I enjoyed this third instalment. It did feel like the younger end of YA - Cress seems very young. But then that is understandable based on her backgroI enjoyed this third instalment. It did feel like the younger end of YA - Cress seems very young. But then that is understandable based on her background, being alone would make her more naive and less worldly.
I loved having the gang together (more or less) and am looking forward to seeing how their heist will continue in the final book. ...more
A gripping retelling of the Oedipus myth in all its twisted-ness!
Two POVs. Jocasta - married off to the King of Thebes as a young girl, alone and friA gripping retelling of the Oedipus myth in all its twisted-ness!
Two POVs. Jocasta - married off to the King of Thebes as a young girl, alone and frightened. The second POV is a young girl Isi living in the palace with her siblings and uncle as her parents died when she was young.
Considering the jumping, I didn’t find the POVs confusing at all, it was done very well and I enjoyed coming to terms with how the two characters were linked.
I loved seeing the inevitable spiral of Jocasta - when her husband dies and she becomes Queen. Marrying a man from a foreign land who is half her age.
I was gripped from start to finish, Natalie Hayes’ characters are always so fully formed and exciting to read. I’m a big fan. ...more
Didn’t love it as much as book 1, for me Scarlet was more irritating as the protagonist and the romance was odd.
BUT we all know this about me, I acceDidn’t love it as much as book 1, for me Scarlet was more irritating as the protagonist and the romance was odd.
BUT we all know this about me, I accept early on that the romances won’t do anything for me, therefore I focus on the plot instead.
And the plot is great! Cinder manages to flee prison, bringing with her the hilarious Carson Thorne. Cinder tries to find out more about her past, and is hopeful that she can find someone to tell her.
Meanwhile Scarlet is determined to find her grandmother who has been kidnapped. With the help of a former gang member nicknamed Wolf.
As everything keeps moving along I am excited to dive into book 3!...more
A fierce and vibrant retelling of Clytemnestra’s life, the trials she endured and ultimately the revenge she takes.
Clytemnestra haFucking fantastic.
A fierce and vibrant retelling of Clytemnestra’s life, the trials she endured and ultimately the revenge she takes.
Clytemnestra has always been one of my favorite characters in Greek mythology. Her and Cassandra. So to have a novel solely about her was just incredible.
I didn’t even realise she had been married before Agamemnon, that was fascinating and added another layer to the hatred I hold for that asshole.
I was gripped throughout, right until the bittersweet end, I will definitely be picking up more by this author. ...more
Didn’t quite grab me as much as I’d hope but it was still ok.
Emily Wilde is a scholar, who focuses solely on faeries and is planning to make an3.5 ⭐️
Didn’t quite grab me as much as I’d hope but it was still ok.
Emily Wilde is a scholar, who focuses solely on faeries and is planning to make an encyclopaedia of all the faerie folk of the different parts of the world.
She travels to a remote and icy land in order to study the folk who are least known. Who should turn up to join her but her irksome colleague Wendell Bambleby (great name ...more
Ok, so I loved the premise. In a Manor House in the country a most secret and extravagant party is thrown every year.
Forster and his best friends RosOk, so I loved the premise. In a Manor House in the country a most secret and extravagant party is thrown every year.
Forster and his best friends Rose and Marvin are always on the look out for the elusive invitations which tell of the theme and date of the next spectacular event.
The parties are thrown by a mysterious woman, who usually turns up to perform a ballet dance before melting away into the shadows.
Who is she? Forster becomes entranced and infatuated, determined to know more of this girl.
Once we know of Etta’s secret I felt it started to drag, it was very piney - Forster is constantly yearning and whining. And yes it was unfair, such is life, but I got a bit tired reading about it.
And then the ending (view spoiler)[ Forster finally finds the person responsible for cursing Etta and when he tries to reverse it he turns to ice! So Etta remains a swan except during snow fall and Forster continues to live there with her and pine. (hide spoiler)]
All very dramatic and a bit too much for me. But then I’m basically dead inside ...more
Roma and Juliette believed they destroyed the monster, but did they really? Meanwhile both have betrayeReally enjoyed this conclusion to the duology.
Roma and Juliette believed they destroyed the monster, but did they really? Meanwhile both have betrayed the other and are not sure if they can ever repair what was lost.
Loved the storyline and all the different characters including Katherine and Rosalyn. Loads of bloodshed and drama, I was fully invested.
Also a satisfying ending (view spoiler)[ Roma and Juliette both sacrifice themselves to destroy the monsters. I liked that, I did wonder if they would both die or if the ending would change. (hide spoiler)]
I’m looking forward to picking up Foul Lady Fortune which has Rosalind in. ...more
Ok, so I liked this one slightly more than the first book. But it was still too much weird and not enough explanation.
So all of the ex-sto3 stars ⭐️
Ok, so I liked this one slightly more than the first book. But it was still too much weird and not enough explanation.
So all of the ex-stories have now left the Hinterland and are fending for themselves in NYC. Alice finds herself drawn to them, despite her best attempts to separate herself from that part of her life.
When the Hinterland is destroyed, and ex-stories are turning up dead, Alice takes it upon herself to solve the mystery and save her people before even more of them are lost.
Love the writing, liked the premise - execution just still wasn’t up there. Will still give this authors newest book a try. And I’m excited to read The Tales of the Hinterland- I reckon those short stories will be really good. ...more
A short poem. from what I could gather it was Alice using Wonderland to escape an abuser then returning to wreakReview as I go.
Alice in Armour - 3 ⭐️
A short poem. from what I could gather it was Alice using Wonderland to escape an abuser then returning to wreak revenge.
Wonders never cease - 3 ⭐️
Odd. Didn’t really get this one. It kept telling us something and then in the next paragraph saying “the story didn’t go like that”. Alice seemed to just be living life over and over with seemingly no end as she was forever falling down the rabbit hole and never landing anywhere.
There were no birds to fly - 2 ⭐️
Even weirder. Post apocalyptic, aliens have reached earth and after being treated badly by humans, they are punishing them. Cannot see any link to Wonderland or Alice at all.
The White Queens Pawn - 3.5 ⭐️
This was better. A unique twist on a woman who worked as a spy, but is actually working for the white queen. I liked it.
Dream Girl - 4 ⭐️
Wonderland goes Sci fi and I was here for it! Don’t want to give much away, our characters are in Wonderland but characters are disappearing? The Mad Hatter is the last to disappear and find out what has happened. Really enjoyed this one!
Good Dog, Alice! - 5 ⭐️
Loved this one! Dorothea lives with her Uncle Bart and receives a puppy as an 11th birthday present from her cousin. Her Uncle’s only rule - do not go through the blue door. But why? What is behind it? And is there something there that can help Dorothea with the horrible Master Frederick.
The Hunting of the Jabberwock - 4 ⭐️
A man called Nobody visits a town planning to slay the Jabberwock that is causing havoc, and to claim the reward money. When he teams up with an old knight they uncover something much more than just one monster. Really enjoyed!
About Time - 4 ⭐️
Lucy loves going to her grandmothers house. Ever since she found the entrance to Wonderland in her back garden. But Lucy is older now, too old for all those childish things right? But maybe she should go back for old times sake? When she does she sees Wonderland has been overrun by a tyrant. Why has this happened, and is there anything Lucy can do. I liked this one a lot.
Smoke ‘em if you got ‘em - 3 ⭐️
A kind of Wild West vibe. Wonderland is not the safe haven we think it is. Children we stolen, and now a man calling himself Jack Hart has taken his children stealing business to our world. Alice has managed to escape Wonderland and is determined to bring him to justice. Would have liked more on this one.
Vanished Summer Glory - 3 ⭐️
Told through a series of letters. A woman described the deteriorating of her husbands mind after meeting a man called Mr Rabbit. Rosemarie’s husband David has never been the same since his sister Alice’s passing. He was a psychologist, and his regular meetings with a Mr Rabbit who Rosemarie has never met. Again, not much in here really - would have liked a bit more.
Black Kitty by Catriona Ward - 3.5 ⭐️
I liked the premise but I needed more. Kitty and her twin sister Snowdrop live in a world controlled by the game. Where people die and then come back only to be killed again. To avoid a forced marriage Snowdrop plans for them to escape through their mothers old mirror.
The Night Parade - 3.5 ⭐️
Was going along really well, a woman sees a young child walk into a park but not come out. She follows and end up in another world of monsters. She must save the child and take her back to her family, but how? Great premise and started well but the ending was rather abrupt and not clear.
What Makes a Monster - 2 ⭐️
Not clear. I didn’t really understand who the two main characters were and what the ‘nightmare’ they ended up fighting was.
The White Queen’s Dictum - 3.5 ⭐️
A great short story but I cannot see any link within it to Wonderland or it’s characters. A man visits the motorway service station where his wife and daughter were previously killed in a car crash and strikes up a conversation with a man running a YouTube channel on ghostly hauntings.
Temp Work - 3 ⭐️
Another Sci fi one but more confusing than the other one. A lot of words that didn’t mean anything to me. Alise disguised herself as a maid to get into a corporate tea party where she plans to bring down the rich.
Eat Me, Drink Me - 3 ⭐️
A kind of fever dream. Most likely the closest of all the stories to the original tale.
How I comes to be the Treacle Queen - 3 ⭐️
Women working down a treacle mine, Alice appears and changes things. Might be losing interest in these now…
Six Impossible Things - 4 ⭐️
Ah this was better! Alice and the Cheshire Cat open several different doors leading to different times in Alice’s life. I enjoyed reading this one. ...more
“True happiness springs from within, a contentment with oneself. And while it may be humbler and quieter, there is nothing more precious and lasting. “True happiness springs from within, a contentment with oneself. And while it may be humbler and quieter, there is nothing more precious and lasting.”
An immersive beast of a novel. I fell into this world and didn’t want to leave.
When Charlie sees his neighbour lying on the ground after a fall from An immersive beast of a novel. I fell into this world and didn’t want to leave.
When Charlie sees his neighbour lying on the ground after a fall from a ladder, he takes it upon himself to look after the man’s dog - Radar. They form a kind of friendship and Charlie soon finds there is a world of secrets hidden in this grumpy man’s old house.
The world Charlie discovers is full of terrors, curses and the fight between good and evil. He finds himself drawn to this world and their troubles, the people refer to him as the Prince that was Promised, and he can’t help but feel like he was meant to be there.
A wonderful novel of epic scope. I thoroughly enjoyed this ride.
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Omg.
library copy available for pick up
I can’t believe this day is actually here!!! So freaking excited for this!!!...more
A wonderful conclusion to this duology retelling of Rumplestiltskin.
Possible spoilers below for Gilded!!!
So Serilda is still Cursed and currently marA wonderful conclusion to this duology retelling of Rumplestiltskin.
Possible spoilers below for Gilded!!!
So Serilda is still Cursed and currently married to the Alder King. After we find out Gild’s true identity and his history the pair of them are more desperate than ever to break their curses and escape.
With lots of stories told throughout the book to keep the fairytale element, I loved being back in this world. I love the characters and the way the plot changed and moved with all the magical elements.
Definitely need to get to some of Marissa Meyers back list now!...more
Mixed reviews, but I thoroughly enjoyed this magical, wintry tale.
I’m not overly familiar with the original story of the Nutcracker so I was able to Mixed reviews, but I thoroughly enjoyed this magical, wintry tale.
I’m not overly familiar with the original story of the Nutcracker so I was able to take everything in my stride.
Marietta is from a noble family, but she dreams of being a ballerina. Her father has told her this years Christmas performance will be her last. She receives advances from a mysterious neighbour who has just arrived in the town.
When she rejects his advances she flees and finds herself transported to another world. This world is run by a tyrant king who seeks only his own pleasures and cares nothing for his people.
He quickly spots Marietta and forces her to dance for him every night. She must find a way to escape and return home.
A quick and easy read, the descriptions were wonderful and I enjoyed all the different characters. A nice Christmassy story.
**************************** So the question is. Do I read a Christmas book in June? Or do I send it back to the library and reorder nearer Christmas?...more
“But the woods near Sleepy Hollow were not the same as other woods. There were places deep and dark that no Christina Henry strikes again! 4 stars ⭐️
“But the woods near Sleepy Hollow were not the same as other woods. There were places deep and dark that no one dared go. No one dared go there because it was known that those places were the haunts of creatures not of this earth.”
Ben Van Brunt has lived in Sleepy Hollow his entire life. He knows there are certain parts of the woods no one goes in. The town is full of superstition, in particular the story of the Headless Horseman.
When young boys in the town start to go missing, the town try to brush over it. Better that than admitting there is something truly insidious in the forest.
I don’t actually know a lot about the original Sleepy Hollow story so I was able to go into this pretty much blind. Christina Henry, as usual does a great job of building tension and unease.
(view spoiler)[ I liked that the monster wasn’t entirely explained. That it is just ‘evil’ that simply exists and can’t always be destroyed. The idea that the Horseman becomes someone new every generation. That Ben never truly fit in the town, and after losing everyone he loved he becomes the new protector of the forest. (hide spoiler)]
Overall, a spooky tale with a host of characters to love and hate.
“Sleepy Hollow and the people of the hollow believed in ghosts and goblins, believed in spooks and haunts.”
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My favourite thing to see on the library app:
‘In Transit’ The only thing better is ‘on hold’ ...more
I love a good retelling, I never get tired of them if done well. And this was a really good one!
Wendy Darling is a grown up with a husband and daughtI love a good retelling, I never get tired of them if done well. And this was a really good one!
Wendy Darling is a grown up with a husband and daughter. She remembers her time in Neverland fondly, despite it sending her to an institution when she was younger.
When Jane is taken by Peter, Wendy must return to Neverland once more to retrieve her daughter.
Here Peter is the villain. He is callous and cruel, with no regard for anyone - especially those who speak against him.
I liked (view spoiler)[ that Peter’s shadow was the dark part of himself, which is why he cut it away and it grew monstrous (hide spoiler)]
The book switches between Wendy and Jane and also Wendy’s time in the mental institute. The separations were made clear and I didn’t find it confusing at all.
There were a lot of modern themes mixed in which I also enjoyed. It gave this well known story a new lease of life.
I will definitely be picking up more by this author! ...more
An interesting collection of dark fairy tales, but ultimately I don’t think I’ll remember most of them.
I found a lot of them made little sense (equalAn interesting collection of dark fairy tales, but ultimately I don’t think I’ll remember most of them.
I found a lot of them made little sense (equally I did find this with the original duology so I’m not overly surprised) things just seemed to happen with no real explanation of the lore.
Like I said, they were ok, but nothing overly memorable. ...more
“He will feel this too, and worse...Let him come back so that I can se his eyes as the light drains from them. Let him come back and die at the hands “He will feel this too, and worse...Let him come back so that I can se his eyes as the light drains from them. Let him come back and die at the hands of his bitterest enemy. Let him come back so that I can watch him suffer. And let me make it slow.”
3.5 ⭐️
Ok, so if you know the Trojan War, there isn’t a great deal of new material here. And having recently read A Thousand Ships and The Women of Troy, maybe it was just too much similar. Don’t get me wrong I adore Greek mythology. My degree was in classical civilisations - so it meant this was a straight forward read, I knew who everyone was and what was going to happen.
I think I preferred Ariadne by Jennifer Saint as I was less familiar with that story. Also I found Elektra infuriating. Her constant obsession with her dad Agamemnon was just hard for me to grasp.
I am fully team Clytemnestra and so I found Elektra’s whining about her mother quite tiresome.
But my absolute fave had a POV. Cassandra is my favourite character from Greek myth so I loved reading her view.
An interesting idea, and a real page turner. A good debut but I was ultimately left feeling a bit disappointed.
“It takes a good deal of magic to graAn interesting idea, and a real page turner. A good debut but I was ultimately left feeling a bit disappointed.
“It takes a good deal of magic to grant a wish, and magic has its price. All things do.”
Without realising it. This book had a lot of similarities to The Corset, which I read recently and really enjoyed. I feel this may have coloured my reading experience because I was expecting something different.
Eleanor (Ella) has been working as a maid in the house of her legal guardian. She was adopted as a child by the late Mrs Pembrokeshire but after her death Mr Pembrokeshire believed she should earn her keep.
Struggling to adapt, constantly under the watchful eye of the house keeper or the leering gaze of Mr Pembrokeshire, Ella long for escape. She frequently goes into the library at night to escape.
When one night a strange woman emerges from one of the books offering Ella 7 wishes in exchange for her soul. Ella soon accepts, but she doesn’t realise how much these wishes truly cost her.
Like I said, a great concept. I liked seeing Ella fight with her conscience over whether to make another wish or not.
My main gripe was the ending. (view spoiler)[ we are left wondering did Ella actually commit these crimes herself or was it actually magic? What is the point in this magical being anyway? It was never really cleared up. And Ella still ends up punished in the end. (hide spoiler)]
A good debut, I would still read more by this author.
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Hi my name is Charlotte and I am a retelling addict....more
I enjoyed Caraval and Legendary, they were both very romance focused but they had other elementsThis was definitely the weakest of the trilogy.
Sigh.
I enjoyed Caraval and Legendary, they were both very romance focused but they had other elements that kept my interest.
This one however is pages and pages of angst, and pining. I was fed up.
There was also a random plot point thrown in that had never even been hinted at previously (view spoiler)[ Scarlett is actually the daughter of a fate and has powers of her own. (hide spoiler)]
I’ll still give it 3 stars because I liked the setting and parts of the magic but it was a bit of an anti climax. ...more
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