Spindles And Spells: A Fairy Tale Retelling Of Sleeping Beauty

Grimm Academy #2

by Laura Greenwood

Briar doesn't believe in Once Upon A Time... 

Her whole life, Briar has been told about her fate, but she doesn't believe a word. Now she's forced to go to Grimm Academy along with all the other fairy tale characters trying to avoid their tales. 

When she finds a spindle in one of the tallest towers, she begins to believe, but is it already too late?

Welcome to Grimm Academy, where fairy tale characters go to escape their foretold fate. 

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Spindles And Spells is the first book of the Grimm Academy series and is based on the fairy tale of Sleeping Beauty. This includes an m/f (non-RH, non-bully) romance.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Retellings, Fairy Tales, Fairy Tale Retellings, Ebooks, Young Adult

Kindle Edition

First published February 20, 2020

About the author

Laura is a USA Today Bestselling Author of fantasy romance and urban fantasy. She lives in the UK, where most of her books are set, with her partner. When she's not writing, Laura can be found exploring worldwide cusine with her partner, drinking tea, and reading fantasy books. Laura specialises in quick reads, featuring healthy relationships and consent-positive moments, regardless of whether she's writing light-hearted romance, mythology-inspired modern fantasy, cozy fantasy or anything in between.

Discover one of Laura Greenwood's most popular series:
- The Apprentice of Anubis (mythology inspired modern/urban fantasy)
- Forgotten Gods (mythology inspired fantasy romance)
- Jinx Paranormal Dating Agency (mythology inspired paranormal rom-com)
- House of Blood and Roses (vampire romantasy)
- Amethyst's Wand Shop Mysteries (urban fantasy murder mystery)
- Scales of Justice (mythology inspired modern/urban fantasy)
- Purple Oak Oasis (cozy fantasy romance)
- Falhaven Castle (cozy fantasy romance)

You can find a full book list and more information on her website, or in her Facebook Reader Group.

Happy Reading!

Reviews

[Laura Greenwood]

Grimm Academy:
1. Tower Of Thorns: books2read.com/towerofthorns
2. Spindles And Spells: books2read.com/spindlesandspells
3. Pumpkins And Proms: books2read.com/pumpkinsandproms
4. Lilies of Loss: books2read.com/liliesofloss
5. Huntsmen And Hoods: books2read.com/huntsmenandhoods
6. Glints Of Gold: books2read.com/glintsofgold
7. Mirrors And Magic: books2read.com/mirrorsandmagic
8. Lamps and Lies: books2read.com/lampsandlies
9. Feathers Of Fate: books2read.com/feathersoffate
10. The Almost Queen: books2read.com/thealmostqueen
11. The Rightful King: books2read.com/therightfulking
12. Frosts And Fears: books2read.com/frostsandfears
13. Song Of Seas: books2read.com/songofseas
14. Roses Of Regret: books2read.com/rosesofregret
15. Princess Of Petals: books2read.com/princessofpetals
16. Princess Of Feathers: books2read.com/princessoffeathers
17. Princess Of Peas: books2read.com/princessofpeas
18. The Winter Ball: books2read.com/thewinterball
19. Dance Of Daggers: books2read.com/danceofdaggers
20. Coming soon!

- Teller Of Tales: https://books.authorlauragreenwood.co...

[♥Milica♥ · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was alright, but I don't think it was for me.

I seem to like the Once Upon an Academy books better than the Grimm Academy ones which is a shame because I've been looking forward to reading them all.

Waiting so long to continue might also be a problem, as I'm not sure how big of an attachment I have left for the characters.

[⚜️XAR the Bookwyrm · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this in preparation to review the rest of the series, but I was dismayed to find that it was a spin off of another series and I was totally lost on who some of the supporting cast were! Once I was able to set that aside, I rather enjoyed this twist on the Sleeping Beauty fairy tale! I loved how strong Briar was, and her no nonsense attitude! I also liked seeing the girls be quick thinking and their methods for defeating the villain in the tale! All in all, a quick and engaging read!

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I read fairytale retelling or fairytale inspired I get curious. So, this book was on my wishlist for quite some time already and last week I had the best excuse ever to get the book. Since I already read a Laura Greenwood book that week, I had to wait a week to read this one, but this morning it was finally time to select this book on my kindle and to get started.

The book is quite short. During my hour of reading in bed I was already 70% in. Which was a good thing, because due to work I didn't have much time to read the rest of the day. Apart from short the book is also a very light and easy read. I would call it a YA, aimed at the younger young adults. I'm pretty sure that my 14 year old cousin would love the characters, the world and the story. For me it felt a little childish at times and yet I did enjoy it quite a lot and want to read the other books in this series too.

