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Grimmfay
One more, no matter what must be done, there shall be...
Twelve years ago, Queen Zelandra escaped Grimmfay’s hold on her soul, leaving a vengeful circus in her wake. Now, Grimmfay has returned to reclaim what it lost, and it will not leave without its fourth mistress. Barricaded in her palace, Zelandra prepares for the fight of her life against the siren call that threatens to destroy her happy ending.
But Grimmfay has not come for her. It’s come for her daughter.
Enter a lush fantasy world where wishes are granted and dreams come true...but not always in the way expected.
Twelve years ago, Queen Zelandra escaped Grimmfay’s hold on her soul, leaving a vengeful circus in her wake. Now, Grimmfay has returned to reclaim what it lost, and it will not leave without its fourth mistress. Barricaded in her palace, Zelandra prepares for the fight of her life against the siren call that threatens to destroy her happy ending.
But Grimmfay has not come for her. It’s come for her daughter.
Enter a lush fantasy world where wishes are granted and dreams come true...but not always in the way expected.
480 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 10, 2023
1 person is currently reading
18 people want to read
About the author
M.T. DeSantis
21 books68 followersBorn a New Englander, M.T. DeSantis moved south in early adulthood, realized she actually liked winter, and promptly moved back north. She’s currently trying out life as a Michigander/anian with her family, who also (mostly) actually like winter. When not making word magic, M.T. can be found practicing yoga, attempting to make friends with the oven, or trying to read while people keep talking to her. To grab some free stories, visit M.T. here, where you can also subscribe to her somewhat sporadic but always relevant newsletter.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
September 25, 2023
A dark and beautiful story of a circus that serves as a gilded cage with irresistible temptations for its inhabitants. I read the prequel novella and the enchantment of the traveling magical circus Grimmfay was unsullied by the darkness that touches every page of this book, the full length follow up. The creeping tension is well done and the ending not what I expected. The writing style is poetic and evocative. The story is told by many characters but none of their chapters feel confusing or unimportant. A satisfying, tragic tale of the Grimmfay.
I received an ARC.
I received an ARC.
October 5, 2023
Grimmfay is a dark fantasy story featuring many characters from Grimms fairy tales. Their stories are all reimagined and woven together to create a gorgeously written story about a circus and the hold it has on the mistresses and other participants.
The writing is so evocative and lush, the scenery described so lavishly you feel as if you’re at the circus yourself. The acts in the circus are so creative and written so well you can picture them as you’re reading them.
After reading both novellas prior to this book, I knew going in it would be an experience to read. The author definitely has a way with words.
The book did not end as expected, but it was still such a good and satisfying read.
I whole heartedly recommend reading both novellas, Once Upon A Broken Sky and Twining, and especially Grimmfay.
I received an advance reader copy from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The writing is so evocative and lush, the scenery described so lavishly you feel as if you’re at the circus yourself. The acts in the circus are so creative and written so well you can picture them as you’re reading them.
After reading both novellas prior to this book, I knew going in it would be an experience to read. The author definitely has a way with words.
The book did not end as expected, but it was still such a good and satisfying read.
I whole heartedly recommend reading both novellas, Once Upon A Broken Sky and Twining, and especially Grimmfay.
I received an advance reader copy from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 9, 2023
Welcome to the Circus
Hello! Totally couldn't introduce you to a review for a dark circus & royal type read without making a reference to one of the awesomest Five Finger Death Punch songs.
I'm not here to discuss references to some favorite music.
Today, I feel eternally greatful to have read this as an ARC & for being able to give my honest thoughts.
Thrilled to have been able to receive my early access ticket to this breathtaking show.
Immediately I was swept up in the entrigue and vividly described beauty of the world that the author had created.
Characters were complex & well-written with their own struggles, strength, & motivation.
I found the world-building enthralling. Characters seemingly combined with that of fairy tales such as Cinderella or Hansel &Gretel being combined with unique magical abilities ensnaring them. Bringing a pull towards obedience to an alluring,mysterious master. Then, such power and fairy tales is brought together with the childlike wonder of a circus that's far more dangerous.
All the family relationships were as sweetly and dangerously close as the rest of the circus. Hansten &Grenna. Zelandra & Delaria. Two of my favorite family relationships in the story.
It left me feeling captivated, wonderstruck, and entrapped.
If you enjoy...
Royal Characters
Circuses in the Night
Mysterious Circumstances
Vivid Imagery
Sinister Plots
Grimm Tales
Nutcracker and the Four Realms
You'll enjoy this book.
In my opinion not only was it uniquely designed in a way that moves you to the edge of your seat, but captivating of fans of Ray Bradbury, author of "Something Wicked This Way Comes" & "The Illustrated Man". Particularly in it's design to reel you in.
Hello! Totally couldn't introduce you to a review for a dark circus & royal type read without making a reference to one of the awesomest Five Finger Death Punch songs.
I'm not here to discuss references to some favorite music.
Today, I feel eternally greatful to have read this as an ARC & for being able to give my honest thoughts.
Thrilled to have been able to receive my early access ticket to this breathtaking show.
Immediately I was swept up in the entrigue and vividly described beauty of the world that the author had created.
Characters were complex & well-written with their own struggles, strength, & motivation.
I found the world-building enthralling. Characters seemingly combined with that of fairy tales such as Cinderella or Hansel &Gretel being combined with unique magical abilities ensnaring them. Bringing a pull towards obedience to an alluring,mysterious master. Then, such power and fairy tales is brought together with the childlike wonder of a circus that's far more dangerous.
All the family relationships were as sweetly and dangerously close as the rest of the circus. Hansten &Grenna. Zelandra & Delaria. Two of my favorite family relationships in the story.
It left me feeling captivated, wonderstruck, and entrapped.
If you enjoy...
Royal Characters
Circuses in the Night
Mysterious Circumstances
Vivid Imagery
Sinister Plots
Grimm Tales
Nutcracker and the Four Realms
You'll enjoy this book.
In my opinion not only was it uniquely designed in a way that moves you to the edge of your seat, but captivating of fans of Ray Bradbury, author of "Something Wicked This Way Comes" & "The Illustrated Man". Particularly in it's design to reel you in.
October 6, 2023
This story had me hooked with the wonder and mystery of the Grimmfay circus, the villainous Master, and the enchanting fairytale world.
With characters inspired by Sleeping beauty, Snow white, Cinderella, Rapunzel, Hansel and Gretel, Red Riding hood and more, this is a creative amalgamation of fairytales drawn together into a new and twisted journey of loyalty, redemption, magic and power.
It's fun, original, intriguing, mysterious and addictive, and with multiple characters POV your pulled into all their journeys and invested in these characters.
This is a blurred lines story where heroes and villains can be one and the same, it's dark and beautiful, and full of twists. Hope there's more to come from this series!
With characters inspired by Sleeping beauty, Snow white, Cinderella, Rapunzel, Hansel and Gretel, Red Riding hood and more, this is a creative amalgamation of fairytales drawn together into a new and twisted journey of loyalty, redemption, magic and power.
It's fun, original, intriguing, mysterious and addictive, and with multiple characters POV your pulled into all their journeys and invested in these characters.
This is a blurred lines story where heroes and villains can be one and the same, it's dark and beautiful, and full of twists. Hope there's more to come from this series!
September 25, 2023
“Come one, come any; bring few, bring many, to the place where wishes are granted and dreams come true, but not always in the way expected.”
Grimmfay by M.T. deSantis is the story of a mysterious circus, ruled by The Master. Zelandra escaped the circus several years ago, but now it’s back to reclaim what it is due.
Right from the start there are so many questions: what kind of circus is it, it seems like it has a life and voice of its own. The story is told in multiple POVs, one of my favorite writing styles. The story flows and the chapters are short, which makes for nice reading.
The characters are likable, with their own magic and emotions. All of them had an offer from The Master to escape their bad life, a mysterious person (entity?) who has given them a better life, but they can not escape and must do what The Master wants. If you read between the line you can recognize some Grimm Brothers fairytales. I wonder if M.T. deSantis got her inspiration for her novel from them.
There is some tension and a lot of mystery and magic. The writing style is nice, easy to follow and because all four women tell their story with the reader you get to know them. The ending was surprising and I wonder what will happen next.
Grimmfay is a novel unlike any I have read before, about a mysterious circus, with a nice flowing writing style and wonderful characters.
Grimmfay by M.T. deSantis is the story of a mysterious circus, ruled by The Master. Zelandra escaped the circus several years ago, but now it’s back to reclaim what it is due.
Right from the start there are so many questions: what kind of circus is it, it seems like it has a life and voice of its own. The story is told in multiple POVs, one of my favorite writing styles. The story flows and the chapters are short, which makes for nice reading.
The characters are likable, with their own magic and emotions. All of them had an offer from The Master to escape their bad life, a mysterious person (entity?) who has given them a better life, but they can not escape and must do what The Master wants. If you read between the line you can recognize some Grimm Brothers fairytales. I wonder if M.T. deSantis got her inspiration for her novel from them.
There is some tension and a lot of mystery and magic. The writing style is nice, easy to follow and because all four women tell their story with the reader you get to know them. The ending was surprising and I wonder what will happen next.
Grimmfay is a novel unlike any I have read before, about a mysterious circus, with a nice flowing writing style and wonderful characters.
October 10, 2023
I loved once upon a broken sky so when it came to reading this I just couldn’t wait! Grimmfay is back in this dark and exciting adventure. Welcome to this incredible and wonderful fantasy world that is this enchanted circus with its Grimm fairytale characters with their interwoven stories that once started, you never want to leave. Zelandra escaped the circus years before but it’s back and this time it wants something or rather someone else! It’s a thrilling and haunting read full of mystery and magic and twists and turns and our characters are intriguing and complex as we follow their journeys in the circus. Wonderful world building, this is an incredible read and the author has done a fantastic job drawing us in.
“Come one, come any; bring few, bring many, to the place where wishes are granted and dreams come true, but not always in the way expected.”
“Come one, come any; bring few, bring many, to the place where wishes are granted and dreams come true, but not always in the way expected.”
October 18, 2023
I was really excited to read this one after reading the teaser short story and novella. For the most part, it lived up to my expectations. It features a lush vivid setting and a story involving fairy tale characters in a sinister circus setting. It should appeal to fans of Erin Morgenstern or Marissa Meyer's Lunar Chronicles.
My one criticism is that at times it's a bit too...much. With about ten point of view characters, I couldn't help but feel it would be more successful if it were streamlined a bit. However, that's a relatively minor complaint. I'd definitely recommend this one.
My one criticism is that at times it's a bit too...much. With about ten point of view characters, I couldn't help but feel it would be more successful if it were streamlined a bit. However, that's a relatively minor complaint. I'd definitely recommend this one.
October 4, 2023
Plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing. If you think you know what to expect from familiar fairy tale characters, think again! DeSantis has taken them to places they have never been before.
June 21, 2024
I loved the concept and the way it was written. I can not wait for book two. I need to know what happens.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews