I loved the old school icelandic deep worldbuilding, it felt so real and true (and I assume thoroughly researched). This was a world I could merrily sI loved the old school icelandic deep worldbuilding, it felt so real and true (and I assume thoroughly researched). This was a world I could merrily sink into. Painful through the squashing of women's rights was, it was an otherwise wonderful world.
I was so excited when my ship turned out to be secret canon. But then the end. Why? And not that good OMFG Why *weep* kind of end, but an angry fist through the wall, why? There was no reasons for it, I felt no resonance in it, no foreshadowing for it. (view spoiler)[It was just hey, let's kill off this gay main character at the end of the book so we get to have a 'tragic' ending and we can feel all snooty and 'literary'. I mean, who needs a happy ending? I *might* have spun into a 'bury your gays' tirade at the dishwasher I was loading at the time of listening to the ending. Especially because nothing is mentioned about what happened Petur after. I mean the book literally ends on Jon committing suicide. His last thoughts are the books last lines. FFS. (hide spoiler)]
Rich atmosphere, deep world building, intriguing characters, and it felt like a historical retelling of a fairy tale with the whole 'don't go into the *** part of the building'. I was loving it. This would have been my first five star of the year without a doubt. Until that ending. I still love the rest of it enough to not burn everything to the ground, but I cannot forgive and forget that sort of ending....more
The overall plot concept for this book is very cool and I love the fairy tale elements throughout it. There's a pretty large cast, and you're thrown inThe overall plot concept for this book is very cool and I love the fairy tale elements throughout it. There's a pretty large cast, and you're thrown in deep pretty quickly so I was a little lost at first, but found my footing before I reached the point of rage-quitting. I even grew to love quite a few of them. I loved the idea of the ferryman (anyone who's read any of my fairy tale stories knows this, I'm always trying to include ferryman in them) and I liked the different twist to it, that he wasn't automatically death or safety. I was really into the authenticity of the setting too. I don't know all there is to know about that time period in Englad but if felt pretty spot on to what I do know. A beautiful blend of fairy tale and historical fantasy....more
A brilliant ending. Because I've read a lot more books than usual these last couple of years, I've been noticing a lot of 'close but not quite' endingA brilliant ending. Because I've read a lot more books than usual these last couple of years, I've been noticing a lot of 'close but not quite' endings for series, but this book doesn't fall into that category. I love that so much of this book is worked around real historical Russian events, so much joy, especially that the Russians chose to embrace both religions for a while longer yet. By the old gods and the new <3 Also, the mushroom spirit y'all!...more
In the middle of the well-known Beauty and The Beast story, there was another secret aside. after being gifted the library by the Beast Belle discoverIn the middle of the well-known Beauty and The Beast story, there was another secret aside. after being gifted the library by the Beast Belle discovers a book she really can disappear into. Will the luxurious life in the pages tempt her to literally escape reality forever?
Honestly, while I overall enjoyed the book the major element of the plot felt a little too obvious - I mean is Belle a dumbass? How did she not think, 'hmmm, this is a bit too good to be true'? She's a savvy girl. I mean, she can think it then dismiss it, or justify it away but I'm horrified there were no alarm bells for her until it was waaaaaay to late. Disney's Belle never came across as an idiot to me.
I loved the concept of Love and Death, especially their being the opposing forces, not life and death. I thought their bookending scenes (the prologue and epilogue) were wonderfully set up and executed.
Like in my earlier review of 'The Beast Within' the end of the story was rushed, the romance compacted, abbreviated. I assume this has been done because everyone already knows how Beauty and the Beast ends, but c'mon! I read this story to revel in the romance - don't fast forward my HEA moment.
I really loved the flair still put into the side characters like Cogsworth and Mrs. Potts, they were so vivid and fun despite so little page time.
Also the ending felt a little too convenient. (view spoiler)[ the beast just *happened* to give her a necklace just before she went into the book and it was EXACTLY what she needed to get out? I don't remember any hints that something like the glass heart would prove strong against Death. (hide spoiler)] I did like how (view spoiler)[Belle was able to give life to and save some of her foes in the lead up to the final showdown, but not all of them, it felt like the perfect balance between fairy tale and realism. (hide spoiler)]...more
This book committed one of my gravest series sins - were it not for that this book would have been four stars like many of its predecessors - and thatThis book committed one of my gravest series sins - were it not for that this book would have been four stars like many of its predecessors - and that crime is ending on a total cliffhanger. Don't get me wrong, you can leave me in the lurch on something huge, but you need to have wrapped something up, given me a sense this book actually had a climax and we are now in the denoument (eg/ In Dhonielle Clyton's The Belles (cue spoilers for the aforementioned book)(view spoiler)[ there was a tragic death the main character and her sister were arrested for due to evil machinations by the main villain, and the secret betraying villain was revealed in the same process. The girls managed to escape the jail and sail off, but the future is still full of danger and uncertainty. Clayton left me in the lurch, but she revealed things in a dramatic climax and wrapped something up (the escape from jail) to give me a feeling of, this book is done though the series clearly is not (hide spoiler)], but in this book, nothing felt wrapped up...
