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Twisted Tales #1
With a Kiss
Faerytales. They're real . . . they just haven't happened yet. Halley Starr finds this out when she loses her heart to a terrible curse. Now she has to get it back from that dirty faery who stole it from her. But first she must fight against the seven rules of the faery kingdom that mortals must never break:
1. No trespassing sacred faery territory
2. Don't ever say thank you
3. Using a faery’s given name is a no-no
4. Resist all faery music
5. Never break a promise to a faery
6. Reject all faery food
7. And never, never fall in love with a faery
But if Halley wants her heart back again, she can’t worry about the rules.
"With a Kiss" is the first book in the Twisted Tales Series.
1. No trespassing sacred faery territory
2. Don't ever say thank you
3. Using a faery’s given name is a no-no
4. Resist all faery music
5. Never break a promise to a faery
6. Reject all faery food
7. And never, never fall in love with a faery
But if Halley wants her heart back again, she can’t worry about the rules.
"With a Kiss" is the first book in the Twisted Tales Series.
282 pages, ebook
First published March 15, 2013
40 people are currently reading
753 people want to read
About the author
Suzanna Fowers
9 books12 followersAt the tender age of seven, Suzanna's picture book called, "Candy Land" began her career of writing fantasy. She read stories aloud to her classmates about the donut people who solved crimes and Henry the VIII's wives breaking free to explore the red spot on Jupiter. Her imagination hasn't stopped since. She credits her older brother for her love of fantasy and remembers tugging out his dragon fantasy books from a room he'd painted in dragons, Garfield, and Nerds. Her love for romance comes from the box of historical regency romances tucked under her mother's bed. Of course, reading her family's books on the sly had unintended consequences. Her brother had to wipe away her tears and explain cliffhangers and that her favorite character did NOT actually die at the end of a book, and… maybe she should start with book one, instead of book five? And as for the snitched romances? Unfortunately, Suzanna's mother has spent YEARS trying to comfort her overly-hopeful daughter over her romantic ideals.
Nevertheless, Suzanna has a WILD blend of literary tastes. She is thrilled to invite you on her fantasy-writing journey. She has all sorts of ideas in the works with dystopian, plus some Regency romance fantasy with Greek gods, steampunk crime mysteries (because why settle on one genre?), and yes, more and more fairy tale retellings.
Suzanna also writes under the name, Stephanie Fowers. So, if you're into romantic suspense, romantic comedy, inspirational romance, check out those books too!
Happy reading and imagining!
Nevertheless, Suzanna has a WILD blend of literary tastes. She is thrilled to invite you on her fantasy-writing journey. She has all sorts of ideas in the works with dystopian, plus some Regency romance fantasy with Greek gods, steampunk crime mysteries (because why settle on one genre?), and yes, more and more fairy tale retellings.
Suzanna also writes under the name, Stephanie Fowers. So, if you're into romantic suspense, romantic comedy, inspirational romance, check out those books too!
Happy reading and imagining!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
October 6, 2015
Very engaging. The characters were very interesting and charming. The depictions of the many different fae were intriguing and entertaining. While at times a bit chaotic, the story was riveting, and I had a hard time putting it down.
July 13, 2013
(originally posted on my blog and shortened here for brevity; minor spoilers ahead)
In With a Kiss, Halley Starr, an unfeeling but otherwise normal teen, finds herself playing an overprotective godmother to a faery princess. When I mean unfeeling, I don't mean that she's cruel; she'd love to love, love to feel, but she was placed under a curse, which is why she literally has an ice-cold heart. With the help of Hobs, the inspiration behind the mischievous Puck, she'll have to break the curse and save the princess.
Or does she? That's one of the fun things about this book; Ms. Fowers takes us through twists and turns so that you don't know who is bad and who is good. In fact, even though I've finished the book, there are still a few characters who I'm still not sure are good or bad. And that's just *one* of the fun things about this book. The dialogue and interactions between Halley, Hobs, and Babs (the faery princess child) are fantastic--funny and also heartwarming.
Halley reminds me of Emma in the TV show Once Upon a Time. She's not a dainty princess or a warrior princess… she's a normal person who just happens to be stuck as an unexpected hero as she discovers that faery tales are real. Hobs is a delightful prankster and a great character, especially when you realize why he won't leave Halley alone.
Various mystical creatures from different myths and tales pop up in Ms. Fower's world, which is rich with magic and where faery tales are actually dark prophesies that are yet to come. However, even though there's magic, humans have no idea about it. Additionally, each chapter has a fae-related quote at the start. To say this book would appeal to those who love myths and faeries would be a huge understatement!
There's romance, but it's clean and totally appropriate for young teens reading this with enough humor and angst to appeal to all ages. This is clearly part of a series as there are cliffhangers for many of the characters at the end so you'll probably want to make sure book two is ready to go! This is by no means a standalone book although there is some resolution (which opens up many more questions!).
With a Kiss is a fast-paced and fun book that I can see appealing to all age groups, particularly those who like mythology and the fae.
In With a Kiss, Halley Starr, an unfeeling but otherwise normal teen, finds herself playing an overprotective godmother to a faery princess. When I mean unfeeling, I don't mean that she's cruel; she'd love to love, love to feel, but she was placed under a curse, which is why she literally has an ice-cold heart. With the help of Hobs, the inspiration behind the mischievous Puck, she'll have to break the curse and save the princess.
Or does she? That's one of the fun things about this book; Ms. Fowers takes us through twists and turns so that you don't know who is bad and who is good. In fact, even though I've finished the book, there are still a few characters who I'm still not sure are good or bad. And that's just *one* of the fun things about this book. The dialogue and interactions between Halley, Hobs, and Babs (the faery princess child) are fantastic--funny and also heartwarming.
Halley reminds me of Emma in the TV show Once Upon a Time. She's not a dainty princess or a warrior princess… she's a normal person who just happens to be stuck as an unexpected hero as she discovers that faery tales are real. Hobs is a delightful prankster and a great character, especially when you realize why he won't leave Halley alone.
Various mystical creatures from different myths and tales pop up in Ms. Fower's world, which is rich with magic and where faery tales are actually dark prophesies that are yet to come. However, even though there's magic, humans have no idea about it. Additionally, each chapter has a fae-related quote at the start. To say this book would appeal to those who love myths and faeries would be a huge understatement!
There's romance, but it's clean and totally appropriate for young teens reading this with enough humor and angst to appeal to all ages. This is clearly part of a series as there are cliffhangers for many of the characters at the end so you'll probably want to make sure book two is ready to go! This is by no means a standalone book although there is some resolution (which opens up many more questions!).
With a Kiss is a fast-paced and fun book that I can see appealing to all age groups, particularly those who like mythology and the fae.
April 7, 2015
WOW! This was one weird book, but it was a good weird. I have never read a book like With a Kiss. With a Kiss had some very twisted fairy tales, they was unlike anything I ever heard of. This book had a great and unique storyline. The pace started off really good but then it would get really slow and it would make the book feel dragged out.
The characters were good and I like most of them. Halley our main character was good but she came off as medico, she was just too plain. For her to have been the main character she didn’t stick out. There wasn’t anything about her features that captive the reader’s attention well besides her being unable to love.
I really liked Hobs but I was confused a lot when it was dealing with him. We learn some things about him but not a lot. His inability to answer questions always hit a little nerve. Hobs hands down were the most freaking secretive character of the whole book and sometime it wasn’t even called for.
My favorite characters out of the whole book were Bugul and Babs. I loved them so much. Bugul was the grumpiness little thing ever. I love how he was always trying to warn Halley when Hobs wasn’t being forthcoming, and Babs was just adorable. I’m so looking forward to reading more about her in the next book.
Overall this book was a really nice quick read and I so want to read the next book.
The characters were good and I like most of them. Halley our main character was good but she came off as medico, she was just too plain. For her to have been the main character she didn’t stick out. There wasn’t anything about her features that captive the reader’s attention well besides her being unable to love.
I really liked Hobs but I was confused a lot when it was dealing with him. We learn some things about him but not a lot. His inability to answer questions always hit a little nerve. Hobs hands down were the most freaking secretive character of the whole book and sometime it wasn’t even called for.
My favorite characters out of the whole book were Bugul and Babs. I loved them so much. Bugul was the grumpiness little thing ever. I love how he was always trying to warn Halley when Hobs wasn’t being forthcoming, and Babs was just adorable. I’m so looking forward to reading more about her in the next book.
Overall this book was a really nice quick read and I so want to read the next book.
