The Ruinous Curse

Apadora Rising

Apadora Rising follows Barrett, a young prince thrust into impossible battles and choices, wrestling with magic, loss, and the burden of leadership. Alongside a close-knit band of companions, he faces treachery, uncertain alliances, and forces greater than he can control.

This was an exhilarating coming-of-age fantasy novel. The author’s style is bold and unafraid to lean into melodrama, though it matched the intensity of the world he built. The book pulls readers through lands filled with dragons, sorcery, betrayal, and grief, all while exploring the cost of destiny and the question of what it means to be a leader. If you’re the kind of reader who wants dragons soaring, kingdoms falling, and friendships tested to the breaking point, this one’s worth your time.

Thomas Anderson / Editor In Chief / Literary Titan / 5 Star Rating

After saving the western lands from the wicked sorceress Alesta, Prince Barrett and his companions return to a grieving Westmore. The king is dead, leaving the young prince as the sole heir. But just as Barrett prepares to ascend the throne, the ruthless Bureau of Mystical Affairs intervenes to seize power for themselves.

Declaring all magic forbidden, the Bureau brands Barrett and his allies as enemies of the realm. As the friends prepare to flee, a ghostly vision of Alesta appears, begging for rescue. She is imprisoned by Apadora, a malevolent force long confined to the Outerworld.

Apadora, the embodiment of ancient evil, has waited centuries for her chance to return. As her release draws near, the very fabric of the western lands is threatened. Now, Barrett and his companions face rival factions as they race to find the key to either bind or unleash her.

Orphaned, homeless, and hunted, the exiled prince must choose between reclaiming his kingdom or restraining the evil tide poised to sweep across the western lands.

Just as good as book 1!

First, I’ll say that this was my first time listening to an AI-narrated audiobook. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality!

As for the book itself, somehow, this sequel was just as gripping as the first book was. The characters stayed so relatable (maybe even more so than before!), and the storyline kept me guessing. It was a natural progression of the previous book that ended leaving me wanting book 3. Onward to The King’s Ascent!