On the plus sides we finally get to dig in properly to the Odd sisters, discovering why they did all that they did....more
It was really hard for me to keep the movie Maleficent separate in my head, so I was regularly halting wondering if I was mixing the two up. Just likeIt was really hard for me to keep the movie Maleficent separate in my head, so I was regularly halting wondering if I was mixing the two up. Just like the movie, this story gives Maleficent a backstory that shows why she became the villain we all remember from Sleeping Beauty. Again 'good guy' characters are turned into the villains, this time in a way that makes it almost impossible to see them as good at all, so I'm now assuming these stories exist in their own universe....more
The book feels more like it's about Princess Tulip (from the Beast's book) and the Odd sisters more than Ursula, which was a little frustrating. I meaThe book feels more like it's about Princess Tulip (from the Beast's book) and the Odd sisters more than Ursula, which was a little frustrating. I mean it's Ursula's story, let her rock it. I mean I did feel bad for Tulip in the previous book, and am glad she earned her HEA, but c'mon, this was Ursula's chance to shine like the glorious sea queen she is.
Something I liked in the earlier two books was how no one who already existed in canon had been explicitly at fault for the villains becoming, well, villainous, thus meaning these books could exist without breaking from it. This book however put a lot of blame on (view spoiler)[ Triton, thus making it much harder to see him in the movies as a sympathetic father if you take these books as canon. (hide spoiler)]
As a Disnerd a part of me was so joyous when Ursula was literally saying the lines of her song in this book XD
The story jumped around a bit, and there were a lot of extra characters all around swamping out the Ursula part of the storyline, but also just making the story feel a bit more choppy. However I still read the story like pop corn and will be going straight on to the next book, so it wasn't too bad....more
Returning to the villains universe with the Beast this time.
I liked the idea of the prince and Gaston once having been besties, and even highly competReturning to the villains universe with the Beast this time.
I liked the idea of the prince and Gaston once having been besties, and even highly competitive asses together. The inclusion of the Odd sisters connects this story to the last, but TBH the Odd Sisters seem like they're supposed to be sinister, but most of the time it's just their goofy simultaneous speaking. I did really enjoy the inclusions of (view spoiler)[ their sister Circe and how she was involved too. Also did anyone else feel terrible for the other princess, Tulip? (hide spoiler)]
There was less of the motivational depth that I was hoping for the the previous book in the series gave me, and the actual romance between Beast and Belle felt super rushed and again with the no naming. I'm hoping future books don't continue to do this because it's kinda starting to bug me.
Overall this wasn't as powerful and moving as the first book, but was an interesting different view....more
I love love love seeing the villain motivations, especially well-crafted ones like this. I'm obviously a Disnerd, so this series was a must read for mI love love love seeing the villain motivations, especially well-crafted ones like this. I'm obviously a Disnerd, so this series was a must read for me that I'm glad I got around to.
I loved the queen, terrible happenstance after terrible happenstance leads to a downward spiral of depression, and the abuse she suffered from her father molded her so she barely had any choice in the matter. As a result the story is heartbreaking as everything destroys the good person she once was. It's weird to say it but I loved that ;p Anyone who's read my Charming stories knows I love the pitiable villains, so this was right up my alley. I was disappointed however they never gave the queen's name. It occasionally felt awkward the way they were avoiding it. But I thought she already had a canon name?
