TC Marti’s Cursed Mage throws you headfirst into the chaotic, magic-laced life of Kaija Jokiharju, a girl who has already had her fair share of struggles before she even discovers the full depth of the world she’s about to step into. The story kicks off with a haunting, almost cinematic nightmare sequence, then shifts into the harsh realities of her home life. Kaija’s father is unreliable, lost in booze and bad habits, and just when she’s counting down the days to escape for college, tragedy strikes. She’s forced to move in with an uncle she barely knows in a house filled with secrets, a world filled with more than she ever thought possible, and a destiny far bigger than she bargained for.

The writing is fast and sharp, with bursts of dry humor and raw emotion that make Kaija’s voice feel real. I loved how the first few chapters refused to dump a bunch of exposition on me, instead, the book slowly lets its mysteries unravel. The way Kaija observes her new surroundings, from the eerie paintings in her uncle’s house to the suspiciously powerful people she stumbles across, adds a creeping tension that makes you second-guess what’s real and what’s just paranoia. The scene where she encounters the strange siblings by the creek, especially the way the girl lifts her with one hand like it’s nothing, was a perfect example of that shift from reality to something otherworldly.

There’s an undercurrent of rebellion throughout the book, not just in Kaija’s personality but in the way the world around her operates. The story weaves in themes of power, control, and hidden societies, keeping you on your toes. Marti balances the fantasy elements with an almost thriller-like pace. Kaija never really gets to rest, and that makes the tension all the more real. And then there’s Marko, a character who walks into the story carrying secrets as heavy as Kaija’s, and their interaction by the lake is intense, confusing, and loaded with meaning, setting up so many questions that kept me flipping the pages.

There are moments where the dialogue leans into exposition, but it never drags the story down. The world-building is layered, and while some elements remain cryptic for a while, it’s clear Marti is playing the long game, setting up a bigger picture beyond just this book. Kaija’s perspective is both sharp and emotional. She’s tough but never invulnerable, and that makes her journey feel authentic.

Cursed Mage is a must-read for fans of urban fantasy, especially if you like your magic systems tangled in real-world conflicts and your protagonists with just the right amount of bite. It’s a mix of mystery, magic, and survival, all wrapped up in an engaging, fast-paced read that keeps you guessing until the end.

ASIN: B0DC12YZF4