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Final Lock: A Retelling
Your new favorite sweet fantasy romance inspired by Rapunzel!
What if Rapunzel is a rogue, a pickpocket, a thief?
What if she doesn't have a choice?
What if her mark is handsome, but naive?
What if her fake feelings for him turn into something real?
Will Zinnie follow through on her plan to steal from him?
Or will she have something stolen from her her heart?
Read Christine's other fairytale inspired stories today!
Becoming Cinder , White as Snow , Forever Sleeping , Promised Beauty
Available as audiobook, print, or ebook. Always free on KU!
Print versions feature stunning fantasy illustrations as chapter headings!
What if Rapunzel is a rogue, a pickpocket, a thief?
What if she doesn't have a choice?
What if her mark is handsome, but naive?
What if her fake feelings for him turn into something real?
Will Zinnie follow through on her plan to steal from him?
Or will she have something stolen from her her heart?
Read Christine's other fairytale inspired stories today!
Becoming Cinder , White as Snow , Forever Sleeping , Promised Beauty
Available as audiobook, print, or ebook. Always free on KU!
Print versions feature stunning fantasy illustrations as chapter headings!
291 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 30, 2024
1 person is currently reading
17 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
April 18, 2024
A Rapunzel inspired YA fantasy Romance with a twist.
"No matter how rich or important those people could make us feel, we would be fools to stay. You showed us that Zinnie. Thank you for saving my family."
Zinnie was nothing more than a thief, a con-artist, and a spy. She stole from people and manipulated them to get things she needed.
But what those around her didn't see was the kind-hearted person she truly was. Zinnie wanted to love and be loved but she was never allowed the chance to. That is until Atlas moved into town.
Ok no more spoilers.....
I absolutely loved this story and the way it was told. A new spin on an old story. I loved Zinnie and felt her strength and heart right from the beginning. I took my time reading and socking up every emotion I could.
Thank you Christine for allowing me to be an ARC reader and allowing me into the story you told. I absolutely loved every aspect of the story.
"No matter how rich or important those people could make us feel, we would be fools to stay. You showed us that Zinnie. Thank you for saving my family."
Zinnie was nothing more than a thief, a con-artist, and a spy. She stole from people and manipulated them to get things she needed.
But what those around her didn't see was the kind-hearted person she truly was. Zinnie wanted to love and be loved but she was never allowed the chance to. That is until Atlas moved into town.
Ok no more spoilers.....
I absolutely loved this story and the way it was told. A new spin on an old story. I loved Zinnie and felt her strength and heart right from the beginning. I took my time reading and socking up every emotion I could.
Thank you Christine for allowing me to be an ARC reader and allowing me into the story you told. I absolutely loved every aspect of the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 30, 2024
"Final Lock: A Retelling" by Christine Marshall is a captivating twist on the classic tale of Rapunzel, weaving together elements of fantasy, romance, and adventure in a charming YA retelling.
The story follows Zinnie, a skilled rogue and thief living in the City of Dorian, where magical creatures and self-serving people roam. Forced into a life of crime by her circumstances, Zinnie longs for freedom and connection. When she's tasked with a mission to steal from the new family in town, she encounters Atlas, a kind and charming young man who challenges her perception of herself and the world around her.
Marshall's storytelling is both imaginative and engaging, drawing readers into Zinnie's world from the very first page. The nods to the original Rapunzel tale are seamlessly woven into the narrative, adding depth and familiarity to the story. The addition of new magical creatures, such as the adorable hummingbird-dragon Lela, further enriches the fantastical setting and enhances the overall charm of the story.
The characters in "Final Lock" are easily likable, with Zinnie's resilience and heart shining through as she navigates the challenges of her life in the City of Dorian. Atlas is a refreshing and endearing love interest, offering hope and kindness in a world filled with darkness and deceit. Even the villainous Jessamine adds intrigue to the story, leaving readers eager to uncover her nefarious plans.