Overall a good short book for fans of Disney and more complicated villains....more
The family saga continues with the 'forbidden child', tortured by the evil grandmother. An amazing conclusion to the trilogy.The family saga continues with the 'forbidden child', tortured by the evil grandmother. An amazing conclusion to the trilogy....more
One of the things I love about this series is we start off with the fairy tale retelling, but don't stop there. Like a family saga this continues on wOne of the things I love about this series is we start off with the fairy tale retelling, but don't stop there. Like a family saga this continues on with the children, but carries on the prophecy threadline. Another satisfying read with promise of more to come....more
A good conclusion to the series, expect all the fae skulduggery of earlier books but a bit more YA romance. Why did i specify YA in front of romance? A good conclusion to the series, expect all the fae skulduggery of earlier books but a bit more YA romance. Why did i specify YA in front of romance? Because the trope of the (view spoiler)[ guy makes the decision to break up (or equivalent) for the safety of the girl, and she of course thinks it's because he doesn't love her, cue angst. I'm really over that particular device in romantic stories, but I'll forgiveit for this book because I enjoyed so much of the rest of it. (hide spoiler)]...more
Another modern faerie story where our world pushes up against the faerie, this time in New York city itself. I trigger warning for addiction/drug use.
Another modern faerie story where our world pushes up against the faerie, this time in New York city itself. I loved seeing the way various fae lived in the city so full of iron. Also I'm obviously 600% on board with adorable trolls as romantic leads ;p I would read a whole book just about Ravus.
I felt so bad for Val, who ended up in this world not entirely through her own fault, but proceeded to make a LOT of terrible decisions, leading to her become addicted to a faerie drug. I enjoyed the characters like Lolly, Sketchy Dave and Louis too, though naturally Ravus was my fave.
The story gets dark. Very dark, animal abuse, heavy drug use, ect. the previous in the series was a gritty, but this one gets flat out bleak and cold, so head up. Still a good read though....more
I love Holly Black's modern faerie stuff, so obviously wanted to dive into these. They are a lot grittier that your typical YA fae stories, the teenagI love Holly Black's modern faerie stuff, so obviously wanted to dive into these. They are a lot grittier that your typical YA fae stories, the teenage characters smoke, shoplift, are somewhat promiscuous. I have no problem with it myself, just a heads up for people who may not want their younger teens consuming fiction with younger protagonists doing such.
The characters good and bad alike are all good fun, and I tweaked pretty early to the truth of Kaye. (view spoiler)[ I've always wanted to write a 'never knew I was a Changeling' story ;p but now I have to somehow do it better than this ^^; (hide spoiler)]
It seems like the same sort of faerie realm as anyone who's read other fae books by Black (like the Folk of the Air), steeped heavily in the lore of it all, and I enjoyed the swapping of knights between the seelie and unseelie courts and the 'hilarity' that ensues.
Another fun addition to Black's fae stories....more
This book is right up my alley - it feels like a fairy tale retelling, but isn't really - like Diana Wynne Jones' Howl's Moving Castle, existing in thThis book is right up my alley - it feels like a fairy tale retelling, but isn't really - like Diana Wynne Jones' Howl's Moving Castle, existing in that fairy tale world but more than just that.
The real world elements such as prejudice toward the Jews added a cool depth and realism to the world to the point where I wondered if there were myths about the staryck in reality.
I loved all three of the main girls and the way their stories wove together. I really enjoyed the slow reveals and character growth from not just those three but many others too. I also loved the myth and fairy tale elements, and of course the doomed romances ;p
Novik has a talent for really making you FEEL what her characters are feeling. The sheer frustration you stew in when Miryem has to deal with her asshat neighbors who borrow money, intending to never pay it back who get all persnickety when she finally makes them pay it back - like she's in the wrong - is delicious and horrible simultaneously. I especially loved it (view spoiler)[ the occasional times we were in Wanda's little brother's POV and saw him dealing with his sensory processing disorder
The ending is wonderfully satisfying on so many levels. I would recommend this book to any fantasy fan, but especially those who like fairy tale and or fae themes/plots. (hide spoiler)]...more
I love the idea of the towns surrounding an enchanted forest and all its fall out (I also love the source of the forest, but no more spoilers than thaI love the idea of the towns surrounding an enchanted forest and all its fall out (I also love the source of the forest, but no more spoilers than that ;p ) so I was pretty much in after reading the back cover blurb. I almost put it down when out protagonist turned out to be the 'not half as pretty/smart/wonderful as her best friend' cliche AND mysteriously clumsy beyond belief. I'm getting pretty over those tropes TBH but I'm glad I decided to give the book a few more minutes before quitting because the rest of the story and character were strong enough to make me forgive that.
Does anyone else legit wish they could use the cantrip vanastolem? (or however it's spelled - the downside to read via audiobook ;p ) that would be crazy handy. On the other hand, I'm rather glad I read this via audiobook because the protagonist's name would have driven me bonkers to read ;p
I was surprised by the sex scene. It fit and worked well but the book had a distinctly YA feel until then and while I KNOW I read books with sex in them plenty when I was in the age bracket YA is intended for, I know a lot of parents might not be happy with their kids reading that. i also struggled a bit with the attempted sexual assualt and the way Agneszka was treated immediately after it, like it was her fault. I again nearly put the book down, but having recently read and loved Spinning Silver i was willing to give the author some more leeway.
I liked the ending (view spoiler)[ the wonderful way she was traipsing the forest alone slowly but implacably restoring it, it felt so good and liberating. I was also weirdly happy that she was on her own, doing shit her way because she don't need no man who wasn't going to have faith in her, but then he showed up in the last few pages, and while it was nice enough, I felt like he needed to do more than just show up to win her back -though I can also imagine many people would be even more annoyed if there wasn't a romantic HEA, so I can deal. (hide spoiler)]
I enjoyed the book over all, especially the world and it's twists and depth, but there were a few issues I had which almost took this down to three stars but not quite. Would recommend Spinning Silver over this if people are looking for a good Novik book, but this is not a disappointing read by any stretch of the imagination....more
I read this book because one of my friends in my writers group used it's opening line as an example of how an opening line should hook you. It did. I I read this book because one of my friends in my writers group used it's opening line as an example of how an opening line should hook you. It did. I was 600% "shut up and take my money" ;p
The book seems to share the fae world that exists in the 'Folk of the Air' series (which is currently the only other Holly Black I've read thus far, and I kept trying to see if there was any real crossover. I love the idea of the town of Fairfold, so close to fae for so long that everyone just rolls with it, and if you aren't just infatuated with the idea of a horned boy on a glass coffin in the forest then clearly fairy tales and fae worlds are not your jam.
I liked the character of Hazel quite a bit, the neglected upbringing, the knightly aspirations from a young age. However Ben felt flat to me, a bit like he was an accessory, there to enhance her story - when he should have been more. This didn't really diminish my enjoyment of the story however. I did love Jack and wish we'd got to see more of him, an Severen too ;p The character relationships were all nicely complicated and delicious.
A good fun romp through the darkside of fae which seemed over all too soon....more
I LOVE fairy tales, so it was virtually impossible that I'd read these Grisha-verse fairy tales and not be filled with joy. I especially loved the wayI LOVE fairy tales, so it was virtually impossible that I'd read these Grisha-verse fairy tales and not be filled with joy. I especially loved the way certain traditions were turned on their heads, like in the tales the girl told to the beast all Scheherazade-style.
They were largely well paced despite several having traditional fairy tale prose styles, except the last, which I felt could have done just as much in almost half the time (but this might be because i read this one via audiobook with my husband who can't read at 2x speed, so perhaps it was perception?)
Also, I need to find me the illustrated version. Need....more
This one gave me all the YES of the very first book of this series. A totally understandable back story that made you realise how someone could turn iThis one gave me all the YES of the very first book of this series. A totally understandable back story that made you realise how someone could turn into the villain that could believeably fit into canon (though I'm now pretty sure this is a paralell universe series), but also makes you feel so damn bad for them. Though there was a LOT of putting hazelnut spread on bread. I didn't realise people actually did that. I know they show it on the label but I and everyone I've ever known just eats it with a spoon right out of the jar like a savage ;p...more
Seriously I'm starting to live for this series. I love the goblin market and it's rules and such (though weirded out there didn't seem to be any actuaSeriously I'm starting to live for this series. I love the goblin market and it's rules and such (though weirded out there didn't seem to be any actual goblins...) and I especially love that Lundy's father went there, knew the world and chose to live here in the real world, and how that affects so much of his interactions with his daughter. I'm 500% ready for the next one....more
Wow. No seriously, wow. So much fairy tale magic, beautiful characters, terrible villains, good people doing good things even though it might not win thWow. No seriously, wow. So much fairy tale magic, beautiful characters, terrible villains, good people doing good things even though it might not win them what they want, all the things! I am going to go out and buy a paper copy of this book so when Harley is old enough to sit still for it i can read this to her....more
A good way to round out the series and show the final nature speaking talent we've all been waiting for.
Rin as a character occasionally felt a bit tooA good way to round out the series and show the final nature speaking talent we've all been waiting for.
Rin as a character occasionally felt a bit too meek for my personal liking with her mirroring others(though she did stand up when it mattered against the nasty nursemaid), but I could see how she'd formed this personality, and it made perfect sense for the story.
Overall, I love the world building for this series. It is a at first glance standard pseudo-European fantasy world, but when you pay attention to the fact the clothes vary from country to country (something a lot of those standard fantasies forget to do), and we get the difficulties of different languages in this book, you see some more to it. The magic system is an intriguing idea, and how each one differs to suit its originating element is cool.
I love the characters. So many of them seem so real. I also love how in this book the tropey gender roles were flipped largely. eg/(view spoiler)[ Finn was the love interest who doesn't do much but be a love interest(I know, he was much more in the other books, I just enjoyed the flip in this one), and Razo becomes the dedicated nursemaid caring for the child prince while Rin goes off and does the rescuing and adventuring (hide spoiler)].
(view spoiler)[I liked the way Rin had to face the guilt of what she'd done, and how she had done it, and how she was going to avoid making such similar mistakes in the future. I really appreciated that she so truly wanted to help Selia too, wanted to try and teach her how to balance her people speaking power. (though I also was grateful that she decided to 'die a queen' instead, because she's really truly horrible)
One thing I do wish about this book though was that Selia's still being alive had been hinted to in the earlier books, some dropped hint here and there, because TBH her reappearance in this book was jarring for me. Perhaps on the re-red I might find these hints, but none stand out to me, and I literally read the previous two only days ago, (thought the first one I read over a year ago, Selia only 'died' at the very end of that though, so I wouldn't expect many hints). (hide spoiler)]
Overall, a great fun series definitely worth a read for those who like YA fantasy, especially with fairy tale twists (thought most of the direct fairy tale-ness dissappears after the first book)....more
Since cheeky Razo was one of my favourite side characters in the previous two books I was really glad to see him take center stage in this one, and alSince cheeky Razo was one of my favourite side characters in the previous two books I was really glad to see him take center stage in this one, and also his advancement as a character.
Because of the POV character River Secrets feels like a return to the slightly lighter tone compared to Enna Burning, but when you actually think about the contents, it's not fully - it's just Razo. The mystery elements were good fun for me, but again if you're looking for a fairy tale retelling, you'll not really find it.
The shift from female POVs to a male POV was smoother than I might have thought, but again, largely because Razo is so fun. Have I drilled that home enough yet? ;p
I really love how in this series the first love isn't always the true love.
A really fun series so far, I'm looking forward to starting the next one tomorrow....more
This book has a grimmer tone and content that the previous book, The Goose Girl. It's still a good read, but if ou're expecting a fairy tale retellingThis book has a grimmer tone and content that the previous book, The Goose Girl. It's still a good read, but if ou're expecting a fairy tale retelling and much of the lightness that implies, you may be disappointed. However I loved the views and turns this book took.
I'm really intrigued by the magic system, how specifically fire works and moves and is moved. (view spoiler)[ and the way knowing another complimentary magic can help ease the all-encompasing force of the first. (hide spoiler)]
Ok first up y'all, let us praise the publishing gods that they didn't release this third book in January next year (following the pattern of the previOk first up y'all, let us praise the publishing gods that they didn't release this third book in January next year (following the pattern of the previous two release dates) but rather released it in mid-November <3
I had an hour and a half left of the audiobook I started listening to yesterday the morning this book released and seriously considered not finishing it(the other book) until later, but I don't like hanging threads ;p so did finish it.
The swift pace continues with all the twists and fun and danger you love and the characters you adore. PLENTY of unexpected stuff too (view spoiler)[ OMFG Taryn killed Locke y'all! (hide spoiler)], and I loved how the prophecy was used and resolved. The ending is satisfying and I doubt any fans of the series thus far would disagree with me....more
Everyone who knows me knows fairy tale reimaginings (as opposed to the more basic retellings) are my jam, so this was soo up my alley. Add to that theEveryone who knows me knows fairy tale reimaginings (as opposed to the more basic retellings) are my jam, so this was soo up my alley. Add to that the fact The Little Mermaid is one of my favourite fairy tales and that this goes off in some really cool tangents and you'll not be surprised that this is one of my favourite books read this year.
In this book the mermaid princess is a siren princess, Lira is known as 'the prince's bane' because she steals prince's heart, right out of their chests, leaving ragged bloody holes and corpses behind. This is no Ariel. The trapped defiance of Lira, her siren nature, and her general strength and bad-assery make her a total win for me.
And don't think the mermaid princess is the only one who gets a make-over. The prince, yes he's still a prince, heir to the kingdom and all, but he's also a pirate (well the story claims him as such but I didn't see any real piratical behaviour apart from sailing about) and siren hunter. The seas have a serious siren problem, even if you ignore the yearly murders of princes (why royalty would sail at all after the first five or ten attacks I honestly don't know), plenty of people fall prey to sirens, and Prince Elian intends to put a stop to it all, especially the prince's bane herself - if he can ever find her.
