Divided

by B.L. Maxwell

The four Stroud brothers were all born into magic, and when they all come of age their powers will be revealed. It all sounds like a fairytale, but not all magic is good. Their mother embraced the darkness and paid with her life.
Finn was happy working on the family farm until the day his father said it was time for them all to go out and find their place in the world, and their magic. He and his four brothers knew this was the tradition of the Imagi people who were meant to wield an elemental magic, but Finn soon finds how ill prepared he is for the real world.
Alwin travels from town to town using his own brand of magic to get what he can from anyone that crosses his path. His luck runs out and he’s left along the side of the road in a rainstorm. Finn offers him shelter and Alwin offers to guide him in the ways of magic, but everything has a price. A dark fairytale retelling of The Four Clever Brothers.


Divided is part of the multi-author The Fallen Fairytales 2023 series Each book can be read as a standalone, but why not read them all and see what shenanigans our guys get up to? Sexy men, darkly delicious stories and a mix of divine drag divas. Kick back, load up your kindle and enjoy some dark, Valentine’s fairy retellings

Genres: Paranormal

Kindle Edition

Published February 9, 2024

Reviews

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finn & Alwin
Rating: 3.3 ⭐ Heat: 🌶️

- Quest
- Fantasy
- Found Family
- Family Drama
- Magic Users/Fae/Trolls

This is part of the multi-author series, The Fallen Fairytales and is a retelling of The Four Clever Brothers by the Brothers Grimm. The four Stroud brothers are informed by their father that it is time for them to make their journey to find their magic. They have to go out into the world, that they know little about, on different paths to find their magic within a years time. Finn, Imagi, has been out in the woods for a few weeks when Alwin wanders by during a downpour. Finn offers him shelter under his tree and Alwin finds him food in exchange. Alwin, fae, has the power of compelling/manipulating people to do what he wants and has just been dropped off into the forest by the sheriff of the last town he was in for getting caught being indecent with the sheriffs son. These two decide to continue on Finn's journey together and they become closer overtime. Alwin uses his powers to find them food and places to sleep as they travel.

The story does time jumps months ahead at times, so a lot of their traveling from town to town is skipped over. Both men are drawn to each other but only have one small intimate encounter a day after they meet and then only touches and kissing for months after that. In the most recent town they've stopped in they encounter another fae, Carcy, and stay for awhile working in the diner while learning more about Alwin's heritage and helping Finn find his magic. Carcy/Carson is the sweetest and fiercest friend that they could've asked for. Once Finn finds his magic, the group returns to his home where his other brothers have returned as well with their magic. The brothers are then tasked with another quest that is not part of the usual process of things in their community. During this "final boss" quest the danger and violence is ramped all the way up.

Triggers: Murder, dismemberment, theft, gore, combustion, abandonment

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Verse: Maybe, it's not fully discussed
HEA: Yes

[Brei-ayn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story. Finn and his three brothers were born into magic. When they come of age they will find out what their powers are. Finn loves working on the farm but his father said he and his brothers have to go out and find their place in the world their magic. It the tradition of the Imagi people. Finn learns its not as easy as it sounds and meets Alwin. Finn offers to help him and he helps Finn in return. Will they make it through the dangers that are coming.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well written MM fairytale romance with strong characters and an interesting storyline. The author does a great job developing the story and weaves a sweet love story. She moves it fluidly with her descriptive scenes and delivers a great read.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and are freely given.

[E]

REVIEW RETRACTED DUE TO BAD EXPERIENCE

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first B.L. Maxwell read and I really loved it! I have never heard of tue story upon which this story was based, but loved the reading experience nonetheless!

[Fay MMBookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Divided by BL Maxwell is a fantastic novel for the reading list.
Finn was one of four brothers leaving the father's home to explore their lives with the hopes to discover their magical powers. 
Anders, Blaise, Skye, along with Finn set off away from home in separate directions for a year with very little in their backpacks. 

Alwin 🧝 was ordered out of town by the sheriff because he wasn't human after being raised by them, but that wasn't all.

A good first meeting as they’d met in the pouring rains in the middle of nowhere. I thought as I read that Alwin was a bad bad elf who may lead Finn astray to the evil side, I won't spoil it for readers but yeah I’m biting my tongue lol.
A few firsts happen between them as scenes play out, Finn discovers things about himself. Finn sets an important rule for Alwin to follow in this.
This has high angst for Finn as he patiently waits for his powers wondering if he’d receive some. Also he had added worry not to follow his mothers steps. 
Scenes progress and WOW does the story get interesting, no spoilers but I loved what plays out next as I was glued to this. 
This is a fantastic book to read and touches lightly on the dark side. Dramas and dangers along with finding love which Finn had hoped for before he’d set out on his quest. See what happens in this gripping story, as you’ll also learn what happens with the other brothers near the ending. Highly Recommended story.

