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Four Kingdoms Duology #1
To Ride the Wind: A Retelling of East of the Sun and West of the Moon
Charlotte has always longed to be accepted by her older sisters. She would gladly exchange her vaunted beauty for their friendship. But they ask a far higher price. Pushed into marriage with a stranger, Charlotte is left betrayed and alone. All she knows of her new husband is that he has secrets—and that her heart beats a little faster whenever he calls her Lottie.
Princess Gwendolyn's people are different—that’s why they dwell high in the mountains, far from all other kingdoms. So she’s shocked when she discovers her mother plans to marry her by force to a stranger from outside their lands. And when she uncovers the full truth, she knows the queen's scheming has gone too far. Gwen must intervene before her mother’s destructive touch blights the entire world. If only there was someone who could help her. But the boy who was Gwen's only true friend has long since disappeared, and she'd do anything to find him. But her mother has made that impossible.
In this reimagining of the classic fairy tale, East of the Sun and West of the Moon, a commoner and a princess must forge a friendship in order to find a path through the secrets and lies that surround them.
If you enjoy clean romance, adventure, intrigue, found families, and friendship, then try the Four Kingdoms duology now which retells one classic fairy tale across two books!
Princess Gwendolyn's people are different—that’s why they dwell high in the mountains, far from all other kingdoms. So she’s shocked when she discovers her mother plans to marry her by force to a stranger from outside their lands. And when she uncovers the full truth, she knows the queen's scheming has gone too far. Gwen must intervene before her mother’s destructive touch blights the entire world. If only there was someone who could help her. But the boy who was Gwen's only true friend has long since disappeared, and she'd do anything to find him. But her mother has made that impossible.
In this reimagining of the classic fairy tale, East of the Sun and West of the Moon, a commoner and a princess must forge a friendship in order to find a path through the secrets and lies that surround them.
If you enjoy clean romance, adventure, intrigue, found families, and friendship, then try the Four Kingdoms duology now which retells one classic fairy tale across two books!
316 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 31, 2024
247 people are currently reading
805 people want to read
About the author
Melanie Cellier
126 books2,751 followersMelanie Cellier grew up on a staple diet of books, books and more books. And although she got older, she never stopped loving children’s and young adult novels.
She always wanted to write one herself, but it took three careers and three different continents before she actually managed it.
She now feels incredibly fortunate to spend her time writing from her home in Adelaide, Australia where she keeps an eye out for koalas in her backyard. Her staple diet hasn’t changed much, although she’s added choc mint Rooibos tea and Chicken Crimpies to the list.
She writes young adult fantasy including her Spoken Mage series, and her Four Kingdoms and Beyond the Four Kingdoms series which are made up of linked stand-alone stories that retell classic fairy tales.
She now feels incredibly fortunate to spend her time writing from her home in Adelaide, Australia where she keeps an eye out for koalas in her backyard. Her staple diet hasn’t changed much, although she’s added choc mint Rooibos tea and Chicken Crimpies to the list.
She writes young adult fantasy including her Spoken Mage series, and her Four Kingdoms and Beyond the Four Kingdoms series which are made up of linked stand-alone stories that retell classic fairy tales.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
March 21, 2025
3.5 stars ✨ (rounding to 4 for goodreads)
I tried to read a recap of the original story this retelling is based off of, but gave up mid-way because it seemed a little crazy. 🤪 So I went into this book with very little information.
Unlike the majority of the prior books in the connecting series, this one is written in third person and unlike all of them, has two point of views rather than just one.
Going into this duology, all I knew was Charli from The Abandoned Princess, but I didn’t know Gwen or who the Male Lead was going to be—or how connected it really would be to the main series—but oh! 🤭 I figured out very early on who the Male Lead was and I was eager to see what would happen.
Despite enjoying the story and plot, I didn’t love Charlotte or Gwen. I found myself getting a bit frustrated with Charlotte around the half-way point because she wasn’t communicating with her fella. And then Gwen was…I can’t think of how to describe it, but she had her moments too. 😅 There was a bit more girl drama than I was expecting, and I imagine that will continue in the next book. Truly, though, it was Charlotte and how she let others meddle in her marriage that put a bee in my bonnet because that’s never a good idea. Looking forward to seeing how it all works out in the second book, though, as very little is resolved in this book.
Main Content-
Enchantments, those under some, and those who did some on others with godmother objects are a major part of this plot & mentioned often; Using a godmother object and wished-for items suddenly appear; Riding the wind with a godmother object; Turning into a bear because of an enchantment; Meeting godmothers (who have wings); Mentions of the High King, the Palace of Light, godmothers, godmother objects (which some take and use with ill intentions), & animals from there that can talk.
Charlotte’s sisters are verbally abusive and belittling to her (resenting her for her beauty) & her mother doesn’t stand up for her which really hurts Charlotte (Charlotte feels as if her sisters and mother would sell her off for marriage for their own benefit; *Spoiler* ); Gwen’s mother is verbally, mentally, and physically abusive to her (including past times of & Gwen remembering being locked in small spaces/rooms and withheld food/water and thinking she would die in the locked closet; *Spoiler* ); We see ugly comments from both girls’ family members; Gwen wonders if the big secret is that she is ill and dying.