Because the concept is really nice! Princes, Princesses and other people are attending Grimm Academy when they are living with a prophecy, mostly a curse. There they get the tools to deal with that prophecy and to make sure it doesn't come true. It makes the plot quite predictable, it's a fairytale after all, but it also gave Briar a certain control over her fate. I really liked her figuring out everything, asking and accepting help and eventually finding a solution.

I also liked the characters. No, they were not too complicated or detailed, but they had a kindhearted and warm personality that made me care for them anyway. And although the relationship was very much love at first sight, the characters took the time to talk and get to know each other, even though those conversations weren't that deep. They were very true to their fairytale personas, with just a few nice little extra's.

All in all, this story is some sort of fairytale. The writing is simple, but that makes it a quick and easy read. If you just want a nice, heartwarming and predictable fairytale-like story that doesn't need to be complicated, layered or deep, this book is a perfect choice!

[Ilona Nurmela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely clean & sweet YA Sleeping Beauty retelling

I loved this quick and easy college/YA contemporary fairytale book. 18yo Briar Rose goes to Grimm Academy to stop her prophecy from coming true - and she doesn’t even believe in prophecies! While the world building is a bit less than Hogwarts, I loved the idea of an educational establishment designed to help break curses and prevent traditional perils of fairytales happening. You’ll have to read it yourself to see if Briar and Rapunzel and their suitors were successful in preventing her curse from taking effect. In the Grimm Academy series every book is a standalone. Recommended for lovers of YA fairytales & college clean & sweet romance.

[Sarah | Retro Girl Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Spindles and Spells” is Princess Briar’s story, and I have to say that I really did love it!

Briar’s no nonsense attitude was quite refreshing, as most Sleeping Beauty retellings portray the heroine as sweet, demure, and even a little naïve.

I loved Briar because she was intelligent and brave, and I thought it was amazing that she was fighting to become the heir to her father’s kingdom.

I read this book in one sitting, so I’d definitely say I enjoyed it. I will definitely be continuing with this series!

[Crystalclearwpg · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a retell of the classic Sleeping Beauty with a twist...
I didn't mind this story and I did read it pretty fast. I did like the fact that some of the characters from Tower of Thorns were a part of this tale and the friendship building was great to watch but I feel the story fell flat alittle towards the villain. There was not enough interaction with this part of the plot and I believe more could have been added before the end.
All in all I actually am giving a 3.5 rating for friendship building and twist of a classic. I do enjoy the stories and will continue with the series.
I was given a ARC copy of this tale, Grimm Academy Vol 1, through Booksprout and am leaving my unbiased review.

[Christina Luberts · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really did not get into this story, but others might like it better. We bring in Sleeping Beauty. I don't want to say to much, you should give your own thoughts on this type of writing.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Librarian Jessie (BibliophileRoses) · Rating 2 out of 5]

It began like some sort of YA version of Ever After High, which I'm always here for. But it just was not my style of writing. The timespan of the novel seemed to jump every so many chapters. It reveled in introducing more characters over building more personality into the characters already in the novel.

[Ayşe · Rating 5 out of 5]

5*
Briar & Walter's story

[Andra Shaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spindles And Spells is a fantastic retelling of Sleeping Beauty starring HRH Briar Rose. With other well known fairytale characters such as Rapunzel, (King) Arthur, and Ella (Cinderella), the students at Grimm Academy are there to break their prophecies, what we consider their story. As this book begins, Briar Rose agrees to attend the Academy to appease her father, the King. Ella is not the son he wanted, but she knows she can rise to his expectations and rule their Kingdom someday. Briar aims to learn all that she can at Grimm Academy and refuses to get caught up in the hype over the prophecies. Briar does not believe in them and refuses to allow it to manipulate her. The first student she meets is Rapunzel, who soon becomes her BFF along with Ella and Marigold. Briar soon falls for Walter, and along with Rapunzel and her beau, Gavin, they fall into a bit of an adventure protecting and then saving Briar.

The Grimm Academy Series is an excellent series for young people who are familiar with the classic fairytales that the characters attending the school represent. Each character is very well developed, and there is obvious room for maturity. Briar is an intelligent, fair-minded, and kind person. Rapunzel is wise, loyal, and compassionate. Together these two will do quite well as future leaders. With Walter and Gavin by their sides, they can accomplish much. I hope there will be more tales to come involving these couples.

The next book in the series is a retelling of Cinderella; rather, Ella's story. I look forward to it as the end of the ball gave hints as to what she may be facing. However, with her friends there to support and protect her, Ella will survive her prophecy, I hope.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Saryas · Rating 2 out of 5]

***2.5 Stars*** A very simple book – maybe good for a tween?

I’ll be honest, I wasn’t expecting a kids book when I read this one, though I probably should have. Unfortunately, the blurb wasn’t clear about that. However, once I started reading it, it quickly became apparent that this was a kid’s book. What I couldn’t figure out was what age group. I assume it’s a YA but it is extremely simplistic for a YA. My teenage daughter would never read this. This is something she would have read in 4th and 5th grade when she was reading Katie Kazoo. However, it has a bit of kissing and mention guys sleeping over which doesn’t quite put it at that level. I am still confused about which age group it lands in. The writing was decent, the story extremely simple and straightforward. There were no twists and turns worth mentioning – in fact everything was boringly predictable, and I was unclear what the Academy had to do with anything. The romance wasn’t worth mentioning– I couldn’t see what they saw in each other, other than he was first guy who gave her any attention. The only mitigating feature was that the writing was decent and the friendship angle was nice. Long and short, I did not like book at all and had to slog through it. I come back to maybe middle schoolers would like it? 6th grade? Not sure.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[aem · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting premise- reimagining of Sleeping Beauty. Unfortunately writing was not my taste

[Charissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought this was a YA book but it is more of a Junior book! Really great for grade 3-5 but there was nothing really exciting about it! Too bad

[Natanimon · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
It was very engaging at first. Briar, the MC, looked so strong and capable, and I loved her the moment she started talking. The world was better developed after reading Rapunzel's story, and I can't complain if Rapunzel is going to be there to help everyone since she's one of my favorite princesses. I also liked the relationship between Briar and Walter; they make such a cute couple.

However, there were a few aspects that I didn't like. For instance, Briar knows she has to do something about Ara appearing in the formula, and she thinks of ways to get out of trouble, but then the scene ends with no resolution. There was a moment when Briar knew she had to talk to the Headmistress due to being in big danger, but that didn't happen, and she just kept living without trying to fix anything.

Briar mentioned that she was glad she had so many friends, such as Ella, Merigold, and Helena, but they only showed up once or twice and didn't add much to the story. There were only interactions with Rapunzel, her boyfriend Gavin, and Briar's love interest Walter, and the bond with the other princesses and ladies was left hanging.

It was also frustrating how the school personnel are able to help with solving prophecies but can't interfere much. As a student, you need to get things done by yourself, and the teachers are only there to give hints. There were 2 or 3 scenes that could actually be removed without affecting the flow of the story, as nothing relevant happened, and they were not related to Briar's thoughts on solving her prophecy.

Despite these flaws, I still liked this story more than "Tower of Thorns," and I'm looking forward to the next retelling.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Aimee Bower · Rating 5 out of 5]

Briar didn't want to go to the academy at first. She doesn't believe in the prophecy that all. Her father states he will make her heir if she goes. She meets her student guide, her name is Rapunzel. They become fast friends. She is finds she is enjoying being there and making friends. A boy comes to introduce himself. She is drawn to him and how charming and nice he is.
Briar finds a note in her room, stating that she is now a student guide. She goes to meet the new student right away. The new student has Briar on egde. She talks herself out of it. The more she is around her, the worst it is. Briar is having a hard time with her prophecy, she will need to enlist the help of her friends and others to help her

Enjoy the ride in this book as Briar goes to school learns more about herself and her prophecy. She will have to rely on herself and others to help her. But will that be enough to break it or will she succumb to the curse. I recommend reading this book, there is more I didn't write about, you will enjoy it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the retelling of Sleeping Beauty, we meet Briar Rose, who does not at all believe in the prophecy of what is going to happen to her. Her father cajoles her into going to the Grimm Academy and she agrees. There she meets Rapunzel who becomes her best friend, along with several other fairy tale characters the reader will no doubt recognize. Finding a spindle in one of the tallest towers gives Rose a nervous moment, but can she count on her new friends to keep her out of danger? Can she create a new future for herself as she learns to have confidence in her abilities and faith in others she cares about to have her back?

The author does a wonderful job with this story, giving it a little twist to send it “spinning” off in another direction. The characters are great, the story line familiar enough though different so that the reader has certain expectations. Changing those expectations will keep the story fresh and new as we wait to see if Fate can be thwarted this time around. Grab your copy and enjoy what promises to be an excellent series!

[Natasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in a series of reimagined fairytales. All of the characters are familiar to those who love fairytales, but this is a series with a modern take. This story is based on Sleeping Beauty. Princess Briar has been sent to Grimm academy because she has a prophecy where she will prick her finger on a spindle and go into a deathlike sleep when she becomes of age. Grimm academy is not only an academic and practical school, it is a place to build future connections, and for many of the students like Briar Rose, to help them either avoid or better navigate prophecies/curses. This was a delightful story. Easy to read and enjoyable. In this story, we have already met the next character who needs to be saved from their prophecy in the next book on the series. With the help of friends that’s the aim. Characters also cross over from the Author’s other series “Once upon an Academy”, which is also set at Grimm Academy. If you like quick reads and modern versions of fairytales, then this might be the series for you. Also there is a free bonus scene offered by the Author, which is worth signing up for.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Princess Briar’s tale and a retelling of the classic Sleeping Beauty.
Briar has been adamant in her belief that prophecies are not real. She’s just as adamant in her desire to get her father to name her as his heir. Enter Grimm Academy. Briar compromises with her parents if she goes to Grimm her father will consider her request. While she is a somewhat unwilling student at first the more time she’s there the better she enjoys it. She makes friends, finds a special guy and has classes that challenge and enlighten her. The only drawback is Aramantha. Briar is given the task to be her new student guide but she feels there is something off about the girl. When the signs of her prophecy start to appear the more she suspects the new girl. Now Briar will need her friends more than ever if she’s to escape the destiny that her prophecy foretold.
Exciting and entertaining retelling of a classic tale. I love the creative changes within the story while not changing the core of it. And who doesn’t love a good hea?.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mx Phoebe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Laura Greenwood takes on the retelling of Sleeping Beauty in Spindles and Spells (Drowlgon Press, 2020). I am not familiar with the story, but let me tell you it pays to make friends.

For me this story was vastly different from Greenwood’s other stories (avid reader of Greenwood’s works). I actually was not a huge fan of Briar in the beginning. Greenwood, for me, created an unlikeable character who only through personal growth and world awareness became a likeable character. This process made the whole story worthwhile.

Nevermind, the punchline as to why Briar was “selected” for the prophecy to begin with. I think this was brilliant on Greenwood’s part and very true to real life. Greenwood always creates heroines of worth and let me tell you Briar’s bestie is the bomb.

I cannot wait to see what is next in the world of Greenwood’s fairy tales.

I received an ARC of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.

[Renée Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love fairy tale retellings and so I couldn't resist trying this first book in the Grimm Academy series. This is a twist on the classic Sleeping Beauty tale and features Briar, a young girl who doesn't believe in her own fairy tale. She has been told the story her whole life, but doesn't believe any of it. When she attends Grimm Academy, a school for royals and nobles who want to stop their fairy tale fates from happening, she starts to realize that maybe her story is true after all. And if it is true, how can she change her ending?

I loved how the author took a classic story and built her own fantastic world. Her characters are interesting and well written and you quickly grow attached to Briar and those she meets at Grimm Academy. I liked the sweet romance in this book, the sense of creating your own destiny, and I really can't wait to see the next stories in this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jamie Bee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Academy Story + Fairy Tale

What a fun combination fantasy academy with a retelling of a classic fairy tale. This one is a reimagining of Sleeping Beauty. I enjoy stories by Laura Greenwood, and this one was no exception. Though, I have to say, I do wish the book were longer. The author does like to write novellas! Now don't get me wrong; the author has given us a complete story, but I feel like it lacked some details. Or perhaps I just wished that there were more meat to the story or that we could see a little more. It feels a little bare bones. However, I do like the strong heroine and her best friend. Both of them are capable young ladies who will make excellent leaders if they can get out of their own way.

I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.

My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com

[Katheyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Spindles and Spells” the first installment in the “Grimm Academy” Series by Laura Greenwood is a brand-new retelling of the well-known “Sleeping Beauty” fairy-tale originally written by Charles Perrault.

Her Royal Highness Briar Rose bow to her father wishes and agrees to attend to the Grimm Academy, despite being a girl (and not the son her father desired) Briar is determined to absolve her studies and become one day the Ruler her land needs, prophecies exist to be broken anyway. At the Academy she meets other well-know fairy-tale characters all intended in avoiding their prophesied fate. The story is fresh, entertaining, with whole re-vamped and enjoyable characters, aimed for a YA audience, and to those who need an excuse to re-read their childhood fairy-tales and are looking for a modern twist.

[Rhonda Hicks · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Spindles and Spells' is the first book in Laura Greenwood's "Grimm Academy" series that is the retelling of Sleeping Beauty, in this case, Her Royal Highness Briar Rose. There are other well-known fairytale characters there as well: Rapunzel, King Arthur, and of course Ella, aka Cinderella. These students are at Grimm Academy to break their prophecies. Briar Rose agrees to go to the Academy in order to make her father, the king happy. Of course, she doesn't believe in prophecies and refuses to get caught up in the hype. Ella was not the son her father wanted, but she knows she can meet any challenge thrown at her and rule their kingdom someday. There's a bit of intrigue in this short, easy read with each character having enough room for growth during the story. It was quite enjoyable as a getaway.

[Donise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Briar is sent to Grimm Academy to deal with her prophecy even though she doesn't even believe that it exists. Her student guide is Rapunzel and they soon become quick friends. Briar is at the academy to learn all that she can so that her father will make her ruler after him instead of any man she might marry. Briar also becomes friends with Walter and Rapunzel's guy, Gavin. All is going well until a new girl, Ana arrives at the school. Ana makes Briar uneasy, but Briar has no idea why that is. Things start to get troubling, and the four friends are going to have to work together to obtain the future they want.
I found this book to be a very refreshing version of Sleeping Beauty and I am looking forward to reading more of the stories in this new series by Ms. Greenwood.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jac_reads_books · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book left me wanting and wishing for more, more depth, more history, more story. I felt like the characters and timelines were rushed. Instead of building up a few great characters, we were introduced to many, their stories all interwoven and clunky. It would have been fine if we got more depth from each character but I feel like I only know them on the surface level. I felt that the timeline of this story progressed too quickly. Yes, it is a fantasy and time can be arbitrary but I was constantly wanting more details and more information about what all was happening! One thing would happen and it would immediately jump to the next, no breaks or down times to allow the characters to grow into their story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jayne Butcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh this is going to be a fun series! Briar Rose is requested to attend Grimm Academy by her Royal parents. Although she is sent there for an education and to make connections, the academy also has a reputation for helping break prophecies. Briar Rose, whom we all know as Sleeping Beauty, doesn’t believe in prophecies….until her starts to come true. The author takes many liberties with the original tale, but this story is very well done and entertaining. I love that it is told by Briar herself, and that she makes friends with other familiar fairytale characters. This story is fast paced, sprinkled with romantic moments, and has an innocent feel about it, even while dealing with evil. So much fun!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dawn Siemer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Got to page 107

There is a boarding school for fairytale princesses. Done before, but still has potential. This one is different because everyone knows their prophesy, and mostly they're trying to avoid it. This one is a Sleeping Beauty book.

Briar Rose is the perfect princess. That is by design, because she wants to be queen. She is everything you expect. The most interesting character is her best friend, Rapunzel, who has already experienced her prophesy. Briar's boyfriend, Walter, is also exactly what you expect from a Prince Charming.

The conflict is only that Briar's prophesy is executing. There are some "bad boys" at the academy, but they're only window dressing.

Two stars for being boring. We know how Sleeping Beauty's story goes, and there're no surprises or humor here.

[Goddess of Chaos · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I don't want to play second fiddle to anyone. Especially not some prince..."

"I don't want to play second fiddle to anyone. Especially not some prince who probably had no chance at ruling without me."

Briar is a Princess everyone assumes will inherit her father's throne, but she knows he's hesitating to truly name her his heir, and she's determined to proved herself worthy.

There is so much to love in this done in one story. Briar learns the value of true friends, and even better discovers the joy of genuine friendship. Her instincts prove to be one of her greatest strengths, and by the end of the story her youthful insecurities come face to face with a more mature understanding of what it is to rule/lead, and she gains a new perspective on decisions her parents have made.

[Lexee Toste · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story! We get to meet Briar and see her have to deal with her curse at Grimm Academy. She doesn't believe in the curses when she arrives but things start changing and forces her to start believing. Thankfully she has made some great friends and a love interest to help her out to stay safe and make it through. This is a fairly quick read, not super short but not really long either. I was pulled in from beginning to end. There are some twists and turns but of course we know the fairy tale, Sleeping Beauty, so we know the big parts and what the curse is that Briar has to defeat. I really enjoyed it and am looking forward to the other books in the series!
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.