This was an epic dark fantasy romance, in an alt history, steampunk-ish setting. Really enjoyed the world building, the characters and their back stories. Each person grew in depth and developed further as the story progressed.

Although really well done, I did find it a bit long, with a lot of action, but almost too much going on (places, people, magic/mystical/lore stuff, mythical species, etc). Also felt it was a bit insta-lovey/ fated love which I’m not a huge fan of.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and Dark Hour Press/IBPA for a copy!

This book was given by NetGalley as an advance reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

Ryland is a pirate who has been cursed to immortality and to never leave an island by his ex, who happens to be a sea witch. Emmeline is a brilliant inventor of a flying ship. Emmeline’s ship is just the thing Ryland needs to get off the island he’s been bound to since it will enable him to escape through the air rather than the sea.

Honestly, I was a little bored and didn’t love the writing style. I should have loved Emmeline’s crew more than I did and I should have been more invested in what happened to the characters.

When I say the ending of this book made me sob...

The beauty, the tragedy, the gut wrenching agony and power of the ending is the book does not shy away from it. It tells you upfront what will happen, it warns you that your heart will be ripped from your chest if you continue and yet you have little choice because like the sirens waiting for the crew, the writing will lure you in and never let go.

A fantastic alt. history where airships are invented during the time of Napoleon, with a splash of magic, a pirate from the golden age, who cannot die and a love story that has spanned lifetimes.

Em's father and fiancé are disgusting excuses of men and make for some worthy villains of the piece. It was a joy to finally see them receive their just desserts. Seeing Em's growth, her story was a delight too, as she struggled with all she had lost but slowly learnt to see everything she had and everything she could be.

Truly enjoyable story that I gladly gave my heart away for.

A vengeful sea witch, curses, a pirate (singular), fated lovers and adventure. I really enjoyed this, whilst I thought it could be condensed in some places I had no problems getting through it. The slow burn had me in a chokehold! Please do a second book where they get more time together, maybe enough time to even get down to it 🤭 I loved the closing chapters but I will forever be wondering what happens when they find each other in the next life.

I think fans of L J Andrew’s would enjoy this (no spice though).

A Cursed Age is an exhilarating and beautifully written adventure that sweeps you across the high seas and into the skies. With a dashing, cursed pirate and a fierce, resilient heroine, this story blends romance, danger, and magic against the rich backdrop of the Napoleonic era. Ryland and Emmeline’s chemistry is undeniable, and their journey—full of betrayals, battles, and bittersweet hope—keeps you hooked from the first page to the last. The world-building is vivid, the stakes feel real, and the emotions run deep. Fans of fantasy, historical fiction, and star-crossed lovers will absolutely adore this unforgettable tale.

3.5! Whew this one was a ride! Pirates, curses, mermaids, history, fated love, steampunk... what more could a girl want? The writing was descriptive and a vibe, however, I must caution this baby is LONG strap in for a long and wild ride from Venice to the West Indies and back again.

The characters were interesting! I love me a powerful woman and Emmeline grows into that so well throughout the story that I grew to appreciate her more and more. I enjoyed Arthur so much,,, sweet lil doctor boy who just loves his wife. And then there's Ryland... I mean, he's an immortal pirate, doing well so far. I think his revenge mission limited his growth a little bit, but his love for Emmeline was genuine and pure so I can overlook it. Gwen was a little different for me - don't get it twisted, I love a woman villain, female rage speaks to my very essence, but not this way. Her jealousy, and obsession for Ryland, limited her full scope of icon-ness. She did other horrible things, that becomes very clear, but that's not what motivates the other characters. They seem opposed to Gwen because of her obsession with Ryland and her ability to seduce Napoleon, which,,,, is not enough for me.

This leads me to the historical context of the book which was PHENOMENALLY DONE. From the beginning I was like OH THIS HAS RESEARCH BABEY! That speaks to my heart sooooooooooo deeply!!!! From the golden age of piracy to the napoleonic conquests, I was in love with the atmosphere the context created throughout the book. Absolute VIBES.

Overall fun and mystical, my rating would have been much higher if it was a little bit shorter (sub 500 pages, perhaps)... Regardless!!!!!! I would still recommend this to anyone who had a steampunk and/or Pirate of the Caribbean obsession at any point in their life.

Thanks to Dark Hour Press, NetGalley and A M Dunnewin for the arc!

This is a slow burn, historical fantasy with no spice but great tension between the MMC/FMC – ideal for fans of M.L. Wang, and potentially Leigh Bardugo, Laura Thalassa and Cassandra Clare.

While the writing was great, I think this book tried to be too many things instead of focusing on one thing and delving into that or doing it well. The pacing of the overall book felt slow, and for a decent chunk of the beginning of the book it was unclear what the quest would be, with only vague plans for either main character. I found it a little hard to get through as at the end of each chapter, I didn’t know what I was looking forward to in the next part, and the overall quest hadn’t been laid out. I also find it hard when you invest a lot of time in reading but the time in-world is barely moving – I was about 60% of the way through when I realised that less than 10 days had passed since starting the journey.

While I loved the scope of locations (Caribbean, New Orleans, Venice), the settings themselves were not immersive, which made each place fall a little flat. I like that we got a taste of each place, but would have preferred more depth for each of the locations instead of the reader filling in the blanks and relying on their knowledge or imagination.

The issue with the locations was also repeated with different elements of the book – so many were crammed in, but each only featured briefly. Pirates, mermaids, sirens, prophecy, a sea witch, voodoo, Napoleon Bonaparte, Greek mythology, steampunk vibes etc. If you love delving into one world and getting to explore that, this probably won’t be for you – but if you just want a sprinkling of fantasy/magic elements, with a focus on the characters (told through a split POV), you’ll enjoy this.

A big thanks to NetGalley for providing an ARC.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 This alternate reality historical fiction fantasy adventure was truly a nautical tale like no other filled with fated souls, flying steampunk style airships, curses, sky pirates, adventure and romance. Told thur dual POV we follow long cursed immortal pirate captain Ryland Coldwell and airship designer and engineer Emmeline Whittock as they race to break a long held curse all while combating with tyranical power hungry leaders, otherworldly creatures such as mermaids and harpies, and an evil sea witch that can control the tides and weather. Reading this twisty seaside story set in an alternate 1806 was such fun. I loved getting to see the author take bits of history and meld them into a wholly new world and story. The plot alone with its set of centuries held star crossed loves reuniting and battling an evil curse had me already intrigued and yet add in the pirate element (sky pirates no less) and I was completely sold and engaged the entirety of the story. MMC Ryland is exactly what I would picture for an equally reckless and charming pirate. While Emmeline was the epitome of a smart, resourceful, and selfless FMC. Together their chemistry and team work had me easily rooting for them. The setting as well was something I thoroughly enjoyed as the adventuring pair traveled from the likes of the West Indies, New Orleans, and Italy. I won’t lie tho that the books ending did break me however in the best way possible, ensuring that this magical historical romance read will be sticking with me for quite some time. If you’re looking for a historical fiction filled with pirates and magic then defiantly check out this high seas tale.

A Cursed Age comes out May 20th, 2025.
Thank you NetGalley and Dark Hour Press for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This was my first pirate book, it is a historical fiction, with high-stakes, slow-burn romance and one of my fave tropes, found family.
Ryland is cursed to immortality by a scorned lover. Emmeline is escaping a dangerous fiance, and an emerging war. The pair meet under dangerous circumstances forming an alliance.
You will be emotionally damaged but in the best way. The ending was tragic but perfect, I love when a book has me picking up tissues.
I was a little on the fence for rating this one. While, I enjoyed the story, I felt like it needed more editing.
At times it was overly descriptive or unclear and I found myself re-reading sections. The flow wasn't always smooth and I didn't always love the dialogue.
That said, I recommend giving this one a read. You can clearly see the effort and time A.M. Dunnewin has put into the book.

This book is a must read Gothic pirate adventure. It is a uniquely dark tale that is both beautiful & devastating. It is also perfect for anyone who believes in the idea of soulmates and intertwined destiny. The plot is clever, action packed, and addictive. The author did an amazing job creating the best found family of characters that were full of depth, multilayered, and, just overall lovable. This book made me feel so many emotions and I cried multiple times throughout the story. My only complaint is that I did not get enough time with the main characters and their love story…my romantic heart needed more.
I am thankful to NetGalley & Dark Hour Press LLC for the opportunity to read this advanced copy.

From the very first page. This book sweeps readers into a vividly imagined world where magic pulses beneath every shadow and destiny hangs in the balance. With a rich tapestry of lore and an unforgettable cast of characters, this fantasy tale offers everything fans of the genre crave: adventure, heart, and high stakes.

At the center of the story, a compelling hero grappling with inner demons and outer threats alike. Their journey from humble beginnings to a confrontation with fate is as thrilling as it is emotionally resonant. Along the way, a diverse ensemble of allies and enemies deepens the narrative, each one distinct and integral to the story’s unfolding.

Thank you, Netgalley, for the advanced reader copy!

The prologue was lush with a creeping unease that carried on throughout the rest of the book. What a great book get me back into reading! Honestly, the I was looking for a story to sweep me into a historical setting with paranormal elements. I was looking to feel things, to be angry with characters over their bad choices, to be happy with them when they succeed, and to be destroyed over the sad backstories. This book delivered.

