Cursed Ever After

Gr 7 Up–Naranjo’s debut romantic fantasy blends wry humor with a sweeping epic adventure. Ever since Risa Porto was born on the Bad Day, she has been seen as a curse to the town of Barrow. From barns spontaneously catching fire in the pouring rain to her mom being struck by lightning (she’s okay—mostly), the town blames and ­despises her. Risa can’t wait to escape. On her 17th birthday, Brunhilda, a witch, appears. Brunhilda curses Risa to follow Prince Javi, the most rakish, handsomest, (and least important) seventh son of the king, who is to be married to the daughter of the General of Madros. While Risa and Prince Javi’s journey to Madros seems simple enough, they find themselves traveling through dangerous woods, enchanted towns, and winding caves, all while narrowly avoiding greedy assassins. With all these Bad Things ­occurring, Risa is left to wonder if she is the Bad Thing after all. Readers will enjoy the dry, sarcastic humor that is woven throughout. Scenes between Risa and Prince Javi­ ­follow well-known enemies-to-lovers tropes. The character of Amina, a lost princess who has been cursed to be forgotten, adds depth and intrigue to the themes of friendship, betrayal, and power. All characters have ties to Latine heritage, and there is some Spanish sprinkled throughout. LGBTQIA+ representation is present, though primarily in secondary characters. ­