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To Betray a King: A Frog Prince Retelling
A princess tasked with poisoning a stranger.
A handsome gentleman distracting her from her purpose. Faelyn is a princess of Morwen, or at least she used to be. Forced to flee her kingdom, she’s dependent on her cousin, King Jeshua, to keep her and her family safe. But that safety comes at a price. She must act the part of a commoner in order to administer an unknown substance to one of the king’s enemies or else be handed over to the man who usurped her father's throne. As she tries to find her way into a house party where her victim is a guest, Faelyn meets Bram. She retrieves something precious to him and in exchange asks a give her food and a place to stay. Though their meeting starts with manipulation, she can’t help but like Bram, and he takes an instant liking to her. But she can’t possibly entertain feelings for him, not when her freedom and her family are on the line—and not when she’s being forced to hurt his friend. But Bram is patient and earnest, and his constant help and kindness are impossible to resist. It can't last though, not when she’ll have to flee the moment she’s fulfilled her assignment, and not when Bram will hate her as soon as she does. To Betray a King is a Frog Prince retelling. It is one of the twelve novellas in The Shattered Tales, a collection of fractured and mirrored retellings of your favorite fairy tales. The Shattered Tales can be enjoyed in any order, so fall in love with the sweet romance, magical adventures, and tale-shattering twists one shard at a time.
A handsome gentleman distracting her from her purpose. Faelyn is a princess of Morwen, or at least she used to be. Forced to flee her kingdom, she’s dependent on her cousin, King Jeshua, to keep her and her family safe. But that safety comes at a price. She must act the part of a commoner in order to administer an unknown substance to one of the king’s enemies or else be handed over to the man who usurped her father's throne. As she tries to find her way into a house party where her victim is a guest, Faelyn meets Bram. She retrieves something precious to him and in exchange asks a give her food and a place to stay. Though their meeting starts with manipulation, she can’t help but like Bram, and he takes an instant liking to her. But she can’t possibly entertain feelings for him, not when her freedom and her family are on the line—and not when she’s being forced to hurt his friend. But Bram is patient and earnest, and his constant help and kindness are impossible to resist. It can't last though, not when she’ll have to flee the moment she’s fulfilled her assignment, and not when Bram will hate her as soon as she does. To Betray a King is a Frog Prince retelling. It is one of the twelve novellas in The Shattered Tales, a collection of fractured and mirrored retellings of your favorite fairy tales. The Shattered Tales can be enjoyed in any order, so fall in love with the sweet romance, magical adventures, and tale-shattering twists one shard at a time.
218 pages, Paperback
Published September 19, 2023
42 people are currently reading
438 people want to read
About the author
Annette K. Larsen
23 books534 followersI love words. I always have. In songs, in poems, in books, in movies—words move me. In my younger years, I dabbled in writing as a therapy and an escape, but I never expected it to become more than that. While deep in the depths of mommying several small children, I took seven years to write my first book, Just Ella. During that time, I taught myself how to write a novel through a whole lot of trial and error. Not the most time-efficient method, but it gave me an education I wouldn’t have received from a class or a how-to book. Something about the struggle of writing without a formula or rules worked for me. I wrote for me. I wrote from my heart space, and I think that’s the reason that Just Ella has found room in so many of my readers’ heart spaces.
I write clean romance because I love it. I love the discovery of new love. I love the relationship building that’s done with looks, words, brushing fingers, and tentative kisses. Jane Eyre is the hero of my youth and taught me that being true to yourself and clinging to your convictions will be hard, but it will bring you more genuine happiness than giving up on yourself ever can.
I am an extraordinarily happy wife, and a mother of five kids. I’ve lived in Utah, Arizona, Missouri, and Virginia, but my heart is now firmly ensconced in Idaho where we’ve built a home and a community.
I love chocolate, waterfalls, pretty teacups, the sight and sound of ocean waves, and most especially my husband and my five littles. I love books that leave me with a sigh of contentment, and I aspire to write stories that do the same for my readers.
Find me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annetteklar...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authoraklarsen
Follow me on twitter: @AnnetteKLarsen
Contact Me: http://www.annetteklarsen.com/contact...
I write clean romance because I love it. I love the discovery of new love. I love the relationship building that’s done with looks, words, brushing fingers, and tentative kisses. Jane Eyre is the hero of my youth and taught me that being true to yourself and clinging to your convictions will be hard, but it will bring you more genuine happiness than giving up on yourself ever can.
I am an extraordinarily happy wife, and a mother of five kids. I’ve lived in Utah, Arizona, Missouri, and Virginia, but my heart is now firmly ensconced in Idaho where we’ve built a home and a community.
I love chocolate, waterfalls, pretty teacups, the sight and sound of ocean waves, and most especially my husband and my five littles. I love books that leave me with a sigh of contentment, and I aspire to write stories that do the same for my readers.
Find me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annetteklar...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authoraklarsen
Follow me on twitter: @AnnetteKLarsen
Contact Me: http://www.annetteklarsen.com/contact...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
January 29, 2024
*sigh* It was bound to happen. One of these days, one of these Clean Fiction Magazine recommendations was going to open a rabbit hole I might never recover from...and I think the time has come. My ears always perk up at the hint of a non-magical fairytale retelling, so this one was a no-brainer, and even though it's part of a series, it's a standalone series with different authors, so...I'm safe, right? Nope. So, so wrong...
After a few chapters, I started to wonder if I'd stumbled into the middle of a (non-standalone) series again--not that I felt like I was missing information, but--you know that feeling when an inordinate number of side characters have enough of a complicated backstory that there's got to be more there? That feeling. So when I finished the book, I went looking, and...yep. There's not one but two connected series. And one of them is more retellings. Welp, that's it. I'm dead. (Although this one did spoil several major plot points from at least two other books, but...I still need to see it all play out, so...)
Irrelevant rant aside (although maybe not so irrelevant, because my poor TBR wouldn't be so stressed if this had been a bad to meh read), I really loved this book! Faelyn had me wanting to cheer and cry and scream--sometimes all at the same time--as she tried to work through the impossible situation she'd been put in. I loved her strength and her determination to save her family, and the way that her clandestine task sat so hard on her natural honesty. Bram was so sweet, despite the past mistakes that weighed him down. His sister's fierce protectiveness was lovely. And I fell in love with a number of other secondary characters, who I can't wait to get to know better in their own stories.
I can't speak to how well the retelling part was done (because yes, I'm still the weird reader who adores fairytale retellings but has never read the originals), but the plot kept me on the edge of my seat, both in wondering how far the villains were going to go and how far Faelyn would be willing to assist in order to keep her family safe. I was begging and pleading with everyone to find a way out of the mess, and without spoilers, I'll just say, I adored the way it ended. <3 Now...to go back in time and meet everyone else properly, starting with Ella and Gavin. Just Ella has cut several places in line and now sits at the top of my to-buy list. :P
After a few chapters, I started to wonder if I'd stumbled into the middle of a (non-standalone) series again--not that I felt like I was missing information, but--you know that feeling when an inordinate number of side characters have enough of a complicated backstory that there's got to be more there? That feeling. So when I finished the book, I went looking, and...yep. There's not one but two connected series. And one of them is more retellings. Welp, that's it. I'm dead. (Although this one did spoil several major plot points from at least two other books, but...I still need to see it all play out, so...)
Irrelevant rant aside (although maybe not so irrelevant, because my poor TBR wouldn't be so stressed if this had been a bad to meh read), I really loved this book! Faelyn had me wanting to cheer and cry and scream--sometimes all at the same time--as she tried to work through the impossible situation she'd been put in. I loved her strength and her determination to save her family, and the way that her clandestine task sat so hard on her natural honesty. Bram was so sweet, despite the past mistakes that weighed him down. His sister's fierce protectiveness was lovely. And I fell in love with a number of other secondary characters, who I can't wait to get to know better in their own stories.
I can't speak to how well the retelling part was done (because yes, I'm still the weird reader who adores fairytale retellings but has never read the originals), but the plot kept me on the edge of my seat, both in wondering how far the villains were going to go and how far Faelyn would be willing to assist in order to keep her family safe. I was begging and pleading with everyone to find a way out of the mess, and without spoilers, I'll just say, I adored the way it ended. <3 Now...to go back in time and meet everyone else properly, starting with Ella and Gavin. Just Ella has cut several places in line and now sits at the top of my to-buy list. :P
September 22, 2023
What a fun welcome back to Dalthia! It made me want to read the books all over again to remember all the players!
Fae is a princess, hiding from the person who has overtaken her kingdom, and under the care of an evil cousin. She has been tasked with a job by this cousin, or her parents and little sister will pay a heavy price.
Fae tries so hard to do the right thing, she is so tormented with saving her family that doing the right thing is almost unthinkable. Her adventure into Dalthia shows her that good people might still exist and good can still happen to her
This was a fun story, a dip back into years ago when my daughter and I first discovered Annette K. Larsen. It is time to start again with Just Ella!
Fae is a princess, hiding from the person who has overtaken her kingdom, and under the care of an evil cousin. She has been tasked with a job by this cousin, or her parents and little sister will pay a heavy price.
Fae tries so hard to do the right thing, she is so tormented with saving her family that doing the right thing is almost unthinkable. Her adventure into Dalthia shows her that good people might still exist and good can still happen to her
This was a fun story, a dip back into years ago when my daughter and I first discovered Annette K. Larsen. It is time to start again with Just Ella!
November 12, 2023
To Betray a King by Annette K. Larsen is a sweet retelling of The Frog Prince with a beautiful message about following your conscience... and your heart. It is the second installment in the multi-author series, The Shattered Tales.
Faelyn has had to become resourceful since her home was taken from her. She has also learned how important it is to protect those she loves, so she will do ANYTHING to help her family. I love how Faelyn fights to stay true to her conscience, despite the difficult decisions she is faced with!!!
Bram has made mistakes in the past, but he is trying to leave behind his reputation. He has some close friends, who he will do anything to protect. Bram has a wonderful character arc! I just love him!!!!!
I LOVE the ending scene where Faelyn and Bram meet up again at the end!!!!!!!!!!!! It's so cute!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love getting to see Bram's protective side. It's so cute and I LOVE IT!!!!!!
I haven't read too many retellings of The Frog Prince. I think the only other one I've read is Melanie Dickerson's The Princess Spy. I loved getting to see how Annette retold this classic fairy tale!!!! It had all of the major plot points of the original fairy tale with the sweetest twist on the story! And combining the deal from the fairy tale with Bram's internal conflict made the story especially satisfying!!!!
To Betray a King was such a cute retelling of The Frog Prince!!! I loved the characters so much!!!! I want to read the other characters' stories so much!!!!!! If you're looking for a sweet fairy tale retelling, I would absolutely recommend adding this book to your TBR!
I received an ARC of this book from the author. My opinions are my own. A positive review was not required.
Faelyn has had to become resourceful since her home was taken from her. She has also learned how important it is to protect those she loves, so she will do ANYTHING to help her family. I love how Faelyn fights to stay true to her conscience, despite the difficult decisions she is faced with!!!
Bram has made mistakes in the past, but he is trying to leave behind his reputation. He has some close friends, who he will do anything to protect. Bram has a wonderful character arc! I just love him!!!!!
