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Andari Chronicles #2
Goldheart
Kidnapped, abandoned, and betrayed.
At least no one’s asking her to spin straw into gold…
Elaine was happy with her quiet, simple life. But after the death of her parents, the disappearance of her fiancé, and a traumatic kidnapping, quiet and simple are out of the question.
Her father left debts, and now his creditors mean to collect. Elaine’s only asset is her brilliant artistic talent, but no genius could be equal to the impossible task demanded of her by the man with ultimate power over her future and all that she loves.
Held captive by his secret obsession, Elaine discovers a fragile new love in the midst of darkness, and sets out to prove that art can be a powerful weapon, even against tragedy and despair.
A darkly romantic retelling of Rumpelstiltskin, Goldheart is the second book of the Andari Chronicles, a series of interconnected but stand-alone fairy tale retellings that feature strong heroines, romance, mystery, and deeply satisfying happily ever afters.
At least no one’s asking her to spin straw into gold…
Elaine was happy with her quiet, simple life. But after the death of her parents, the disappearance of her fiancé, and a traumatic kidnapping, quiet and simple are out of the question.
Her father left debts, and now his creditors mean to collect. Elaine’s only asset is her brilliant artistic talent, but no genius could be equal to the impossible task demanded of her by the man with ultimate power over her future and all that she loves.
Held captive by his secret obsession, Elaine discovers a fragile new love in the midst of darkness, and sets out to prove that art can be a powerful weapon, even against tragedy and despair.
A darkly romantic retelling of Rumpelstiltskin, Goldheart is the second book of the Andari Chronicles, a series of interconnected but stand-alone fairy tale retellings that feature strong heroines, romance, mystery, and deeply satisfying happily ever afters.
157 pages, ebook
First published January 31, 2016
432 people are currently reading
1376 people want to read
About the author
Kenley Davidson
35 books944 followersKenley Davidson is a romantic fantasy author and unrepentant caffeine addict who believes in the power of storytelling and loves nothing more than a good book hangover. Her books include romantasy, urban fantasy, fairy-tale retellings, and sci fi, but no matter the genre, she writes stories of hope and redemption with characters you can root for, heart-pounding romance without the spice, and happy endings that might just make you cry.
Her favorite things (besides books) are coffee, k-dramas, cats, and playing cozy video games. And also scones.
Kenley currently lives in Oklahoma, where she cares for a menagerie of misfit house plants while waiting for her adult children to occasionally pop in for laundry and a home-cooked meal.
Find out more about Kenley’s books at her website: kenleydavidson.com
Her favorite things (besides books) are coffee, k-dramas, cats, and playing cozy video games. And also scones.
Kenley currently lives in Oklahoma, where she cares for a menagerie of misfit house plants while waiting for her adult children to occasionally pop in for laundry and a home-cooked meal.
Find out more about Kenley’s books at her website: kenleydavidson.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews
February 5, 2017
I LOVED this one! (I knew I would as soon as I read the first few pages--absolutely lovely writing!) In my personal opinion, it was even better than the first book (Traitor's Masque).
Technically, it should be rated 4.8 stars--there was some profanity again, as well as a rather violent death. But 5 stars for everything else!
I loved the characters. Elaine is such a sweetheart--and an artist! Double points. Will and Blaise were great as well , and the villains were spine-crawling creepy. As in the first one, the characters were the best part of the book.
Not much world-building in this one, but where I had missed it in the first, I didn't notice the lack of it as much in this one.
The plot was great--I am not a fan of the Rumplestiltskin story in general, but this retelling was genius. It was very subtly woven in, and it worked perfectly. Even though Goldheart is significantly shorter than Traitor's Masque, I truly didn't notice. The plot was neither rushed nor incomplete, but was wrapped up well. It really is the perfect length for this story.
Last note: Goldheart was beautiful, suspenseful, and a perfectly lovely retelling. I loved this set of characters even more than the ones from Traitor's Masque, and I really hope we'll see more of them in coming books!
Rating: 4.8 stars
Recommended: 13 and up (mostly due to language concerns and one violent scene)
Content guide (may contain minor spoilers):
Language: 4/10 (profanity used here and there.)
Violence: 7/10 (one character insinuates violence and abuse against another character. a violent suicide.)
Sexual Content: 1/10 (one light kiss, not described.)
*Many thanks to the author for providing a copy to review!*
For more reviews, see gabriellenblog.wordpress.com and fullofbooks.com
Technically, it should be rated 4.8 stars--there was some profanity again, as well as a rather violent death. But 5 stars for everything else!
I loved the characters. Elaine is such a sweetheart--and an artist! Double points. Will and Blaise were great as well , and the villains were spine-crawling creepy. As in the first one, the characters were the best part of the book.
Not much world-building in this one, but where I had missed it in the first, I didn't notice the lack of it as much in this one.
The plot was great--I am not a fan of the Rumplestiltskin story in general, but this retelling was genius. It was very subtly woven in, and it worked perfectly. Even though Goldheart is significantly shorter than Traitor's Masque, I truly didn't notice. The plot was neither rushed nor incomplete, but was wrapped up well. It really is the perfect length for this story.
Last note: Goldheart was beautiful, suspenseful, and a perfectly lovely retelling. I loved this set of characters even more than the ones from Traitor's Masque, and I really hope we'll see more of them in coming books!
Rating: 4.8 stars
Recommended: 13 and up (mostly due to language concerns and one violent scene)
Content guide (may contain minor spoilers):
Language: 4/10 (profanity used here and there.)
Violence: 7/10 (one character insinuates violence and abuse against another character. a violent suicide.)
Sexual Content: 1/10 (one light kiss, not described.)
*Many thanks to the author for providing a copy to review!*
For more reviews, see gabriellenblog.wordpress.com and fullofbooks.com
March 18, 2021
This novella is the second in the Andari Chronicles. While it is considerably shorter than other books in the series so far, it is no less charming. Goldheart by Kenley Davidson is a retelling of Rumpelstiltskin. If you have not read book one and intend to read it, SPOILERS AHEAD. Elaine Westover was kidnapped as a part of a plot against the King. She has never quite recovered. But now she is home and her father has passed. Her home is falling apart and she needs to keep up with the bills. Her only talent is painting. When her banker says he will pay handsomely for a portrait, she accepts. The banker locks her in a room and the portrait??—it is an impossible task. Her task? To paint his beloved wife, not as she is now, but as she was when he met her. Since she is on her death bed, the task proves impossible. But being locked away doesn’t help. Will tends to his friend, Blaise, who shuts himself away from society, but especially from his father, the banker. Will and Blaise soon discover that there is a woman being locked away…
Instead of spinning straw into gold, Elaine must paint a masterpiece. But there is so much more to this novella in just a handful of pages. Blaise is an albino. His condition makes it difficult to be in the sun for extended amounts of time but also the staring. People find him terrifying and he is a disappointment to his father. I have to say I almost cried at Elaine’s reaction when she meets Blaise. It is utterly beautiful and heartwarming.
Speaking of Elaine, she is an amazing main character. I only wish she received a full-length novel. She suffers from PTSD from her kidnapping. While most authors would talk about how she overcomes that, Davidson provides a very realistic approach. She suffers and sometimes doesn’t see a way out. She discovers that talking about it helps–which could be this book’s version of therapy perhaps? I really appreciate this view, especially in a fairytale retelling.
Again, this book is narrated by Esther Wane. As always, I will listen to anything she narrates! I loved this story, and it makes for a wonderful afternoon listen! 5 out of 5 stars!
Instead of spinning straw into gold, Elaine must paint a masterpiece. But there is so much more to this novella in just a handful of pages. Blaise is an albino. His condition makes it difficult to be in the sun for extended amounts of time but also the staring. People find him terrifying and he is a disappointment to his father. I have to say I almost cried at Elaine’s reaction when she meets Blaise. It is utterly beautiful and heartwarming.
Speaking of Elaine, she is an amazing main character. I only wish she received a full-length novel. She suffers from PTSD from her kidnapping. While most authors would talk about how she overcomes that, Davidson provides a very realistic approach. She suffers and sometimes doesn’t see a way out. She discovers that talking about it helps–which could be this book’s version of therapy perhaps? I really appreciate this view, especially in a fairytale retelling.
Again, this book is narrated by Esther Wane. As always, I will listen to anything she narrates! I loved this story, and it makes for a wonderful afternoon listen! 5 out of 5 stars!
September 7, 2021
Some books resonate so perfectly with my tastes and engage my heart so profoundly that I hesitate to recommend them to others, because no one will appreciate them the way I do.
This is one of those books.
This is a retelling of "Rumpelstiltskin" that hits the plot points of the fairy tale in some brilliant ways that enrich the story but don't keep it from being a unique and original novel. I guessed two of the big twists early in the story, some of the dialogue is unnatural, and the ending gets a bit gooshy. But I don't care about that. I love this story. It found me at exactly the right moment and claimed a piece of my heart.
This book is about three lovely, lost and deeply flawed people who turn to art and to each other when they're trapped by the harsh realities of the world and the cruel demands of powerful people. It's about the power of art to provide beauty and show truth. It's about the ties of friendship that cause people to make sacrifices for those they care about. These themes and characters resonated deeply with me and turned it from a pleasant little fairy tale into something beautiful and meaningful and one of my new favorite stories.
By all means, if this story sounds at all interesting, go ahead and read it. Just know that it's not possible for you to love it more than I do.
This is one of those books.
This is a retelling of "Rumpelstiltskin" that hits the plot points of the fairy tale in some brilliant ways that enrich the story but don't keep it from being a unique and original novel. I guessed two of the big twists early in the story, some of the dialogue is unnatural, and the ending gets a bit gooshy. But I don't care about that. I love this story. It found me at exactly the right moment and claimed a piece of my heart.
This book is about three lovely, lost and deeply flawed people who turn to art and to each other when they're trapped by the harsh realities of the world and the cruel demands of powerful people. It's about the power of art to provide beauty and show truth. It's about the ties of friendship that cause people to make sacrifices for those they care about. These themes and characters resonated deeply with me and turned it from a pleasant little fairy tale into something beautiful and meaningful and one of my new favorite stories.
By all means, if this story sounds at all interesting, go ahead and read it. Just know that it's not possible for you to love it more than I do.
March 2, 2019
An excellent retelling! Something about the classic writing reminded me of Frances Hodgson Burnett, one of my favorite authors as a child. Instead of spinning gold, a shy artist is forced to paint an impossible portrait. She befriends two young men who are both as honorable and sweet as can be (and have the most adorable bromance). I was quite satisfied by the ending, but now I demand a story for Blaise’s romance and am off to see if it yet exists in future books.
February 2, 2021
This was more of a novella length. It was very good:} These fairy tale retellings are reminding me of K.M Shea's retellings. Very different from the original but in unique and creative ways. This was very well done. These have no magic in the fantasy sense. All the magic is in the friendships and love against the evil and hate of the world. I loved all three of these characters! I wish there was a prologue in the end!
These are fairytales with a very bad guy. There is a little violence and no sexual content. 12 and up
These are fairytales with a very bad guy. There is a little violence and no sexual content. 12 and up
June 25, 2017
Golden
Such a great retelling of a classic fairytale. I hope there is another story with Blaise. This will be one to read again.
Such a great retelling of a classic fairytale. I hope there is another story with Blaise. This will be one to read again.
April 21, 2023
3.5 rounded up
This was very cute and a cool spin on Rumplestiltskin! I empathized a lot with Elaine, who gets caught up in her art and forgets to eat and who doesn't feel adequate for the task of being the head of her household and late father's business (AKA, Elaine would rather paint than adult and basically same 😆😅). There was a decent arc of accepting responsibility and rising to the occasion and developing more confidence. Will and Elaine are cute.
But for some reason, it just didn't totally enthrall me or click with me, and the couple, while cute, didn't sweep me off my feet. It felt slightly rushed and yet also long? That might have been my mood, though; I've been slightly cranky, so it could completely all just be me. But it seemed like Elaine's past and nightmares were kind of glossed over and not explained very well or given much room for healing, and there was a lot of things it felt like both she and Will should have said but never did. It also left me with some questions, as we don't entirely know how they'll sort out their money issues beyond her now forgiven debts (a good step, but they kind of need a plan for income and the mill and such?).
It also has several plot points in common with another of Davidson's books, and even though they are *very* different books with very different characters, I think it somewhat dimmed my appreciation for this one. Not bad at all, just not *brilliant.*
A solid and enjoyable novella that I'd recommend, but not one I expect I'd read again.
This was very cute and a cool spin on Rumplestiltskin! I empathized a lot with Elaine, who gets caught up in her art and forgets to eat and who doesn't feel adequate for the task of being the head of her household and late father's business (AKA, Elaine would rather paint than adult and basically same 😆😅). There was a decent arc of accepting responsibility and rising to the occasion and developing more confidence. Will and Elaine are cute.
But for some reason, it just didn't totally enthrall me or click with me, and the couple, while cute, didn't sweep me off my feet. It felt slightly rushed and yet also long? That might have been my mood, though; I've been slightly cranky, so it could completely all just be me. But it seemed like Elaine's past and nightmares were kind of glossed over and not explained very well or given much room for healing, and there was a lot of things it felt like both she and Will should have said but never did. It also left me with some questions, as we don't entirely know how they'll sort out their money issues beyond her now forgiven debts (a good step, but they kind of need a plan for income and the mill and such?).
It also has several plot points in common with another of Davidson's books, and even though they are *very* different books with very different characters, I think it somewhat dimmed my appreciation for this one. Not bad at all, just not *brilliant.*
A solid and enjoyable novella that I'd recommend, but not one I expect I'd read again.
April 6, 2020
This is a really unique, loose retelling of Rumplestilskin, and I loved all the twists and turns it took! I could see all the pieces of the fairy tale, yet they showed up in surprising ways. Blaze and Will and Elaine are all such amazing characters! I love them all so much! (Also, I really hope Blaze shows up in a future book. Please, pretty please. The poor boy needs his own happy ending, just saying).
This felt pretty fast-paced, even without a lot of action until the ending. I think I may have loved it even more than I did the first book in the series.
Also, Esther Wayne does a really good job with the audiobook narration. Her voice is so perfect for fairy tale retellings like this. If you like audiobooks, you'll definitely want to check it out. If you like fairy tale retellings, this is one series you won't want to miss.
This felt pretty fast-paced, even without a lot of action until the ending. I think I may have loved it even more than I did the first book in the series.
Also, Esther Wayne does a really good job with the audiobook narration. Her voice is so perfect for fairy tale retellings like this. If you like audiobooks, you'll definitely want to check it out. If you like fairy tale retellings, this is one series you won't want to miss.
August 6, 2021
To be honest, I spent more of the reading time staring at the cover, because, come on, this is the most gorgeous cover ever. And the story is just as good, if not better. The romance made my heart crumple. Elaine and Will were so perfect, so sweet, so honest and so very deeply flawed spectacular people. Blaise was my darling. I really loved this.