All in all: We need more historical fantasies like this with paranormal shenanigans and creatures.

Every once in a while I start reading a book and it doesn’t ask for my attention—it steals it. Quietly at first, then all at once, until I forget the room I’m in, the time on the clock. This book was one of them. Now I'm not really into fate and destiny but I loved this book.

An amazing story that combined a steampunk theme alongside pirates! the cover was what drew me in but the story is what kept me reading! absolutely loved the whole crew and the storytelling allowed me to feel like i was there alongside them!

There were a couple of small editing issues I saw. One P 224 of 474 the word used currant like the berry instead of current like the sea was used.
Also at the end of part one of the book, I was confused because the last two chapters of Rylan’s point of view made it seem like they were in the process then left the island. I think it needs to be clearer in the first of those two chapters that they were just in the preparation phase.
I thought the pacing throughout the book was very good. I enjoyed that there was a found family for Emmeline to support her when her birth family did not. I enjoyed the growth of Emmelines character.
I generally don’t enjoy fated love but I felt like there was a good amount of effort to show emmeline and Ryland talking and bonding through the course of the book which help reinforce the romance instead of relying solely on the trope. My only other criticism is that I wasn’t a huge fan of the characters names; the choices were a bit odd.

Great book! A light read but super fun. Had me imagining I was there with the crew in days of old. Love the empowerment given and the journey to discovering that power!

I didn’t know what to expect when I decided to read this book, the cover just drew me in.

What I got was pirates in a gothic steampunk setting with a love story that felt like beauty and tragedy all in one. Historical romance meets a touch of fantasy, high stakes (my favorite) and an angsty slow burn that was just the cherry on top.

The story feels finished but also it makes me wonder if there could be more? Ryland’s and Emmelines connection felt very authentic and the world setting is to die for!

Okay. This is the kind of book that lingers like sea salt in the air and heartbreak in your chest.

I went into A Cursed Age expecting a salty little pirate adventure with curses and maybe a bit of morally grey banter. What I got was a full-blown Gothic, ocean-soaked existential spiral wrapped in steampunk lace and betrayal. There’s vengeance and longing, grief and wonder. It’s eerie, romantic, mythic. It has the dramatic chaos of a Brontë novel but with airships. I don’t even know what to call the genre—nautical gothic revenge romance with a hint of soft steampunk tragedy? And somehow, it works.

We meet Ryland, a cursed pirate captain who is basically immortal but emotionally exhausted, stuck in a loop of shipwrecks and fury after being hexed by a sea witch with a grudge. Enter Emmeline—grieving, bloodstained, and on the run—who crash-lands into his cursed world on an airship that feels more ghost ship than vessel. Their meeting is sharp, strange, and full of don’t-look-too-closely-at-your-feelings tension. It’s not insta-love. It’s recognition.

What made this book stand out—beyond the stunningly rich setting (West Indies to New Orleans to Venice, and somehow it all feels drenched in sea mist and shadow)—was the way it blends genres without losing emotional clarity. It’s part historical, part gothic romance, part fantasy—but the emotional arc stays focused. Ryland is furious at the world but quietly unraveling, and Emmeline? She’s soft but splintered. I wanted to wrap her in blankets and give her therapy and also yell at her to trust herself more.

The romance is slow-burning and high-stakes in the eternal damnation meets soulmates in denial way. There's chemistry, but it's more about connection—the kind of thing that builds through glances, shared grief, and stormy silences. And yes, the sea witch? Absolutely feral. Loved her.

The ending? No spoilers, but let’s just say: I cried. Not ugly sobbing, but the kind of quiet ache that comes from knowing some love stories cost something. It’s haunting. Beautiful. I wanted more, and yet... it ended exactly where it needed to.

I can see this being a hit for readers who love:

✨ High-stakes slow burn with sharp edges

✨ Steampunk-adjacent fantasy settings

✨ Vengeful sea witches + poetic angst

✨ Romance that feels fated but fractured

✨ Stories that break you gently

It’s Gothic Treasure Planet meets The Witcher meets forbidden tenderness. And yeah, it wrecked me a little.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.

A Cursed Age by A.M. Dunnewin is such a good story. I rated it 5 stars because I couldn't put it down for a second. I totally recommend everyone to read this book as fast as they can because it's really good.

My one rule with book ratings is that a book that makes me cry automatically gets 5 stars and A Cursed Age had me crying for a while. It had a great and natural blend of genres - creepy gothic horror from the seawitch, part pirate adventure, and a sweet romance with lots of angst. And oh, that ending, how bittersweet. I have no idea if this is part of a series or if it's a standalone and this is the end of the story, but I'd love to rejoin the world. I don't want to say what else I'd like to see because of spoilers, but I hope this isn't the end.

Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy from NetGalley but this is my voluntary and honest review.