July 20, 2013
This book was a weird mix of confusing and transparent. On the 'transparent' side, it was clear within the first twenty pages what was *actually* going on (so the 'big reveal' around 2/3 of the way through was hardly a surprise). On the other hand, if you knew what was going to happen, then you could clearly see the inconsistencies throughout the book. Things just didn't make any sense. (Most vague, spoiler-free review ever?)
Also, this book is ostensibly the first book in the series - but it's more like the first section of one book. The storyline isn't actually finished - you have to buy the next book to find out what happens. I simply don't care enough about the characters or the story to do that.
I thought the idea behind the book was very cute and it had a lot of potential. It needs to be pointed out that I'm not the target audience. Furthermore, I may be jaded because of the sheer amount I read - and maybe I read this book too quickly. I'd recommend this book to anyone who loves fairies.
Also, this book is ostensibly the first book in the series - but it's more like the first section of one book. The storyline isn't actually finished - you have to buy the next book to find out what happens. I simply don't care enough about the characters or the story to do that.
I thought the idea behind the book was very cute and it had a lot of potential. It needs to be pointed out that I'm not the target audience. Furthermore, I may be jaded because of the sheer amount I read - and maybe I read this book too quickly. I'd recommend this book to anyone who loves fairies.
August 6, 2016
First I know I'm not the target audience. I'm an adult but I do read a lot of young adult books. So with that said I had a hard time getting into the book. I usually read a book in 1 to 2 weeks. This took more like 2 years, but only because I kept picking up other books that were more interesting to me or I needed to read for book club. I knew exactly who was who a lot earlier than I think was intended so I would get annoyed with the main character because she seemed smarter than what she was being. The last half I breezed through in a week and thought it was engaging and exciting! I do want to read the whole series to find out what happens. This world Fowers created is new and original and dark! For me I just had to get past the beginning to appreciate it more.
test-read-an-early-draft
September 4, 2014I got to read a pre-publication version of this book. If you like YA fantasy, you should check out this series. It has a fun voice, enough action to hold my interest, and some sweet romance. I love the way the author takes familiar fairy tales and legends and weaves them into the story with a twist. And big bonus: she's releasing all three books at the same time, so you won't have to wait for the next one!
January 22, 2017
2.5 I spent a lot of time confused in this book. It seemed pretty choppy at times, and I didn't get how it jumped from one scene or conversation to another. It's saving grace was it's a fairy tale retelling which I love-- but even that aspect was weird: jumping from fairy tale to fairy tale, trying to be everything, but not really being anything. Honestly, I'm still really confused about what happened, but I'll finish the series anyway. Gotta know what happens to Babs!
September 18, 2024
Not For Me
This is where I really should read the synopsis before trying to read the novel. I'm not big into fairy fantasy type books, and this one provides a lot of that. I had a hard time getting attached to characters, and it was very clear this is the first of many other books. It felt so incomplete.
This is where I really should read the synopsis before trying to read the novel. I'm not big into fairy fantasy type books, and this one provides a lot of that. I had a hard time getting attached to characters, and it was very clear this is the first of many other books. It felt so incomplete.
December 31, 2017
Great tales
I love the way the writer mix up several faery tales that are well known and it was given a great twist. An amazing book.
I love the way the writer mix up several faery tales that are well known and it was given a great twist. An amazing book.
March 27, 2020
I couldn't follow so much of this book.... the effort became greater than the interest in reading it, unfortunately.
February 5, 2014
Not going to lie, I am so undecided about this read! As soon as I saw the book description, I knew I had to read it . But within the first few pages, I was lost, and I stayed confused until 80% of the way through - and even then I still had a gazillion questions that needed answering!
Halley, our main protagonist, has been given the mission by the faery queen to deliver the faery princess baby back to the faery queen in five days time. It's a race against the clock, and with the help of a handsome but mischievous faery, a grumpy Leprechaun and a swirly toy, Halley has to avoid being captured by the Snow Queen - the Hag.
I think the whole concept is amazing, and I've got to praise Fowers for being able to think up this incredible world! The faery genre already has some rules already set out - thanks Mr Shakespeare! - so it's up to the author to twist and change them into a believable storyline, and I think Fowers did an incredible job. I loved the links between A Midsummer Night's Dream, and I think the original characters had been adapted well, as the similarities were clear.
What wasn't clear was the plot. I knew what Halley's goal was, but I think Fower's characterization was far too mysterious for Hobs. He spoke in tongues and avoided answering Halley's questions, which I think worked for a while...until it became infuriating. As the reader, I wanted answers to slowly become clear as the adventure continued, but I was constantly met with this same wall of resistance. The strangest thing was that I guessed the plot twist from the very beginning, but I don't know how because I was thoroughly confused! The confusion doesn't make you hate the novel at all, and there is still that need for answers that pushes you to finish it - but it did reach a point of becoming annoying.
I guess it's pretty easy to see that I didn't like Hobs much, mostly down to how bloomin' secretive he was! I did warm to him during the last 20% of the novel, as things became slightly clearer, but I found the relationship between him and Halley to be slightly forced - I wanted to see them falling for each other just a bit more! However, I loved loved loved Bugul and Babs! Bugul wasn't in it a ridiculous amount, but I adored his grumpiness and how unlovably lovable he was! You cannot read this book and tell me you didn't like him; it isn't possible! Babs was adorable, and I can't wait to see more of her in the sequel!
I swear I make all my positive reviews sound majorly negative? I really did enjoy this read, and I'd definitely recommend it to people who like quite quick reads and how love the supernatural faery genre. I think the book could have been improved with a little bit more willingly given answers, but maybe I'm just overly impatient? I suppose it is up to you to decide! You've definitely got a pick up a copy of this book, and soon; it's worth a read.
Halley, our main protagonist, has been given the mission by the faery queen to deliver the faery princess baby back to the faery queen in five days time. It's a race against the clock, and with the help of a handsome but mischievous faery, a grumpy Leprechaun and a swirly toy, Halley has to avoid being captured by the Snow Queen - the Hag.
I think the whole concept is amazing, and I've got to praise Fowers for being able to think up this incredible world! The faery genre already has some rules already set out - thanks Mr Shakespeare! - so it's up to the author to twist and change them into a believable storyline, and I think Fowers did an incredible job. I loved the links between A Midsummer Night's Dream, and I think the original characters had been adapted well, as the similarities were clear.
What wasn't clear was the plot. I knew what Halley's goal was, but I think Fower's characterization was far too mysterious for Hobs. He spoke in tongues and avoided answering Halley's questions, which I think worked for a while...until it became infuriating. As the reader, I wanted answers to slowly become clear as the adventure continued, but I was constantly met with this same wall of resistance. The strangest thing was that I guessed the plot twist from the very beginning, but I don't know how because I was thoroughly confused! The confusion doesn't make you hate the novel at all, and there is still that need for answers that pushes you to finish it - but it did reach a point of becoming annoying.
I guess it's pretty easy to see that I didn't like Hobs much, mostly down to how bloomin' secretive he was! I did warm to him during the last 20% of the novel, as things became slightly clearer, but I found the relationship between him and Halley to be slightly forced - I wanted to see them falling for each other just a bit more! However, I loved loved loved Bugul and Babs! Bugul wasn't in it a ridiculous amount, but I adored his grumpiness and how unlovably lovable he was! You cannot read this book and tell me you didn't like him; it isn't possible! Babs was adorable, and I can't wait to see more of her in the sequel!
I swear I make all my positive reviews sound majorly negative? I really did enjoy this read, and I'd definitely recommend it to people who like quite quick reads and how love the supernatural faery genre. I think the book could have been improved with a little bit more willingly given answers, but maybe I'm just overly impatient? I suppose it is up to you to decide! You've definitely got a pick up a copy of this book, and soon; it's worth a read.
April 2, 2013
With a Kiss is the first book in the Twisted Tales series. It is about faeries, which I really enjoy reading about. I liked that that this version of the faery came right from Shakespeare himself. I loved the quotes at the start of each chapter and the way that a midsummer's nights dream was woven into the book first through the school play at the start and then through the various characters. I thought it was a great way to kind of describe who everyone was and also to give some background information on the characters and on the boundaries and workings of the faery world.
The main character is Halley. She basically had lived her whole life without feelings. I can't even imagine how that would be. And then when her heart was "jumpstarted" as she liked to call it, she started feeling everything! It must have been so intense for her. At first, I thought it all seemed kind of unrealistic how attached to everything she became, but then I started thinking about it and the way she described everything in such an escalating fashion- her emotions just kept becoming stronger and stronger- and then it made more sense to me.
