Reviews

The concept of this book was very interesting, it was like fairy tales within a fairy tale. While I enjoyed the writing style, there were some unnecessary graphic details. The story was hard to follow at times because it jumped around from character to character. The cover art definitely drew me in. Overall, average, 3 stars.

smidges's review

Go to review page

2.0

what the hell

missprint_'s review

Go to review page

2.0

I wanted to like this more than I did. I think it will hit the right notes for fans of Damsel and other gritty fantasy/fairytale titles. Personally, I had a hard time with all of it and found the characters a bit too mean--it was just depressing to try and read right now, as timely as it may have been.

witchireads93's review

Go to review page

adventurous dark hopeful mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

This book was amazing well written and was a fast read I could not put down! Filled with fairytale elements it really kept me on the edge of my seat.

andervic000's review

Go to review page

2.0

This book had a lot of potential and had an interesting twist on some fairytales. However, the violence and SA was to the point where it took over focus of the book. I wished I liked this book but it left me feel sickened (and not in a good way)

lilliangretsinger's review

Go to review page

1.0

dnf at 70% -

WHAT THE ACTUAL F*CK did I just read?

the cover of this book is GORGEOUS! I love it - but the content of the book just made no sense except to display psychotic behaviour where nothing really happens? I have no clue what is going on in this book. The cover is the only redeeming quality.

TW: sexual assault, torture, parental death, animal cruelty

mgmaliska's review

Go to review page

5.0

A new favorite! It was extremely entertaining, well-written, fiercely feminist, and deeply critical.

I love the varied view points and the weaving of different fairy tales into one grand story. The princess (Ursula) is a complete power house who finally finds her strength of voice and the true power of unity. The prince (Albrecht) is completely terrifying and I read his scenes with a grimace and a hand over my mouth at the horrors he committed. The woodland daughter (Cappella), albeit a bit simplified in character, is honest and loving -- I adore her relationship with her mother and how the author developed their story (although wish we had gotten more of these two in the end. Esme is so very cool and I wanted to know so much more - the story focuses on the 'kids', not the grown ups). Greta and Hans are believable siblings and their familiar love is completely heart warming. Greta’s goodness & empathy warms the heart and her ending is a reckoning. Hans’ love of others finally flows to himself. Sabine is just the absolute coolest and I wanted so much more of her heartbreaking story of resilience.

Cheers to the author for eloquently writing the innate connection and power of Earth, the ultimate magic. From epic trees to multiple ‘beasts’, this book shows the real cruelties of the planet arise from humans alone.

I highly recommend for a page turning story with twists, turns, political intrigue, societal critique, love in many forms, and powerful women.

More...