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Lock: A Grimmvale Prequel
Revenge is a dish best served stone cold in this dark urban fantasy Rapunzel meets Medusa fairytale retelling.
Zelie is imprisoned in a tower, cursed with deadly powers that turn her victims to stone. Consumed with rage and the desire for vengeance, she plots her escape to hunt down the man who corrupted her innocence and turned her into a monster.
Welcome to Grimmvale.
If you like emotionally charged urban fantasy with a darker edge, then you'll love S. W. Millar's Grimmvale prequel.
Zelie is imprisoned in a tower, cursed with deadly powers that turn her victims to stone. Consumed with rage and the desire for vengeance, she plots her escape to hunt down the man who corrupted her innocence and turned her into a monster.
Welcome to Grimmvale.
If you like emotionally charged urban fantasy with a darker edge, then you'll love S. W. Millar's Grimmvale prequel.
42 pages, ebook
First published November 27, 2023
About the author
Shane W. Millar
13 books19 followersS. W. Millar writes dark fantasy and urban fantasy featuring snarky heroes, magical misfits, and ruthless villains. He’s also a podcaster, author of the Write Better Fiction Craft guides (writing as Shane Millar), and a developmental editor.
Shane holds a BA in journalism and is a member of The Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi). He lives in Buckinghamshire, England.
He has taken too many writing courses to count and enjoys reading as much as possible. Aside from the craft of writing, Shane is obsessed with five things: music, mythology, personal development, food, and martial arts movies.
Shane holds a BA in journalism and is a member of The Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi). He lives in Buckinghamshire, England.
He has taken too many writing courses to count and enjoys reading as much as possible. Aside from the craft of writing, Shane is obsessed with five things: music, mythology, personal development, food, and martial arts movies.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
December 5, 2023
Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your venomous hair!
S.W. Millar's Lock masterfully introduces us to the gritty world of Grimmvale, a place where the intertwining of classic fairytales and mythic monsters takes a modern, dark twist.
In this short story, we follow Zelie on her quest for revenge. Tormented by her monstrous transformation, she pursues the man responsible for her curse. As Zelie's journey unfolds, we meet other monstrous versions of familiar fairytale figures, each leaving me excited to explore more of Grimmvale.
Lock is a quick read with unexpected twists and a satisfying end.
This is a great Grimmvale primer, and I can't wait to see what else is in store.
S.W. Millar's Lock masterfully introduces us to the gritty world of Grimmvale, a place where the intertwining of classic fairytales and mythic monsters takes a modern, dark twist.
In this short story, we follow Zelie on her quest for revenge. Tormented by her monstrous transformation, she pursues the man responsible for her curse. As Zelie's journey unfolds, we meet other monstrous versions of familiar fairytale figures, each leaving me excited to explore more of Grimmvale.
Lock is a quick read with unexpected twists and a satisfying end.
This is a great Grimmvale primer, and I can't wait to see what else is in store.
November 25, 2023
A fun short story and the perfect setup for what looks to be a promising series of dark urban fantasy fairytale retellings.
I didn't want the story to end. Millar reveals a variety of characters - based on fairy tales - each with their own unique twist. Each character reveal was a fun surprise with Millar's unique interpretation and I can't wait to see what he does with each of them.
If you're familiar with Millar's earlier works (and if you're not you should be) his voice is reminiscent of his other stories. You can tell he's refined his craft and each piece of the story is expertly concise to move the short story along with both enough detail yet at a steady pace that keeps you turning the page.
I'm looking forward to the rest of the series!
I didn't want the story to end. Millar reveals a variety of characters - based on fairy tales - each with their own unique twist. Each character reveal was a fun surprise with Millar's unique interpretation and I can't wait to see what he does with each of them.
If you're familiar with Millar's earlier works (and if you're not you should be) his voice is reminiscent of his other stories. You can tell he's refined his craft and each piece of the story is expertly concise to move the short story along with both enough detail yet at a steady pace that keeps you turning the page.
I'm looking forward to the rest of the series!
December 9, 2023
"Lock" by S. W. Millar serves as a gripping introduction to the Grimmvale series.
This short prequel, blending classic fairytales and Greek mythology, is reimagined with a modern and far darker twist. Full of colourful language, intriguing characters, and a vividly crafted world, the story effortlessly pulled me into its depths, reshaping familiar tales into something entirely new. Be warned - this reimagining may forever change how you view fairytales!
It's a fantastic start to the Grimmvale series, and I'm excited to see what else Millar has in store.
This short prequel, blending classic fairytales and Greek mythology, is reimagined with a modern and far darker twist. Full of colourful language, intriguing characters, and a vividly crafted world, the story effortlessly pulled me into its depths, reshaping familiar tales into something entirely new. Be warned - this reimagining may forever change how you view fairytales!
It's a fantastic start to the Grimmvale series, and I'm excited to see what else Millar has in store.
February 17, 2024
What a perfect way to get people ready for an upcoming series!
I loved this short story. I feel that Millar does a great job of engaging the audience and getting us attached to this world immediately.
Highlights:
Our main character is ANGRY and a Bad Ass!
This story is written like a diary entrance and makes you feel like you are a part of the fight.
I'm pretty sure that the main character of this story hates the guts of the main character of the next story and I can not wait to see the opposing perspective.
In conclusion: More Please!
I loved this short story. I feel that Millar does a great job of engaging the audience and getting us attached to this world immediately.
Highlights:
Our main character is ANGRY and a Bad Ass!
This story is written like a diary entrance and makes you feel like you are a part of the fight.
I'm pretty sure that the main character of this story hates the guts of the main character of the next story and I can not wait to see the opposing perspective.
In conclusion: More Please!
December 1, 2023
Good start of a good series. Can’t wait to read the rest of them.
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January 3, 2024What a great beginning to a dark fantasy twisted on familiar characters. Excited to see what this series will bring this year.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews