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Power of a Name
Selling your firstborn for the ability to spin straw to gold doesn’t make you a villain in a fairy tale, but what if the child never belonged to you in the first place?
In the elderfae realm to love a human is a death sentence. Risking all for the love of a human king, Rumpel sought to alter her people’s fate. Unveiling an ancient power, she bargains with humans to aid her cause and help them have a choice in who they can love. Betrayed by a human female coveting the power to spin gold she seeks vengeance fourteen years later by claiming the human’s firstborn.
Spindle, spindle turns straw to gold. With a broken deal comes secrets untold.
Based on the Rumpelstiltskin fairy tale, Power of a Name is told from Rumpelstiltskin’s point of view and follows her life in the elderfae realm.
In the elderfae realm to love a human is a death sentence. Risking all for the love of a human king, Rumpel sought to alter her people’s fate. Unveiling an ancient power, she bargains with humans to aid her cause and help them have a choice in who they can love. Betrayed by a human female coveting the power to spin gold she seeks vengeance fourteen years later by claiming the human’s firstborn.
Spindle, spindle turns straw to gold. With a broken deal comes secrets untold.
Based on the Rumpelstiltskin fairy tale, Power of a Name is told from Rumpelstiltskin’s point of view and follows her life in the elderfae realm.
299 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 9, 2024
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20 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
February 23, 2024
What a captivating story, I throughly enjoyed this story. I loved the spin on Rumplestiltskin, I was demanding revenge for what she experienced.
The book is beautifully written with great characters.
Highly recommend you experience this journey for yourselves you won't be disappointed. Especially if you liked the spin on maleficent u will love this.
The book is beautifully written with great characters.
Highly recommend you experience this journey for yourselves you won't be disappointed. Especially if you liked the spin on maleficent u will love this.
February 25, 2024
Oh my Ipanema! You've done it again! Phenomenal writing with amazing main characters that I love and epic enemies that I love to hate. The twists on classic Fairytales are superb. I can't wait for more!!
March 10, 2024
Power in a Name by Liz Cain and Anne K. Whelan is book 2 in Tales of Darkness and Fate. Book 2 was just as good as book 1 and is based on “Rumpelstiltskin”. It’s excellent to read where the “evil” character is portrayed as not so evil and we get a different look and perspective into their tale.
Rumpel, in this novel, is a female character. She is the character and story line on which the whole tale is spun. It’s so hard to describe too much without giving anything away but the plot was amazing with excellent world building. Rumple is feisty and rebellious believing in love. Unfortunately she falls in love with a human and it is forbidden. Later she is betrayed by another human which starts her on the path of vengeance.
Liz Cain and Anne K. Whelan really know how to tell an exciting story. I highly recommend this book and series. I am so glad that I read it and I really hope they write many more!
Rumpel, in this novel, is a female character. She is the character and story line on which the whole tale is spun. It’s so hard to describe too much without giving anything away but the plot was amazing with excellent world building. Rumple is feisty and rebellious believing in love. Unfortunately she falls in love with a human and it is forbidden. Later she is betrayed by another human which starts her on the path of vengeance.
Liz Cain and Anne K. Whelan really know how to tell an exciting story. I highly recommend this book and series. I am so glad that I read it and I really hope they write many more!
March 10, 2024
Great take on a classic fairytale. I love seeing different takes on classic stories and this one tells the villain’s side of things while putting a different twist on the story. The characters are well done and the story keeps you interested.
February 22, 2024
First, I want to thank the author for sending me an arc.
I LOVED THIS BOOK. This book is everything I could ever want in a story. Fae, magic, fairy tales…literally my favorite kind of book. This book had me hooked from the first page. It really is such a good book! I cannot wait to read more.
I LOVED THIS BOOK. This book is everything I could ever want in a story. Fae, magic, fairy tales…literally my favorite kind of book. This book had me hooked from the first page. It really is such a good book! I cannot wait to read more.
March 9, 2024
A fascinating spin on a fairy tale that we all know so well! The world-building in this story is amazing! Rumpel is such a strong FMC. She really has such a torturous journey but she keeps going, determined to fight for her people, her family, and her true love! The cast of characters is diverse and create such an intriguing dynamic to the overall story! Definitely recommend picking this one up!!
