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Elisabeth and Edvard's World #4
Johara's Choice
Locked in a tower with the fear of prophecy holding her parents back, Johara dreams of freedom. However, her time in confinement is spent well, researching the true state of her country. When she realises her father has ignored the importance of ancient ritual, Johara must find a way to break free and avert the gathering catastrophe, or risk the annihilation of her people and their way of life.
Haunted by the horrors of war, Erik has given up hope of ever finding anything truly worth fighting for. When a twist of fate allows his path to cross Johara's, everything changes and he begins to hope there might yet be a chance at happiness. But can he embrace life and the spitfire princess who never does as she's told, running headlong into danger at every turn? Or will he let that, too, slip through his fingers.
Embark on a magical high-stakes adventure in this retelling of Andersen's fairytale, The Tinderbox.
Haunted by the horrors of war, Erik has given up hope of ever finding anything truly worth fighting for. When a twist of fate allows his path to cross Johara's, everything changes and he begins to hope there might yet be a chance at happiness. But can he embrace life and the spitfire princess who never does as she's told, running headlong into danger at every turn? Or will he let that, too, slip through his fingers.
Embark on a magical high-stakes adventure in this retelling of Andersen's fairytale, The Tinderbox.
293 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 26, 2023
32 people are currently reading
184 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
August 12, 2023
A lovely retelling of Andersen's fairytale, The Tinderbox.
Written in a beautiful prose with a delightful cadence of old, Johara's Choice is one of those tales that will appeal to anyone with a love for the classic.
Set on an clearly very well researched Ottoman Empire cultural background with a Persian touch, this tale skilfully entwines the old classic with new modern themes, giving us a fairytale with heart and meaning.
Great character development is something I have come to expect from this writer's works, and she didn't let me down. Johara and Erik are perfectly imperfect heroes, and I've been rooting for them from the very beginning. Both flawed, and broken, and as human as it gets. I loved the representation of PTSD in Erik and that of depression and crippling anxiety in Johara. Wonderfully done. Just as the themes touched upon in the tale. How those in power can get away with anything just because of their status, while those lower placed are blamed for just about anything because they are expendable and unworthy.
The wordbuilding is solid, albeit restricted to the particular places in which the scenes unfold - typical fairytale style - and the pacing builds up nicely, though a bit uneven. The start is relatively slow, while the end feels a little rushed, with things getting wrapped up a tad too fast. As a result, the internal monologue seemed to get a bit repetitive at times and a couple of scenes didn't really work for me due to a too sudden conclusion.
My favourite part were by far The Treasures. Delightful and cute and totally awesome.
Find this review and more over at The Magic Book Corner
Written in a beautiful prose with a delightful cadence of old, Johara's Choice is one of those tales that will appeal to anyone with a love for the classic.
Set on an clearly very well researched Ottoman Empire cultural background with a Persian touch, this tale skilfully entwines the old classic with new modern themes, giving us a fairytale with heart and meaning.
Great character development is something I have come to expect from this writer's works, and she didn't let me down. Johara and Erik are perfectly imperfect heroes, and I've been rooting for them from the very beginning. Both flawed, and broken, and as human as it gets. I loved the representation of PTSD in Erik and that of depression and crippling anxiety in Johara. Wonderfully done. Just as the themes touched upon in the tale. How those in power can get away with anything just because of their status, while those lower placed are blamed for just about anything because they are expendable and unworthy.
The wordbuilding is solid, albeit restricted to the particular places in which the scenes unfold - typical fairytale style - and the pacing builds up nicely, though a bit uneven. The start is relatively slow, while the end feels a little rushed, with things getting wrapped up a tad too fast. As a result, the internal monologue seemed to get a bit repetitive at times and a couple of scenes didn't really work for me due to a too sudden conclusion.
My favourite part were by far The Treasures. Delightful and cute and totally awesome.
Find this review and more over at The Magic Book Corner
July 10, 2024
This is a story of healing.
Johara locked in a tower for years with minimal human contact is now faced with marriage to a foreign prince to save her people. When in company she suffers from panic attacks and anxiety.
Erik, suffering from the horrors of war, has PTSD and some hearing loss. He feels broken and useless.
When they come together everything changes for them. They become each other's emotional support team and become stronger the longer they are in each other's company.
This was a very touching story. I loved how the characters grew.
Johara locked in a tower for years with minimal human contact is now faced with marriage to a foreign prince to save her people. When in company she suffers from panic attacks and anxiety.
Erik, suffering from the horrors of war, has PTSD and some hearing loss. He feels broken and useless.
When they come together everything changes for them. They become each other's emotional support team and become stronger the longer they are in each other's company.
This was a very touching story. I loved how the characters grew.
July 9, 2024
Princess Johara is confined in a tower by her father, the Sultan, in his struggle to keep a prophecy from occurring. Johara is going to be forced to marry a prince from another land in a bid to save the broken empire. Johara does not want to marry the prince and seeks another way to save the empire and help with its problems.
A wonderful retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Tinderbox”, I really enjoyed this story!
A wonderful retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Tinderbox”, I really enjoyed this story!
July 13, 2024
When I started this retelling of The Tinderbox (which I’d never heard of before), I was also listening to a book about a princess locked in a tower. Even though they weren’t similar, I had to stop reading this until I was far enough into that book to stop getting them confused.
To protect her from a prophecy, Johara’s parents, the Sultan and Sultana, have locked her into a tower, putting to death all commoners who see her. This time in seclusion has led to a girl with almost crippling anxiety, who is being forced to marry the obnoxious, boorish, Prince Mirza, in the hopes that he might bring enough money to save the doomed Sultanate. But Johara believes there must be another way…
Enter Erik, a warrior with PTSD who ended up with a tinderbox after a visit to underground caves of wonder with three gigantic dogs. Once he learns that the tinderbox can summon a dog from the caves, he begins to wonder what else it can summon. He almost-jokingly asks the dog to retrieve the princess from the tower.
Within three nights, Erik and Johara must work to restore the balance to the land and prevent her marriage to Mirza.
This had tones of Rapunzel and Aladdin to me - the tower, the cave of wonders, the Arabian feel of the setting. I do think the Sultan was stupid in how he interpreted the prophecy; it seemed clear to me but I’m not the one watching the land I’m responsible for waste away. And Johara’s parents’ reactions at the end of the novel, their quick changes in belief, were not quite sitting right with me. But there is magic involved, so it could work… Overall, I really enjoyed this, especially Bakir the dog.
To protect her from a prophecy, Johara’s parents, the Sultan and Sultana, have locked her into a tower, putting to death all commoners who see her. This time in seclusion has led to a girl with almost crippling anxiety, who is being forced to marry the obnoxious, boorish, Prince Mirza, in the hopes that he might bring enough money to save the doomed Sultanate. But Johara believes there must be another way…
Enter Erik, a warrior with PTSD who ended up with a tinderbox after a visit to underground caves of wonder with three gigantic dogs. Once he learns that the tinderbox can summon a dog from the caves, he begins to wonder what else it can summon. He almost-jokingly asks the dog to retrieve the princess from the tower.
Within three nights, Erik and Johara must work to restore the balance to the land and prevent her marriage to Mirza.
This had tones of Rapunzel and Aladdin to me - the tower, the cave of wonders, the Arabian feel of the setting. I do think the Sultan was stupid in how he interpreted the prophecy; it seemed clear to me but I’m not the one watching the land I’m responsible for waste away. And Johara’s parents’ reactions at the end of the novel, their quick changes in belief, were not quite sitting right with me. But there is magic involved, so it could work… Overall, I really enjoyed this, especially Bakir the dog.
February 10, 2024
One thing I'm sure of when I pick up a book by the author is that it's going to be something I've never read before, and once again, she has proven me right. I'm crazy about fairytale retellings, especially the ones that are not commonly known, so when I found out that this book is based on a story called The Tinder Box, I felt even more excited as I would get to discover something new.
The writing style is truly captivating, and once I started reading, it was tough to put the book down. The world-building was descriptive and amazing, the details helping me play the scenes in my mind like I was right there experiencing the moments with the characters.
The main characters had so much depth. The author had explored their emotions, fears and traumas in a way that made me connect with them intimately. There were instances where I had to ask myself to just breathe; but that's her superpower - writing realistic characters. Johara was a strong-willed, intelligent and empathetic woman, and I just loved the way her character developed over the course of the book. I also found the dog, Bakir adorable.
The romance was sweet and some of the interactions between the MCs left me with a smile on my face. It also gave me the message that encouragement from just one right person is enough to help you see the potential in yourself.
Overall, this book was beyond perfect, and I enjoyed every bit of it. I recommend it to fantasy readers who enjoy books with a unique type of magic, strong heroines and fairytale like settings.
The writing style is truly captivating, and once I started reading, it was tough to put the book down. The world-building was descriptive and amazing, the details helping me play the scenes in my mind like I was right there experiencing the moments with the characters.
The main characters had so much depth. The author had explored their emotions, fears and traumas in a way that made me connect with them intimately. There were instances where I had to ask myself to just breathe; but that's her superpower - writing realistic characters. Johara was a strong-willed, intelligent and empathetic woman, and I just loved the way her character developed over the course of the book. I also found the dog, Bakir adorable.
The romance was sweet and some of the interactions between the MCs left me with a smile on my face. It also gave me the message that encouragement from just one right person is enough to help you see the potential in yourself.
