments rather than having them suddenly decide they were obsessed with each other after three conversations. And yes, that reveal at the end had me sitting there like EXCUSE ME??? WE’RE DOING THIS NOW?!

But then one chapter came along and basically threw my feelings into a wood chipper. Cal keeping the truth about Haldorin’s plans from Elera completely changed how I looked at their relationship. I understood that there was more to his side of things, especially after everything he tried to explain but I also understood why Elera felt betrayed. Girl had every right to be furious.

And then Fenmar. I was NOT okay. His friendship with Elera had become one of my favorite relationships in the book and his decision to protect her was devastating. This reopened a wound caused by another book, it genuinely hurt, especially because he still managed to sneak in their little bit of banter when everything was falling apart. I wanted to hug Elera, scream at Cal and personally fight Haldorin. My emotional support was nowhere to be found.

I did have some issues, though. I wanted more explanation around the magic, the history of the fae and some of the bigger mysteries surrounding Haldorin and Nimara. At times, things moved faster than I wanted, especially toward the end. I also guessed a few things before they were revealed, so not every twist completely surprised me. But honestly? I still had FUN. The banter, the tension, the secrets, the fae politics, the Labyrinth, the questionable men making questionable decisions… give me the next book immediately.

And that final reveal about Elera’s connection to… (you need to read the book to find out to who)? Yeah. We’re definitely not done here.

Final thoughts: Fenmar deserved better. I will be accepting no arguments at this time. 😭


Review by Angel: 5 Stars

First of all, I had an audible GASP within the first 4 pages. I had to message T.A. immediately, are you for real? 😲

The writing is smooth, seamless, pulls you in, and flows so beautifully.

This story will pull at your heart strings. The love that Elara, our FMC has for her sister is truly immeasurable. The challenges that Elara faces and her strength, wit, and ferocity... incredible.

The pacing was great throughout, with highs and lows at just the right points to keep you locked in.

The angst. The longing...but she makes you wait. Its the perfect amount of slow burn because, there's the scene. The scene where you're going to kick your feet and giggle like a school girl. Kingfisher who? 😏

The labyrinth was super creative and spoke to our FMCs determination and strength.

Wait. There's more! (IKR) Plot twists at the end that will make you smile... and possibly cry.

Read it and see. No spoilers here!

Well done. Absolutely cannot wait for book 2!



Review by Karolina Books; 4 stars.

Apparently, all Elera needed was one peaceful week and the universe said, absolutely not. This woman cannot catch a break. Between losing so much, protecting Liora...


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ISBN 9798218754471
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PAGES 360

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