fairy tale – Sydney Winward

Book Review of Shatter the Dark by Jenna Collett

My Review

The tale of Hansel and Gretel has never been one of my favorites, but in Shatter the Dark, Jenna Collett managed to create something unique, entertaining, and above all, romantic. I ADORED this mashup of Hansel and Gretel and Beauty and the Beast. Both Liana and Bowen are such a great match, each a little bloodthirsty in their own ways and out for revenge. Despite their dark pasts, they bring out the best in each other and I loved seeing how each character transformed into something strong at the other’s side.

Once again, Jenna Collett has weaved an incredible fairy tale retelling, one that brings back other characters in the series while maintaining that fun, humorous tone I like so much. This book is definitely worth a read for those who love fairy tales, humor, and unique retellings.

My rating: 5 stars

April 27, 2021 by Sydney Winward

Book Review of The Scarred Mage of Roseward: Wraith by Sylvia Mercedes

My Review

In Wraith, Sylvia Mercedes masterfully wraps up the conclusion of The Scarred Mage of Roseward series. The author throws new twists and turns, both surprising and delighting the reader. The book comes to an interesting but hopeful end for the characters we have come to love and adore.

I think my only disappointment with this book was the chemistry I had hoped would blossom between the characters. I think Nelle had more chemistry with Kyriakos, and even Sam, than she had with Soran. And by the end, Soran had more chemistry with his own creation than he did with Nelle.

Overall, I really enjoyed the series and I’m looking forward to discovering other books by Sylvia Mercedes.

My rating: 3.5 stars

April 18, 2021 by Sydney Winward

Book Review of A Song of Sea and Shore by Katherine Macdonald

My Review

I have no words to describe this. Pun intended? Maybe a little. As of yet, A Song of Sea and Shore is my favorite of all of Katherine Macdonald’s works I have read so far, and let me tell you, I loved Kingdom of Thorns like nobody’s business.

The author broke my heart, then patched it up, broke it again, patched it up, and maybe repeated the process a few more times after that. This story was so emotional and so well-crafted, it brought me to tears on several occasions. I loved the characters and the hard choices they had to make throughout the book. I loved the uniqueness of a plot we have heard time and again. I especially loved this different type of hero the author painted (another pun, sorry!), one who is quiet, thoughtful, creative, and emotional. Did I also mention he blushes easily?

The Little Mermaid is one of my favorite fairy tales, and I adored this particular retelling. I absolutely recommend!

My rating: 5+ stars

March 12, 2021 by Sydney Winward

Book Review of Nettles in the Snow

My Review

I’m a huge fairy tale nerd and I could tell you about almost any fairy tale out there, but this was one that had me guessing. I love the way the author combines fairy tales in a world that just makes sense, mixing and matching stories that keeps the reader wondering. I have never read The Wild Swans, but now I will!

Compared to Slipper in the Snow, this story had a darker, revengeful feel to it that I found intriguing. I’m curious about the next part of the story and I’m looking forward to what the author has planned next.

My rating: 4 stars

Blurb

Elisa has lived most of her life in the shadow of Burge’s castle, knitting shirts out of nettles and keeping her vow of silence. This Christmas is the one chance she has to lift the curse from her brothers and change their fortunes. If she succeeds, she plans to punish everyone who made her suffer and take her place as royalty. If she fails, her brothers will be stuck as swans forever.

Goodreads

December 13, 2020 by Sydney Winward

Book Review of Slipper in the Snow by Alice Ivinya

My Review

It’s been a while since I’ve read a Little Mermaid fairy tale retelling. This story was short, but packed with so many good things–mystery, adventure, and a promise of romance. The ending was intriguing, making me excited to learn more about Ianthe and what will come next after this short story.

This is my first introduction to Alice Ivinya, but I’m definitely planning on reading more of Alice’s works in the near future. I’m looking forward to what’s next!

My rating: 5 stars

December 7, 2020 by Sydney Winward