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Redemption #1
Lock
From USA Today bestselling author Kimberly Knight, comes a dark, retelling of a classic story that takes place in present-day New York City.
Details coming soon.
Details coming soon.
222 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 12, 2020
145 people are currently reading
1146 people want to read
About the author
Kimberly Knight
78 books3,016 followersKimberly Knight is a USA Today Bestselling author who lives in the Central Valley of California with her loving husband, who is a great research assistant, and young daughter, who keeps Kimberly on her toes. Kimberly writes in a variety of genres, including romantic suspense, contemporary romance, erotic romance, and paranormal romance. Her books will make you laugh, cry, swoon, and fall in love before she throws you curve balls you never see coming.
When Kimberly isn’t writing, you can find her watching her favorite reality TV shows, including cooking competitions, binge-watching true crime documentaries, and going to San Francisco Giants games. She’s also a two-time desmoid tumor/cancer fighter, which has made her stronger and an inspiration to her fans.
When Kimberly isn’t writing, you can find her watching her favorite reality TV shows, including cooking competitions, binge-watching true crime documentaries, and going to San Francisco Giants games. She’s also a two-time desmoid tumor/cancer fighter, which has made her stronger and an inspiration to her fans.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 180 reviews
March 18, 2022
A dark retelling of Rapunzel done exceptionally well!
I really enjoyed this retelling of the Rapunzel tale for the modern age. It actually makes so much more sense than the original fairy tale. The story revolves around a girl named Zell who grew up in a brothel that uses up three or four floors of an apartment building in Manhattan. Madam who Zell knows is her mother likes Zell to keep her hair long so she only ever gets a small trim from one of the girls that work in the brothel.
Though Zell, like Rapunzel has long hair, she never throws it out the window for some guy to climb up. Because first, her hair would have to grow for much longer than 18 years for that to do much good, and second, that would really hurt the scalp and chunks of her scalp and hair might fall out from the weight of someone on her hair. So I already like this version much better than the Disney version.
This version has mobsters human trafficking, forced prostitution and kidnapping. But it also has a handsome Hero and steamy kisses, romance, family drama and more. The brothel is run by a mobster named Frank Russo and he brings his son Frankie to the brothel on Frankies 18th birthday and says he can choose any girl he wants.
Frankie who can and has gotten with many of the girls that go to his school, would rather not be with a whore and tells his Dad that. Though Frank insists so Frankie picks Zell, who is only there to serve drinks and is still a Virgin. Frankie takes a liking to Zell and when he finds out she hasn’t been able to go outside in the last five years he promises to help her.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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I really enjoyed this retelling of the Rapunzel tale for the modern age. It actually makes so much more sense than the original fairy tale. The story revolves around a girl named Zell who grew up in a brothel that uses up three or four floors of an apartment building in Manhattan. Madam who Zell knows is her mother likes Zell to keep her hair long so she only ever gets a small trim from one of the girls that work in the brothel.
Though Zell, like Rapunzel has long hair, she never throws it out the window for some guy to climb up. Because first, her hair would have to grow for much longer than 18 years for that to do much good, and second, that would really hurt the scalp and chunks of her scalp and hair might fall out from the weight of someone on her hair. So I already like this version much better than the Disney version.
This version has mobsters human trafficking, forced prostitution and kidnapping. But it also has a handsome Hero and steamy kisses, romance, family drama and more. The brothel is run by a mobster named Frank Russo and he brings his son Frankie to the brothel on Frankies 18th birthday and says he can choose any girl he wants.
Frankie who can and has gotten with many of the girls that go to his school, would rather not be with a whore and tells his Dad that. Though Frank insists so Frankie picks Zell, who is only there to serve drinks and is still a Virgin. Frankie takes a liking to Zell and when he finds out she hasn’t been able to go outside in the last five years he promises to help her.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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August 6, 2020
DNF-65%
This one just wasn’t for me and I decided to throw in the towel at 65%
So, this is part of the sinister fairy tale series, it's a contemporary fairy-tale retelling loosely based on Rapunzel.
