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Bewitching Fairy Tales #5
Songs of Stone
Criminals don't get second chances. Not ones like her.
Piper does what the Red Enchanter tells her to do even if it involves breaking out prisoners, causing storms, or kidnapping children with her enchanted fife. Her own morals don’t matter anymore. She only has two years left until she’s done doing his dirty work—if she doesn't get caught.
After a chance encounter, Prince Valens starts to show up everywhere she goes, far too curious for her comfort. If she’s arrested, then every horrible thing she’s done over the last few years will have been for nothing, but how long can she avoid the conscience Prince Valens stirs in her mind—or worse her heart?
Prince Valens has never stood still a day in his life, so when he’s given the chance to investigate a string of unexplained disasters and amnesia cases, he doesn’t hesitate. It also doesn’t hurt when he keeps running into a mysterious girl in a red coat, until he starts to wonder why she’s connected to all of these cases.
Valens has always loved the chase, but he never realized how easy it was to fall instead. Every encounter with Piper leaves him breathless and reeling. As much as he wants to help her, he can’t let her get away with her crimes, but… what if she’s the key to something so much bigger?
Piper does what the Red Enchanter tells her to do even if it involves breaking out prisoners, causing storms, or kidnapping children with her enchanted fife. Her own morals don’t matter anymore. She only has two years left until she’s done doing his dirty work—if she doesn't get caught.
After a chance encounter, Prince Valens starts to show up everywhere she goes, far too curious for her comfort. If she’s arrested, then every horrible thing she’s done over the last few years will have been for nothing, but how long can she avoid the conscience Prince Valens stirs in her mind—or worse her heart?
Prince Valens has never stood still a day in his life, so when he’s given the chance to investigate a string of unexplained disasters and amnesia cases, he doesn’t hesitate. It also doesn’t hurt when he keeps running into a mysterious girl in a red coat, until he starts to wonder why she’s connected to all of these cases.
Valens has always loved the chase, but he never realized how easy it was to fall instead. Every encounter with Piper leaves him breathless and reeling. As much as he wants to help her, he can’t let her get away with her crimes, but… what if she’s the key to something so much bigger?
657 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 15, 2022
85 people are currently reading
402 people want to read
About the author
Celeste Baxendell
24 books1,036 followersCeleste Baxendell has always read anything she could get her hands on, but once she read her first fantasy novel, she was hooked and hasn’t looked back since.
Her love of magic, adventure, and romance hasn’t waned with age, and she endeavors to write nail-biting stories with compelling, complex characters, and finding light in dark times.
She is incredibly blessed to spend her time writing from her favorite chair with her legs curled up under her as she fights the southern heat. When she isn’t writing, she’s either reading, drawing, or sewing, in that order, and most likely thinking about writing as she does.
Her love of magic, adventure, and romance hasn’t waned with age, and she endeavors to write nail-biting stories with compelling, complex characters, and finding light in dark times.
She is incredibly blessed to spend her time writing from her favorite chair with her legs curled up under her as she fights the southern heat. When she isn’t writing, she’s either reading, drawing, or sewing, in that order, and most likely thinking about writing as she does.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
September 5, 2022
Piper is working for the Red Enchanter and has to do everything he orders. With her enchanted fife she can get anyone to follow her, or create rains and storms. Piper has two more years before she's free - as long as she doesn't get caught.
Prince Valens has a hard time being still, and he doesn't think he quite belongs in the Royal family. When his brother, prince Hadrian, asks him to investigate a series of unexplained natural disasters he jumps at the chance. Even better is the fact that he keeps crossing paths with a mysterious girl in a red coat. But is it possible she's involved in these disasters?
This is a re-telling of The Pied Piper and The Sandman! It's the fifth book in the series, but can be read as a stand alone. The books take place in the same world, but with new main characters. I've only read the previous book (the fourth) before, and prince Valens was a side character in Cinders of Glass. Now he gets center stage. Well, together with Piper, of course!
I'm immensely fond of both Piper and Valens. I suffer with Piper and the horrible things she has to do. It's rather frustrating when she doesn't explain her actions to Valens, but somehow he knows that she's not as horrible as she herself thinks. Sandy (The Sandman) is an enigmatic character who's hard to wrap your head around, but he sure gives the story something extra!
Baxendell seems to enjoy writing long books, and by doing so I feel like she subjects her characters to unnecessary suffering. I wish she could refrain from at least one or two obsticles along the way, but at the same time I want to stay in this magical world of hers for as long as I can. Well, you can't both eat the cake and save it for later, now can you? I guess I'll have to accept that Baxendell writes lengthy books!
* I received an ARC from the author and I'm giving my honest review. *
Prince Valens has a hard time being still, and he doesn't think he quite belongs in the Royal family. When his brother, prince Hadrian, asks him to investigate a series of unexplained natural disasters he jumps at the chance. Even better is the fact that he keeps crossing paths with a mysterious girl in a red coat. But is it possible she's involved in these disasters?
This is a re-telling of The Pied Piper and The Sandman! It's the fifth book in the series, but can be read as a stand alone. The books take place in the same world, but with new main characters. I've only read the previous book (the fourth) before, and prince Valens was a side character in Cinders of Glass. Now he gets center stage. Well, together with Piper, of course!
I'm immensely fond of both Piper and Valens. I suffer with Piper and the horrible things she has to do. It's rather frustrating when she doesn't explain her actions to Valens, but somehow he knows that she's not as horrible as she herself thinks. Sandy (The Sandman) is an enigmatic character who's hard to wrap your head around, but he sure gives the story something extra!
Baxendell seems to enjoy writing long books, and by doing so I feel like she subjects her characters to unnecessary suffering. I wish she could refrain from at least one or two obsticles along the way, but at the same time I want to stay in this magical world of hers for as long as I can. Well, you can't both eat the cake and save it for later, now can you? I guess I'll have to accept that Baxendell writes lengthy books!
