Scan barcode
candidcopywriter's reviews
33 reviews
A Promise of Fire by Amanda Bouchet
4.0
Honestly, I really don't know how to feel about this book. It captivated me from the very beginning with the intrigue and the thrill, though I usually prefer clean to the erotic types. But this book kept making me wonder about things like Stockholm Syndrome and abusive relationships.
Because how does it begin, really? With a big, bad guy (Griffin) kidnapping a feisty girl (Cat). He ties her to him with an enchanted rope, for God's sake! And she starts falling in love with him? Stockholm Syndrome 101! But then, it's shades of grey, isn't it? Because he's kind and doesn't otherwise harm her at all. He's better to her, even in his initial abuse, than her own family was when she was a kid.
She warms up to him pretty quickly because he has morals, unlike most others she knew. I'm not usually the type to condone such stories, which promote abuse as the start of a glowing relationship. But somehow, this is one of my favourite series.
Maybe I like it so much because Cat is a warrior, too: a broken, battered one who only comes into herself because of the very guy who kidnaps her. Maybe I found it so great because the world Amanda Bouchet has built is so rich and amazing. But I still think that there were better ways to start it and still take the story forward in a similar way.
Griffin could have explained his situation to Cat nicely. It may have not worked at first, but he could have persisted. He could have, well, not been so intimidating when he first met her, thus avoiding scaring her off. He could have just told her outright, after a few meetings, of course, about why he approached her in the first place(the Poseidon oracular dream) . There are so many things that he could have done differently, and the length of the book it takes for her to resign herself to being kidnapped could, instead, have been utilised in him convincing her to leave the circus and come with him. Their adventures could have still been the same.
That said, I still absolutely loved the plot and story arc. I loved the character development of the protagonists and the people around them, and the way Cat first warms up to Griffin's companions and they continue to be great friends. I loved the world-building, which is, perhaps, my favourite part of the series. So even though I'm conflicted because my morals don't agree with my emotions, I give this book 4 out of 5 stars, because Amanda Bouchet is an amazing writer who knows how to captivate her readers.
Because how does it begin, really? With a big, bad guy (Griffin) kidnapping a feisty girl (Cat). He ties her to him with an enchanted rope, for God's sake! And she starts falling in love with him? Stockholm Syndrome 101! But then, it's shades of grey, isn't it? Because he's kind and doesn't otherwise harm her at all. He's better to her, even in his initial abuse, than her own family was when she was a kid.
She warms up to him pretty quickly because he has morals, unlike most others she knew. I'm not usually the type to condone such stories, which promote abuse as the start of a glowing relationship. But somehow, this is one of my favourite series.
Maybe I like it so much because Cat is a warrior, too: a broken, battered one who only comes into herself because of the very guy who kidnaps her. Maybe I found it so great because the world Amanda Bouchet has built is so rich and amazing. But I still think that there were better ways to start it and still take the story forward in a similar way.
Griffin could have explained his situation to Cat nicely. It may have not worked at first, but he could have persisted. He could have, well, not been so intimidating when he first met her, thus avoiding scaring her off. He could have just told her outright, after a few meetings, of course, about why he approached her in the first place
That said, I still absolutely loved the plot and story arc. I loved the character development of the protagonists and the people around them, and the way Cat first warms up to Griffin's companions and they continue to be great friends. I loved the world-building, which is, perhaps, my favourite part of the series. So even though I'm conflicted because my morals don't agree with my emotions, I give this book 4 out of 5 stars, because Amanda Bouchet is an amazing writer who knows how to captivate her readers.
The Princess Pact: A Twist on Rumpelstiltskin by Melanie Cellier
4.0
Rumpelstiltskin has always been one of my favourite fairytales, and I had high hopes for this book. I'm happy to say it didn't disappoint. At all. It was absolutely lovely. Not as great as some of Melanie Cellier's other books in the series, but it was amazing nonetheless.
I loved that the story was not about what happened in the fairytale, but what happened after. It's about the daughter of the king and the girl who made the deal with the devil, so to speak. It's about her adventures.
I love that she's a typical princess in the beginning but slowly learns to fight. I love that the retelling follows the original story while still not being repetitive. But most of all, I love that the hero in this story trusts the princess to be able to handle her own. He teaches her to fight rather than trying to protect her to the extent that she can't protect herself. And when she's learnt enough, he trusts her skills.
I really love the world Cellier has built and the direction she's taking the story. The Princess Pact is another brilliant work to her name, and I can't wait to read her other books.
I loved that the story was not about what happened in the fairytale, but what happened after. It's about the daughter of the king and the girl who made the deal with the devil, so to speak. It's about her adventures.
I love that she's a typical princess in the beginning but slowly learns to fight. I love that the retelling follows the original story while still not being repetitive. But most of all, I love that the hero in this story trusts the princess to be able to handle her own. He teaches her to fight rather than trying to protect her to the extent that she can't protect herself. And when she's learnt enough, he trusts her skills.
I really love the world Cellier has built and the direction she's taking the story. The Princess Pact is another brilliant work to her name, and I can't wait to read her other books.
Beauty and the Beast by K.M. Shea
3.0
I started this series immediately after I read the Entwined Tales series. So this is the first proper KM Shea novel I read. I wasn't all that impressed by Goose Girl, so I started reading this with not-too-high expectations, but I was pleasantly surprised. I loved the plot and the interactions between Elle and Severin.
I've always liked Beauty and the Beast - it is, perhaps, the only fairytale which doesn't talk of love at first sight. That might have contributed a bit to my liking this book. But what I really liked about the book is that Severin (the beast) was not cursed for any fault of his. He is slightly bitter, but not isolated, and much more loved than in any other Beauty and the Beast rendition I have read or seen.
However, there were a few plot holes, which is why I have given the book 3 out of 5 stars. First of all, Elle's real identity and job needn't have been so much of a secret. I get that it caused tension between the two, but I found it unnecessary. Also, I really don't think she needed to pretend illiteracy. It helped no one, not even her or the plot. The romance could have been portrayed in a better, sweeter way, too.
But overall, I really liked the book and wouldn't mind reading the rest of the series.
I've always liked Beauty and the Beast - it is, perhaps, the only fairytale which doesn't talk of love at first sight. That might have contributed a bit to my liking this book. But what I really liked about the book is that Severin (the beast) was not cursed for any fault of his. He is slightly bitter, but not isolated, and much more loved than in any other Beauty and the Beast rendition I have read or seen.
However, there were a few plot holes, which is why I have given the book 3 out of 5 stars. First of all, Elle's real identity and job needn't have been so much of a secret. I get that it caused tension between the two, but I found it unnecessary. Also, I really don't think she needed to pretend illiteracy. It helped no one, not even her or the plot. The romance could have been portrayed in a better, sweeter way, too.
But overall, I really liked the book and wouldn't mind reading the rest of the series.
The Wild Swans by K.M. Shea
2.0
I've never heard the original "Wild Swans" fairytale before picking up this book, but when I looked it up, the tale seemed a bit silly to me. So I guess I can't really fault KM Shea for writing this book the way she did. After all, she didn't have much of a story to work with.
However, judging by the way she handles all the other stories, I had honestly expected better of her. I was quite disappointed with how this story went. First of all, the parallels to the original Wild Swans fairytale are so many that if this hadn't furthered the world the author is building, I would have mistaken it for the same story, just with different names. It is also quite sad that self-sacrificing Elise is the one expected to do everything, and her brothers don't acknowledge her sacrifice even till the very end.
The story was far too emotional and sad for me. Elise just doesn't get a break at any point in the story. There are almost no happy moments. She loses control at some point in the story and rages at her brothers (rightly so!), but they don't even really seem to warm up to her or show any guilt after her outburst. I guess it was because the author tried to convey most of the emotions with dialogues, though "showing" the emotions works much better. What I mean is, I guess I wasn't really feeling it in this book.
However, I love the world that Shea has built. I read several of the later books in the Timeless Fairytales series before reading this, and I like the way this family has been used to further Shea's ultimate story. That is, perhaps, the only redeeming quality of this book - its ability to give more insight into Shea's world.
A word about the ending, which really bothered me. First, foster or not, Rune and Falk have been Elise's brothers> for most of their lives! I find the romance (or whatever that is) more than a little unsettling. I get that there was probably no one else. Prince Toril fits much better as a single fellow in Rumpelstiltskin. But couldn't she have created someone else? Another thing I didn't get was how oblivious Elise was throughout the time the brothers tried to flirt with her! No one is that clueless or dumb, especially not someone who's supposed to be as much of a genius as Elise. I mean, what the heck? Last, but most importantly, what was Shea thinking, giving two alternate endings???!!!! Maybe she was playing to fans' wishes, because some fans were rooting for Rune and some for Falk. But she could have really written that better. I shudder to think how she'll address the matter in the following books when all the characters have to finally come together to fight the evil and all that. But I think that the "two brothers fighting for Elise's affection" thing was dumb in the first place. A new character might have been more suited. That said, if it had been just one brother instead of two, at least there would have been a decisive ending! I hate open-ended book endings. They annoy me to the core. Well, sorry for the rant. (*awkward cough*) Bye
However, judging by the way she handles all the other stories, I had honestly expected better of her. I was quite disappointed with how this story went. First of all, the parallels to the original Wild Swans fairytale are so many that if this hadn't furthered the world the author is building, I would have mistaken it for the same story, just with different names. It is also quite sad that self-sacrificing Elise is the one expected to do everything, and her brothers don't acknowledge her sacrifice even till the very end.
The story was far too emotional and sad for me. Elise just doesn't get a break at any point in the story. There are almost no happy moments. She loses control at some point in the story and rages at her brothers (rightly so!), but they don't even really seem to warm up to her or show any guilt after her outburst. I guess it was because the author tried to convey most of the emotions with dialogues, though "showing" the emotions works much better. What I mean is, I guess I wasn't really feeling it in this book.
However, I love the world that Shea has built. I read several of the later books in the Timeless Fairytales series before reading this, and I like the way this family has been used to further Shea's ultimate story. That is, perhaps, the only redeeming quality of this book - its ability to give more insight into Shea's world.
Breath of Fire by Amanda Bouchet
5.0
I really loved the storyline and world-building in the first book, so of course I came back for more, and with high expectations, too! I wasn't disappointed. The world Amanda Bouchet has built is still one of the most thrilling I've seen, and the plot has thickened to the point that I absolutely could not put the book down! In fact, I read this book in a single sitting because I was so eager to find out what happens at each stage of the book!
The continuation of the story of Cat and Griffin was just as sweet as I imagined, though a little too steamy for my taste. This was such an action-packed book that I'm afraid I'll give something away if I reveal something! But one thing I can freely say is that Ianthe's introduction was my undisputed favourite part of the book.
As I write this review, I have already finished the third book, because I binge-read all three books! (Not non-stop, of course, that would be unhealthy; but close *sheepish smile*). Amazing work, Amanda Bouchet! Although the first book did start off based on dubious morals, this lived up to every possible expectation!
The continuation of the story of Cat and Griffin was just as sweet as I imagined, though a little too steamy for my taste. This was such an action-packed book that I'm afraid I'll give something away if I reveal something! But one thing I can freely say is that Ianthe's introduction was my undisputed favourite part of the book.
As I write this review, I have already finished the third book, because I binge-read all three books! (Not non-stop, of course, that would be unhealthy; but close *sheepish smile*). Amazing work, Amanda Bouchet! Although the first book did start off based on dubious morals, this lived up to every possible expectation!
Cinderella and the Colonel by K.M. Shea
4.0
I loved this unique take into Cinderella's story. It was refreshing to read about a Cinderella whose personality is shown through her actions and behaviour towards people rather than just that "animals like her". It was also nice to see that her identity is not hidden in any part of the story (even the ball!) A Cinderella story in which the step-mother is not evil per se, but is indifferent, is another refreshing change. The plot is unique and fits in well with K.M. Shea's world, so that's great, too. Cinderella's interactions with Friedrich and the occasional bits in his point of view, are also great to read. All in all, great story!
Just one complaint, though. I didn't feel much of anything while reading the book. Though Cinderella's interactions with Friedrich were amusing and occasionally made me laugh, that was about it. I should have felt scared when assassins attacked Friedrich, and when the mage later attacked Cinderella. I should have felt devastated when it seemed like she was going to lose her duchy. I should have hated Erlauf with Cinderella in the beginning, which should have gradually changed to mixed feelings, and then acceptance. But I didn't feel any of that! The book interested me purely because the story was unique, not because it filled me with emotions. And that, I feel, is a bit of a failing.
However, the book stands well because of its story alone, but also because of the world-building. K.M. Shea may have her faults, but she has built one excellent world, and every one of her stories is clearly building up to something exciting. That is why I've given this book 4 out of 5 stars, even though the lack of my emotions otherwise warrant only a 3.
Just one complaint, though. I didn't feel much of anything while reading the book. Though Cinderella's interactions with Friedrich were amusing and occasionally made me laugh, that was about it. I should have felt scared when assassins attacked Friedrich, and when the mage later attacked Cinderella. I should have felt devastated when it seemed like she was going to lose her duchy. I should have hated Erlauf with Cinderella in the beginning, which should have gradually changed to mixed feelings, and then acceptance. But I didn't feel any of that! The book interested me purely because the story was unique, not because it filled me with emotions. And that, I feel, is a bit of a failing.
However, the book stands well because of its story alone, but also because of the world-building. K.M. Shea may have her faults, but she has built one excellent world, and every one of her stories is clearly building up to something exciting. That is why I've given this book 4 out of 5 stars, even though the lack of my emotions otherwise warrant only a 3.
Heart on Fire by Amanda Bouchet
5.0
This book was a satisfying conclusion to a great series! Filled with just as much intrigue and adventure as the previous two books, it concluded the Kingmaker Chronicles as perfectly as one could hope. I absolutely loved the book.
The world was amazing from the beginning, and the way Cat grows into herself throughout the three books is shown very nicely in this final book. It was more emotional than I was prepared for, with betrayals and loss interspersed with the good stuff. Cat's discovery of her full powers was quite satisfying, especially with all the tiny hints the author gave us throughout the previous books.I also loved the revelation of Selene as Persephone and Cat's old guard as Ares.
My absolute favourite part about this book was actually something quite insignificant in the story and its plot - Ianthe, Cat's sister. It's wonderful to see how Cat sees her little sister, and equally amazing to see the dynamics between Ianthe and everyone else, however brief the interactions may have been.
I was a little disappointed that the story left so many loose threads. It gives me hope, for more stories in the world of Thalyria, but I just never liked loose ends somehow.Cat and Griffin have their happy ending, of course, but what about Carver? He and Bellanca seemed to have a budding romance. What about Flynn and Jocasta? And most importantly, what about Kato? His state of being has been left a mystery to all of us. The rest are still okay, but with Kato, we have no closure at all, and that upset me most about the book.
However, I still loved the book and won't stop hoping for more stories in the wonderful world Amanda Bouchet has built. It was a satisfying conclusion despite all the loose ends, and with that, we have to remain content.
The world was amazing from the beginning, and the way Cat grows into herself throughout the three books is shown very nicely in this final book. It was more emotional than I was prepared for, with betrayals and loss interspersed with the good stuff. Cat's discovery of her full powers was quite satisfying, especially with all the tiny hints the author gave us throughout the previous books.
My absolute favourite part about this book was actually something quite insignificant in the story and its plot - Ianthe, Cat's sister. It's wonderful to see how Cat sees her little sister, and equally amazing to see the dynamics between Ianthe and everyone else, however brief the interactions may have been.
I was a little disappointed that the story left so many loose threads. It gives me hope, for more stories in the world of Thalyria, but I just never liked loose ends somehow.
However, I still loved the book and won't stop hoping for more stories in the wonderful world Amanda Bouchet has built. It was a satisfying conclusion despite all the loose ends, and with that, we have to remain content.
Rumpelstiltskin by K.M. Shea
5.0
I really loved this book! This is, perhaps, my favourite yet in the entire Timeless Fairytales series! I loved the portrayal of the mad King Torgen (though we already knew he was absolutely insane from "The Wild Swans"). I adored Gemma and Stil. I even loved how Lady Linnea and Prince Toril are portrayed in this book!
But mostly, I loved the premise. I had never really liked Rumpelstiltskin's story before. It never made any sense to me. But told this way, it made total sense! The mad king, the fear Gemma feels when imprisoned, and Stil! I think my favourite part of the book was Stil. This is the first retelling of Rumpelstiltskin I've read which shows the usual villain as the good guy. And I loved that.
KM Shea, for any faults she might have in her writing (some of her books just feel flat, somehow), has the most brilliant ideas. Her world-building is absolutely impeccable, and she spins the original fairytales into something totally unique. A heroic Rumpelstiltskin was just what the story needed.
Brilliant work!
But mostly, I loved the premise. I had never really liked Rumpelstiltskin's story before. It never made any sense to me. But told this way, it made total sense! The mad king, the fear Gemma feels when imprisoned, and Stil! I think my favourite part of the book was Stil. This is the first retelling of Rumpelstiltskin I've read which shows the usual villain as the good guy. And I loved that.
KM Shea, for any faults she might have in her writing (some of her books just feel flat, somehow), has the most brilliant ideas. Her world-building is absolutely impeccable, and she spins the original fairytales into something totally unique. A heroic Rumpelstiltskin was just what the story needed.
Brilliant work!
A Midwinter's Wedding: A Retelling of The Frog Prince by Melanie Cellier
3.0
I didn't like this book as much as I did the others in this series. It was a nice story, and I liked Cordelia and Ferdy, but I still somehow found this story a bit...weak, for the lack of a better word. The plot against the royals was interesting enough, so what fell flat for me was the romance itself. Cordelia is confused till the end between Prince William and Ferdy the Frog guy, and that disappointed me a bit. Also, though Ferdy's curse was explained in the book, it was just not very convincing, somehow. But the book had its redeeming qualities. Like the fact that the storyline was interesting. Also, I found Cordelia a delightful character. So I give this novella 3 out of 5 stars.
The thing, is, though, that there's no problem if you skip this book. It has little bearing on the main plot of the series. Although come to think of it, each book in this series is stand-alone in its own right, though better enjoyed if the books are read in order.
The thing, is, though, that there's no problem if you skip this book. It has little bearing on the main plot of the series. Although come to think of it, each book in this series is stand-alone in its own right, though better enjoyed if the books are read in order.