I love a well set up enemies to lovers story, and this one satisfies, but sure as heck makes you wait for it too.
There's far more than just the romance too, both characters have their own clear goals and arcs, and there is a rollicking adventure you get to take alongside them full of everyone going around kicking ass, including the very cool main crew members too.
On that note though, the one let down of this book for me was the rest of the crew. There were a select few main crew members who got names and page time, and they were all sufficiently awesome, but then there was occasional mention that there were other crew members who you basically never saw but occasionally had it pointed out they were somewhere there, ensuring the ship sailed while everyone else tossed epic banter between themselves. Storywise those crew kept disappearing and never getting names or anything, and then at the climatic battle they reappeared on the page so they could die. But what I really want is to know at least one of those people who died. I want those deaths to hit home for me. This is probably the only aspect in the book that let me down.
That banter, though! Seriously the banter between Lira and Elian is so fun, no matter what their relationship is, and there was some solid banter in general through the main cast too.
The world has the appearance of being a generic fantasy world, complete with prophecy, but there's plenty of nice little flourishes and touches which give it its own personality.
The pacing of the book had wonderful velocity, I probably could have finished it in a single day had there been less interruptions.
A dark but wonderful reimagined fairy tale I'd recommend to anyone who enjoys fantasy with a slightly darker side (but not purely dark)...more
A strong follow up to the first of the series. Vasya continues to be a total hero, though (as you can probably guess in a historically accurate RussiaA strong follow up to the first of the series. Vasya continues to be a total hero, though (as you can probably guess in a historically accurate Russia) it doesn't get her very far once people realise she's a woman. The family relationships continue to be amazing in this book too, as well as all the character motivations. The magic is just as rich and we get to see a Russia struggling between it's old gods and the new Christian god, as well as trying to establish it's strength against it's war-like neighbors....more
A good collection of short stories retelling and reimagining many popular fairy tales. Some were set in a very modern day setting, some sci-fi (the PiA good collection of short stories retelling and reimagining many popular fairy tales. Some were set in a very modern day setting, some sci-fi (the Pinocchio robot one (forgot the title sorry) was one of my favourites), and some more traditional fairy tale worlds, so the variety was fun.
There were two duds in the collection for me (rare is the collection where there isn't one story that falls flat for me), but it was merely a 'didn't tickle my fancy' issue, not a bad plot/bad writing/WTF were they thinking issue, so other readers may not have that opinion. There were some absolute winners too though, Beauty and the Chad just being sooooooo in my wheel house (girl dressing up as boy trope, no homo-yes homo moment, different worlds with different talking styles, ect).
There were multiple Beauty and the Beast stories, which might have bugged me if they weren't so strong. But I did also love that there were some less regularly retold ones too, like the three little pigs and Pinocchio. There were some stories though were I had no idea of their original story, and to be honest when most of them weren't to hard to identify that bugged me. I do love a reimagining where the story really goes off on a tangent or develops so much extra the original is almost swallowed up in extra cool, but I was told 'retellings' so when I couldn't spot that it kinda bugged me. I also expected a lot more darkness. The blurb and title made some promises, but more than half of the stories weren't(or is that just me being too much of a horror person?). A couple had good, out-and-out horror endings, but if you're wanting this for the sheer darkness you might get a few too many happy endings (I love both though, so it was no issue for me).
A good collection for those who like fairy tale retellings...more
The stakes issues that I had with book 2 of this series were completely gone in this issue. All the romance, plenty of stakes, in fact there were seveThe stakes issues that I had with book 2 of this series were completely gone in this issue. All the romance, plenty of stakes, in fact there were several points where - despite knowing this is a romance so things had to work out - I felt genuinely worried about what would happen.
There was a slightly annoying habit of Edward's to say Kat was HIS, and of one or both of them to say they couldn't live without the other. I don't mind it being said maybe once, because in emotionally packed moments we can spout that sort of stuff, but repetition of it bugs me because these aren't really healthy things to feel and say. It gets a bit Twilight-y. The book doesn't get too bogged down in it, but it happened enough to make me go 'ugh, really?' a few times. Honestly though, that is almost the only complaint I have against this one. It's a wonderful conclusion in my opinion. I hope the novellas and some of her other books will be on audiobook soon so I can check then out too....more
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