Reviewed by: Sue Eaton
TITLE: Traitor’s Curse
SERIES: Twilight Mages #3
AUTHOR: Eliot Grayson
PUBLISHER: Self Published
LENGTH: 290 pages
RELEASE DATE: February 25, 2025
BLURB:
Betrayed, beset on all sides, and possibly bewitched…
Since the sudden, suspicious, and unlamented death of his father, only one man stands between Lucian and the grudging acceptance of his subjects: Benedict, a powerful dusk mage, a military hero, the favorite of the ducal council…and Lucian’s stepbrother.
Not that Benedict wants a shackle disguised as a crown. He’d rather start a new, anonymous life a thousand miles away and leave that beautiful, icy, sneering little cretin Lucian to whatever grim fate awaits him.
But when Lucian comes to him in the middle of the night, terrified and desperate but still as infuriatingly arrogant as ever, Benedict agrees to keep Lucian alive and on the throne. On one condition: Lucian must give in to Benedict’s long-hidden desires and allow Benedict to use him, in every possible way, to sate his cursed magic’s demands.
Lucian detests Benedict. He despises what he becomes when Benedict touches him. And it might be the death of him, if his father’s murderer doesn’t kill him first…
REVIEW:
I have enjoyed the Twilight Mage series, it is an interesting concept and each book stands alone in the universe the author has created. This has been my favourite book so far.
I started this book thinking it was an enemies to lovers trope, in reality it is much more a book about misconceptions, misunderstandings and abandonment.
The story follows Lucian, who becomes the Duke after the suspicious death of his father. Lucian is surrounded by distrust and danger, with many believing he was behind his father’s death, treating him with suspicion and scorn. His only ally is his stepbrother, Benedict, a powerful dusk mage and military hero.
Lucian and Benedict’s relationship evolves from mutual animosity and distrust to one of growing understanding, trust, and intimacy. Initially, their dynamic is strained; Lucian resents Benedict’s power and reputation, while Benedict sees Lucian as unworthy and potentially dangerous. Despite this, the dire circumstances force them to rely on one another.
As they face external threats together, they begin to see beyond their preconceived notions. Lucian gradually proves his strength and resilience, while Benedict reveals vulnerabilities beneath his stern exterior. Their shared struggles help them forge a deeper connection, and their interactions shift from antagonistic to supportive. Over time, this bond blossoms into a romance, marked by moments of vulnerability, tenderness, and mutual respect.
Lucian is a wonderful compelling character with a blend of strengths and vulnerabilities. Despite the immense pressure and suspicion surrounding him after his father’s death, Lucian remains determined to prove his worth and fight for his position as Duke. He is aware of how his Father became tyrannical, executing anyone he perceived as a threat and is determined that he would rule fairly and be nothing like his Father. He can navigate political intrigue and assess situations intelligently, though his strategies are sometimes hindered by his emotional struggles. Lucian values loyalty deeply and demonstrates it toward those he trusts, even when the odds are stacked against him. Though he is self-aware enough to realise that many of the people who surround him are not loyal to him and in fact would be happy if he too died. Which makes him fearful and jumpy, starting at shadows and expecting every day to be his last.
Lucian often doubts his capabilities, especially when compared to others like Benedict. His insecurities are exacerbated by the accusations surrounding his father’s death. Due to his need to prove himself, he can occasionally be swayed by others, leaving him open to potential betrayal. His fear of being hurt or rejected leads him to keep his emotions tightly controlled, which sometimes isolates him from forming deeper connections.
Benedict is something of an enigma throughout the book, he leaves for years before suddenly returning. As a dusk mage, Benedict’s life is shaped by the curse tied to his magic. This adds an internal struggle to his character as he contends with the consequences of his powers and the toll, they take on him physically and emotionally. His role as both Lucian’s protector and stepbrother creates inner turmoil. He grapples with his duty, his feelings toward Lucian, and the broader political pressures surrounding them. Benedict projects strength and stoicism, but beneath the surface lies vulnerability, pain from past experiences, and a need for connection. His guarded nature hides a yearning to be understood and accepted. While he is seen as a powerful and heroic figure, Benedict is far from perfect. He has his own fears, insecurities, and moments of doubt, which make him relatable and humanized. His relationship with Lucian plays a significant role in his development. As their bond deepens, Benedict learns to trust and open himself to the possibility of love and redemption.
Lucien thinks Benedict wants to be Duke, despite him saying he would never take the title, the book is filled with misunderstandings, and Lucien thinking he knows what Benedict wants and why he is doing certain things. A comedy of errors and inability on the part of both characters to clearly communicate. There are unexpected twists and betrayal, things are never what they appear to be.
RATING: 
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