I LOVE the ending scene where Faelyn and Bram meet up again at the end!!!!!!!!!!!! It's so cute!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love getting to see Bram's protective side. It's so cute and I LOVE IT!!!!!!
I haven't read too many retellings of The Frog Prince. I think the only other one I've read is Melanie Dickerson's The Princess Spy. I loved getting to see how Annette retold this classic fairy tale!!!! It had all of the major plot points of the original fairy tale with the sweetest twist on the story! And combining the deal from the fairy tale with Bram's internal conflict made the story especially satisfying!!!!
To Betray a King was such a cute retelling of The Frog Prince!!! I loved the characters so much!!!! I want to read the other characters' stories so much!!!!!! If you're looking for a sweet fairy tale retelling, I would absolutely recommend adding this book to your TBR!
I received an ARC of this book from the author. My opinions are my own. A positive review was not required.
October 1, 2023
I've never read one of Annette K. Larsen's books. They've been on my wishlist for quite some time already, but I unfortunately can't buy every book I want. However, I've signed up for arcs for this series and despite the fact that there was no spot available in the arc team for this one, I very much wanted to read it. So, I just bought myself the paperback.
This story is a very very very loose retelling of the tale of the Frog Prince. There is this one moment where someone drops a piece of gold into a pond and that one moment someone else offers to get it out in exchange for dinner, company and a place to sleep, but that's maybe 5% of the plot. The rest is all original content and I actually didn't mind that all.
This book is a lot rougher and rawer than I had expected it to be, but the fact that I was really feeling for the princess and rooting for her and wishing for her to find her happy ending says it all. Even though the story isn't that long I did build a connection with the characters and could understand why they were doing what they were doing, even when they made mistakes.
I also really loved the love interest in this book. He's loyal, he's honest, he's caring, but he's also brave when he has to be. And although he played along with our princess' scheme, he never came across as naive or trusting. It was clear that in a way he did know something was up and she was hiding something. And it's a good thing he didn't give up before her knew the truth.
I'll certainly get more of this author's books in the future!
This story is a very very very loose retelling of the tale of the Frog Prince. There is this one moment where someone drops a piece of gold into a pond and that one moment someone else offers to get it out in exchange for dinner, company and a place to sleep, but that's maybe 5% of the plot. The rest is all original content and I actually didn't mind that all.
This book is a lot rougher and rawer than I had expected it to be, but the fact that I was really feeling for the princess and rooting for her and wishing for her to find her happy ending says it all. Even though the story isn't that long I did build a connection with the characters and could understand why they were doing what they were doing, even when they made mistakes.
I also really loved the love interest in this book. He's loyal, he's honest, he's caring, but he's also brave when he has to be. And although he played along with our princess' scheme, he never came across as naive or trusting. It was clear that in a way he did know something was up and she was hiding something. And it's a good thing he didn't give up before her knew the truth.
I'll certainly get more of this author's books in the future!
October 9, 2023
4.5 stars! What a clever, different take on the Frog Prince...why? There is NO FROG. However there is a pond. :) These main characters are lovable and such a delight! I really enjoyed this book! ☺️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 22, 2023
To Betray a King by Anette K. Larsen
Another creative and exciting fairytale retelling, To Betray a King is a Frog Prince retelling in the Shattered Tales series. This is actually my first book from Ms. Larsen and I really enjoyed it. Faelyn is the former princess of Morwen, forced to flee her kingdom and rely on her cousin, King Jeshua for the safety of her and her family. But there is a price to the safety, she must act the part of a commoner to administer an unknown substance to one of the king’s enemies or be handed over to the man who usurped her father’ throne. As she seeks a way into the house party where her victim is a guest, Faelyn meets Bram. After retrieving something precious to him, she receives a favor: food and a place to stay. Though it starts with manipulation, she finds herself liking Bram and he seems to like her as well. But she can't entertain feelings for him, not with her freedom and family is on the line and not when she’s being forced to hurt his friend. But Bram’s patience and constant kindness is impossible to resist. It can’t last though, not with her assignment..
I really enjoyed this novella! It was exciting and had a lot of intriguing elements. I really felt for Faelyn. She had a lot of pressure on her and felt the weight of her family’s safety. She was a very earnest character, even with the desperate assignment she suddenly was faced with. I was rooting for her and hopeful that she would find a solution. Honestly, I did not know how she would be able to get through. The story was very engaging and had twists up to the end!
I loved the characters in this! A lot of them were connected to another series of Ms. Larsen, which made me want to read more of them. Kinley was such a sweetheart! I loved her openness and willingness to welcome. I loved getting to know them and I think people who read about them would be excited to see them.
This was an exciting fairytale retelling with elements of intrigue and romance. It has some fantasy violence elements and only kissing.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.
Another creative and exciting fairytale retelling, To Betray a King is a Frog Prince retelling in the Shattered Tales series. This is actually my first book from Ms. Larsen and I really enjoyed it. Faelyn is the former princess of Morwen, forced to flee her kingdom and rely on her cousin, King Jeshua for the safety of her and her family. But there is a price to the safety, she must act the part of a commoner to administer an unknown substance to one of the king’s enemies or be handed over to the man who usurped her father’ throne. As she seeks a way into the house party where her victim is a guest, Faelyn meets Bram. After retrieving something precious to him, she receives a favor: food and a place to stay. Though it starts with manipulation, she finds herself liking Bram and he seems to like her as well. But she can't entertain feelings for him, not with her freedom and family is on the line and not when she’s being forced to hurt his friend. But Bram’s patience and constant kindness is impossible to resist. It can’t last though, not with her assignment..
