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The Crown of Bones
Gisela knows about sacrifice all too well. She abandoned her education, friends, and fairy tales to support her family and care for her sister.
But when she jilts a wealthy suitor, Gisela is chosen for another type of sacrifice.
As an Offering to the Goddess Bergot, Gisela and seven others are sent on a deadly quest for a mythical crown. To return home, Gisela must overcome obstacles which darkly resemble the fairy tales she once believed.
Weaving through a tapestry of friendship, romance, violence, and magic—Gisela becomes the target of an ancient evil force, while an ominous detail from the past haunts her at every turn.
To what lengths will Gisela go to save the ones she loves? Sometimes sacrifices must be made.
Trigger Warnings: This novel contains graphic violence, cursing, and sexual situations.
But when she jilts a wealthy suitor, Gisela is chosen for another type of sacrifice.
As an Offering to the Goddess Bergot, Gisela and seven others are sent on a deadly quest for a mythical crown. To return home, Gisela must overcome obstacles which darkly resemble the fairy tales she once believed.
Weaving through a tapestry of friendship, romance, violence, and magic—Gisela becomes the target of an ancient evil force, while an ominous detail from the past haunts her at every turn.
To what lengths will Gisela go to save the ones she loves? Sometimes sacrifices must be made.
Trigger Warnings: This novel contains graphic violence, cursing, and sexual situations.
- GenresFantasyRetellings
250 pages, Paperback
First published April 24, 2020
8 people are currently reading
241 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
August 5, 2021
This was an absolutely wonderful dark fantasy/dark fairy tale with rich storytelling and detailed worldbuilding. We meet Gisela as she sells her family’s wares in the marketplace. It’s just her and her younger sister now—her older brother was sacrificed as part of a yearly tradition in their valley where eight children are chosen to try to reclaim a crown that was stolen from the Goddess Bergot long ago. Like every other teen about to turn 18, Gisela fears her name will be one of the eight chosen, making her an offering—none of whom have ever returned to their families alive.
I loved the vivid descriptions and crisp pacing as Gisela, Braham and the other offerings battle their way through the cursed woods seeking the crown. Rosalyn Briar weaves together dark fantasy and fairy tale to create a dark, perilous quest fraught with curses and interwoven with pining and romance ❤. Recommended for fairy tale lovers!
Please excuse typos/name misspellings. Entered on screen reader.
I loved the vivid descriptions and crisp pacing as Gisela, Braham and the other offerings battle their way through the cursed woods seeking the crown. Rosalyn Briar weaves together dark fantasy and fairy tale to create a dark, perilous quest fraught with curses and interwoven with pining and romance ❤. Recommended for fairy tale lovers!
Please excuse typos/name misspellings. Entered on screen reader.
May 24, 2021
This story ripped my heart out, but in a good way. It is dark, filled with fantasy, and has the right amount of romance to it.
May 9, 2021
Perfection!
Now this was a top-notch story! Filled with magic, gorgeous imagery, and fairytales, I was hooked from page one. Each character was carefully crafted and served their role to perfection. I loved the bittersweet heroine, Gisela, who was a great mix of gentle heart and cold steel. And Brahm Wolf! It was as if he were written just to my particular specifications for leading men. Both characters will stay in my heart for a long time to come.
Then there was the story! I won't get into details, but suffice to say it was fantastic. A beautiful blend of classic fairytales, all wrapped with a ribbon of darkness. Highly recommend!
Now this was a top-notch story! Filled with magic, gorgeous imagery, and fairytales, I was hooked from page one. Each character was carefully crafted and served their role to perfection. I loved the bittersweet heroine, Gisela, who was a great mix of gentle heart and cold steel. And Brahm Wolf! It was as if he were written just to my particular specifications for leading men. Both characters will stay in my heart for a long time to come.
Then there was the story! I won't get into details, but suffice to say it was fantastic. A beautiful blend of classic fairytales, all wrapped with a ribbon of darkness. Highly recommend!
January 28, 2021
Do you want a heap of creepy childrens' tales all packed into one terifying adventure? This is your next read! Rosalyn Briar has a real talent for fairy-tale and fable retellings, with a deliciously dark twist.
June 2, 2021
Page turner
This book is a page turner! Really cool worldbuilding with a lovable main character and love interest. It kept me hooked. It does end with a cliffhanger of sorts—I’d gone in thinking this was a standalone, but based on the ending, it seems to be a book 1. Cool world and a good choice for those who like a bit of dark fairytale horror with their romantic fantasy.
This book is a page turner! Really cool worldbuilding with a lovable main character and love interest. It kept me hooked. It does end with a cliffhanger of sorts—I’d gone in thinking this was a standalone, but based on the ending, it seems to be a book 1. Cool world and a good choice for those who like a bit of dark fairytale horror with their romantic fantasy.
January 11, 2021
What I Love About It: This book has almost all the elements that an adult who loves drama and horror, would love out of fairy tales. It really brings in the original Brother Grimms stories and switches the thing around with twists and turns that are cool. This is not a Disney fairy tale! The adventure in and of itself was high stakes, and full of anxiety. If you make me go and get one of my meds, then you are doing it right!
I’m in love with the main character Gisela and Brahm. The love Brahm has for her, is so apparent within the first scene, that I am just like “Sis, you KNOW he loves you, stop with the games.” How he loves her, and how he cares for her is literally what dreams are made of. A few spicy scenes that made me do a few “Whew ChilAY!”. Come through Brahm, because he had me like
What I like about this writer is she’s not afraid to go where some won't. A diverse cast, with POC, special needs, and LGBTQ+, I mean...she has my heart! And it isn’t just the fact that those characters are in there, but it's how it's so tastefully and effortlessly done. We are a part of that world, and not made to feel as if an extra, and when it's done in that way, it's absolutely beautiful.
But even so, her ability to take you into that place, and she does it without being overly wordy, and such a flow, it's pretty awesome. I read this book in 5 hours. That's how much I didn’t want to put it down.
What I Didn't: There wasn’t much that I could say that I didn’t like about the book, other than Ferdinand and Lord Albert can see my hands. All-day. I swear on everything I love, especially Ferdinand *wooosaaahhh*. I wasn’t even as mad at the main antagonists, as I was those two! That's how much the author was able to get me to despise him. I will say Gisela had me miffed for a few, which I can say I didn’t like. I felt she was in denial about a lot.
, but she was strong. Sometimes maybe even too strong for her own good. I would love to have seen a little bit more explanation with the missing sibling, and more on Gisela’s own brother. I had a little confusion on that story, but hey, maybe more will come out into the next one. Also more of a clarification on a few things, but I’m sure that in the next book it will be covered.
Briar has an amazing ability to storytelling, and how she delivered this story, along with the creativity and just how her mind works are terrific. And a little birdy told me that she is working on the next book for the series because she decided to leave a cliffhanger that almost made me personally email her 4:38 am on a Sunday with a “WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS?!”.
I recommend this novel to any that love fairytale retellings, with horror elements, adventure, etc., and geared toward Dark Fantasy, New Adult, or Adult Fantasy readers. Definitely looking for more from this author!
I’m in love with the main character Gisela and Brahm. The love Brahm has for her, is so apparent within the first scene, that I am just like “Sis, you KNOW he loves you, stop with the games.” How he loves her, and how he cares for her is literally what dreams are made of. A few spicy scenes that made me do a few “Whew ChilAY!”. Come through Brahm, because he had me like
What I like about this writer is she’s not afraid to go where some won't. A diverse cast, with POC, special needs, and LGBTQ+, I mean...she has my heart! And it isn’t just the fact that those characters are in there, but it's how it's so tastefully and effortlessly done. We are a part of that world, and not made to feel as if an extra, and when it's done in that way, it's absolutely beautiful.
But even so, her ability to take you into that place, and she does it without being overly wordy, and such a flow, it's pretty awesome. I read this book in 5 hours. That's how much I didn’t want to put it down.
What I Didn't: There wasn’t much that I could say that I didn’t like about the book, other than Ferdinand and Lord Albert can see my hands. All-day. I swear on everything I love, especially Ferdinand *wooosaaahhh*. I wasn’t even as mad at the main antagonists, as I was those two! That's how much the author was able to get me to despise him. I will say Gisela had me miffed for a few, which I can say I didn’t like. I felt she was in denial about a lot.
, but she was strong. Sometimes maybe even too strong for her own good. I would love to have seen a little bit more explanation with the missing sibling, and more on Gisela’s own brother. I had a little confusion on that story, but hey, maybe more will come out into the next one. Also more of a clarification on a few things, but I’m sure that in the next book it will be covered.
Briar has an amazing ability to storytelling, and how she delivered this story, along with the creativity and just how her mind works are terrific. And a little birdy told me that she is working on the next book for the series because she decided to leave a cliffhanger that almost made me personally email her 4:38 am on a Sunday with a “WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS?!”.
I recommend this novel to any that love fairytale retellings, with horror elements, adventure, etc., and geared toward Dark Fantasy, New Adult, or Adult Fantasy readers. Definitely looking for more from this author!
October 28, 2020
ARC provided by Rosalyn Briar via Storytellers On Tour. All opinions are mine and freely given.
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10-28: I knew of course, with what I can only assume is a chosen pen name.. that Roslyn Briar's 'The Crown of Bones' would likely play with fairy tales in some way. Little Briar Rose is after all, an early version of Sleeping Beauty, written by Margaret Hunt in the 1880s and I was intrigued to see how the author might choose to weave these elements into her story.
Gisela, the main character, is a girl who understands what sacrifice means. After the death of her brother, she gave up everything to provide for her family and care for her little sister. Coveted by a sleazy lord who wishes to make her his bridge, she refuses his offer of marriage and her long time friend, Brahm comes to her aid.
Unfortunately, her suitor has connections and doesn't take rejection well.
Beginning the next day with a visit from one of the Priestesses of the goddess, Bergot.. and a Black Letter, Gisela realizes she and seven others have been chosen as this year's Offerings. Though the yearly sacrifice sends eight Offerings on a quest to find Bergot's mythical crown, none have ever returned.
The author definitely dabbles in the darker tellings of the fairy tales she integrates and I love that. She's not afraid to push into the boundaries of horror, with rituals of bone and blood or people coming to horrific ends.
Though one of the major plot points is telegraphed early and often, Briar certainly packs a lot into the story. Despite its relatively short word count, the characters go through one seriously epic journey. Situationally, there aren't many horrible fairy tale experiences that she doesn't explore in one state or another.
Brahm is extremely likeable and Gisela is okay too, though even when there aren't supernatural forces at play, her emotions tend to swing rather wildly for me. Deep down, she means well and she's relatively smart.. even if it's sometimes just because she has a tendency to save things for 'just in case.'
I enjoyed the world-building, especially the mythos regarding Bergot and her family. There's plenty of page-turning action and overall the story is quite creative. The general structure is solid, the plot points are interesting, and the novel has a ton of potential.
My one and only complaint? Sadly, the writing itself is extremely underdeveloped. I'm not sure how everything else can be so right, and it can still be so weak. It's like she knew exactly how a novel should be put together.. when and where things should happen.. but then lacked the language to really execute it well.
Ultimately, Rosalyn Briar may be an author to watch. I hope when she's done this year, she'll take some time to dig into her craft before starting another project because she shows so much promise.
It was still a fun read though and if you want a bit of light fare, this is a good choice to go with.
PURCHASE LINKS: AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOK DEPOSITORY | BOOKSAMILLION
May 11, 2021
A solid story with solid characters. The premise is interesting (though I would have appreciated it more, I think, if I was more intimately familiar with a wider array of Grimm's Fairy Tales).
My main complaint is that (and this is a weird thing to say about a novel) it felt like railroading? The story is structured super-linearly. There is a path, and if you walk off the path into the mist you die. You have one way to go and you must react to what is in front of you. It certainly didn't ruin the book for me, and the characters uncover their own agency and have clever solutions to the problems in front of them, but it did feel constricting as a reader.
My main complaint is that (and this is a weird thing to say about a novel) it felt like railroading? The story is structured super-linearly. There is a path, and if you walk off the path into the mist you die. You have one way to go and you must react to what is in front of you. It certainly didn't ruin the book for me, and the characters uncover their own agency and have clever solutions to the problems in front of them, but it did feel constricting as a reader.
December 31, 2021
Fast paced, action-packed, original, I highly recommend 'The Crown of Bones'. It had me thinking of a sort of Hunger Games, in a world of fairy tales. I have to say that Brahm captured my heart. Not a moment is wasted in this story. I'm so looking forward to the next book in the series!
July 14, 2021
If you enjoy re-imagined tellings of well-known Eurocentric fairy tales, then this book is for you. Author Rosalyn Briar weaves multiple, familiar fairy tale characters into a fresh, original story that certainly kept my interest to the very end, which is quite the cliffhanger! My only criticism of the book is that at times, despite the characters knowing they could die at any moment, seemed too preoccupied with sex at the wrong moments. Some might say that this is not unusual, that people often use sex as a coping mechanism during times of extreme stress, and I can't disagree with this point; however, for me, it felt a bit forced.
I hope Ms. Briar is working on the sequel, because her readers are going to be demanding it after finishing The Crown of Bones!
Warning: there is some profanity and a bit of sex, but it isn't gratuitous or overdone.
I hope Ms. Briar is working on the sequel, because her readers are going to be demanding it after finishing The Crown of Bones!
