Spindelkin

by Jean Davis

The poison that runs through Amira's veins must be drained away every day or she will die.

Kept company by only a stream of temporary maids and the king and queen when they have time, the young princess dreams of what lies outside the castle walls, a sibling to play with, and a future she will likely never live to see.

As Amira's strength wanes, the king thinks that her salvation may lay in the distant forest, but the Spindelskov is inhabited by the nightmarish Spindelkin. The king and queen are unwilling to face them, fearing the creatures will plunge all of Katra into ruin.

When the queen gives birth to a prince, Amira begs her maid to help her sneak out to meet her brother. Born too early, he is deformed with a tail and golden scales. The queen declares him a monster.

Not bothered by his appearance, Amira promises the tiny prince that she will help him. Gathering her remaining strength, Amira sets out on a journey through the Spindelskov, searching for answers that may save them both.

2022 Finalist - American Writing Awards

Recommended Read - Author Shout Reader Ready Awards 2023

Genres: Fantasy

234 pages, Paperback

Published April 24, 2022

About the author

Jean Davis lives writes an array of science fiction, fantasy and horror as well as children's books about her chickens. When not writing, she can be found playing in her garden, enjoying a glass of wine, or lost a good book.

Reviews

[Ava Mix]

I had high hopes for this book, the concept was intriguing, a mysterious curse, a locked away princess, and a group of people named Spindelkin who live in the woods and are feared by all humans. Very classic fairytale with a dark twist. But I have to be honest it fell a little flat. The author is decently skilled in the writing department, I could very clearly picture each new environment and how all the characters looked. Yet, the mystery is revealed five chapters in or if you have read many books and can spot an author's attempt at a plot twist from miles away, three chapters. The main protagonist Amira was lacking personality beyond a bunch of wants of peace and nature that the author tells you instead of shows. I did like her though, but not for anything she'd done but because of the pity I felt with every interaction she had until near the end of the book. Every person you meet seems a bit too cruel for how much empathy it's clear the writer wants you to have for them. They all mock, punish, or are just rude to someone we're told is a clueless little girl. There was no common sense in any of these characters and how they treated her. Maybe that was the intention but if so it wasn't my taste. Along her journey she spends a majority of the time talking about changing outfits rather than truly doing much for the story, Amira felt like an outsider to what was her own tale. Also, SPOILER: In the very beginning Amira talks about her desire for a sibling, to cure her loneliness she gets it. Her "Mother", the Queen gives birth to a baby boy whom she immediately leaves for death as he is too close to a Spindelkin. Amira saves him, fueled by her longing for family to visit her. Which is when we find out she isn't the Queen's daughter but captive. Amira flees with the son and raises him for a good chunk of time, I'm guessing until he is physically at least a toddler. The forest of the Spindelkin exists with a weird sense of time. The Spindelkin forces the son back to the humans but here is where I really felt my patience for the book disappear. She comes back to the kingdom years later and meets him again, both of them grown. And the author immediately starts a romance between them. I could not believe it. Even if they are not blood related, all their previous interactions felt too familial for any of their flirting to not fill me with disgust. She ends up married and pregnant in the epilogue. Overall, I try very hard when reading to not judge too hastily but I did not like this book and to anyone who did, I am truly glad it was your cup of tea.

[Jim]

The queen’s daughter, Amira, suffers through a daily extract of her poisoned blood to remain alive. One day, Amira finds that the queen has given birth to a son, but he is dying. Amira decides to risk leaving her quarters, find her newborn brother, and rescue him.
V. E. Schwab once asked readers to broaden their minds when reading fantasy beyond the Lord of the Rings or the Harry Potter series. Spindelkin is such a novel, and it’s all the better for it. As with all the best fantasies, Spindelkin shows us—through magic and creatures—a side of life we tend to ignore or overlook as we get older.
Jean Davis has written a well-plotted, fascinating YA fantasy. The novel’s world building, adventure, and ideas combine into a satisfying and delightful reading experience

[Priscilla]

Spindelkin is a fairy tale with an utterly believable protagonist. Amira is nuanced and interesting and I care about her from the first page on. Amira faces down danger but has misgivings. She makes difficult choices. She has a sense of wonder. Nature--a bear, a mouse, elk, birds, trees--come to Amira's aid. This book would be a great addition to a young person's book collection and also school and classroom libraries. This adult reader is pleased to have her own copy.

[Brenda Shirley]

Superb start, good middle, and decent ending.

This could be an easy 5 star read if there was some more storyline and detail added to the middle of the book. It jumped a bit so the connection was lost between the motive(s) and ending.

I would love a more detailed “adult” rewrite - as the book reads to younger audience. LOVE the premise and characters. Also a great plot!

[Keeley]

Gripping and fantastic!!! I really, really loved this book!!! Wonderfully detailed and amazingly creative. This is a marvelous book for kids of all ages or anyone who enjoys a virtuous and tremendous fairytale.

[Stephanie Beardslee]

LOVE LOVE LOVE this story!! Can't wait to read it with my kids someday. Beautiful and unique. 💗

[Oliver]

A beautifully crafted story about self discovery and adventure. The characters and scenes came to life throughout this well written story. Definitely recommend