Fated: Cinderella's Story (The Destined Series)

Title: Fated: Cinderella's Story

Series: Destined (Book #1)

Year: 2017

Author: Kaylin Lee

Summary: All Cinderella wants is to take care of her family.

After working tirelessly for five years to prove herself among the city’s elite, she’s about to graduate and win a coveted spot in city government. Then it all blows up in her face—literally.

A violent, anonymous force has been targeting commoners in horrifying attacks. Now they’ve set their sights on Cinderella. Either that, or she’s losing her mind. It doesn’t help that she’s falling for a mage who’s way out of her league.

Just as she manages to recover from the attack that left her scarred and traumatized, the city’s mysterious enemy destroys what’s left of her future. But when they go after her family, they cross the line. The whole city is in danger now.

How much is Cinderella willing to risk to save the city that has always hated her?

Review: For any fans of Marissa Meyer's Lunar Chronicles, the Destined series needs to be the next series you read. I've not read past this first book, but the story here blew me away. We're missing the galaxy/other-worldliness of Meyer's world, but we've got hardworking heroines and snarky dialogue and sweet romance and heart-pounding suspense and political intrigue and all the things. Just saying.

Ella wants nothing more than to graduate well and land a much-coveted government position that will enable her to take care of her family. Well, her stepfamily -- a loving mother with lots of secrets and her two young daughters. But unlike the traditional Cinderella, this one is loved by her family and she chooses to work hard to support them since they can't step a foot outside of the family bakery. Cinderella's stepmother, Zel, has a secret power and a scent that any government tracker could pick up. If caught, Zel could be forced into tyrannical service -- deadly in the wrong hands.

Studying and running the bakery is Ella's life before her final exams. And then the Scarlet Blight enters the picture. Before she knows what's going on, the coveted position is far out of reach, and she's back burning stinky cinderslick to scrape whatever living she can from the bakery.

The Cinderella elements from the original fairy tale were so cleverly woven into this story! The fairy godmother isn't anything like what you'd expect, but fits in so perfectly -- given the "godmother's" unique talent. The ball, and everything... wow. And then, once I hit the end of the book, I had to scrape my jaw from off the floor BECAUSE THERE'S MORE. In addition to a beautiful Cinderella retelling, we've got a Rapunzel AND a Beauty and the Beast retelling adding to the whole story. I won't gush. But seriously. I didn't start this novel intending to give it a full 5 star rating, but I think I have no other choice. I need more books from this author.

Advisory: Some light romance, but pretty light, and built slowly and effectively. A few characters "swear" but no actual words are given.

Some action/violence. The Scarlet Blight is a terror organization putting off bombs and such in the city, leaving people wounded and dead behind them. Expect blood and injuries and the like.

This book also contains magic. However, there are only certain people who have the ability to wield it, and those who don't have that "spark" apparently cannot learn it. However, those who are able to do magic (like the mages) must exercise their talent like a muscle to grow it and develop it.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Courage and Corruption (Tales of Taelis)

Title: Courage and Corruption

Series: Tales of Taelis (Book #3)

Year: 2016

Author: Sarah Holman

Summary: Catherine is going with her mother and younger siblings to the mountains to hide from the coming war. While she fears what might happen she is looking forward to some time away from her twin brother, with whom she often fights. One foolish act changes all their plans, and one story caused not only confusion, but more fighting. 

Christopher does not believe his father’s story that they are descended from royalty. He is sure the story his father tells cannot be true. However, he is forced to go to the mountain castle of Coraway along with his mother and siblings. Will his father ever see him as a man? Will he and his twin ever be able to stop fighting?

Little do Catherine and Christopher realize that they hold the key to Taelis’ future in their hands. While they discover the truth before it is too late? 

Review: Book Three in Sarah's Tales of Taelis series did not disappoint. It'd been a while since I read the first two books in this series, but I was able to jump back in without much trouble. These books, I would say, could be read as standalones, but there are some plot points that tie in with the previous books, particularly the cliffhanger that we got from Alditha's bravery.

King John, Bryon, and Brianna return, but mainly as cameo appearances. It's been years since the events of book #2, and new heroes are arising. Christopher likes to think he's one of them, but some quick words from his father cut him down. He's constantly fighting with his twin, Catherine, and his father doesn't think he's acting like a man, and therefore, he's not allowed to accompany the knights to the looming battlefront. Since Christopher believes that a man's place is to prove himself in a fight, it feels like the worst betrayal getting sent with the women and children to safety.

Catherine, in turn, wishes her twin hadn't been sent to accompany them, but there's not much she can do about it. Except keep fighting with him, much to everyone's dismay.

But a surprise tale from their father has them laughing at the possibility that they're descended from royalty. With the current king of Taelis nearing death and without an heir, it's very possible that their family could be called upon to step up to the job. Only -- Christopher and Catherine can't accept the tale as the truth. How in the world could they be the heirs to a throne, descended from a legendary prince who went missing in childhood?

Overall, I liked this book. It had the same tone and feel as the other books in the series, and I think it fit in quite nicely. I can't say that this is my favorite of the series, but it helps answer a lot of questions that come from the ends of the previous books.

The characters were great. It was awesome to see some returning characters from book two, and get a glimpse of how they aged. The whole book seemed to be leaning towards a great conflict, but to be honest there wasn't a ton of action. I do wish we could have seen a bit more action and adventure, but I guess after the first two books, we're getting a nobility, sit-around-and-talk reprieve. Lots of stories about hidden doors and conflicts, but we didn't get to see much action around them.

The main conflict was the inner fightings of both Catherine and Christopher, as each tried to learn the lessons thrown at them. Thus, there was a lot of character development. However, I think this is one of Sarah's more preaching-heavy books. Lots of words of wisdom and truth given to these two fighting twins, and while I didn't disagree with what was said, it felt pretty preachy and sometimes heavy to wade through for a fiction book.

Advisory: Some medieval fighting/violence. A jousting tournament is held, and later on the king leads an army into battle. Some injuries are described, but nothing graphic.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

The Beast of Talesend (Beaumont and Beasley)

Title: The Beast of Talesend

Series: Beaumont and Beasley (#1)

Year: 2017

Author: Kyle Robert Shultz

Summary: Private eye Nick Beasley lives in a world where fairy tales ended a long time ago – where zeppelins now soar the skies instead of dragons, and where the first automobiles have taken the place of flying carpets. He’s made a name for himself across the Afterlands by debunking fake magicians and exposing fraudulent monsters. This is the modern age, after all. Magic and monsters are long gone.

At least, that’s what Nick believes. Until he gets magically transformed into a monster, that is.

The only person who may be able to help Nick is Lady Cordelia Beaumont, one of the last enchantresses in the Afterlands. But in order for her to cure him, they’ll have to retrieve a powerful artifact from a ruthless crime lord – who is also Cordelia’s father.

The fate of the Afterlands lies in the hands of a runaway enchantress and a monstrous ex-detective. What could possibly go wrong?

Review: Ready for a quick, action-packed ride that'll have you believing in fairy tales again? I've been hearing about this book for MONTHS, had it recommended so many times by so many different bookworm friends and fairytale enthusiasts, and I finally just NOW sat down to read it.

Wow. It was everything I'd thought it would be, and nothing like what I expected.

Nick is a detective -- and, he's certain, a pretty good one at that. His job has been to rid the world of the false belief in magic. He's cracked multiple fairy tale cases wide open, proving to everyone that magic is, in fact, not real. When we first meet him, his persona is almost that of a Sherlock Holmes character -- confident and clever, but with a tick of desperate as his funds are quickly running out. If he's going to continue to support himself and his little brother, he needs to crack another case soon and get paid considerably.

The case that comes to his door is not exactly the one he's hoping for, but it does have a hefty payment attached to it. With no other option, Nick Beasley agrees to help the infamous Lord Whitlock find a magical artifact: the Clawthorn Rose of the Beauty and the Beast legend.

And that's where all his troubles start. Throw in a snarky, spontaneous younger brother and a lady-turned-enchantress who doesn't always have the best of plans, and you've got the perfect recipe for a fairytale adventure.

Is there anything really that I could say I didn't like about this book? Ummm... not really. Except the length. Way too short for the amount of adventure and humor that I wanted. Good thing this is only the first in the series. Warning: You will want book two immediately, so be prepared.

Crispin was my favorite, of course. I'm a huge fan of younger siblings with a passion for trouble, and he was just spot-on, the best, the cat's pajamas, etc. etc. And there are also steampunk things, which always makes stuff better. What's not to like about steampunk fairytale retellings? *cough* No, that's not shameless advertising.

I also really liked all the fairytale elements. Not only is the book a spin on the traditional Beauty and the Beast story, but we're also visiting things from Snow White (which Shultz's version made TONS more sense than the original fairy tale, but still creepy) and other fairy tales. And, of course, the rest of the series seems to promise only that in abounds.

Advisory: Violence. Through the magic of the Rose, several humans are turned into beasts. Fighting commences, blood is spilled, but nothing terribly graphic.

Magic, of course. There's not a ton about it packed into this book since the book itself is so short. Cordelia is one of the few Charmbloods left in existence, families who are able to learn to control magic. Apparently, only those with Charmblood, er, well, blood in their veins are able to control it, but it is a skill that must be learned. Magic can be performed through casting of runes, though it takes a life source to sustain a spell, whether that be the caster himself or another life form nearby. The magic in this book didn't really bother me, as it's clearly a fairytale setting in a fictional world.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Beauty and the Beast: Lost in a Book

Title: Beauty and the Beast: Lost in a Book

Series: None

Year: 2017

Author: Jennifer Donnelly

Summary: Smart, bookish Belle, a captive in the Beast’s castle, has become accustomed to her new home and has befriended its inhabitants. When she comes upon Nevermore, an enchanted book unlike anything else she has seen in the castle, Belle finds herself pulled into its pages and transported to a world of glamour and intrigue. The adventures Belle has always imagined, the dreams she was forced to give up when she became a prisoner, seem within reach again.

The charming and mysterious characters Belle meets within the pages of Nevermore offer her glamorous conversation, a life of dazzling Parisian luxury, and even a reunion she never thought possible. Here Belle can have everything she has ever wished for. But what about her friends in the Beast’s castle? Can Belle trust her new companions inside the pages of Nevermore? Is Nevermore’s world even real? Belle must uncover the truth about the book, before she loses herself in it forever.

Review: First off, can we talk about the synopsis?? GETTING LOST IN A BOOK! Belle has had plenty of practice getting swept into a book's story, falling in love with written characters, and cheering on the hero/heroine while turning the pages. This story is just like that. But not. Nevermore literally sweeps her into another world where she lives the story. And what's even better -- the author of Nevermore says she's writing the perfect story for Belle. It's just what she needs to distract her from the gloomy prisoner life of the Beast's castle.

At least, that's what she thinks.

The first and last scenes with Love and Death set the perfect tone for this book, while tying back epically to the live-action film. I've always wondered what game it was that Love and Death are always prophetically playing... and now it makes sense: Chess. I am neither Love nor Death, so now I understand why chess just isn't my thing.

I'm always a little skeptical when I pick up one of these kinds of books. The classic Disney tale is something that we all know and love, and when people try to add to it, it doesn't always come out right. This tale happens right in the middle of Disney's live-action remake, after *spoiler* the Beast saves Belle from the wolves, but before their iconic yellow-dress dance.

But getting a new story to fit in perfectly with the rest of the whole story is often a very difficult task. Because you want the book tie-in to feel complete on its own, you have to allow for character development and plot structure that doesn't compromise the story that you love in the film. Yes, I'm a story snob. But I do think that this author managed to pull it off quite nicely. I was so paranoid through the whole thing, wondering how she was going to compromise Belle, how she was going to damage the Beast's character and growth, how she was going to add too much to allow for the film's reality -- but it didn't end up that way at all. I was very happy with the satisfying ending that allowed for a smooth transition back into the finishing chapters of the film.

Honestly, this reads like a glorified fan-fiction that seamlessly transitions to and from the film. Belle's wish to get lost in the story was incredibly Belle-like, and I could see it happening. The book allows her to draw a step closer to the Beast in a way, but *spoiler* without making her confession of love in the film seem unrealistic in timing.

My only complaint with this book, really, is the beginning. We get a lot of information of the events in Belle's life leading up to the start of the book, all told in awkward flashbacks. Flashbacks are a great way to incorporate needed information, but no smooth transition into the memories or a flashback within another flashback (I mean, seriously??) only make for pages of confusion. Also, a petty complaint: with the scene of the Beast giving Belle the library, I kept waiting for the Beast's line from the film about the books being written in Greek, but it never came. *le sigh*

Anyway, if anyone ever wondered why, after the Beast gave Belle his library, Belle didn't spend the rest of the film in the library reading, read this book. It explains why.

Advisory: Some magical elements. The Beast and his castle are the recipients of an enchantress's curse (who ironically turns out to be Love), and Love and Death make a bet on whether or not Belle will break the curse. *spoiler* The whole book is basically how Death cheats. #nosurprisethere While Belle is in the book, she encounters magical illusions and later some perilous characters that try to persuade her to stay within the pages of the story. A few of the scenes tend to the more creepy side (reminding me a little of Alice in Wonderland, actually), but still within the fairytale vibe of the film. Caution for those who might want to know: walking marionettes may be included.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

The Worth of a King (The Fall of a Star)

Title: Worth of a King

Series: The Fall of a Star (Book #1)

Year: 2018

Author: Kendra E. Ardnek

Summary: Princess Obsidia’s father was killed the night she was born. Since there was no male heir, the crown went to the man who killed him, by Dialcian law. This never bothered her, growing up, and when it comes time for Obsidia to choose her husband, she chooses Prince Delaney, the son of that man, with little hesitation. Only then does her life start crumbling around her. 

Adrian expected to live a normal life, taking his father’s place at the print shop when his father retired. But, on his eighteenth birthday, when the princess’ engagement is announced, his world is ripped out from under him when he learns that his life was a ruse, and he is the twin brother to the princess – and expected to take back his father’s throne. 

Delaney knows that his country is hovering on the brink of war – and that his father may harbor murderous intentions towards his intended bride due to her Zovordian blood. He wants nothing more than to protect Obsidia and his people, but as merely prince, he has little power against his father. 

The ancient war between the Dragons and the Immortal King and Queen is nearing its climax, and the three are already caught in it. 

Review: Once upon a time, someone said, "Let's make some horrible traditions, and see if a group of kingdoms can survive them." And that's where this book started. Hang onto your hats, folks, because the ride just got wild.

Obsidia's father was murdered the night she was born, and by Dialcian law, the murderer became the next king since there was no male heir. Eighteen years later, politics are forcing her to chose a husband, and she can think of no better man than the son of her father's murderer. Thankfully, Delaney's nothing like his father, Ossian.

While she's busily preparing for marriage, her twin brother has found out that he's just that. Adrian only wanted to be a printer, but now he's the unknown heir to the throne, the threat that may crumble Ossian's reign, and the ticket that may introduce the people he loves to war. He's never enjoyed politics, and trying to plan a political take-over really just isn't his thing.

I felt a little lost beginning this book and trying to make sense of the scrambled politics. Thankfully, Adrian was working at learning them, too, so I sorted things out while he was piecing things together. Dialcia is a land of political complexities and hard-nosed traditions, and those things combined have landed the kingdom in a mess that's threatening to uproot everything familiar. Kendra did a great job at mixing the two elements. There's just something heart-wrenchingly satisfying when a character you love is absolutely hemmed in by tradition and politics; when they've come to a place where, no matter what they do, it seems hopeless that they'll ever come out on top.

The different cultures, too, were pretty fantastic. We've got little glimpses into elven lives and merfolk societies, and then full-blown Zovordian black battle realm. WITH MASKS. I don't care how many books I've read with masks, they're still super cool and awesome. So there. I've known Kendra can worldbuild for a while now (I mean, seriously, you can't read her books and NOT realize that), but this one seemed to blow everything out of the water. I think this just became my all-time favorite of her books.

And not just because of the world. The characters felt so real. Adrian was genuinely scared of entering politics and doing his duty. Obsidia was stubborn but timid. Delaney was an absolute sweetheart. Nadilynn was... Nadilynn; there aren't many words in English that can adequately describe her. You just have to read the book.

I will admit, I caught most of the plot twists as they came, so nothing was a big surprise to me. HOWEVER, the TITLE. It's a cool title, UNTIL YOU READ THE BOOK. And then you're just blown away. Seriously. I won't spoil it, but wow. A satisfying ending, but leaving you wanting for more.

I think my only complaint would be that the climatic battle felt a little too much deus ex machina, but I don't think you could expect much else once you've got Amber and Laura meddling with everything. But yes, you do need to have this book on your shelf.

Advisory: Fantasy creatures and action. The whole book is leaning towards a growing war, so there is quite a bit of fighting and some blood, but nothing terribly graphic.

Light romance. A few kisses, and then as an engaged couple prepares for marriage, there are a couple comments hinting at their marriage bed.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

*Please note: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.*

P.S. Kendra, I'm sorry this review didn't get posted sooner. Life got in the way of epic adventures. Just gotta love how that always works out.

Twisted Dreams

Title: Twisted Dreams

Series: None

Year: 2017

Author: Morgan Elizabeth Huneke

Summary: “I, Calandra, of the Wingans, do bestow upon you, the Princess of Hanover, a gift. You have been given long life. I cannot interfere with that, but when you are sixteen years of age, you will prick your finger on the spindle of a spinning wheel and fall into an everlasting sleep.” She stepped closer so that she could be heard only by Liesel and her parents. “Then you will at last see the truth. Be wary. Be wise. Your fate rests upon yourself.”

On her sixteenth birthday, Princess Liesel Rosanna falls victim to a sleeping curse—but wakens in another world, a prisoner of war. As the bait in a trap for her fiancé, the crown prince of Hanover, Liesel longs to escape back to the fairy tale world. The world where she is only wanting a true love’s kiss to set everything to rights.

As situations quickly grow dire, Liesel must choose which story to live, which life is real. The fate of her country rests on her decision.

Review: If you're wanting a quick Sleeping Beauty fix, this story does the job. Liesel is our fairytale heroine who's fated to prick her finger on a spindle, and Will is her loving prince who's going to try to rescue her. Throw in a fairygodmother Wingan and a mischievous younger brother, and you've got an adventure quite unlike any before.

The story flip-flops between two worlds: the real world set in a technological galaxy (not so far, far away) and a dream world that's positively medieval. Political tensions are high in the galaxy as two rival kingdoms both have hostages to try to get them the upper hand in their ongoing war. Liesel is held in enemy hands, and though her true love Wilhelm is determined to rescue her, his father isn't ready to release his hostage: the rival king.

I think the author did a great job with balancing the Sleeping Beauty elements in this tale. Although the summary indicates that true love's kiss is a big deal, it's really not a big deal in the book. I counted two forehead kisses that didn't seem to be at all like the epic-awakening kiss of the fairytale. But I'm not complaining. I'm not a huge fan of mushy harboring on kissing, so that's two thumbs up in my book. The summary also hints at Liesel's big decision to chose which world to live in, and she really didn't have a choice. Once she realized that she was in the dream world, she was eager to get out. Just wish the summary hadn't been as misleading.

But I really liked the mix of space/galatic elements. I love seeing fairytales redone in new settings, and the whole galaxy feel is pretty cool. My biggest complaint with this book was the length of it. Because it was (I believe) originally written for the Rooglewood contest with its severe word limit, there wasn't much room to worldbuild and that's what I wanted. The author has set up an intricate world of different races, planets, talents, etc. and I would have loved to see that all on a larger scale. The rival kingdoms are two different races, and then we've got the race of Wingans who have powers, like the ability to manipulate electricity and sound waves. I mean, how cool is that?

A longer book would have allowed more time for some character development. Once I hit the end of the book, I was kinda sad I hadn't bonded more with these characters. Most of them were kinda two-dimensional. Matthew, in particular, I thought had great potential, but his character didn't seem to go anywhere.

Advisory: Some action and fighting scenes. Guns and swords are involved, but nothing graphic. And just a pinch of romance (since it is Sleeping Beauty, duh), but well-balanced for the book.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Thief of Corinth

Title: Thief of Corinth

Series: None

Year: 2018

Author: Tessa Afshar

Summary: First-century Corinth is a city teeming with commerce and charm. It’s also filled with danger and corruption—the perfect setting for Ariadne’s greatest adventure.

After years spent living with her mother and oppressive grandfather in Athens, Ariadne runs away to her father’s home in Corinth, only to discover the perilous secret that destroyed his marriage: though a Greek of high birth, Galenos is the infamous thief who has been robbing the city’s corrupt of their ill-gotten gains.

Desperate to keep him safe, Ariadne risks her good name, her freedom, and the love of the man she adores to become her father’s apprentice. As her unusual athletic ability leads her into dangerous exploits, Ariadne discovers that she secretly revels in playing with fire. But when the wrong person discovers their secret, Ariadne and her father find their future—and very lives—hanging in the balance.

When they befriend a Jewish rabbi named Paul, they realize that his radical message challenges everything they’ve fought to build, yet offers something neither dared hope for.

Review: You've got the rooftop adventure of the Prince of Persia, the cunning and generosity of Robin Hood, the exciting sport of Ben-Hur, and the elegance of Austen all wrapped up into one. This book actually surprised me; I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. When I initially read the summary, it pulled at me, but once I began reading -- well, halfway through, I really couldn't put it down.

Ariadne is a Corinthian at heart, but she's stuck in Athens with her harsh, unloving mother and grandfather. Her best friends are her two brothers, one by blood, and the other taken in from the streets as an infant the same night she was born. After her mother and grandfather insist on betrothing her to a pretty awful guy, she decides it's time to leave. So, she escapes back to Corinth with her adopted brother to return to their beloved father.

But not all is well at their father's home. After Ariadne discovers him sneaking in and out at night, he confesses the truth: he is the thief of Corinth. Although he wants to leave the thieving nights behind him, it may be a exciting life that Ariadne just can't say no to. Besides, when everything's on the tip of ruin, another run as a thief might be the only way to save her family.

This book was very well paced; it moves very quickly. And the author did a great job at weaving multiple subplots together. I loved seeing the interaction with Ariadne and her family. I'm really a big fan of stories with lots of sibling emphasis, and this one delivered all that I wanted. In addition, no minor character is added just because; each one has a purpose, which is fantastic.

I was a little disappointed in the ending, I will admit. It did boil down to a very nice conclusion, but I didn't care for the way that Ariadne had to steal again in order to put things right and help people. Yes, she has the talents, and it made a great climax, but morally, it didn't seem to sit well with the spiritual tone of the book. For me, you can't do wrong in order to do right. Stealing is stealing, no matter how you cut it.

Additionally, I think some of the historical and biblical aspects could have been done better. I talked about this book with a college history graduate, and he said that some of the elements included would probably never have happened. One, Ariadne's parents are divorced by the mother's request, and it would have been highly unlikely that the marriage would have been dissolved for a woman -- no matter what the reasons were. Also, Ariadne's race; even though Sparta was big on training the women with the men, women competing in events was next to nil. The adopted son, as well, was something big that the Corinthian world upheld, but a son normally would be adopted if the father had no healthy, beloved male heir (which in this book he did). Once adopted, the son wouldn't leave his father, not even to accompany his sister to a new home. Maybe I'm being too harsh, but some of these elements seemed a little stretched for the purpose of the book.

I won't get on a soapbox about the spiritual elements. This was the one part of the book that I was the most skeptical about, as biblical fiction normally hasn't left a good taste in my mouth. It's hard to get it right, I know. The overall message was good, and it didn't feel like the author was shoving it down your throat, but I was honestly disappointed in Paul's portrayal. After reading his epistles for so many years, he seemed more a contemporary, peace-loving, shallow type of guy. However, I did like how the author tied in the historical account of the Unknown God.

Advisory: A little bit of romance and a kiss, but not overdone. There are a few scenes in which Ariadne describes the scant dress of women, as well as some flirtatious/sensual type scenes. For example, a girl dances in front of a crowd of men, looking for their attention.

And just a bit of blood to be aware of. Another character has a severely broken leg. Some talk of domestic abuse and other minor injuries.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

*Please note: I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.*

Dancing and Doughnuts (Once Upon a Western)

Title: Dancing and Doughnuts

Series: Once Upon a Western (Book #2)

Year: 2018

Author: Rachel Kovaciny

Summary: Twelve Dancing Princesses… reimagined.

Fifty dollars just for asking a few questions? Jedediah Jones figures it must be his lucky day. What dancing and doughnuts have to do with anything, he neither knows nor cares. He’s only interested in earning that money so he can finally eat something other than the apples he's been living off for days. Once his stomach and his pockets are filled again, he plans to move on.

But answering the advertisement plunges him into a forest of painted trees, twelve pretty sisters, trouble, and more trouble. And, yes, doughnuts.

So many doughnuts. 

Can Jedediah Jones solve the mystery and earn that fifty dollars when the whole town has failed? Or will the twelve sisters lose their family's business no matter what he does?

Main Characters:
~ Jedediah Jones
~ Alice 
~ Cooper
~ Clara

Review: Have you ever wanted that basically perfect fairytale retelling that just crackled with originality and spunk? Well, this is it. This book absolutely blew me away. I loved it sooooo much. 

Jedediah Jones is new in town -- and he intends to make it a quick stay. He's running from awful memories of the Civil War, and he doesn't want to stay in one spot long enough to allow the memories to catch up. The problem is, he's short of money so he needs to pick up an odd job or two to keep his pockets full until the next town. 

And what an odd job he finds. A family of twelve girls offering a $50 reward to anyone who can solve the mystery of the spiked apple cider. A mystery that's threatening to close down the family dance hall and doughnut business. 

Rachel doesn't give you anytime to get bored in this book. It's fast-paced and intriguing. I read the whole thing in one sitting. I will admit I figured out the spiking culprit pretty early on, but I was completely hooked on trying to figure out how my conclusion would play out. The book began with a very strong flavor of the original twelve dancing princesses tale. Now, in my experience, when a retelling begins that way, the elements of the original tale kinda fade away and get lost in the author trying to be original, but Rachel kept the fairytale vibe strong until the end.

And all the two thumbs up for including the original fairy tale elements. I was wondering how Rachel was going to get the silver and gold forest in here -- but she did and amazed me at doing so in the process. There's lots of dancing, some worn out shoes (even though Jones's love interest has the impeccable and lovable tendency to go barefoot), a proper mystery, an inquisitive ex-soldier, and plenty of fun. I loved getting a glimpse at more than one sister; twelve dancing princesses retellings tend to only focus on the eldest sister, but with this one we got a close-up of at least three. I'd love to see some spin-offs on some of the other girls' adventures. 

My biggest problem with this book was the amount of food discussed. Particularly the homemade doughnuts. I was so hungry when I finished, and there were no doughnuts at hand to snack on. Very disappointing. 

It's not every day you get an epic fairytale retelling like this, and if you're any kind of fairytale retelling enthusiast (or a fan of a fun, western read), this book HAS to be on your list PRONTO. You will not regret it. I want to read everything this author has written. 

Advisory: Really nothing. This is probably one of the cleanest reads I've had ever. A few characters suggest that the spiked cider may present problems with the girls being "improper" but that's all that's ever mentioned. And obviously, some consumption of and discussion of alcohol, but I would have no worries handing this book to my nine-year-old sister. 

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

*Please note: I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.*

The Orphan's Wish (Hagenheim)

Title: The Orphan's Wish

Series: Hagenheim (#8)

Year: 2018

Author: Melanie Dickerson

Summary: From the streets to an orphanage in a faraway kingdom, Aladdin has grown up alone. Until he meets Kirstyn. With a father who is the duke of Hagenheim and a mother who is the patroness of the orphanage where Aladdin lives, Kirstyn is a member of the most powerful family in the land . . . and way out of his league. Despite the difference in their stations, Aladdin quickly becomes Kirstyn’s favorite companion for taking walks in the forest, and their childhood friendship grows along with them.

Through his scrappy skills, intelligence, and hard work, Aladdin earns a position serving in the duke’s house. But he knows it isn’t enough to grant him his one desire: Kirstyn’s hand in marriage. If he hopes to change his station in life and feel worthy of marrying Kirstyn, he must leave Hagenheim to seek his fortune.

But once Aladdin leaves, no one is around to protect Kirstyn, and the greedy men desperate to take advantage of her father’s wealth take notice. Now, more than Aladdin’s background stands in the way of the future he’s worked so hard to obtain. His only hope is to rescue Kirstyn and somehow manage to win her hand as well.

Main Characters:
~ Kirstyn
~ Aladdin

Review: I got really excited when I saw that Melanie Dickerson was planning an Aladdin retelling. Fairytale retellings by themselves are just peachy keen, but there aren't many Aladdin ones that I've found out there. I love finding a less-popular fairytale being retold. 

Ala ad'din is a small boy living in the streets of the Holy Land. As an orphan, he doesn't have a lot of options for survival and is forced to steal under the hand of a harsh master. A chance encounter with a kindly priest gives him the freedom he craves, but even in his new life at Hagenheim he fears how people will react to his thieving past. 

Now called Aladdin (since the people in Hagenheim can't seem to pronounce Ala ad'din properly), he becomes the favorite friend of Kirstyn, the duke's daughter. A childhood friendship blossoms into a romance that neither are quite aware of, and Aladdin decides to leave Hagenheim to make his fortune. 

And then Kirstyn gets kidnapped and goes missing for months, and Aladdin's world is turned upside-down. 

Honestly, other than the name Aladdin, I didn't catch many Aladdin fairytale references in this book. Other than the obvious other nod to the Disney film by naming a little street boy Abu. It was a little disappointing. The story seemed more like a retelling of the Biblical account of Joseph; Aladdin is hired to take care of a merchant's business and does so well that he's considered a sort of King Midas (i.e. everything he touches turns to gold). And the man Aladdin works for isn't the evil sorcerer from the fairy tale; there are no lamps involved. In the beginning of the novel, Aladdin made a big deal about his thieving background -- keeping it secret from everybody in Hagenheim -- yet as the novel progressed I thought everybody forgot about it. His childhood thefts really didn't have any part to play in the plot. Unless there's something obvious I'm missing, calling this an Aladdin retelling is kinda stretching it. 

But if you're just looking for an adventure in the Dickerson style that you've come to love, this book tastes just the same as all of her other Hagenheim novels. 

Advisory: Some violence. One character is kidnapped; another is suggested to have been molested. 

Romance, typical in the style of Dickerson. Although I was happy to note that the love interests didn't focus on kissing until the last couple chapters -- after they finally realized they were in love with each other. 

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.*

Intangible (Piercing the Veil)

Title: Intangible

Series: Piercing the Veil (#1)

Year: 2013

Author: C.A. Gray

Summary: An ancient evil returns. A prophecy foretells of a champion.

Peter Stewart grew up on a unique version of the Arthurian legends taught him by his father, a harebrained quantum physicist who asserts that anything is possible. But Peter disbelieves anything which cannot be scientifically explained, despite a nagging sense that there is more to the world than meets the eye.

Lily Portman is an orphan with a secret: she can see creatures that are invisible to everyone else. These creatures control every human being she has ever met to varying degrees... until she meets Peter and his father.

When a mysterious stranger stages an accident which nearly costs Peter and Lily their lives, suddenly Lily learns that she is not crazy after all, and Peter discovers the truth of his father's stories... including the existence of Arthur's ancient nemesis, one who calls himself the Shadow Lord, and a prophecy with implications so profound that it will alter not only the course of their lives, but potentially the fate of the world.

Main Characters:
~ Peter Stewart
~ Lily Portman
~ Cole
~ Brock
~ Kane

Review: Peter knows he's not a normal kid -- but he's not a bad kid; he's just constantly getting into trouble at school because his science experiments jeopardize the safety of the people around him. Sometimes being curious and too smart with science and physics and all that can be a little dangerous. 

But that's all before he meets Lily -- an orphan who claims she can see specters around other people, specters that act like an invisible councilor for each individual, specters that all seem to have nasty intentions. What's more is... Peter doesn't have a specter. 

And then after Peter's best friend, Cole, and Cole's older brother, Brock (who also happens to be Peter's worst enemy at school) join them, Peter buckles up for a ride unlike any he's taken before. A ride that's literally life or death. In the middle of a would-be-fatal car accident, Peter is somehow able to step out of the real world and see a rainbow of options of scenes that could happen. There is only one option in which everyone in the car makes it out alive. So, he chooses that one... and everyone survives. The only trouble is... he doesn't know how he did it, why it happened, and why there's suddenly an army of specters (or penumbra, as they're actually called) coming at him to kill him. 

Overall, I have mixed feelings about this book. I didn't know when I first picked it up that it was going to have a lot of Arthurian legend mixed in. I really liked how the author twisted physics with the legends -- the whole feel was a really, super cool idea! Anyone that tries to prove Arthur existed with all the elements of the legends intact gets an A+ in my book! 

However, I did think the whole plot of this novel could have been better executed. Once Peter and his friends get to the hidden city of Carlion, there's a ton of information that gets dumped on top of them. I struggled to keep myself on top of all that information as well as wading through to get to where the action picked up again. In addition, much of the important information gearing up towards the big finish gets told twice. One set of characters had a conversation about this important thing (no spoilers, sorry), and then ten pages later, another set of characters is having the same exact conversation about the same exact important thing. I think a lot of this novel could have been edited out with a simple "he filled them in" or "she recounted the story." Also -- even though I didn't mind seeing this story unfold from the viewpoints of several different people, the POV would switch mid-paragraph multiple times so I was unsure who's head I was in. Just a little confusing, and something I think could have been edited over better. I do believe this novel is this author's first, and I'd be interested in reading some of her later work to see how her writing has progressed. 

The science aspects went over my head a little bit, but I'm blaming that completely on me not being a science geek. I appreciate good science, even if I don't understand it. For science lovers out there who like a good mix of fantasy in with your physic passion, this is your story. 

Advisory: Some language to be aware of. Fantasy violence and action. 

This may be a small thing, but I was rather disappointed with how some of the kids interacted with their parents. True, you have a huge, unbelievable world to reckon with (as well as some harsh parental/authorial figures), but the kids acted disrespectfully to the adults at times, outright disobeyed, and even went so far as to justify lying. 

Lastly to discuss -- magic. With the Arthurian legend, there are elements in this story that are "magical." Apparently, each person has an innate ability to control a certain element, though oftentimes he/she never discovers what that is within a lifetime. The elements can be controlled through the Ancient Tongue, a forgotten language that encompasses the true names of things, not merely what the object represents but the actual essence of the object. Peter and his friends have to learn to speak in the Ancient Language (even though half the time people are just teaching them to memorize phrases, and they have absolutely no idea what they're saying), and everybody is able to control certain elements. For example, one character can create photons, one is a space specialist, one is a water specialist, etc. 

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

*Please note: I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.*

The Great Hunt (The Wheel of Time)

Title: The Great Hunt 

Series: The Wheel of Time (Book #2)

Year: 1991

Author: Robert Jordan

Summary: The Wheel of Time turns and Ages come and pass. What was, what will be, and what is, may yet fall under the Shadow. For centuries, gleemen have told of The Great Hunt of the Horn. Now the Horn itself is found: the Horn of Valere long thought only legend, the Horn which will raise the dead heroes of the ages.

And it is stolen.

Main Characters:
~ Rand al'Thor
~ Perrin Aybara
~ Mat Cauthon 
~ Egwene al'Vere
~ Nynaeve al'Meara
~ Padan Fain
~ Lord Ingtar
~ Hurin
~ Loial
~ Moiraine
~ Verin

Review: This book picks up right where book one ended. Jordan doesn't leave much time between his books in this series! 

Rand wants to be away from Aes Sedai influence, but having his friends still in Fal Dara with him make him prolong leaving. When the Amyrlin Seat herself shows up with a small army of Aes Sedai and Warders in tow, his escape is too late. Padan Fain is locked securely in the dungeons, going mad to Rand's way of thinking, but Egwene still believes that he might be brought back to good. 

Then everything happens overnight, and Rand, Mat, and Perrin find themselves in Lord Ingtar's regiment, heading south to reobtain the stolen Horn of Valere. Thus the book is aptly titled, The Great Hunt. And Egwene and Nynaeve are headed to the White Tower to begin their training as Aes Sedai. 

While the first book of this series set up a good cast of main characters and took us on an epic run and chase (just like a classic beginning to a good fantasy), this book expanded the world threefold. We're introduced to a cast of new characters with new ambitions. In a way, it felt like a Dickens novel set in a Tolkien world -- strange creatures and fantasy battles and epic characters set in a complicated plot with multiple subplots. The chapters skip back and forth between multiple characters, and then somehow all wind up together in the end with a neat bow. 

I really don't have much to complain about for this book. Once The Eye of the World stole your interest and set your imagination up for this series, The Great Hunt is a fantastic continuation of the story. There's everything you loved in the first book -- and more. The pace is faster, and the plot isn't a constant run-and-hide adventure. I think I liked this book better than the first one, and -- of course -- I'm eager to keeping reading the series to find out what happens. 

Advisory: Fantasy violence and scary creatures. Expect battles, blood, and lots of action. 

Magic. The further I get into these novels, the more I'm understanding how magic/power works. I'm planning to review more of the books in this series, so I plan to say a little bit more about the magic aspect as I learn more about it. I explained a little bit in my review of The Eye of the World, but I realize that was just kinda scratching the surface. 

Also, a few characters "curse," using words like "bloody" and "flaming."

Some female characters are described as wearing transparent clothing and others as not wearing anything. It is in a quick, matter-of-fact kind of tone, and nothing is explicitly described. 

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

The Sword of Summer (Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard)

Title: The Sword of Summer

Series: Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard

Year: 2015

Author: Rick Riordan

Summary: Magnus Chase has seen his share of trouble. Ever since that terrible night two years ago when his mother told him to run, he has lived alone on the streets of Boston, surviving by his wits, staying one step ahead of the police and the truant officers.

One day, Magnus learns that someone else is trying to track him down—his uncle Randolph, a man his mother had always warned him about. When Magnus tries to outmaneuver his uncle, he falls right into his clutches. Randolph starts rambling about Norse history and Magnus's birthright: a weapon that has been lost for thousands of years.

The more Randolph talks, the more puzzle pieces fall into place. Stories about the gods of Asgard, wolves, and Doomsday bubble up from Magnus's memory. But he doesn't have time to consider it all before a fire giant attacks the city, forcing him to choose between his own safety and the lives of hundreds of innocents. . . .

Sometimes, the only way to start a new life is to die.

Main Characters:
~ Magnus Chase
~ Samirah al-Abbas
~ Blitzen
~ Hearthstone

Review: I was pretty excited to start this series, given my growing interest in Norse mythology. I can't say that I'm an expert in that area -- other than what I've learned through watching Marvel's Thor films -- but I'd like to do more study in that area. Greek mythology I got a mouthful of during one of my courses at college, but sadly, they didn't offer anything in the way of Norse. 

Magnus Chase is a sarcastic, homeless teen living in the streets of Boston. If his last name isn't any hint, he's Annabeth Chase's cousin (cameo to the Percy Jackson series), but Magnus thinks that he's the odd one in the family. After his uncle Randolph finds him, he discovers he's the son of the Norse god, Frey -- the god of summer, really. And suddenly, he's thrown into a life and death experience involving a thousand-year-old weapon, his birthright -- a talking sword that he calls Jack. 

And when I say death experience -- I literally mean death. Spoiler (kinda), but Magnus starts the book off by dying. And he tells you so right from the first page. To me it felt a little like Tangled: "This is the story of how I died." Magnus dies and then ends up in Valhalla. It's there that he learns that Ragnarok (the end of the world, basically) is coming and that everyone wants to try to use him to speed it up or delay it. 

Accompanying him on his adventures are three unlikely heroes -- a daughter of Loki, recently banned from the Valkyries; a dwarf with a superb fashion sense and an unfortunate sun condition; and an elf who speaks through ASL and isn't the least bit like Legolas. 

This book was a pretty fun adventure. We've got new perils, new gods, and new friends. But honestly, it didn't feel unique. I read a few other reviews of this book before writing mine and I have to agree with them -- I had a hard time pulling my mental image of Percy Jackson apart from Magnus. They're both so similar that (as the book's written in first person POV) I kept thinking I was following Percy. They're both sarcastic, Magnus only has a little bit more of an adult sarcasm and humor about him. Honestly, the whole book felt like a Norse knock-off. Instead of the Lightning Bolt, we've got the Sword of Summer that everybody wants to get their hands on. I mean, I enjoyed the Norse angle, but it didn't wow me like The Lightning Thief wowed me. 

I did like how Magnus wasn't the son of one of the top Norse gods. Percy's dad was Poseidon, making him pretty important, but Magnus wasn't the son of the ever-popular Thor or Loki. He isn't even the son of the god of war or smarts or anything like that. No. His dad's the god of summer, sunshine, fertility, peace, wealth, and rain. Not exactly the recipe you'd think would bake a hero. 

Advisory: The entire book has more of an adult feel to it. Magnus isn't the innocent demigod Percy was, so there is some more adult-type of humor and comments in this book. Also, some language. I was disappointed to see that. 

Lots of fantasy-type action and fighting and blood. One of Valhalla's daily routines is for all the inhabitants to participate in a all-out battle. And it's perfectly fine to impale your hallmate with a spear or chop his head off. And if that's considered normal, you can imagine what the rest of the book is gonna be like. 

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Black: The Birth of Evil (The Circle Trilogy)

Title: Black: The Birth of Evil

Series: The Circle Trilogy

Year: 2005

Author: Ted Dekker

Summary: Enter an adrenaline-laced epic where dreams and reality collide.

Fleeing his assailants through deserted alleyways, Thomas Hunter narrowly escapes to the roof of a building. Then a silent bullet from the night clips his head...and his world goes black.

From the blackness comes an amazing reality of another world-a world where evil is contained. A world where Thomas Hunter is in love with a beautiful woman. Then he remembers the dream of the chase as he reaches to touch the blood on his head.

Where does the dream end and reality begin? Every time he falls asleep in one world, he awakes in the other-both facing catastrophic disaster. Thomas is being pushed beyond his limits...even beyond the limits of space and time.

Black is an incredible story of evil and rescue, betrayal and love, pursuit and death, and a terrorist's threat unlike anything the human race has ever known.

Some say the world hangs in the balance of every choice we make. Now the fate of two worlds hangs in the balance of one man's choice.

Main Characters: 
~ Thomas Hunter

Review: Ted Dekker is one of those authors who I really can't make my mind up about. I begin his books with low expectations, get lost in the story and dragged on by suspense, and then end with mixed feelings. Yes, I'm a book snob. I can't help that. 

Anyway, Black follows the beginning adventures of Thomas Hunter a man who's being chased for not repaying a rather large loan. 

Oh. Wait. 

Thomas Hunter is a man without a memory who somehow survives the infamous, evil-filled Black Forest. 

Oh. Wait. 

He's both. Thomas Hunter is living in two different worlds, and we're not sure which one is the real one. And that's where the adventure begins. 

After getting out of the Black Forest alive, Thomas works at getting his memory back, asking a million questions, eating strange fruit, and learning to woo a female as part of the great romance. Behind him, there's always the threat of the large, flesh-ripping bats. In the other world, Thomas works at not being killed by his pursuers, announcing the winner of the Kentucky Derby before the race even begins, and making a trip around the world to gain an audience with science's foremost star. And behind him, there's the threat of assassins and a virus that has the power to effectively kill the entire planet's population in three weeks. No pressure. He can handle both lives. 

This book doesn't give you a moment to catch your breath. Honestly, if I wasn't a new mom needing sleep, I would have been up until 3am trying to finish and find out what happens. Yes, I howled at the cliff-hanging ending. You have been warned. 

For the most part, I liked this book. It's fast-paced, confusing, heart-stopping, and well-written. Thomas is a likable hero with plenty of snark and spontaneity. 

I wasn't too keen on the great romance bit. While I could understand why it was written the way it was, it felt very forced and awkward. Thomas is chosen by this girl and then must woo her; he doesn't show much affection for her, other than a general gawking at her beauty and fighting skills. Personally, I preferred the relationship, albeit short, that he had with the girl from earth. 

Advisory: Lots of violence. Multiple fights bloody/kill/injure combatants. It's not extreme gore, but enough that I would recommend this book for a slightly more mature audience. 

Also, the romance. Some kisses and touches, but not terribly graphic. 

In the strange world that Thomas finds himself in, Dekker makes a parallel to the story of the Bible. The black forest and the evil bats represent sin and (duh) evil while the colored forest, good. The evil bats try to tempt the good people to eat the fruit from the black forest (much like Satan tempted Eve in the Garden of Eden); and the parallels could go on and on. However, the "God" of this world is more essence in liquid form than holy spirit. While it makes sense in a fairly cool analogy in the book, it still felt a little weird to me to make the awesome Lord of the universe into a pool. Just throwing that out there. 

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

The Eye of the World (The Wheel of Time)

Title: The Eye of the World

Series: The Wheel of Time (Book #1)

Year: 1990

Author: Robert Jordan

Summary: The Wheel of Time turns and Ages come and go, leaving memories that become legend. Legend fades to myth, and even myth is long forgotten when the Age that gave it birth returns again. In the Third Age, an Age of Prophecy, the World and Time themselves hang in the balance. What was, what will be, and what is, may yet fall under the Shadow. 

Main Characters:
~ Rand al'Thor
~ Mat
~ Perrin
~ Egwene
~ Nynaeve
~ Moiraine
~ Lan

Review: I've heard a lot of people say that Robert Jordan is the new Tolkien. While I partway agree, I still think Tolkien is the best. Old loyalties die hard. 