While the main storyline involving Zinnie and Atlas is wrapped up satisfactorily, there are intriguing threads left unresolved, particularly surrounding Jessamine's sinister schemes, which I look forward to being picked up on in the next instalment. Marshall's vivid descriptions of the city, the midsummer festival, and other fairy tale elements add depth to the world-building and leave readers eager to explore more of this enchanting universe.
In conclusion, "Final Lock: A Retelling" is a delightful and charming read that will appeal to fans of YA fantasy and fairy tale retellings. With its engaging plot, lovable characters, and imaginative world-building, it's sure to leave readers eagerly anticipating the next tale in this world and a resolution to Jessamine’s plans.
The story follows Zinnie, a skilled rogue and thief living in the City of Dorian, where magical creatures and self-serving people roam. Forced into a life of crime by her circumstances, Zinnie longs for freedom and connection. When she's tasked with a mission to steal from the new family in town, she encounters Atlas, a kind and charming young man who challenges her perception of herself and the world around her.
Marshall's storytelling is both imaginative and engaging, drawing readers into Zinnie's world from the very first page. The nods to the original Rapunzel tale are seamlessly woven into the narrative, adding depth and familiarity to the story. The addition of new magical creatures, such as the adorable hummingbird-dragon Lela, further enriches the fantastical setting and enhances the overall charm of the story.
The characters in "Final Lock" are easily likable, with Zinnie's resilience and heart shining through as she navigates the challenges of her life in the City of Dorian. Atlas is a refreshing and endearing love interest, offering hope and kindness in a world filled with darkness and deceit. Even the villainous Jessamine adds intrigue to the story, leaving readers eager to uncover her nefarious plans.
While the main storyline involving Zinnie and Atlas is wrapped up satisfactorily, there are intriguing threads left unresolved, particularly surrounding Jessamine's sinister schemes, which I look forward to being picked up on in the next instalment. Marshall's vivid descriptions of the city, the midsummer festival, and other fairy tale elements add depth to the world-building and leave readers eager to explore more of this enchanting universe.
In conclusion, "Final Lock: A Retelling" is a delightful and charming read that will appeal to fans of YA fantasy and fairy tale retellings. With its engaging plot, lovable characters, and imaginative world-building, it's sure to leave readers eagerly anticipating the next tale in this world and a resolution to Jessamine’s plans.
April 20, 2024
Final Lock is a sweet YA fantasy/fairytale retelling of Rapunzel. The story follows Zinnie, a 17 year old lock-pick and rogue who lives in the City of Dorian where fairytale creatures roam. Her best friend and constant companion is an adorable little hummingbird dragon called Lela, and she lives with the mysterious Jessamine, her mistress.
A new family, the Forster's move to the city, and Zinnie is given her next mission. Retrieve a specific map from Mr Forster's collection. To do this, Zinnie must befriend Atlas, a charming young man who's far too kind for a city like Dorian.
The story is short and sweet, and the characters are easily likeable, except for Jessamine, our resident baddie. Nothing is expanded on in too great a detail such as the mysterious masters of the city and the shady things that Jessamine herself does, but there is enough intel to know it can't be good. There are plenty of wonderful descriptions and details about the city itself, the midsummer festival, and other fairytale creatures. Marshall creates a beautiful image, and I thoroughly enjoyed this sweet and charming story.
A new family, the Forster's move to the city, and Zinnie is given her next mission. Retrieve a specific map from Mr Forster's collection. To do this, Zinnie must befriend Atlas, a charming young man who's far too kind for a city like Dorian.
The story is short and sweet, and the characters are easily likeable, except for Jessamine, our resident baddie. Nothing is expanded on in too great a detail such as the mysterious masters of the city and the shady things that Jessamine herself does, but there is enough intel to know it can't be good. There are plenty of wonderful descriptions and details about the city itself, the midsummer festival, and other fairytale creatures. Marshall creates a beautiful image, and I thoroughly enjoyed this sweet and charming story.
