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Bearly Gold: A Goldilocks and the Three Bears Reimagining
"With a nod to the tale of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Jones sets a diverse cast in an immersive, compelling world in a story that evokes loyalty and the desire to do good. Readers will find this a winner." Booklife Reviews Editor's Pick
A Shapeshifter Fairy Tale: A Brave New Goldilocks, No Porridge Required
On Earth Pact, no species is as feared as the Impundulu shifters of the United Wake of Benekal. For Fayola, a veteran nearing the end of her compulsory military service, being a soldier had never been more than reluctant duty. As she prepares for her final special operation, her goal remains the same: Complete her mission so she can return home to her father.
Tasked with rescuing a humanitarian doctor from a war zone, but not the orphaned children under her care, Fayola must decide how much she is willing to risk for the future she deserves.
Jwahir, a human in a nation of warring shifters, finds herself holed up in a medical clinic with other orphans, praying for a miracle or a painless death. But when an Impundulu soldier arrives, stoic and determined, but with a reserved tenderness she tries to hide, Jwahir knows she has met her Dela Eden-her savior.
However, people are not always who they seem, and crimes against children are too often ignored. For Jwahir, her true test of bravery begins, not in a medical clinic in a war-ravaged country, but in a bear shifter's cabin home in a peaceful forest.
For Fayola, twenty-five years of retirement planning changes in the blink of an innocent child's golden-brown eyes. But what will she do when her goodwill pact goes horribly wrong?
A Shapeshifter Fairy Tale: A Brave New Goldilocks, No Porridge Required
On Earth Pact, no species is as feared as the Impundulu shifters of the United Wake of Benekal. For Fayola, a veteran nearing the end of her compulsory military service, being a soldier had never been more than reluctant duty. As she prepares for her final special operation, her goal remains the same: Complete her mission so she can return home to her father.
Tasked with rescuing a humanitarian doctor from a war zone, but not the orphaned children under her care, Fayola must decide how much she is willing to risk for the future she deserves.
Jwahir, a human in a nation of warring shifters, finds herself holed up in a medical clinic with other orphans, praying for a miracle or a painless death. But when an Impundulu soldier arrives, stoic and determined, but with a reserved tenderness she tries to hide, Jwahir knows she has met her Dela Eden-her savior.
However, people are not always who they seem, and crimes against children are too often ignored. For Jwahir, her true test of bravery begins, not in a medical clinic in a war-ravaged country, but in a bear shifter's cabin home in a peaceful forest.
For Fayola, twenty-five years of retirement planning changes in the blink of an innocent child's golden-brown eyes. But what will she do when her goodwill pact goes horribly wrong?
- GenresFantasy
360 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 7, 2023
7 people are currently reading
1151 people want to read
About the author
N.D. Jones
47 books440 followersN.D. Jones, Ed.D., is a USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of fantasy, speculative fiction, paranormal romance, and historical fantasy. She lives in Maryland with her family, where she creates emotionally resonant, character-driven stories rooted in imagination, depth, and heart.
She has written more than a dozen books across multiple series, including Winged Warriors, Death and Destiny, Dragon Shifter Romance, Feline Nation, Fairy Tale Fatale, and the contemporary romance trilogy The Styles of Love. Her historical fantasy novel Harriet’s Escape won the 2024 BookLife Prize Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Horror Category.
A lifelong educator, N.D. brings a deep understanding of emotional development and identity to her storytelling. She is currently expanding into middle-grade fantasy with a new series that carries her signature blend of heart, humor, adventure, and emotional truth to younger readers.
Whether writing for adults or children, N.D. creates stories that explore courage, connection, legacy, and the power of imagination. She calls her work Novels with Soul — fantasy that resonates long after the final page.
She has written more than a dozen books across multiple series, including Winged Warriors, Death and Destiny, Dragon Shifter Romance, Feline Nation, Fairy Tale Fatale, and the contemporary romance trilogy The Styles of Love. Her historical fantasy novel Harriet’s Escape won the 2024 BookLife Prize Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Horror Category.
A lifelong educator, N.D. brings a deep understanding of emotional development and identity to her storytelling. She is currently expanding into middle-grade fantasy with a new series that carries her signature blend of heart, humor, adventure, and emotional truth to younger readers.
Whether writing for adults or children, N.D. creates stories that explore courage, connection, legacy, and the power of imagination. She calls her work Novels with Soul — fantasy that resonates long after the final page.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
April 11, 2023
This is a story with a message and a mission. When given this ARC the author let me know that it isn’t like the things I’ve read before and she was correct. This isn’t going to appeal to many readers but since April is Child Abuse Prevention Month I hope that encourages more readers to give it a chance. I hope I can encourages YOU to give it a chance. As the author states in the Author’s Note
“Heroes are needed in this fight. Not vampiric lightning birds of lore but informed and caring human beings. Child trafficking is not inconsequential but bringing the crime to its overdue end requires people to, like Fayola, engage in the fine art of giving a shit.”
This complex and creative reimagining of Goldilocks and the Three Bears and our FMC isn’t our Goldilocks. The romance is sparing and only ask as reprieve and grounding for our heroine. The circular instead of linear timeline is frustrating and a writing style that includes a lot of internal thought processes slows the reading and the pace, for what is actually a very action packed story. But it is packed with family, love, bravery, humor, community, battles, a magical mythical badass creature, and a righteous cause. If you like stories that take you on journey of growth and a fight for justice I think you enjoy this. If you like when a black man loves a black women deeply and stand wherever he needs to be the most supportive of her. Then I think you will enjoy and appreciate this story. This is a story about human trafficking of children so there is mention and brief but not explicit mention of the things that can and do happen so kept that in mind.
“Heroes are needed in this fight. Not vampiric lightning birds of lore but informed and caring human beings. Child trafficking is not inconsequential but bringing the crime to its overdue end requires people to, like Fayola, engage in the fine art of giving a shit.”
This complex and creative reimagining of Goldilocks and the Three Bears and our FMC isn’t our Goldilocks. The romance is sparing and only ask as reprieve and grounding for our heroine. The circular instead of linear timeline is frustrating and a writing style that includes a lot of internal thought processes slows the reading and the pace, for what is actually a very action packed story. But it is packed with family, love, bravery, humor, community, battles, a magical mythical badass creature, and a righteous cause. If you like stories that take you on journey of growth and a fight for justice I think you enjoy this. If you like when a black man loves a black women deeply and stand wherever he needs to be the most supportive of her. Then I think you will enjoy and appreciate this story. This is a story about human trafficking of children so there is mention and brief but not explicit mention of the things that can and do happen so kept that in mind.
September 4, 2025
Never could I expect Goldilocks and the Three Bears to turn into this. The nation of vampiric lightning bird shapeshifter supersoldiers was one thing, but then we moved into international child trafficking crimes and that's when things really took off.
I want to rate this book 5 stars just because of how unique and absolutely insane it is, but there were too many superfluous details for my liking. If "set dressing" were icing, this would be a cake that's like buried in icing. I'd say reduce the little details so that they aren't too much, aren't too few, but just right!
I want to rate this book 5 stars just because of how unique and absolutely insane it is, but there were too many superfluous details for my liking. If "set dressing" were icing, this would be a cake that's like buried in icing. I'd say reduce the little details so that they aren't too much, aren't too few, but just right!
July 30, 2023
Lightning strikes
From the Zulu of South Africa, comes the legend of the impundulu - the blood-drinking "lightning bird" shifter. N.D. Jones has woven tribal legend with the cyclic violence of bloody coups, Western exploitation, and child trafficking, and grafted on a shifter version of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, to produce a novel with a unique voice and a powerful message. Fayola is an impundulu conscript caught in the cross-hairs of traditional tribal military duty, her yearning for family and home, and her anger at being robbed of choice in her own life. She stoically undertakes her last mission in service of the Blood Pact that protects and feeds her people. She is to rescue a Western doctor from a bloody tribal war, and escort her across the border to safety. When the doc refuses to leave without the twenty-one refugee children in her care, Fayola makes a choice: she abandons her mission, breaks all manner of treaties and laws, and risks life, reputation, court martial and imprisonment to save the children. Thus begins a complex and riveting story of conflicting imperatives, and the young woman who dares to take back her own agency, to follow her heart, and to change the impundulu world. The backdrop for her inner journey is the nasty cesspool of child trafficking, the conscription of child soldiers, the victimization of the poor and powerless by the power-mad, and the appalling complicity of those who justify non-involvement, feign ignorance, and profit from their tolerance of evil. This story is a magnificent, beautiful and appalling blend of our world's reality with the fantasy world of shifters: writer N.D.Jones spares no-one -character or reader - from her warts-and-all portrayal of the way things are; and her gift to all is her promising portrayal of how it could be - if only we, like Fayola, dare to care.
This is a voluntary ARC review, and a recommendation: Bearly Gold belongs on the shelves of every library, public and private, in the world. It should be required reading for every social worker, medical missionary, soldier, NGO or government functionary, and any individual concerned for the well-being of children.
From the Zulu of South Africa, comes the legend of the impundulu - the blood-drinking "lightning bird" shifter. N.D. Jones has woven tribal legend with the cyclic violence of bloody coups, Western exploitation, and child trafficking, and grafted on a shifter version of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, to produce a novel with a unique voice and a powerful message. Fayola is an impundulu conscript caught in the cross-hairs of traditional tribal military duty, her yearning for family and home, and her anger at being robbed of choice in her own life. She stoically undertakes her last mission in service of the Blood Pact that protects and feeds her people. She is to rescue a Western doctor from a bloody tribal war, and escort her across the border to safety. When the doc refuses to leave without the twenty-one refugee children in her care, Fayola makes a choice: she abandons her mission, breaks all manner of treaties and laws, and risks life, reputation, court martial and imprisonment to save the children. Thus begins a complex and riveting story of conflicting imperatives, and the young woman who dares to take back her own agency, to follow her heart, and to change the impundulu world. The backdrop for her inner journey is the nasty cesspool of child trafficking, the conscription of child soldiers, the victimization of the poor and powerless by the power-mad, and the appalling complicity of those who justify non-involvement, feign ignorance, and profit from their tolerance of evil. This story is a magnificent, beautiful and appalling blend of our world's reality with the fantasy world of shifters: writer N.D.Jones spares no-one -character or reader - from her warts-and-all portrayal of the way things are; and her gift to all is her promising portrayal of how it could be - if only we, like Fayola, dare to care.
This is a voluntary ARC review, and a recommendation: Bearly Gold belongs on the shelves of every library, public and private, in the world. It should be required reading for every social worker, medical missionary, soldier, NGO or government functionary, and any individual concerned for the well-being of children.
July 3, 2024
Powerful story
This started out as a military rescue operation But soon turned into a mission to include children saved And ended up with a powerful purpose for justice and freedom.
The world building in this story is incredible with the addition of powerful warrior bird shifters called impundulu. Most impundulus just want to get their service and missions over and done with so the can go home to their lives and loved ones. Fayola's life is forever changed from obligation to purpose due to the faith of one child believing she is her saviour.
This started out as a military rescue operation But soon turned into a mission to include children saved And ended up with a powerful purpose for justice and freedom.
The world building in this story is incredible with the addition of powerful warrior bird shifters called impundulu. Most impundulus just want to get their service and missions over and done with so the can go home to their lives and loved ones. Fayola's life is forever changed from obligation to purpose due to the faith of one child believing she is her saviour.
October 3, 2023
I like the time and creativity the author put in to creating this world of shifters and humans. It was different and well done. The characters were strong and the interactions really brought them to life on page. I only got a little bit of the goldilocks and three bears vibe later in the book. However, this is a reimagining and not a retelling, so the focus was not completely on the goldilocks and three bears but had a more diverse story behind it that gave the story a bit more grit. I thought some parts were little too descriptive in terms of not really seeming essential to the story. I loved the overall message and found this to be a book to be read at leisure and enjoyed.
April 9, 2023
A skillfully, imaginatively written book, yet carries an important message about child trafficking. Doesn't focus on sordid details, and is handled very tastefully.
Otherwise, entertaining with action, humor and more. Definitely worth the read.
Otherwise, entertaining with action, humor and more. Definitely worth the read.
September 18, 2023
It took me a while to get into the book but I finally did. I enjoyed the paranormal aspects of the book and interaction of bears, birds and humans. For once humans were the sub species and not in charge of anything.
February 17, 2025
This is a 4.90 rounded up for me. The reason not for 5 stars is a personal reason is that I wish there had been a little breakdown or smidge more worldbuilding or even a map at the start of the book. I just wanted to know more about this world and how it got like this and to understand the conflict a little more or which territories were fighting and who they fell under. I know it wasn't the main focus of the story but that is just something my brain was wanting a little more of. Which is why I think it was a personal reason which made the start of the book a little harder for me to get into because I was trying to piece together everything. Other than that, I really loved this book. I have enjoyed each book by ND Jones and have bought physical trophies for my shelves after I finish each one.
Each book had an underlaying theme and this one was about the effects of war on the most vulnerable communities especially children. In this book she explored the exploitation of children into human trafficking for such reasons as domestic slavery, child soldiers or for sexual exploitation. It talks about governments/soldiers who willfully turn a blind eye to the effects of these wars/missions/policies and the effects it can have and how they can benefit from these systems in place. But then the question becomes what do you do when you are forced to look and see what is going on. Do you pretend to see nothing, see what is going on but choose to do nothing or do you try to do something.
Overall, I loved the story and the characters. You had action, heart, romance, family bonds (blood and the ones you make), humor and strength of character and purpose. I loved Fayola who is the FMC who is our reluctant hero but believes in the purpose of the mission and will stop at nothing to help those children she feels responsible for. A great read as always.
This book is about Fayola who is a veteran impundulu shifter who has 1 more mission before her compulsory military service is complete. While she has always done her duty it was one of reluctance and a means to an end to return back home to her father. This final mission is to rescue a humanitarian doctor from a war zone, but the doctor won't leave the children under her care preventing Fayola from completing her mission. So, what is she willing to do and risk for this mission so she can close this chapter on her life. But when there are those who hide who they truly are and abuse the trust, they are given by those most vulnerable then what is a soldier like Fayola supposed to do. Especially when a child puts her faith in Fayola to rescue her and the other orphaned children from a fate worse than death.
Each book had an underlaying theme and this one was about the effects of war on the most vulnerable communities especially children. In this book she explored the exploitation of children into human trafficking for such reasons as domestic slavery, child soldiers or for sexual exploitation. It talks about governments/soldiers who willfully turn a blind eye to the effects of these wars/missions/policies and the effects it can have and how they can benefit from these systems in place. But then the question becomes what do you do when you are forced to look and see what is going on. Do you pretend to see nothing, see what is going on but choose to do nothing or do you try to do something.
Overall, I loved the story and the characters. You had action, heart, romance, family bonds (blood and the ones you make), humor and strength of character and purpose. I loved Fayola who is the FMC who is our reluctant hero but believes in the purpose of the mission and will stop at nothing to help those children she feels responsible for. A great read as always.
This book is about Fayola who is a veteran impundulu shifter who has 1 more mission before her compulsory military service is complete. While she has always done her duty it was one of reluctance and a means to an end to return back home to her father. This final mission is to rescue a humanitarian doctor from a war zone, but the doctor won't leave the children under her care preventing Fayola from completing her mission. So, what is she willing to do and risk for this mission so she can close this chapter on her life. But when there are those who hide who they truly are and abuse the trust, they are given by those most vulnerable then what is a soldier like Fayola supposed to do. Especially when a child puts her faith in Fayola to rescue her and the other orphaned children from a fate worse than death.
January 13, 2024
I hadn't read the first book of this series (
Crimson Hunter
), so I was more than a little confused on how the shape-shifting and military fantasy elements fused with modern conventions for North America. I decided to ride the vibes rather than address specifics early within. I'm grateful I did.
At first Bearly Gold detracted me due to the flood of character names that came within the first forty pages. If it wasn't from the hops in time or character perspective switches for revealing Fayola's world and origin story, then it was with the children in the present timeline. That's a personal reading preference for me, I know.
Jones created a slower start for the narrative's actual heart, which is about 150 or so pages into the book. By then there's enough world building to sorta get used to the setting's rules characters are living within. Depending on the type of reader you are, that's just enough or too long. For me, it was the sweet spot of wanting a tad more yet acknowledging the pacing.
Mostly I'm thankful that the plot and the dialogue moves. Things get done. Sometimes there is a great deal of dramatic monologuing within a character's thoughts, and it reminded me a lot of older comic book writing. I wonder if that was the intention or not.
Out of all the character relationships within the book, the one that endeared me the most was actually not a main focus: Fayola and Raicho. They have a wholesome father-daughter relationship that stays warm and strong throughout, and it's a beacon of light from the many distressing and hazardous relationships I've read/heard about recently. Thank you for having that in here to balance some of the less-than-stellar male characters who appear in the story.
Bearly Gold is a fantasy action story with blood, death, child abuse, some cursing, some sex, and a sincere message at its core. As long as none of that bothers you, give this book a go.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
At first Bearly Gold detracted me due to the flood of character names that came within the first forty pages. If it wasn't from the hops in time or character perspective switches for revealing Fayola's world and origin story, then it was with the children in the present timeline. That's a personal reading preference for me, I know.
Jones created a slower start for the narrative's actual heart, which is about 150 or so pages into the book. By then there's enough world building to sorta get used to the setting's rules characters are living within. Depending on the type of reader you are, that's just enough or too long. For me, it was the sweet spot of wanting a tad more yet acknowledging the pacing.
Mostly I'm thankful that the plot and the dialogue moves. Things get done. Sometimes there is a great deal of dramatic monologuing within a character's thoughts, and it reminded me a lot of older comic book writing. I wonder if that was the intention or not.
Out of all the character relationships within the book, the one that endeared me the most was actually not a main focus: Fayola and Raicho. They have a wholesome father-daughter relationship that stays warm and strong throughout, and it's a beacon of light from the many distressing and hazardous relationships I've read/heard about recently. Thank you for having that in here to balance some of the less-than-stellar male characters who appear in the story.
Bearly Gold is a fantasy action story with blood, death, child abuse, some cursing, some sex, and a sincere message at its core. As long as none of that bothers you, give this book a go.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 20, 2023
BEARLY GOLD is the second in the Fairy Tale Fatale series and is a very imaginative retelling of Goldilocks and the Three Bears.
'Goldilocks' is a young, incredibly brave girl who has seen and suffered more than any should do. Our main character, Fayola, is a lightning bird of legend, an impundulu. She is on her fortieth mission, after which she will be free to do what she wants with her life. But that fortieth mission brings untold action and the saving of children from a war-torn area. Initially, she doesn't want to. She wants to finish her mission and go home. But how can she leave them?
Featuring bear and elephant shifters, plus impundulu, as well as humans, this is an intricate and twisting story, telling the dark tale of child trafficking. It is lightened in places by Fay's musings, her friends and family, plus romantic elements with Jelani - her long-term partner. It is also violent in places but, I can honestly say, I really didn't care because it couldn't happen to nicer people!!!
This series is simply amazing, covering dark topics. I can't wait to read the next in this series, whichever story it is. HIGHLY recommended by me.
As an aside, there is a simply amazing line spoken in the book which rings true. I'm using the words as written by the author in her notes at the end:
"Heroes are needed in this fight. Not vampiric lightning birds of lore but informed and caring human beings. Child trafficking is not inconsequential but bringing the crime to its overdue end requires people to, like Fayola, engage in the fine art of giving a shit."
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 19, 2022
'Goldilocks' is a young, incredibly brave girl who has seen and suffered more than any should do. Our main character, Fayola, is a lightning bird of legend, an impundulu. She is on her fortieth mission, after which she will be free to do what she wants with her life. But that fortieth mission brings untold action and the saving of children from a war-torn area. Initially, she doesn't want to. She wants to finish her mission and go home. But how can she leave them?
Featuring bear and elephant shifters, plus impundulu, as well as humans, this is an intricate and twisting story, telling the dark tale of child trafficking. It is lightened in places by Fay's musings, her friends and family, plus romantic elements with Jelani - her long-term partner. It is also violent in places but, I can honestly say, I really didn't care because it couldn't happen to nicer people!!!
This series is simply amazing, covering dark topics. I can't wait to read the next in this series, whichever story it is. HIGHLY recommended by me.
As an aside, there is a simply amazing line spoken in the book which rings true. I'm using the words as written by the author in her notes at the end:
"Heroes are needed in this fight. Not vampiric lightning birds of lore but informed and caring human beings. Child trafficking is not inconsequential but bringing the crime to its overdue end requires people to, like Fayola, engage in the fine art of giving a shit."
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 19, 2022
May 23, 2024
I bowered this book from the library, they had it displayed so you could see the front cover. So yes, I did judge a book by its cover and the book description. I loved it! What could be better than a futuristic town and shifters with lighting. The story was fresh, there was some love, caring and but kicking. I really enjoyed this book and cannot wait to read more by this author.
July 11, 2023
I couldn't get into this book, so I didn't finish it.
Thank you to Goodreads for the kindle copy.
Thank you to Goodreads for the kindle copy.
July 14, 2023
Good read. I received this book via BookSirens as an ARC for my honest opinion and I honestly loved it. I would definitely recommend that you read book.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews