A Star-Cursed Heart, Annie Mare (Review by Heather Drake)

Rating: 3.8/5 Stars

Thank you to Annie Mare and The Gloss Blog for the opportunity to read and review an advance reader copy of this novel. I would rate it 3.8 stars. While I initially struggled to fully engage with the story, I grew to appreciate the author’s creativity, ambition, and the meaningful themes woven throughout. Once I settled into the narrative, it revealed itself as a quirky and ultimately rewarding read.

This book is a queer romance inspired by The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne, incorporating several references and direct quotations from the classic text. Because it had been so long since I last read The Scarlet Letter, I felt a bit disoriented at the beginning. Readers more familiar with Hawthorne’s work may find it easier to connect with these elements early on.

The story follows two women, Lucy Prynne and Ashes Steadfast, whose relationship evolves from best friends, to lovers, to ex-lovers, and back again. Complicating their bond is a centuries-old family curse rooted in a feud that spans roughly 400 years. The curse centers on the idea of good versus evil, though the novel thoughtfully questions whether those labels reflect inherent truths or simply beliefs passed down through generations. As Lucy and Ashes dig into their shared past, they embark on a journey to determine whether the curse can be broken—and in doing so, uncover deeper truths about themselves, their families, their friendships, and even a beloved pet.

At times, I found the narrative challenging to follow. The shifting timelines and alternating perspectives occasionally made it difficult to stay grounded. Some sections felt overly detailed, while others could have benefited from further development, creating moments that felt slightly disjointed. Despite these structural issues, I genuinely connected with the heart of the story.

The novel’s greatest strength lies in its emotional core. It explores queer love, the impact of generational trauma, and the importance of communication, forgiveness, and self-understanding. I grew attached to the characters and appreciated their growth. The ending, in particular, was satisfying and left a lasting impression.