Warning: there is some profanity and a bit of sex, but it isn't gratuitous or overdone.
June 22, 2021
Excellent!
May 6, 2020
Made the mistake of starting to read this one just before bedtime and was so carried along by the story that I had to stay up far too late finishing it! Echoes of the Hunger Games here as Gisela and a group of other young people are chosen against their will to set out on a seemingly impossible quest. Interesting mix of light and dark fantasy. Light, as in the world building and plot are relatively straightforward compared to many fantasy novels, but dark in themes and the harrowing events the group endures on their journey. Traditional fairy tales are woven into the story much like the threads of the tapestries that figure into the plot. This grounding in familiar tales added an extra element of fun for me as I tried to anticipate what spin would be put on the old stories. Gisela is a strong character, both bitter and resigned yet never quite giving up the fight to persevere against heavy odds. Be warned: there isn't a traditional happily ever after for anyone. In fact, the ending seems to be setting up a sequel as it appears that Gisela's true challenge is just beginning as we turn the final page. Recommend for readers who like fantasy novels that jump quickly into the action and who can appreciate a very dark spin on fairy tales and adventure stories.
August 30, 2020
I don't even know where to begin with this review. I loved how the story kept moving, at no point did I feel like skipping any of the details that Briar put into the book. I loved Gisela and Brahm more than words can express and even the villian is an absolute treat. I'm going to need more to this story. Like I neeeeed it more than a thwomp wants to kill Mario. I'm so grateful that I have this book and I highly recommend it. There were some parts of this dark fantasy that left me with my mouth open and that is certainly something I can appreciate. I hope the author continues this story and I can't wait to read more from her!!!!!!
October 28, 2020
This is a non spoiler review, because you as reader need to read this book. Also, I feel sometimes I have in the past gave away to much of the plot line. This has diminished the pleasure for would be readers
This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
The Crown of Bones by Rosalyn Briar is an ominous spinning fantasy.
Alrighty, my friends! I have one for you if you love to soak up the words you read and delve into its wickedly delightful, gripping and immersive tale. One that totally sucked me right into this hauntingly darkish pages.
.
This book had me hooked from start to finish – I literally couldn’t put it down.
The plotline will keep you flipping those pages long after you bedtime. I found myself in a constant state of curiosity as I was absorbed deep within these pages.
.
Gisela Sauer may be the loviest fiery, freckle faced,redhead in Berot valley, she is also snarky, and audacious. She works at Lord Albert manor house and has second job selling dairy staples in the towns square. She has long ago given up on believing in fairytales. She is responsible, and works hard taking care of her family and sister Thora. So far Gisela has been successful in warding off Lord Albert, the nephew of the High Priest. He has continuously offered for her hand in marriage, and has stood her grown and refused.
.
When in a rash moment things take a turn for the worst. In a series of events that have dire unforeseen consequences. Gisela's former love interest, Brahm, does the unthinkable and chivalrous intervenes in a situation between the vile Lord Albert and Gisela. Alberts takes things into his own villainous hand, and in a moment of spiteful vengeance he does the unthinkable.
.
The next day, Gisela receives her ominous Black Letter. This letter identifies her as one of eight chosen to be an Offering to the goddess Bergot.
.
This grim customary offering has been in place yearly since its inception of May Day. Some of villagers even consider it an honor to be chosen.
Along with others offerings to the Goddess, Gisela is cast out into an ashen forest sent on a deadly quest to recover a mystical crown.
.
Rosalyn Briar, delivers an intriguing, unique and enthralling story here that was so irresistibly written. The unforeseen twists and turns, along with the creative world building kept me on my toes. I enjoyed the right amount of tantalizing romance and villains.
.
Let me say the ending will have screaming for more. I hope there is another book please tell me there is!
This is how fairytales should be written. Darkish creep and foreboding.
with a sinister holiday custom.
.
Extremely impressive! I absolutely loved
The hazel branch for Wil -protective and strong
The mountain for Me -stubborn and proud
The edelweiss flower for Thora-innocent and sweet
This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
The Crown of Bones by Rosalyn Briar is an ominous spinning fantasy.
Alrighty, my friends! I have one for you if you love to soak up the words you read and delve into its wickedly delightful, gripping and immersive tale. One that totally sucked me right into this hauntingly darkish pages.
.
This book had me hooked from start to finish – I literally couldn’t put it down.
The plotline will keep you flipping those pages long after you bedtime. I found myself in a constant state of curiosity as I was absorbed deep within these pages.
.
Gisela Sauer may be the loviest fiery, freckle faced,redhead in Berot valley, she is also snarky, and audacious. She works at Lord Albert manor house and has second job selling dairy staples in the towns square. She has long ago given up on believing in fairytales. She is responsible, and works hard taking care of her family and sister Thora. So far Gisela has been successful in warding off Lord Albert, the nephew of the High Priest. He has continuously offered for her hand in marriage, and has stood her grown and refused.
.
When in a rash moment things take a turn for the worst. In a series of events that have dire unforeseen consequences. Gisela's former love interest, Brahm, does the unthinkable and chivalrous intervenes in a situation between the vile Lord Albert and Gisela. Alberts takes things into his own villainous hand, and in a moment of spiteful vengeance he does the unthinkable.
.
The next day, Gisela receives her ominous Black Letter. This letter identifies her as one of eight chosen to be an Offering to the goddess Bergot.
.
This grim customary offering has been in place yearly since its inception of May Day. Some of villagers even consider it an honor to be chosen.
Along with others offerings to the Goddess, Gisela is cast out into an ashen forest sent on a deadly quest to recover a mystical crown.
.
Rosalyn Briar, delivers an intriguing, unique and enthralling story here that was so irresistibly written. The unforeseen twists and turns, along with the creative world building kept me on my toes. I enjoyed the right amount of tantalizing romance and villains.
.
Let me say the ending will have screaming for more. I hope there is another book please tell me there is!
This is how fairytales should be written. Darkish creep and foreboding.
with a sinister holiday custom.
.
Extremely impressive! I absolutely loved
The hazel branch for Wil -protective and strong
The mountain for Me -stubborn and proud
The edelweiss flower for Thora-innocent and sweet
October 31, 2021
This book weaves fairytales and horror together in a tale of sacrifice and love.
The writing was beautiful and I absolutely fell hard for Brahm. Loved him.
I did find the main character Gisele a little harder to connect with, I think she hides her feelings behind a colder mask, and I wish that mask had slipped a little more as the book progressed.
I loved all the references to the old fairytales, and the book took on a wonderful old worldly charm of wicked creatures and darkness. I would loved to have lingered a little more in each darkly delicious scene
... But as a reader I do prefer darker tales so that could be completely down to preferences.
I definitely look forward to more books by this author, and I already have her next one on my tbr! Can't wait. 🖤
The writing was beautiful and I absolutely fell hard for Brahm. Loved him.
I did find the main character Gisele a little harder to connect with, I think she hides her feelings behind a colder mask, and I wish that mask had slipped a little more as the book progressed.
I loved all the references to the old fairytales, and the book took on a wonderful old worldly charm of wicked creatures and darkness. I would loved to have lingered a little more in each darkly delicious scene
... But as a reader I do prefer darker tales so that could be completely down to preferences.
I definitely look forward to more books by this author, and I already have her next one on my tbr! Can't wait. 🖤
July 5, 2021
As I've come to expect from Rosalyn Briar, after loving A Sea of Pearls and Leaves, this was another solid, enjoyable read. It's fast-paced, fun, romantic and gripping.
I always love main characters like Gisela who are generally nice but with a bit of edge that puts them on the outside. And to pair her with Brahm, who is just wonderful and sweet and lovely, made it even better. I enjoyed their dynamic and was rooting for them the whole way through.
It was clever how Briar wove in so many classic fairytale threads to this story, but with a particularly dark twist! I didn't realise going in that this was to be a series, and it does end on a cliffhanger, so I guess I'll have to wait patiently for the sequel because I *have* to know how it continues.
100% recommend this for an easy, wonderful read.
I always love main characters like Gisela who are generally nice but with a bit of edge that puts them on the outside. And to pair her with Brahm, who is just wonderful and sweet and lovely, made it even better. I enjoyed their dynamic and was rooting for them the whole way through.
It was clever how Briar wove in so many classic fairytale threads to this story, but with a particularly dark twist! I didn't realise going in that this was to be a series, and it does end on a cliffhanger, so I guess I'll have to wait patiently for the sequel because I *have* to know how it continues.
100% recommend this for an easy, wonderful read.
January 19, 2022
“Sometimes sacrifices must be made.” I just love this hook.
I’m also a huge fan of retellings and this one did not disappoint!! Think Hunger Games and the Once Upon A Time Disney wasn’t able to fully give us (but HBO totally would’ve). It’s a dark take on some of my favorite childhood classics, but with new twists and characters that really stand out on their own.
Gisela is brave and feisty, yet she also has her flaws. Brahm, her love interest, is total book boyfriend material- right up there with Gilbert Blythe. He & Darcy are my litmus tests so, coming from me, that’s the highest compliment. Theirs is a friends-to-lovers, will-they-won’t-they delicious slow burn.
Sacrificial love is one of my favorite tropes and there were many times I was very concerned for these characters. The plot moves fast, the world building- immersive. And the creepy fog had me singing Into The Unknown (in my head and in a good way) throughout their adventure. I’m both excited and afraid of what’s in store for this couple in the forthcoming sequel.
I’m also a huge fan of retellings and this one did not disappoint!! Think Hunger Games and the Once Upon A Time Disney wasn’t able to fully give us (but HBO totally would’ve). It’s a dark take on some of my favorite childhood classics, but with new twists and characters that really stand out on their own.
Gisela is brave and feisty, yet she also has her flaws. Brahm, her love interest, is total book boyfriend material- right up there with Gilbert Blythe. He & Darcy are my litmus tests so, coming from me, that’s the highest compliment. Theirs is a friends-to-lovers, will-they-won’t-they delicious slow burn.
Sacrificial love is one of my favorite tropes and there were many times I was very concerned for these characters. The plot moves fast, the world building- immersive. And the creepy fog had me singing Into The Unknown (in my head and in a good way) throughout their adventure. I’m both excited and afraid of what’s in store for this couple in the forthcoming sequel.
May 15, 2022
A dark and edgy read
I absolutely loved A Sea of Pearls and Leaves by Rosalyn Briar, so I was eager to dive into Crown of Bones. Wow, what a dark and edgy read! It’s like the Hunger Games meets Once Upon a Time. This plot is such a creative concept, and the dark elements are what made it so engrossing. If you are looking for a thrilling take on fairytale classics, this will make a great addition to your TBR!
I absolutely loved A Sea of Pearls and Leaves by Rosalyn Briar, so I was eager to dive into Crown of Bones. Wow, what a dark and edgy read! It’s like the Hunger Games meets Once Upon a Time. This plot is such a creative concept, and the dark elements are what made it so engrossing. If you are looking for a thrilling take on fairytale classics, this will make a great addition to your TBR!
March 26, 2020
Briar’s dark fantasy novel “Crown of Bones” would make the perfect Tim Burton movie. Twisted, creepy, and full of riveting characters, I loved this book. (Disclaimer: I was given an advanced review copy with no obligation to score this book so high. It is honestly that good.)
Readers join the prickly protagonist, Gisela, providing for her family by selling cheese and eggs at a festival in her village. The festival is for Bergot, the patron goddess of the village and a key player in the novel. The sudden death of Gisela’s brother, Wil, has thrown her family into a downward spiral leaving Gisela less than grateful to their goddess. With an alcoholic unemployed father and agoraphobic mother, it is up to Gisela to feed the family and watch over her simple sister Thora. It is the scene where Gisela watches Thora dance around the Maypole with younger girls, that I started rooting Gisela’s happily ever after. The bittersweet happiness Gisela has in giving her sister little pleasures, like reading fairy tales to her, tugged at my heart-strings. No matter how close Gisela toes the line between good and evil, it is done for the sake of Thora. Gisela never resents being Thora’s caretaker, earning my respect as well. As angry as Gisela becomes throughout the novel, she never laments her situation with Thora.
We meet her love-interest Brahm when he visits Gisela’s egg stand. Brahm is the ray of sunshine to Gisela’s stormy disposition. His optimism proves to be the difference between life and death in several instances as the couple is tested by their history, other villagers, and fantasy characters. Brahm is far from a flat character. He rides the highs and lows of Gisela’s demeanor with an honest range of emotions from disappointment to anger to loving acceptance. While he never loses faith that they will be together in the end, he doesn’t follow her to the detriment of himself. We join the pair with almost a decade of history as Brahm was the best friend of Gisela’s deceased brother Wil. Wil’s disapproval and sabotaging of the main character’s romance haunts the couple as does the circumstances surrounding his accidental death.
What I loved most about this book is the plethora of villains. We first meet Albert at Gisela’s egg stand who is the slimy son of the village High Priest. Gisela is his maid, as well as a merchant to provide for her family, and Albert is set on making her his wife. He offers everything Gisela’s family needs: financial security, a forever home and family for Thora, and high status from his father’s position. These unrequited attentions come to boiling point and Brahm saves Gisela from an assault in an alley. Unfortunately, this heroic act not only puts the two young men at odds but it puts the couple in the crosshairs of the High Priest. The High Priest himself is not as pious as his followers are lead to believe. He reveals himself to be a villain when the next day, Brahm and Gisela receive black letters.
