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In an alternative Elizabethan London, Fang and Lazare awake from their deaths to discover they are not quite human anymore. In fact, despite having acquired the power of immortality, they’re also not quite vampire, zombie, werewolf or any of the other supernatural beings that reside in the underground city of Deep London.
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What drew me to the book: I thought it sounded interesting.
How long it’s been on my TBR: Two months.
My expectations: The synopsis on Netgalley didn't give to much away so a cursed London and two men on an adventure to
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My thoughts whilst reading: Immediately I didn't like the language, the books setting was meant to be 1500s London yet the characters all spoke as if they were in a much more current setting without any real effort to be a little more historical and the language wasn't the only thing, the setting felt less like 1500's London, England and more just a random setting created by the author which just so happened to share its names with the places it was meant to be. Honestly I didn't write down a lot for this because I just wanted to get it read and finished (to the point I was skimming stuff like descriptions and scenes which weren't so important), it really wasn't something I was enjoying greatly.
How long it took me to read: 11 Days.
Overall: My thoughts can pretty much be summed up into just one word; okay. It wasn't awful but the language stopped me from being able to immerse myself more into the book and the setting was just not what I thought it would be and whilst the setting part improved over the course of the book (as I imagined the book having its very own setting and being of its own world) nothing else really grabbed my attention in the book. I didn't really care for or connect with the characters and I wasn't to pulled in by the plot. The only reason I didn't give the book a lower score was because it was okay for a short adventure book, definitely not the worst, it just wasn't for me and I think it would make a better TV show or film.
Miscellaneous: I didn't realise that the author of this wrote for Horrible Histories. One thing that annoyed me about the book was how Fang treated Amber, I get he was this gruff, hurt, asshole type but he treated Tem kindly and despite being 'warm' to Amber at the start he was just unnecessarily rude to her after that.
Did it meet my expectations: I didn't have a lot to begin with but not really, if you look at the like two men on a quest part then yes but it sort of fell flat on everything else for me. One thing I will say though is that I was expecting more romance, the book is marketed a little as a romance and it felt more like the romance was just part of the story rather than the main focus / a bigger part of the book.
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Favourite character: I didn't really have one.
Favourite scene: I don't think I had one to be honest, even now just looking back on it none of the scenes really stood out to me.
Favourite relationship: Fang and Tem's.
Favourite quote: "Alchemists accidentally crash <i>one</i> regional economy <i> one time</i> and we never hear the end of it!"
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Why I rounded the review up / down*:Not applicable.
Do I regret reading it: No but it definitely wasn't my favourite read of the year.
Will I be reading the sequel: most likely not although when it release I'll probably check out some spoilers if I care enough or remember.
Will I be investing in a physical copy: No.
Do I recommend it: If you want a short book set in an alternate London with creatures, magic, a curse and found family then yes but if you dislike historical inaccuracies in Historical Fantasy settings then no.
*(for rating systems such as Goodreads)
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Thank you so much to Netgalley for the E-ARC.

You know my biggest issue with this book is? Can you guess? That I read it alone. I should have buddy read it Because I loved it so damn much that I wanted to discuss it with someone and nobody around me will read this good book. No worries though, I'm gonna grab a copy of this book and make my husband read.

This book is treat especially if you are a Neil Gaiman fan. Trust me, it was hilarious and it had a darker, gloomier tone and yet did not feel depressing. This reminded me so much of neverwhere. These characters are good, the plot is good, there's humour infused throughout the storyline. You will love Amber for sure.

This is set in Elizabethan London which has upperside and downside with all mystical creatures vampire, zombies, dragons and undead. The first scene was so weirdly good that it made me hooked to the book. At places it was slow, but mostly it had some action going on. The ending was a bit weird but okay. I was getting depressed that my time with Lazarus, Fang and Nellie and Amber was coming to an end when I realised that it is going to have more books and it is not standalone.

That made me excited and nervous both coz I don't know when's the next book is coming but atleast it's coming I hope. So that is about this book. It is funny, entertaining and seriously so good that I'm going to give it a reread.


Thank you farrago books and Netgalley for this amazing ARC in exchange of an honest review... Can't thank enough, can't stop from patting on my back for requesting the book. And I'm off.

Cursed Under London by Gabby Hutch Crouch is a witty and fast-paced urban fantasy that blends humor, magic, and adventure. Set beneath the bustling streets of modern-day London, the story follows a group of unlikely heroes as they confront dark forces and sinister curses. The novel is filled with clever dialogue, quirky characters, and a fresh take on familiar fantasy tropes.

Crouch’s strength lies in balancing humor with darker themes, creating a fun yet gripping narrative. The world-building is imaginative, bringing a hidden, magical London to life with secret societies, mystical creatures, and ancient powers lurking beneath the surface. The characters, each with their own flaws and quirks, provide both emotional depth and comedic relief, making for a dynamic ensemble.

Cursed Under London is perfect for readers who enjoy urban fantasy with a mix of action, magic, and laugh-out-loud moments. It’s a light-hearted yet engaging adventure that offers both thrills and laughs, making it a delightful read for fans of fantasy with a humorous twist.

A cozy fantasy novel about two men living in 16C London who are constantly brushing with death and various supernatural creatures. I found it a little disjointed and surface level. It was fun and I would give it 3 stars but it's not the best book I've ever read.

3.5⭐️

This book was a great time! Really well written, funny with an interesting world and cast of characters. I enjoyed the time I spent in this alternative version of Elizabethan London. I did at times find it hard to keep track of all the different characters and plot threads, but this was a minor issue for me in what was otherwise a really solid story.

I love me some cozy historical romance with a little twist of horror in them. If you like Mary Shelley, or any Victorian type of books, you’ll definitely enjoy this one thank you for the opportunity to review.!

Cursed Under London is a fun historic, fantastical rom-com with a super loveable cast of characters. While at first I felt that the time setting wasn’t super developed, it is actually sprinkled in to the book with references to things and people of the time period so you are often reminded of the historical element without it being shoved down your throat.

I really enjoyed that the supernatural elements of the story focussed on both traditional fantasy with zombies. vampires and fae etc. as well as featuring new elements like the bird royal guards (honestly their introduction kept making me giggle). The characters felt so real, regardless of their fantastical qualities which really helped cement my enjoyment of this book, I can’t wait for book 2 to get even more of them.

Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

What a laugh, such a great book, funny, and informative. Recommended.

I love the idea of an alternative London, big fan of Neverwhere, and I love power conflicts. This had both of those things, and of course, the central issue of immortality and balancing the ever-shifting political and magical powers with the human world. I thought the characters were very well developed and I felt that I was invested in their outcomes. The bonds between them are so strong as well, the author did a very good job of fostering their relationships.

Will certainly read book two.

Gabby Hutchinson Crouch's Cursed Under London is a delightful blend of dark humor, supernatural adventure, and British wit that brings a fresh, engaging twist to the urban fantasy genre. Set in the bustling streets of modern-day London, the novel takes readers on a wild ride through the city's underbelly, where curses, ghosts, and ancient magic are just part of the everyday scenery.

The story follows a group of quirky, mismatched characters who are all bound by the city's supernatural happenings. Leading the charge is Hannah, a down-to-earth protagonist with a sharp tongue and a knack for getting into trouble. She finds herself drawn into a world of curses and hidden dangers beneath London, with an ensemble of oddball companions that includes a cursed man, a ghost, and a magical historian. Together, they must navigate a series of increasingly bizarre and dangerous situations, all while dealing with their own personal demons.

One of the novel's greatest strengths is its clever use of humor. Crouch's writing is full of witty dialogue, dry observations, and comedic situations that keep the tone light even when the stakes are high. The humor is quintessentially British, with a blend of sarcasm, irony, and absurdity that fans of Douglas Adams or Terry Pratchett will find particularly enjoyable. Yet, beneath the humor, there's a genuine warmth to the characters and their relationships, making them easy to root for despite (or perhaps because of) their flaws and eccentricities.

Cursed Under London also shines in its setting. Crouch brings London to life with vivid descriptions that capture both the city's grandeur and its grimy, mysterious underworld. The novel's supernatural elements are seamlessly integrated into the fabric of London, creating a world where the magical and the mundane coexist in often surprising ways. This rich world-building is one of the book's standout features, providing a backdrop that feels both familiar and fantastical.

While the plot is fast-paced and full of twists, it's the characters who really drive the story. Each member of the ensemble cast is well-developed, with distinct personalities, backstories, and motivations. Crouch skillfully balances the character-driven moments with the action, ensuring that the emotional stakes are just as compelling as the physical ones.

However, the novel is not without its flaws. At times, the sheer number of characters and plot threads can feel overwhelming, and some readers might find it challenging to keep track of all the moving parts. Additionally, while the humor is a highlight, there are moments when it can overshadow the more serious aspects of the story, leading to a tonal imbalance. But these are minor quibbles in an otherwise thoroughly enjoyable read.

In conclusion, Cursed Under London is a highly entertaining novel that will appeal to fans of urban fantasy, British humor, and character-driven stories. Gabby Hutchinson Crouch has crafted a book that is both funny and heartfelt, with a unique take on the supernatural that sets it apart in a crowded genre. Whether you're a long-time fan of urban fantasy or a newcomer looking for something fresh, this book is well worth a read

I thought this book was a lot of fun - a fantastical version of historical London filled with all sorts of marvellous and magical creatures and characters. I loved the protagonists and their journey and I’m looking forward to seeing what comes next in this fabulous and inventive world.