Overall, this book was beyond perfect, and I enjoyed every bit of it. I recommend it to fantasy readers who enjoy books with a unique type of magic, strong heroines and fairytale like settings.
July 3, 2024
First book I've read by this author, but definitely not the last.
I love, love, love oriental settings in Favreau stories and this is one of the best examples so far.
Rich in poetic language that perfectly fits the world and the people. The story flows and is easy to follow, the world building is amazing and with a love for detail.
Johara leads a sad life in a tower where she was put by her parents (the sultan and sultana) to stop a prophecy. She is insecure and feels helpless about her situation and wants nothing more than freedom and to help her people. According to the prophecy a lot of people will die (there are droughts, mines who don't produce ore anymore, etc).
Marrying a prince is supposed to help the land, but Johara still hopes to find another way to set everything right.
Eric, the son of a baker from across the sea, wanted adventure and became a soldier. Now he has PTSD and struggles to get through the days. He comes about a fortune but spends it all drowning his sorrow in alcohol and only wants to forget about his time in the war and the death he caused. It seems his luck has run completely dry but then he uses a silver tinderbox and everything changes.
I laughed out loud when reading the footnote to "al be that" - as a former English student I have to raise my glass to the author and tell her that I totally agree with her and even used it in an essay once myself.
I love, love, love oriental settings in Favreau stories and this is one of the best examples so far.
Rich in poetic language that perfectly fits the world and the people. The story flows and is easy to follow, the world building is amazing and with a love for detail.
Johara leads a sad life in a tower where she was put by her parents (the sultan and sultana) to stop a prophecy. She is insecure and feels helpless about her situation and wants nothing more than freedom and to help her people. According to the prophecy a lot of people will die (there are droughts, mines who don't produce ore anymore, etc).
Marrying a prince is supposed to help the land, but Johara still hopes to find another way to set everything right.
Eric, the son of a baker from across the sea, wanted adventure and became a soldier. Now he has PTSD and struggles to get through the days. He comes about a fortune but spends it all drowning his sorrow in alcohol and only wants to forget about his time in the war and the death he caused. It seems his luck has run completely dry but then he uses a silver tinderbox and everything changes.
I laughed out loud when reading the footnote to "al be that" - as a former English student I have to raise my glass to the author and tell her that I totally agree with her and even used it in an essay once myself.
May 29, 2023
Johara’s Choice is the story of a princess who- due to her parents fears of an ancient curse- is kept isolated from the rest of the world and then betrothed to a prince who is less than virtuous. Because of her sheltered and strict upbringing, Princess Johara is insecure and struggles with panic attacks when allowed to be in the presence of outsiders. With the help of a wounded and emotionally fragile soldier, Johara learns to overcome her fears and ultimately saves her kingdom from economic and environmental despair.
My favorite part of the story was the character growth of Johara and Erik. Both individuals were very broken, but started to become more whole in the process of becoming friends and helping one another. I also liked how very real and relatable the characters were, even in a fantasy setting.
Johara’s Choice is a retelling of the fairytale known as the Tinderbox. It is also a standalone novel in the Elisabeth and Edvard book series. While I haven’t yet read the other novels, I very much enjoyed this one and was able to follow the story without any issue. One of the things I really appreciate about Astrid’s novels is how they all seem to connect to a greater fantasy universe, while also sharing messages and themes that can bring hope and a higher sense of self-awareness.
My favorite part of the story was the character growth of Johara and Erik. Both individuals were very broken, but started to become more whole in the process of becoming friends and helping one another. I also liked how very real and relatable the characters were, even in a fantasy setting.
Johara’s Choice is a retelling of the fairytale known as the Tinderbox. It is also a standalone novel in the Elisabeth and Edvard book series. While I haven’t yet read the other novels, I very much enjoyed this one and was able to follow the story without any issue. One of the things I really appreciate about Astrid’s novels is how they all seem to connect to a greater fantasy universe, while also sharing messages and themes that can bring hope and a higher sense of self-awareness.
July 31, 2023
An engaging story about a soldier, who has been disillusioned, injured and traumatized by the war he is fighting. He is released because of his injury and in
making his way back meets an old woman who promises him riches if he will retrieve a tinderbox for
her left with the riches. He succeeds but a flashback to the war occurs and when he regains his senses finds he has killed the old woman.
Johara is the princess of Erdalbad but has been locked up for most of her life because of a prophecy she doesn’t understand. Her country is dying because of droughts and she is being forced to wed a disputable prince. In desperation she finds a possibility of getting out of that marriage and saving herself and her country but needs someone to help
her.
Erik finds the tinderbox is magic and on a wish the princess is brought to him. Together they explore how to solve the problems she faces.
I really enjoyed this book where two damaged people, one from war and one from being shut away from society are able to together save themselves as well as a kingdom.
I highly recommend this book as one you’ll enjoy but also because it does show the lingering effects of being traumatized by war and isolation from others.
It’s an engaging story you won’t soon forget especially if you’ve suffered from either of these afflictions yourself!
making his way back meets an old woman who promises him riches if he will retrieve a tinderbox for
her left with the riches. He succeeds but a flashback to the war occurs and when he regains his senses finds he has killed the old woman.
Johara is the princess of Erdalbad but has been locked up for most of her life because of a prophecy she doesn’t understand. Her country is dying because of droughts and she is being forced to wed a disputable prince. In desperation she finds a possibility of getting out of that marriage and saving herself and her country but needs someone to help
her.
Erik finds the tinderbox is magic and on a wish the princess is brought to him. Together they explore how to solve the problems she faces.
I really enjoyed this book where two damaged people, one from war and one from being shut away from society are able to together save themselves as well as a kingdom.
I highly recommend this book as one you’ll enjoy but also because it does show the lingering effects of being traumatized by war and isolation from others.
It’s an engaging story you won’t soon forget especially if you’ve suffered from either of these afflictions yourself!
October 15, 2024
⚡️ Fairytale retelling
⚡️ Old elememtal magic
⚡️ Religious and cultural issues
⚡️ Sweet romance
⚡️ Overcoming trauma
Being only partly familiar with Hans Christian Anderson's Tinderbox, reading this retelling felt both new and familiar. It had the cozy feeling of a fairytale with the happily ever after and the characters that invoke comfort and ease. I enjoyed how the author included cultural aspects of the world into the story with the cultural dress, emphasis on virtue and chastity and the disregard of Princess Johana's intelligence and preferences when it comes to marriage. But mostly I loved how Astrid showed Johana finally building herself up and being able to conquer her fears, save her kingdom and stand up to her parents. I also loved the other half of this story, Erik. A sweet, traumatised foreign soldier just trying to find meaning to life, he was my favourite character. I empathised with his story and just wanted to bundle him up and keep him safe. With the world building, the great plot and lovable characters this was a well written, easy to read fantasy fairy tale.
⚡️ Old elememtal magic
⚡️ Religious and cultural issues
⚡️ Sweet romance
⚡️ Overcoming trauma
Being only partly familiar with Hans Christian Anderson's Tinderbox, reading this retelling felt both new and familiar. It had the cozy feeling of a fairytale with the happily ever after and the characters that invoke comfort and ease. I enjoyed how the author included cultural aspects of the world into the story with the cultural dress, emphasis on virtue and chastity and the disregard of Princess Johana's intelligence and preferences when it comes to marriage. But mostly I loved how Astrid showed Johana finally building herself up and being able to conquer her fears, save her kingdom and stand up to her parents. I also loved the other half of this story, Erik. A sweet, traumatised foreign soldier just trying to find meaning to life, he was my favourite character. I empathised with his story and just wanted to bundle him up and keep him safe. With the world building, the great plot and lovable characters this was a well written, easy to read fantasy fairy tale.
June 1, 2023
4.5/5
This is such a wonderfully written book with beautiful language and an exotic locale. It hints at many other tales and legends that the author has written in her world of fairytale retellings, so it truly does feel a bit like a treasure hunt as she says at the end of the book. I enjoyed the build up of the story and how well we got to know the two MCs.
However, I found that after a while the flowery language got a little too much for me, and the start was also rather slow. Whereas the action picked up in the middle of the book and wrapped up somewhat too quickly by the end.
Otherwise, I could tell from the very first chapter that the author's writing has improved and that is always a great thing to see.
This is such a wonderfully written book with beautiful language and an exotic locale. It hints at many other tales and legends that the author has written in her world of fairytale retellings, so it truly does feel a bit like a treasure hunt as she says at the end of the book. I enjoyed the build up of the story and how well we got to know the two MCs.
However, I found that after a while the flowery language got a little too much for me, and the start was also rather slow. Whereas the action picked up in the middle of the book and wrapped up somewhat too quickly by the end.
Otherwise, I could tell from the very first chapter that the author's writing has improved and that is always a great thing to see.
August 6, 2024
A delightful fairytale retelling of the Tinderbox, Johara’s Choice is set in a well-structured world, with vibrant imagery, gorgeous writing, and enjoyable characters.
Johara and Erik, in particular, shine in how well balanced they are between their flaws and struggles and their redeeming qualities. The author does an especially impressive job at tackling severe PTSD.
I’m not a huge fan of fairytale retellings—they often feel too cartoony to me—but this one stands out as well realized and reimagined, keeping the feel of the original story while elevating it into something more suited to a novel-sized story. The pieces come together well, the romance is enjoyable (if a bit hasty), and the conclusion is satisfying. Recommended!
Content: Mild language, kissing only (and one scene of attempted SA, but it was well handled). War violence/trauma & death.
Johara and Erik, in particular, shine in how well balanced they are between their flaws and struggles and their redeeming qualities. The author does an especially impressive job at tackling severe PTSD.
I’m not a huge fan of fairytale retellings—they often feel too cartoony to me—but this one stands out as well realized and reimagined, keeping the feel of the original story while elevating it into something more suited to a novel-sized story. The pieces come together well, the romance is enjoyable (if a bit hasty), and the conclusion is satisfying. Recommended!
Content: Mild language, kissing only (and one scene of attempted SA, but it was well handled). War violence/trauma & death.
June 20, 2023
I am hesitant to try any new author but she reached out asking what genres I enjoy and paired me with this book.. WOW. I honestly liked how the author talks about the character having a flaw (which everyone does) and still gets that great ending. Reading through the depression and emotional abuse part was a difficult topic but I feel like it was so well-written and handled so well.
The character development of everyone involved was just *chef’s kiss* and I feel like looking at the cover I thought the story would be one way but was happily surprised and enjoyed each turn the story took. Also, since there seems to be characters from other stories she has written I will definitely have to pick up a few more!
I do want to thank Astrid for sending me this ebook and note that all opinions/thoughts above are my own.
The character development of everyone involved was just *chef’s kiss* and I feel like looking at the cover I thought the story would be one way but was happily surprised and enjoyed each turn the story took. Also, since there seems to be characters from other stories she has written I will definitely have to pick up a few more!
I do want to thank Astrid for sending me this ebook and note that all opinions/thoughts above are my own.
June 12, 2023
Johara's choice was an unusual type of fantasy for me. The story had a deeper meaning than I anticipated.
Johara is raised in isolation by her parents and suffers from depression. I personally know a few people that have been raised in a similar way so her parents' behaviour was not surprising at all and neither was her struggles.
Erik however was a complete surprise and I loved the interaction between the two as well as the way they joined forces to help their country.
The writing was beautiful and the book was so well written that at times it felt like I was reading poetry.
It was a delight to read.
Johara is raised in isolation by her parents and suffers from depression. I personally know a few people that have been raised in a similar way so her parents' behaviour was not surprising at all and neither was her struggles.
Erik however was a complete surprise and I loved the interaction between the two as well as the way they joined forces to help their country.
The writing was beautiful and the book was so well written that at times it felt like I was reading poetry.
It was a delight to read.
August 14, 2024
I haven't read a lot of retellings and I'd never heard of the Tinderbox as a fairytale so I wasn't sure what to expect for a story that's out of my normal genre to read.
I definitely enjoyed the story! I loved the Father of the Forest and the dogs of course! I'm a sucker for the animal companions in a story. I liked the use of PTSD without naming the affliction that Erik suffers from, it was a touch that suited his time in the war.
There is a little bit of everything in this book, the princess being locked away, hidden by her parents to avoid the prophesy that will bring ruin to the empire, betrayal, a evil prince betrothal, murder, breaking a curse that allows all to be well again, found friendship and a happily ever after! A true fairy tale ending.
I definitely enjoyed the story! I loved the Father of the Forest and the dogs of course! I'm a sucker for the animal companions in a story. I liked the use of PTSD without naming the affliction that Erik suffers from, it was a touch that suited his time in the war.
There is a little bit of everything in this book, the princess being locked away, hidden by her parents to avoid the prophesy that will bring ruin to the empire, betrayal, a evil prince betrothal, murder, breaking a curse that allows all to be well again, found friendship and a happily ever after! A true fairy tale ending.
August 5, 2024
I have never heard the Tinderbox original story, it is just simply not what I grew up with.
This is a beautiful story about healing, and growing close to someone who helps you pick up the pieces and help one another put things back together. While also working through prophecies and banned magic in order to free and entire kingdom. I quite enjoyed this story and may have to seek out the original now as well. This story was beautifully written though!
The only thing that challenged me was starting a retelling series on book #4 haha!
This is a beautiful story about healing, and growing close to someone who helps you pick up the pieces and help one another put things back together. While also working through prophecies and banned magic in order to free and entire kingdom. I quite enjoyed this story and may have to seek out the original now as well. This story was beautifully written though!
The only thing that challenged me was starting a retelling series on book #4 haha!
May 17, 2023
I don't know if it's a new trend in books or I've just happened upon authors who write this way, but I love reading about flawed people who get their HEA without having their flaws removed.
Johara suffers from depression because she has had to survive an emotionally abusive mother and almost complete isolation in a tower. Then when she is finally released from her gilded cage, she is anxious around large groups of people and worried that she is not good enough to be royalty.
Erik (if you've read Naiya’s Wish, you may remember him as Amina's brother) ran off to become a soldier and has PTSD and permanent physical injuries from battle. When he had the opportunity to return home, he squandered it and lived in luxury, trying to leave his demons in the past.
Together they work together to solve the country's problems and bring balance back to the land. They are both fantastically written characters and do all they can to support each other. I love how this ties into the rest of Astrid's books but also completely stands on its own.
Johara suffers from depression because she has had to survive an emotionally abusive mother and almost complete isolation in a tower. Then when she is finally released from her gilded cage, she is anxious around large groups of people and worried that she is not good enough to be royalty.
Erik (if you've read Naiya’s Wish, you may remember him as Amina's brother) ran off to become a soldier and has PTSD and permanent physical injuries from battle. When he had the opportunity to return home, he squandered it and lived in luxury, trying to leave his demons in the past.
Together they work together to solve the country's problems and bring balance back to the land. They are both fantastically written characters and do all they can to support each other. I love how this ties into the rest of Astrid's books but also completely stands on its own.
May 23, 2025
A masterpiece of character growth! Even with magic and monarchy, the story is compelling.
July 15, 2024
A prophecy has the heir to the sultanate trapped in a tower due to a father’s fear keeping her there. A broken soldier who had his dreams of adventure crumble on the front lines and dealing with his demons. Johara knows that a prophecy has her locked in the copper tower of the palace but no one has actually told her what it states. After being groomed to be ‘perfect’, or at least the vision her mother has of perfection, she begs for something to do. Her father gives her the task of going over old ledgers and documents, something that was initially thought to bore her but she ends up finding a purpose. She notices a theme to her grandfather’s thoughts and is sure there is an answer to their current problems but it goes against their beliefs and core values. She just needs someone to listen to her before she runs out of time. Erik was basically dumped by platoon after his injury made him no longer useful to fight. While fighting his inner demons about his value and self-worth he gets asked to complete a task for a strange old woman. He is asked to retrieve a tinderbox for her and he can have the rest of the riches found in the cave. Knowing that magic is present, he has long since stopped caring and took what he would need to hopefully get home. After having another flashback, he is thrust deeper into his guilt and looks to find happiness in the wealth and greed he now finds himself in. But as he is left with the tatters of what his life has become he discovers the true magic behind the tinderbox and starts a path to not only save the land but himself as well.
We see stories about the princess locked in her gilded cage and how the world is unfair to them when they can be handed everything. The princess of this story, who really isn’t a princess but heir to the sultanate, knows she has been pampered but longs to do more and be useful instead of just a pretty thing to be seen. Erik’s PTSD and how others see it to me is a realistic thing. Some understand but most don’t and just episodes as ravings of a mad person. The sentiment at the end about how he needs to basically take it day by day and some days are bad is so right. There isn’t always a magic fix all and there will be steps backwards but the want to move forward needs to be there. It was interesting to see the clash of cultures in this book and making someone listen when it goes against what they know is true. There was a nice wrap up to Naiya’s Wish which I was very glad to see. I am looking forward to seeing how this story shapes others in the overall world Astrid VJ has built.
We see stories about the princess locked in her gilded cage and how the world is unfair to them when they can be handed everything. The princess of this story, who really isn’t a princess but heir to the sultanate, knows she has been pampered but longs to do more and be useful instead of just a pretty thing to be seen. Erik’s PTSD and how others see it to me is a realistic thing. Some understand but most don’t and just episodes as ravings of a mad person. The sentiment at the end about how he needs to basically take it day by day and some days are bad is so right. There isn’t always a magic fix all and there will be steps backwards but the want to move forward needs to be there. It was interesting to see the clash of cultures in this book and making someone listen when it goes against what they know is true. There was a nice wrap up to Naiya’s Wish which I was very glad to see. I am looking forward to seeing how this story shapes others in the overall world Astrid VJ has built.
July 17, 2024
Johara's Choice is a beautiful retelling of the fairytale The Tinderbox. I have never heard of this fairytale, so I don't know how the story compares to it, but this story is just beautiful! Johara is the daughter of a sultan and the subject of a prophecy. To protect his daughter and his people, he locks her away in a tower for a good portion of her life. With no one but female servants who want to talk to her, she longs for more. After finally relenting, her father lets her organize old correspondence. Johana then gets the idea she needs to save her people and lands.
Erik is a soldier who is tired of battle. After meeting an old lady promising fortune, he ends up in Erdlbad (where Johara lives). Spending his fortune until he ends up penniless again, fortune pushes him into the path of Johara.
This book spans a short length of time, and you really get to know these characters. They both have their demons they need to face. Johara is kind and cares about her people despite the way she was raised. Erik learns so much about himself and has the time to reflect on his life and his past. They both grow so much and it is wonderful to read.
I enjoyed reading this book and there was even one of those moments where you just know something is going to happen and you have to decide whether you will keep reading or not!
Erik is a soldier who is tired of battle. After meeting an old lady promising fortune, he ends up in Erdlbad (where Johara lives). Spending his fortune until he ends up penniless again, fortune pushes him into the path of Johara.
This book spans a short length of time, and you really get to know these characters. They both have their demons they need to face. Johara is kind and cares about her people despite the way she was raised. Erik learns so much about himself and has the time to reflect on his life and his past. They both grow so much and it is wonderful to read.
I enjoyed reading this book and there was even one of those moments where you just know something is going to happen and you have to decide whether you will keep reading or not!
July 4, 2024
I haven't read the fairy tale this was based on, so can't comment on accuracy or how well it translates, but Johara's Choice is a strong retelling. It captures the darker elements of the original fairy tales of old, yet keeps it accessible for a younger adult audience and interesting enough to hold my attention long past the point where I'd count as a young adult.
The dual narrative works well, with Johara trapped in a tower by her parent's fear of some awful prophecy coming to pass and Erik, haunted by his time at war and trying to find some semblance of a life that doesn't involve going back to his parents with his tail between his legs. As Erik finds something unknown and magical, their lives intertwine and they find themselves with the fate of the land in their young hands.
I really appreciated how the author manages to capture real life in the characterisations on display here. Erik's war trauma in particular and how it makes him feel fragile and out of control is excellently portrayed. There's a sweet edge of romance to the novel, yet a darker side in the plans Johara's parents have made that add a very real threat to the narrative.
All in all, a well done retelling.
The dual narrative works well, with Johara trapped in a tower by her parent's fear of some awful prophecy coming to pass and Erik, haunted by his time at war and trying to find some semblance of a life that doesn't involve going back to his parents with his tail between his legs. As Erik finds something unknown and magical, their lives intertwine and they find themselves with the fate of the land in their young hands.
I really appreciated how the author manages to capture real life in the characterisations on display here. Erik's war trauma in particular and how it makes him feel fragile and out of control is excellently portrayed. There's a sweet edge of romance to the novel, yet a darker side in the plans Johara's parents have made that add a very real threat to the narrative.
All in all, a well done retelling.
May 16, 2023
It’s got elements of Rapunzel and 1001 nights, but it’s really a retelling of Andersen’s The Tinderbox.
At 15, Princess Johara is confined to a tower by her parents because of a prophecy - a foreigner will defile her before the throne and a sonless sultan will have to bow down to a commoner. Now, defiling carries different meanings for different people - for some, it could be something as innocent as being in the same room when unmarried or being kissed against one’s will, while for others it’s the ultimate offense done to a woman’s body you go to jail for. In this book, it’s the former, as this is still YA, so, don’t to worry.
This retelling preserved most of the elements of Andersen’s Tinderbox and the twisted parts I really loved - princess being taken vs volunteering to go with the dog and the changed ending on how the soldier escapes death. This story made me think about what solitary confinement can do to teens - how a curious mind would find it unbearable when all it gets is demands to obey and how the reaction might be losing a will to be which to others may come off as the person being bored or moody or depressed (en echo of past pandemic years for teens, hello!). After all, being confined alone without peers to talk to has its own ramifications similar to ptsd (e.g. being afraid of crowds). The book made me wonder about the extent people in power are willing to go to preserve their own way of life and how willing those comfortable sods are to resolve things by using other people, not doing anything themselves. In a way, though it is a fantasy, it can be read as a satiric commentary on the way of the world today. I marvelled at the cultural and religious and mindset differences the author brought to life. I really loved Johara’s curious nature and her determination to self-educate and find a way to solve a problem endangering her and the sultanate. I liked Erik and his discovery of false vs true friends and finding motivation to work on his ptsd reactions. The fairytale dogs were amazing. The only regret I have is that the sultan was not punished - coz he’s meant to be a leader and make wise econ decisions, not squander remnants of dwindled fortunes on banquets in draught times and sell his only daughter off to the nasty prince with no manners but large coffers! Grrr…
This is book 4 and does link to the author’s other works, but honestly, it reads as a standalone.
Recommended for lovers of rare fairytale retellings, especially Andersen’s and 1001 Arabian Nights ones; also suggested for lovers of YA coming of age stories, chosen one trope and transformational fiction.
Trigger warnings: might be difficult to read for those who have flashbacks and/or PTSD & for survivors of mental abuse + there is a murder scene, but not very detailed on-page.
At 15, Princess Johara is confined to a tower by her parents because of a prophecy - a foreigner will defile her before the throne and a sonless sultan will have to bow down to a commoner. Now, defiling carries different meanings for different people - for some, it could be something as innocent as being in the same room when unmarried or being kissed against one’s will, while for others it’s the ultimate offense done to a woman’s body you go to jail for. In this book, it’s the former, as this is still YA, so, don’t to worry.
This retelling preserved most of the elements of Andersen’s Tinderbox and the twisted parts I really loved - princess being taken vs volunteering to go with the dog and the changed ending on how the soldier escapes death. This story made me think about what solitary confinement can do to teens - how a curious mind would find it unbearable when all it gets is demands to obey and how the reaction might be losing a will to be which to others may come off as the person being bored or moody or depressed (en echo of past pandemic years for teens, hello!). After all, being confined alone without peers to talk to has its own ramifications similar to ptsd (e.g. being afraid of crowds). The book made me wonder about the extent people in power are willing to go to preserve their own way of life and how willing those comfortable sods are to resolve things by using other people, not doing anything themselves. In a way, though it is a fantasy, it can be read as a satiric commentary on the way of the world today. I marvelled at the cultural and religious and mindset differences the author brought to life. I really loved Johara’s curious nature and her determination to self-educate and find a way to solve a problem endangering her and the sultanate. I liked Erik and his discovery of false vs true friends and finding motivation to work on his ptsd reactions. The fairytale dogs were amazing. The only regret I have is that the sultan was not punished - coz he’s meant to be a leader and make wise econ decisions, not squander remnants of dwindled fortunes on banquets in draught times and sell his only daughter off to the nasty prince with no manners but large coffers! Grrr…
This is book 4 and does link to the author’s other works, but honestly, it reads as a standalone.
Recommended for lovers of rare fairytale retellings, especially Andersen’s and 1001 Arabian Nights ones; also suggested for lovers of YA coming of age stories, chosen one trope and transformational fiction.
Trigger warnings: might be difficult to read for those who have flashbacks and/or PTSD & for survivors of mental abuse + there is a murder scene, but not very detailed on-page.
June 26, 2023
Johara's Choice is a fairytale retelling of The Tinderbox. Astrid V.J. improves on the original by making it meaningful with the male and female MCs learning to shine despite their flaws. It reads like a classic fairytale and has a steady plot that kept me turning the pages, wondering what would happen next. It wasn't heavy on the worldbuilding, just enough to picture the scenes. The only thing that slowed the story down a bit was the internal dialogue. I read it within a couple of days; it was that enjoyable. I received an ARC from the author, and my review is voluntary.
July 3, 2023
I beta-read the first parts of this book and then joined a buddy readalong for the rest of it. This is my first book by Astrid V.J. but won't be my last.
This is a retelling of The Tinderbox with some of V.J.'s own worldbuilding. I liked the depictions of PTSD and anxiety, and I found Johara more relatable than Eric at times. My favourite characters have to be the treasures!
I recommend this for anyone looking for an out-of-the-ordinary linked world retelling.
This is a retelling of The Tinderbox with some of V.J.'s own worldbuilding. I liked the depictions of PTSD and anxiety, and I found Johara more relatable than Eric at times. My favourite characters have to be the treasures!
I recommend this for anyone looking for an out-of-the-ordinary linked world retelling.
July 8, 2024
This is the story of Johara, a princess locked in a tower by her parents, to prevent a prophecy from coming to pass, and Erik, a former soldier coming to terms with the rest of his life. But it has more to say than that.
Expectations, politics, religion, superstition, mental health, guilt and redemption; all are described with a deftness that seduces rather than commands. Johara and Erik's story is sad, beautiful and real. So much more than a fairytale.
Expectations, politics, religion, superstition, mental health, guilt and redemption; all are described with a deftness that seduces rather than commands. Johara and Erik's story is sad, beautiful and real. So much more than a fairytale.
July 15, 2023
This book was so sweet and well put together. I love the depth of both characters and how they come together without sacrificing who they are.
I know it's not this particular fairy tale, but it did have Aladdin feels for me.
Recommend this for fans of fairy-tale retellings and clean romantasy.
I know it's not this particular fairy tale, but it did have Aladdin feels for me.
Recommend this for fans of fairy-tale retellings and clean romantasy.
May 18, 2023
Johara faces numerous obstacles: stubborn & old fashioned parents, as well as an unwanted suitor. Erik is very helpful, and supportive throughout the book. Love how the author incorporated elements of nature into the book.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 31, 2023
A beautiful retelling of The Tinderbox. This is a story about adventure, freedom, and staying true to yourself. I enjoyed every moment of reading it.
April 10, 2025
Some books are really well written and this is one of them. I just believe that this isn't for me, I wanted to like it and like there was nothing inherently wrong, it just didn't click
May 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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