But honestly, I enjoyed this book way more than I thought I would. Robert Jordan has created a whole world, with histories and genealogies just as complicated as Tolkien's. If you need a good LONG fantasy fix -- pick up the Wheel of Time series. Jordan began this series thinking it was only going to be six books long. Ha. Yeah. Fourteen books later...

Rand, Mat, and Perrin are three friends from a small town known as Emond's Field. Rand farms and herds sheep, Perrin works as a blacksmith's apprentice, and Mat creates mischief. All three seem pretty ordinary, but one night changes everything when everything they know gets turned upside-down. With an Aes Sedai to guide them and Trollocs and a Fade -- and worse! -- at their backs, they begin the epic journey of the age.

So many books today focus on a central character being the chosen one or the unlikely hero. Rand, Mat, and Perrin are unlikely heroes, but I feel that this story breaks the cliche by following THREE of them, not just one. Three different stories and fates tied together -- because even though they stick together and help each other out, they each have a story and a path of their own. I love complicated twists!

There's honestly a little bit of everything in here for everyone. My husband and I both wanted to read this series so we've been taking turns reading it out loud to each other. I'll be the first to admit I've loved sharing this adventure with him. When we're away from the book, we discuss what we've read, try to figure out the mysteries Jordan's been weaving, and throw around suggestions on what's to happen next. Because Jordan keeps you on your toes -- right when you think all's well and something can neatly tie up with a bow, BAM! And you can basically hear Jordan laughing at you in your mind's ear, saying, "Didn't see that coming, now did you?"

The Ogier is one of my favorite characters; I'm looking forward to seeing more of him in later books. Nynaeve is particularly multi-faceted. I'm very interested in her story. Also, Egwene. Poor dear. I'm still rooting for her and Rand... even though I know there's still so many books ahead of us.

Book one ends satisfactorily... if you like a million questions unanswered. I'm so glad I basically found the whole series at Goodwill. Because I'm gonna keep needing to get to the next book ASAP. Once you get sucked in, this is the kind of series that you can't put down. 

Advisory: Lots of fighting/violence/scary creatures/evil in general. For those of you who are familiar with Tolkien, this is up a notch. Certain parts can get kinda gruesome, but I haven't been completely grossed out yet. Just expect with this epic fantasy to have a lot of blood and whatnot. 

Also, magic of sorts. I don't mind it so much, since this series is clearly a made-up fantasy, but it is very prevalent in the novel. The "magic" or power comes from the One Power, an abstract source of some kind of energy. It's split up into two segments - saidar, the female power, and saidin, the male power. Using either half of the Power is known as channeling. For females, channeling normally means training as an Aes Sedai, learning how to use the Power. For males, touching the One Power normally results in the man going mad and killing everyone near him. While it's not implied that everyone can use this Power, it does seem to be available to multiple people. Egwene and Nynaeve both expect to be trained so they known how to use it. 

This book also contains a few New Age type elements. Tam al'Thor teaches Rand (his son) to focus on a void, blocking everything else out. Kinda becoming one with everything around him. That is also echoed in some of the Aes Sedai teachings, though not as prevalent in this book. 

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Dragon Rose (Tales of the Latter Kingdoms)

Title: DragonRose

Series: Tales of the Latter Kingdoms (Book #2)

Year: 2012

Author: Christine Pope

Summary: The shadow of the cursed Dragon Lord has hung over the town of Lirinsholme for centuries, and no one ever knows when the Dragon will claim his next doomed Bride. Rhianne Menyon has dreams of being a painter, but her world changes forever when a single moment of sacrifice brings her to Black's Keep as the Dragon's latest Bride. As she attempts to adjust to her new life -- and to know something of the monster who is now her husband -- she begins to see that the curse is far crueler than she first believed. Unraveling the mystery of what happened to the Dragon's Brides is only the beginning... (from Goodreads)

Main Characters:
~ Rhianne
~ Theran Blackmoor
~ Sar

Review: As far as Beauty and the Beast retellings go, this one handled the aspect of the Beast’s curse in a very creative way. However, other elements of the story make it difficult for me to recommend the book for fairy tale fanatics.

Rhianne is the eldest of four daughters born to a tradesman. She despises her mother’s choice of suitor, a rich man of forty-five years, and thrives in helping her father by painting the stoneware and other pottery he makes. However, her painting skill is somewhat of a disgrace to her name as girls aren’t supposed to be dabbling in trade.

Rhianne is only a month away from aging out of the dreaded call for the Dragon’s Bride. Fro 500 years, he's called for a bride from the little town of Lirinsholme, and no girl wants to answer that call -- because it's a death sentence. Even though the Bride’s family receives a large monetary gift, the Bride herself will be dead not long after her marriage to the Dragon. As ill luck has it, the Dragon Lord of Black’s Keep calls for a bride only just after Rhianne’s painting disgraces her to the entire town. Her best friend – a girl who is already engaged and sewing her wedding dress – is chosen as the Bride, but Rhianne decides to take her place.

As I said before, this book handles all the aspects of the Beauty and Beast story very well. I enjoyed seeing those elements fleshed out as they were. The only big thing lacking was the rose itself. Rhianne’s name means “the rose” and she and the Dragon Lord walk often in the rose gardens, but it is not the rose that begins Rhianne’s adventures with the beast.

Theran Blackmoor, the Dragon Lord himself, is very much like the beast of lore. It always bothered me that so many Beauty and the Beast retellings portray the beast as an ill-tempered brute with anger management issues when the original fairy tales (granted, depending on which variation you read) showed him as a disfigured and rather gentle man. Theran was appropriately moody, and I thought his curse was very well executed. I found I quite liked the Bride twist.

I do realize that this is the second book in a series of fairy tale retellings; however, I believe they are basically stand-alone novels. I have absolutely no idea what the first book was about -- I just read this one because I found it free for Kindle one day and thought I'd try it out as a Beauty and the Beast retelling. I can't recommend the series because I really don't know anything else about the other books.

Advisory: The biggest objection for me was Rhianne's desire for romance and physical intimacy. Once she realizes that she's fallen in love with the Dragon Lord, she wants to kiss him and be near him physically. She wonders what it would be like to be treated like a wife, leading to some not-so-graphic thoughts and feelings. There is also a scene in which she and Theran consummate their marriage, though nothing is described graphically and the scene itself is more suggestive than anything else. Still, I was uncomfortable reading it, and it is for this reason that I can't give this book a higher rating. 

Some talk and portrayal of violence/suicide/murder. The story itself has a darker, more mature tone because it includes these elements, but I didn't think any of it horribly graphic or over the top. 

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars