A review by natashaleighton_
Cursed Under London by Gabby Hutchinson Crouch

adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Bursting with whimsy, wit and a chaotic cast of loveable characters, Gabby Hutchinson Crouch’s cosy historical fantasy was an absolute delight from start to finish, I don’t think I’ve laughed quite this much in ages. 

Set in an alternate Elizabethan England, where real historical events and figures collide with the supernatural—in strange and marvellous ways I found incredibly entertaining. We follow two recently deceased but not quite dead strangers (Fang and Lazare) as they embark on a quest to reverse the mysterious curse that now afflicts them. 

From the (sort of tame) human streets of Upper London to it’s shadowy supernatural equivalent below ground, which sees our MCs run into deadly rival gangs, vampires, ogres and even a Zombie Christopher Marlowe. Fans of fast paced, Neil Gaiman-esque adventures will definitely want to consider checking this out. 

I loved protagonists, Fang and Lazare who I found a lot of fun to explore. Their banter was soo entertaining and really helped showcase their grumpy/ sunshine dynamics (and romantic chemistry) to perfection! 

Though I admit the rag-tag cast of supporting characters were really endearing too, in a bickering found family type way that had me utterly invested. Especially Amber (the dragon) who stole my heart with her polite and very earnest request to eat one of our MCs in the opening chapter. 

I know humour can be very subjective so wanted to say, though I loved the humour that has been expertly woven into every scene, it does border on being quite juvenile at times (which I know won’t be to everyone’s tastes.)

But if, like myself, you love a little humour-filled absurdity (or enjoyed TV shows: Horrible Histories, Good Omens, or What We Do In The Shadows) then you’ll probably really like this. 

Also a huge thank you to Blackcrow PR and Farrago books for the finished copy.


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