* I received an ARC from the author and I'm giving my honest review. *
July 15, 2022
3.5 stars
Though Celeste’s storytelling remains that of a master, i felt much less attached to Valens and Piper’s story than i had been to Liora and Cynrik’s…
Perhaps it was because I read it in a slump, or because I saw too many similarities with Cinders of Glass 🤷🏻♀️
I think it just wasn’t my thing. But don’t let it discourage you from reading it! To each their own
The book was squeaky clean, as usual.
I had the honour of beta reading this book, and received a copy in exchange for a review. All opinions expressed here are my own.
Though Celeste’s storytelling remains that of a master, i felt much less attached to Valens and Piper’s story than i had been to Liora and Cynrik’s…
Perhaps it was because I read it in a slump, or because I saw too many similarities with Cinders of Glass 🤷🏻♀️
I think it just wasn’t my thing. But don’t let it discourage you from reading it! To each their own
The book was squeaky clean, as usual.
I had the honour of beta reading this book, and received a copy in exchange for a review. All opinions expressed here are my own.
August 15, 2022
Well that was another ride....
Honestly? I'm delighted at how the story turned out. The relationships between all the characters, the plots that built off the other stories and hinted at larger things incoming, and the way redemption and moral greyness and justice were handled within the story. I really did love our Piper....she was EVERYTHING....someone who at first glance seems like a pure soul but is very, very messed up. And our male MC was a delight to read as well, how the story challenged his idealism and worldview but he never truly and fundamentally wavered from them. And also, the MAGIC....I absolutely loved the magic system and the settings of the caves and mountains (two of my favorite locations in stories). The way it tied so well into the folktales of the Sandman and the Pied Piper worked really well for the story and the themes of punishment, guilt, mercy, and judgment.
All in all, I ADORED this book, the characters, the setting, and the reworking of the original tales into the book. I probably could ramble about this book (and I have) but I'll keep this short. XDD
I received an ARC, BTW...but all my opinions are my own. LOVED it.
Content: Some violence, moral angst (fun), and the usual psychological issues that our dear heroes and heroines have. Nothing heavier than a kiss and no language.
Honestly? I'm delighted at how the story turned out. The relationships between all the characters, the plots that built off the other stories and hinted at larger things incoming, and the way redemption and moral greyness and justice were handled within the story. I really did love our Piper....she was EVERYTHING....someone who at first glance seems like a pure soul but is very, very messed up. And our male MC was a delight to read as well, how the story challenged his idealism and worldview but he never truly and fundamentally wavered from them. And also, the MAGIC....I absolutely loved the magic system and the settings of the caves and mountains (two of my favorite locations in stories). The way it tied so well into the folktales of the Sandman and the Pied Piper worked really well for the story and the themes of punishment, guilt, mercy, and judgment.
All in all, I ADORED this book, the characters, the setting, and the reworking of the original tales into the book. I probably could ramble about this book (and I have) but I'll keep this short. XDD
I received an ARC, BTW...but all my opinions are my own. LOVED it.
Content: Some violence, moral angst (fun), and the usual psychological issues that our dear heroes and heroines have. Nothing heavier than a kiss and no language.
August 15, 2022
This took me a bit longer to get into than the other books in the series, but once I fell into the story, I loved it just like the rest.
I always love the characters in Baxendell's stories. Piper and Valens are both such flawed and real characters, and I loved how their characters and their relationship developed over the course of the story. Piper's character in particular is a bit more morally ambiguous for a heroine, but I liked how she came to terms with her choices, and I especially appreciated that the severity of her crimes weren't completely brushed over.
While I did really like this, this was probably my least favorite of the series so far, and I think that was partially just because I'm not as attached to the fairy tales that were being retold here. It was still a very solid and enjoyable retelling though.
Recommended for fairy tale fans, but I would recommend to read the other books in the series first to have a better understanding for what's going on.
Thanks to the author for an ARC! I'm voluntarily leaving a review.
I always love the characters in Baxendell's stories. Piper and Valens are both such flawed and real characters, and I loved how their characters and their relationship developed over the course of the story. Piper's character in particular is a bit more morally ambiguous for a heroine, but I liked how she came to terms with her choices, and I especially appreciated that the severity of her crimes weren't completely brushed over.
While I did really like this, this was probably my least favorite of the series so far, and I think that was partially just because I'm not as attached to the fairy tales that were being retold here. It was still a very solid and enjoyable retelling though.
Recommended for fairy tale fans, but I would recommend to read the other books in the series first to have a better understanding for what's going on.
Thanks to the author for an ARC! I'm voluntarily leaving a review.
August 4, 2022
Once again I’m blown away by the sheer amount of world-building in this series. Piper, despite her red outfit, was a lovely shade of morally gray, and Valens is a man after my own heart. Like the other couples in the series, they are both dealing with enough guilt and inadequacy to seriously concern me (all of these people could benefit from some therapy, which unfortunately for them and fortunately for me makes them compelling to read). The similarly burdened Sandy, our new friend Amias, and of course the redoubtable Liliana were great additions to their journey. The take on the Pied Piper was super cool—I’m not sure I’ve seen an adaptation of that one before, and definitely not one of the Sandman. I loved the easter eggs from the original stories, and while I’m always inclined to be impressed by fairy tale mashups because I think they’re fun, Celeste’s have proven to be particularly clever.
The amount of lore necessary to understand this story can get slightly overwhelming—despite having been to a couple of the other countries on the continent throughout the series, it’s tough to keep it all straight—but I’m fascinated to see where it all leads. Clearly, there’s a larger plot at hand in which the Scholar and Red Enchanter are involved, and Celeste’s fairy tale combos are brilliant enough already that I fully expect to have my mind blown when it all comes together. While this book could, in theory, be read as a standalone, I wouldn’t recommend it due to the background knowledge and the context for the continent’s building international affairs issues (which are fascinating) that the other books provide. Very pleased to have received this as an ARC, and I’m looking forward to the next one!
