Scan barcode
kebreads's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this story.
Content: a dozen swear words, some mild violence
Content: a dozen swear words, some mild violence
geekcharming270's review
3.0
This was an interesting retelling. Rumplestiltskin is always a unique store that people overlook. it was a cute little place for me to escape.
a_ab's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Since I dislike the original fairytale in all its aspects, I went into this book with a lot of hesitation.
But I needn't have worried — once again, this author's retelling far exceeded even my most optimistic expectations. It's a loose retelling, which is a huge advantage in my book. And it shifts the focus of the story onto the strength, friendship, loyalty and found-family love which help withstand and overcome the seemingly hopeless circumstances dictated by the greedy power-hungry villains of the world.
The story is a little too dark to be eagerly rereadable, but it's short and I can see myself wanting to revisit it despite the darkness.
But I needn't have worried — once again, this author's retelling far exceeded even my most optimistic expectations. It's a loose retelling, which is a huge advantage in my book. And it shifts the focus of the story onto the strength, friendship, loyalty and found-family love which help withstand and overcome the seemingly hopeless circumstances dictated by the greedy power-hungry villains of the world.
The story is a little too dark to be eagerly rereadable, but it's short and I can see myself wanting to revisit it despite the darkness.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Child abuse, Chronic illness, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Grief, and Kidnapping
rachel_loves_2_read's review against another edition
5.0
Great read
Well The heroine was definitely not one of my favorites. But I really enjoyed seeing her growth. She didn’t grow into something completely different and didn’t lose all her flaws. I appreciate that a lot. I wanted to smack Will a couple of times but that just shows how invested I was in the story.
Well The heroine was definitely not one of my favorites. But I really enjoyed seeing her growth. She didn’t grow into something completely different and didn’t lose all her flaws. I appreciate that a lot. I wanted to smack Will a couple of times but that just shows how invested I was in the story.
brii_brii's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
lilytholfsen's review
4.0
This book is only very loosely a retelling of Rumpelstiltskin, but that does not mean that it is bad. I loved the characters, and that the protagonist is brave in her own way, and I thought the romance was cute.
nicoleh3's review
4.0
Loved it! Although the shortest, this is my second favorite of Kenley's novels, after Traitor's Masque. I love how Kenley's heroines find needed support from caring friends, but ultimately change their story's outcome on their own. Throughout the narrative, they grow and are empowered by what they learn. And then they competently do what they believe needs to be done.
This story is great twist on Rumpelstiltskin, and the writing style is perfect. Just read the books. They're great. :)
This story is great twist on Rumpelstiltskin, and the writing style is perfect. Just read the books. They're great. :)
emmylou5's review
4.0
This was the first book of Davidson that I read, and while I have yet to read all of her books, it's been my favorite so far.
amandasbookreview's review
5.0
This novella is the second in the Andari Chronicles. While it is considerably shorter than other books in the series so far, it is no less charming. Goldheart by Kenley Davidson is a retelling of Rumpelstiltskin. If you have not read book one and intend to read it, SPOILERS AHEAD. Elaine Westover was kidnapped as a part of a plot against the King. She has never quite recovered. But now she is home and her father has passed. Her home is falling apart and she needs to keep up with the bills. Her only talent is painting. When her banker says he will pay handsomely for a portrait, she accepts. The banker locks her in a room and the portrait??—it is an impossible task. Her task? To paint his beloved wife, not as she is now, but as she was when he met her. Since she is on her death bed, the task proves impossible. But being locked away doesn’t help. Will tends to his friend, Blaise, who shuts himself away from society, but especially from his father, the banker. Will and Blaise soon discover that there is a woman being locked away…
Instead of spinning straw into gold, Elaine must paint a masterpiece. But there is so much more to this novella in just a handful of pages. Blaise is an albino. His condition makes it difficult to be in the sun for extended amounts of time but also the staring. People find him terrifying and he is a disappointment to his father. I have to say I almost cried at Elaine’s reaction when she meets Blaise. It is utterly beautiful and heartwarming.
Speaking of Elaine, she is an amazing main character. I only wish she received a full-length novel. She suffers from PTSD from her kidnapping. While most authors would talk about how she overcomes that, Davidson provides a very realistic approach. She suffers and sometimes doesn’t see a way out. She discovers that talking about it helps–which could be this book’s version of therapy perhaps? I really appreciate this view, especially in a fairytale retelling.
Again, this book is narrated by Esther Wane. As always, I will listen to anything she narrates! I loved this story, and it makes for a wonderful afternoon listen! 5 out of 5 stars!
Instead of spinning straw into gold, Elaine must paint a masterpiece. But there is so much more to this novella in just a handful of pages. Blaise is an albino. His condition makes it difficult to be in the sun for extended amounts of time but also the staring. People find him terrifying and he is a disappointment to his father. I have to say I almost cried at Elaine’s reaction when she meets Blaise. It is utterly beautiful and heartwarming.
Speaking of Elaine, she is an amazing main character. I only wish she received a full-length novel. She suffers from PTSD from her kidnapping. While most authors would talk about how she overcomes that, Davidson provides a very realistic approach. She suffers and sometimes doesn’t see a way out. She discovers that talking about it helps–which could be this book’s version of therapy perhaps? I really appreciate this view, especially in a fairytale retelling.
Again, this book is narrated by Esther Wane. As always, I will listen to anything she narrates! I loved this story, and it makes for a wonderful afternoon listen! 5 out of 5 stars!