I really enjoyed this novella! It was exciting and had a lot of intriguing elements. I really felt for Faelyn. She had a lot of pressure on her and felt the weight of her family’s safety. She was a very earnest character, even with the desperate assignment she suddenly was faced with. I was rooting for her and hopeful that she would find a solution. Honestly, I did not know how she would be able to get through. The story was very engaging and had twists up to the end!
I loved the characters in this! A lot of them were connected to another series of Ms. Larsen, which made me want to read more of them. Kinley was such a sweetheart! I loved her openness and willingness to welcome. I loved getting to know them and I think people who read about them would be excited to see them.
This was an exciting fairytale retelling with elements of intrigue and romance. It has some fantasy violence elements and only kissing.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.
December 31, 2023
This was so, sooooo good! The author pulled me in right away and I could not stop reading. Highly recommend this one for fantasy/romance lovers!
October 12, 2024
I really liked this book. It was a very (very) loose retelling of the Frog Prince. The super-evil bad guy forces the MC into performing a nefarious task by threatening her family and holding them hostage. Much of the story is her struggling with her conscience as she tries to save her family. I like the clear lines of good vs evil, and how the author resisted the temptation to succumb to situational ethics.
I should emphasize that this is a fairy tale. The romance is sweet, but fast and unrealistic. The ending also borders on unrealistic… but it’s not completely impossible, and I love a happily ever after, so all good ☺️
Content:
There’s no foul language or sex. The romance is clean and there is minimal violence. There is no magic. There is no mention of faith or God.
I should emphasize that this is a fairy tale. The romance is sweet, but fast and unrealistic. The ending also borders on unrealistic… but it’s not completely impossible, and I love a happily ever after, so all good ☺️
Content:
There’s no foul language or sex. The romance is clean and there is minimal violence. There is no magic. There is no mention of faith or God.
November 19, 2023
A very nice rendition of the Prince Frog, but with a twist :)
As always, Ms. Larsen writes beautifully and immerses you into her world.
The only thing that I have a problem with is that this was short and I would have loved a more developed book, there was so much that could have been exploited there. But I felt it was a bit rushed.
Nonetheless it was awesome and I really recommend it for people who are into reinvented old school tales.
In fact her whole series is about this and she has managed to do it in a really fun and wholesome way.
As always, Ms. Larsen writes beautifully and immerses you into her world.
The only thing that I have a problem with is that this was short and I would have loved a more developed book, there was so much that could have been exploited there. But I felt it was a bit rushed.
Nonetheless it was awesome and I really recommend it for people who are into reinvented old school tales.
In fact her whole series is about this and she has managed to do it in a really fun and wholesome way.
November 12, 2023
This book was like Jane Austen crossed with a fairytale retelling fantasy, and I loved it! A subtle, clever Frog Prince retelling that I still can't stop thinking about.
June 2, 2025
3.75
I enjoy this but it wasn't great
I enjoy this but it wasn't great
November 6, 2023
Frog Princess Retelling
A princess forced from her kingdom, avoiding a marriage she doesn’t want, running to family that she trusts. All should be okay now, right? Not really sadly. A mission that if she fails could mean death for those she loves. She succeeds it could mean the death of a man that she has no reason to dislike. Finding love isn’t in the cards, but sometimes the cards know what is right and wrong. To Betray a King, to save your family.
A princess forced from her kingdom, avoiding a marriage she doesn’t want, running to family that she trusts. All should be okay now, right? Not really sadly. A mission that if she fails could mean death for those she loves. She succeeds it could mean the death of a man that she has no reason to dislike. Finding love isn’t in the cards, but sometimes the cards know what is right and wrong. To Betray a King, to save your family.
September 26, 2023
Wow. I was absolutely thrilled to find out that this contribution to “The Shattered Tales” collection took place in the same world as the “Books of Dalthia” series! I’ve been hoping for more books with these characters that I’ve grown to love and was far from disappointed!!! This may be my favorite book so far by Larsen, and that’s saying something since I read the rest of her books within a week! Themes include redemption, love (sweet, not spicy!) and buckets of characters growth! I can’t wait to see how she follows this up!
February 29, 2024
3.75⭐️
2024 Reads #101/250
2024 Reads #101/250
October 13, 2023
Great frog prince retelling!
I really enjoyed this clean and shattered retelling of the Frog Prince. I have read the Books of Dalthia a while ago so I remembered the main story of some of the characters seen in To Betray a King, most of the Characters from previous books are in thier Happily Ever After and thier stories are summed up well so this can be read on its own. I enjoyed the mystery of only knowing what Fae knew and how the twists in the plot unfurled. It kept me on edge and once I started I couldn't stop until I finished it! A great story about kindness, forgiveness, and courage to do what's right even when it's difficult
I really enjoyed this clean and shattered retelling of the Frog Prince. I have read the Books of Dalthia a while ago so I remembered the main story of some of the characters seen in To Betray a King, most of the Characters from previous books are in thier Happily Ever After and thier stories are summed up well so this can be read on its own. I enjoyed the mystery of only knowing what Fae knew and how the twists in the plot unfurled. It kept me on edge and once I started I couldn't stop until I finished it! A great story about kindness, forgiveness, and courage to do what's right even when it's difficult
September 22, 2023
Another wonderful book by Annette K. Larsen! I was immediately sucked into the story and completely invested in our heroine, Faelyn. She is a great character and I love how she strives to do the right thing.
Please read - it is a wonderful, sweet story!
ARC provided for an honest review.
Please read - it is a wonderful, sweet story!
ARC provided for an honest review.
October 3, 2023
I love Annette K. Larsen and I loved this book. I wasn't expecting it to tie in to the rest of her Dalthia books and so was pleasantly surprised when I started the book and encountered familiar characters. This book was fun clean and delightful, like her other books. I definitely recommend it!
October 20, 2023
A very fun story full of adventure, some political dilemma and chivalrous men to pine after.
Content was clean - though there were some moments which felt a little like innuendo
Content was clean - though there were some moments which felt a little like innuendo
October 20, 2023
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. This is the first book of the author's that I've read and I would like to read more from. This is a companion novel to the author's Kingdom of Dalthia Series, as characters from those books make appearances, but you don't need to read any of them in order to read this one. This is also the second book in The Shattered Tales collection, which is made up of 12 standalone books by 12 different authors. The book's blurb lets you know what to expect. It's a loose Frog Prince retelling told through Faelyn's pov.
If you want to read a retelling that closely follows its original tale, then this isn't it. I actually liked that this story had some nods to the tale but went in a new direction that maybe most readers won't be anticipating.It's obvious from the blurb but this can also be considered a gender-swapped Frog Prince retelling, which I haven't read one before. After being forced to flee her kingdom, Faelyn and her family are at the mercy of King Jeshua, her cousin. Although Faelyn has doubts and doesn't want to carry out the assignment he instructed her to do, she is willing to protect her family in whatever way that she can. she can. When she meets Bram, it's easy for her to feel a connection to him when she can be herself without him knowing who she really is. However, as she gets to know him and he's willing to help her, her unease with keeping the truth about who she is and what she's meant to do become stronger.
Because of Faelyn's identity and her mission, the romance between her and Bram is a forbidden one. She doesn't need any distractions and Bram isn't looking to form an attachment yet they can't help but to be drawn towards each other. Bram is straightforward so it allows Faelyn to want to be as honest as she can. It makes sense why their feelings would develop as quickly as they did. Their romance is a clean one consisting of kissing only and no foul language. The conflict is mainly internal as Faelyn has to come to a decision about what to do. King Jeshua is the perfect antagonist to hate and readers will be kept guessing as to what will happen to Faelyn and her family. Overall, I really enjoyed this novella and think others will too.
If you want to read a retelling that closely follows its original tale, then this isn't it. I actually liked that this story had some nods to the tale but went in a new direction that maybe most readers won't be anticipating.
Because of Faelyn's identity and her mission, the romance between her and Bram is a forbidden one. She doesn't need any distractions and Bram isn't looking to form an attachment yet they can't help but to be drawn towards each other. Bram is straightforward so it allows Faelyn to want to be as honest as she can. It makes sense why their feelings would develop as quickly as they did. Their romance is a clean one consisting of kissing only and no foul language. The conflict is mainly internal as Faelyn has to come to a decision about what to do. King Jeshua is the perfect antagonist to hate and readers will be kept guessing as to what will happen to Faelyn and her family. Overall, I really enjoyed this novella and think others will too.
October 20, 2023
Reader’s Notes:
– this is part of a series, but meant to be read as a stand-alone
– this is connected to Annette’s Books of Dalthia series, but you don’t have to read them to enjoy this one
– this is told from Faelynn’s (Fae) point of view
– it is mentioned that Fae’s brother passed at 19
– Fae was betrothed to a man who was violent, ruthless, & domineering
Review:
This is another author that’s been on my TBR that I am now even more excited to read more of her books! I enjoyed her take on the frog prince tale and how she twisted it to fit her world. I kind of loved that we as readers were just as in the dark as Fae was about the identity of her target and why her cousin wanted him to suffer (I’m not sure if those who read Annette’s Dalthia series would be surprised or not as I know that other characters in this book had their stories in those books). I really enjoyed the friendship and romance that developed between Fae and Bram over the course of the story. I also really enjoyed the fact that since the lady of the house came from a different station in life, she liked to pull Fae into the various activities she organized. It was fun to see Fae getting the chance to meet people without the constraints that her status would have brought had they known the full truth of her situation.
Summary:
When Faelynn’s family have to escape invaders, they run to her cousin’s kingdom to hide out while they wait. But as a price for hiding and caring for them, her cousin King Jeshua requires Faelynn for a task. She must go into enemy territory in order to administer a vial of unknown origins to someone that Jeshua claims is a traitor to his throne. And she must go as a commoner with little information on her target or how she is expected to complete her task within the timeframe her cousin gave.
When Faelynn happens upon a guest of the house that her target is said to be located at, she manages to help him with something and secure her entry into the home. But Fae finds herself far more interested in Bram, the man she helped, than she should be. And he seems to feel the same way. With Bram’s advances and the staff of the house thwarting her attempts at finding her target and getting him to drink the vial’s contents, Fae’s task is looking bleak. Which is bad news for her family who are still under her determined cousin’s thumb…
– this is part of a series, but meant to be read as a stand-alone
– this is connected to Annette’s Books of Dalthia series, but you don’t have to read them to enjoy this one
– this is told from Faelynn’s (Fae) point of view
– it is mentioned that Fae’s brother passed at 19
– Fae was betrothed to a man who was violent, ruthless, & domineering
Review:
This is another author that’s been on my TBR that I am now even more excited to read more of her books! I enjoyed her take on the frog prince tale and how she twisted it to fit her world. I kind of loved that we as readers were just as in the dark as Fae was about the identity of her target and why her cousin wanted him to suffer (I’m not sure if those who read Annette’s Dalthia series would be surprised or not as I know that other characters in this book had their stories in those books). I really enjoyed the friendship and romance that developed between Fae and Bram over the course of the story. I also really enjoyed the fact that since the lady of the house came from a different station in life, she liked to pull Fae into the various activities she organized. It was fun to see Fae getting the chance to meet people without the constraints that her status would have brought had they known the full truth of her situation.
Summary:
When Faelynn’s family have to escape invaders, they run to her cousin’s kingdom to hide out while they wait. But as a price for hiding and caring for them, her cousin King Jeshua requires Faelynn for a task. She must go into enemy territory in order to administer a vial of unknown origins to someone that Jeshua claims is a traitor to his throne. And she must go as a commoner with little information on her target or how she is expected to complete her task within the timeframe her cousin gave.
When Faelynn happens upon a guest of the house that her target is said to be located at, she manages to help him with something and secure her entry into the home. But Fae finds herself far more interested in Bram, the man she helped, than she should be. And he seems to feel the same way. With Bram’s advances and the staff of the house thwarting her attempts at finding her target and getting him to drink the vial’s contents, Fae’s task is looking bleak. Which is bad news for her family who are still under her determined cousin’s thumb…
November 3, 2023
This book was given to me by the author as an ARC (even though I’m late in posting the review). That being said, the following review is written of my own opinions and thoughts.
This was by far the weirdest Frog Prince retelling that I’ve ever read. Not saying that it was horrible-because it was delightful-or boring-because there was plenty of plot and compelling characters to make me want to not only keep reading this book but to read more of Larsen’s books in general. I’m just saying that it felt rather unorthodox to me.
I should say that my frame of reference for this book is Disney’s The Princess and the Frog so if the film substantially differs from the original Frog Prince fairytale my assessment could be completely incorrect and for all I know this could be a phenomenal retelling of a tale I’m just not that familiar with.
Annette K. Larson sets the scene in a fabulous manner, between the use of headers and richly descriptive prose, there was never a doubt in my mind of where we were throughout the novella. This is not to say that Larson stuffed it with confusing, flowery language. Her descriptions, while wonderfully written, are clear and concise.
I do have to say that I struggled with the believability of the last third of the plot (I will not be getting into it because of spoilers). What did sustain me through the end were the characters. I was rooting for Faelyn and her love interest the whole time, even if I wasn’t wholly sold on the plot at the end (not any huge structural issues, just a bit off in my frame of mind, but my life experiences are not your life experiences or Larson’s life experiences, so take that with a grain of salt).
Fave Quote: “Because I’m choosing to. Because you were as honest as you could be.”
Tropes:
Hidden Identity
Star Crossed Lovers (sort of)
Political Intrigue
Reluctant Friendship
Chosen One (but not in its normal capacity)
This was by far the weirdest Frog Prince retelling that I’ve ever read. Not saying that it was horrible-because it was delightful-or boring-because there was plenty of plot and compelling characters to make me want to not only keep reading this book but to read more of Larsen’s books in general. I’m just saying that it felt rather unorthodox to me.
I should say that my frame of reference for this book is Disney’s The Princess and the Frog so if the film substantially differs from the original Frog Prince fairytale my assessment could be completely incorrect and for all I know this could be a phenomenal retelling of a tale I’m just not that familiar with.
Annette K. Larson sets the scene in a fabulous manner, between the use of headers and richly descriptive prose, there was never a doubt in my mind of where we were throughout the novella. This is not to say that Larson stuffed it with confusing, flowery language. Her descriptions, while wonderfully written, are clear and concise.
I do have to say that I struggled with the believability of the last third of the plot (I will not be getting into it because of spoilers). What did sustain me through the end were the characters. I was rooting for Faelyn and her love interest the whole time, even if I wasn’t wholly sold on the plot at the end (not any huge structural issues, just a bit off in my frame of mind, but my life experiences are not your life experiences or Larson’s life experiences, so take that with a grain of salt).
Fave Quote: “Because I’m choosing to. Because you were as honest as you could be.”
Tropes:
Hidden Identity
Star Crossed Lovers (sort of)
Political Intrigue
Reluctant Friendship
Chosen One (but not in its normal capacity)
October 5, 2023
For those curious, this book takes place about a year after Keeping Kinley.
Many familiar faces make appearances in this book without them feeling shoe-horned in. I was especially happy to find out who the Hero is in this story. Squeeeal. As to whether I would count it as a proper Frog Prince retelling is questionable. Inspired by would fit better. It has a wink and two nods towards the fairytale without involving any magic or any people getting stuck as frogs. Larsen's world, does not have any real magic, and I'm fine with that. I love this world she has made.
The heroine gets stuck in one of my least favorite tropes, the "liar-revealed" trope. The set-up is a bit absurd but so is the villain insisting on the Heroine's quest. What I will knock points off for is the length, which I will blame for some parts of the plot feeling a little forced so that the story can stay under 200 pages. The story takes place in a very short period of time. I think perhaps a week or so. The pacing does not take too hard of a hit, yet I wonder what this story would have shaped up to be if it had an extra 100 pages to allow the plot more natural transitions. It also just felt a bit fast to me for "I love you" to be exchanged at the end after such a brief time, but I can forgive that.
I still got a lot of enjoyment out of To Betray a King. Seeing other threads get wrapped up and answered from previous books was a very welcome sight. I enjoyed the Hero and Heroine of the story and their overall arc. The story manages to do this while standing on its own as well. You could probably read this without having read any of Larsen's past work, but having read the original Dalthia books makes the experience immensely more enjoyable.
Many familiar faces make appearances in this book without them feeling shoe-horned in. I was especially happy to find out who the Hero is in this story. Squeeeal. As to whether I would count it as a proper Frog Prince retelling is questionable. Inspired by would fit better. It has a wink and two nods towards the fairytale without involving any magic or any people getting stuck as frogs. Larsen's world, does not have any real magic, and I'm fine with that. I love this world she has made.
The heroine gets stuck in one of my least favorite tropes, the "liar-revealed" trope. The set-up is a bit absurd but so is the villain insisting on the Heroine's quest. What I will knock points off for is the length, which I will blame for some parts of the plot feeling a little forced so that the story can stay under 200 pages. The story takes place in a very short period of time. I think perhaps a week or so. The pacing does not take too hard of a hit, yet I wonder what this story would have shaped up to be if it had an extra 100 pages to allow the plot more natural transitions. It also just felt a bit fast to me for "I love you" to be exchanged at the end after such a brief time, but I can forgive that.
I still got a lot of enjoyment out of To Betray a King. Seeing other threads get wrapped up and answered from previous books was a very welcome sight. I enjoyed the Hero and Heroine of the story and their overall arc. The story manages to do this while standing on its own as well. You could probably read this without having read any of Larsen's past work, but having read the original Dalthia books makes the experience immensely more enjoyable.
January 7, 2024
So you would think that a fantasy book that doesn’t include even the slightest hint of magic would be rubbish right? WRONG! Please do not let that stop you from reading this book! Annette proved herself a wonder of the written word with this exceptional book. It is the first I have read from her but it most definitely won’t be the last! The story gripped me from beginning to end: It had EVERYTHING! Danger, suspense, intrigue, poignancy, levity …. the list goes on. It is a retelling of The Frog Prince and holds enough nods to the original to tick every box, but is nonetheless an entirely original story that could only have been written by Annette herself. When I read the blurb I was intrigued and I was very curious to see just how a princess could be forced to harm a stranger - surely everyone has a choice right? Wrong again! Poor Faelyn only wants to protect her family, both from the evil man who has usurped her father’s throne and the maleficent cousin whose cruelty knows no bounds, but circumstances prevent her from doing the dastardly deed she has been tasked with and help is given her from an unexpected quarter.
Annette’s character development and written artistry is beyond compare and her worldbuilding is worth far more than a measly five stars. Fantasy is the hardest genre to write in, I believe, but Annette is so talented that she makes it look easy! Truly this book was exceptional and well worth taking the time to read. If you love fairytale retellings and you pick this one up then I promise you that you will not be disappointed!
*I received an ARC for this review. Unfortunately I wasn't able to review on time but all these opinions are my own and freely given.
Annette’s character development and written artistry is beyond compare and her worldbuilding is worth far more than a measly five stars. Fantasy is the hardest genre to write in, I believe, but Annette is so talented that she makes it look easy! Truly this book was exceptional and well worth taking the time to read. If you love fairytale retellings and you pick this one up then I promise you that you will not be disappointed!
*I received an ARC for this review. Unfortunately I wasn't able to review on time but all these opinions are my own and freely given.
February 8, 2024
Unique Take on the Frog Prince
The story concept was interesting and played with the key fairy tale elements in ways I haven't seen before. The story is told only from Faelyn's pov. This works for the story's plot, though I found myself wishing I knew more about Bram. Faelyn seemed to think he was almost too good to be true at times, and I have to agree. A longer story probably could have fleshed out his pov and thoughts/feelings. A longer story also could have provided a better timeline, especially with the rushed ending.
I generally liked the plot and characters. The sense of urgency was decently maintained, though there were a few moments that felt oddly paced. Faelyn annoyed me quite a few times, but she usually caught herself being annoying and apologized/acknowledged it, which was actually kind of refreshing. She also made some odd observations about commoners' actions (like eye rolling), but then would do those actions herself without seeming to be in character as the Fraug peasant.
Faelyn and Bram had decent chemistry and connective moments, but I wish the relationship had more time to grow. Some of the progress between them felt like large leaps forward even after what seemed to be a setback. Still, the romance was built throughout and didn't just appear suddenly at the end like in some similar stories, which is appreciated. I'll check out more from this author.
The story concept was interesting and played with the key fairy tale elements in ways I haven't seen before. The story is told only from Faelyn's pov. This works for the story's plot, though I found myself wishing I knew more about Bram. Faelyn seemed to think he was almost too good to be true at times, and I have to agree. A longer story probably could have fleshed out his pov and thoughts/feelings. A longer story also could have provided a better timeline, especially with the rushed ending.
I generally liked the plot and characters. The sense of urgency was decently maintained, though there were a few moments that felt oddly paced. Faelyn annoyed me quite a few times, but she usually caught herself being annoying and apologized/acknowledged it, which was actually kind of refreshing. She also made some odd observations about commoners' actions (like eye rolling), but then would do those actions herself without seeming to be in character as the Fraug peasant.
Faelyn and Bram had decent chemistry and connective moments, but I wish the relationship had more time to grow. Some of the progress between them felt like large leaps forward even after what seemed to be a setback. Still, the romance was built throughout and didn't just appear suddenly at the end like in some similar stories, which is appreciated. I'll check out more from this author.
September 19, 2023
This Frog Prince re-telling keeps much of the detail of the source fairy tale without including any magic meaning that is no-one is actually physically transformed into a frog. Instead it cleverly uses a little phonetic wordplay and one very desperate situation to include the familiar elements of the tale and weave them into something quite different with much higher stakes. It was an entertaining read with a bit of a whirlwind pace.
I will say, I do find many of the situations to be unlikely. A foregin prince seizing the kingdom in a coup and forcing the royal family to flee, fair enough. No one outside the kingdom knowing about it three months later, huh, no. That is the sort of thing that gets talked about. Neighbouring countries would have ambassadors and probably spies to report events to them, there would be merchants trading back and forth, so word would get out. How do you 'keep it quiet' as apparently the exiled royal family did? That is one example of a number of elements that just didn't seem quite logical and these little niggles do sometimes build up enough to break through suspension of disbelief and make the overall story less enjoyable.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I will say, I do find many of the situations to be unlikely. A foregin prince seizing the kingdom in a coup and forcing the royal family to flee, fair enough. No one outside the kingdom knowing about it three months later, huh, no. That is the sort of thing that gets talked about. Neighbouring countries would have ambassadors and probably spies to report events to them, there would be merchants trading back and forth, so word would get out. How do you 'keep it quiet' as apparently the exiled royal family did? That is one example of a number of elements that just didn't seem quite logical and these little niggles do sometimes build up enough to break through suspension of disbelief and make the overall story less enjoyable.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 6, 2023
What a great story! A princess and her parents and sister are forced to flee the kingdom when the prince she is betrothed to rises up and takes over the kingdom. Seeking shelter with their cousin, the king of a neighboring kingdom, Faelyn soon learns her cousin the king has a dark mission for her to perform and her parents and sister will suffer if she refuses.