Zell is the pretty princess locked away in a tower but in this case, it was a Brothel located on the top floors of a penthouse, where she is being raised by the brothel madam her mother.
Frankie is the Son of the boss he is being groomed to take over but after meeting Zell his goal is to liberate her from her prison.
Zell, well I found her to be naive and unworldly, I do think despite being locked away from the world she would be less so especially considering she has grown up in a brothel even as exclusive as it is it’s still a place that sells flesh that’s she has lived in for 18 years I very much doubt she would be as naive as she is.
Frankie also bothered me somewhat, he also seemed childlike and naive as well and I just couldn't see it especially considering who his father actually was, he should have been less optimistic and more jaded he just didn’t seem that authentic and real to me.
I also found the developing relationship here to be very juvenile and lacking a deeper connection. I also didn’t believe in the feelings between Zell and Frankie or feel much connection to them.
This is also had a habit of telling you rather than letting you experience things first-hand, this then had a knock-on effect making the dark deeds have a lesser impact almost a disconnect if you will.
Case in point Zell’s experience at the hands of Frank Senior’s men, first I was left not knowing what had actually occurred to then wondering why Zell wasn’t more traumatised and then afterwards affected in any way, she was totally blase and unaffected by her recent trauma.
Also, Reactions in this were way off it was clunky and kept jumping from one unbelievable scenario to another and at 65% I just had enough it was one step too far.
I thought this had some good initial ideas, but they were just poorly executed, the potential is all here but this just felt unbelievable and juvenile and I didn’t feel any deeper connection to any of the characters involved.
For me, there was no connection with this and if I am not invested then I’m out.
I voluntary reviewed a copy of Lock.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
This one just wasn’t for me and I decided to throw in the towel at 65%
So, this is part of the sinister fairy tale series, it's a contemporary fairy-tale retelling loosely based on Rapunzel.
Zell is the pretty princess locked away in a tower but in this case, it was a Brothel located on the top floors of a penthouse, where she is being raised by the brothel madam her mother.
Frankie is the Son of the boss he is being groomed to take over but after meeting Zell his goal is to liberate her from her prison.
Zell, well I found her to be naive and unworldly, I do think despite being locked away from the world she would be less so especially considering she has grown up in a brothel even as exclusive as it is it’s still a place that sells flesh that’s she has lived in for 18 years I very much doubt she would be as naive as she is.
Frankie also bothered me somewhat, he also seemed childlike and naive as well and I just couldn't see it especially considering who his father actually was, he should have been less optimistic and more jaded he just didn’t seem that authentic and real to me.
I also found the developing relationship here to be very juvenile and lacking a deeper connection. I also didn’t believe in the feelings between Zell and Frankie or feel much connection to them.
This is also had a habit of telling you rather than letting you experience things first-hand, this then had a knock-on effect making the dark deeds have a lesser impact almost a disconnect if you will.
Case in point Zell’s experience at the hands of Frank Senior’s men, first I was left not knowing what had actually occurred to then wondering why Zell wasn’t more traumatised and then afterwards affected in any way, she was totally blase and unaffected by her recent trauma.
Also, Reactions in this were way off it was clunky and kept jumping from one unbelievable scenario to another and at 65% I just had enough it was one step too far.
I thought this had some good initial ideas, but they were just poorly executed, the potential is all here but this just felt unbelievable and juvenile and I didn’t feel any deeper connection to any of the characters involved.
For me, there was no connection with this and if I am not invested then I’m out.
I voluntary reviewed a copy of Lock.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
March 9, 2020
Aside from the heroine's extemely long golden locks, her perpetual confinement in a 'tall tower', and a determined hero to the rescue, Lock bore no resemblance to the original tale of Rapunzel... and I liked that!
Zell - a naive, teenaged girl who knew nothing of the world around her but what she was exposed to. Growing up in a brothel, her only companions were the women who were forced to work there. Her mother, a woman who demanded to be called 'Madam', wasn't a source of companionship or affection so Zell got what she needed from her friends. How she longed to experience a bit of the world she could see out of her window.