The amount of lore necessary to understand this story can get slightly overwhelming—despite having been to a couple of the other countries on the continent throughout the series, it’s tough to keep it all straight—but I’m fascinated to see where it all leads. Clearly, there’s a larger plot at hand in which the Scholar and Red Enchanter are involved, and Celeste’s fairy tale combos are brilliant enough already that I fully expect to have my mind blown when it all comes together. While this book could, in theory, be read as a standalone, I wouldn’t recommend it due to the background knowledge and the context for the continent’s building international affairs issues (which are fascinating) that the other books provide. Very pleased to have received this as an ARC, and I’m looking forward to the next one!
July 22, 2022
Alright, so I fell head over heels for this series with Mirrors, and have loved diving into every single story since.
Songs of Stone gave me some answers to questions I'd had after Beasts, and raised so many more by the end! I feel a full series re-read in my future, because I just can't get enough of these tales.
I adored Piper. She was that underdog character that you see being morally grey, but you love them for it. I had a bit harder of a time with finding Valen's voice, but by the end of it, he was a great character; though they both still had a lot of growing to do, they really stepped into their characters by the end of the book.
Songs of Stone gave me some answers to questions I'd had after Beasts, and raised so many more by the end! I feel a full series re-read in my future, because I just can't get enough of these tales.
I adored Piper. She was that underdog character that you see being morally grey, but you love them for it. I had a bit harder of a time with finding Valen's voice, but by the end of it, he was a great character; though they both still had a lot of growing to do, they really stepped into their characters by the end of the book.
July 31, 2022
Cinders of Glass was one of the best fairy tale adaptations I have ever read, so it was difficult to follow up with a book that was just as romantic, compelling, and magical. Songs of Stone by Celeste Baxendell has all of those things to an extent, but it does not live up to the high pedestal that its predecessor set for it. This is the fifth book in the Bewitching Fairy Tales series and is inspired by two somewhat lesser known stories, "The Pied Piper" and "The Sandman." The book has a rough-and-tumble protagonist similar to the one in Beasts of Beauty, the third book in this series, and is a far cry from the gentle Liora in Cinders of Glass. It is jam-packed with so many references to previous books that many chapters were cumbersome to get through even though I've already read the rest of the series.
Piper is a tragic young lady who lost most of her family and turned to a life of crime to save the one relative she has left. She is "gifted" an enchanted fife from a wicked sorcerer, who forces her to use it to do terrible things in the hopes of saving her brother's life. She fears for her future when several of her missions bring her face to face with Prince Valens, the one person resilient and nimble enough to foil her plans. When the unlikely pair discover an unexpected attraction to each other, they attempt to run from their feelings in order to keep up appearances and maintain their opposing duties. However, a person can only run from true love for so long. Soon, their game of cat and mouse comes to an inevitable an end.
It took me a while to get into this book. I wasn't immediately drawn to the characters like I was with Cinders of Glass, and there were so many conspiracy theories revolving around loose ends from earlier books in this series that the first few chapters seemed dry and emotionless. It wasn't until the second half of the book that I began to truly understand Piper's moral struggle with the abuse she had to take and the guilt she was forced to bear in order to serve the wicked Cinnabar. A lot of the books from other fairy tale series I read are only connected by loose threads and work well as standalones. This one was so all over the place that even though I have read all of the Bewitching Fairy Tales books including the prequel novella, I still felt lost at times. Even the the twist villain at the end didn't make enough of an impact for me to feel surprised or even care that much.
Though it was a slow burn, I appreciated this book when I reached the epilogue. It's hard to relate to characters who continue to make bad decisions, and Piper's guilt for her crimes doesn't shine through until the end of the book. I finally felt like I understood her when I saw how much she despised herself because of her past. Valens' ability to believe in her beyond all odds and support her even though she was supposed to be his enemy made the two a perfect match. Valens had an interesting arc because he was forced to go against the crown that he represented to help Piper even though he still wanted to prove himself to his family. In all honesty, things should not have worked out for him as well as they did, but I'm willing to let that go since this is a fairy tale after all.
Songs of Stone tries to tell a compelling story that gets bogged down by the other books from the series. It's a shame that such an amazing fairy tale adaptation as Cinders of Glass is followed up by such a mediocre sequel. I think Celeste Baxendell was so focused on building a larger overarching story that she lost sight of the story she wanted to tell in this book, at least until the last few chapters. I would recommend Songs of Stones to people who have read the other stories in the Bewitching Fairy Tales series and are interested in learning as much about the world as possible or people who enjoy fantasy stories with morally gray protagonists.
Piper is a tragic young lady who lost most of her family and turned to a life of crime to save the one relative she has left. She is "gifted" an enchanted fife from a wicked sorcerer, who forces her to use it to do terrible things in the hopes of saving her brother's life. She fears for her future when several of her missions bring her face to face with Prince Valens, the one person resilient and nimble enough to foil her plans. When the unlikely pair discover an unexpected attraction to each other, they attempt to run from their feelings in order to keep up appearances and maintain their opposing duties. However, a person can only run from true love for so long. Soon, their game of cat and mouse comes to an inevitable an end.
It took me a while to get into this book. I wasn't immediately drawn to the characters like I was with Cinders of Glass, and there were so many conspiracy theories revolving around loose ends from earlier books in this series that the first few chapters seemed dry and emotionless. It wasn't until the second half of the book that I began to truly understand Piper's moral struggle with the abuse she had to take and the guilt she was forced to bear in order to serve the wicked Cinnabar. A lot of the books from other fairy tale series I read are only connected by loose threads and work well as standalones. This one was so all over the place that even though I have read all of the Bewitching Fairy Tales books including the prequel novella, I still felt lost at times. Even the the twist villain at the end didn't make enough of an impact for me to feel surprised or even care that much.
Though it was a slow burn, I appreciated this book when I reached the epilogue. It's hard to relate to characters who continue to make bad decisions, and Piper's guilt for her crimes doesn't shine through until the end of the book. I finally felt like I understood her when I saw how much she despised herself because of her past. Valens' ability to believe in her beyond all odds and support her even though she was supposed to be his enemy made the two a perfect match. Valens had an interesting arc because he was forced to go against the crown that he represented to help Piper even though he still wanted to prove himself to his family. In all honesty, things should not have worked out for him as well as they did, but I'm willing to let that go since this is a fairy tale after all.
Songs of Stone tries to tell a compelling story that gets bogged down by the other books from the series. It's a shame that such an amazing fairy tale adaptation as Cinders of Glass is followed up by such a mediocre sequel. I think Celeste Baxendell was so focused on building a larger overarching story that she lost sight of the story she wanted to tell in this book, at least until the last few chapters. I would recommend Songs of Stones to people who have read the other stories in the Bewitching Fairy Tales series and are interested in learning as much about the world as possible or people who enjoy fantasy stories with morally gray protagonists.
November 3, 2024
What is it with this powerhouse of a writer? Seriously, every new book in this FT reimagined series just ups the ante. Here I was two days ago having finished reading Cinders of Glass and torn between my string desire to immediately read it again or forging ahead to Songs of Stone.
I am so happy I decided to press forward because I was captivated from the get-go. Valens, who was quite likable as a side character moved front and center in this retelling of the Pied Piper of Hamlin.
Prince Valens believes he’s a disappointment to his family as the second born “spare” that no one understands. Born with the itch of wanderlust our prince is happiest away from the castle, determined to visit every inch of his beloved country of Castia before being held to the castle the rest of his life, destined to be an advisor to his brother, the future king… a fate worse than death to him. Why should he have to live in the capital city reading dry, impersonal reports when he would much rather be a direct link to all of Castia’s citizens, royalty as well as villager.
It’s a seemingly random moment when he finds himself intrigued by a sad young woman clutching a doll in the local marketplace. Unfortunately Valens fails to make a favorable first impression on Piper, but days later still finds the woman occupying his thoughts. Spotting her in another town days later seems to be coincidence, but is it really? Piper surely couldn’t be behind a series of natural disasters averted at the last moment, but he can’t overlook this as being the second time Piper has been seen where a child goes missing, only to return a week later missing all their memories.
Piper is stunned to stumble upon the overly interested Prince Valens in such a short space of time, especially when her stop is not one her master has intended for her to be. She still manages to leave the village unseen and make her way to her true destination, a sister village nearby that sees her playing her enchanted fife to save the village from an immense storm that threatens the town with flooding from the river at its doorstep.
But is the storm Piper’s or is she really the savior the village believes she is? When Piper and a village child are swept away in the floodwaters Valens is too late to stop the strangely magical mystery at his feet when the flooded river had somehow missed destroying the crops the village desperately needed to survive the oncoming winter. And when Valens insists upon finding the lost child he is stunned to find the boy in the arms of a weary, equally memory-wiped Piper lost far downstream.
But is she a criminal mastermind, wielding magic illegally to alter the course of nature or is she a victim? What is it about this odd woman that makes her such a compelling chase across the countryside as their nation stands with the threat of impending war?
I admit, the Pied Piper has never been amongst my favorite FT, but it only took a few pages before I was pulled in. First, Valens was a character just begging for his own book and shines as a man who is most at home amongst the wilderness and hunting with his dogs. The fact that he sees himself as entirely useless as far as being an actual working member of royalty, however, was a nice counterpoint. Having him equal parts confident and yet useless and uncertain depending on the situation kept him from being another bland and perfect prince typically presented for the heroine to fall helplessly at his feet. In fact Piper is more than capable of not only giving as good as she gets but constantly escaping just when Valens thinks he finally has her cornered.
The chase back and forth between the two is everything.
And Piper, for appearing to be on the wrong side, isn’t self-righteous but charmingly conflicted about her actions, desperate to remind herself that the ends justify the means. She is bold and daring and yet heartbreakingly fragile in turns, keeping the reader wondering just what she will do next.
And yes, their romance story is now my new favorite, even though I wouldn’t have believed it possible two short days ago.
There is a lot of political back and forth, but it never felt too much given we split time between Valens and the monarchy called to join a trade embargo when a spy lurks behind-the-scenes making sure the enemy knows every move they are making. Time is then split with Piper, the enchanter she’s sworn to serve without fail for 5 years and the imp he keeps who lives to torment Piper every chance he gets.
This is a longer story, given it’s multiple settings and the swaps in POV between our young lovers and I didn’t mind it in the least. It didn’t help that there are such delicious moments of banter and circumstance that I’d go back and reread sections over again in enjoyment.
Oh, and did I mention this book is loaded with romantic pair-ups? We have 4 new couples by the end. That is a heck of a lot of romance, plus this book definitely has the highest count of passionate kisses out of the entire series- just between one couple! It is hormonal overload on steroids between these pages and you love every single minute of it.
And now I find myself in the same dilemma as two days ago… do I immediately go back to the start to enjoy this all over again or do I move on to the next story? Well, given how much I loved my decision to keep going, I am going to roll the dice and keep moving forward. After all, the continent is rushing headlong towards war and I have got to find out what happens next.
I am so happy I decided to press forward because I was captivated from the get-go. Valens, who was quite likable as a side character moved front and center in this retelling of the Pied Piper of Hamlin.
Prince Valens believes he’s a disappointment to his family as the second born “spare” that no one understands. Born with the itch of wanderlust our prince is happiest away from the castle, determined to visit every inch of his beloved country of Castia before being held to the castle the rest of his life, destined to be an advisor to his brother, the future king… a fate worse than death to him. Why should he have to live in the capital city reading dry, impersonal reports when he would much rather be a direct link to all of Castia’s citizens, royalty as well as villager.
It’s a seemingly random moment when he finds himself intrigued by a sad young woman clutching a doll in the local marketplace. Unfortunately Valens fails to make a favorable first impression on Piper, but days later still finds the woman occupying his thoughts. Spotting her in another town days later seems to be coincidence, but is it really? Piper surely couldn’t be behind a series of natural disasters averted at the last moment, but he can’t overlook this as being the second time Piper has been seen where a child goes missing, only to return a week later missing all their memories.
