fairy tale retelling

What Comes of Attending the Commoner’s Ball by Elisabeth Aimee Brown

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Synopsis:
Hester Flanders went to the ball for the food. She didn’t expect a prince to follow her home.

If there’s one rule Hester learned during her country upbringing, it’s never accept a gift: that’s how the Folk get you. Although she’s left her farm behind, she can’t leave her superstitions, even if no one else in the capital city seems to care. Hardworking but hungry, she’s looking for loopholes, and the king’s annual Commoners Ball seems like the perfect way to get a free meal that’s not technically a gift—and it would have been, too, except a pesky prince took a shine to her.

Inglebert Lucas Chesingwick isn’t just the crown prince: he’s also practical, responsible, and very annoyed to see his younger brother causing a scene by flirting with a peasant at the ball. He can separate them for one night, but his mischievous brother is determined to see the poor girl again. And again. And for some reason, Lucas keeps running into her, too. If only there was some way he could help her …

The princes might mean well, but Hester knows better than to accept favors from anyone, even royalty—even if it’s cheese—and even if saying no breaks her heart. After all, just because the Folk have never been seen in the city doesn’t mean they’re not around …Cinderella meets Howl’s Moving Castle in this cozy fantasy romance from debut author Elisabeth Aimee Brown. Pick up your copy and whirl away into a whimsical story of glittering gaslamps, frisky Folk, and huggable hogs.

Review:
“People were meant ot rely on each other. Life is more than bargains.” (Page 193)

I LOVED this novel! The premise that it was like Cinderella meets Howl’s Moving Castle had me reaching out to grab a copy immediately, and that is very much exactly what the book read as. Hester was absolutely awesome from when we first meet her; plucky, with such sense of decorum and morals that seem completely out of place in the town she’s in. I loved both brothers, and Hugh very much is reminiscent of Howl in demeanor and eccentricity. I loved how Hester’s thoughts and morals from the superstitions where she grew up are so pivotal both in setting her apart from others in a bigger space, but also in her own safety from even the typical “owing” that is done between general friends. Hester has such good reasonings for what she’s doing and working towards, and all the characters had a truly great depth to them.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of How to Summon a Fairy Godmother by Laura J. Mayo

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Synopsis:
If a fairy godmother can get one sister into a marriage, getting another out of one should be easy… 

Lady Theodosia Balfour is screwed—with the Balfour estate on the verge of bankruptcy, and Theo’s royal stepsister spreading wicked rumors about her, Theo’s only path forward seems to be a forced betrothal a foul-tempered geezer who wishes only to use her as a brood mare. 

Desperate for help, Theo clings to the only thing that might save her: the rumor of a fairy godmother. And after discovering a way to summon one, Theo thinks her prayers have been answered. But the fairy she meets isn’t at all what she imagined. Drop-dead gorgeous and slightly devious, Cecily of the Ash Fairies is much more interested in smoking her pipe than providing charitable magic to . Now, Theo must prove she’s good to gain Cecily’s trust (and magic), but proving goodness doesn’t seem to be all that easy. In fact, it all seems to be rather ridiculous…

Review:
“Prove to me that inside that nasty exterior is a good person just waiting to come out and I’ll help you.” (Chapter 7, Page 98)

Another Theo-named heroine… or is she an anti-heroine? I absolutely loved this take on what one of the stepsisters was really like, and what really went down when Cinderella was granted a magical night by a fairy godmother–with no price attached! Theo knows what she’s considered, and she knows that only she can control her own actions. While many are often quick to blame everyone involved, the stepmother and stepsisters, this book does a great job of showing nature versus nurture, and why sometimes people might need a kick to be good. I adored Theo’s interactions with a certain fae male. This book had great characterization and the descriptions were breathtaking, lovely, and really drew you into the moment as if it was actually in front of you. One of the things I thought made this book great was how none of the characters were likeable, really, and yet you still started to care about them and wanted to learn more of what happened/happens to them.

I highly recommend this book to any fairy tale fanatics out there.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯

Review of A Throne of Blood and Ice by T. A. Lawrence

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Synopsis:
Silly servant girl, only princesses get happy endings.

While the first three books in The Severed Realms are interconnected standalone novels, this book is not a standalone. It should be enjoyed only after reading A Word so Fitly Spoken and A Bond of Broken Glass. A Throne of Blood and Ice is the first in a two-part finale to the series.

Blaise wasn’t supposed to be the villain.

She was supposed to charm the prince, the male she’s loved for years. That was all the potion was supposed to do—give her another face, and only for a few hours. All so she could prove the prince loved her. Except Blaise got more than she bargained for, and instead of a beauty potion, now she’s infected with a magical parasite who takes control of her body every full moon. A parasite who would rather take control permanently.

When Blaise is kidnapped from her prison cell, she wakes in a dungeon only to find herself the object of the Queen of Mystral’s magical experiments.

The queen wants the parasite.

The parasite wants Blaise.

And Blaise wants… Nox, the brainy, sarcastic fae tasked with extracting the parasite from Blaise’s body.

Nox is different from any fae she’s met. For one, he can actually lie. Then there was that time she sliced her finger and he couldn’t stop staring at the drop of blood. The queen definitely has something over him, but Blaise can’t figure out what. She just has a feeling she won’t be making it out of these dungeons alive.

Witty, heartbreaking, and devastatingly dark, A Throne of Blood and Ice transports the reader to the kingdom of Mystral, where betrayal rots the queen’s cold heart and vampires lurk in the shadows. A Throne of Blood and Ice is a loose fairytale retelling of The Snow Queen and is the fourth installment in the fantasy romance series The Severed Realms. It is the first in a two-part finale.

Review:
Not so spoiler: I hadn’t liked Blaise in the previous book she was in. Honestly, this book made me feel for her a bit- there is quite some tragedy in her past. This book had a lot of trauma built within it, as well as a lot of uncertainty about what things should look like from someone who didn’t have the best upbringing. “And is that what love is? Losing your sense of self in that of another?” (page 481) Honestly, while Blaise is clearly the main character of this story, I still didn’t find myself completely enamoured or forgiving of her. She is constantly given the opportunity to make choices and consistently chooses to make ones that negatively impact the majority of people while only vaguely benefitting her (or at least she thinks they do/will at the time).

While I do love this series, given Blaise’s nature I am not sure if or when I will finish the last book.

Star rating: ✯✯✯

*This book was read in August, though reviewed now.

Review of Damsel by Elana K. Arnold

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Synopsis:
The rite has existed for as long as anyone can remember: When the king dies, his son the prince must venture out into the gray lands, slay a fierce dragon, and rescue a damsel to be his bride. This is the way things have always been.

When Ama wakes in the arms of Prince Emory, she knows none of this. She has no memory of what came before she was captured by the dragon or what horrors she faced in its lair. She knows only this handsome young man, the story he tells of her rescue, and her destiny of sitting on a throne beside him. It’s all like a dream, like something from a fairy tale.

As Ama follows Emory to the kingdom of Harding, however, she discovers that not all is as it seems. There is more to the legends of the dragons and the damsels than anyone knows, and the greatest threats may not be behind her, but around her, now, and closing in.

Review:
This book was very easy to fall into, and you’re very invested before you start to truly learn about Emory. From early on we learn that Emory will do whatever he wants and there will never be any recompense because he is considered infallible. While many may empathize with men being considered smarter, wiser, should be listened to and obeyed while women just do what they are told, it was outright frustrating seeing the things that were considered fine because it was what Emory (the now king) wanted.

I loved seeing Ama find herself, and that she never gave up on her curiosity and knowledge of herself and her origins. I found the ending absolute perfection after all the mistreatments seen throughout the book, and the implication that the monarchy would now change. While this book has won an award for excellence in young adult literature, one has to wonder if the contents of the novel are something that really resonate with young adults, and if so, why more isn’t being done to address such issues in the real world.

While I did like this book far more than Red Hood, I still do not think I would necessarily give this to a young adult. Certainly some are mature enough to read and understand it, but it might bring up more adult content than most may be comfortable with in younger teens and less mature older teens considering the very sexual references in this book.

Star rating: ✯✯✯

*This book was read in May, but reviewed in June.

Review of The Frost Gate: A Retelling of Snow White by Hanna Sandvig

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Synopsis:
Mirror mirror made of gold,
Here’s the story you were never told . . .

I’ve always suspected some sort of mystery surrounding my adoption—I mean, who doesn’t remember anything before they were five? But the tall, dark, axe-wielding fae huntsman showing up at my door yelling that I’m a lost princess and the Unseelie Queen is coming to kill me? That I didn’t see coming.

It’s hard to argue with a pack of evil wolves on your doorstep, so I grab my sword, my cookbook, and my seven chickens (yes, you heard me right), and follow him to Faerie. I’m all for not being eaten by wolves. I’m less excited about the fact that the huntsman seems to think I’m the only one who can defeat the Unseelie Queen and save Faerie. I’m not powerful or magical, even if my baking skills are legendary.

But the longer I stay in Faerie, the more I want to help its people. And the more time I spend with the terrifyingly handsome huntsman, the more I want to convince him that he’s who I need by my side while I do. He’d do anything to protect me, but it’s my heart he’s putting in danger.

Do I have what it takes to go from baking pies to saving kingdoms? Who will take care of the chickens if I fail?

Review:
One thing I absolutely love about the princesses and female main characters in Sandvig’s works is that they all have hopes, desires, dreams, and things they have spent their life doing- a plan they intended to follow for their life. It was incredibly amusing that Neve had an obsession with a particular fruit. I absolutely loved Kylian. I thought his development, motivations, and what he has done were all greatly thought out and fit the other books in the past series that he appeared in as well. It was great to see how well Kylian and Niamh support each other; strong where the other is weak, and always encouraging each other that they are more than they realize. Sometimes it can be hard when you feel like a big position or job is thrust upon you, but just because it is daunting doesn’t mean you aren’t the correct person for the job. In the end, Kylian and Niamh telling stories… just how precious.

I absolutely love this series of very likeable characters and very realistic situations/reactions of a startled human (or human like creature) being taken away from the life they’ve known. I would highly recommend Sandvig’s works to anyone who loves empowering female characters, fairy tale retellings, and happily ever afters. This book is, as stated on amazon, rather “cottagecore”. It’s a nice cozy romantasy, and I highly recommend it.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Tatter and Shine by JW Troemner

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Synopsis:
For years Shine has studied magic in secret, buying black-market spellbooks and bribing two-bit warlocks for their scraps of knowledge, but every spell she learns comes at a terrible risk. In a land ravaged by war with the Sorcerer Queen, magic is outlawed, and those caught practicing it are hunted and killed.

When the lessons run out and the witch hunt closes in, Shine seeks out a new mentor: the immortal sorcerer Tatterdemalion, maker of deals and master of demons. The closer she gets to her new tutor, the more she uncovers the mysteries of his past, the source of his power, and his part in the war that changed the world.

But Shine’s rise doesn’t go unnoticed. The Sorcerer Queen has her eyes on Tatterdemalion’s new apprentice, and she will not tolerate a rival to her power.

Review:
I was given this book as a gift after a friend met the author at a convention. Given the size, at first I thought it was a set up for a series and that it would end up being the first part of a story, but it is actually more a very short novella or even just a short story that has been formatted as a book. The formatting itself is odd in that the font size is quite large with a lot of space between words; about two paragraphs fit on a page.

This book was very much a combination of several different tales all mixed into one, with the most obvious being that of the Disney version Beauty and the Beast mixed with the Disney version of Aladdin. The story itself is written in a way that is clearly meant to give the feel of the Grimm Fairy Tales- something that is supposed to be transcendent and I do believe that this book was written in a way that the relevance will continue well past the time this review is published. That being said, it was a cute quick read. The heroine was tenacious and there was growth from both the heroine and our Tatter within the story. There were risks, and complications, and overall it was a good, albeit quick, short, and sweet read.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯

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: ✯✯✯