Frankie - a teenaged boy who happened to be the son of a notorious and deadly gangster. For his eighteenth birthday, his father decides to gift him with an experience that will launch him into manhood - a trip to his brothel. Surrounded by beautiful women, Frankie only has eyes for Zell. Once he realizes that she hasn't even been outside for years and that they are being held captive, he sets out to make things right. As his father starts to hand him the keys to his kingdom, Frankie puts his haphazard plan to free himself and the others in motion.
There is definitely a dark and macabre tone to this read. Between the horrifying deeds Frankie's father was responsible for, the lives of the women who lived in the gilded cage, and the events that took place to liberate everyone, this ended up being a tense, suspenseful, and electrifying read. I was gripped by the helplessness of the characters, the almost futility to their plans, and the hope that blossomed even in the midst of certain defeat.
Zell - a naive, teenaged girl who knew nothing of the world around her but what she was exposed to. Growing up in a brothel, her only companions were the women who were forced to work there. Her mother, a woman who demanded to be called 'Madam', wasn't a source of companionship or affection so Zell got what she needed from her friends. How she longed to experience a bit of the world she could see out of her window.
Frankie - a teenaged boy who happened to be the son of a notorious and deadly gangster. For his eighteenth birthday, his father decides to gift him with an experience that will launch him into manhood - a trip to his brothel. Surrounded by beautiful women, Frankie only has eyes for Zell. Once he realizes that she hasn't even been outside for years and that they are being held captive, he sets out to make things right. As his father starts to hand him the keys to his kingdom, Frankie puts his haphazard plan to free himself and the others in motion.
There is definitely a dark and macabre tone to this read. Between the horrifying deeds Frankie's father was responsible for, the lives of the women who lived in the gilded cage, and the events that took place to liberate everyone, this ended up being a tense, suspenseful, and electrifying read. I was gripped by the helplessness of the characters, the almost futility to their plans, and the hope that blossomed even in the midst of certain defeat.
September 24, 2020
TBH two stars is probably being generous so 1.5 is the best I can give
From the stilted dialogue, to the very tell-not-show style of writing, to the far fetched storyline, this book really wasn't for me. When I read the prologue I thought the "once upon a time" style of writing was due to it being a fairytale and foolishly assumed it would change once the story properly began. However it continued in a similar vein. This just didn't allow me to connect with any of the characters, who with their lack of emotion and realistic reactions came across as wooden and rather one dimensional.
The story and writing was very simplistic, not terrible, not poor, just - basic. I need to feel the emotions of the characters in order to connect with them. Now I'm not quoting directly but "I was shocked" "I was happy" "I was excited" is not showing emotion in the way that I need.
The storyline with Zell's mother sailed just a little too far from the shores of believability, particularly given her abrupt change of mind a few hours later when she met with Quinn. Up to that point I could have been persuaded of the validity of her actions with the phrase "stockholm syndrome", but that wouldn't explain her sudden vault face. I also found myself rolling my eyes to how the heroine seemed to be totally unaffected by . I got to just past 70% but really just could not continue any further.
From the stilted dialogue, to the very tell-not-show style of writing, to the far fetched storyline, this book really wasn't for me. When I read the prologue I thought the "once upon a time" style of writing was due to it being a fairytale and foolishly assumed it would change once the story properly began. However it continued in a similar vein. This just didn't allow me to connect with any of the characters, who with their lack of emotion and realistic reactions came across as wooden and rather one dimensional.
The story and writing was very simplistic, not terrible, not poor, just - basic. I need to feel the emotions of the characters in order to connect with them. Now I'm not quoting directly but "I was shocked" "I was happy" "I was excited" is not showing emotion in the way that I need.
The storyline with Zell's mother sailed just a little too far from the shores of believability, particularly given her abrupt change of mind a few hours later when she met with Quinn. Up to that point I could have been persuaded of the validity of her actions with the phrase "stockholm syndrome", but that wouldn't explain her sudden vault face. I also found myself rolling my eyes to how the heroine seemed to be totally unaffected by . I got to just past 70% but really just could not continue any further.
July 24, 2022
This book was a different retelling of Rapunzel and I loved it. There were twist and turns that kept me guessing and shocking discoveries. Zell bless her heart was so innocent with not knowing really how the world worked and Frankie was an awesome hero for being as young as he was. It was a fast read for me because I didn't put it down. Thank you Kimberly !!!!!
May 3, 2022
I can’t wait for you all to read my retelling of Rapunzel!
April 4, 2020
rapunzel with a dark twist...
If you are looking for fairytale retellings this series has some really interesting books....
If you are looking for fairytale retellings this series has some really interesting books....
March 17, 2020
Definitely edge of your seat story here! It sucks you in from the very beginning and just keeps you on edge. Frankie meets Zell during his birthday gift presentation from his father, Frank. Frankie always knew his dad wasn’t on the straight and narrow but once he learns just how off his dad is Frankie is determined not to follow in his shoes. Meeting Zell and seeing what goes on at the house is the final straw. Frankie is going to keep Zell safe and get the both away from the monster his father is. When secrets are unearthed and mystery people are found, everything changes. The empire needs to crumble
March 15, 2020
Lock by Kimberly Knight is the story of Zell and Frankie and is a part of the Sinister Fairy Tale Collection. Zell has been kept in a Manhattan apartment building where she only knows the Madam as her mother figure. Although Zell is in a bad situation she is kept innocent and somewhat protected. When Frankie turns 18 her father Frank Russo who is a mobster wants to treat him to a brothel. But Frankie doesn't want to be a part of it and he starts to see what his father really is. Especially when he goes to the Manhattan apartment building that is the brothel his father wouldn't let him get out of. When Frankie is forced to choose a women he picks Zell who he happens to see. Frankie feels a connection to her and makes plans to get her out of there.
This was a dark retelling of Rapunzel
This was a dark retelling of Rapunzel
March 15, 2020
3.75 Stars / 2 Steam Fans
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Video review available in Week 11: Mar 8 – 14 weekly book reviews.
For other video book reviews, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
January 13, 2020
A dark retelling of Rapunzel, my first thoughts was full of uncertainty. After reading just a few pages I was hooked and needed more. It was so good and I on the edge of my seat waiting to see what happened next. Just when I thought I had it figured out there was a little twist to make me second guess myself. Such a great twist on the versions I've heard or seen. Loved it! Full of emotion & surprises.
January 23, 2020
What a ride! When I realized that the main characters were so young, I wasn't totally sure if I would enjoy the book. But I was wrong! I devoured it. There were ups and downs, and some times that I wasn't sure how things were going to go. This isn't a happy version of Rapunzel, this is more like the Grimm brothers version in its darkness. But it's not all dark because they do get a HEA, we just don't get fun little animal sidekicks ;)
March 17, 2020
I started Lock early last night. I finished Lock last night. The author sucked me in with the characters. The author kept me reading with the drama and tension. The author left me completely satisfied with the epilogue giving the characters and the reader closure.
It was a pleasure to read a retelling of a fairytale that wasn't sugarcoated. The originals were dark. Lock is dark. Frank Russo is a mob boss. He has no problem pulling the trigger. The only thing that matters to him is money and he doesn't care how he gets makes it.
Frankie is not his father's son. He has values. He has plans. On his 18th birthday, plans will change. It may not be love at first sight, but Frankie will find purpose in a penthouse suite.
Zell has been hidden away in a penthouse for all her life. She only knows what the working ladies have told her, taught her. She works behind the scenes until Frankie's 18th birthday. Little did she know how her life would change.
Frankie is the white knight. Zell is the princess. Frank Russo is the monster they must destroy if they want to have a happily ever after.
Unlock your day with journey into the world of fairy tales. Lock is a story full of secrets. Lock is a story full of twists. Lock is ugly. Lock is beautiful. Lock is evil. Lock is good. Lock is a teeter totter that I want to ride again and again.
It was a pleasure to read a retelling of a fairytale that wasn't sugarcoated. The originals were dark. Lock is dark. Frank Russo is a mob boss. He has no problem pulling the trigger. The only thing that matters to him is money and he doesn't care how he gets makes it.
Frankie is not his father's son. He has values. He has plans. On his 18th birthday, plans will change. It may not be love at first sight, but Frankie will find purpose in a penthouse suite.
Zell has been hidden away in a penthouse for all her life. She only knows what the working ladies have told her, taught her. She works behind the scenes until Frankie's 18th birthday. Little did she know how her life would change.
Frankie is the white knight. Zell is the princess. Frank Russo is the monster they must destroy if they want to have a happily ever after.
Unlock your day with journey into the world of fairy tales. Lock is a story full of secrets. Lock is a story full of twists. Lock is ugly. Lock is beautiful. Lock is evil. Lock is good. Lock is a teeter totter that I want to ride again and again.
January 31, 2020
An Exciting Read
“Lock” is one of the best character-driven tales that I have read in a long time. Zell is an innocent, lost and sweet character that invites you into her story. I loved this read and the characters that were created. It was the kind of book that drew me in and had made me feel fully invested in it. This is a new author that I will be following from here on out.
I received a free copy of this book. This review was posted voluntarily.
“Lock” is one of the best character-driven tales that I have read in a long time. Zell is an innocent, lost and sweet character that invites you into her story. I loved this read and the characters that were created. It was the kind of book that drew me in and had made me feel fully invested in it. This is a new author that I will be following from here on out.
I received a free copy of this book. This review was posted voluntarily.
August 8, 2020
This Sinister Fairytale was based on Rapunzel.
Zell is our "princess" with long blond hair, but she is being held in a brothel with a Madam as a keeper. She is just turning 18 and a bit naive even given the place in which she grew up. She knows next to nothing of the outside world and the short trips to the park have been cut off for the past number of years. She dreams of something more if even to just experience what is beyond the tower she lives in.
Frankie is being primed to one day take over for his father, but unfortunately for Frank Sr. Frankie is not all that interested in what his empire has to offer. For his birthday he is gifted one of the girls from the brothel and instead of experience, he is drawn to Zell. The only one not for sale.
The story is not a fairytale. It was interesting to see how these two young characters were going to get themselves out of their complicated situations. This book was not dark like some of the others in this series and was even light on the details. I was interested and wanted to know how it was all going to shake out but I did find that I wanted a bit more from it.
January 12, 2020
This book was a RIDE. This story had so many complex layers to it, so many characters that are mixed in bad things but want nothing but good. As with Knight's other releases, she does a brilliant job of creating this world that sucks you in, and I loved her retelling of an old fairy tale (and putting her twist on it). I really loved the characters and their fight for good amongst such evil. Fantastic read.
Thank you to the author for providing an advanced copy of this book. SO GOOD!
Thank you to the author for providing an advanced copy of this book. SO GOOD!
January 18, 2020
This book is filled with so many emotions. You will feel anger, heartbreak and love. Follow the journey of Frankie, Zell, Jackie and the Russo family. In this book you will find how a drug lord/human trafficking devil is taken down by his own son, wife and mistress. Fall in love with Frankie and Zell as they move on to a better life. Kimberly Knight has definitely delivered another amazing book.
March 16, 2020
Amazing twisted intense story based on Tangled! I loved how the author made the story into real life and was so unique. Frankie and Zell are so cute together and how innocent Zell is melts your heart but scares you at the same time. Definitely a must read! 5/5 stars
March 17, 2020
***3.5 Stars***
Lock by Kimberly Knight is one of many books in The Sinister Fairy Tales Collection, a collection of dark fairy tale retelling. This novel is based on the Brother's Grimm version of Rapunzel.
Zell has lived her life in a high-rise looking over New York with rare contact to the outside world. She gets her schooling from one of the Madam's women and her company from the other women living with her. She lives her life sheltered, but as she grows older she starts to feel more trapped. She wants adventure and she'll do everything in her power to get it.
Frankie knew at a young age he would eventually take over his father's business of crime and prostitution, no matter how much he despised his father, he wouldn't be able to stand against him. He never imagined in his wildest dreams he'd be willing to step in the murky water's that is his father's business with both feet. All to protect a girl who exudes pure innocence. A girl being held prisoner by her mother, The Madam.
With a plan and a motive, Frankie sets forth with his plan to rescue Zell from the high-rise prison she was born into. He'll see that she gets her freedom, if it's the last thing he does.
My Thoughts:
When I first read the blurb for Lock, I was intrigued. Rapunzel has never been one of my most favorite fairy tales. Given the blurb for Lock, I knew I needed to get my hands on this story immediately.
What's not intriguing about a high rise prostitution ring, An evil Madam with a secret, and an innocent beauty who unknowingly is being held prisoner. And then of course we have the anti-hero who swoops in and saves the day. What's not to love about that synopsis.
Throughout this story I was on the edge of my seat. I loved Zell's innocence and the connection she formed with Frankie. She was the sweet to his swoony.
Now onto why I gave this book a 3.5 star rating.
I loved the beginning of this novel. But towards the middle my brain decided it was going to predict the ending.... and I was right. So throughout the second part of the novel, I started to lose interest a little bit. One of my biggest pet peeves is my brain forcing me to predict the outcome of novels and this one was fairly easy to predict.
Overall, Lock was the first novel I read by author Kimberly Knight. For being a first time read, I have to say this was a great compelling read, aside from the predictability. If you're looking for a dark and sinister read, definitely try this one out.
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January 30, 2020
I loved so much about this book, I’m not sure where to begin this review. I’ve always preferred Grimm’s fairy tales over the more sedate, watered-down fantasies most of us have grown up with. This retelling of Rapunzel was dark and twisty, and kept me on the edge of my seat. I finished it one sitting! She did such a great job with the characters, some I hated (Frank Sr, Madam) and others I adored (Zell, Frankie). I caught myself smiling many, many times over Zell’s innocence, and even chuckled during her interactions with Frankie (that may have been my twisted sense of humor). The only thing I didn’t like was that it ended...I found myself wanting MORE, MORE, MORE!! I wanted to stay wrapped in Zell and Frankie’s world a bit longer and felt like I was saying goodbye to my closest friends when the ride came to an end. I suppose I’ll just have to re-read it. ;)
I wish I could give it ten stars, but I suppose five will have to do.
I wish I could give it ten stars, but I suppose five will have to do.
March 16, 2020
Kimberly Knight gave us a modern day Rapunzel. While the basic bones of the story are there, Knight made this completely her own.
This story starts before Zell was born and then jumps to when she is a little girl. There is a gap that leaves a lot of questions for the reader. Zell life is a lonely life. Her companions are women forced to work for her mother, Madam.
Fast forward again and we find Frankie, the son of a gangster. Frankie doesn't want to carry on in his father's footsteps until he meets a shy girl with long blonde hair.
While I liked the story and the plot, the way it was written had me feeling as if everything was being explained instead of letting it unfold organically. There was a lot of jumping around that left me dizzy and confused at first.
The holes in the plot are resolved as there story goes on, which I loved because 1) I needed the answers and 2) even though it filled in these gaps, it brought more drama with it - and I love drama.
This story starts before Zell was born and then jumps to when she is a little girl. There is a gap that leaves a lot of questions for the reader. Zell life is a lonely life. Her companions are women forced to work for her mother, Madam.
Fast forward again and we find Frankie, the son of a gangster. Frankie doesn't want to carry on in his father's footsteps until he meets a shy girl with long blonde hair.
While I liked the story and the plot, the way it was written had me feeling as if everything was being explained instead of letting it unfold organically. There was a lot of jumping around that left me dizzy and confused at first.
The holes in the plot are resolved as there story goes on, which I loved because 1) I needed the answers and 2) even though it filled in these gaps, it brought more drama with it - and I love drama.
January 26, 2020
I was fortunate to receive an ARC Copy of Lock, a dark re-telling of the story Rapunzel. I breezed through this book fairly quick! I was drawn in from the very beginning, plenty of action throughout the story. I seriously had anxiety throughout the book, wanting to cover my eyes, nervous to find out what would happen next. Zell is a naive, easily manipulated girl, sheltered from the world, but turns out to be a tough chic who defends her loved ones. Frankie, I thought was going to be this douchebag jerk, but actually proves to be a sweet, caring Hero who puts a stop to the life he was born into. This story was a great read, with the right amount of love, drama, and suspense.
March 17, 2020
Zell has been kept imprisoned in a Manhattan apartment with her mom, "Madam", and the rest of the girls at the brothel. Yes, she lives in a brothel, where she was brought when her father was killed in front of her mother, and the killer dragged the two of them to one of his brothels. Said killer brings his 18 year old son, Frankie, to the brothel on Frankie's 18th birthday and tells him his gift is to choose any woman there. Zell is the one he chooses and the rest is dark history.
Needless to say, this is not the Rapunzel story we all saw when we were children watching Disney classics. It's darker and modern, and pretty grim some of the time. I really enjoyed Frankie and Zell's story, though, it is one of the best so far in the Sinister Fairy Tales series. Beware, though, it deals with some heavy subjects, like human trafficking, so stay away if this is not your kind of thing. It is mine, though, and I can't wait for the next one the note in the back says is coming.
ARC via Enticing Journey Book Promotions for an honest review.
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March 11, 2020
***3.5 Stars***
So we have a Rapunzel ~ the actual fairy tale, not the animated version ~ retelling and I have to say, I really liked how the author took it and made it her own. The setting totally worked for me and made it easy for me to believe that Zell, our Rapunzel, could have been kept in her ‘tower’ for as long as she was.
Zell is naive, but she comes by it honestly and I liked seeing things through her eyes and watching as she dealt with the changes that came crashing down on her. Frankie is a tarnished prince, but he has a good heart and I loved how aware he was of what the truth of his life was. I enjoyed their journey to their HEA. It was pretty insta, and while I would have liked a little more interaction before that happened, I’m not mad about it either due to the crazy going on around them. But I did like how things worked out for them in the end.
This was an interesting read in that it is dark, but not explicitly so in that you know what is going to happen, but it’s light on description. The secondary characters were well developed and there are a few I wouldn’t mind getting to know better and see where life takes them.
~ Copy provided by the EJBP & voluntarily reviewed ~
So we have a Rapunzel ~ the actual fairy tale, not the animated version ~ retelling and I have to say, I really liked how the author took it and made it her own. The setting totally worked for me and made it easy for me to believe that Zell, our Rapunzel, could have been kept in her ‘tower’ for as long as she was.
Zell is naive, but she comes by it honestly and I liked seeing things through her eyes and watching as she dealt with the changes that came crashing down on her. Frankie is a tarnished prince, but he has a good heart and I loved how aware he was of what the truth of his life was. I enjoyed their journey to their HEA. It was pretty insta, and while I would have liked a little more interaction before that happened, I’m not mad about it either due to the crazy going on around them. But I did like how things worked out for them in the end.
This was an interesting read in that it is dark, but not explicitly so in that you know what is going to happen, but it’s light on description. The secondary characters were well developed and there are a few I wouldn’t mind getting to know better and see where life takes them.
~ Copy provided by the EJBP & voluntarily reviewed ~
January 12, 2020
Lock is a dark retelling of Rapunzel. This story had a lot going on throughout the entire book. There were several of things that happened that I was not expecting. I will say I did not connect with the characters as much as I usually do when reading one of Kimberly Knights books.
Zell was extremely sheltered and naive which which was by design. Frankie had some surprising qualities despite his upbringing and together they made a good pair.
This was definitely a dark version of the fairy tale. Right of the bat the story was filled with action. You dive right into Zell and Frankies dark world. The author did not pull any punches when it came to this story.
Be prepared to have a roller coaster ride of emotions while devouring this read.
If you are looking for a different spin on an old classic fairy tale you should definitely read Lock.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
Zell was extremely sheltered and naive which which was by design. Frankie had some surprising qualities despite his upbringing and together they made a good pair.
This was definitely a dark version of the fairy tale. Right of the bat the story was filled with action. You dive right into Zell and Frankies dark world. The author did not pull any punches when it came to this story.
Be prepared to have a roller coaster ride of emotions while devouring this read.
If you are looking for a different spin on an old classic fairy tale you should definitely read Lock.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
March 16, 2020
Lock is Rapunzel with a twist. Zel is locked in tower with hair all would envy. Although this princess doesn't see many people in her locked tower, she dreams of all the possibilities.
A mafia boss, some questionable morals, and a young prince change eveything for Zel.
Lock has an intriguing storyline. The skeletal structure is definitely worth building on; however, character development, dialogue, and transitions are sorely lacking in this book. It seems as though the author lost steam and needed to wrap it up. Characters are suddenly thrown together to save the day in a haphazard and uncharacteristic way. I would honestly say those that are fans of this series should gloss over this installment.
A mafia boss, some questionable morals, and a young prince change eveything for Zel.
Lock has an intriguing storyline. The skeletal structure is definitely worth building on; however, character development, dialogue, and transitions are sorely lacking in this book. It seems as though the author lost steam and needed to wrap it up. Characters are suddenly thrown together to save the day in a haphazard and uncharacteristic way. I would honestly say those that are fans of this series should gloss over this installment.
April 13, 2020
I got 72% into this book and realized there was no way this book was going to be more than 2 stars for me. Lock isn't a horribly written book and I do think the reimagining of Rapunzel being stuck in a high end brothel was original, but this book was just a flop for me. Both of the leads were super boring/flat and none of the characters act in believable way I mean Zell is raped and we see absolutely no effect on her. Similarly her mother has had her child ripped away from her and is imprisoned in the mountains, when she gets to meet her long lost daughter she's just a blank slate. The story felt super robotic, this book is definitely one of my least favorites in the Sinister fairy tale series.
January 25, 2020
A dark and twisted take
Zell, a girl trapped in a penthouse apartment, and Frankie, a boy trapped by circumstances, unknowingly have a common problem. As the story progresses a connection is formed, secrets come out, and to survive they must make a stand. Kimberly Knight’s Lock is a dark and twisted take on the fairytale of Rapunzel. Taking things darker than the Brothers Grimm, this retelling includes an evil jailer, a tarnished prince, and plenty of downtrodden friends. Reader discretion is advised due to dark subject matter and/or possible triggers contained within.
I received a free copy of the book from the author. I had the opportunity to review or not.
Zell, a girl trapped in a penthouse apartment, and Frankie, a boy trapped by circumstances, unknowingly have a common problem. As the story progresses a connection is formed, secrets come out, and to survive they must make a stand. Kimberly Knight’s Lock is a dark and twisted take on the fairytale of Rapunzel. Taking things darker than the Brothers Grimm, this retelling includes an evil jailer, a tarnished prince, and plenty of downtrodden friends. Reader discretion is advised due to dark subject matter and/or possible triggers contained within.
I received a free copy of the book from the author. I had the opportunity to review or not.
Want to read
September 1, 2020
While part of the Sinister Fairy Tales Collection each can be read as a stand-alone
Read
March 16, 2020This was a bit chaotic for my reading preferences.
The heroine like rapunzel has never known the outside world and has extremely long hair.
Locked in a penthouse (that would be the modern version of a tower) she is raised by ...
This is only one part I had a hard time with
The concept is quite creative when you finally get all the pieces
Interesting addition to the Sinister Collection
Not my favourite but still an interesting tale
On my tablet full review to follow
The heroine like rapunzel has never known the outside world and has extremely long hair.
Locked in a penthouse (that would be the modern version of a tower) she is raised by ...
This is only one part I had a hard time with
The concept is quite creative when you finally get all the pieces
Interesting addition to the Sinister Collection
Not my favourite but still an interesting tale
On my tablet full review to follow
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