Hobs was interesting. I couldn't quite get a hold on him or how I felt about him for a good portion of the book. I liked him, but he was tricky. He was a total enigma, but I would have liked to get to know him a little better. Halley was a better character, in my opinion, because I was able to connect with her much easier. At the start of the book, I didn't always agree with some of her motivations but I cut her some slack because I can understand that she was acting rashly because of the curse and the circumstances.
The faery world that Stephanie Fowers describes is wonderful. I think it was my favorite part of the story. I really enjoyed how she portrayed everything. There is always a lot going on, and at times it seemed like a bit too much to keep track of. As a result, a few times I was kind of confused about everything going on, but if you keep reading you get the hang of everything. That is not to say that you will have all the answers all the time, there is a lot left unanswered in With a Kiss, but it just made me want to read the next book to find out the answers to my questions.
Overall, With a Kiss is a really interesting start and I am certainly interested in continuing the trilogy. I liked that each book introduces a new character to be the "main" girl, but it seems like Halley will still play a big role in all the books. I think this is a good way to do it. You get to know new people, but if you love Halley you won't be ready to see her go in just one book. Fans of the faery should check out this series!
The main character is Halley. She basically had lived her whole life without feelings. I can't even imagine how that would be. And then when her heart was "jumpstarted" as she liked to call it, she started feeling everything! It must have been so intense for her. At first, I thought it all seemed kind of unrealistic how attached to everything she became, but then I started thinking about it and the way she described everything in such an escalating fashion- her emotions just kept becoming stronger and stronger- and then it made more sense to me.
Hobs was interesting. I couldn't quite get a hold on him or how I felt about him for a good portion of the book. I liked him, but he was tricky. He was a total enigma, but I would have liked to get to know him a little better. Halley was a better character, in my opinion, because I was able to connect with her much easier. At the start of the book, I didn't always agree with some of her motivations but I cut her some slack because I can understand that she was acting rashly because of the curse and the circumstances.
The faery world that Stephanie Fowers describes is wonderful. I think it was my favorite part of the story. I really enjoyed how she portrayed everything. There is always a lot going on, and at times it seemed like a bit too much to keep track of. As a result, a few times I was kind of confused about everything going on, but if you keep reading you get the hang of everything. That is not to say that you will have all the answers all the time, there is a lot left unanswered in With a Kiss, but it just made me want to read the next book to find out the answers to my questions.
Overall, With a Kiss is a really interesting start and I am certainly interested in continuing the trilogy. I liked that each book introduces a new character to be the "main" girl, but it seems like Halley will still play a big role in all the books. I think this is a good way to do it. You get to know new people, but if you love Halley you won't be ready to see her go in just one book. Fans of the faery should check out this series!
April 1, 2013
Halley is emotionless. She’s never been the emotional type like her sister. She also doesn't fit in while her sister is fair and looks like her parents Halley is darker with dark hair. It’s on the big night of the play where Halley will play a fairy that she starts to hear a baby crying. When she finds the baby she’s thrust into a world she didn't know existed given the task of delivering the princess to her mother the faery queen. Thankfully she doesn't have to travel through faery alone she joined with a protector Hobs who will help her on her journey.
Along the way the pair will encounter many challenges from nymphs to wolves even army’s set out to capture the princess. They are joined by a grumpy leprechaun who helps the pair on their quest. Halley is set on delivering the princess and returning to the life she left behind. From the start it’s been drilled into her that she needs to follow the rules but as the journey continues she learns that sometimes you have to break the rules. Will she be able to get Babs safely to the queen before time runs out?
A fast paced story the keeps you captivated from the start right till the end. The author does an amazing job of putting a new spin on classic faery tales. I've always been a fan of faery tales so when the chance came up to read the twisted tales I was all for it. I really liked Halley she grows so much from who she was when the book starts. I wasn't sure at first about Hobs only in part because I didn't like all the mystery and for a long time I was sure he would be a bad guy, by the end I was all alright with him. I’m still not sure how I feel about the Halley and Hobs thing it just didn't work out in my mind. Maybe I just see someone who isn't so secretive for her. I highly suggest anyone who loves faery tales should check out the series because they really are fantastic.
Along the way the pair will encounter many challenges from nymphs to wolves even army’s set out to capture the princess. They are joined by a grumpy leprechaun who helps the pair on their quest. Halley is set on delivering the princess and returning to the life she left behind. From the start it’s been drilled into her that she needs to follow the rules but as the journey continues she learns that sometimes you have to break the rules. Will she be able to get Babs safely to the queen before time runs out?
A fast paced story the keeps you captivated from the start right till the end. The author does an amazing job of putting a new spin on classic faery tales. I've always been a fan of faery tales so when the chance came up to read the twisted tales I was all for it. I really liked Halley she grows so much from who she was when the book starts. I wasn't sure at first about Hobs only in part because I didn't like all the mystery and for a long time I was sure he would be a bad guy, by the end I was all alright with him. I’m still not sure how I feel about the Halley and Hobs thing it just didn't work out in my mind. Maybe I just see someone who isn't so secretive for her. I highly suggest anyone who loves faery tales should check out the series because they really are fantastic.
July 26, 2013
My soul has been stolen by this series.
I'd actually give this book 4.5 stars, because it wasn't deep and philosophical and perfectly edited with no plot holes, yadda yadda... okay, I have a hard time giving books a perfect score.
BUT...
I can't put them down. I've finished the first two in two days... when I should have been unpacking from our move, cleaning, making dinner, etc., I put on a movie for my girls, curled up with them on the couch, and read. I stayed up late reading in bed long after my husband had gone to sleep. I read with my kindle in one hand while making PB&J sandwiches with the other.
Do you know how long it's been since I've had a book pull me in that hard?
One of the biggest things that sets this series apart for me from all the other "fairy tale" books is the way the different mythologies/fairy tales are blended. You can't look at a character and say, "oh, that's just Cinderella (or whomever), I know how her story goes," because there are several different 'personas' making up each character, drawing from Celtic mythology, classic fairy tales, and other sources of faery lore.
Speaking of characters, I loved them. I couldn't get them out of my head when I stopped reading. Hobs especially. He's hanging out in the corner of my head even now--guess I need to start that third book.
I found this book much more substantive than the covers of the series led me to believe--I borrowed the first one free on Amazon and thought I'd give them a try, and I'm so glad I did.
I'd actually give this book 4.5 stars, because it wasn't deep and philosophical and perfectly edited with no plot holes, yadda yadda... okay, I have a hard time giving books a perfect score.
BUT...
I can't put them down. I've finished the first two in two days... when I should have been unpacking from our move, cleaning, making dinner, etc., I put on a movie for my girls, curled up with them on the couch, and read. I stayed up late reading in bed long after my husband had gone to sleep. I read with my kindle in one hand while making PB&J sandwiches with the other.
Do you know how long it's been since I've had a book pull me in that hard?
One of the biggest things that sets this series apart for me from all the other "fairy tale" books is the way the different mythologies/fairy tales are blended. You can't look at a character and say, "oh, that's just Cinderella (or whomever), I know how her story goes," because there are several different 'personas' making up each character, drawing from Celtic mythology, classic fairy tales, and other sources of faery lore.
Speaking of characters, I loved them. I couldn't get them out of my head when I stopped reading. Hobs especially. He's hanging out in the corner of my head even now--guess I need to start that third book.
I found this book much more substantive than the covers of the series led me to believe--I borrowed the first one free on Amazon and thought I'd give them a try, and I'm so glad I did.
April 5, 2013
Background: Halley Starr has never been a normal teenage girl, she was a very sick child and her parents were never sure what was wrong. Now at seventeen she is beginning to learn a little more about her strange past, a curse that was put on her, and about faeries and how real they really are. Now she must find a way to un-curse herself and figure out what to do with a baby that has been left in her possession by these faeries.
Review: This book is the first in a trilogy called Twisted Tales, and it was very twisted. Halley is an interesting character to follow and sometimes comes off as a little whiney and immature, but overall she was a good lead.
The book begins with and continues with an action packed plot. Halley trying not to believe herself really crazy, faeries showing up..it was a lot to take on so quickly in the book. Halley character grows later in the story, I did not feel a connection with her in the beginning but she began to grow on me.
I am normally a fan of books about faeries and the faerie realm and this was no exception to that, it was an enjoyable, quick read, that kept me reading with its fun quirkiness and adventurous plot.
Review: This book is the first in a trilogy called Twisted Tales, and it was very twisted. Halley is an interesting character to follow and sometimes comes off as a little whiney and immature, but overall she was a good lead.
The book begins with and continues with an action packed plot. Halley trying not to believe herself really crazy, faeries showing up..it was a lot to take on so quickly in the book. Halley character grows later in the story, I did not feel a connection with her in the beginning but she began to grow on me.
I am normally a fan of books about faeries and the faerie realm and this was no exception to that, it was an enjoyable, quick read, that kept me reading with its fun quirkiness and adventurous plot.
July 23, 2013
Eh.. It was ok.
I really liked the idea that fairy tales are prophecies. It's a pretty cool plot device to work with even though this book didn't seem to be spun around any particular fairy tale. Rumpelstilzchen more than any other I suppose, but that was represented tenuously.
The various twists regarding identity of different characters was pretty well done though I did see them coming from a long way off.
I didn't realize that this was a YA book when I picked it up. It's not a genre I seek out but one I've read much from over the years. I don't think that's why this book didn't really do anything for me though. I wish I could put my finger on what didn't work about it for me, but it just felt.. cluttered? disorganized? hectic? I like lots of actions and can totally hang with multiple concurrent plot lines. This story telling just didn't feel very tightly wrought.
It wasn't bad, but I was ready for it to be over long before the ending came and won't be continuing the series.
I really liked the idea that fairy tales are prophecies. It's a pretty cool plot device to work with even though this book didn't seem to be spun around any particular fairy tale. Rumpelstilzchen more than any other I suppose, but that was represented tenuously.
The various twists regarding identity of different characters was pretty well done though I did see them coming from a long way off.
I didn't realize that this was a YA book when I picked it up. It's not a genre I seek out but one I've read much from over the years. I don't think that's why this book didn't really do anything for me though. I wish I could put my finger on what didn't work about it for me, but it just felt.. cluttered? disorganized? hectic? I like lots of actions and can totally hang with multiple concurrent plot lines. This story telling just didn't feel very tightly wrought.
It wasn't bad, but I was ready for it to be over long before the ending came and won't be continuing the series.
March 29, 2016
I liked the characters, I liked the idea, but the first person perspective made the whole story suffer, because I spent half of it not really understanding what was going on. Hobs is supposed to be intriguing in his vagueness, but plenty was left a little too vague. Contrarily, you could see the plot twist coming a mile away. A narrator could have gone a long way towards smoothing some things out. I do like the romance aspect, it adds a little urgency and ties in well with the fairy tale theme. The world building could use some work as well; some of the descriptions were fabulous, but there were plenty where I had no clear idea what the environment was, no clear picture of the rules, and only a vague understanding of what the point of their interactions were.There's a great foundation here, but the storytelling needs work. I'll keep reading, as I am invested in the story and characters, but I do hope it improves with the subsequent books.
March 26, 2013
I had the amazing privilege of reading this book pre-published. It brought joy and happiness to my life! This book is YA Fantasy which is my absolute favorite genre. Stephanie Fowers write impeccably and sucks you into her books as if you are that character and truly apart of the book. You discover the world of Sidhe where you can imagine and experience all the beautiful and not so beautiful creatures. I love ALL the characters in this book and could relate to. It kept me in anticipation and intrigued...never could put it down. Please read this book and you will NOT go wrong!!! Every one of Stephanie's books I have fallen in love with in some way or another and so will you! Enjoy!!!!
August 12, 2013
Too, too confusing! It's already clear to me which faery tales are involved - that much is at least obvious - but everything else is so jumbled!
I couldn't sympathize with the main character, Halley, which I think is what the author is going for since Halley is completely emotion-less and repeatedly tells the reader this.
Disappointed, as the summary sounded interesting, but the execution could use work. Glad it was free.
I couldn't sympathize with the main character, Halley, which I think is what the author is going for since Halley is completely emotion-less and repeatedly tells the reader this.
Disappointed, as the summary sounded interesting, but the execution could use work. Glad it was free.
July 21, 2013
Interesting take on the faery tale thing. I liked the changeling aspect. The heroine was able to deal with the situation she was thrust into with a fairly level head. She did keep looking to others to be the leader until the end which actually made sense for her. The baddies were nicely bad and the good guys had the but we are fae thing happening. I may pick up the second book to see how Babs is fairing.
August 7, 2013
I thought this book was confusing and didn't make much sense. It had a lot of inconsistencies. It was a book I read just so I could finish it. I kept thinking that maybe things would all come together and make sense. But they didn't. The worst part was that it didn't end. It just stopped and then told you to go buy the sequel. I don't like that at all. I feel cheated and I won't be reading anymore of Fowers' books.
March 27, 2015
I really liked this book and the Faery world it portrays. The story had lots of interweaving parts. I liked faery quotes at the beginning of the chapters. Halley and Hobs are fabulous characters. The ending felt a little like a cliffhanger. I would definitely recommend having the next book available, so you can read it right after. I do look forward to reading the other books in the series someday.
Content: Clean
Content: Clean
August 24, 2013
A wonderful idea not quite executed as well as it could have been. Love the idea of the fairies, but the main twist of who Halley is was blindingly obvious almost immediately. There were too many giveaways for many such little twists that ruined the reveals.
The writing was confusing at times as well. Reading some of the next book which was included however, the writing seems to be improving in that regard, so I would continue with the next in the series.
The writing was confusing at times as well. Reading some of the next book which was included however, the writing seems to be improving in that regard, so I would continue with the next in the series.
October 31, 2013
At first I was completely confused with this story but something about it compelled me to keep reading. Like I had to figure out what was going one and why Halley such a head case.
When the action started in the second chapter, I found my reading groove and really enjoyed this story.
The book reminds me a little of The Iron Fey series but with way more twists. Fowers plays off fairy tales that we grew up watching on Disney and mixes it with faery lore. Very interesting.
When the action started in the second chapter, I found my reading groove and really enjoyed this story.
The book reminds me a little of The Iron Fey series but with way more twists. Fowers plays off fairy tales that we grew up watching on Disney and mixes it with faery lore. Very interesting.
November 2, 2013
I LOVED THIS BOOK!!!!! It kept me interested the entire time and I loved the twist on the classic faery tales. The writing was impeccable and the romance was superb. I also enjoyed the surprise towards the end concerning one person and the other person (I'm being vague so as not to give anything off for someone who has not yet read the book). Anyway, AMAZING BOOK!!! I would recommended this book to anybody who loves fantasy, faeries, and a bit of adventure.
February 7, 2014
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. It was fun and easy to read. I thought that it was a little like the ABC Once upon a Time, only because of the Book of fairytale that she was carry around to get her clues to carry around.
I like the end where it states that the end hasn't happen yet. The charterers are fun and likable. The fairy world is one missed up world. My guess the whole point of this Twisted fairytale series would be to fix the fairy world.
I like the end where it states that the end hasn't happen yet. The charterers are fun and likable. The fairy world is one missed up world. My guess the whole point of this Twisted fairytale series would be to fix the fairy world.
August 10, 2015
I really liked this book for the first 100 pages or so but after that it just went all to pieces... It started to pick back up around the Merrow swamp but just fell apart again after that. This book says it's for young adults but I really thought it was a little too juvenile for that, felt more like something I would have loved in middle school. So sad to say this because it was AMAZING before page 124... I dunno what happened but I just couldn't finish this one.
August 13, 2014
I had a really hard time with this one. It is unusual for me to not be able to follow the story. This one just felt very disjointed to me. I had a hard time liking the characters and it took forever to figure out who they really were and what was really going on. I felt strung along and confused for a good 3/4 of the book.
The story doesn't end here but I am not sure if I can struggle through 2 and 3 to finish it...
The story doesn't end here but I am not sure if I can struggle through 2 and 3 to finish it...
June 19, 2013
This was an interesting book. Both my daughter and I liked it. We read the Kindle Fire edition. We are looking forward to reading the other two books in the series. A young lady doesn't fit into her family. She gets drawn into the world of Faery. She is supposed to return a baby to its mother in three days or the baby will die. This is a twisted fairy tale.
July 18, 2013
Stephanie Fowers is a much better fairytale author than LDS Romance author. Much better. I am excited to read more of this series. Puck is... ah, well... he's awesome. Great love interest and the girl wasn't vapid or stupid or too fragile (though there was some of that it wasn't overwhelming). Fun twist on a fairytale.
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