[Alias11 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a big fan of alternative fairytale retellings, even when, like this one, I am unfamiliar with the original tale. This is a fun tale of four brothers who are sent from home for a year to find their magic. The story focuses on Finn, who has no idea what his magic will be, nor how to find it. He meets and gives shelter to Alwyn, a Fae changeling. The two become companions and eventually meet up with another Fae, Carcy, who is also willing to help Finn find his magic. Finn finds his magic and after the year returns home, with Alwyn and Carcy coming along, but not all things or people are what they seem. There is some darkness and betrayal, but I loved the MCs, and the story is intriguing and engaging. The was my first read in this multi-author series, and I will definitely be looking for more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was fun! The stroud brothers went out on a quest as directed by their father. They were sent out to find their places in the world and find their personal magic. When they found it, they were to return home and take their place in the family business. Alwin, fey is a wanderer utilizing his magic to survive. He drags a bit of baggage that taints his perspective of life. He is kicked out of a town without his belongings and is walking down a road in the rain when he meets Finn. Their travels become an adventure that challenges their perspectives, makes them step out of their comfort zones and leads to a great adventure that changes their lives. Nicely done. This story is a bit whirly. It goes in one direction then switches up. Nice story, Nicely done. Finn is amazing. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Likes2Explore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a Beautiful Retelling of the 4 Skillful Brothers and a wonderful addition to the Fallen Fairytales series. BL Maxwell gives us a wonderful cast of characters that I connected to right from the start.

Finn is on a journey to find his magic before he returns home to the community and family that was all he knew. He meets friends and builds relationships and learns an important truth: that he has been lied to his entire life.

I wasn't able to put this book down. I was sorry to see the story end and hope we get more from this unique and delightful world.

This is a MM Fairytale with slow burn Romance, magic, fae, friendship, family drama, a quest and a HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not familiar with the fairytale of The Four Clever Brothers, but this was an interesting one. The blurb sets all the needed background as Finn meets Alwin on his quest for his magic. They have adventures on the way as they go from town to town until they meet another Fae also willing to help Finn find his magic. When he returns home, there are challenges to be faced by the four brothers plus the two Fae, Finn and Alwin get their HEA (don’t t all fairytales?), and an unexpected twist at the end I did not see coming.
Not a long read but an entertaining one.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[L H · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like fairy tales and was glad to read this story based on one that I was not familiar with. It was interesting seeing where things would go for Finn once we got the gist of situation - he needed to go out into the world to figure out his magic and it is quickly apparent that that will not be a simple task for him as he is untutored in the ways of the world. His connection with Alwin the elf turns out to be a signature moment for them both and takes us on an interesting quest and weaves a good story from there.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Demetra Roussakis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this authors books and this one did not disappoint. Finn is one of 4 brothers who was told by their father that as they are Imagi, they needed to go out in the world to find their magic and come back in one year. Alwin is an elf who travels a lot. His magic is compulsion and was kicked out of the last town. As he was walking along the road, he meets Finn. This started their story f their relationship built, how Finn came into his magic and how they got to make friends along the way. Loved the world building and hoping there will be another book in this world.

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this fairytale remake! It his author did an amazing job with this storyline and I absolutely loved the characters! Finn and Alwin were just the sweetest! I loved watching their relationship develop. Carcy was the sweetest and I loved how they took Finn and Alwin under their wing and taught them about magic. The friendship between them was so nice. I felt kind of sad at the ending but I’m so happy things turned out so well! Very enjoyable read!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cynthia M Brow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Divided is part of the multi author Fallen Fairytales series. Each book is a standalone story but why not enjoy the whole series. Divided is the dark retelling of the Four Clever Brothers fairytale. Finn and his brothers must leave home to find their magic. Finn meets the elf Alwin in a rain storm after Alwin is made to leave the last town he was in. The story starts from there. I enjoyed watching Finn and Alwin connect. Remember this is a dark fairytale so expect some twists and turns in the story. I would definitely recommend this book and series.

[Belinda Zamora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Magic, friendship and love

Finn and his three brothers are sent on a year long quest to find their magic.
Finn meets Alwin, a fae who has the tendency to get himself in trouble.
Along the way they meet Carcy, another fae who takes them under their wing and shows them how to survive.
They develop a great friendship and Finn and Alwin fall in love.
Unfortunately there's a major plot twist in the form of betrayal.
I really enjoyed getting to know these characters and seeing them come into their own with the love and support of each other.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Divided by BL Maxwell. I liked Finn and Alwin's story. I enjoyed the plot and the friends that Finn made on his quest to find his magic. I loved Carcy/Carson and the power they have. That would be the power I want. I enjoyed the twist when Finn returned home and was sent on his second quest with his brothers. I loved that it was at Crater Lake since I visited it as a teenager and could picture everything happening there.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jocelyn Whaley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Divided is a part of a multi author series named A Fallen Fairytale. Apparently, it was based on a story written by the Brothers Grimm. While sad to say I’m not familiar with the story (Go sue my childhood), I love BL Maxwell’s version, nonetheless. This is a good take on the original. Despite some of the darker themes, this is still a good love story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carol Osborne · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this stand alone book, Maxwell has done it again. A great read, awesome story line, and well developed characters keeps the readers interest. This is a story of Finn, Alwin and Cary going out into the world to make their way, learning their magic and building relationships. This Fairytale has a happy ending. I would highly recommend this book to other readers for sure.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

MM Fairy tale romance

This is another great read from BL Maxwell. I love how they write, and their stories always have well-defined characters.

It's a fairy tale with everything from magic powers & Elves to Trolls. But for me, a Drag Fae is all I could ask for and more.

Again, with great characters, a wonderful mixture, and a great story, I was gripped from the beginning and loved it.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's well worth a read. I read in KU.

Divided Kindle Edition

by BL Maxwell

❤❤❤❤ Story

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story, I didn’t know the fairytale it was based on and I think that made me enjoy it more, I really liked Finn, Alwin and Carson/Carcy that I had to keep reading the story to make sure that they got their Hea’s and I was so happy that Finn and Alwin got their Hea but also Carson/Carcy got theirs as well. Well worth a read.

[Saskia Veldhuis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is well written as it definitely feels like a fairytale. I can't remember the original that it is based on. The characters were interesting, especially Carcy/Carson. I didn't find it particularly dark, except the rather gory scenes at the end.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via Booksprout and am happy to leave a voluntary review.

[stardragon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finn is the youngest of four brothers of the Imagi, elemental magic users. When they come of age their father sends them into the world to find their magic. After a year they are to return home and be tested. This book is a grand adventure where Finn comes across other magicals and the final test is a life and death struggle.

[Lynn Michaels · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kept me guessing

Finn was sweet and I thought he was naive. I liked how he grew from that. Alwin was naughty but had a good heart. Everything I guessed would happen on their journey was wrong. Totally kept me guessing all the way to the end. An exciting quest that I thoroughly enjoyed.

[Simera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finn Stroud and his 3 brothers leave their home to find their magic once found it they are to return. However, not is all it seems and the twists and turns are interesting.
On his quest for his magic Finn rans into Alwin.
Finn and Alwin are sweet togehter.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved the writing style snd the characters. This was such a unique story. I’ve never read anything like it before.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Akasha721 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story and I have never heard of the 'Four Clever Brothers'. This one took us on a journey that was fun and informative with a happy ending for Finn and Alwin.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Reatha Klein · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a multi author series and I am loving it. This was one of my favorite of the series. I hadn't heard of the Fairy-tale before but still loved the book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. This is a loose retelling of the four clever brothers. This was such an interesting story. The characters were so fascinating and I loved the story.

[Scooby2]

DNF

[Kitchen Sink Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you know of the fairytale The Four Clever Brothers then there are aspects of this story that will feel familiar for it is a dark fantasy based on that very fairytale.

In this case the four brothers are the Stroud brothers, who, having come of age are being sent out into the world to fend for themselves, to discover their magic. They will be away from home for one year, or longer if they decide the world is for them. It is Finn, one of the four, whose story we are going to follow.

But Finn is not going to be alone in the dark and frightening outside world. Alwin is an elf, switched at birth by his people and raised in the human world, a world that doesn't always like his magic so he tends to travel and currently, having been kicked out of the town he was staying in, he needs to find a new place to go, where he can try his unique magic once more and maybe settle - but is he that type?

The two meet, in the woods, both in need of warmth and food. Finn most certainly does for he is not coping well in this big wide world. An unusual and at first cautious friendship begins to build and as the two start to learn more about one another a bond grows. This bond has them revealing more about themselves and it soon transpires Finn may be looking for more than just his magic, there may be more sinister reasons his father sent he and his brothers away. Balancing the darkness there is a romance building too and this book is incredibly difficult to put down once started. Simply compelling...

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.