Black letters are given to eight chosen young men or women in the village to become Offerings to the goddess Bergot. The patron goddess dances over the line between good and evil just like Gisela, leaving the reader with the decision to group her with villains or not. Brahm and Gisela join Mitzi, Heidi, Willa, Liam, Ferdinand, and Gunther on a journey through an alternate realm (with a highly creepy ambiance) to find Bergot’s crown. I connected with each member of the Offerings due to their heart-warming backstories and rich characterization. My favorite Offering was Gunther, the peacemaker. Not only does he help in saving group members physically but he intervenes when the personalities clash and tempers get the best of them.
If the crown is returned to the town’s statue, the village will live in peace and harmony forever. The rules are to stay on the ash path and stay out of the fog. It sounds easy until the fog starts pushing the group through perilous obstacles orchestrated by macabre versions of beloved fairy tale characters. The trials are written in such a way that the reader gets the added thrill of guessing which fairy tale the group has encountered until they completed the obstacle. Unfortunately for Gisela and the gang, no one has ever returned from this journey and there is no map to the crown. They must follow the path as it tests their physical strength, their psychological fortitude, and the strength of the love between Brahm and Gisela.
I highly recommend this book to those readers, like me, who grew up with Jim Hensen’s The Storyteller and Shelly Duvall’s Faerie Tale Theater but want a mature version of fractured fairy tales. Creepy but not scary, spicy but not erotic, this novel is gentle in its titillation factors but has enough grit to keep the reader turning pages. Nonstop action, heart-wrenching interpersonal relationships and a twist on the nostalgia of fairy tales, make Briar’s novel “Crown of Bones” an unforgettable book.
Readers join the prickly protagonist, Gisela, providing for her family by selling cheese and eggs at a festival in her village. The festival is for Bergot, the patron goddess of the village and a key player in the novel. The sudden death of Gisela’s brother, Wil, has thrown her family into a downward spiral leaving Gisela less than grateful to their goddess. With an alcoholic unemployed father and agoraphobic mother, it is up to Gisela to feed the family and watch over her simple sister Thora. It is the scene where Gisela watches Thora dance around the Maypole with younger girls, that I started rooting Gisela’s happily ever after. The bittersweet happiness Gisela has in giving her sister little pleasures, like reading fairy tales to her, tugged at my heart-strings. No matter how close Gisela toes the line between good and evil, it is done for the sake of Thora. Gisela never resents being Thora’s caretaker, earning my respect as well. As angry as Gisela becomes throughout the novel, she never laments her situation with Thora.
We meet her love-interest Brahm when he visits Gisela’s egg stand. Brahm is the ray of sunshine to Gisela’s stormy disposition. His optimism proves to be the difference between life and death in several instances as the couple is tested by their history, other villagers, and fantasy characters. Brahm is far from a flat character. He rides the highs and lows of Gisela’s demeanor with an honest range of emotions from disappointment to anger to loving acceptance. While he never loses faith that they will be together in the end, he doesn’t follow her to the detriment of himself. We join the pair with almost a decade of history as Brahm was the best friend of Gisela’s deceased brother Wil. Wil’s disapproval and sabotaging of the main character’s romance haunts the couple as does the circumstances surrounding his accidental death.
What I loved most about this book is the plethora of villains. We first meet Albert at Gisela’s egg stand who is the slimy son of the village High Priest. Gisela is his maid, as well as a merchant to provide for her family, and Albert is set on making her his wife. He offers everything Gisela’s family needs: financial security, a forever home and family for Thora, and high status from his father’s position. These unrequited attentions come to boiling point and Brahm saves Gisela from an assault in an alley. Unfortunately, this heroic act not only puts the two young men at odds but it puts the couple in the crosshairs of the High Priest. The High Priest himself is not as pious as his followers are lead to believe. He reveals himself to be a villain when the next day, Brahm and Gisela receive black letters.
Black letters are given to eight chosen young men or women in the village to become Offerings to the goddess Bergot. The patron goddess dances over the line between good and evil just like Gisela, leaving the reader with the decision to group her with villains or not. Brahm and Gisela join Mitzi, Heidi, Willa, Liam, Ferdinand, and Gunther on a journey through an alternate realm (with a highly creepy ambiance) to find Bergot’s crown. I connected with each member of the Offerings due to their heart-warming backstories and rich characterization. My favorite Offering was Gunther, the peacemaker. Not only does he help in saving group members physically but he intervenes when the personalities clash and tempers get the best of them.
If the crown is returned to the town’s statue, the village will live in peace and harmony forever. The rules are to stay on the ash path and stay out of the fog. It sounds easy until the fog starts pushing the group through perilous obstacles orchestrated by macabre versions of beloved fairy tale characters. The trials are written in such a way that the reader gets the added thrill of guessing which fairy tale the group has encountered until they completed the obstacle. Unfortunately for Gisela and the gang, no one has ever returned from this journey and there is no map to the crown. They must follow the path as it tests their physical strength, their psychological fortitude, and the strength of the love between Brahm and Gisela.
I highly recommend this book to those readers, like me, who grew up with Jim Hensen’s The Storyteller and Shelly Duvall’s Faerie Tale Theater but want a mature version of fractured fairy tales. Creepy but not scary, spicy but not erotic, this novel is gentle in its titillation factors but has enough grit to keep the reader turning pages. Nonstop action, heart-wrenching interpersonal relationships and a twist on the nostalgia of fairy tales, make Briar’s novel “Crown of Bones” an unforgettable book.
February 22, 2021
This book was so, so good! I love Grimm's Fairy Tales, and I loved this take on them. I am looking forward to the next book (I hope there will be one...)!
November 1, 2020
I read the sample for this book a while back and it intrigued me enough to purchase; it just took a while to work its way up the reading list. Let's just say the sample didn't mislead - Crown of Bones lives up to its interesting beginning, and keeps up the pace all the way through.
Briar's not-quite-fairytale world is well-developed, as are her characters. I really became invested in Gisela and Brahm, the main characters, and there was one who I absolutely cheered when he met his end. There's a lovely slow burn romance woven throughout the story, and while the ending is set up to make you anticipate the sequel, It's not one of those "part one" books whose only purpose is to keep you reading for the next book. The story is what keeps you reading, and it just so happens that it will continue on.
I'm definitely looking forward to what happens next.
Briar's not-quite-fairytale world is well-developed, as are her characters. I really became invested in Gisela and Brahm, the main characters, and there was one who I absolutely cheered when he met his end. There's a lovely slow burn romance woven throughout the story, and while the ending is set up to make you anticipate the sequel, It's not one of those "part one" books whose only purpose is to keep you reading for the next book. The story is what keeps you reading, and it just so happens that it will continue on.
I'm definitely looking forward to what happens next.
April 12, 2020
*ARC PROVIDED IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW*
Cover ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
First Impressions/Expectations
I know it is a dark fantasy. Possibly YA? The cover is really pretty and I love fairytale retelling! I guess from the blurb I am getting hunger games vibes maybe even The Originals like with Davina and the offering system with the witches. I am pretty much going in here with less info or expectations than usual!
Plot ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Characters ⭐️⭐️⭐️
MC⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Enjoyment ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Final Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️.375
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I loved it
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I really liked it
⭐️⭐️⭐️ I liked it
⭐️⭐️ It’s okay/ Meh
⭐️ I hated it
Tropes: Friends to Lovers, Fairytale twists, Twist Ending
Trigger Warnings: Language, Sex & Sexual Content, Attempted Rape/ Sexual Assault
Would Recommend for... people who like a nice quick light read, fast paced plot line with lots of action, dark fantasy, friends to lovers fans, and of course fairytales
Would not recommend for... people who like Happily Ever Afters, cheesy fun reads, people who have problems with language and sexual content, who don’t enjoy darker fantasies, death
Age Recommendation: 17+
Overall a nice light fun read ☀️
SPOILERS FROM THIS POINT ON
I feel like I really liked Gisela as a character. She’s sarcastic yet caring responsible and stuff. Brahm is such a good guy and their romance in general isn’t my personal cup of tea but I definitely rooted for them. For me I felt like maybe it was a bit cheesy between them cause EVERYONE and their mother and maybe even the dog knew he had the hots for her. So that was a bit cringe on my end XD. I liked their dynamic though. I would probably say the smut level is okay. I think I laughed at one point cause Brahm oof lets just say he’s not the sexiest in bed XD but it’s understandable they never ever like did those things before.
I felt like everything was just happening and at times was a bit confusing with the fairytales. People were just dropping like flies. The Ferdinand twist was good. And yes I gloried in Gisela killing him. ‘Twas the best! Though I gotta say Gisela being a Demi goddess was obvious? I knew the story wouldn’t have a HEA through the book. I did enjoy it though. I felt more captivated in the beginning and the end. Some of these decisions by the characters were like uh.... what are you doing? I def needed to kind of let go a little cause a lot was cheesy but a lot of it was good! I did laugh a lot which is a good sign to me of a fun read. I love dark fantasies and really love darker stories so Giselas one liners were fantastic ❤️
Thanks for reading my review 😊
Cover ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
First Impressions/Expectations
I know it is a dark fantasy. Possibly YA? The cover is really pretty and I love fairytale retelling! I guess from the blurb I am getting hunger games vibes maybe even The Originals like with Davina and the offering system with the witches. I am pretty much going in here with less info or expectations than usual!
Plot ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Characters ⭐️⭐️⭐️
MC⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Enjoyment ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Final Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️.375
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I loved it
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I really liked it
⭐️⭐️⭐️ I liked it
⭐️⭐️ It’s okay/ Meh
⭐️ I hated it
Tropes: Friends to Lovers, Fairytale twists, Twist Ending
Trigger Warnings: Language, Sex & Sexual Content, Attempted Rape/ Sexual Assault
Would Recommend for... people who like a nice quick light read, fast paced plot line with lots of action, dark fantasy, friends to lovers fans, and of course fairytales
Would not recommend for... people who like Happily Ever Afters, cheesy fun reads, people who have problems with language and sexual content, who don’t enjoy darker fantasies, death
Age Recommendation: 17+
Overall a nice light fun read ☀️
SPOILERS FROM THIS POINT ON
I feel like I really liked Gisela as a character. She’s sarcastic yet caring responsible and stuff. Brahm is such a good guy and their romance in general isn’t my personal cup of tea but I definitely rooted for them. For me I felt like maybe it was a bit cheesy between them cause EVERYONE and their mother and maybe even the dog knew he had the hots for her. So that was a bit cringe on my end XD. I liked their dynamic though. I would probably say the smut level is okay. I think I laughed at one point cause Brahm oof lets just say he’s not the sexiest in bed XD but it’s understandable they never ever like did those things before.
I felt like everything was just happening and at times was a bit confusing with the fairytales. People were just dropping like flies. The Ferdinand twist was good. And yes I gloried in Gisela killing him. ‘Twas the best! Though I gotta say Gisela being a Demi goddess was obvious? I knew the story wouldn’t have a HEA through the book. I did enjoy it though. I felt more captivated in the beginning and the end. Some of these decisions by the characters were like uh.... what are you doing? I def needed to kind of let go a little cause a lot was cheesy but a lot of it was good! I did laugh a lot which is a good sign to me of a fun read. I love dark fantasies and really love darker stories so Giselas one liners were fantastic ❤️
Thanks for reading my review 😊
November 2, 2020
The Crown of Bones is best described as a dark fairy-tale, but that doesn't really begin to sum it up particularly well.
Rather than taking the format of the sort of fantasy novel I'm used to reading, being more of a third-person multi-POV type myself, the book is written entirely in the first-person and in the present tense. This, combined with a very streamlined narrative that doesn't waste many pages, gives the whole thing a somewhat surreal, dreamlike quality- at once feeling unreal and yet very relatable. It's not a book trying to surprise the reader with sneaky plot-twists- anyone who knows the history of witch trials and other abuses of power will certainly not be surprised at the way Gisela's fortunes take a dramatic turn for the worse in the early pages, though they'll certainly share her anger at it. Where it does venture into the unexpected is in its world, a loosely Germanic setting that isn't quite our own, but feels like it could be as the shrapnel of several fractured fairy-tales lies about it.
Here and there these stories break through, with warped versions of Rapunzel, Hansel and Gretel, Cinderella and more cropping up. Each is presented in a darker aspect, more Grimm than Disney, and are woven into the narrative imaginatively.
Like all good fairy-tales this isn't a book obsessed with detailed world-building and cause-and-effect politicking. Indeed, some of the supporting cast, especially those in more antagonistic roles, are a little lightly-sketched. But whatever certain movie studios would like us to think, we don't really need an expose of the Wicked Queen's reasons for menacing Snow White, and Hans Christian Andersen didn't waste time explaining exactly how children can be grown from barley. So it is with Albert or Ferdinand. They do their part in the story, whilst allowing to focus to remain where it belongs.
What we're left with, then, is an enthralling story that doesn't outstay its welcome, beautifully presented in the Kindle edition I read. One minor criticism I would levy is that the book's 'start' position in the Kindle format is set to the inside cover, forcing the reader to page past the table of contents and its very-slightly-spoilery chapter titles to get to the story proper.
(I did say it was minor.)
The ending, too, is worth mentioning. The story certainly does come to a definite end, albeit in a less than conventional way. Certainly I expect many readers, myself included, would like to see more of where Gisela's path will take her from here. Overall, I think The Crown of Bones succeeds admirably in what it sets out to achieve, and without outstaying its welcome.
Rather than taking the format of the sort of fantasy novel I'm used to reading, being more of a third-person multi-POV type myself, the book is written entirely in the first-person and in the present tense. This, combined with a very streamlined narrative that doesn't waste many pages, gives the whole thing a somewhat surreal, dreamlike quality- at once feeling unreal and yet very relatable. It's not a book trying to surprise the reader with sneaky plot-twists- anyone who knows the history of witch trials and other abuses of power will certainly not be surprised at the way Gisela's fortunes take a dramatic turn for the worse in the early pages, though they'll certainly share her anger at it. Where it does venture into the unexpected is in its world, a loosely Germanic setting that isn't quite our own, but feels like it could be as the shrapnel of several fractured fairy-tales lies about it.
Here and there these stories break through, with warped versions of Rapunzel, Hansel and Gretel, Cinderella and more cropping up. Each is presented in a darker aspect, more Grimm than Disney, and are woven into the narrative imaginatively.
Like all good fairy-tales this isn't a book obsessed with detailed world-building and cause-and-effect politicking. Indeed, some of the supporting cast, especially those in more antagonistic roles, are a little lightly-sketched. But whatever certain movie studios would like us to think, we don't really need an expose of the Wicked Queen's reasons for menacing Snow White, and Hans Christian Andersen didn't waste time explaining exactly how children can be grown from barley. So it is with Albert or Ferdinand. They do their part in the story, whilst allowing to focus to remain where it belongs.
What we're left with, then, is an enthralling story that doesn't outstay its welcome, beautifully presented in the Kindle edition I read. One minor criticism I would levy is that the book's 'start' position in the Kindle format is set to the inside cover, forcing the reader to page past the table of contents and its very-slightly-spoilery chapter titles to get to the story proper.
(I did say it was minor.)
The ending, too, is worth mentioning. The story certainly does come to a definite end, albeit in a less than conventional way. Certainly I expect many readers, myself included, would like to see more of where Gisela's path will take her from here. Overall, I think The Crown of Bones succeeds admirably in what it sets out to achieve, and without outstaying its welcome.
November 1, 2020
The Crown of Bones is a dark fairy tale retelling with lots of twists, and a wonderful exploration of multiple fairy tales, as well as a story of self-preservation and survival with a memorable protagonist.
Ultimately this one wasn’t for me, perhaps because it is targeted at a younger audience and because there is more romance than I usually prefer to read, although I will say that I did like the way the relationship between Gisela and Bhram developed throughout the book and that they were both strong, individual characters in their own right before coming together. Gisela was also, for the most part, a main character that you couldn’t help but root for, and she has a balance of weakness and strength and considerable development throughout the book.
I will say that I thoroughly enjoyed Briar’s writing, and she did a wonderful job of bringing this story, and the fairy tales being retold to life in a way that was both modern but created that wonderful creepy atmosphere that you want for the darker side of fairy tales. It felt very much like a fairy tale being woven, and it was done in such a way that you were well and truly pulled into the book.
There is a lot happening in this book, and while that works to the narrative's advantage in that you can’t put it down because you need to find out what will happen next, there are a few places where it fell short because you weren’t sure what was happening or what would happen next. I think ideally this book could have done with being a bit longer, in order to have the time and space to build on that, and to create more established geography especially and to allow for longer, smoother transitions. That said, usually, it was easy enough to reconnect with the story after a few paragraphs, but I feel this could have brought this book up to the next level.
The worldbuilding also shone through in this one, and while the actual geography – between fairy tales and dreams – could have used being more defined, the rest of the world was beautifully crafted. In particular, I enjoyed the mythos behind Bergot, and the idea of the offering, as well as how the fairy tales were interconnected both with one another but the rest of the world, and forming a fascinating backdrop to a rich story of friendship and love, violence and magic and sacrifice.
While this book wasn’t for me in the end, it is one that others will definitely enjoy, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it especially for anyone who enjoys retellings and diving into your favourite fairy tales with a twist.
3.5* rating rounded up to 4* for GR
Ultimately this one wasn’t for me, perhaps because it is targeted at a younger audience and because there is more romance than I usually prefer to read, although I will say that I did like the way the relationship between Gisela and Bhram developed throughout the book and that they were both strong, individual characters in their own right before coming together. Gisela was also, for the most part, a main character that you couldn’t help but root for, and she has a balance of weakness and strength and considerable development throughout the book.
I will say that I thoroughly enjoyed Briar’s writing, and she did a wonderful job of bringing this story, and the fairy tales being retold to life in a way that was both modern but created that wonderful creepy atmosphere that you want for the darker side of fairy tales. It felt very much like a fairy tale being woven, and it was done in such a way that you were well and truly pulled into the book.
There is a lot happening in this book, and while that works to the narrative's advantage in that you can’t put it down because you need to find out what will happen next, there are a few places where it fell short because you weren’t sure what was happening or what would happen next. I think ideally this book could have done with being a bit longer, in order to have the time and space to build on that, and to create more established geography especially and to allow for longer, smoother transitions. That said, usually, it was easy enough to reconnect with the story after a few paragraphs, but I feel this could have brought this book up to the next level.
The worldbuilding also shone through in this one, and while the actual geography – between fairy tales and dreams – could have used being more defined, the rest of the world was beautifully crafted. In particular, I enjoyed the mythos behind Bergot, and the idea of the offering, as well as how the fairy tales were interconnected both with one another but the rest of the world, and forming a fascinating backdrop to a rich story of friendship and love, violence and magic and sacrifice.
While this book wasn’t for me in the end, it is one that others will definitely enjoy, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it especially for anyone who enjoys retellings and diving into your favourite fairy tales with a twist.
3.5* rating rounded up to 4* for GR
August 17, 2021
This was a decent YA/NA dark fantasy, but the constant language was a bit of a turn-off and that the plot seemed 'too linear/predictable': this person dies here, someone here, those characters get together, this character will be the bad one in the group, etc. The twisted fairytales were grotesque and messed up, but again, I knew what to expect. Why couldn't the characters who grew up with these same stories?
Then the ending. I was like, 'That's it?' There's no satisfying/gradual ending to this; no leads to a second book where the story will get a proper ending.
Then the ending. I was like, 'That's it?' There's no satisfying/gradual ending to this; no leads to a second book where the story will get a proper ending.
November 16, 2020
Review will be published on Independent Book Review soon!
February 28, 2022
Dark and beautiful!!! A must read for fans of fairytale retellings!!
October 29, 2020
Let me tell you my thoughts on this book. Apart from swear words that took me out of the story at times, I LOVED this book! It had the perfect amount of darkness, magic, and wonder. I really enjoyed the fairytale aspect as well! I’m a huge fan of the Brothers Grimm and to read so many of their well-loved tales in one novel was amazing!
I also loved the characters throughout. Gisela and Brahm had the sweetest romance and their journey together was nice to see. I could really tell that Brahm worshipped the ground Gisela walked on; he was respectful and sweet, unlike one character I loved to hate (yes, Albert, I’m talking about you. Congrats on being a total jerk!)
I didn’t like that it ended on a cliffhanger. I NEED MORE! I can’t wait for The Bone Needle! I will seriously read every book in this world even if I have to sacrifice myself to Hexegot! That’s how much I loved it!
Definitely recommend to anyone who likes the original Brothers Grimm fairytales, and is looking for a fresh new take on classic tales!
I also loved the characters throughout. Gisela and Brahm had the sweetest romance and their journey together was nice to see. I could really tell that Brahm worshipped the ground Gisela walked on; he was respectful and sweet, unlike one character I loved to hate (yes, Albert, I’m talking about you. Congrats on being a total jerk!)
I didn’t like that it ended on a cliffhanger. I NEED MORE! I can’t wait for The Bone Needle! I will seriously read every book in this world even if I have to sacrifice myself to Hexegot! That’s how much I loved it!
Definitely recommend to anyone who likes the original Brothers Grimm fairytales, and is looking for a fresh new take on classic tales!
June 1, 2021
Spot the fairytale
This is modern YA fantasy (with swearing and R16 sexual content). It was fun to play "spot the fairytale " with each new chapter. I read this as both e-book and audiobook and I dipped between the two a couple of times to check out words in the narration that were unclear to me and yet listening tells fairytales better. It was good, but I am unsure whether I will read the next one.
This is modern YA fantasy (with swearing and R16 sexual content). It was fun to play "spot the fairytale " with each new chapter. I read this as both e-book and audiobook and I dipped between the two a couple of times to check out words in the narration that were unclear to me and yet listening tells fairytales better. It was good, but I am unsure whether I will read the next one.
October 30, 2020
Book Rating: ★★★☆☆ (2.75/ 5 stars)
Every year, a sacrifice must be made to the Goddess Bergot. And this year, Gisela is one of them. But Gisela is determined to survive for her sister Thora, and with Brahm by her side, she might just do it. But, she’ll have to use her familiarity with fairy tales and her own guile to survive. Yet, as they venture through Bergot’s realm, they learn there are darker forces at work, and Gisela is at the heart of it.
I really thought I would like this book. It’s a dark fairy tale retelling…which is one of my favorite types of stories. But, it missed the mark for me. It took me nearly two months to finish this otherwise short book, and to finally get through it I skimmed the last 50 pages.
Let’s start with the good though: the writing is fantastic! Rosalyn Briar is quite talented in painting a picture and transporting her into the world. Her characters are well defined, and she does a fantastic job showing Gisela’s value especially around Thora and Brahm. Briar also pulls from many fairy tales, weaving them into the new fairy tale she has created.
There were a lot of little things that ultimately turned me away from this book. I want to mark at this point that there are spoilers below.
To start with, early on in the plot there is an attempted rape scene. While this was handled okay, and didn’t turn me away from the book, the fact her friend Brahm came to the rescue took away from Gisela’s ability to defend herself, which she says she was prepared to do.
What really bothered me though is how Brahm and Gisela’s relationship was portrayed. Their relationship initially was everything I enjoyed: friends-to-lovers, mutual pining, and a kind male character with a tough female character. Yet, the way their mutual attraction is portrayed is in awkward, gratuitous situations: Gisela’s white dress getting covered in water, Brahm accidentally grabbing her rear-end, and other instances. Again, while these did not detract from the story initially for me, the more they popped up, the more I would put the book down to look at later. While my dislike for these interactions are personal, they did affect my overall rating for the book.
In addition, I felt like this book could have been either a bit longer to help us really get to know the world and some of the characters who die earlier on, or this book should have been shorter, written more like an actual fairy tale.
I will say that the ending saved the story, and that’s why I decided to give this book 2.75 stars instead of my initial rating of 2.5 stars. It ends on a cliff hanger that causes needles to climb up your spine, and makes you wonder what became of the valley next.
So, while this book wasn’t for me, others will enjoy it. It delves into your favorite fairy tales, but continues to have a slightly modern tone to it. This is a story of self perseverance…and I think most people will see themselves in Gisela as she searches for the Crown of Bones.
Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Every year, a sacrifice must be made to the Goddess Bergot. And this year, Gisela is one of them. But Gisela is determined to survive for her sister Thora, and with Brahm by her side, she might just do it. But, she’ll have to use her familiarity with fairy tales and her own guile to survive. Yet, as they venture through Bergot’s realm, they learn there are darker forces at work, and Gisela is at the heart of it.
I really thought I would like this book. It’s a dark fairy tale retelling…which is one of my favorite types of stories. But, it missed the mark for me. It took me nearly two months to finish this otherwise short book, and to finally get through it I skimmed the last 50 pages.
Let’s start with the good though: the writing is fantastic! Rosalyn Briar is quite talented in painting a picture and transporting her into the world. Her characters are well defined, and she does a fantastic job showing Gisela’s value especially around Thora and Brahm. Briar also pulls from many fairy tales, weaving them into the new fairy tale she has created.
There were a lot of little things that ultimately turned me away from this book. I want to mark at this point that there are spoilers below.
To start with, early on in the plot there is an attempted rape scene. While this was handled okay, and didn’t turn me away from the book, the fact her friend Brahm came to the rescue took away from Gisela’s ability to defend herself, which she says she was prepared to do.
What really bothered me though is how Brahm and Gisela’s relationship was portrayed. Their relationship initially was everything I enjoyed: friends-to-lovers, mutual pining, and a kind male character with a tough female character. Yet, the way their mutual attraction is portrayed is in awkward, gratuitous situations: Gisela’s white dress getting covered in water, Brahm accidentally grabbing her rear-end, and other instances. Again, while these did not detract from the story initially for me, the more they popped up, the more I would put the book down to look at later. While my dislike for these interactions are personal, they did affect my overall rating for the book.
In addition, I felt like this book could have been either a bit longer to help us really get to know the world and some of the characters who die earlier on, or this book should have been shorter, written more like an actual fairy tale.
I will say that the ending saved the story, and that’s why I decided to give this book 2.75 stars instead of my initial rating of 2.5 stars. It ends on a cliff hanger that causes needles to climb up your spine, and makes you wonder what became of the valley next.
So, while this book wasn’t for me, others will enjoy it. It delves into your favorite fairy tales, but continues to have a slightly modern tone to it. This is a story of self perseverance…and I think most people will see themselves in Gisela as she searches for the Crown of Bones.
Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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