She embarks on the mission but gets sidetracked by a man she meets but in spite of it still tries to fulfill her mission only to come to the conclusion that she can’t go through with it. It does have a happy ending as she and her family are able to escape from her cousin with the aid of those she meets on that ill-fated mission including the man she met and the intended victim!
I recommend this book as one you’ll enjoy. You will really “feel” for the conflict Faelyn finds herself in. She doesn’t want to go through with it but if she doesn’t her parents and sister along with herself will probably die!
Sometimes doing the right thing can seem impossible but if you do it and have faith that it
can work out, you are rewarded when others stand up and support you!
Finding love along the way isn’t so bad either!
She embarks on the mission but gets sidetracked by a man she meets but in spite of it still tries to fulfill her mission only to come to the conclusion that she can’t go through with it. It does have a happy ending as she and her family are able to escape from her cousin with the aid of those she meets on that ill-fated mission including the man she met and the intended victim!
I recommend this book as one you’ll enjoy. You will really “feel” for the conflict Faelyn finds herself in. She doesn’t want to go through with it but if she doesn’t her parents and sister along with herself will probably die!
Sometimes doing the right thing can seem impossible but if you do it and have faith that it
can work out, you are rewarded when others stand up and support you!
Finding love along the way isn’t so bad either!
November 30, 2023
One of The Shattered Tales. This Novella was a Frog Prince retelling. And was such an enjoyable read. So many turn of events it kept you on your toes.
With one catastrophe after another Princess Faelyn is forced to travel to a new city and administer a vile of poison to someone she hasn’t ever met. Tasked with a name and time restraint she must do this to save her family.
Bram feels something for Fae, quite suddenly, when he thought his heart was forever lost to another. He is so patient and understanding with her, even though they had a bit of a rough start he saves her time and time again.
So much happens in the span of just about a week. This story was fast paced and so believable. The way the characters interacted and cared for a stranger would normally sound silly, but the characters had prior knowledge of the dastardly deeds of her cousin King Jeshua.
Read for:
🐸Found friendships
🐸Two villians
🐸 Thwarted Plans
🐸Surprise Ending
October 2, 2023
Annette Larsen has done it again! I absolutely LOVE her fairy tale retellings! The characters come to life for me and I feel a strong connection with them. Faelyn is in an impossible situation trying to find her way through. Bram is the perfect hero supporting her every step of the way. The connection they immediately have is strong. I was impressed by the way that imperfect characters are able to support and strengthen one another. The ending caught me a bit off guard and I loved every minute of it! There was also an element of revisiting characters from past stories. This makes me want to go back and find any of Larsen's past books I have missed. I just can't get enough of her stories! The book stands on its own just fine. I simply love the characters and want to know all about them.
October 2, 2023
When Princess Faelyn and her family seek asylum with her cousin, the king to a neighboring kingdom, they think that they are safe. When he manipulates Fae into a mission to poison a stranger she wonders just what trouble she and her family have walked into.
I admired Fae and her loyalty to her family, and her desperation to do what is right. She’s being torn in two by the mission she’s been assigned and the consequences if she fails. Despite the evil machinations, there were also so many people who were good, welcoming, and kind. This was a beautiful story about finding your strength, and learning when to turn to others for help. The romance was sweet. I especially loved the moments by the pond.
To Betray a King is related to Annette K. Larson’s Books of Dalthia series, yet this book can be read independently.
I admired Fae and her loyalty to her family, and her desperation to do what is right. She’s being torn in two by the mission she’s been assigned and the consequences if she fails. Despite the evil machinations, there were also so many people who were good, welcoming, and kind. This was a beautiful story about finding your strength, and learning when to turn to others for help. The romance was sweet. I especially loved the moments by the pond.
To Betray a King is related to Annette K. Larson’s Books of Dalthia series, yet this book can be read independently.
November 22, 2023
3.5 stars
This was, like the others in the series, an interesting spin on a fairytale. Faelyn, our protagonist, is given a seemingly impossible task with her family's safety hanging in the balance. Bram is a stranger she meets and does a favor for, hoping he can get her access to the person she has been sent after. The friendships she forged along the way, along with the romance with Bram, were the highlight of the book. What fell flat for me was that communication could have solved so much for her dilemma. I know it would have been difficult to just outright tell everyone what was going on from the jump, but it would have been easier in the longrun.
I didn't enjoy it quite as much as the others I've read, but it was still a fun read, and I'd recommend it to anyone looking for fairytale retellings!
This was, like the others in the series, an interesting spin on a fairytale. Faelyn, our protagonist, is given a seemingly impossible task with her family's safety hanging in the balance. Bram is a stranger she meets and does a favor for, hoping he can get her access to the person she has been sent after. The friendships she forged along the way, along with the romance with Bram, were the highlight of the book. What fell flat for me was that communication could have solved so much for her dilemma. I know it would have been difficult to just outright tell everyone what was going on from the jump, but it would have been easier in the longrun.
I didn't enjoy it quite as much as the others I've read, but it was still a fun read, and I'd recommend it to anyone looking for fairytale retellings!
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