May 29, 2024
This authors spin on the tale of Rumplestiltskin is absolutely phenomenal. There are several interesting differences right off the bat. We have Rumple who is a FMC!!! (I didn't know I needed that to happen so much.) Instead of guessing Rumple's name, you speak it out loud and it causes them to freeze among other things. And then we have Rumple coming from the Fairy Realm. And that is just to start with. Oh this book will thrill you, scare you, make you soooo angry you could spit, make you cry even. You really should read this ASAP so you can tell us what you think. I think it's a 5 ⭐ read for sure! Come give me your thoughts.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 20, 2024
Very interesting spin on the classic fairytale! Loved the characters and the story! It left me wanting to know more and see this world of characters grow even more! Strong lead female character and amazing supporting cast! Has all the emotions you need from a great book! I feel this book could be the start of much more if the authors wanted! Can’t wait to check out more by them!
March 28, 2024
I never would have never pictured Rumpel as a woman, but this retelling really twisted it up! A beautiful fae looking to start a change in her world and a king in the human releam has fallen head over heels in love. A betrayal and an unpredictable ending. I absolutely loved this book! I love all these twisted retellings of the fairy tales we thought we knew. I'm hoping for more!!
March 19, 2024
love this
This is the second book in this series and they are both fabulous. This a new take on the story of Rumpelstiltskin. Rumpelstiltskin is the main female character and the story takes you through her journey of Love and saving her people. The book deserves more than 5 stars. It is a must read.
This is the second book in this series and they are both fabulous. This a new take on the story of Rumpelstiltskin. Rumpelstiltskin is the main female character and the story takes you through her journey of Love and saving her people. The book deserves more than 5 stars. It is a must read.
April 27, 2024
An excellent spin that you couldn't have guessed if you had tried
Another fantastic twist! I am always happy to read Liz Cains books they are always different and unexpected which is something I enjoy a lot. Can't wait to start the next one
Another fantastic twist! I am always happy to read Liz Cains books they are always different and unexpected which is something I enjoy a lot. Can't wait to start the next one
March 7, 2024
I absolutely LOVED this book!!!! I loved how the author twisted the entire Rumpelstiltskin story on it's head, sideways and backwards and every way possible! I love Tristan and Rumpel but I'm totally in love with Sim, Timar and Mara! Stunning characters. These characters are so ALIVE! I felt sooooo sorry for Sim, his love for Rumpel was so gutwrenching, especially as she didn't feel the same way but he still supported her, still helped her, still loved her. Unrequited love is so sad, yet the author had me almost convinced that Timar would reciprocate! Timar was also a character I loved, how she overcame her mother's cruel indifference and her growth was superb. I loved both the little girl and the adult version of her, what great insight. Characters? Pffft! They're exceptional! Mara is just awesome! Her exuberance, her easy manner and curiosity is wonderful. The author painted a wonderful picture of her, as she did all the characters. I loved the warmth I got from all of the scenes, the emotions popped right out at me.
I adored Rumpel and her "revolutionary" thoughts. Ms Cain did an exceptional job of describing her need for change, while at the same time portrayed her respect for her culture perfectly. She was rebellious but with a conscious. Her feelings for Tristan were beautiful, her love for her mother and aunt just lovely. I loved the "war" raging inside her, so realistic done. One I wasn't sure what to make of was Melonia, it kept me guessing throughout, is she/isn't she a witch, what her true motives are, a definite love/hate character for me.
I really enjoyed how the author made this story completely new, it had the bones of familiarity but gee whiz, she sure arranged them in a way I could never have imagined! Outstanding! This story is really so gripping! I loved the world created, I loved how I honestly didn't know who was good or wasn't. Spinned (yeah, pun intended!) so lovingly, the characters, the storytelling, rich and highly immersive. As for Derri and Lent, well hello! I kept waiting to discover Derri's ulterior motives almost until the end, an awesome surprise awaited me! That's the crux of this VERY entertaining retelling, not being able to pinpoint the events, not being able to be complacent for even a second, as it wound around me just as yarn on a spindle, twisting and tightening as it adds a real punch to the story to keep one guessing.
I adored Rumpel and her "revolutionary" thoughts. Ms Cain did an exceptional job of describing her need for change, while at the same time portrayed her respect for her culture perfectly. She was rebellious but with a conscious. Her feelings for Tristan were beautiful, her love for her mother and aunt just lovely. I loved the "war" raging inside her, so realistic done. One I wasn't sure what to make of was Melonia, it kept me guessing throughout, is she/isn't she a witch, what her true motives are, a definite love/hate character for me.
I really enjoyed how the author made this story completely new, it had the bones of familiarity but gee whiz, she sure arranged them in a way I could never have imagined! Outstanding! This story is really so gripping! I loved the world created, I loved how I honestly didn't know who was good or wasn't. Spinned (yeah, pun intended!) so lovingly, the characters, the storytelling, rich and highly immersive. As for Derri and Lent, well hello! I kept waiting to discover Derri's ulterior motives almost until the end, an awesome surprise awaited me! That's the crux of this VERY entertaining retelling, not being able to pinpoint the events, not being able to be complacent for even a second, as it wound around me just as yarn on a spindle, twisting and tightening as it adds a real punch to the story to keep one guessing.
March 10, 2024
Elderfae are taught to obey and follow directions, not question and rebel. Rumpel knows she thinks differently from those around her and how she disagrees with the life she leads but she does try to fit in. Her trips to scavenge in the human world for needed resources allow her some freedom including the ability to see the human she loves. She would be executed if anyone found out about their relationship and her human, a king named Tristan, has responsibilities that she knows he needs to fulfill. However, after witnessing a public execution of another elderfae caught with a human she is given an opportunity to bring change. The elder is looking for an apprentice and wants someone who thinks instead of blindly following. Her responsibilities to her home get in the way of her seeing Tristan with the time between each meeting becoming longer and longer. During one of her trips to see him, she is noticed by a local girl who wants to strike a deal and discovers the addictive magic found in making them. She finds herself pulled in multiple directions but ultimately all she wants is to bring about change and loosen the restrictions placed upon her people. But magic has a way of getting in the way and true names become the root of a problem, one that Rumpel is not able to escape.
We find ourselves with a sympathetic view of Rumpelstiltskin and one that I absolutely enjoyed. Instead of being an impulsive imp prone to mischief we are given the magical race of the elderfae following archaic rules and someone who just wants to live their life with someone they love. The structure of the elderfae is unique and the events of the past and how they affect the present captured my attention. I hope we get to see some of these characters in the future in the series, several of them I would love to see fleshed out more. I liked the subtle mention of the previous book in the middle of the story, how you didn’t need to know what happened there to read this book. The ending definitely lays the groundwork for at least two more stories and I am excited to see more.
We find ourselves with a sympathetic view of Rumpelstiltskin and one that I absolutely enjoyed. Instead of being an impulsive imp prone to mischief we are given the magical race of the elderfae following archaic rules and someone who just wants to live their life with someone they love. The structure of the elderfae is unique and the events of the past and how they affect the present captured my attention. I hope we get to see some of these characters in the future in the series, several of them I would love to see fleshed out more. I liked the subtle mention of the previous book in the middle of the story, how you didn’t need to know what happened there to read this book. The ending definitely lays the groundwork for at least two more stories and I am excited to see more.
March 13, 2024
Liz Cain brings us the next story in her retelling of fairy tales…Rumpelstiltskin! It starts in the Fae and human realm. A king, Tristan, and a fae, Rumpel, have fallen in love and have secret trysts. Fae is not allowed to give their birth name for it gives whoever knows power over them. Things are becoming very hairy in the Fae realm with someone being captured for fraternizing with a human and giving his name. He is facing punishment!
Rumpel is given a choice, accept a position of an elderfae powerful woman and live in her own home, or soon, she will be caught for her indiscretions. As she works for this woman, her time in the human realm shortens each time. So many secrets lost to the Fae will be spilled for her perusal and memory. A woman, Melonia, in the human realm sees her and they make bargains. When the time comes for Rumpel to take the elderfae’s place in the council, she is surprised.
A revolution is about to begin! A fae man in love with Rumpel is at the head of it with supporters. She will have to weigh her options to present them to the council. The queen has been absent for millennia. After her presentation, things will take a drastic turn, and she will be imprisoned! Only she harbors a great secret that will come to fruition and that will have drastic consequences.
With so many lives on the line on both sides, what choices will or can she make to help! The fight is still ongoing with ancient Fae now involved. No one knows how the outcome will turn, but those lost will once again return with surprises of their own. This is not anything like the original story…I LOVE this version of the retelling! In this one, Rumpel is not the villain thought in the first story! There is love, betrayal, secrets, magic, and more to keep you on your toes! A character from the first retelling will make an appearance as well, Raina! Go, buy your copy now to be enthralled with the next chapter of the fairytales we all grew up with!
