A review by lavendermarch
Bloodleaf by Crystal Smith

5.0

I LOVED this book! It was a loose retelling of The Goose Girl (a favorite fairytale of mine, especially Shannon Hale's version of it) and I had fun comparing this story to the other versions I have read. I really liked Aurelia, the main character, her brother, Kate, and Zan. The characters and the overall storyline were very compelling, and I was never bored or in danger of losing interest. Pacing was generally well done, and editing was perfect. I love the significance of the cover to the story. It was a darker fairytale, but not without light, which was lovely. The book ends somewhat wrapped up, but is apparently a trilogy, which is fun. I'm happy to read more! Oh, and the magic was quite interesting and it was woven into the story well, and was exciting and powerful, and came with the cost of blood (at least for Aurelia, as a blood mage). Honestly, this story was overall exciting, a bit romantic, completely magical, and a wonderful fairytale retelling. 5 stars!