August 11, 2021
This is a wonderful retelling of the Rumpelstiltskin story. Though there was no actual magic in this, the magic is really within her paintings, which she creates fully on her own. (I also wouldn’t call this a period drama since it didn’t spend any time really on any of the things usually found in the period dramas -like class differences, courtship, manners, lifestyle, clothes). I loved that she really didn’t rely on the Rumpelstiltskin character to perform the feat for her. And I loved Elaine in general. Maybe I saw a bit of myself in her, since I was an art major in school. I loved that she lost herself in her work, forgetting to eat and sleep, casting her dreams, and nightmares, and worries into her paintings. I loved that her servants and staff looked upon her as their child to take care of, and make certain she ate meals. I loved that because of her wanting to spend all of her time painting, she had become a recluse, a shut in, not liking the crowded world outside. And I couldn’t help but feel for her when she got trapped in the situation with Melling who held all of her debts and threatened to completely take her home away, which would put not only her out on the streets, but her servants, and staff as well. So, to save them, she felt obligated to do the impossible task he set for her. But the Melling mansion holds other secrets, and she finds a friendship with Will, posing as a valet, who tries to help her as much as he can. The woman on the front cover of this book is presumably Serena, the woman Elaine was ordered to paint, as she would have looked in her youth. The gold dress makes an appearance, but it isn’t actually physically worn at any point, except in the portrait (though that’s not what the portrait looked like). This can be read as a stand-alone (I haven’t read the first book in this series yet, but I followed this fine), but there are apparently interlocking elements into the other books (apparently Blaise makes a reappearance in Book 6, which I definitely must pick up).
November 13, 2021
3.75 stars
Still really enjoy the writing and the really clever ways Davidson incorporates the retelling elements! And I liked seeing Elaine's character growth.
The romance let me down a little - initially I thought her and Will's interactions were really good, and Will is definitely likeable, but then suddenly they each are thinking about how in love they are with the other person and it just felt too fast. Also, with my stellar ability to latch onto the wrong characters, I found Blaise a much more interesting potential love interest 🙈 And I find it odd that the romance felt underdeveloped when The Countess and the Frog is much shorter and it had a much more compelling and believable romance.
Even aside from that though, I just really enjoyed Blaise as a character. I really hope we get a spin-off with him sometime down the line! His last scene especially is SO GOOD and SO FUNNY.
So altogether, definitely an enjoyable entry in the series, even if it's not my top pick at this point!
CW: Grief, kidnapping, imprisonment, fire, emotional neglect, threat of assault (possibly sexual? unclear)
Still really enjoy the writing and the really clever ways Davidson incorporates the retelling elements! And I liked seeing Elaine's character growth.
The romance let me down a little - initially I thought her and Will's interactions were really good, and Will is definitely likeable, but then suddenly they each are thinking about how in love they are with the other person and it just felt too fast. Also, with my stellar ability to latch onto the wrong characters, I found Blaise a much more interesting potential love interest 🙈 And I find it odd that the romance felt underdeveloped when The Countess and the Frog is much shorter and it had a much more compelling and believable romance.
Even aside from that though, I just really enjoyed Blaise as a character. I really hope we get a spin-off with him sometime down the line! His last scene especially is SO GOOD and SO FUNNY.
So altogether, definitely an enjoyable entry in the series, even if it's not my top pick at this point!
CW: Grief, kidnapping, imprisonment, fire, emotional neglect, threat of assault (possibly sexual? unclear)
February 4, 2020
This was hardly a Rumplestiltskin retelling. I enjoyed it, but I was pretty disappointed that the only resemblance it bares to the fairy tale is mention of gold and an abduction.
It was pretty entertaining despite the fact that it’s not my typical kind of reading. Once the romance kicked in about 70% through the book, I started rolling my eyes. It seems a bit ridiculous to me that someone could be “anguished” at the thought of not being able to “be with” somebody whom they just met two weeks prior. Maybe I’m a hopeless un-romantic, but it made me nauseous. It didn’t feel like the writer write unnecessary words, except for the constant pining between lovers.
As for content, it was clean in the sex department. Just a simple kiss.
Damn was used several times. Hell used a few times. Whore was used once.
MILD SPOILERS
It had a happy ending, and for that I am grateful.
It was pretty entertaining despite the fact that it’s not my typical kind of reading. Once the romance kicked in about 70% through the book, I started rolling my eyes. It seems a bit ridiculous to me that someone could be “anguished” at the thought of not being able to “be with” somebody whom they just met two weeks prior. Maybe I’m a hopeless un-romantic, but it made me nauseous. It didn’t feel like the writer write unnecessary words, except for the constant pining between lovers.
As for content, it was clean in the sex department. Just a simple kiss.
Damn was used several times. Hell used a few times. Whore was used once.
MILD SPOILERS
It had a happy ending, and for that I am grateful.
August 14, 2021
I did not enjoy this retelling of Beauty and the Beast as much as the first book in the series. For one, I couldn't figure out why the master of the house would be so cruel, and somewhat implausibly so (how was she to eat? sleep? etc). I also didn't think much of her developing romance. But if you want a darker Beauty and the Beast version, this was an interesting take on it.
June 29, 2025
3.5 stars
I KNEW IT! I totally called who Will was!
I KNEW IT! I totally called who Will was!
July 2, 2021
Debating whether to give this 5 stars. Wow. I have another favorite author to add to my collection. I would rate this for ages 15 and up for some violence and swearing.
February 3, 2018
Short & Fun
I actually liked this one more than the first in the series. Because it was shorter the plot was simpler which fits a retelling better IMO. This one was half the length of the first which made it a quick easy read. The absurdity of some of the characters, especially the villains, made this one more fantastical and more fairy tale-esque. I know there isn’t much story to work with when retelling Rumpelstiltskin but there were very few similarities. If I didn’t know this was supposed to be a retelling I would have no idea. I also would’ve like some perspective from Elaine about her past trauma of being kidnapped but it is barely mentioned. I felt the romantic connection a little bit more with Elaine and Will than I did with the H&h of the first book, but it is still incredibly PG on the romance scale. Again, no kiss until the last chapter. Of the 3 I have read in this series this one is my favorite due to it’s perfect length, and fairy tale qualities.
I actually liked this one more than the first in the series. Because it was shorter the plot was simpler which fits a retelling better IMO. This one was half the length of the first which made it a quick easy read. The absurdity of some of the characters, especially the villains, made this one more fantastical and more fairy tale-esque. I know there isn’t much story to work with when retelling Rumpelstiltskin but there were very few similarities. If I didn’t know this was supposed to be a retelling I would have no idea. I also would’ve like some perspective from Elaine about her past trauma of being kidnapped but it is barely mentioned. I felt the romantic connection a little bit more with Elaine and Will than I did with the H&h of the first book, but it is still incredibly PG on the romance scale. Again, no kiss until the last chapter. Of the 3 I have read in this series this one is my favorite due to it’s perfect length, and fairy tale qualities.
December 3, 2021
Despite the truly bad villians, a number of kind and good hearted characters at the forefront made this the really pleasant read I needed at the moment.
There is mild swearing, and a form of bullying that involves coercion, threats, as well as other forms of unkindness in a domestic setting.
There is mild swearing, and a form of bullying that involves coercion, threats, as well as other forms of unkindness in a domestic setting.
January 31, 2026
This second book in the Andari Chronicles by Kenley Davidson is a twisted version of the fairytale Rumplestiltskin, and it ended up being everything I didn’t know I needed in a retelling!
I feel like Rumplestiltskin isn’t as popular as some other fairytales, but it’s always been one of my personal favorites, and I would definitely say that Kenley Davidson did it justice.
This book follows Lady Elaine Westover, an orphaned young noblewoman who is trying to use her talent for painting to keep a roof over her head. This causes her to take on a commission that ends up going horribly wrong, and she is forced to try to achieve the impossible.
I actually really loved this book! Elaine was a shy and quiet heroine, but that doesn’t mean she wasn’t strong. I also loved the addition of characters Will and Blaise, who both ended up being important to the story. I will definitely be continuing with this series!
I feel like Rumplestiltskin isn’t as popular as some other fairytales, but it’s always been one of my personal favorites, and I would definitely say that Kenley Davidson did it justice.
This book follows Lady Elaine Westover, an orphaned young noblewoman who is trying to use her talent for painting to keep a roof over her head. This causes her to take on a commission that ends up going horribly wrong, and she is forced to try to achieve the impossible.
I actually really loved this book! Elaine was a shy and quiet heroine, but that doesn’t mean she wasn’t strong. I also loved the addition of characters Will and Blaise, who both ended up being important to the story. I will definitely be continuing with this series!
July 5, 2021
Since my library only has the audiobooks of this series, that is what my review is based on. Luckily, the narrator is good because I am really enjoying these books.
As with the first book, this one was very loosely based on a fairy tale (Rumpelstiltskin this time). Enough basic elements of the original story are there that I can connect them, but it has been completely reinvented. In a good way. Those elements are seamlessly woven into the new story in a way that not only makes sense but makes, perhaps, more sense than the source material because it places it in our ordinary world rather than a magical one. I very much look forward to continuing the series.
Elaine (21 or 22?) is the same character that had a very small part in the first book. She starts out very timid and somewhat naive, though her experiences most definitely promote her growth throughout the book. I quickly guessed who Will (early- to mid-20s?) was and couldn't help liking him even before the explanation of past events. Blaze (same age as Will?) was also an intriguing character, and I very much enjoyed the friendship between him, Will, and Elaine.
How it ends:
Note: A little mild swearing.
AUDIOBOOK:
Narrator: Esther Wane
As with the first book, this one was very loosely based on a fairy tale (Rumpelstiltskin this time). Enough basic elements of the original story are there that I can connect them, but it has been completely reinvented. In a good way. Those elements are seamlessly woven into the new story in a way that not only makes sense but makes, perhaps, more sense than the source material because it places it in our ordinary world rather than a magical one. I very much look forward to continuing the series.
Elaine (21 or 22?) is the same character that had a very small part in the first book. She starts out very timid and somewhat naive, though her experiences most definitely promote her growth throughout the book. I quickly guessed who Will (early- to mid-20s?) was and couldn't help liking him even before the explanation of past events. Blaze (same age as Will?) was also an intriguing character, and I very much enjoyed the friendship between him, Will, and Elaine.
How it ends:
Note: A little mild swearing.
AUDIOBOOK:
Narrator: Esther Wane
Read
June 2, 2017Another lovely fairy-tale retelling from a gifted author. What a unique variation on Rumplestiltskin this is! I enjoyed the various ties to the old story in a totally new setting.
Sweet and clean, but the climax is rather intense and violent.
I would love a book about Blaise. He would make a fascinating hero!
Sweet and clean, but the climax is rather intense and violent.
I would love a book about Blaise. He would make a fascinating hero!
August 30, 2017
Out of the series, this is my least favorite. Not saying I didn't like the book, because I did. This was just the book that I felt the least connection to the main character.
December 18, 2018
Kenley Davidson was the author of my favorite book from the Entwined Tales series, so I jumped at the opportunity to read her book Goldheart for free. Goldheart is the second book from her series of fairy tale adaptations called The Andari Chronicles. It is a reimagining of "Rumpelstiltskin." While my favorite version of "Rumpelstiltskin" is still The Princess Pact by Melanie Cellier, this one is a solid runner up. Kenley Davidson excels at writing stories about capable women with traditionally feminine flaws, which is becoming more of a rarity in modern times. Her characters' weaknesses make them easier to relate to than many of the modern movie princess heroines, who often excel at far too many skills for a well-rounded character. This level of realism also accounts for lack of magic and fantasy in her stories, which is the reason I didn't seek out her books as eagerly as most of the other authors from the Entwined Tales series.
Elaine, the leading lady in Goldheart, is not a princess by title, but much like Johanna from Sweeney Todd, she fits the classical archetype in every other way possible. She is a sheltered young woman with a kind heart who is loved by all who know her. Like Disney's Rapunzel, Elaine is artist who locks herself away from the rest of the world to escape into her own imagination of beauty and paint. When she learns that her estate is heavily in debt after the untimely passing of her father, she attempts to raise money for her servants by selling her art. Unfortunately for her, this draws the attention of the selfish Torbert Melling, who metaphorically asks her to spin straw into gold by demanding a painting of his dying wife not as she appears now, but as he remembers her. Since he holds the claim over most of Elaine's debt, she feels obligated to take on the task, even if it means being locked up in Torbert's rat-infested attic with very little food or heat.
What I love about Elaine is that she doesn't pretend to be something she's not. She is aware that her servants kept the burden of her father's debt a secret in order to protect her, but she harbors no blame toward them. Elaine makes it very clear that that the painting Torbert asks of her is impossible, but she attempts to do it anyway because she feels obligated to complete her task and pay off her debts. As someone who works for an overbearing boss, I could relate to Elaine's struggles all too well. I love how passionately she embraces her identity as a painter. Painting is the only thing in the world that brings her joy, and she feels that she can only truly express herself if she has a paintbrush in her hand. She has no desire to seek out some unforeseen adventure or dream because she already knows what she loves does it to the best of her ability.
When she is discovered by Will, a servant for Torbert's son, he is horrified to find her locked up in such an unpleasant state. He offers to help her escape, but she assures him that she truly wants to paint and pay off her debt. Will introduces Elaine to Torbert's son, Blaise. Together, they make sure that she is comfortable and well-fed until the deadline for the painting is complete. Will is the "Rumpelstiltskin" character of the story. He is an extremely honorable man and a worthy love interest for Elaine. He always takes the time to listen and consider her feelings before every decision he makes. He is also the only person Blaise has to call a friend. Like Elaine, Torbert keeps Blaise locked away from the world in his room because he is ashamed to let people see his albino son. Fortunately, Blaise is not affected by his father's eccentricities and proves to be a much better man than the one who raised him.
If you are looking for a story about a sheltered young woman who struggles to pursue her passions, Goldheart is the book for you. Elaine may seem a little old-fashioned, but the prospects of working hard and being kind will never go out of style. It doesn't have much to provide for people who love the fantasy aspects of fairy tales, but it does contain a beautiful love story and characters who feel as though they are real. Kenley Davidson is master of weaving words in a way that provokes you to think about the nuances of society and the way people are treated. Even though this book had no actual princesses and only vague whispers of the original "Rumpelstiltskin" fairy tale, I found it to be a very enjoyable read.
Elaine, the leading lady in Goldheart, is not a princess by title, but much like Johanna from Sweeney Todd, she fits the classical archetype in every other way possible. She is a sheltered young woman with a kind heart who is loved by all who know her. Like Disney's Rapunzel, Elaine is artist who locks herself away from the rest of the world to escape into her own imagination of beauty and paint. When she learns that her estate is heavily in debt after the untimely passing of her father, she attempts to raise money for her servants by selling her art. Unfortunately for her, this draws the attention of the selfish Torbert Melling, who metaphorically asks her to spin straw into gold by demanding a painting of his dying wife not as she appears now, but as he remembers her. Since he holds the claim over most of Elaine's debt, she feels obligated to take on the task, even if it means being locked up in Torbert's rat-infested attic with very little food or heat.
What I love about Elaine is that she doesn't pretend to be something she's not. She is aware that her servants kept the burden of her father's debt a secret in order to protect her, but she harbors no blame toward them. Elaine makes it very clear that that the painting Torbert asks of her is impossible, but she attempts to do it anyway because she feels obligated to complete her task and pay off her debts. As someone who works for an overbearing boss, I could relate to Elaine's struggles all too well. I love how passionately she embraces her identity as a painter. Painting is the only thing in the world that brings her joy, and she feels that she can only truly express herself if she has a paintbrush in her hand. She has no desire to seek out some unforeseen adventure or dream because she already knows what she loves does it to the best of her ability.
When she is discovered by Will, a servant for Torbert's son, he is horrified to find her locked up in such an unpleasant state. He offers to help her escape, but she assures him that she truly wants to paint and pay off her debt. Will introduces Elaine to Torbert's son, Blaise. Together, they make sure that she is comfortable and well-fed until the deadline for the painting is complete. Will is the "Rumpelstiltskin" character of the story. He is an extremely honorable man and a worthy love interest for Elaine. He always takes the time to listen and consider her feelings before every decision he makes. He is also the only person Blaise has to call a friend. Like Elaine, Torbert keeps Blaise locked away from the world in his room because he is ashamed to let people see his albino son. Fortunately, Blaise is not affected by his father's eccentricities and proves to be a much better man than the one who raised him.
If you are looking for a story about a sheltered young woman who struggles to pursue her passions, Goldheart is the book for you. Elaine may seem a little old-fashioned, but the prospects of working hard and being kind will never go out of style. It doesn't have much to provide for people who love the fantasy aspects of fairy tales, but it does contain a beautiful love story and characters who feel as though they are real. Kenley Davidson is master of weaving words in a way that provokes you to think about the nuances of society and the way people are treated. Even though this book had no actual princesses and only vague whispers of the original "Rumpelstiltskin" fairy tale, I found it to be a very enjoyable read.
June 8, 2020
Sooo unbelievably beautiful... I am in complete awe... I love it with my heart!!! It was Everything...
Elaine: sweet, kind, lovely, her growth is amazing. She changed into a strong woman, Will, I LOVE HIM!!! he is soo sweet to Elaine, helps her, keeps her save and cares for her!!! His father is cruel and he lost everthing because of him. Blaise: son of Torbert Melling, he is a gentleman, kindhearted, a darling and sooo compassionate!! they are incredible!!
The story is about Elaine, miller's daughter, who's father died and she is left with a great debt.
Torbert is a cruel man and only values his gold and money. His wife is dying and he wants to have a painting of her like she was so everyone will remember her beauty. He treats everyone like they are his possession. He is a hateful and vicious man, doesn't show any regards to his son. He kipnapped Elaine and demand she makes his painting in 40 days, his bank holds her father's debt and threatens to take her home, business, eveything from her. He locks her in an old attic (from Blaise). One day Will finds her and is detemined to save, help, care and provide for her. He brings her comfort, supplies and their chemistry grows. Later Blaise finds her too (Will who is his Valet, kept it a secret for Blaise endures enough already) they all develop a friendship and Will thinks theyfit together perfectly and encourages it despite his own feelings. Will brings her serana's dress so she can paint something. Elaine asks Blaise as inspiration for he is the son.
Ixby the butler is an enemy too and tries to have Will removed of the house. He has it out for Elaine and threatens her. Will promises to keep her save. Will helps deliver her letter to her servants (unfortunately a young maid is blamed and fired for the letter was discoverd...) he blames himself.
Torbert checks regularly on Elaine. She has to keep will and Blaise's help a secret. He tells her if she succeeds she has to marry Balise!! One day a maid betrays Will by telling Ixby of the dress. Elaine tells him she was the one who took it to borrow instead of Will, but Ixby still accuses Will.
As payment Elaine gave Will a ring which he recognised as his wedding ring he bought for his unknown bride at the time. His father wanted him to marry for his business, Will dreamed of being Architect and one day his idea won his father over, the man (miller) proposed a marrage with his daughter but Will was already promissed.. his father lost the deal and to punish him he wrote a letter to the man to tell him Will is a coward who sailed the sea and went away without explaining!!!) The man died and left his dauther with his burdens... THE DAUHTHER WAS ELAINE!!! Whoa plottwist!!! Will is devastated for he could have prevented all her hurt...
Elaine accidentally overheard the conversation between will and Braise, but she doesn't mind one bit. Only will didn't say anything about love....
The housekeeper tells will about the dress and Will immediately in secret turnes himself in and Ixby locked him in the storeroom gagged and in ropes!!!!
The day of the revelation arrives. Elaine presents the painting only there are 2!! She painted the woman how she and Blaise saw her but she also painted torberts greatest treasure. BLAISE!!! she emotional!!!
Torbert is enraged and almost throws a candle to Elaine, her maid Desi jumped her out of the way. Heated argument with Balise, Serena dies and Torberts goes mad and sets the house and himself aflame!!!
The people escape, Blaise and Elaine discover will is still missing!!! They + servants go to save him. They find him in the nick of time!!! Ixby accuses Will of thievery again but because Torbert is dead,Blaise is heir and he is in authority. He fires Ixby and plans to rebuilt the house to make a better legacy!!!
Will shocks everyone by telling Elaine and Blaise to marry!!! They tell each other they love as brother and sister. Blaise encourages Will and Elaine to decalre their love. Will tells her he loves her but he can't.... and Elaine bargains he will marry her if she guesses his name!!! Wilhorn Fizwright. She tells him she knew and doesn't blame him for she herself was also scared and relied on others. She tells him he is honourable, kind and doesn't even want money. She only asks him to love her for that's all she needs and he tells her how he can not love her.
Soooo beautiful, romantic and precious!!! He tells her yes!!!
Ohh how I love it...
Elaine: sweet, kind, lovely, her growth is amazing. She changed into a strong woman, Will, I LOVE HIM!!! he is soo sweet to Elaine, helps her, keeps her save and cares for her!!! His father is cruel and he lost everthing because of him. Blaise: son of Torbert Melling, he is a gentleman, kindhearted, a darling and sooo compassionate!! they are incredible!!
The story is about Elaine, miller's daughter, who's father died and she is left with a great debt.
Torbert is a cruel man and only values his gold and money. His wife is dying and he wants to have a painting of her like she was so everyone will remember her beauty. He treats everyone like they are his possession. He is a hateful and vicious man, doesn't show any regards to his son. He kipnapped Elaine and demand she makes his painting in 40 days, his bank holds her father's debt and threatens to take her home, business, eveything from her. He locks her in an old attic (from Blaise). One day Will finds her and is detemined to save, help, care and provide for her. He brings her comfort, supplies and their chemistry grows. Later Blaise finds her too (Will who is his Valet, kept it a secret for Blaise endures enough already) they all develop a friendship and Will thinks theyfit together perfectly and encourages it despite his own feelings. Will brings her serana's dress so she can paint something. Elaine asks Blaise as inspiration for he is the son.
Ixby the butler is an enemy too and tries to have Will removed of the house. He has it out for Elaine and threatens her. Will promises to keep her save. Will helps deliver her letter to her servants (unfortunately a young maid is blamed and fired for the letter was discoverd...) he blames himself.
