In Sheena Jolie's Curse of Silver & Blood, an expanded novella from the Infinite Arcana Universe, Alec, a fae held captive by a mountain mafia, escapes only to stumble into the territory of Leif, a solitary, ancient werewolf cursed by silver and blood. Leif, alone for a millennium, finds his secluded life shattered by Alec's explosive arrival. Their unexpected meeting reveals a fated mate bond, but their burgeoning relationship faces immediate threats. The mafia relentlessly pursues Alec, while Leif's ancient curse hungers for blood. This MM paranormal romance explores their fight for survival and the forging of their connection amidst danger and ancient magic.
Review Curse of Silver & Blood
I absolutely devoured "Curse of Silver & Blood"! As a long-time fan of Sheena Jolie's work, I knew going in that I was in for a treat, and I wasn't disappointed. This expanded novella, originally from the Fated Mates anthology, is a perfect example of Jolie's talent for crafting richly detailed worlds and compelling characters. The story picks up right where the short story left off, but this extended version gives us so much more depth and intimacy with Alec and Leif's burgeoning relationship.
Alec, a fae held captive by the mountain mafia, and Leif, a lonely, thousand-year-old cursed werewolf alpha, are instantly captivating. Their meet-cute, born from an explosive escape and a desperate flight through the woods, is both thrilling and heartwarming. Jolie masterfully portrays their initial apprehension and growing attraction, building a believable and intensely satisfying romance despite the novella's shorter length. The pacing is perfect; we're given just enough time to connect with them before their bond deepens, making their eventual commitment all the more poignant.
While the novella focuses primarily on Alec and Leif's romance, the overarching plot involving the mafia and Leif's curse keeps the story exciting and propulsive. The action sequences are well-written and visceral, but they never overshadow the emotional core of the narrative. The balance between the thrilling chase and the tender moments of connection between the two main characters is expertly handled.
One aspect I particularly enjoyed was the way Jolie handled Leif's curse. It's not just a plot device; it's intricately woven into his character, shaping his personality and his interactions with Alec. The solution to the curse feels earned, not a deus ex machina, and it adds a layer of emotional depth to their relationship.
While some readers might wish for more "spice," I found the level of intimacy perfectly suited to the story. The focus is on the emotional connection between Alec and Leif, and the romantic tension is palpable throughout. The novella’s length allows for a concentrated, emotionally impactful story without sacrificing any necessary detail. It’s a satisfying read that left me yearning for more time with these characters.
Ultimately, "Curse of Silver & Blood" is a fantastic addition to the Infinite Arcana universe and a wonderful standalone story. It's a captivating blend of action, romance, and paranormal elements that showcases Sheena Jolie's exceptional talent for storytelling. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who enjoys MM paranormal romance, fated mates, or simply a well-written and emotionally resonant story. It’s a perfect example of how a shorter story can still pack an emotional punch. I eagerly anticipate more from Jolie in this universe!
Information
- Dimensions: 5 x 0.35 x 8 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 152
- Publication date: 2024
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