Cursed Under London - The unputdownable first novel in a new Elizabethan romantasy series by Gabby Hutchinson Crouch is a unique and interetsing introduction to this author and I am here for it! I really enjoyed the speculation of an alternative London history and a glorious melding of fantasy and history. Really well written and I am looking forward to seeing where this series goes

Thank you to NetGalley, Farrago Books and Gabby Hutchinson Crouch for this gorgeous ARC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own

Lovely, funny and charming. This original novel was incredibly interesting, with a creative and compelling storyline, curious and vibrant characters, fantastic world building and little bit of a hot queer romance.
I really enjoyed both Fang and Lazare, their chemistry was palpable and their banter explosive. It wasn’t just their stories and their adventures, but also the character development and logical decisions that made sense for them. I really appreciate such writing, it’s visible how much planning and editing went into this book.

I really didn't like this. I had to DNF quite early as I just wasn't interested in anything happening and I didn't like the style of writing which I felt was... possibly trying too hard? I'm not sure. It just wasn't for me!

Tremendously enjoyed myself. Great characters and super fun plot. Banter was 10/10 also. I can't wait for book 2!

This was a fun alternate-historic London tale of vampires, elves and dragons! The main characters have a lot of personal baggage that I hope will be further explored in subsequent books. I ended up listening to the audiobook of this and it was EXCELLENT!

This one wasn’t really for me. I had a hard time keeping up with the story lines of all the characters. I also didn’t feel like this took place in Elizabethan London. It very much felt modern. I did, however, really love the Christopher Marlowe cameo!

I've seen a few reviews saying CURSED UNDER LONDON is kind of like Gaiman's NEVERWHERE but with humor - which is what drew my attention first. And this is pretty accurate. This alternative Elizabethan London (and it's mirror down below) is full of recognizable historical figures... but viewed through a fishbowl lens to make things a little bit wonky. Wit is on point, and this band of reluctant adventurers are everything. While the "big bad" is a caricature, and wasn't really all the evil (they are a horrible person that did horrible things but not quite the villain I was hoping for), I LOVED the reasoning behind Fang and Lazare's curses. Deep London is wonderfully described and I enjoyed how one travels between both versions of London. I need spinoffs featuring Nell and Amber immediately.

This is a cozy-esque fantasy with gore and really my only complaint is that there isn't enough romance to the romance plotline - I needed MORE. But for those that don't want too much spice, this romance might be perfect for them. Oh and more dragons (not that Amber isn't enough dragon, she's perfect).

Pick this up if you enjoy Terry Pratchett or Neil Gaiman, you won't be disappointed. I'm looking forward to seeing where this series goes next.

Advanced Reader’s Copy provided by NetGalley and Farrago Books in exchange for an honest review.

Cursed Under London is one of those books that grabs you in the first chapter and does not let you go! Part comedy, part fantasy, part romance, part historical, this mash-up somehow works brilliantly from start to finish. The diverse group of characters are all endearing in their own way, creating a loveable ragtag crew that we follow across Upper and Deep London.
Despite being unputdownable, Cursed Under London screams cosy fantasy on every page, reminiscent of the Discworld series by Terry Pratchett.
The imagery of the settings is so vibrant, drawing you into the alternate Universe with ease, and creating the perfect backdrop for such a fun romp.
This is the first in a series and I have EVERY intention of picking up any and all books Gabby Hutchinson Crouch writes in this world.

Basically, I’m BEGGING you to pick this up

I was lured in by the synopsis for this one, how could I not be when there’s a queer romance and all kinds of supernatural creatures in an alternate Elizabethan London?! Unfortunately it did fall a little flat for me and I did struggle to make my way through it.

Don’t get me wrong, I had a good giggle reading this! There was plenty of humour, so it was certainly entertaining in that regard even if it could perhaps be described as being a little bit silly in places, and it was definitely imaginative with a memorable cast of characters.

However, I struggled to connect with said characters a little bit, which made it quite hard to get invested in the story. I felt like the world building was a little lacking as well, and while I know it’s an alternate Elizabethan London, the language used and worldbuilding didn’t really reflect that time period so I’d get startled every time a period appropriate word was used randomly, or a reference was made to the actual time period or a historical figure.

Although the language DID make it relatively easy to read, and combined with the banter between the characters it was certainly a lighthearted, cosy kind of read, but I really did find myself kind of dragging myself through this book. I wanted to know what the deal was with their curse, but the pace wasn’t always ideal and tended towards slow here and there, and I was also a little bit disappointed by the romance.

I’d really hoped for more from it, but much like the world building it was lacking in depth and it was quite insta love-y which I don’t always vibe with and in this case, combined with the sedate pace and disappointing world building, it didn’t quite work for me.

Overall I just found myself a little bit disappointed by the world building and romance, mostly. Particularly because it really felt as if this book could have been set during literally any time period save for the odd reference or nod to the Elizabethan era and I didn’t quite enjoy this one as much as I’d hoped I would!