Piper is stunned to stumble upon the overly interested Prince Valens in such a short space of time, especially when her stop is not one her master has intended for her to be. She still manages to leave the village unseen and make her way to her true destination, a sister village nearby that sees her playing her enchanted fife to save the village from an immense storm that threatens the town with flooding from the river at its doorstep.
But is the storm Piper’s or is she really the savior the village believes she is? When Piper and a village child are swept away in the floodwaters Valens is too late to stop the strangely magical mystery at his feet when the flooded river had somehow missed destroying the crops the village desperately needed to survive the oncoming winter. And when Valens insists upon finding the lost child he is stunned to find the boy in the arms of a weary, equally memory-wiped Piper lost far downstream.
But is she a criminal mastermind, wielding magic illegally to alter the course of nature or is she a victim? What is it about this odd woman that makes her such a compelling chase across the countryside as their nation stands with the threat of impending war?
I admit, the Pied Piper has never been amongst my favorite FT, but it only took a few pages before I was pulled in. First, Valens was a character just begging for his own book and shines as a man who is most at home amongst the wilderness and hunting with his dogs. The fact that he sees himself as entirely useless as far as being an actual working member of royalty, however, was a nice counterpoint. Having him equal parts confident and yet useless and uncertain depending on the situation kept him from being another bland and perfect prince typically presented for the heroine to fall helplessly at his feet. In fact Piper is more than capable of not only giving as good as she gets but constantly escaping just when Valens thinks he finally has her cornered.
The chase back and forth between the two is everything.
And Piper, for appearing to be on the wrong side, isn’t self-righteous but charmingly conflicted about her actions, desperate to remind herself that the ends justify the means. She is bold and daring and yet heartbreakingly fragile in turns, keeping the reader wondering just what she will do next.
And yes, their romance story is now my new favorite, even though I wouldn’t have believed it possible two short days ago.
There is a lot of political back and forth, but it never felt too much given we split time between Valens and the monarchy called to join a trade embargo when a spy lurks behind-the-scenes making sure the enemy knows every move they are making. Time is then split with Piper, the enchanter she’s sworn to serve without fail for 5 years and the imp he keeps who lives to torment Piper every chance he gets.
This is a longer story, given it’s multiple settings and the swaps in POV between our young lovers and I didn’t mind it in the least. It didn’t help that there are such delicious moments of banter and circumstance that I’d go back and reread sections over again in enjoyment.
Oh, and did I mention this book is loaded with romantic pair-ups? We have 4 new couples by the end. That is a heck of a lot of romance, plus this book definitely has the highest count of passionate kisses out of the entire series- just between one couple! It is hormonal overload on steroids between these pages and you love every single minute of it.
And now I find myself in the same dilemma as two days ago… do I immediately go back to the start to enjoy this all over again or do I move on to the next story? Well, given how much I loved my decision to keep going, I am going to roll the dice and keep moving forward. After all, the continent is rushing headlong towards war and I have got to find out what happens next.
August 15, 2022
Songs of Stone
Reader’s Notes:
– this is part of a series and best if read after Cinders of Glass, but not necessarily needed
– this is told from Piper & Valen’s points of view
– there are some injuries & mentions of blood due to the injuries
Review:
Another great story! I loved this combination of the Pied Piper and the Sandman! I loved that Celeste gave us Piper’s reason for working for the Red Enchanter piece by piece instead of the whole thing at once. It made me wonder what could drive her and feel a little in the dark as Valens was throughout the story. It also helped me to learn who Piper is and then I could compare her to who she used to be by not having that information first. I loved the chase between Valens and Piper in trying to catch her. It was adventurous and thrilling as well as entertaining since there was a thread of interest thrown into their chase. I also liked how Valens was with his cousin, great aunt, and Liliana. He was more carefree and himself and gave me a better contrast in the dynamic between him with them compared to him with his ruling family.
Piper has two more years of following the Red Enchanter’s bidding and then she can be free. Free to no longer create catastrophes, kidnap children, and break out criminals. Free to live a life like the people she ‘helps’ when the catastrophes hit live. She will no longer have to cause people grief. But Piper can only complete her time if she isn’t caught for breaking the law by having used her magic fife…
Prince Valens is a person full of wanderlust, he just can’t sit still inside a castle. He is thrilled to leave the suffocating stone structure to discover what is happening throughout Castia. With various suspicious weather anomalies plaguing towns all over, someone needs to look into the situations and discover if magic is involved. And if magic is being used, then Valens needs to arrest them for breaking the law and find out what their end game is. Unfortunately, the townspeople appear to be hiding what really happened. And a girl in red who caught his eye the last time he was out may be involved in these mysterious happenings. She keeps appearing wherever disaster strikes on his mission, and Valens wishes it weren’t a high possibility…
Reader’s Notes:
– this is part of a series and best if read after Cinders of Glass, but not necessarily needed
– this is told from Piper & Valen’s points of view
– there are some injuries & mentions of blood due to the injuries
Review:
Another great story! I loved this combination of the Pied Piper and the Sandman! I loved that Celeste gave us Piper’s reason for working for the Red Enchanter piece by piece instead of the whole thing at once. It made me wonder what could drive her and feel a little in the dark as Valens was throughout the story. It also helped me to learn who Piper is and then I could compare her to who she used to be by not having that information first. I loved the chase between Valens and Piper in trying to catch her. It was adventurous and thrilling as well as entertaining since there was a thread of interest thrown into their chase. I also liked how Valens was with his cousin, great aunt, and Liliana. He was more carefree and himself and gave me a better contrast in the dynamic between him with them compared to him with his ruling family.
Piper has two more years of following the Red Enchanter’s bidding and then she can be free. Free to no longer create catastrophes, kidnap children, and break out criminals. Free to live a life like the people she ‘helps’ when the catastrophes hit live. She will no longer have to cause people grief. But Piper can only complete her time if she isn’t caught for breaking the law by having used her magic fife…
Prince Valens is a person full of wanderlust, he just can’t sit still inside a castle. He is thrilled to leave the suffocating stone structure to discover what is happening throughout Castia. With various suspicious weather anomalies plaguing towns all over, someone needs to look into the situations and discover if magic is involved. And if magic is being used, then Valens needs to arrest them for breaking the law and find out what their end game is. Unfortunately, the townspeople appear to be hiding what really happened. And a girl in red who caught his eye the last time he was out may be involved in these mysterious happenings. She keeps appearing wherever disaster strikes on his mission, and Valens wishes it weren’t a high possibility…
May 7, 2024
THIS BOOK!! Ugh, I don't know where to start! First of all, after reading Cinders of Glass, I had been super anticipated to read this one and it was beyond what I had imagined. Celeste Baxendell's books are always soooo thrilling and that's what I love about them. It keeps you on the edge of your seat, ready to jump. Her characters are sooo realistic and well developed, we literally can feel them. I loved Valens! He was such an amazing charecter and oh, the last part of him with his brother had mentioned in tears!! I didn't like how Hariden treated him but at the end, I was crying, forgiving him! I love brothers and these were so great, even if it was just one scene at the end. Now let's talk about Piper. She was... amazing is an understatement. Her situation and the very reason why she had to play the villain role had me tear up! I loved how far she went to save her only family. It was so touching. Oh and I loved Valens' hounds, I want them both!!! I must admit when everyone realized there was a traitor among themselves, I immediately recognised who, but too bad they were late. And oh, oh, Sandy!! I better not go talking about everything I loved and everything that shocked me, not wanting to spoil the surprises!! Overall, I loved Valens and Piper. They were such an amazing couple!!
August 15, 2022
Addicting, captivating, and full of fast-paced action and clean romance!
The book was flawlessly written and well plotted with complex characters and a cat-and-mouse dynamic I adore.
The heroin, piper, loves fiercely, and that love drives her to commit terrible crimes in order to save the one she loves. She wants to do the right thing, but she also wants her loved ones safe, and she feels she can't do both—not without sacrificing her soul in the process.
Valens is a unique character—a prince who feels he does not belong in his life of luxury and among his own family. He's more at home among the common people, listening to their problems and trying to understand their lives.
Despite their very different backgrounds, Piper and Valens have much in common and these commonalities draw them together even when they should be the greatest of enemies.
Celest's creative storytelling, coupled with her excellent worldbuilding and vibrant characters, make Songs of Stone, and indeed this entire series, truly "Bewitching".
*I received an ARC copy of Songs of Stone from the author and give this review of my own free will.
The book was flawlessly written and well plotted with complex characters and a cat-and-mouse dynamic I adore.
The heroin, piper, loves fiercely, and that love drives her to commit terrible crimes in order to save the one she loves. She wants to do the right thing, but she also wants her loved ones safe, and she feels she can't do both—not without sacrificing her soul in the process.
Valens is a unique character—a prince who feels he does not belong in his life of luxury and among his own family. He's more at home among the common people, listening to their problems and trying to understand their lives.
Despite their very different backgrounds, Piper and Valens have much in common and these commonalities draw them together even when they should be the greatest of enemies.
Celest's creative storytelling, coupled with her excellent worldbuilding and vibrant characters, make Songs of Stone, and indeed this entire series, truly "Bewitching".
*I received an ARC copy of Songs of Stone from the author and give this review of my own free will.
August 17, 2022
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my review.
This book was very good. The mystery and desire to know what happened really had me racing to finish it as fast as possible. I was hooked from the second I started.
This retelling is very interesting because neither story are very big or popular. I had no background going into this one and so I did not have any expectations.
We got to know the main love interest in the previous book, but this book really lets him shine. The main female character is really mysterious which is fun because it is normally the male character who has this trait. All the side characters are really well developed and complete the story.
There were times I was a little frustrated with the main characters, but I feel like this is a good thing because the characters need to grow. Characters can’t grow if they have no flaws.
A little warning to younger readers or those more sensitive, the main female character does get a little beat up by other characters. I would also say that she has a lot to come to terms with and not to expect everything to be completely fine by the end of the book as well.
This book was very good. The mystery and desire to know what happened really had me racing to finish it as fast as possible. I was hooked from the second I started.
This retelling is very interesting because neither story are very big or popular. I had no background going into this one and so I did not have any expectations.
We got to know the main love interest in the previous book, but this book really lets him shine. The main female character is really mysterious which is fun because it is normally the male character who has this trait. All the side characters are really well developed and complete the story.
There were times I was a little frustrated with the main characters, but I feel like this is a good thing because the characters need to grow. Characters can’t grow if they have no flaws.
A little warning to younger readers or those more sensitive, the main female character does get a little beat up by other characters. I would also say that she has a lot to come to terms with and not to expect everything to be completely fine by the end of the book as well.
January 19, 2023
This is book 5 of the Bewitching Fairy Tales. While I think each is a stand-alone, I do really recommend reading them in order as you get introduced to the right characters and to a larger overarching plot line. This is based on Pied Piper and another obscure fairy tale that I didn’t pick up on at all. (If you’ve read this book, please tell me what I’m missing.)
Piper is, well, a piper. THE Piper, the one who uses music to have others do her bidding. She’s been kidnapping children on the orders of another. When Prince Valens goes out to investigate unusual, possibly magical, happenings in small villages, their paths cross. And double cross. And triple cross. Once might be coincidence… but more than that has Valens chasing after the Piper.
I felt bad for Piper; she was definitely forced into hard situations, and I don’t know what choices I would have made if I were her. Loved Sandy, the “sidekick” imp. And Valens is just so sweet throughout.
I didn’t like the very short, very abrupt ending to the villain storyline. I liked the romance and ending, and what Piper and her Prince each discovered about themselves along the journey.
January 1, 2023
I'm a sucker for cat/mouse romantic subplots, so of course I liked this.
Also I love Valens in this. Like in previous books I wasn't sure what to think of him, but he's great! Him and his dogs stole this book. I also adore how he ships his cousin, Amias, with Liliana.
Piper is morally grey. Like she's doing bad things to save her brother, and feels guilt about it. But she keeps doing it because she can't lose her last family member.
I love how Piper and Valens challenge each other and how their relationship develops.
Also we get a Carina from Shoes of Red cameo!
The Sandman and Pied Piper mashup was unexpected. I don't know much about the Sandman so i can't tell you how well that was adapted but the Piper elements were really neat. Also was not expecting biological warfare in this novel, so that was a twist.
Also I love Valens in this. Like in previous books I wasn't sure what to think of him, but he's great! Him and his dogs stole this book. I also adore how he ships his cousin, Amias, with Liliana.
Piper is morally grey. Like she's doing bad things to save her brother, and feels guilt about it. But she keeps doing it because she can't lose her last family member.
I love how Piper and Valens challenge each other and how their relationship develops.
Also we get a Carina from Shoes of Red cameo!
The Sandman and Pied Piper mashup was unexpected. I don't know much about the Sandman so i can't tell you how well that was adapted but the Piper elements were really neat. Also was not expecting biological warfare in this novel, so that was a twist.
August 4, 2022
I enjoyed this book! Piper has a complex backstory that makes her an interesting character, especially since she’s a villain (not the primary one) and a protagonist. We also get to see more of Prince Valens from the last book! The author’s signature ability at making complex characters with real struggles appears is present. I love how well she crafts characters and their stories.
The book started off a bit slow but picked up the pace about 30% through. The plot was well-developed. The story arc seemed like it was going one way but surprised me (in a good way). I liked that the book was not entirely predictable.
Unlike previous books, this book doesn’t stand alone quite as well since many important elements reference the previous book Cinders of Glass. If you read Conders of Glass? Then I highly recommend this book. If not, then while I would still recommend giving this book a chance, I would suggest reading its prequel first for maximum enjoyment and minimum confusion.
*I received an ARC. A review was mot required. All words and opinions are my own.
The book started off a bit slow but picked up the pace about 30% through. The plot was well-developed. The story arc seemed like it was going one way but surprised me (in a good way). I liked that the book was not entirely predictable.
Unlike previous books, this book doesn’t stand alone quite as well since many important elements reference the previous book Cinders of Glass. If you read Conders of Glass? Then I highly recommend this book. If not, then while I would still recommend giving this book a chance, I would suggest reading its prequel first for maximum enjoyment and minimum confusion.
*I received an ARC. A review was mot required. All words and opinions are my own.
July 24, 2025
Pied Piper and the Sandman combine
What a fun combination of two very different fairy tale characters. I really enjoyed this book like I have the previous 4. Prince Valens is a big hearted guy you easily fall in love with. I already loved his character from the previous book where he was a small secondary character. It was fun getting to read his story. Piper… I have more complex feelings about her. I understand her motivations behind her choices but I don’t agree with them. Some characters view her mission as ultimately noble, doing the wrong things for the right reasons. But I have a hard time getting past just how harmful those deeds are to others all for the sake of one person. This is definitely a book that makes you ponder your personal feelings on justice, morality, and mercy. The epilogue was a decent wrap up for me though to help quiet some of my greater feelings of injustice. Anyway, still a great book! Excited to read the next one!
What a fun combination of two very different fairy tale characters. I really enjoyed this book like I have the previous 4. Prince Valens is a big hearted guy you easily fall in love with. I already loved his character from the previous book where he was a small secondary character. It was fun getting to read his story. Piper… I have more complex feelings about her. I understand her motivations behind her choices but I don’t agree with them. Some characters view her mission as ultimately noble, doing the wrong things for the right reasons. But I have a hard time getting past just how harmful those deeds are to others all for the sake of one person. This is definitely a book that makes you ponder your personal feelings on justice, morality, and mercy. The epilogue was a decent wrap up for me though to help quiet some of my greater feelings of injustice. Anyway, still a great book! Excited to read the next one!
August 19, 2022
Prince Valens meets and chases The Piper. Celeste Baxendell weaves an intricate web of magic through her stories. Her combined retelling of two fairytales, The Pied Piper and The Sandman, weaves a world of magic, mystery, innocence, and evil. Piper is in bondage for five years to an enchanter in order to help a loved one. She tries to minimize the damage she causes, but there is still damage. Prince Valens and Piper have several things in common, such as names, older brothers, and wanderlust, but they also have and come from very different lives and responsibilities. Valens is always chasing after Piper, looking for answers and trying to figure out why he has such an interest in her. This is a wonderful double love story, but the ending and Piper’s choices were not quite satisfying. I received an ARC copy from the author, and am pleased to leave a review.
August 25, 2022
I wanted to love this the way I loved Cinders of Glass. The plotting was excellent, and the story had so many twists and turns and intrigue. But I just didn't connect to the characters in the same way, and I didn't really feel their relationship, which seemed much of the time to hang on one shared trait. Because of this, I wasn't so invested in the plot and at times the story seemed to drag a little. I wanted to love Piper - I'm a sucker for a morally grey character, and an anti-hero. I loved her magical red coat, her fife, the fact that she's working for the bad guys. But she felt a little... bland? I wanted a heroine with a bit more bite. A bit less morality. Maybe that's just me, looking for something with sharper edges. There were many great things in this book, I just felt it just needed a bit more depth to the characters.
I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 18, 2022
I received an ARC copy from the author, I loved this retelling of the Pied Piper and the Sandman. Piper and Valens are a great pairing! I love the complexity of the story and the questions of what would you do to protect someone you love. I enjoyed how the family dynamics played out and how we get to see more of the Castian royal family. One of the things I enjoy most about Celestes books is that choices have consequences and even though it is a fairy tale it's not always happily ever after but a life together makes the hard times easier to get through together. I really enjoyed this tale and when I thought I knew the twist I was wrong! Great writing and a great story! I'm excited to read what comes next for the continent!
September 21, 2022
Songs of Stone told the story of Piper, a girl dressed in red who can play disasters over towns as well as lead the villagers away from danger. The fact that she can do both is a source of constant distress for her, but she has too much at stake to stop now. It also the story of Valens, prince, second son, and an outsider to his court who feels unloved and useless. His wanderlust draws him to Piper, even knowing she is on the other side, making him want to believe in her and help her in any way he can.
Piper is a wonderfully complicated and conflicted character. She is also less morally gray than she seems. She knows what she is doing is wrong. She knows the ends doesn't justify the means. But she also knows she's in too deep to stop. It makes you want to root for her and hope Valens can somehow break through and get her to stop.
Valens, on the other hand, is true good. Yes, he keeps secrets from his family and lies to protect Piper, but he does so out of a belief that compassion trumps court justice (which might not be true justice). He never gives up on Piper, no matter how many reasons she gives him to. He also has adorable dogs (for those who read books for the animal companions).
Then there is Sandy, a horrible little imp, who occasional does things that help Piper, whether by intention or luck remains to be seen. I found myself looking forward to his entrances into the story with greater anticipation as the book progressed.
As may be obvious at this point, Celeste's characters are my favorite part of her books. The action took place in rivers and caves and whisked the characters all over the kingdom on wonderful adventures, but I don't want to spoil it for anyone who is yet to read the book.
I received a free ARC and have reviewed it willingly.
Piper is a wonderfully complicated and conflicted character. She is also less morally gray than she seems. She knows what she is doing is wrong. She knows the ends doesn't justify the means. But she also knows she's in too deep to stop. It makes you want to root for her and hope Valens can somehow break through and get her to stop.
Valens, on the other hand, is true good. Yes, he keeps secrets from his family and lies to protect Piper, but he does so out of a belief that compassion trumps court justice (which might not be true justice). He never gives up on Piper, no matter how many reasons she gives him to. He also has adorable dogs (for those who read books for the animal companions).
Then there is Sandy, a horrible little imp, who occasional does things that help Piper, whether by intention or luck remains to be seen. I found myself looking forward to his entrances into the story with greater anticipation as the book progressed.
As may be obvious at this point, Celeste's characters are my favorite part of her books. The action took place in rivers and caves and whisked the characters all over the kingdom on wonderful adventures, but I don't want to spoil it for anyone who is yet to read the book.
I received a free ARC and have reviewed it willingly.
July 25, 2022
Another great addition to the series. It picks up pretty quickly from where Cinders left off. We get some answers and closure to some of the characters from that book. Due to the situation that the female lead is in we get to see some of the behind of the scenes aspects of what is going on with the antagonists. One things I love about her characters are some the morally gray areas she is able to give us. The plot thickens within this book creating an arc that we will hopefully see carry out the rest of the series. There are definitely more questions that need to be answered and I can't wait to see where this story goes.
December 14, 2025
This retelling of the Pied Piper takes an interesting continuation of Bewitching Fairy Tales with Prince Valens taking the hero role alongside his new love interest who is the Pied Piper herself. The references to the Pied Pipers tale with the rats and the kidnapping of the children are used subtlety with the children returning to their parents but with their memories erased. As for the rats, they were used for a more nefarious plot, which I won't spoil. The enemies to lovers relationship of Valens and Piper was pretty interesting as well as the character growth of not only our main protagonists but with their families and close companions. I really enjoyed this book!
August 9, 2024
**Bewitching Fairy Tales** by Celeste Baxendell is a delightful series that spins classic fairy tales into fresh, enchanting adventures. Each book offers a magical journey filled with brave heroes, clever heroines, and unexpected twists. Baxendell’s writing is vivid and engaging, making you feel like you’re part of the story. The characters are well-developed, and the plots are both familiar and surprising. This series is perfect for readers who love a mix of nostalgia and newness in their fairy tales. Whether young or old, you'll find something to love in these charming, spellbinding stories. Highly recommended for fantasy lovers!
July 10, 2023
This was a hard book for me to read, highlighting as it does the consequences of making hard (and bad) choices. It makes all the more inspiring is how the author brought together two so different people who had so much in common. To think it started with a chat in a marketplace. Definitely a different spin on the Pied Piper tale.
I received an ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 20, 2024
As always, Celeste wrote an incredible story. The plot and concept of Songs of Stone was so cool and intriguing!! 🤩 The romance between Piper and Valens was beautiful and heartbreaking, and made the ending so wholesome. I can’t get enough of this series and these characters!! The fantasy elements are always unique and complex, and the characters are always multi dimensional with inner demons they have to conquer in order to win. Can’t wait to read the next one!! 😆😍
February 6, 2025
I felt like this one started out a little slower than some of the other books in this series, but once it got going, it was super worth it. I love Piper and Valens so much, and it was excellent seeing them both grow and change and learn that they could be more than their circumstances.
Overall, another beautiful story with so much love, hope, and healing. I want them to be happy forever, especially Piper, and I don't think that's too much to ask, thank you.
Overall, another beautiful story with so much love, hope, and healing. I want them to be happy forever, especially Piper, and I don't think that's too much to ask, thank you.
July 28, 2022
I absolutely love Celeste’s work. I’ve read quite a few of her books and have loved them all.
I absolutely loved Piper’s story. I loved how each of the stories continues in the world with different spins.
I can’t wait to find out what this world Celeste has created comes next. I was so excited and honoured to be reading these stories.
I absolutely loved Piper’s story. I loved how each of the stories continues in the world with different spins.
I can’t wait to find out what this world Celeste has created comes next. I was so excited and honoured to be reading these stories.
September 6, 2022
This was surprisingly boring considering the rest of the series. It was also shockingly long. Nearly 700pages. Half of the book could easily be cut out. I wanted to like this. I unique fairy tales made for and interesting start but there was no chemistry between the characters and the plot was way to drawn out.
March 3, 2023
It was really interesting to see Carin again and to wrap up a few Castia-related loose threads from Cinders of Glass. I'm not entirely sure how I feel about the various character arcs, but they were realistic at least, and I suppose they were written to continue past the end of the book. Maybe if we fast forward another few decades, everyone will have settled into their happy endings.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 23, 2022
I really loved reading this wonderful book! I loved the characters and the plot! Songs of Stone is a wonderful retelling of the stories The Pied Piper and The Sandman! I had a hard time putting this wonderful book down! I will be reading the next book in this wonderful series!
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