Blood Apples

The Grimm Diaries Prequels #6

by Cameron Jace

In this short diary, Prince Charming tells how Snow White was really killed -- or was she? -- and how he came to meet Rapunzel's and Jack the Beanstalk. Is it true that he really knows who wrote the original fairy tales and handed them over to the Brothers Grimm? And more importantly, Prince Charming explains why apples are red.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Fairy Tales, Short Stories, Retellings, Paranormal, Fiction

41 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 6, 2012

About the author

Bestselling author of the Grimm Diaries and Insanity series. A traveller and collector of out-of-print books from all over the world, obsessed with the origins of folk tales and the mysterious storytellers who spread them. Many of his books made Amazon's Top 100 Customer Favorites in Kindle 2015 & Amazon's Top 100 kindle list. Cameron lives in Yerba Buena San Francisco California. When he isn't writing or collecting books, he is playing music or enjoys the silence.

Reviews

[Daiane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Real rating: 3.5

[L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bez ostychu tvrdím, že Cameron Jace je mistr srovnatelný s Gaimanem. Tak. A je to. Přečtěte si to.

Kolik ještě do Snow White Sorrow? Štve mě, že ty ostatní nemají obálky.

Well dome Master Jace!

[Alexandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

Neholdujem zamilovanostiam.
Ani láske, o ktorej vieme, že nepotrebuje dôvody. Pretože prečo? Pretože láska sa stane.

"Love was just love - not caring about who you were, because once it found you, it changed everything."

Aj tak som čudne spokojná. Pff, dopekla s tebou Cameron Jace, získal si si ma.

O čo pôjde:

Princ Krasoň (google mi pri "princ Charming" vyhodil toho zo Shreka, nechajte ma, ešte mu hovorím aj Nádherňajs, čiže Krasoň je lepšia možnosť) je zúfalo zaľúbený do nebezpečného monštra, ktorým je Snehulienka.
Chce ju zachrániť /zamknutie v nedosiahnuteľnej veži, ktorá je celkom určite vyššia než tá v Dubaji je in/.
A na to bude potrebovať pomoc.

A pomoc prichádza!
V podobe Jacka a jeho čarovnej fazule.
Ale bude Krasoň so Snehulienkou žiť šťastne až na veky?

Očakávajte:

1. Adage. Pobláznenosť. Naivitu. Túžbu. Lásku v najnevysvetliteľnejšej možnej podobne. Eeeh...jak ja ľúbim romantiku, no čo vám poviem? Haha. Nope. Akurát sa smejem, keď to ľudom nevyjde.

“Didn’t take you for a romantic boy,” I commented.
“I’m not. I just know what romance is. There is a difference.”

2. Neuposlúchnutie dobrých rád.
Proste...
(a nemal také, že jedna príležitosť zmeniť názor! Jemu to prakticky otrepávali o hlavu nonstop. Niežeby na tom nebolo niečo čarovné, ale odtiaľ potiaľ, ty tĺk):



3. Opakované neuposlúchnutie dobrých rád.



4. Teraz vážne, ako zle na tom musíte byť, aby vás, bohatého princa a vašu priateľku, ktorej sa len tak mimochodom bojí celá ríša, zachraňovalo hopkajúce pako s prerastenou zeleninou, ktoré smrdí rybinou?

5.Čo horšie ja som si to užívala.

6. Neviem, či to mám brať ako pozitívum, ale konečne som neifarktovala.

7. Obrázok je spoiler (z Epic Rap Battle of History: Romeo & Juliett vs Bonnie and Clyde. Píšem vám to, pretože som na tom zo záhadného dôvodu závislá a chcem vás nakaziť):



Niet nad šťastné konce!

A teraz idem abstinovať nad normálnou knihou.
Retellingy mi lezú na mozog.

[Kačaba · Rating 3 out of 5]

Některé díly musí být "slabší", aby vyzvedly genialitu těch ostatních. :))

“It doesn’t matter how many people die in the world, as long as there are the few who know how to love and live. The power of love, however little, is enough to balance with all the death around us.”

[Lily · Rating 1 out of 5]

After reading 'Mary Mary Quite Contrary' I did state that I was done with the series. So maybe the folks that may keep up with my reviews may ask why did I choose to continue after all?

Well... I had downloaded this installment to my Kindle, and since I know that they are quick reads I thought I would give it a go. But alas.... I was disappointed. This story did not, in fact, redeem the short series after all for me.

Told from Prince Charming's POV, this story jumped all over the place. I found myself thinking, as I read the Prince's thoughts, that he may be in need of some medication to help him focus. He made me dizzy. He jumped from one subject to the other at mach speed.

Characters like Jack (as in Jack and the Beanstalk) made this a little more focused and slightly more interesting, but this story just incorporated way too much, too fast, with not enough page time for me to fully appreciate and absorb the sequence of events.

Gorgeous eye-popping covers, but its contents just didn't appeal. Though this series as a whole has so much potential and imagination, the tone of it continues to throw me off, and unfortunately, also turn me off.

[Lauren (Northern Plunder)]

This review was first posted on Northern Plunder, if you want to see more reviews please click here.

Blood Apples is from Prince Charming's point of view and with the help of Jack and his mermaid girlfriend Marmalade they rescue Snow White from a tower (Rapunzel's tower that is), unfortunately things go a miss and the groups get split up. The girls one way and the boys another and when Prince Charming finally meet sup with his Snow White, she is already dead from poison, he kisses her and poisons himself. You see where I'm going with this? Its pretty much Romeo & Juliette only this Juliette (Snow White) is immortal and Romeo ends up alive too. Its a pretty good story but not one of my favourites, as you can probably tell. There are some nice quotes above love though, and the meaning of adage.

[Lissa Smith Reads'~A Bookaholics Bookshelf · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rated
3 Stars: ⭐⭐⭐
Kindle Unlimited Read

[Joan{missing the vampire bunny slippers!} · Rating 3 out of 5]

First of all I want to thank Mr Cameron for sending me a copy of this book and letting me review it!

THERE MIGHT BE SPOILERS SO CONSIDER YOURSELVES WARNED! ;D

Honestly, I can't say this was my favorite among the prequels. Charming was never my cup of tea, but Jack was an interesting lad.
I think this book had the biggest medley of characters so far.
Gretel was a surprise, but it was kind of fan.
Rapunzel as evil was something I hadn't seen before and I dare say the idea has merit.Poor girl locked in a tower for almost her entire life, how can anybody expect her to turn out sane? It kind of makes sense... :)
Now Jack was never a character that seemed all that interesting, but somehow here he was the most intriguing one. The boy who walks in the clouds, steals from the "big guns" and has a troll coming after him... Yeah, he had me watching.
Charming though was a flat as they come. All his talk about loving a monster and how he wanted to save her and be with her where a bit stiff. A real Ken doll.
Overall, I liked one more time the twist in the fairy tale characters! The only thing that threw me off was the narrator. Every time I had one of the prequels in my hands I couldn't wait to see which characters where gonna show up this time and how the author would decide to twist them! This time was no different! :)

Thanks again to the author for letting me review this!

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finally, things have started to make sense. The links between characters aren't as confusing as they were and this was a much better prequel than the one before it. Although I wouldn't recommend it to those who's dislike insta-love or very soppy writing. I could just about bare it though so it wasn't all bad.

The plot of this novella was quite interesting and the way in which the characters from several different fairytales interacted provided some amusement. Particularly Jack and Prince Charming. Although once again, it falters at the end despite the good start. Perhaps this may be due to the shortness of the prequels. If they were longer, things could have been elaborated more and events wouldn't be so sudden and off putting.

I would say that this, along with Ladle Rat Rotten Hut were the best prequels in this bundle despite the cheesyness of this one. I do prefer Ladle Rat Rotten Hut however. This has encouraged me to continue with the series, despite some hesitance due to Beauty Never Dies and Mary, Mary Quite Contrary and I'm hopeful that the author has maybe learned from his mistakes in the next batch of prequels.

[McKenzie Richardson · Rating 2 out of 5]

(Free book from Kindle store.)Pretty much everything I have disliked about the other prequels holds true for this one as well. I was happy when Rapunzel showed up (finally an actual Grimm character is a series supposedly dedicated to Grimm stories). Although Jack also appears (the one with the beanstalk) and allusions are made to Adam and Eve as well as Romeo and Juliet (or Pyramus and Thisbe if you prefer), it was refreshing to see that the whole Grimm concept was not completely lost in the need to incorporate any and all characters related to myths and fairy tales.Decent story. Not so good writing. Also, I am disappointed that Jace continues to pair off all of the characters in awkward relationships that come off as juvenile due to poorly written dialogue. Jack and Marmalade both seemed ridiculous, as have all of the other fairy tale couples in the series. I have reached the end of the free Kindle prequels so I am officially done with the series and not too disappointed in this fact. As with the other books, great idea for a story with writing that just doesn't pull through.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

In similar fashion as the other Grimm Diaries Prequels, Blood Apples puts a new spin on the fairytale stories we all grew up with. And like the other prequels, Blood Apples did not disappoint.

This one is narrated by Prince Charming, and we get a little more insight into his relationship with Snow White, and his undying love for her, despite what she is. We also get to meet a couple new characters, and the way Cameron Jace weaves their stories into this is both fun and creative.

So be sure to read Blood Apples--another exciting and entertaining installment to this great series!

[Mercedes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this prequel! Jack was a great character and his whit was just what the story needed. I have to say I felt for old Prince Charming and his monster. I'd been looking forward to reading this prequel since I ate up the first 5 in one sitting. And now, yes folks, there is another prequel coming! Ahhhh! I want it now and Snow White Sorrow. Cameron keep it up, I look forward to reading more of your work.

[Suba Wijesinghe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Why apples are RED?

Who turned golden apples into red?

Well, I got the answers for these questions. PRINCE CHARMING told me. ;-) ;-)

It's terrible how apples turned into the red. If you read this book once, You'll never looks at the apples as the same way early you did. It's wired!!!

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay...I'm done.... Excellent book



Now...onward I go....Jack was a nice twist....and poor Snow and Prince Charming.....

[Binibining `E (of The Ugly Writers) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did enjoy Prince Charming's POV. Oh he really is in love with Snow White and will do anything to save her with the help of Jack. Interesting story taken up on Romeo and Juliet. That was really clever. I like this!

[E.A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Apples, what are their true colour?

Are they really red?

What's the true story?

After this short, you'll never looks at apples the same way, without cringing.

Happy Reading

-Emily

[Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

These are super short books but give a great understand where these fairies tales are coming from. I enjoyed the behind scenes to each upcoming character.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE THIS SERIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Mauoijenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it. Another great story in the Grimm Diaries Prequel.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nojo, jako Romeo a Julie...

[Carmen8094 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Blood apples rappresenta il sesto prequel dei Grimm diaries di Cameron Jace.
La storia questa volta è raccontata dal Principe Azzurro, alla disperata ricerca di un modo per liberare la sua amata Snow White dalla torre in cui è stata rinchiusa a causa della sua particolare natura.
Il Principe riceve presto l'aiuto di Jack, che, grazie ai semi di fagioli magici e all'aiuto di una sirena, riesce a portare via dalla torre Snow White, nonostante questa sia controllata da Rapunzel...

Blood apples sembra fare parecchi passi indietro rispetto al prequel precedente, Mary Mary quite contrary.
La storia è di nuovo piuttosto confusa, così come i dialoghi, alquanto improbabili. La descrizione da parte di Jack della mela d'oro è prolissa e alla fine inutile; il personaggio della sirena lascia piuttosto perplessi; Rapunzel, che pare l'unico elemento interessante, viene marginalizzata al punto che non sappiamo nulla di lei.
Il fatto che il narratore sia il Principe Azzurro è interessante e abbastanza originale, ma il racconto risulta alla fine presuntuoso - vengono tirati in ballo anche Adamo ed Eva e Romeo e Giulietta di Shakespeare -.
Il finale dovrebbe essere sorprendente, ma è così piatto e mal scritto che peggio non si potrebbe.

http://iltesorodicarta.blogspot.com/2...

[Michelle Mulder · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favourite quote so far in this series is:
"I mean, all this time here and I didn’t know whom to root for, who was the enemy and who was the friend. Everyone had a demon inside. I guess it was all about controlling the demon and choosing your destiny."

This tale is told by Prince Charming.
Prince Charming tells the story of how he rescued the love of his life aka Snow White.
He teams up with some unlikely characters to forefill his task.

We meet Jack, Rapunzel and mother Gothel in this book. And if you ever wondered why apples are red, Prince Charming explains that too.

[Ashley Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I actually enjoyed Prince Charming's narrative. The only flaw I found with this one was the ending. So much happened within the span of one page that it felt completely glossed over. I know it will likely be explained in the actual series, but it made the ending feel rushed.

[Sophia (Bookwyrming Thoughts) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Original Review posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts

Formatting is lost due to copy and paste.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review. My review is not influenced in any way.

Hark who's talking. And so Prince Charming speaks. Snow White's Prince Charming. Actually, I'm surprised he's alive. Didn't he pretty much die by the hands of the very Snow White in prequel numero uno, which the Queen of Sorrow, along with others, witnessed? I might be wrong (Memory Lane is full traffic at this time). The likely worst case scenario that probably happened may have been good old Charming turning into whatever Snow White is (really, I shouldn't spill the “prediction” beans right now).

I'll leave you to ponder on that. If you haven't read it. If you have read it, yay. It's not exactly spilling any beans... or did I just spill a handful (I hope I didn't... Dx)?

In Blood Apples, we have Prince Charming, who's apparently older now, looking for Snow White in the Kingdom of Sorrow and wants to save her from wherever she's at. There are hints of the other prequels that crossover, so a certain color is still banned and we have a pair of old characters come back, along with a few new ones (I won't say which ones). In my humble opinion, Prince Charming isn't that bad, if he is whatever Snow White is now, besides chasing her all over the place [to the ends of the world] in hopes she can be found (I won't say if she is found either).
Though the author mentions in the Author's Notes that there are hints to 3 works (not fairy tale-ish), I found it more of Romeo and Juliet (which is one of the 3 – no I didn't read it, but I have the slightest idea of what happens there), especially near the end. I guess I'll figure out how the other 2 are similar to the prequel when I actually read them... in school, with the likely case scenario being required reading (I'll be sure to take note not to complain if it is). Or maybe I'll never find out, unless I ask Google once more for assistance.

I'm curious about the very end though... and I'm probably confused if the actual diaries will be in present day (aka, parallel-like world while we're continuing with our lives, oblivious to whatever else going on but factual stuff) or just records of past events (in fictional terms – you won't find it in your history textbooks). I guess I'll find out eventually in the near future.

[Zuleeza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actual rating 3.75 stars.

This one was actually pretty good. Just like the previous prequels, I finished this in no time at all. But after the magnificent Mary Mary Quite Contrary (The Grimm Diaries Prequels, #5), of course I was expecting Blood Apples to be better but hmm, that didn't happen.

Not sure if Blood Apples is indeed less intriguing than its predecessor because this is actually a different story from the one told in Mary Mary Quite Contrary although they are certainly linked together. Suffice to say that Blood Apples is less darker, less twisted and less 'serious' than Mary Mary Quite Contrary. And I think that's why I didn't quite enjoy it this time around. I was also craving for more originality because the ending is very Romeo & Juliet-ish.

One thing that confused me is why Rapunzel has to be put together with Snow White in the same tower if they are indeed monsters in their own right. Wouldn't they tore each other to pieces LOL?

The Prince Charming. He is actually a bimbo which I found mildly annoying but well, he has silver spoon in his mouth his entire life, so I wouldn't expecting more anyway. I don't know if the readers will be supplied with enough backstory of Prince Charming and Snow White romance in later prequel/books but for now, their undying (or dying love in this case) for each other, didn't affect me one bit.

I'm also curious about King of Sorrow. As a king, what is his role? Is he is indeed a wimp who just follows whatever Queen of Sorrow says?

I'm not sure if I missed the description/explanation about the true role of Death and Angels (like Loki?)...I don't know, I ended up really confused now. Who kills who actually?

Jack and the Beanstalk. He is very cynical but thank God, he isn't as annoying as Peter Pan. The troll scene in the climax ended as abruptly as it started.

Finishing this, I really hope that Snow White Sorrow would be narrated by Snow White herself. It'll be really interesting to be inside Snow White's head since she is portrayed as this innocent monster. I'm keen to find out if she really is an innocence without control of her own body.

I received the ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Alpha · Rating 5 out of 5]

NOTE: This review contains some spoilers though the ending won't be spoiled at all! YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!

The above warning is to notify that I will no longer be writing this cryptic reviews for these prequels. I cannot just write a review on how good (or bad) a book, short story, novella, *Insert Form of Writing HERE!* anymore unless I do some spoiling. In that case, my reviews from this point on for these books will be given a lot of justice where I feel the first five are just whatever but at least more than single sentences or one-word exclamations such as "AWESOME!" or "RADICAL!".

Now that is out of my system, onward to the review. This prologue is written through the eyes of Prince Charming who is the prince who falls desperately in love with Snow White in this story and in every version of "Snow White" that I know of. In the first prequel, there was a prince who was bitten by Snow White and almost died. Prince Charming is that same prince...and he has fallen in love with his assailant. Love is murderous right? Anyways, throughout their upbringing, the prince tries his best to appease and love Snow White despite her being a vampire. Snow White's mother (The Queen of Sorrows) is driven by every rumor and dark magic to heal her daughter and thus will do almost anything to save her.

This is when stories mix from the previous sequels as well as traditional stories mixing too. The dynamic between characters is amazing and how one event seems to spark another event has a lot to do with the direction this series is going. Without going into further detail of the plot, I will say that I like Jack from Jack and the Beanstalk and how he plays an intricate role in the progression and the same goes with Marmalade. There are also strong undertones of Romeo and Juliet in this prequel too.

In the end, I have to go with my original concepts of reviewing and ask everyone to read this story in order of the prequels. Some aspects will make sense since there are many references to the first five prequels in this sixth installment.

[Holly Letson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is told by Prince Charming with a little help from Jack. Charming is on his way to rescue Snow White, who is trapped in the tall tower with Rapunzel. With 2 problems, evil Rapunzel plants surround the tower and Rapunzel's famous long blonde hair has not yet grown long enough to climb up, so no-one can enter the tower from the outside.
That's where Jack comes in, as he is willing to "help" anyone, for a price. Jack wants a egg-laying animal that lays gold eggs. Charming promises to pay gold instead, but Jack still helps.
But, a giant troll interferes with the rescue, causing Jack's mermaid girlfriend, Marmalade, to escape with Snow. However, Marmalade promises to leave Snow by the tree Pomona--the fruit goddess--lives in, as a symbol of the Adage (true love) between Snow and Charming.
Charming arrives there to find Snow poisoned, and kisses her to poison--and ultimately, kill--himself, for a life without her is not worth living. However, Snow is only asleep. She awakes to find Charming "dead", and stabs herself to death, not wanting to live her life without him. When Charming awakes, Pomona explains this to him, and advises him to escape since Snow is dead.
In reality, Snow is immortal, but Charming doesn't realize this at the time. When he does realize that, it is far too late, as Snow is already gone. Charming spends his life looking for Snow, but can never find her.
-----------------------------
In conclusion, thanks so much to Cameron Jace for allowing me to read and review this series. I found that Snow White and The Queen of Sorrow were my 2 favorite characters in the Prequels.

[Marsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cameron Jace has written another wonderful addition to the Grimm Prequels with “Blood Apples.” In this installment, the story is being told from Prince Charming’s point of view. We finally learn how he meets Snow White, falls in love and the reasons behind their unbearable separation. I especially enjoyed this explanation for why apples are the color red. It added an extra layer of mystery that will be sure to pop up again the first book of the series.
Prince Charming has been separated from his love Snow White who has been imprisoned in a coffin by her mother in an imposing tower guarded by Repunzel. It seems Repunzel has problems of her own as she awaits the return of her love. Meanwhile, Prince is bound and determined to rescue Snow White. He enlists the aid of Jack in the Beanstalk who is also a master thief. Jack is also nobody’s fool and although he has agreed to assist in the rescue of Snow White, he refuses to release the beautiful monster until he is well out of harm’s way. This rescue is going to be problematic and oh so delicious!
I enjoyed the character of Jack as well as his sometimes lady love, Marmalade. I must admit that I would really like to know a little more about her. Hopefully, we will read more about her in future installments. Lastly, without revealing any spoilers, I was a little sad at the end. I will not say why. However, the more I read of the prequels, the more I cannot wait for the first book. Give yourself a treat and read “Blood Apples.” You will not regret it!

[Brooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

I rather liked this prequel. It's told from Prince Charming's POV. He is so in love with Snow White and he will do anything to find her and be with her. But he's also not so smart. No, I will rephrase that, he's not smart at all. Everything has to be explained to him. It's rather annoying. Definitely not the strong Prince we are used to!
And this story has Charming caught up in things he is not so used to. Anything including employing thieves such as Jack (from Jack and the Beanstalk, of course!).
We also learn the origins of the apple. And it's not the red apple you know, rather it's golden. And this distinction is quite important. But I won't give that away.
As with all these prequels, there is a link. We hear once again about Peter Pan, and Hansel and Gretel. But Snow White is the major link between them all. So you can imagine I am intrigued with her exact roll with all these characters. She is obviously very important, the center of what is going to happen.
We are also introduced to the concept of Rupunzel in this story. Though she is not as she is in the fairy tales we know (what else is new with Jace's stories, right)? She's rather evil, but we don't get to know her well enough to really understand what roll she will play.
I can say this, the story is definitely a take off of Romeo and Juliette. So if you're intrigued by this Shakespeare story, you may very well like this prequel. While I love Shakespeare, I think the inclusions of this theme in Snow White and Prince Charming's story is rather unnecessary.

[Sibil · Rating 3 out of 5]

Questo diario è del Principe Azzurro (Prince Charming, che, detto tra noi io non ho mai trovato così charming). Quando ho visto chi era il narratore ho storto un po' il naso, perché, come avrete intuito, non sono esattamente una sua fan (voglio dire, sono cresciuta a pane e Fantaghirò, quando ero piccola la adoravo e avrò rivisto i suoi film mille volte, ma non sono mai stata una fan di Romualdo, che era il perfetto principe azzurro... proprio no! Al diavolo i principini perfettini! Io volevo Tarabas!!!!!!)Comunque... non mi sono fatta scoraggiare troppo dal personaggio perché, in fondo, Jace è un genio e quindi ho proseguito fiduciosa nella lettura: ammetto che non è il mio prequel preferito (il posto spetta al quarto e al quinto) ma è comunque molto carino: si scoprono alcuni retroscena interessanti su Biancaneve e il Principe, mixati a Romeo e Giulietta, Jack e il fagiolo magico, Raperonzolo e Hansel e Gretel. Finalmente scopriamo anche perché le mele sono rosse (cosa che mi chiedevo da un bel po'... evviva!) (Ah, già... non sapete di cosa sto parlando, vero? Male! Molto male! Correte a leggervi questi prequel, su su!!! :P).

L'autore riesce a creare un altro racconto fantastico, geniale, in cui risponde a degli interrogativi mentre miscela sapientemente tra loro fiabe, racconti, poesia, cultura popolare e particolari del mondo da lui creato. Insomma, riesce come sempre a fare un bel lavoro e a intrigarci ancora di più, pur rispondendo ad alcune domande. Bel lavoro, Cam! :P