So I went into this book solely on the fact that Santana Knox wrote it and it was probably amazing. lol. The first few pages took me by surprise and I was not sure where this story was going! But, much like all of the other Santana Knox books... I got sucked into it and could not put it down.
Clara. Born a Princess. But after her mother dies and her father is forced to remarry, Clara is quickly shunned by her dearest Step Mother, the Queen. In a land filled with Arkana (special magical items) and Gods and curses...Clara quickly became the pariah and was cursed off to never tell a lie.
After years of solitude, she decided to flee and when she comes across the dark forest, nothing has been clearer.
The toymaker. The Warlock. The Dark Wizard...He went by many names. But, when he found himself opening his door to Princess Clara, he didn't realize his future, too, would be changing.
Dark and mysterious, The Warlock bargains in deals. A deal for your soul. Will Clara be able to live up to the bargain she wants? When her time is all done and over with, will she be able to walk away? Or will she end up another toy on his shelf?
This short story captivates your attention so quick and you need to know what is happening next. I read this book wanting so much more in this world. Yes, it has re-telling's of different fairytales but they are told like no other and I loved it!
The ending came up too fast and left you feeling emotionally satisfied. Clara is finally free from everything in a way like never before. Will we get to see more from her in the future? I hope so.
*Overall 5/5
*Heat? 4/5
*Fast burn for short story
*Dual first person POV
*Epilogue
*Ends in HEA