Rumpel is given a choice, accept a position of an elderfae powerful woman and live in her own home, or soon, she will be caught for her indiscretions. As she works for this woman, her time in the human realm shortens each time. So many secrets lost to the Fae will be spilled for her perusal and memory. A woman, Melonia, in the human realm sees her and they make bargains. When the time comes for Rumpel to take the elderfae’s place in the council, she is surprised.
A revolution is about to begin! A fae man in love with Rumpel is at the head of it with supporters. She will have to weigh her options to present them to the council. The queen has been absent for millennia. After her presentation, things will take a drastic turn, and she will be imprisoned! Only she harbors a great secret that will come to fruition and that will have drastic consequences.
With so many lives on the line on both sides, what choices will or can she make to help! The fight is still ongoing with ancient Fae now involved. No one knows how the outcome will turn, but those lost will once again return with surprises of their own. This is not anything like the original story…I LOVE this version of the retelling! In this one, Rumpel is not the villain thought in the first story! There is love, betrayal, secrets, magic, and more to keep you on your toes! A character from the first retelling will make an appearance as well, Raina! Go, buy your copy now to be enthralled with the next chapter of the fairytales we all grew up with!
July 27, 2025
HOOKED. FROM. CHAPTER. ONE.
Fast-paced? YES. Suspenseful? ALSO YES.
Fearless fae? CHECK. Unsuspecting humans? DOUBLE CHECK.
Female representation? 10/10 QUEENS 👑
We got female leaders, rulers, absolute POWER moves while the men are out here being guardians and teachers.
…BUT I’m side-eyeing the fae job-assignment thing. Like why must my sparkly chaos creatures be stuck in a 9-to-5 destiny?? rude.
RUMPEL & SIM = my emotional support.
11/10. NEED THIS FRIENDSHIP. NOW.
Then Part 1 ended and I GASPED, slapped the sofa, and screamed at my partner like:
“THAT. VICIOUS. LITTLE. BITCH.”
I have not recovered. Send snacks.
The writing? OUTSTANDING. The storytelling? EXQUISITE.
This retelling? EVERYTHING I DREAMED OF AND MORE.
Then Part 2 grabbed my soul and shook it.
Did I stay up until 1AM?
YES. YES I DID.
I have CRIED. I have YELLED “YES GIRL” MORE TIMES THAN I CAN COUNT.
Derri deserved more screentime and I will die on this hill.
Sad this book is over. Could have been a whole SERIES and I’d eat it up like the feral book goblin I am.
Fast-paced? YES. Suspenseful? ALSO YES.
Fearless fae? CHECK. Unsuspecting humans? DOUBLE CHECK.
Female representation? 10/10 QUEENS 👑
We got female leaders, rulers, absolute POWER moves while the men are out here being guardians and teachers.
…BUT I’m side-eyeing the fae job-assignment thing. Like why must my sparkly chaos creatures be stuck in a 9-to-5 destiny?? rude.
RUMPEL & SIM = my emotional support.
11/10. NEED THIS FRIENDSHIP. NOW.
Then Part 1 ended and I GASPED, slapped the sofa, and screamed at my partner like:
“THAT. VICIOUS. LITTLE. BITCH.”
I have not recovered. Send snacks.
The writing? OUTSTANDING. The storytelling? EXQUISITE.
This retelling? EVERYTHING I DREAMED OF AND MORE.
Then Part 2 grabbed my soul and shook it.
Did I stay up until 1AM?
YES. YES I DID.
I have CRIED. I have YELLED “YES GIRL” MORE TIMES THAN I CAN COUNT.
Derri deserved more screentime and I will die on this hill.
Sad this book is over. Could have been a whole SERIES and I’d eat it up like the feral book goblin I am.
March 10, 2024
This is a Rumpelstilksin retelling. Rumpel has been told that it is forbidden to fall in love with a human but when she does she takes many chances to see him. With her realm locking down on the portals she knows she must see her love. Not only that it's against their laws to even let a human know they exist. Trusting the wrong human and being betrayed she will stop at nothing for revenge. This book has many twists and will keep you hooked.
March 10, 2024
This was an interesting twist and retelling of Rumpelstiltskin. It was unpredictable, whimsical, entertaining and well written.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews