This was my first Elise Kova book and I was absolutely not disappointed! It had so many elements that I absolutely adore in it and the way she was able to weave them into a familiar yet unique story was beautiful. Dragons? Check. Enemies to lovers? Check. A scared eighteen year old girl as The Chosen One? Check. Pain that ripped my heart in two? Check. A cliffhanger that has me itching for more? ABSOLUTELY CHECK!
Kova expertly utilized the Tribunal and Isola’s POV (as someone only just entering the three week trial) to build the world of Vinguard for the reader in a way that you almost don’t notice that you are learning a world unlike our own. As Isola learns more, so too does the reader and that is one of my favorite ways of discovering new stories.
In addition to the excellent world building, Kova also builds out the slow burn romance in a way that will appease lovers of all kind of romance. I’m not normally a slow burn girlie, but the slow burn was so perfectly executed in this one that it felt like a tender love story even as I was dying for them to just. freaking. kiss!
And I would be remiss if I didn’t talk about the undying loyalty between Isola and Saipha. Even as things get scary, even as things get harder, even as secrets are held tight and slowly revealed, the faith these two have in each other to get them through is obvious. While we only get Isola’s POV, it’s obvious the love these two have for each other knows no bounds and it truly makes some parts of the story (IYKYK) ache even worse.
What a glorious introduction this was to the writing of Elise Kova! I am chomping at the bit for the next in the series, but at least she’s got a hefty backlist for me to binge while I wait.
DRAGON CURSED is the first in a new series by Elise Kova and hits shelves January 6, 2026 (tomorrow!) so you don't have to wait too long to grab a copy for yourself! You should do it now though—the deluxe hardback with gorgeous edges is only available on the first print run so once they're gone, they're gone! Grab yours today so you don't miss out.
Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher for free and have voluntarily written this review. If you purchase a copy using my Bookshop affiliate link above, not only will I receive a small commission (which will fuel my coffee and tea addiction and help to keep me up all night reading more books to recommend to you), but you will be supporting indie bookstores like my local fave Linden Tree Books! If you prefer Amazon, visit my Amazon storefront and click on the list titled "2026 Book Recommendations."
