Kristina Stangl's Blog, page 7
October 23, 2023
Finale by Stephanie Garber Review
Just like its title suggests, Finale is the epic conclusion to the Caraval series and what a finale it really is too!
All the loose ends are finally tied up and put to rest in this novel. Shocking truths are revealed and there are so many twists and turns, that this novel feels more like a thriller than a typical fantasy-romance at many times. However, the novel certainly doesn't disappoint and nothing is left unanswered, which I thoroughly appreciated, given that this was the final novel to the series.
Furthermore, if you're a fan of Jacks from the Once Upon a Broken Heart series, then you should definitely give this novel and series the time of day. In particular, this novel does provide a detailed back story as to why we discover Jacks so broken hearted in the beginning of the OUABH series.
Definitely worth the read. Highly recommend.
Finale
All the loose ends are finally tied up and put to rest in this novel. Shocking truths are revealed and there are so many twists and turns, that this novel feels more like a thriller than a typical fantasy-romance at many times. However, the novel certainly doesn't disappoint and nothing is left unanswered, which I thoroughly appreciated, given that this was the final novel to the series.
Furthermore, if you're a fan of Jacks from the Once Upon a Broken Heart series, then you should definitely give this novel and series the time of day. In particular, this novel does provide a detailed back story as to why we discover Jacks so broken hearted in the beginning of the OUABH series.
Definitely worth the read. Highly recommend.
Finale
Legendary by Stephanie Garber Review
Personally, I found the second novel to be the best of the Caraval series.
Legendary is told from younger sister, Tella's perspective and is a love triangle centered around Dante and Jacks. Since the previous Caraval novel helped to set up the series, the second novel goes full force into the romance and mystery aspect, which I found far more interesting and compelling than the previous novel.
This novel also introduces Jacks from the Once Upon a Broken Heart series and if you're a fan of Jacks, then you'll definitely want to give Legendary a read to get a deeper backstory into his character and find out as to why he eventually becomes the broken hearted anti-hero in the OUABH series.
Definitely worth a read. Highly recommend.
Legendary
Legendary is told from younger sister, Tella's perspective and is a love triangle centered around Dante and Jacks. Since the previous Caraval novel helped to set up the series, the second novel goes full force into the romance and mystery aspect, which I found far more interesting and compelling than the previous novel.
This novel also introduces Jacks from the Once Upon a Broken Heart series and if you're a fan of Jacks, then you'll definitely want to give Legendary a read to get a deeper backstory into his character and find out as to why he eventually becomes the broken hearted anti-hero in the OUABH series.
Definitely worth a read. Highly recommend.
Legendary
Caraval by Stephanie Garber Review
First, let me start by applauding Stephanie Garber’s writing style. It’s so incredibly descriptive, imaginary and refreshing. Her words just takes the reader into an epic and fantasy filled world that’s unlike any other, and I applaud her for that.
As the first novel for the Caraval trilogy, this book really focuses more on the set up into the Caraval universe. Out of the three novels, I found the first novel a bit darker and at times, a bit scary; however, I think this element of fear and mystery was necessary to help prepare the readers for the next series of novels.
I must admit as a Jacks fan from the Once Upon a Broken Heart universe, I gave this series a shot in order to get more of a backstory to Jacks and I’m glad I did. Even though reading the Caraval series isn’t a prerequisite to the Once Upon a Broken Heart series, it still provided me with a background and better understanding about the Fates and of Jacks that had I not read this series, then I’d have never known about what makes them tick. For example, a Fate cannot love, for once they do, they become human and this knowledge, further helped me better understand Jacks character and motivation in the other series.
The Caraval series itself is like a magic carpet ride into a hidden world of wonder and mystery of a circus like environment. If you’re a fan of the Once Upon a Broken Heart series, then I do recommend reading this book and series. Honestly, anything written by Garber is well worth the read.
Caraval
As the first novel for the Caraval trilogy, this book really focuses more on the set up into the Caraval universe. Out of the three novels, I found the first novel a bit darker and at times, a bit scary; however, I think this element of fear and mystery was necessary to help prepare the readers for the next series of novels.
I must admit as a Jacks fan from the Once Upon a Broken Heart universe, I gave this series a shot in order to get more of a backstory to Jacks and I’m glad I did. Even though reading the Caraval series isn’t a prerequisite to the Once Upon a Broken Heart series, it still provided me with a background and better understanding about the Fates and of Jacks that had I not read this series, then I’d have never known about what makes them tick. For example, a Fate cannot love, for once they do, they become human and this knowledge, further helped me better understand Jacks character and motivation in the other series.
The Caraval series itself is like a magic carpet ride into a hidden world of wonder and mystery of a circus like environment. If you’re a fan of the Once Upon a Broken Heart series, then I do recommend reading this book and series. Honestly, anything written by Garber is well worth the read.
Caraval
The Little Book of Hygge Review
A very enjoyable book that provided a thorough overview on the unique Danish concept of Hygge. From Danish style cooking to house decor, to holiday traditions and a general positive state of mind, Hygge is a refreshing and happy outlook towards life. If you’ve ever been curious to discover more about the secrets of Hygge and why the Danes are considered to be one of the happiest of folks, then this a lovely introductory book to read.
The Little Book of Hygge: The Danish Way to Live Well
The Little Book of Hygge: The Danish Way to Live Well
A Sign of Affection (Vol. 1) Review
This is one of the sweetest stories that I’ve read in a very long time. The plot is so refreshing and unique, and such a page turner! Once I picked it up, I honestly couldn’t put it down and just had the read the entire series in one sitting!
This is a romantic love story about a chance encounter between two people aboard a train, that quickly soon develops into a friendship and later on, blossoms into love. However, just like the train ride, it’s the journey along the way that is so captivating. The heroine in this series is Yuki, meaning ‘snow’ which is most fitting for how innocent and pure her character really is. Yuki is a college student, who has a hearing disability. However, what I particularly liked about Yuki is her overall optimism, and her positive attitude and outlook on life. Even with her disability, this doesn’t stop Yuki from living her best life. And when her path crosses with Itsuomi (the main leading love interest for Yuki) his desire to get to know and bond with her by learning sign language and engage in her world is truly remarkable and beautiful. Their overall love story is so incredibly sweet and endearing, that I absolutely cannot wait to read more!
Also, what I particularly liked the most about this story, is the leading characters themselves. They are both so well written and developed that as a reader, I’m rooting for Yuki, while swooning over Itsuomi— all at the same time.
If you’re looking for a good love story or are just new to the manga genre, then please give this series a try! You won’t regret it.
A Sign of Affection, Vol. 1
This is a romantic love story about a chance encounter between two people aboard a train, that quickly soon develops into a friendship and later on, blossoms into love. However, just like the train ride, it’s the journey along the way that is so captivating. The heroine in this series is Yuki, meaning ‘snow’ which is most fitting for how innocent and pure her character really is. Yuki is a college student, who has a hearing disability. However, what I particularly liked about Yuki is her overall optimism, and her positive attitude and outlook on life. Even with her disability, this doesn’t stop Yuki from living her best life. And when her path crosses with Itsuomi (the main leading love interest for Yuki) his desire to get to know and bond with her by learning sign language and engage in her world is truly remarkable and beautiful. Their overall love story is so incredibly sweet and endearing, that I absolutely cannot wait to read more!
Also, what I particularly liked the most about this story, is the leading characters themselves. They are both so well written and developed that as a reader, I’m rooting for Yuki, while swooning over Itsuomi— all at the same time.
If you’re looking for a good love story or are just new to the manga genre, then please give this series a try! You won’t regret it.
A Sign of Affection, Vol. 1
September 18, 2023
New Release: "The Curse of the Dark Horseman" by Kristina Stangl
Hi All,
My second novel entitled "The Curse of the Dark Horseman" by Kristina Stangl, is now available on Amazon via Kindle, Paperback and Hardcover.
If you're a fan of an exciting, epic and great new romance, then this is a novel for you.
Here is a preview:
A curse. A runaway bride. A legendary hero. These are the ingredients to a sweeping romantic and epic fairy tale of star-crossed lovers that spans across time and space...
For years, Lady Kassandra Stanton has long admired the portrait of the Dark Horseman, which hangs above the wall to her family’s grand estate. Tall, dark and handsome, the Dark Horseman embodies everything that Kassie’s romanticized in her ideal dream man. This legendary figure, who’s cursed to wander the enchanted forest in her remote and sleepy English country village, is regarded as a saint to some and to others, he’s the very devil, himself. But to Kassie, the Dark Horseman represents the dashing and kind hearted gentleman, who’s always watched over her in her dreams, ever since she was a young girl. As much as Kassie wishes and longs for him to be real; sadly, much to her dismay, she must marry another or else, risk losing her inheritance and ancestral estate over to a distant male relative. And so, on the eve of her wedding, Kassie finds herself on horseback and wandering through the woods, where she soon discovers that the Dark Horseman is not only limited to merely a myth; but rather, he’s also a real man, in the flesh. But in a surprise twist of fate, while lost in the enchanted forest, Kassie comes face-to-face with the very legendary hero, himself!
Lord Henry Galloway, better known as the Dark Horseman, has been cursed to wander the enchanted forest alone for all eternity, never to die nor to venture outside beyond the boundaries to the very land that cursed him. For the past one hundred years and counting, Henry, along with his trusted horse, Midnight, have been condemned to live a solitary existence, with no remedy in sight to break their looming spell. For an immortal man, he’s grown fearless over this past century. Death nor injury can destroy him. Neither sleep nor hunger can sustain him. Although Henry has long accepted his doomful fate, one day he unexpectedly encounters a runaway bride and his world is immediately turned upside down. After years of solitude, Henry’s finally met his match with a mortal woman. But can an immortal man and a mortal woman have a happy ending? Can their love be the cure to an unbreakable curse? Will our heroine, Kassie, serve as the missing link to Henry’s heart, whom he’s waited so long for? Can she save him from an eternity of loneliness and damnation? Will love conquer all, in the ultimate ending to this dark and epic fairy tale?
The Curse of the Dark Horseman
Kristina Stangl
My second novel entitled "The Curse of the Dark Horseman" by Kristina Stangl, is now available on Amazon via Kindle, Paperback and Hardcover.
If you're a fan of an exciting, epic and great new romance, then this is a novel for you.
Here is a preview:
A curse. A runaway bride. A legendary hero. These are the ingredients to a sweeping romantic and epic fairy tale of star-crossed lovers that spans across time and space...
For years, Lady Kassandra Stanton has long admired the portrait of the Dark Horseman, which hangs above the wall to her family’s grand estate. Tall, dark and handsome, the Dark Horseman embodies everything that Kassie’s romanticized in her ideal dream man. This legendary figure, who’s cursed to wander the enchanted forest in her remote and sleepy English country village, is regarded as a saint to some and to others, he’s the very devil, himself. But to Kassie, the Dark Horseman represents the dashing and kind hearted gentleman, who’s always watched over her in her dreams, ever since she was a young girl. As much as Kassie wishes and longs for him to be real; sadly, much to her dismay, she must marry another or else, risk losing her inheritance and ancestral estate over to a distant male relative. And so, on the eve of her wedding, Kassie finds herself on horseback and wandering through the woods, where she soon discovers that the Dark Horseman is not only limited to merely a myth; but rather, he’s also a real man, in the flesh. But in a surprise twist of fate, while lost in the enchanted forest, Kassie comes face-to-face with the very legendary hero, himself!
Lord Henry Galloway, better known as the Dark Horseman, has been cursed to wander the enchanted forest alone for all eternity, never to die nor to venture outside beyond the boundaries to the very land that cursed him. For the past one hundred years and counting, Henry, along with his trusted horse, Midnight, have been condemned to live a solitary existence, with no remedy in sight to break their looming spell. For an immortal man, he’s grown fearless over this past century. Death nor injury can destroy him. Neither sleep nor hunger can sustain him. Although Henry has long accepted his doomful fate, one day he unexpectedly encounters a runaway bride and his world is immediately turned upside down. After years of solitude, Henry’s finally met his match with a mortal woman. But can an immortal man and a mortal woman have a happy ending? Can their love be the cure to an unbreakable curse? Will our heroine, Kassie, serve as the missing link to Henry’s heart, whom he’s waited so long for? Can she save him from an eternity of loneliness and damnation? Will love conquer all, in the ultimate ending to this dark and epic fairy tale?
The Curse of the Dark Horseman
Kristina Stangl
August 24, 2023
Sense & Sensibility Review
Although Sense & Sensibility might have been Jane Austen’s debut first novel published more than two hundred years ago, it still remains a true and timeless classic that is beloved by millions, even to today. The universal themes of love, youth, society, wealth, poverty, romance and following one’s dreams, are such topics that all readers can identify with, regardless of their backgrounds. The sisters Elinor and Marianne are characters that many readers can sympathize with and root for. With Elinor, the calm, responsible and sensible sister, who represents the virtuous Austen heroine, is partnered with her opposite natured sister Marianne, the carefree, romantic and spiritual Dashwood daughter. Both sisters undergo drastic character developments throughout the novel, in which the consistent theme is that everything in life must have a balance. There’s a time to be sensible and a time to follow your heart. Ultimately, you cannot be too sensible or too carefree, because life requires a bit of both.
This novel continues to be one of my favorite Austen novels, after Pride & Prejudice and Persuasion. Although the book ultimately has happy endings for both sisters, it’s the journey along the way that makes this novel truly heart warming, enjoyable and endearing.
If you’re a fan of Sense & Sensibility and are looking for a modern retelling with a twist, then check out my new novel “The Ambassador’s Wife” by Kristina Stangl.
The Ambassador's Wife
This novel continues to be one of my favorite Austen novels, after Pride & Prejudice and Persuasion. Although the book ultimately has happy endings for both sisters, it’s the journey along the way that makes this novel truly heart warming, enjoyable and endearing.
If you’re a fan of Sense & Sensibility and are looking for a modern retelling with a twist, then check out my new novel “The Ambassador’s Wife” by Kristina Stangl.
The Ambassador's Wife
August 9, 2023
Goodreads Giveaway for The Ambassador's Wife by Kristina Stangl
Hi All!
I'm currently running a Goodreads Giveaway contest for my latest novel! 100 lucky winners will receive a Kindle copy! To sign up, please visit the Goodreads Giveaway page and click to enter. The contest will run from August 9th thru September 8, 2023.
Best of luck and happy reading!
Kristina
The Ambassador's Wife
Kristina Stangl
I'm currently running a Goodreads Giveaway contest for my latest novel! 100 lucky winners will receive a Kindle copy! To sign up, please visit the Goodreads Giveaway page and click to enter. The contest will run from August 9th thru September 8, 2023.
Best of luck and happy reading!
Kristina
The Ambassador's Wife
Kristina Stangl
August 1, 2023
Why I adore Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen
An all time classic. This was the first novel that introduced me into the Jane Austen universe. A classic tale not only about romance, tradition, class and society; but a timeless love story that proves that first impressions cannot always be taken at face value. Sometimes, we, as people, must move past our own prejudices and pride, to look past what we wrongly presume to be the fault of others. Sometimes, those very faults that we deem and put onto others, are really just a reflection of the faults to our inner selves. Also, there's a reason as to why Pride & Prejudice is still beloved and adored by millions of readers, even to this very day. It's because it's a timeless tale, that spans across time, regardless of which century, one is reading it from. For the millions who loved it back then, millions more still continues to adore and read it to today; which is why, Pride & Prejudice continues to remain one of my most favorite of Jane Austen's novels.
July 17, 2023
Welcome & Introduction
Hello Readers!
My name is Kristina Stangl and I'm the author to the new novel, "The Ambassador's Wife" (2023). If you are interested in reading a story about romance, travel, adventure, mystery, politics, love, and more, then please pick up a copy to my debut novel, available on Amazon via Kindle, Kindle Unlimited, Paperback & Hardcover; and on Barnes & Noble via Paperback.
For more information, please visit the link in my bio.
Follow me on social media, via:
TikTok: @kristina.stangl
Instagram: @kristina.stangl
Twitter: @kristina_stangl
YouTube: @Kristina.Stangl
Thank you and Happy Reading!
Kristina Stangl
The Ambassador's Wife
Kristina Stangl
My name is Kristina Stangl and I'm the author to the new novel, "The Ambassador's Wife" (2023). If you are interested in reading a story about romance, travel, adventure, mystery, politics, love, and more, then please pick up a copy to my debut novel, available on Amazon via Kindle, Kindle Unlimited, Paperback & Hardcover; and on Barnes & Noble via Paperback.
For more information, please visit the link in my bio.
Follow me on social media, via:
TikTok: @kristina.stangl
Instagram: @kristina.stangl
Twitter: @kristina_stangl
YouTube: @Kristina.Stangl
Thank you and Happy Reading!
Kristina Stangl
The Ambassador's Wife
Kristina Stangl