April 15, 2024
A charming YA fantasy romance, inspired by Rapunzel with a twist. Zinnie is a con artist, a thief, a spy, a master of disguise, and a victim of circumstance. She is forced to do tasks set by her Mistress, confined to the City by a curse, and trapped in a life she's desperate to escape, with only her hummingbird-dragon pet Lela for company.
When Zinnie is sent on a mission to scope out a new family in town she encounters Atlas, a charming, handsome and inexplicably kind boy, he may be her mark, but he easily steals her heart.
The nods to Rapunzel are intrinsically woven, and I love the addition of imaginative magical creatures in this world.
It's a sweet journey of hope, acceptance and love, and a great retelling for Rapunzel fans.
✨"I will do anything I can to solve your troubled heart"
When Zinnie is sent on a mission to scope out a new family in town she encounters Atlas, a charming, handsome and inexplicably kind boy, he may be her mark, but he easily steals her heart.
The nods to Rapunzel are intrinsically woven, and I love the addition of imaginative magical creatures in this world.
It's a sweet journey of hope, acceptance and love, and a great retelling for Rapunzel fans.
✨"I will do anything I can to solve your troubled heart"
April 15, 2024
Another fantastic fairytale retelling by Christine Marshall. Imagine Rapunzel as a tricky spy, thief, lockpick, pickpocket vagabond blindly following orders from an evil mistress you hoped to never see again. As she is given her next mark, she falls in love forcing her to question everything she has ever believed in. The imagery is stellar and Marshalls ability to easter egg her many characters throughout all of her books really brings them all together. Don't miss this one!
April 29, 2024
This is my first read from Christine Marshall and I must say, it was beyond my expectations! It was different from every fairytale retellings I've ever read, and I enjoyed every bit of it. Zinnie was an amazing character. Seriously, I loved reading about her. And not to mention, her dragon was sooo adorable!! Final Lock is pretty thrilling and epic and I recommend everyone to read it!! Looking forward to read more from Christine!
May 3, 2024
What an amazing read! Final Lock is a YA Rapunzel retelling. It is a clean romance. I'm going to say it's for everyone because I'm definitely not YA. Zinnie with her tiny dragon friend are a breath of fresh air. The joy and adventure in this book had me grinning. I got a paperback, so I got to see all the amazing illustrations done by Steve Marshall that just bring the world alive. I am definitely a fan.
May 6, 2024
Take a classic fairytale, stick it in a blender, throw it up in the air and see what comes down. A masterpiece, I tell you. I love Zenie and Atlas. They are the most precious couple in a story. The sidekick Dragon of course stole my heart!! I don't know how Christine does it, but her stories are amazing. They are heartfelt and warm. They keep you on your toes with mystery and suspense. I love the way Christine ties all her stories together. Her books are great for all ages.
May 7, 2024
I loved this retelling! I couldn’t put the book down and looked forward to finishing it.
February 25, 2025
This is an exceptional Rapunzel retelling! I love a good retelling, and Christine always has a way of making them into something special. It’s a really sweet story, and the ending was perfect!!
May 5, 2024
I received an ARC copy of this creative Rapunzel retelling.
I am a sucker for a retelling of the stories that we all know and adore from our childhoods and am always curious as to what the author will do to put their own spin on things.
Final Lock is the first Rapunzel retelling that I have read and it was very enjoyable from start to finish with a completely new take on the original tale.
This is not the usual Damsel in distress waiting for a knight in shining armor to save her type of book but there are traditional fairytale elements throughout the book. I thoroughly enjoyed Final Lock and plan on reading the other retellings that Christine Marshall has available.
I am a sucker for a retelling of the stories that we all know and adore from our childhoods and am always curious as to what the author will do to put their own spin on things.
Final Lock is the first Rapunzel retelling that I have read and it was very enjoyable from start to finish with a completely new take on the original tale.
This is not the usual Damsel in distress waiting for a knight in shining armor to save her type of book but there are traditional fairytale elements throughout the book. I thoroughly enjoyed Final Lock and plan on reading the other retellings that Christine Marshall has available.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews