taisie22's review
4.0
Mel has come to North Wales to work on her thesis when she meets Ray, a marine biologist who is currently working in a coffee shop as he looks for a job in his field. The two hit it off and start to spend time together. Meanwhile, a medieval fairy tale is interwoven into the story and alternates chapters with the current story.
If you like medieval history and are familiar with one of the origin stories of the Plantagenets, you'll soon recognize the fairy tale part of the story. There's a lot of history here, both French and Welsh, that I found interesting. The updating of the old story is done well in this short and enjoyable read.
If you like medieval history and are familiar with one of the origin stories of the Plantagenets, you'll soon recognize the fairy tale part of the story. There's a lot of history here, both French and Welsh, that I found interesting. The updating of the old story is done well in this short and enjoyable read.
saarahn's review
3.0
Fairy tale
This book holds two stories, interwoven, built around the same character: Mel. I don't want to go into what the story is about, because that will ruin how Sue Barnard wrote it- her build up of suspense. I have a more favourable opinion of the book, now that all the secrets are out. I especially liked the unpredictability, something that can't be said for old and ancient fairy tale. But I have to say that after reading the first chapters, I thought about abandoning it. The only thing that kept me turning the page was the history in the story and the fact that the book, itself, is not that long. When reading this book, I was reminded of a book I recently read that shares quite a similar writing style, in way of structure and inclusion of history: T A William's Chasing Shadows.
I did find it remarkable how the author chose a new way of making a fairy tale contemporary, without removing the endearing history behind the tale as books of this kind are accustomed to doing. Fans of Age of Adaline, a really good film, and historical fiction novels or even just fairy tales would appreciate this title.
I received this book through NetGalley.
This book holds two stories, interwoven, built around the same character: Mel. I don't want to go into what the story is about, because that will ruin how Sue Barnard wrote it- her build up of suspense. I have a more favourable opinion of the book, now that all the secrets are out. I especially liked the unpredictability, something that can't be said for old and ancient fairy tale. But I have to say that after reading the first chapters, I thought about abandoning it. The only thing that kept me turning the page was the history in the story and the fact that the book, itself, is not that long. When reading this book, I was reminded of a book I recently read that shares quite a similar writing style, in way of structure and inclusion of history: T A William's Chasing Shadows.
I did find it remarkable how the author chose a new way of making a fairy tale contemporary, without removing the endearing history behind the tale as books of this kind are accustomed to doing. Fans of Age of Adaline, a really good film, and historical fiction novels or even just fairy tales would appreciate this title.
I received this book through NetGalley.
More...