fairy tale retelling

Review of Den of Blades and Briars by LJ Andrews

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Synopsis:

She’s bound to serve her enemy for a hundred years. Now, she’s at risk of killing the man … or falling for him.


After she lands on the losing side of a war, Saga is sentenced to serve Ari Sekundär, the man she despises.

But when Ari is blamed for a tragic assassination, Saga is forced on the run with her reluctant master, and they must work together to survive. Soon hate feels more like passion and disgust more like desire.

What Ari doesn’t know is that falling in love with the enemy will have deadly consequences. But how can Saga tell him, if he ever gives his heart to her, it will unlock a hidden secret that can destroy the kingdom…and end her life.

The tale of the Swan Princess reimagined. This compelling New Adult Fantasy continues the bestselling world of the Broken Kingdoms as the first book in the Southern Kingdom. Welcome to a world filled with fae, Vikings, and spicy romance.


*This book contains content that could be triggering to some readers, so check the TW list inside, along with spicy scenes that are for readers 18+*

Review:
This book was good, but it seemed a bit more of a slow book that I didn’t find as gripping as the others in the series. I’m sure part of it is that I didn’t find Saga as interesting as previous heroines. Perhaps another part is that I waited so long since I last joined this world. Looking at the synopsis now, I clearly should have reread it before reading this book as I personally hadn’t made the Swan Princess connection though I can see some connections to that looking back now. I still loved Ari, but it took quite a while to warm up to Saga. There were definite moments when I felt like he should have seen right through her ruse, especially given his former occupation. All in all they make a good counterbalance to each other, though I did anticipate a lot of things about Saga before they were revealed. The spice in this book was great, and I did think that was well written and thoroughly enjoyable. I have already started the second book by the time of writing this review, and so far, it is picking up a lot quicker.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯

Review of River of Shadows by Karina Halle

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Synopsis:
Take Hades & Persephone, transport them into twisted Nordic mythology, add in Beauty & the Beast and some Alice in Wonderland, and you get the high steam dark fantasy, River of Shadows.
When 24-year old Hanna Heikkinen’s estranged father dies, she reluctantly makes the trip to Northern Finland for his funeral. Being in the enchanting land of ice and snow feels miles away from Hanna’s busy life back in Los Angeles, especially under the complicated circumstances.
But when Hanna discovers that her father’s body is missing, that’s when things really get weird. A mysterious man, Rasmus, tells Hanna the truth: her father was a powerful shaman who went into Tuonela, the Realm of the Dead, in order to barter for more life, and has been held captive by Tuoni, the God of Death. The only way her father can be freed is if she travels with Rasmus into the mythical underworld to rescue him.
Willing to do anything to have a second-chance with her father, Hanna accompanies Rasmus into the dark and bloody realm, traveling via the River of Shadows, stalked by dangerous creatures, monsters, and the living dead, until they finally come into the haunted kingdom ruled by Death and his family.
Only for her to be captured and held prisoner by the God of Death himself.
Turns out Death is intrigued by Hanna’s beauty and fierceness and makes a bargain with her. If she marries him, and spends an eternity in the Realm of the Dead as his wife, he’ll set her father free.
But even the most noble sacrifices come with hidden costs, and Hanna’s might involve the most unexpected of all things: her heart.

NOTE: River of Shadows is the first book of the Underworld Gods series and is not related to any other previous books. While it fits in the sub-genre “dark fantasy” it is NOT dark enough to be considered a “dark romance.” That said, it does contain dub con, captive situations, graphic sex scenes, filthy language, and scary situations, so sensitive readers (especially those sensitive to dubious consent) please take heed of this warning. It also ends on a cliffhanger.

Review:
This book was so overly hyped on tiktok that I thought it would be great. On the surface it’s everything I like; fairy tales/mythology blended together. That being said there is no draw here. The characters seem to have no true depth, and while Hanna references knowing she’s captive etc. everything still seems to have no build up and just instant. Marketed as Hades and Persephone but certainly has more of a Beauty and the Beast feel, which I know, you’re thinking THEN YOU SHOULD HAVE LOVED IT. While the spice was superb, the characters never really spent time together or grew/developed. There is a nice message about not putting off spending time with loved ones and appreciating them and your time together more, but that is just a tiny bit of the overall story which is far more centered around Death and Hanna. A lot of time is spent explaining things about her past so Hanna doesn’t seem inexperienced, but it’s all told as random filler backstory. Overall, it wasn’t horrible, but it wasn’t gripping/a fast read, and while there is a warning of a cliffhanger, it doesn’t mention how horrible of one it is; and honestly, I’m not sure this series is one I will continue with.

Star rating: ✯✯✯

Review of A Ship of Bones and Teeth by Karina Halle

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Synopsis:
A standalone adult dark fantasy pirate romance re-telling of The Little Mermaid from the New York Times Bestselling Author of River of Shadows and Blood Orange.

Princess Maren is a woman with a secret.

Ten years ago she sold her soul to the sea witch Edonia, giving up a life underwater in exchange for the love of Prince Aerik on land. But after a decade of abuse and misery inflicted by the cruel prince, Maren wants nothing more than to leave him and her royal role behind and find Edonia to reverse the spell.

An opportunity for escape presents itself when the prince and princess are traveling overseas and are taken hostage by a band of notorious pirates, led by the fearsome Captain Ramsay “Bones” Battista. Maren has heard the sordid stories about the infamous pirate–not only is his ship supposedly haunted and crewed by the damned, but that no prisoners ever survive.

Fortunately for Maren, she learns that the captain also has a score to settle with the sea witch. With any luck, Maren may be able to get her old life back, even if it’s being held in the captain’s wicked hands.

But Ramsay gets more than he bargained for when he learns who–and what–Maren is, and that her appetite for revenge, freedom, and bloodlust rivals his.

Meanwhile Maren finds herself falling for the pirate’s dark nature, even as she discovers that Ramsay has a secret more deadly than her own.

When it comes to the high seas, not all monsters lurk beneath the surface.

Content Warning: Though this is a fantasy, it is also a dark romance with potential triggers. A full list can be found inside the book or on the pinned cover reveal post on IG (authorhalle)

Review:
Firstly, spot on for having warnings before the book starts. I love that. Secondly, holy hell was this book awesome. Immediately the reader is drawn into the night where Princess Maren’s life changed forever. I loved that there was a darkness and definite consequences to actions. The spice in this is absolutely phenomenal, however, I was not a fan of a particular undersea scene.

There is a point where it is mentioned that, “…We don’t make mistakes but choices that lead us on another path.” (Page 386, Chapter 38) While there is definitely good versus evil at play, the way in which it is described is done so in an artful way that resonates where anyone can be a monster, and it’s all up to you and how you harness your reactions.

This is a great retelling of The Little Mermaid. I love how mermaid and siren mythology was merged together to create Halle’s syrens. I also absolutely adored the way she pulled in pirates and why they would be different than regular pirate crews. I thought she did an amazing job of explaining the sailing terminology and crew positions, as well as cleanliness. Absolutely loved this book and am looking forward to reading more from her in the future. It’s one that really sinks its teeth into you…

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of A Court So Dark by Ingrid Seymour

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Synopsis:
In a void suspended in time, I find myself trapped in an abyss of darkness and despair.

With every ounce of strength, I fight to free myself from this suffocating sleep, while Kalyll, consumed by a fierce determination, searches tirelessly through the realm. His sole mission: to exact revenge upon those responsible for bringing me to the edge of death. No one shall escape his wrath, for everyone in his path will suffer the consequences.

Yet, the fate of his kingdom teeters precariously as his treacherous brother, Cardian, schemes to plunge the realm into all-out war. Cardian’s alliance with the heartless and ambitious Unseelie King threatens to shatter the fragile peace that remains.

In a cruel twist of fate, Kalyll falls into the clutches of his enemies, leaving the specter of war looming ever closer.

As time runs out, can I wake from my dark slumber and restore the light before the darkness consumes us all? The final battle looms, and our love hangs in the balance.

—-
This is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast featuring a troubled prince, a strong heroine, and an amazing supporting cast. Enemies-to-lovers series suitable for 18+.For fans of Sarah J. Maas and Jennifer L. Armentrout.

Review:
This book was an interesting read, and while overall I liked the conclusion, where were some heartbreaking moments. Some of the deaths elicited a shrug and nothing more as the characters hadn’t been developed/integrated into the story enough for there to be any true connection to them. The absolute last bit in the book was a bit off putting and seemed as if it was setting up for another book series/spin off. We were given a glimpse of what happens but left wondering whether or not the dreams that Kalyll and Daniella had worked for would come to fruition.

The spice in this book was frustrating; there was so much going on, intense war, and yet there seemed to be time for intimacy every few pages. The sex didn’t add to the story at all, and in many ways detracted and I found myself skimming to get back to the actual plot. Some of the metaphors and language were again off putting, and there were plenty more cases of “people are like abc because xyz”. That being said, the overall story was decent, and if you have Kindle Unlimited, like a bit of spice, faeries, and fairy tale retellings, here’s one you can read. I’d give the series overall a 4 out of 5 stars, but this book gets a 3.

Star rating: ✯✯✯

Review of A Cage So Gilded by Ingrid Seymour

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Synopsis:
The prince would choose to save his realm.
But the beast would follow his heart…

To me.

After I saved his life and kingdom, Kalyll let me go, choosing duty over the passion that burned between us.

Though his death was written in the stars, I found a dark, impossible way to pull him back, to anchor his soul to the world of the living. Still, that wasn’t enough to win his heart.

Now, the force that lives within him gives way to his darker nature, and for a second time, I’m kidnapped and made prisoner—this time in a high tower in the Seelie capital of Elyndell.

With good and evil fighting within him, both his kingdom and heart stand at risk. He can’t have it all, and his attempts to do so may be the end of all he and I hold dear.
—-
This is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast featuring a troubled prince, a strong heroine, and an amazing supporting cast. This is an enemies-to-lovers series suitable for 18+ that grows spicier with every book. For fans of Fantasy Romance.

Review:
Firstly, the Stockholm Syndrome in this book is absolutely terrible. That being said, despite the title, there isn’t as much imprisonment as one might think. The title did very much remind me of the Plated Prisoner series by Raven Kennedy, however that is where any comparison really would end. The constant reminders of how Dani wasn’t raised to be in court and didn’t know how to do anything and yet had the acting skills to make everyone believe she was were a bit outlandish. As said in the previous book’s review, the language (especially intimately) was a bit off/left something to be desired. This book very much felt as if the writer intentionally using older, uncommon words to elevate the story but in many ways it detracted; it did work when the old fae used an odd word in speech, but even then Daniella allegedly already knew what it meant when he tried to explain it. This book seemed quite a bit more “Jekyll and Hyde” retelling than Beauty and the Beast. There was, of course, another cliffhanger so I had to read on…

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯

Review of A Prince so Cruel by Ingrid Seymour

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Synopsis:
He needs my help, but he’ll be my downfall.

A prince by morning.
A cretin by noon.
A beast by nightfall.

There is a curse on his blood, an ailment that, if revealed, could destroy his kingdom.

The only one who can help him is me, a human with average healing abilities. It’s what the Envoy told him, and her word is law.

I’m his only hope.

He sends his blue-blooded friends to kidnap me so I can join their quest to Mount Ruin, the only place where I can heal him.

The path is terrifying, and the prince is lying, hiding things from me. To make matters worse, he isn’t always nice. A Fae prince isn’t supposed to lust for a human, especially when she’s his prisoner. And a human girl isn’t supposed to burn for someone so out of her league.

The quest might kill me, but it’s my heart I’m worried about.

Review:
A cute little Beauty and the Beast retelling where the heroine is very self aware that she might have Stockholm Syndrome and yet continuously does what she can to help. There is a huge issue of what’s in one’s nature here, and overall the story was decent. The naming was interesting, and while I didn’t mind it, it seemed pretty odd in parts. There were many parts that seemed to be a stream of thoughts about the general behaviour of people, which, while fitting, seemed like they were more a commentary on life by the author. There were a few cases where things were said and should probably have been shown. Language wise there were a few phrases that just seemed odd and were likely a very specific dialect thing. There didn’t seem to be any real relationship DEVELOPMENT between the two MCs, and it felt a bit insta-love but overall it was a fairly cute story. I will warn, however, that this story does have a massive cliffhanger, and I immediately started the second book after finishing.

*I’d also like to note that I had already grabbed this on Kindle Unlimited BEFORE the tiktok drama comparing it to A Cruel Prince by Holly Black.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯

Review of A Dream So Wicked by Tessonja Odette

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Synopsis:
A vicious rivalry.
A forbidden desire.
A curse only her enemy can break.

After twenty years stuck in a fae convent with no word from whoever abandoned her there, Briony Rose is all out of hope. But when her parents suddenly claim her and reveal she’s a lost fae princess, she’s burdened with the weight of a kingdom on the brink of collapse. To secure her family’s precarious position, she must marry a wealthy human stranger. She would have done her duty with pride…if it weren’t for Thorne Blackwood.

Thorne Blackwood harbors three things: a secret name, a love for baked goods, and a long-standing plan for revenge on the family that destroyed his own. Briony Rose—a woman born to be his nemesis—provides the solution. With a single touch, he controls her. And through that control, he tricks her into triggering a curse that sends her family into one hundred years of enchanted sleep.

But Briony isn’t the soft princess he expected her to be. She’s just as sharp and cunning as he is, and when she traps him in a bargain to reverse her family’s curse, he has no choice but to join a tense alliance. He too stands to gain from her plans, for if they break the sleeping spell, his own family will return from their forced slumber.

To accomplish their goal, they must cooperate on one task: pair Briony with a husband who will make her parents proud. It should be easy. Thorne has connections while Briony has wit and beauty. What neither of them expects is the forbidden desire that burns in their darkest hearts…

ACOTAR meets Kingdom of the Wicked in this standalone fairytale retelling of Sleeping Beauty. If you like enemies-to-lovers romance where the villain gets the girl, you’ll love this swoon-worthy story in the Entangled with Fae series.

*NOTE this book is new adult featuring mature situations and some adult language. The romance is slow burn but leads to moderate steam.

A Dream So Wicked is a complete stand-alone novel set in the same world as The Fair Isle Trilogy. Journey back to Faerwyvae or begin your adventure for the first time with this enchanting tale. Each book in the Entangled with Fae series can be read on its own and in any order. Happily ever after guaranteed!

Review:
This book had me from the very beginning. We already knew Briony Rose from a few of the other Fair Isle Trilogy books, but it was oh so amusing and interesting getting to see her on her own. There are so many points that really resonate and grip; wanting family to care about you, worrying that your heart/you don’t really know what you want or need, worry that choosing yourself is wrong when you could choose family instead. This book had an amazing and wonderful way of explaining the types of magic that Briony’s parents are, and I quite enjoyed the explanation of how they could have electricity but still be a fantasy town.

A few particular quotes really got me personally:
“Do you like stories, Miss Rose?”
“Sometimes.”
“Only sometimes? Then what do you like more than stories?”
“Dancing.” (Chapter 6, page 60)

“Until I’ve had my morning tea and a plate of sweets, I’m better left alone.”
(Chapter 29, Page 286)

And of course, the most important one:
“You’re already perfect as you are.”
(Chapter 5, Page 48)

I LOVE Odette’s works and cannot wait to read more! If you like some spice and plenty of sass between your MCs, and love fairy tale retellings, Odette’s Entangled With Fae series is a must read!

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Mountains Made of Glass by Scarlett St. Clair

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Synopsis:
“Could you love me?” he whispered. The question stole my breath and burned my lungs in the silence that followed. 

I wanted to answer, to whisper yes into the space between us, but I was afraid.

All Gesela’s life, her home village of Elk has been cursed. And it isn’t a single curse—it is one after another, each to be broken by a villager, each with devastating consequences. When Elk’s well goes dry, it is Gesela’s turn to save her town by killing the toad that lives at the bottom. Except…the toad is not a toad at all. He is an Elven prince under a curse of his own, and upon his death, his brothers come for Gesela, seeking retribution.

As punishment, the princes banish Gesela to live with their seventh brother, the one they call the beast. Gesela expects to be the prisoner of a hideous monster, but the beast turns out to be exquisitely beautiful, and rather than lock her in a cell, he offers Gesela a deal. If she can guess his true name in seven days, she can go free.

Gesela agrees, but there is a hidden catch—she must speak his name with love in order to free him, too.

But can either of them learn to love in time?

Review:
I am so glad I gave St. Clair a second chance because this book is utter perfection. You’re dealing with dastardly fae, but we start with the folly of men. This book instantly pulls you in and sucks you into a world of fairy tales, where it feels as if you have always belonged. I loved the language of the book as that was a major part of what set the mood, Lady Thing, the creature, and her biases and issues with the fae and the forest. There were so many morals and lessons rolled into one brilliant story; not everything is as it appears. The gore and darkness, while frustrating and shudder inducing at the beginning, become something that must be expected and part of in order to exist in the forest. I loved all the various fairy tale elements/stories interwoven into one. Overall, the book was a quick read, but at no part did any of the relationships and connections seem forced, and the spice was just right. Would highly recommend this to anyone looking for an adult fairy tale retelling, and looking forward to reading the others.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯

Review of The Book of G by Lily Archer

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Synopsis:
Villains don’t get happily ever afters, do they?

I have a glorious past full of achievement and renown. I mean, I feel like I must, right? The problem is, I can’t remember it. I can’t even remember my own name. I was found in a river, body mangled and face scarred, with nothing to identify me besides a single embroidered letter.

My memory is a murky blur, but I have a quest, one that will give me back everything I’ve lost. The voice in the water told me so. But the voice seemed to miss a few important highlights—namely the woman who challenges me at every twist and turn of my journey. The woman who tells me I’m a villain. The woman who becomes every fervent whisper of my heart, and every last thought in my head.

If I can complete my quest and recover what I’ve lost, she’ll see we’re meant to be. But villains don’t get happily ever afters, do they?

Lily’s Note: Sometimes falling from a great height can lead to a whole new life. This is a full-length standalone fantasy romance. Let your imagination run wild about who G is and just how wide his evil streak can be (hint: massive.)

Review:
Holy. Crap. I knew I liked morally grey, and enemies to lovers can be amazing, but this Beauty and the Beast retelling is one I never expected to find, and a “villain” I never thought I’d love and resonate with. While I did know who G was from the start, I absolutely fell headfirst into this story and was held captive. I didn’t want to put it down! The writing is concise, the world building on point. The spice was incredible and a 5/5 on that alone. There was never a point where I thought I had the ending figured out, and there were still surprises up to the very epilogue. In taking away G’s past, we’re left seeing why he might think of things the way he did: nature vs. nurture, as well as a general lack of education beyond being a manly man. I absolutely love that while he did grow as a person his quirks and flaws remained the same and became understood and almost endearing. The banter and tension in this book is absolutely perfect. All that being said, this book was amazing and I quite loved it, and strongly recommend it if you like: morally grey, enemies to lovers, Beauty and the Beast retellings, and a whole lot of spice.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of A Bond of Broken Glass by T. A. Lawrence

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Synopsis:
The shoe fits, but she’s no Cinderella.

Ellie knows what she wants in life:

  1. Open a glassblowing shop in the art district.
  2. See her father retire.
  3. Marry for love. (If she can find someone who can keep up, that is).




Winning the fae prince’s heart doesn’t make the list.

So when Prince Evander throws a ball to find a human bride, Ellie respectfully declines. And when she reads the morning paper and discovers the prince danced the night away with a mysterious stranger, only for the woman to flee at the stroke of midnight, Ellie can’t help but laugh.

Until she learns the mystery girl left behind a glass slipper.

Ellie’s glass slipper. From the set that went missing from Ellie’s workshop.

So when the idiotic prince decides it’s a good idea to use the slipper to identify the love of his life (because, you know, no two women could possibly share the same shoe size), Ellie doesn’t hesitate to prove the slipper is hers.

Little does she know there’s been a modification to her work of art. The prince may or may not have attached a fae bargain to the shoe, and when Ellie places it on her foot, she finds herself both legally and magically betrothed to the very prince she detests.

Not that Prince Evander is thrilled about the situation, either. After all, he’d thought the shoe would only fit Cinderella.

Together, the unhappy couple must discover a way to break the fae bond, but there’s danger along the way.

And what’s more dangerous than falling in love with someone whose heart belongs to another?

Hilarious and filled with witty banter, this not-so-retelling of Cinderella takes a fresh spin on the classic tale, pairing the dangerous politics of Alondria with the swoon-worthy chemistry of a romantic comedy. A Bond of Broken Glass is the third in a series of interconnected standalones, but you just might recognize a few faces along the way.

Review:
Evander and Ellie are absolutely perfect! There’s danger, a mystery, and a very surprising reveal of who was behind all at the end. We see both Evander and Ellie mature during the story, from fairy tales and belief that hard work is all it takes to have all you want in life to realizing that determination may be able to do much, but you have to work with what fate puts in your path. I absolutely adored the characters in this; they were truly perfect. While the King is NOT my favourite person, Queen Evangeline more than makes up for how turbulent the King can be. The absolute end I had not suspected at all and found it was positively perfect. This book has been my favourite so far in the series; in part because I absolutely loved Ellie’s no nonsense attitude and that she wasn’t just going to give in to Evander because he was a prince, despite whatever complications might arise by trying to be contrary (here’s looking at you, fae bargain!) One of my favourite parts was when she thought, of course Evander just assumes everyone has a faerie godmother!! I am very much looking forward to reading the next two books in the series. Great job, T. A. Lawrence!

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