Torbert checks regularly on Elaine. She has to keep will and Blaise's help a secret. He tells her if she succeeds she has to marry Balise!! One day a maid betrays Will by telling Ixby of the dress. Elaine tells him she was the one who took it to borrow instead of Will, but Ixby still accuses Will.
As payment Elaine gave Will a ring which he recognised as his wedding ring he bought for his unknown bride at the time. His father wanted him to marry for his business, Will dreamed of being Architect and one day his idea won his father over, the man (miller) proposed a marrage with his daughter but Will was already promissed.. his father lost the deal and to punish him he wrote a letter to the man to tell him Will is a coward who sailed the sea and went away without explaining!!!) The man died and left his dauther with his burdens... THE DAUHTHER WAS ELAINE!!! Whoa plottwist!!! Will is devastated for he could have prevented all her hurt...
Elaine accidentally overheard the conversation between will and Braise, but she doesn't mind one bit. Only will didn't say anything about love....
The housekeeper tells will about the dress and Will immediately in secret turnes himself in and Ixby locked him in the storeroom gagged and in ropes!!!!
The day of the revelation arrives. Elaine presents the painting only there are 2!! She painted the woman how she and Blaise saw her but she also painted torberts greatest treasure. BLAISE!!! she emotional!!!
Torbert is enraged and almost throws a candle to Elaine, her maid Desi jumped her out of the way. Heated argument with Balise, Serena dies and Torberts goes mad and sets the house and himself aflame!!!
The people escape, Blaise and Elaine discover will is still missing!!! They + servants go to save him. They find him in the nick of time!!! Ixby accuses Will of thievery again but because Torbert is dead,Blaise is heir and he is in authority. He fires Ixby and plans to rebuilt the house to make a better legacy!!!
Will shocks everyone by telling Elaine and Blaise to marry!!! They tell each other they love as brother and sister. Blaise encourages Will and Elaine to decalre their love. Will tells her he loves her but he can't.... and Elaine bargains he will marry her if she guesses his name!!! Wilhorn Fizwright. She tells him she knew and doesn't blame him for she herself was also scared and relied on others. She tells him he is honourable, kind and doesn't even want money. She only asks him to love her for that's all she needs and he tells her how he can not love her.
Soooo beautiful, romantic and precious!!! He tells her yes!!!
Ohh how I love it...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 24, 2024
Luckily the pacing issues from the first book aren't as bad in this book, but the POV shifts and logic jumps made this book tedious to read.
The pacing in this book felt more consistent than the first book. Maybe it's because this book had higher stakes (or at least it felt that way) so everything pushed forward more. That being said, good thing this book was only 184 pages because if it had been anymore it would have suffered greatly. That being said, the timing in the book seemed to jump around. Supposedly, the events take place over roughly 50 days (I'm counting the time before Elaine gets kidnapped), but it didn't feel longer than two weeks? There was also no indication of large chunks of time passing so the shifts in time felt rather sudden.
I never thought I'd ever say this in my life, but this book needed les POVs. Also, this book only gave us Elaine and Will's POVs so what I'm really saying is that the POV should not have switched. I think if the POV had stayed on either Elaine or Will for the whole book, it would have increased tension and suspense, which in turn would lend itself to the thriller-y vibe that I think the author was trying to build. However, since it switched POVs everything was constantly fine. For example, something could happen to Elaine and we (the readers) would be like, "Oh no, I hope she's okay!" but then the POV would switch to Will and it would be like, "Jk don't be alarmed, everything is fine, it's just Will and here's his thought process for what just happened." I think this book had strong potential to be a little spookier and psychological, but it just wasn't.
This book does suffer from the same problem as its predecessor: intentionally vague descriptions for the sake of a reveal later that just seems like shoddy worldbuilding. I thought a good handful of things were underexplained, which hindered a suspension of disbelief and thus immersion into the story. For example, I never understood why Elaine couldn't just look at Serena as a reference for her facial structure? Elaine spends so much time lamenting about how it will be "impossible" to paint Serena because Serena is sick and dying, but that doesn't negate the fact that Serena is right there? What do you mean that you don't have a reference to work off of, when the model is literally downstairs? It also seemed contradictory for Elaine to be like, "I'm an artist, I can see what most people can't and can paint it!" and literally have a whole conversation with Blaise where she compares him to a trapped, sad bird, but for her to then turn around and say, "I can't paint Serena when she was lively because I never saw her that way." Okay, maybe Elaine never met Serena when Serena was still jovial, but Elaine CONSTANTLY brags about how she has Artist Vision.
Something else that bugged me was how static the characters were. Nothing affected them, whether that be positive or negative. It's like their characters were conceived before writing, and didn't change at all throughout the process. I am referencing both physical and mental things here. Getting kidnapped (TWICE)?!? Doesn't really impact Elaine too much tbh. ALMOST DYING OF SMOKE INHALATION?!?!? My guy isn't even coughing in the next scene. There was no continuity between the character experiences and their characterization. It's like the characters were wearing raincoats that repelled any sort of external pressure to instigate character change or development.
To call this book a Rumpelstiltskin retelling is...generous. If anything, it has similarities to the original story, but I wouldn't call it a retelling. Maybe a reimagining?
Also, the romance....eh. Once again, you cannot convince me that Elaine and Will are in love by the end of the book when they had like five interactions and none of them seemed meaningful. Will comforting Elaine as she cried does not count, because I have comforted crying people before but I wouldn't consider them more than acquaintances. I also felt like they just had very mild chemistry, I don't think their affection was ever warmer than the temperature of an Easy Bake oven. Blaise and Elaine had way more chemistry and connection, heck, Blaise and Will had more chemistry. I cannot buy that Elain and Will got engaged at the end of the book.
Maybe this is a me problem since I just don't seem to vibe with the author. Idk, guess I'll read the next book in the series.
The pacing in this book felt more consistent than the first book. Maybe it's because this book had higher stakes (or at least it felt that way) so everything pushed forward more. That being said, good thing this book was only 184 pages because if it had been anymore it would have suffered greatly. That being said, the timing in the book seemed to jump around. Supposedly, the events take place over roughly 50 days (I'm counting the time before Elaine gets kidnapped), but it didn't feel longer than two weeks? There was also no indication of large chunks of time passing so the shifts in time felt rather sudden.
I never thought I'd ever say this in my life, but this book needed les POVs. Also, this book only gave us Elaine and Will's POVs so what I'm really saying is that the POV should not have switched. I think if the POV had stayed on either Elaine or Will for the whole book, it would have increased tension and suspense, which in turn would lend itself to the thriller-y vibe that I think the author was trying to build. However, since it switched POVs everything was constantly fine. For example, something could happen to Elaine and we (the readers) would be like, "Oh no, I hope she's okay!" but then the POV would switch to Will and it would be like, "Jk don't be alarmed, everything is fine, it's just Will and here's his thought process for what just happened." I think this book had strong potential to be a little spookier and psychological, but it just wasn't.
This book does suffer from the same problem as its predecessor: intentionally vague descriptions for the sake of a reveal later that just seems like shoddy worldbuilding. I thought a good handful of things were underexplained, which hindered a suspension of disbelief and thus immersion into the story. For example, I never understood why Elaine couldn't just look at Serena as a reference for her facial structure? Elaine spends so much time lamenting about how it will be "impossible" to paint Serena because Serena is sick and dying, but that doesn't negate the fact that Serena is right there? What do you mean that you don't have a reference to work off of, when the model is literally downstairs? It also seemed contradictory for Elaine to be like, "I'm an artist, I can see what most people can't and can paint it!" and literally have a whole conversation with Blaise where she compares him to a trapped, sad bird, but for her to then turn around and say, "I can't paint Serena when she was lively because I never saw her that way." Okay, maybe Elaine never met Serena when Serena was still jovial, but Elaine CONSTANTLY brags about how she has Artist Vision.
Something else that bugged me was how static the characters were. Nothing affected them, whether that be positive or negative. It's like their characters were conceived before writing, and didn't change at all throughout the process. I am referencing both physical and mental things here. Getting kidnapped (TWICE)?!? Doesn't really impact Elaine too much tbh. ALMOST DYING OF SMOKE INHALATION?!?!? My guy isn't even coughing in the next scene. There was no continuity between the character experiences and their characterization. It's like the characters were wearing raincoats that repelled any sort of external pressure to instigate character change or development.
To call this book a Rumpelstiltskin retelling is...generous. If anything, it has similarities to the original story, but I wouldn't call it a retelling. Maybe a reimagining?
Also, the romance....eh. Once again, you cannot convince me that Elaine and Will are in love by the end of the book when they had like five interactions and none of them seemed meaningful. Will comforting Elaine as she cried does not count, because I have comforted crying people before but I wouldn't consider them more than acquaintances. I also felt like they just had very mild chemistry, I don't think their affection was ever warmer than the temperature of an Easy Bake oven. Blaise and Elaine had way more chemistry and connection, heck, Blaise and Will had more chemistry. I cannot buy that Elain and Will got engaged at the end of the book.
Maybe this is a me problem since I just don't seem to vibe with the author. Idk, guess I'll read the next book in the series.
April 20, 2019
I blathered a little last time about how much I loved Traitor’s Masque, the first in the Andari Chronicles. I’ll endeavour to be a little more succinct this time.
Goldheart picks up the story in the same wold as Traitor’s Masque, featuring a character who is a familiar name, if not face. Elaine is another young woman in a desperate situation. She has people depending on her to keep her household running, but events of the previous book and history in general have left her not wanting to leave her room and her paintings.
Elaine is a somewhat quieter character than Trystan, and the plot is quieter too, leaving this a much quieter book. It’s half the length of Traitor’s Masque, too, which is good or bad, dependent on your point of view. Personally, I really enjoyed the shorter, sweeter Goldheart.
Perhaps because of the smaller stakes, I wasn’t as swept up in the story as I was in Traitor’s Masque, but I still read it in near enough one sitting. The relationships and the romance were what really carried this one for me. Elaine’s blossoming friendship with Torbert Melling’s son and his friend Will is really sweet, and the personal journey Elaine has to go on requires her to overcome so many fears that you can’t help but root for her. I wanted to see her succeed and save her household, and maybe just find love along the way.
As a villain, Torbert Melling is reprehensible, but utterly believable. A man who demands control and perfection in all things, his actions are awful, and you really feel for Elaine, trapped by his machinations. And there are plenty of obstacles, hidden truths and misunderstandings to get in the way of love, even when Torbert Melling is taken out of the equation.
It was the right decision to make Goldheart a shorter work – the story wouldn’t have sustained the sort of bulk that Traitor’s Masque did. As it is, it’s a really cute romance, with some clever uses of the story beats from Rumplestiltskin. A wonderful edition to the Andari Chronicles and I look forwards to seeing where the series goes next!
Goldheart picks up the story in the same wold as Traitor’s Masque, featuring a character who is a familiar name, if not face. Elaine is another young woman in a desperate situation. She has people depending on her to keep her household running, but events of the previous book and history in general have left her not wanting to leave her room and her paintings.
Elaine is a somewhat quieter character than Trystan, and the plot is quieter too, leaving this a much quieter book. It’s half the length of Traitor’s Masque, too, which is good or bad, dependent on your point of view. Personally, I really enjoyed the shorter, sweeter Goldheart.
Perhaps because of the smaller stakes, I wasn’t as swept up in the story as I was in Traitor’s Masque, but I still read it in near enough one sitting. The relationships and the romance were what really carried this one for me. Elaine’s blossoming friendship with Torbert Melling’s son and his friend Will is really sweet, and the personal journey Elaine has to go on requires her to overcome so many fears that you can’t help but root for her. I wanted to see her succeed and save her household, and maybe just find love along the way.
As a villain, Torbert Melling is reprehensible, but utterly believable. A man who demands control and perfection in all things, his actions are awful, and you really feel for Elaine, trapped by his machinations. And there are plenty of obstacles, hidden truths and misunderstandings to get in the way of love, even when Torbert Melling is taken out of the equation.
It was the right decision to make Goldheart a shorter work – the story wouldn’t have sustained the sort of bulk that Traitor’s Masque did. As it is, it’s a really cute romance, with some clever uses of the story beats from Rumplestiltskin. A wonderful edition to the Andari Chronicles and I look forwards to seeing where the series goes next!
September 12, 2020
These are the best fairy tale retellings I think I've ever read. They are not cheesy (it itself a feat!), well written, and are so loosely based on the original tale that I never quite know what's about to happen, even though I do know the story upon which it's based.
For "Goldheart," that's especially true, as the retelling is *extremely* loose. The main character is Elaine, a peripheral character in the first book in the series, "Traitor's Masque," a loose retelling of Cinderella. Elaine is a very meek, non-confrontational painter who finds herself in a sudden and dire need of cash. So she accepts the strangest commission she's ever had: to paint the wife of an absurdly successful financial investor, who lies on her deathbed. But she is not to paint her as she is; she must paint her as she was, in the investor's memory. Only he's so unapproachable that she does not have access to his memories either. He, presumably, is the Rumplestiltskin character, while she is given the impossible task (spinning straw into gold) and locking her away until she completes it. If she does not do so, she will lose everything, but if she does, he will cancel all her debts, as it turns out, he holds the notes for them. The only "gold" in the story is that Elaine manages, with help, to procure a golden dress that Serena, his wife, wore in her heyday. She paints the portrait wearing the dress.
Meanwhile, the investor (Torbert Melling) has a grown albino son named Blaise whom he's locked away in his attic for shame. Blaise is fabulously wealthy but of course, terribly sad and neglected. Blaise has a friend named Will, who, for reasons of his own, has also become Blaise's servant of sorts. These two become love interests for Elaine, kind of, though very early on, only one of them emerges as a real contender.
It's an entertaining story from start to finish. I'm glad I remembered this series, as I will definitely be reading on!
For "Goldheart," that's especially true, as the retelling is *extremely* loose. The main character is Elaine, a peripheral character in the first book in the series, "Traitor's Masque," a loose retelling of Cinderella. Elaine is a very meek, non-confrontational painter who finds herself in a sudden and dire need of cash. So she accepts the strangest commission she's ever had: to paint the wife of an absurdly successful financial investor, who lies on her deathbed. But she is not to paint her as she is; she must paint her as she was, in the investor's memory. Only he's so unapproachable that she does not have access to his memories either. He, presumably, is the Rumplestiltskin character, while she is given the impossible task (spinning straw into gold) and locking her away until she completes it. If she does not do so, she will lose everything, but if she does, he will cancel all her debts, as it turns out, he holds the notes for them. The only "gold" in the story is that Elaine manages, with help, to procure a golden dress that Serena, his wife, wore in her heyday. She paints the portrait wearing the dress.
Meanwhile, the investor (Torbert Melling) has a grown albino son named Blaise whom he's locked away in his attic for shame. Blaise is fabulously wealthy but of course, terribly sad and neglected. Blaise has a friend named Will, who, for reasons of his own, has also become Blaise's servant of sorts. These two become love interests for Elaine, kind of, though very early on, only one of them emerges as a real contender.
It's an entertaining story from start to finish. I'm glad I remembered this series, as I will definitely be reading on!
Read
June 16, 2024I loved this series. It was my first Kenley Davidson (or so I thought! Really it was Dragon on 23rd Street) series and I thought these retellings were darker in many ways than KM Shea or Melanie Cellier go which I enjoyed. There is political intrigue and a fantastic antagonist who reminded me of the worst parts of my sister gone on to greater heights than I think she'd ever want to achieve. A few of his conversations with his brother were eerily reminiscent of her. There are also compelling characters who make mistakes and even an in depth look at abuse and how it effects characters way of interacting with the world and others.
I thought the friendships in this series were fantastic especially between Kyril and Donovan. If I have to choose I'd say my favorite retelling was Pirouette but Goldenheart is my overall favorite. Why? Well...I loved all the characters. I so badly want a Blase story because I LOVED him but also...Elaine. I don't know that I've read a character so much like myself before. The way she forgets to eat when in the middle of a project and how worried she is about her house and finances and doesn't want to bother anyone. She distracts herself with projects so she doesn't have to think about it. She also survived A LOT in Traitor's Masque and she's so strong but doesn't know it.
As much as I related to Elaine my heart broke to pieces for Blase. He is such a strong person to come out the other side of his situation a kind and strong person. He also has my favorite line of the book which happens at the end. So I guess you'll have to read it to find out...
I thought the friendships in this series were fantastic especially between Kyril and Donovan. If I have to choose I'd say my favorite retelling was Pirouette but Goldenheart is my overall favorite. Why? Well...I loved all the characters. I so badly want a Blase story because I LOVED him but also...Elaine. I don't know that I've read a character so much like myself before. The way she forgets to eat when in the middle of a project and how worried she is about her house and finances and doesn't want to bother anyone. She distracts herself with projects so she doesn't have to think about it. She also survived A LOT in Traitor's Masque and she's so strong but doesn't know it.
As much as I related to Elaine my heart broke to pieces for Blase. He is such a strong person to come out the other side of his situation a kind and strong person. He also has my favorite line of the book which happens at the end. So I guess you'll have to read it to find out...
February 21, 2024
I loved this book even more than the first one, if possible. Kenley Davidson took all the essential elements of Rumpelstiltskin and wrote a completely original tale that was beautiful and wonderful and everything I want in a fairy tale.
Elaine is orphaned, abandoned by her fiancé, and left near destitute. She is also desperately shy and unused to making her own decisions. But she is deeply loved by the few who know her, and she is a talented artist, talented being a vast understatement.
And so, she is asked to paint a portrait of a dying woman, only not as the woman currently is but as her husband remembers her. Spinning straw into gold would be easier. Instead, she paints gold.
This was about as close to a perfect book as I've read in some time, which unfortunately, causes me to fall into a reading funk as nothing else can compare. But why was it so perfect? The characters. Kenley wrote beautiful, unique, and compelling characters. I loved every one of them. Elaine was so kind and forgiving. Will was willing to sacrifice everything to do what he believed was right. Blaise was beautiful and brave. And while the three of them made an unlikely group of friends, it was perfection in every way. The side characters and the crazed villains were also wonderful, but you'll have to read the book to find that out for yourself.
It was also low stakes. There was no world-saving, world-domination backstory. Just a girl who wanted to repay her family's debt. A boy wanting to earn his name. While, I anticipate this connecting into the larger world of Andari at a later point, I was perfectly happy with the book as a standalone. And everyone, whether good or bad, received their perfect ending. I was content in every way.
Elaine is orphaned, abandoned by her fiancé, and left near destitute. She is also desperately shy and unused to making her own decisions. But she is deeply loved by the few who know her, and she is a talented artist, talented being a vast understatement.
And so, she is asked to paint a portrait of a dying woman, only not as the woman currently is but as her husband remembers her. Spinning straw into gold would be easier. Instead, she paints gold.
This was about as close to a perfect book as I've read in some time, which unfortunately, causes me to fall into a reading funk as nothing else can compare. But why was it so perfect? The characters. Kenley wrote beautiful, unique, and compelling characters. I loved every one of them. Elaine was so kind and forgiving. Will was willing to sacrifice everything to do what he believed was right. Blaise was beautiful and brave. And while the three of them made an unlikely group of friends, it was perfection in every way. The side characters and the crazed villains were also wonderful, but you'll have to read the book to find that out for yourself.
It was also low stakes. There was no world-saving, world-domination backstory. Just a girl who wanted to repay her family's debt. A boy wanting to earn his name. While, I anticipate this connecting into the larger world of Andari at a later point, I was perfectly happy with the book as a standalone. And everyone, whether good or bad, received their perfect ending. I was content in every way.
March 25, 2018
Goldheart is very loosely based on Rumplestiltskin. Several of the core elements are there, such as trading the necklace and ring for help from a nameless stranger, but I felt that the book had more in common with several of my favorite Victorian era novels than the old fairy tale. I could see inspiration coming as much from Oscar Wilde and Charlotte Bronte with many of the Gothic elements that appeared.
The main character, Elaine, is the same that had been kidnapped in the first book of the series. She discovers more inner strength through this book, but I did find it difficult to reconcile this book as a part of the same world as the previous. There was very little mention of anything to connect the two books, so it felt like a stand-alone book. There really is no need to read these two in order.
If you enjoy Gothic Victorian literature, I think you will enjoy this one. There are very few fantasy elements in this book, apart from the fact that it is set in a make-believe world. Fantasy and fairy tale lovers should be aware that there is no apparent magic involved and the story is very loosely based on the fairy tale. Romance plays a part, but is not the biggest feature of the novel, more it is about the struggle for to find freedom from the sins of our parents and to become more than they were.
The main character, Elaine, is the same that had been kidnapped in the first book of the series. She discovers more inner strength through this book, but I did find it difficult to reconcile this book as a part of the same world as the previous. There was very little mention of anything to connect the two books, so it felt like a stand-alone book. There really is no need to read these two in order.
If you enjoy Gothic Victorian literature, I think you will enjoy this one. There are very few fantasy elements in this book, apart from the fact that it is set in a make-believe world. Fantasy and fairy tale lovers should be aware that there is no apparent magic involved and the story is very loosely based on the fairy tale. Romance plays a part, but is not the biggest feature of the novel, more it is about the struggle for to find freedom from the sins of our parents and to become more than they were.
April 21, 2020
I have read Adari Chronicles book #1 and #5 and I loved them. Davidson is a talented writer who always adds her own unique twist to a fairytale. Goldheart was no different. It followed the story of Elaine who had been kidnapped in the previous book. She was a sweet character who had been terribly traumatized and this allowed for much character development. She started out frightened and timid, but as the story went along, she became stronger and more defiant. Her daring act at the end definitely warranted applause. However, I did find that her weakness made it difficult to feel drawn to her. I wanted more moments of strength. As for the other characters, I loved Blaise! Honestly, I really wish they had ended up together. They seemed to match and complement each other so well. I also found it hard to be drawn to Will. I mean, to be honest, he didn’t do a whole a lot. He just wasn’t overly compelling.
I don’t want to go into too much more detail in case I bore you because it is much of the same. While it was an interesting twist, it did not steal my attention and drag me into the Andari world like the other books did.
I don’t want to go into too much more detail in case I bore you because it is much of the same. While it was an interesting twist, it did not steal my attention and drag me into the Andari world like the other books did.
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