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The Diablo's Curse
From the author of The Wicked Bargain comes a high-stakes race to defeat a curse designed to kill about a teen demon who wants to be human, a boy cursed to die young, and the murderous island destined to bury them both.
Dami is a demon determined to cancel every deal they've ever made in order to tether their soul to earth and become human again. There's just one person standing in their way: Silas. An irresistibly (and stubborn) cute boy cursed to die young, except for the deal with Dami that is keeping him alive. If they cancel the deal, Silas is dead. Unless... they can destroy the curse that has plagued Silas's family for generations. But to do so, Dami and Silas are going to have to work together. That is, if the curse doesn't kill them first. . . .
Dami is a demon determined to cancel every deal they've ever made in order to tether their soul to earth and become human again. There's just one person standing in their way: Silas. An irresistibly (and stubborn) cute boy cursed to die young, except for the deal with Dami that is keeping him alive. If they cancel the deal, Silas is dead. Unless... they can destroy the curse that has plagued Silas's family for generations. But to do so, Dami and Silas are going to have to work together. That is, if the curse doesn't kill them first. . . .
400 pages, Hardcover
First published February 20, 2024
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July 16, 2024
“The truth is, Dami never liked endings. It’s why they’ve left so many books unread.”
I’m a little embarrassed. Remember a couple weeks ago when I made this huge fuss about how I was “totally done with YA forever and ever and ever and nobody can convince me to return no matter what"? Yeah well, I'm here to say that all the hullabaloo was for nothing, because this YA book convinced me to return. It’s good. Really good, even. It kind of feels like me ending up loving this book is the result of some kind of universal karma that went out of its way to make sure I’d be eating my words for making such a grandiose statement. Kind of like a deal with a demon? Hmm. But that's enough shame for one night, because it’s synopsis time! The basic story follows Dami, a demon who is desperately trying to find a way to turn back into a human because they tire of the duplicitous life. To do this, they have go back to all the people they’d originally made deals with and undo all the “curling-of-the-monkey-paw,” “bad-faith-genie”-type wishes they’d granted. It just so happens that the last schmuck on the list is our second main character, Silas, a guy who is also desperately (desperation is a running theme with the both of them) trying to break free from his family curse that marks him and his loved ones for death. Thankfully, the shifty deal that Dami dream-came-trued it for him was that he’d effectively become immortal. Well, maybe not "thankfully," because there's a catch (because there always is one) that he can still technically die… just not permanently. Guess he didn't read the fine print, because he dies only to comes back. Again, and again and again. Just like Jesus! … or Goku. This was great fun, and I don’t think I’ve loved a pure adventure novel like this since I've had the pleasure of reading The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue, all the way back when. This book feels nostalgic to me because it really effortlessly captured that "something special" vibe from the very beginning. Here's the thing, adventure romances are always tricky because no matter what, they all live in the looming shadow cast by Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2003), which manages to perfectly balance the exciting, action-packed journey with its quieter, contemplative moments. The problem is that more often than not a lot of adventure stories sadly just end up being Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2010), a lifeless, wooden movie with zero chemistry between the leads and zero dramatic tension. I'm happy to say that The Diablo's Curse beautifully resembles the former. Yay!
Otherwise, I will say that like with most stories that deal with the search for a vast treasure, this book does the whole “the-real-treasure-was-the-love-we-found-for-each-other-along-the-way kind of thing, and I can’t lie… I was a little disappointed. Is it too much to ask that they find love and become filthy rich too!? In Fallout: New Vegas, there’s this quest you go on where the main theme is all about “letting go of the past” (yawn), and in order to really drive the message home, at the end you have to choose between escaping an underground bunker before it explodes or staying there and dying with thirty-nine (39!) gold bars that are too heavy to carry out of there on time. Want to know what I did? So, it turns out that there’s a glitch where if you stash the gold on some dead guy’s body near the door, you can actually still take all the money and escape with your life with seconds to spare. I love having cake and then eating it too! I’m probably just greedy, but it literally hurts my heart every time the heroes throw the gold or the jewels or the whatever into the abyss in the climactic ending in a triumphant display of how they’re better than the villain. Yeah well, I’m not! I mean, it's important to know that I'm still salty over Aladdin and the King of Thieves! You could probably tell which character I’d be in these kinds of adventure stories, huh? Best believe I’d be Smeagol, clutching my ring to the last. Though, if I had another complaint (I'm a "two complaint" kind of guy), I’d say that the sacrifices being made are a little too one-sided on Dami’s end. It's Silas' curse they're all trying to break, so why is Dami doing all the heavy lifting!? I know that they’re the “demon” in the relationship and that they’ve technically done the most harm in the past, meaning that most of the character development lies on their shoulders, but the unfortunate result is that it made Silas a little boring in contrast. Dami was doing too much! They’re the one who does all the rowing when they're stuck in the storms, the fighting against the bandits, the "figuring out" when they're faced with trials and tests on the evil killing island, where is Silas?? I know where. Busy sitting there like a log with his judgemental aura. If he didn’t have his own pov chapters, I’d seriously forget he was even there after a while. I don’t think he’s a bad character, and I didn't even dislike him, but I was just hoping for a better apology scene than what we got in the actual story. What can I say? I love some good ole groveling. I’m kind of joking, because none of this actually changed my opinion of the book, but I’d at least like something a little more concrete, a little more substantial than him just looking at the ceiling as he drafts his “I’m so sorry” text.
I've noticed a lot of the books I’ve been reading recently are trending towards the more introspective side when it comes to their character development, and that's cool and all, but it is a little sad that it feels like the days of grand gestures in the third-act are over and done with. Oh well. This will be a bit of a spoilery bit (for The Kite Runner, very popular book The Kite Runner), but remember in The Kite Runner when the main character gets the ever loving shit kicked out of him and it's unnerving and visceral and... the only feeling he actually feels is pure euphoria? No pain or sadness, just a calming relief that he’s finally, finally, getting punished for the pain he’s caused. Obviously, this isn’t a perfect comparison because Silas didn’t do anything even remotely close to what Kite Runner guy did, but I’m just saying that they sure don’t write absolution like they used to. Oh, did I say that this book was a great book yet? Because it absolutely is! I don't know, that sentiment might have gotten lost in all my ramblings. Or whatever all that is up there. I’ll try to move on to more positive things from now on. I loved how The Diablo’s Curse has all the imagination and thrills of a typical adventure novel, but with the added benefit of all the main characters simply being queer. No fuss, no overlong discussion about it, they just are. And that's just a nice thing to read about. And it’s nice how we can have fun adventure stories without the narrative being completely centered around queerness and how we fit into the world, into society. And yet, it’s still a theme that’s felt deeply all throughout the story. From the way the narration doesn’t bother with any character being maliciously misgendered or how Dami’s shape-shifting powers are used to explore the beauty of being non-binary rather than the trauma they’d probably have to go through in any “realistic” historical-fiction novel about queer folk. It's all a metaphor, Hazel Grace! Every now and then I like to joke around saying stuff like “love isn’t real” or “love is dead” and blah blah blah, but the truth of the matter is that that sentiment is disproven by the simple fact of this book existing in the world. “How wonderful life is... while you're in the world!” This is a book that sets out to celebrate queer joy over pain, and accomplishes just that. And believe me, I felt the love every time I turned the page.
Oh my love, I know I am a cold, cold man / Quite slow to pay you compliments / Or public displayed affections / But baby don't you go overanalyze / No need to theorize / I can put your doubts to rest (Cold Cold Man – Saint Motel).
I’m a little embarrassed. Remember a couple weeks ago when I made this huge fuss about how I was “totally done with YA forever and ever and ever and nobody can convince me to return no matter what"? Yeah well, I'm here to say that all the hullabaloo was for nothing, because this YA book convinced me to return. It’s good. Really good, even. It kind of feels like me ending up loving this book is the result of some kind of universal karma that went out of its way to make sure I’d be eating my words for making such a grandiose statement. Kind of like a deal with a demon? Hmm. But that's enough shame for one night, because it’s synopsis time! The basic story follows Dami, a demon who is desperately trying to find a way to turn back into a human because they tire of the duplicitous life. To do this, they have go back to all the people they’d originally made deals with and undo all the “curling-of-the-monkey-paw,” “bad-faith-genie”-type wishes they’d granted. It just so happens that the last schmuck on the list is our second main character, Silas, a guy who is also desperately (desperation is a running theme with the both of them) trying to break free from his family curse that marks him and his loved ones for death. Thankfully, the shifty deal that Dami dream-came-trued it for him was that he’d effectively become immortal. Well, maybe not "thankfully," because there's a catch (because there always is one) that he can still technically die… just not permanently. Guess he didn't read the fine print, because he dies only to comes back. Again, and again and again. Just like Jesus! … or Goku. This was great fun, and I don’t think I’ve loved a pure adventure novel like this since I've had the pleasure of reading The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue, all the way back when. This book feels nostalgic to me because it really effortlessly captured that "something special" vibe from the very beginning. Here's the thing, adventure romances are always tricky because no matter what, they all live in the looming shadow cast by Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2003), which manages to perfectly balance the exciting, action-packed journey with its quieter, contemplative moments. The problem is that more often than not a lot of adventure stories sadly just end up being Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2010), a lifeless, wooden movie with zero chemistry between the leads and zero dramatic tension. I'm happy to say that The Diablo's Curse beautifully resembles the former. Yay!
Otherwise, I will say that like with most stories that deal with the search for a vast treasure, this book does the whole “the-real-treasure-was-the-love-we-found-for-each-other-along-the-way kind of thing, and I can’t lie… I was a little disappointed. Is it too much to ask that they find love and become filthy rich too!? In Fallout: New Vegas, there’s this quest you go on where the main theme is all about “letting go of the past” (yawn), and in order to really drive the message home, at the end you have to choose between escaping an underground bunker before it explodes or staying there and dying with thirty-nine (39!) gold bars that are too heavy to carry out of there on time. Want to know what I did? So, it turns out that there’s a glitch where if you stash the gold on some dead guy’s body near the door, you can actually still take all the money and escape with your life with seconds to spare. I love having cake and then eating it too! I’m probably just greedy, but it literally hurts my heart every time the heroes throw the gold or the jewels or the whatever into the abyss in the climactic ending in a triumphant display of how they’re better than the villain. Yeah well, I’m not! I mean, it's important to know that I'm still salty over Aladdin and the King of Thieves! You could probably tell which character I’d be in these kinds of adventure stories, huh? Best believe I’d be Smeagol, clutching my ring to the last. Though, if I had another complaint (I'm a "two complaint" kind of guy), I’d say that the sacrifices being made are a little too one-sided on Dami’s end. It's Silas' curse they're all trying to break, so why is Dami doing all the heavy lifting!? I know that they’re the “demon” in the relationship and that they’ve technically done the most harm in the past, meaning that most of the character development lies on their shoulders, but the unfortunate result is that it made Silas a little boring in contrast. Dami was doing too much! They’re the one who does all the rowing when they're stuck in the storms, the fighting against the bandits, the "figuring out" when they're faced with trials and tests on the evil killing island, where is Silas?? I know where. Busy sitting there like a log with his judgemental aura. If he didn’t have his own pov chapters, I’d seriously forget he was even there after a while. I don’t think he’s a bad character, and I didn't even dislike him, but I was just hoping for a better apology scene than what we got in the actual story. What can I say? I love some good ole groveling. I’m kind of joking, because none of this actually changed my opinion of the book, but I’d at least like something a little more concrete, a little more substantial than him just looking at the ceiling as he drafts his “I’m so sorry” text.
I've noticed a lot of the books I’ve been reading recently are trending towards the more introspective side when it comes to their character development, and that's cool and all, but it is a little sad that it feels like the days of grand gestures in the third-act are over and done with. Oh well. This will be a bit of a spoilery bit (for The Kite Runner, very popular book The Kite Runner), but remember in The Kite Runner when the main character gets the ever loving shit kicked out of him and it's unnerving and visceral and... the only feeling he actually feels is pure euphoria? No pain or sadness, just a calming relief that he’s finally, finally, getting punished for the pain he’s caused. Obviously, this isn’t a perfect comparison because Silas didn’t do anything even remotely close to what Kite Runner guy did, but I’m just saying that they sure don’t write absolution like they used to. Oh, did I say that this book was a great book yet? Because it absolutely is! I don't know, that sentiment might have gotten lost in all my ramblings. Or whatever all that is up there. I’ll try to move on to more positive things from now on. I loved how The Diablo’s Curse has all the imagination and thrills of a typical adventure novel, but with the added benefit of all the main characters simply being queer. No fuss, no overlong discussion about it, they just are. And that's just a nice thing to read about. And it’s nice how we can have fun adventure stories without the narrative being completely centered around queerness and how we fit into the world, into society. And yet, it’s still a theme that’s felt deeply all throughout the story. From the way the narration doesn’t bother with any character being maliciously misgendered or how Dami’s shape-shifting powers are used to explore the beauty of being non-binary rather than the trauma they’d probably have to go through in any “realistic” historical-fiction novel about queer folk. It's all a metaphor, Hazel Grace! Every now and then I like to joke around saying stuff like “love isn’t real” or “love is dead” and blah blah blah, but the truth of the matter is that that sentiment is disproven by the simple fact of this book existing in the world. “How wonderful life is... while you're in the world!” This is a book that sets out to celebrate queer joy over pain, and accomplishes just that. And believe me, I felt the love every time I turned the page.
Oh my love, I know I am a cold, cold man / Quite slow to pay you compliments / Or public displayed affections / But baby don't you go overanalyze / No need to theorize / I can put your doubts to rest (Cold Cold Man – Saint Motel).
November 30, 2023
I didn’t know The Diablos Curse was the sequel to The Wicked Bargain, and when I found out, I was scared I wouldn’t understand the story, especially because this is a magical one set in the eighteen hundreds, and I’m not much of a fantasy reader. But I didn’t need to be scared because it’s perfectly readable as a standalone, even if it’s a historical YA infused by (dark) magic and fantasy.
This story made me think of F.T. Lukens’ wit and writing combined with the animosity and the quests from The Sunbearer Trials.
I immediately liked Dami and Silas. Both passionate and full of perseverance. There was this kind of rivalry/enemy’s to lovers kind of trope with lots of banter, and it made me smile so many times. Sami and Silas were sometimes so annoyed with each other. But they also grew closer—that slow burn!—I loved how Silas cared about his family and how Dami wanted to be fully human. And I just adored Marisol!!
The Diablos Curse was my first book by Gabe Cole Novoa, but definitely not my last!
Thank you, Random House Children’s Books and NetGalley, for allowing me to read this early!
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This story made me think of F.T. Lukens’ wit and writing combined with the animosity and the quests from The Sunbearer Trials.
I immediately liked Dami and Silas. Both passionate and full of perseverance. There was this kind of rivalry/enemy’s to lovers kind of trope with lots of banter, and it made me smile so many times. Sami and Silas were sometimes so annoyed with each other. But they also grew closer—that slow burn!—I loved how Silas cared about his family and how Dami wanted to be fully human. And I just adored Marisol!!
The Diablos Curse was my first book by Gabe Cole Novoa, but definitely not my last!
Thank you, Random House Children’s Books and NetGalley, for allowing me to read this early!
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February 20, 2024
This story follows Dami, a genderfluid demon who is on a mission to cancel every deal they’ve ever made to becoming human once again. The problem? Silas. If Dami cancels Silas’ deal, Silas dies. Together, Dami and Silas have to undue the curse the plagues Silas’ family…but Dami’s time is running out.
I absolutely loved Dami. All they want is the chance to be human again and to stop making these awful deals, but of course, it can’t be that simple. Dami is fluid in their gender identity, so they are constantly changing pronouns, which young people need to see on page.
The growing attraction between Dami and Silas was so adorable. Even though Dami comes off as flippant and uninterested, it’s clear that they will do whatever it takes to protect Silas’ life. An poor Silas can’t help but blush whenever he interacts with Dami. *squee*
Novoa does an incredible job of creating a truly terrifying island infused with rich Latinx lore that I would NEVER want to be trapped on.
If you’re a fan of high stakes adventures that center queer disasters who try to deny their growing attraction then this one is for you!
Thank you to Get Underlined for providing a review copy. This did not influence my review. All opinions are my own.
I absolutely loved Dami. All they want is the chance to be human again and to stop making these awful deals, but of course, it can’t be that simple. Dami is fluid in their gender identity, so they are constantly changing pronouns, which young people need to see on page.
The growing attraction between Dami and Silas was so adorable. Even though Dami comes off as flippant and uninterested, it’s clear that they will do whatever it takes to protect Silas’ life. An poor Silas can’t help but blush whenever he interacts with Dami. *squee*
Novoa does an incredible job of creating a truly terrifying island infused with rich Latinx lore that I would NEVER want to be trapped on.
If you’re a fan of high stakes adventures that center queer disasters who try to deny their growing attraction then this one is for you!
Thank you to Get Underlined for providing a review copy. This did not influence my review. All opinions are my own.
July 26, 2024
Yayy gay people in my hands!
This is the fun YA adventure story I didn’t know I needed. I could read 100 books set in this universe about Dami, Silas, and Marisol. Gabe Cole Novoa I am knocking on your door. Hello? Books? Books for the needy?
Dami is a demonio, which is kind of like an apprentice to the more powerful diablo. Demonios have a few cool powers but otherwise need centuries worth of deals before they can upgrade to diablo. Dami has worked hard just to reach demonio status, but the reason for their hard work isn’t to become a diablo – it’s to kill their old master and regain human status. And Dami has already killed their master. Unfortunately the final step to humanhood is to undo all the standing deals that Dami, and they have a time limit.
While everyone who makes a deal with a devil comes to regret their bargain, the last person on the list, Silas Cain, is a special case: Silas has a generational curse that kills every member of his family. So his deal, to not die, is a little harder to let go of. But he is willing to make one last exchange: help him break the family curse and Silas will agree to reverse Dami’s deal.
The Cain family curse is linked to legendary pirate treasure, and they are not the only ones looking for it. Dami and Silas will have to survive magical storms, fires, islands, and puzzles to be free. Maybe the true curse that is broken is lonliness. Or whatever the saying is. Oh another reviewer said it, “maybe the real treasure is the friendship we found along the way”. Heck yeah.
This is a really fun and action packed novel, but there is still room for these three lovely queer characters to connect and grow, (as mentioned before there is plenty of room for them to do even more of that in a sequel ._.) and the story is very engaging, I woke up at 5:30 am to read this before work that is how serious I am (jk this is a sign of unseriousness I skipped the gym to read the YA book) but that is how ya know it is good!
This is the fun YA adventure story I didn’t know I needed. I could read 100 books set in this universe about Dami, Silas, and Marisol. Gabe Cole Novoa I am knocking on your door. Hello? Books? Books for the needy?
Dami is a demonio, which is kind of like an apprentice to the more powerful diablo. Demonios have a few cool powers but otherwise need centuries worth of deals before they can upgrade to diablo. Dami has worked hard just to reach demonio status, but the reason for their hard work isn’t to become a diablo – it’s to kill their old master and regain human status. And Dami has already killed their master. Unfortunately the final step to humanhood is to undo all the standing deals that Dami, and they have a time limit.
While everyone who makes a deal with a devil comes to regret their bargain, the last person on the list, Silas Cain, is a special case: Silas has a generational curse that kills every member of his family. So his deal, to not die, is a little harder to let go of. But he is willing to make one last exchange: help him break the family curse and Silas will agree to reverse Dami’s deal.
The Cain family curse is linked to legendary pirate treasure, and they are not the only ones looking for it. Dami and Silas will have to survive magical storms, fires, islands, and puzzles to be free. Maybe the true curse that is broken is lonliness. Or whatever the saying is. Oh another reviewer said it, “maybe the real treasure is the friendship we found along the way”. Heck yeah.
This is a really fun and action packed novel, but there is still room for these three lovely queer characters to connect and grow, (as mentioned before there is plenty of room for them to do even more of that in a sequel ._.) and the story is very engaging, I woke up at 5:30 am to read this before work that is how serious I am (jk this is a sign of unseriousness I skipped the gym to read the YA book) but that is how ya know it is good!
May 29, 2024
i love demons.
June 20, 2024
Genderfluid shapeshifters will always hit the spot for me. I loved Dami so much, and this was an incredibly fun read. I ended up reading it in one sitting because it was so engaging. This was my third book by Gabe Cole Novoa and I'm craving more!
![Profile Image for julia ☆ [owls reads].](https://cdn.statically.io/img/i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1636739475i/5520447._UX200_CR0,0,200,200_.jpg)
April 27, 2024
Overall a pretty fun read, but it had its ups and downs. The writing was lovely and I did very much enjoy how Gabe Cole Novoa introduced and developed all of the characters. Dami and Silas were lovely narrators and Marisol was a very welcome addition to their dynamic!
What got me a bit was the plot. It went into a direction I wasn't expecting and the twists got a little too predictable for me. There wasn't a real sense of danger surrounding what was happening to the characters due to the nature of the world-building and just knowing how these stories usually go, so... I was a lot more interesting in Juno and her deals!
Even so, this had some cute romantic moments and a lot of action and tension! I'd recommend it to anyone looking for an adventurous read with queer main characters who enjoys curses and lost treasures.
What got me a bit was the plot. It went into a direction I wasn't expecting and the twists got a little too predictable for me. There wasn't a real sense of danger surrounding what was happening to the characters due to the nature of the world-building and just knowing how these stories usually go, so... I was a lot more interesting in Juno and her deals!
Even so, this had some cute romantic moments and a lot of action and tension! I'd recommend it to anyone looking for an adventurous read with queer main characters who enjoys curses and lost treasures.
March 15, 2024
I wish I could say I loved this, but I just didn't. It's not horrible, just was kind of boring to me. This was a YA, queer version of Indiana Jones. It had the treasure hunt and everything. I think I was expecting to see more of the demon bargains being returned but thats not what we got. Definitely a great book for the younger, adventure book loving crowd.
March 30, 2024
A great YA historical fantasy about a nonbinary 'Diablo' who wants to become human but is tasked with undoing all the underhanded deals he's made with humans over the years. Full of action, adventure and even some romance, this was a fun read/listen perfect for fans of books like Blood debt by Terry J. Benton-Walker.
February 1, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Books for sending me this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I was absolutely obsessed with Dami when I read The Wicked Bargain and I was THRILLED when I heard there was a spinoff book about them coming out. It’s everything I ever could’ve dream of and more!
Not only could I relate heavily to Dami as a non-binary person (them worrying about losing their ability to shapeshift would 100% also be my main concern in their situation), but I absolutely adored the other two POV characters as well! Silas is so charismatic even though he doesn’t try to be, and Marisol is just the most lovely girl ever seriously.
The descriptions were wonderful as well. The whole time I couldn’t help picture it as a movie. I think it’d be a huge oversight for a producer/director to Not pick this story up because it would adapt wonderfully to screen. I couldn’t help comparing the island they end up on to the Catching Fire arena, so Francis Lawrence you better get on this bestie.
Overall, this has become one of my new all-time favorite books and I’d be so down for more books set in this universe! Banking on a Marisol book next 👀. I definitely recommend picking up a copy when it comes out!
I was absolutely obsessed with Dami when I read The Wicked Bargain and I was THRILLED when I heard there was a spinoff book about them coming out. It’s everything I ever could’ve dream of and more!
Not only could I relate heavily to Dami as a non-binary person (them worrying about losing their ability to shapeshift would 100% also be my main concern in their situation), but I absolutely adored the other two POV characters as well! Silas is so charismatic even though he doesn’t try to be, and Marisol is just the most lovely girl ever seriously.
The descriptions were wonderful as well. The whole time I couldn’t help picture it as a movie. I think it’d be a huge oversight for a producer/director to Not pick this story up because it would adapt wonderfully to screen. I couldn’t help comparing the island they end up on to the Catching Fire arena, so Francis Lawrence you better get on this bestie.
Overall, this has become one of my new all-time favorite books and I’d be so down for more books set in this universe! Banking on a Marisol book next 👀. I definitely recommend picking up a copy when it comes out!
Shelved as 'expected-publication'
July 23, 2023Can't waaaiiiiiiitt!!!! Love Dami! So excited! I can wait one year! 🥲
March 9, 2024
gabe cole novoa truly never misses!
April 14, 2024
There's something about the books set in this universe that is just... *chef's kiss*
(And they're even better if you consider the audiobooks)
(And they're even better if you consider the audiobooks)
March 25, 2024
5 stars ⭐️
“I want you to be free more than I want to become human. I can only have one, and I’m choosing you.”
When I found out that we were getting a Dami book, after reading The Wicked Bargain and loving it, I was so excited and the premise sounded so exciting to me. It was better than I expected and I am now expecting a Marisol book, where all the characters from both books meet.
“What you had to do to survive doesn’t disqualify you from deserving a chance to live.”
The romance in this book was so perfect. I loved that they very much hated each other before falling in love and I think that I genuinely just love any kind of romance that Gabe Cole Novoa writes at this point. Also Gabe Cole Novoa owns the one bed trope, I don’t make the rules.
“You’re not a bad person, Dami. You deserve better than what you were handed.”
Dami is such an entertaining point of view to read from and I love their character. I could read an entire series of books of Dami just going on adventures and exploring. They are my favourite ever and I love that they got their happy ending.
“I want you to be free more than I want to become human. I can only have one, and I’m choosing you.”
When I found out that we were getting a Dami book, after reading The Wicked Bargain and loving it, I was so excited and the premise sounded so exciting to me. It was better than I expected and I am now expecting a Marisol book, where all the characters from both books meet.
“What you had to do to survive doesn’t disqualify you from deserving a chance to live.”
The romance in this book was so perfect. I loved that they very much hated each other before falling in love and I think that I genuinely just love any kind of romance that Gabe Cole Novoa writes at this point. Also Gabe Cole Novoa owns the one bed trope, I don’t make the rules.
“You’re not a bad person, Dami. You deserve better than what you were handed.”
Dami is such an entertaining point of view to read from and I love their character. I could read an entire series of books of Dami just going on adventures and exploring. They are my favourite ever and I love that they got their happy ending.
February 2, 2024
Gabe Cole Novoa, you've done it again!!!
This was so, so beautiful from start to finish. And don't come for me please, but I might like this better than The Wicked Bargain? And I already loved and adored that book, so that's a clear sign of how amazing The Diablo's Curse is for me I guess 😂 Or maybe this is just me (a genderqueer person) relating to Dami (a genderfluid character) a lot... Either way, I loved this okay? 🥹😂
Full review soon, and will be posted as part of the book tour hosted by Turn the Pages Tours.
Exact rating: 4.75
CW: miscarriage, childbirth, violence, blood, death, injuries, gore, sexual content
Find me elsewhere: Instagram | Twitter | Blog
Marking this book as part of my reading challenge: #ReadQueerly2024.
This was so, so beautiful from start to finish. And don't come for me please, but I might like this better than The Wicked Bargain? And I already loved and adored that book, so that's a clear sign of how amazing The Diablo's Curse is for me I guess 😂 Or maybe this is just me (a genderqueer person) relating to Dami (a genderfluid character) a lot... Either way, I loved this okay? 🥹😂
Full review soon, and will be posted as part of the book tour hosted by Turn the Pages Tours.
Exact rating: 4.75
CW: miscarriage, childbirth, violence, blood, death, injuries, gore, sexual content
Find me elsewhere: Instagram | Twitter | Blog
Marking this book as part of my reading challenge: #ReadQueerly2024.
January 4, 2024
Following Dami, introduced in Gabe Cole Novoa’s previous book The Wicked Bargain, The Diablo’s Curse is the story of the former demonio trying to keep their humanity and stop themselves from reverting back to not being able to feel, taste or be in the world. To do so, they must end every single deal they have made during their demonio days. This brings them to Silas Cain, a boy whose family has been cursed with dying young, a boy whom they had previously made a deal with to keep him from dying. They must work with him to travel to an island to discover hidden treasure to break Silas’ curse so that he can end his deal. But of course, the island isn’t quite right.
Overall, The Diablo’s Curse is a beautiful story that humanizes Dami, gives them the ending they deserve and surrounds them with people who truly care for them as a person, not just what they can give. It was magical, gripping, scary at times, and overall amazing. Introducing beautiful queer characters and making such a wonderful friendship trio to tackle a terrifying island for their physical, and mental, freedom.
Overall, The Diablo’s Curse is a beautiful story that humanizes Dami, gives them the ending they deserve and surrounds them with people who truly care for them as a person, not just what they can give. It was magical, gripping, scary at times, and overall amazing. Introducing beautiful queer characters and making such a wonderful friendship trio to tackle a terrifying island for their physical, and mental, freedom.
May 23, 2024
4.5 rounded down…oooh boy that was a ride. I’ll be putting a full review here instead of Insta or elsewhere bc when I make a post it’s gonna be a joint TWB and TDC one but give me a sec to gather myself I’m currently crying
February 26, 2024
Rating: 4.25/5 Penguins (rounded down)
Quick Reasons: lgbtq+, diverse read; uniquely captivating world building; intriguing magic system; mystery, suspense, romance; happily for now ending; SO MUCH SNARK!
HUGE thanks to Gabe Cole Novoa, Random House Books, and Netgalley for the title! My review is voluntarily written and in no way impacted or altered by the gesture.
"We've been on this cursed horse all day."
"Carrot isn't cursed." Silas pats the horse's neck affectionately. "He's been an excellent mount."
They huff. "He doesn't like me."
"Neither do I."
"That's right--and look at you. Cursed."
This was SUCH a fun, diverse, humorous read! There's demons, there's magic, there's romance, there's comedy, there's adventure and destruction and despair and coming of age and SO MANY gasp-worthy moments! I could keep going, this book SERIOUSLY has pretty much everything in it, but then you'd be stuck here for the rest of forever and I don't really think you want that (and I don't want to be stuck here writing this forever...because then would YOU really be stuck here, if I never stop writing? I digress...)
The characters are believable, equal parts morally grey human and questionably not mortal. I laughed out loud more times than I think I have at a book in quite a while. These characters ripped at my veins, crawled into my heart's deepest pockets, and came to life within my mind (which for someone with Aphantasia is saying A LOT). The story was filled with adventure, red herrings, mystery and intrigue. There were some admittedly "easy to spot" twists throughout, but Gabe Cole Novoa took an idea and made it wholly their own with this book. If I had to describe this relating it to other things, I'd say it is Indiana Jones meets Supernatural...with maybe some Jungle Cruise in there for good measure.
They squint at the ghostly flames. "So, if it looks like fire, but it's not the color of fire, and doesn't burn like fire, and isn't hot like fire... is it still fire?"
"This is a terrible riddle," Silas says.
I DEFINITELY recommend this to lovers of paranormal RomComs, characters who flit the line between morally human and obviously not mortal, and those seeking to broaden their shelves with more diverse / #ownvoices reads this year. The characters will ensnare you, the story will thrill you, and the ending will leave you cheering (I know I for sure did). Are you ready to break the curse, Penguins? Or will you fall victim to the island, yourselves?
Quick Reasons: lgbtq+, diverse read; uniquely captivating world building; intriguing magic system; mystery, suspense, romance; happily for now ending; SO MUCH SNARK!
HUGE thanks to Gabe Cole Novoa, Random House Books, and Netgalley for the title! My review is voluntarily written and in no way impacted or altered by the gesture.
"We've been on this cursed horse all day."
"Carrot isn't cursed." Silas pats the horse's neck affectionately. "He's been an excellent mount."
They huff. "He doesn't like me."
"Neither do I."
"That's right--and look at you. Cursed."
This was SUCH a fun, diverse, humorous read! There's demons, there's magic, there's romance, there's comedy, there's adventure and destruction and despair and coming of age and SO MANY gasp-worthy moments! I could keep going, this book SERIOUSLY has pretty much everything in it, but then you'd be stuck here for the rest of forever and I don't really think you want that (and I don't want to be stuck here writing this forever...because then would YOU really be stuck here, if I never stop writing? I digress...)
The characters are believable, equal parts morally grey human and questionably not mortal. I laughed out loud more times than I think I have at a book in quite a while. These characters ripped at my veins, crawled into my heart's deepest pockets, and came to life within my mind (which for someone with Aphantasia is saying A LOT). The story was filled with adventure, red herrings, mystery and intrigue. There were some admittedly "easy to spot" twists throughout, but Gabe Cole Novoa took an idea and made it wholly their own with this book. If I had to describe this relating it to other things, I'd say it is Indiana Jones meets Supernatural...with maybe some Jungle Cruise in there for good measure.
They squint at the ghostly flames. "So, if it looks like fire, but it's not the color of fire, and doesn't burn like fire, and isn't hot like fire... is it still fire?"
"This is a terrible riddle," Silas says.
I DEFINITELY recommend this to lovers of paranormal RomComs, characters who flit the line between morally human and obviously not mortal, and those seeking to broaden their shelves with more diverse / #ownvoices reads this year. The characters will ensnare you, the story will thrill you, and the ending will leave you cheering (I know I for sure did). Are you ready to break the curse, Penguins? Or will you fall victim to the island, yourselves?
March 3, 2024
3.5 stars
TW: Demon bargains, a family curse, drowning, death(s), immortality, loss and gruesome reaping.
Undo the harm you have done to become a human once more!
Positive representation of queer, genderqueer and transgender characters in a story that doesn’t focus on it, but it’s just a natural bonus to the story -like it should be.
My favourite parts of this book were the flashbacks & the magic descriptions. We read about Dami’s past and how it all began with his mother thinking she had outwitted a demon, but don’t you know that a demon will always find a way to turn a deal in their favour. The descriptions we get from this world with magic/curses are incredible. They just read so effortless and smooth, easy to picture and follow without being too simple or complicated.
My least favourite is the course of the journey. I wasn’t enamoured, and that’s not wholly the story's fault. It just wasn’t my favourite.
This story also had a bit of humour that added a touch of humanity to it. This was a genius touch because when the main quest is to become human, adding a sprinkle of silliness in moments portrays that.
Note about the narrator: I truly loved the tone and perfectly accurate feel that this narrator gave to the characters as they spoke in their POVs. They were the final reason why I requested the audiobook when I listened to the sample. The synopsis sounded amazing, but the sample was the nail in the coffin!
TW: Demon bargains, a family curse, drowning, death(s), immortality, loss and gruesome reaping.
Undo the harm you have done to become a human once more!
Positive representation of queer, genderqueer and transgender characters in a story that doesn’t focus on it, but it’s just a natural bonus to the story -like it should be.
My favourite parts of this book were the flashbacks & the magic descriptions. We read about Dami’s past and how it all began with his mother thinking she had outwitted a demon, but don’t you know that a demon will always find a way to turn a deal in their favour. The descriptions we get from this world with magic/curses are incredible. They just read so effortless and smooth, easy to picture and follow without being too simple or complicated.
My least favourite is the course of the journey. I wasn’t enamoured, and that’s not wholly the story's fault. It just wasn’t my favourite.
This story also had a bit of humour that added a touch of humanity to it. This was a genius touch because when the main quest is to become human, adding a sprinkle of silliness in moments portrays that.
Note about the narrator: I truly loved the tone and perfectly accurate feel that this narrator gave to the characters as they spoke in their POVs. They were the final reason why I requested the audiobook when I listened to the sample. The synopsis sounded amazing, but the sample was the nail in the coffin!
July 10, 2024
4.5⭐️
“What you had to do to survive doesn’t disqualify you from deserving a chance to live.”
After reading The Wicked Bargain last year, I was very excited for this spin-off. Although The Diablo’s Curse is set in the same world, you don’t need to read the first book in order to enjoy this one (but I do think I enjoyed it all the more because I already knew Dami from The Wicked Bargain).
Dami was obviously an intriguing main character. Their life had changed quite a bit and the adventure they had to go on in this story was really fun. I liked the jump between the POVs of Dami, Silas and Marisol as they all tried to break the curse.
This book was a fast-paced and fun adventure. I always feel fully immersed in Novoa’s storytelling and there’s something magical about the settings for his stories. His stories also always includes diverse identities and characters exploring who they really are. I love this!
I cannot wait to read Most Ardently this month. Gabe Cole Novoa has become an autobuy author for me!
“What you had to do to survive doesn’t disqualify you from deserving a chance to live.”
After reading The Wicked Bargain last year, I was very excited for this spin-off. Although The Diablo’s Curse is set in the same world, you don’t need to read the first book in order to enjoy this one (but I do think I enjoyed it all the more because I already knew Dami from The Wicked Bargain).
Dami was obviously an intriguing main character. Their life had changed quite a bit and the adventure they had to go on in this story was really fun. I liked the jump between the POVs of Dami, Silas and Marisol as they all tried to break the curse.
This book was a fast-paced and fun adventure. I always feel fully immersed in Novoa’s storytelling and there’s something magical about the settings for his stories. His stories also always includes diverse identities and characters exploring who they really are. I love this!
I cannot wait to read Most Ardently this month. Gabe Cole Novoa has become an autobuy author for me!
April 18, 2024
Though I'll always be a fan of Beyond the Red and sequels first and foremost, I'm very happy to see that Gabe Cole Novoa has been carving himself a nice new niche in the YA publishing world, now with his second book in a loosely connected series of pirate fantasy novels. Trading in the sunny Caribbean for the more forbidding waters off Massachusetts (albeit with a misplaced tropical island or two, because diablo magic) and focusing on the mission-driven demonio Dami as they try to cancel all the deals they've made, Novoa's got the recipe down for some of the finest adventuring in the business. Naturally, our protagonists come from all across the LGBTQ+ spectrum - Dami, of course, being genderfluid and nonbinary; Silas, who irritates the hell out of them for all the right reasons; and Marisol, a trans girl fleeing from the family who never let her be herself. Though some aspects of the prose do read a little distractingly modern for this 19th century setting, it helps establish the characters' witty styles better, so it works better than most other anachronistic examples. I hope to see more seafaring fun from Novoa coming soon, though I can't imagine how he could make a better (anti) hero than Dami, who's one of my favorite characters of his by far now. (Though Eros will still be my best bi boi, of course, for obvious reasons.)
January 31, 2024
4.5 - “Listener, society tells so many of us who will never get our happy ending. Don’t listen.”
Huge thanks to Penguin Random House Audio for the ALC in exchange for an honest review!
I was so excited to find out the this book brings back Dami from The Wicked Bargain! I loved Dami’s character in that book so it was great to see them at the forefront here.
Dami is a demon and is tying to cancel every deal they’ve made in order to become human again. But Silas is standing in their way. If they cancel the deal, Silas is dead, unless they can figured out a way to end the curse that has plagued Silas’s family for generations. So they have to work together to if they want to resolve it.
This is such a wonderful story. It’s compelling and interesting, and Dami’s gender-fluidity is such great representation. Both Dami and Silas are so determined in their mission and form this incredible friendship that slowly turns into more. These characters are so well-developed and make the story so engrossing.
The audiobook is narrated by the amazing Vico Ortiz. They bring such great emotion and feeling to book, and I highly recommend listening to the audio!
Huge thanks to Penguin Random House Audio for the ALC in exchange for an honest review!
I was so excited to find out the this book brings back Dami from The Wicked Bargain! I loved Dami’s character in that book so it was great to see them at the forefront here.
Dami is a demon and is tying to cancel every deal they’ve made in order to become human again. But Silas is standing in their way. If they cancel the deal, Silas is dead, unless they can figured out a way to end the curse that has plagued Silas’s family for generations. So they have to work together to if they want to resolve it.
This is such a wonderful story. It’s compelling and interesting, and Dami’s gender-fluidity is such great representation. Both Dami and Silas are so determined in their mission and form this incredible friendship that slowly turns into more. These characters are so well-developed and make the story so engrossing.
The audiobook is narrated by the amazing Vico Ortiz. They bring such great emotion and feeling to book, and I highly recommend listening to the audio!
February 28, 2024
I love Gabe Cole Novoa's writing. I've read three of his books now and loved every one. I was hoping, after Wicked Bargain, to get more of Dami and what do you know - they get a whole book. I love Dami. They are *such* a good character. I love Silas too, even though he was very slow on the uptake. And Marisol. They worked so well together.
The whole story, with the curse and the magical island, was so imaginative and fun. I was glued to the page for the whole book, wondering what crazy amazing thing would happen next. Everything moved at a breakneck pace, and everything was deadly. The character growth for both Dami and Silas was really well done and believable.
I am really hoping we get more of Dami's adventures in future books.
*Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Books for Young Readers for providing an early copy for review.
The whole story, with the curse and the magical island, was so imaginative and fun. I was glued to the page for the whole book, wondering what crazy amazing thing would happen next. Everything moved at a breakneck pace, and everything was deadly. The character growth for both Dami and Silas was really well done and believable.
I am really hoping we get more of Dami's adventures in future books.
*Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Books for Young Readers for providing an early copy for review.
February 13, 2024
I loved Wicked Bargain, the first book in this series, and enjoyed this one as well. I loved Dami in the first book so I was really excited to get their story. I liked all the characters in this, though I wanted a little more Marisol, who occasionally felt like an afterthought. I didn't feel quite as engaged with this one as with Wicked Bargain, parts of it lagged a bit for me, but I still had fun reading it. While I think Wicked Bargain is great for junior high and up, I'd say this book is probably better suited to high school. This is a sure bet for YA readers looking for adventure and romance with some wonderful queer characters.
*ARC provided by NetGalley
*ARC provided by NetGalley
February 22, 2024
3.75/5 stars !
a fantasy book with demons, trans, poc & queer characters? sign me up. starting this book i was hesitant, i had been excited to start it but it seemed a little slow to me initially. however once i got into it, and really got into the characters, i enjoyed it thoroughly. i loved that we got to see insights for each of the three characters the story followed, because that made you connect to them even more. and i am very glad that there was happy ending for them. very enjoyable book.
thank you to netgalley and random house books for giving me this arc in exchange for an honest review!
a fantasy book with demons, trans, poc & queer characters? sign me up. starting this book i was hesitant, i had been excited to start it but it seemed a little slow to me initially. however once i got into it, and really got into the characters, i enjoyed it thoroughly. i loved that we got to see insights for each of the three characters the story followed, because that made you connect to them even more. and i am very glad that there was happy ending for them. very enjoyable book.
thank you to netgalley and random house books for giving me this arc in exchange for an honest review!
January 23, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC of this book.
I really loved this book. Dami was my favorite character in The Wicked Bargain and it was so cool to see them get their own book that delves into their story and how they want to live the life they’ve never been able to have. Silas, Dami, and Marisol are a true dream team. All of the main characters are LGBTQ+, which is amazing and something Novoa does so well in his books. I definitely recommend this if you loved The Wicked Bargain or just fun adventures!
I really loved this book. Dami was my favorite character in The Wicked Bargain and it was so cool to see them get their own book that delves into their story and how they want to live the life they’ve never been able to have. Silas, Dami, and Marisol are a true dream team. All of the main characters are LGBTQ+, which is amazing and something Novoa does so well in his books. I definitely recommend this if you loved The Wicked Bargain or just fun adventures!
February 22, 2024
-- Very peak historical fantasy + adventure quest for treasure, where finding the treasure has life altering implications (not monetary) for the MCs
-- Three queer MCs! Including one trans and one genderfluid MC!
-- The wholesome-est friendship hugs and a bicker-y enemies to lovers romance <3
I loved this book so much okay, it was such a warm read 😭
TWs - death and violence (but not too high stakes, since one of the MCs literally cannot stay dead)
-- ty to the author, the publisher and @turnthepagetours for an advanced copy!
-- Three queer MCs! Including one trans and one genderfluid MC!
-- The wholesome-est friendship hugs and a bicker-y enemies to lovers romance <3
I loved this book so much okay, it was such a warm read 😭
TWs - death and violence (but not too high stakes, since one of the MCs literally cannot stay dead)
-- ty to the author, the publisher and @turnthepagetours for an advanced copy!
February 27, 2024
4.75 stars
This is the best book I've read in 2024 so far, absolutely fantastic! There are so many elements that make it great, including both LGBTQ+ representation, POC main characters, demonios (demons), curses, and a hunt for pirate treasure. I loved the pacing of this, the third person narration, and the flashbacks of Demi's past. Please check this one out!!
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All opinions are my own. Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for the copy.
This is the best book I've read in 2024 so far, absolutely fantastic! There are so many elements that make it great, including both LGBTQ+ representation, POC main characters, demonios (demons), curses, and a hunt for pirate treasure. I loved the pacing of this, the third person narration, and the flashbacks of Demi's past. Please check this one out!!
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All opinions are my own. Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for the copy.
February 28, 2024
I'm so happy Dami got their own book; they were my favorite character from The Wicked Bargain. This was such a fun story, and I read it in a day which says a lot. Dami and Silas's banter was fantastic, and I really enjoyed Marisol as well (but I do wish we got more of her).
Though, I have to say, my favorite thing about this book was that, aside from the magical island, it was set in New England.
Though, I have to say, my favorite thing about this book was that, aside from the magical island, it was set in New England.
March 12, 2024
This was a really fun YA historical adventure fantasy with a romance subplot. MCs are a gender-fluid former demon and a cursed boy who can’t die. Both MCs are bisexual and there’s also a trans girl major character. Teenage me would’ve died and gone to heaven if I’d had access to books with this kind of queer rep.
CWs: death, miscarriage and pregnancy, dysphoria, minor mention of homophobia
CWs: death, miscarriage and pregnancy, dysphoria, minor mention of homophobia
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