Being slapped, locked in a room, & falling off high areas (not self-harm but for a godmother object to work; up to a few sentences); Mentions of captives & people being stolen (the words “slaves” and “slavery” are never used); Mentions of drugs/potions & being drugged; Mentions houses being destroyed by a wind storm & people being trapped; Mentions of a bear possibly eating someone & others possibly harming it; A few mentions of stealing & thieves; A few mentions of the possibility of starving to death.
No major language is used, a bit of eye rolling.
1 kiss lasting a couple sentences,
1 kiss lasting 4-5 sentences,
Touches, Embraces, & Remembering both (up to a few sentences); Charlotte and her new husband share a bed together at night and while at first she is startled, she begins to wish the massive bed was smaller and to be able to be closer to him to feel his warmth (at one point she wonders if she is expecting a “proper marriage” and he comments later on having self-control when laying next to her); Mentions of jealousy.
See my content reviews of the rest of the series & spin-off series here:
The Four Kingdoms series:
Book #1, Book #2, Book #2.2, Book #2.5, Book #3, Book #3.5, Book #4, and Book #5.
Beyond the Four Kingdoms series:
Book #1, Book #2, Book #3, Book #4, Book #5, and Book #6.
Return to the Four Kingdoms series:
Book #1, Book #2, Book #3, Book #4, Book #5, and Book #6.
The Four Kingdoms Duology:
Book #1 and Book #2.
I tried to read a recap of the original story this retelling is based off of, but gave up mid-way because it seemed a little crazy. 🤪 So I went into this book with very little information.
Unlike the majority of the prior books in the connecting series, this one is written in third person and unlike all of them, has two point of views rather than just one.
Going into this duology, all I knew was Charli from The Abandoned Princess, but I didn’t know Gwen or who the Male Lead was going to be—or how connected it really would be to the main series—but oh! 🤭 I figured out very early on who the Male Lead was and I was eager to see what would happen.
Despite enjoying the story and plot, I didn’t love Charlotte or Gwen. I found myself getting a bit frustrated with Charlotte around the half-way point because she wasn’t communicating with her fella. And then Gwen was…I can’t think of how to describe it, but she had her moments too. 😅 There was a bit more girl drama than I was expecting, and I imagine that will continue in the next book. Truly, though, it was Charlotte and how she let others meddle in her marriage that put a bee in my bonnet because that’s never a good idea. Looking forward to seeing how it all works out in the second book, though, as very little is resolved in this book.
Main Content-
Enchantments, those under some, and those who did some on others with godmother objects are a major part of this plot & mentioned often; Using a godmother object and wished-for items suddenly appear; Riding the wind with a godmother object; Turning into a bear because of an enchantment; Meeting godmothers (who have wings); Mentions of the High King, the Palace of Light, godmothers, godmother objects (which some take and use with ill intentions), & animals from there that can talk.
Charlotte’s sisters are verbally abusive and belittling to her (resenting her for her beauty) & her mother doesn’t stand up for her which really hurts Charlotte (Charlotte feels as if her sisters and mother would sell her off for marriage for their own benefit; *Spoiler* ); Gwen’s mother is verbally, mentally, and physically abusive to her (including past times of & Gwen remembering being locked in small spaces/rooms and withheld food/water and thinking she would die in the locked closet; *Spoiler* ); We see ugly comments from both girls’ family members; Gwen wonders if the big secret is that she is ill and dying.
Being slapped, locked in a room, & falling off high areas (not self-harm but for a godmother object to work; up to a few sentences); Mentions of captives & people being stolen (the words “slaves” and “slavery” are never used); Mentions of drugs/potions & being drugged; Mentions houses being destroyed by a wind storm & people being trapped; Mentions of a bear possibly eating someone & others possibly harming it; A few mentions of stealing & thieves; A few mentions of the possibility of starving to death.
No major language is used, a bit of eye rolling.
1 kiss lasting a couple sentences,
1 kiss lasting 4-5 sentences,
Touches, Embraces, & Remembering both (up to a few sentences); Charlotte and her new husband share a bed together at night and while at first she is startled, she begins to wish the massive bed was smaller and to be able to be closer to him to feel his warmth (at one point she wonders if she is expecting a “proper marriage” and he comments later on having self-control when laying next to her); Mentions of jealousy.
See my content reviews of the rest of the series & spin-off series here:
The Four Kingdoms series:
Book #1, Book #2, Book #2.2, Book #2.5, Book #3, Book #3.5, Book #4, and Book #5.
Beyond the Four Kingdoms series:
Book #1, Book #2, Book #3, Book #4, Book #5, and Book #6.
Return to the Four Kingdoms series:
Book #1, Book #2, Book #3, Book #4, Book #5, and Book #6.
The Four Kingdoms Duology:
Book #1 and Book #2.
August 3, 2024
*4.5*
Um, wow! I’ve never read a retelling of this fairytale. Umm, let’s just say the original is a little *cough*dumb*cough* based on the synopsis I read. I do recommend the synopsis before reading this retelling though.
There are two tropes/different romances. One is marriage of convenience *squee* and childhood best friends to lovers *also squee*.
Gwen was very interesting. She was in the dark about things for a while, but she grew a backbone quickly.
Charlotte was probably my favorite. While bold on the inside, she was meek and selfless. She knew how to stand up for herself. She eventually spoke up and had reconciliation. She was the marriage of convenience, which is what we mainly followed up to 75-80%. Henry was ✨amazing✨. Glad we got to sea Easton as well.
Content: enchantments, Palace of Light, High King, Godmothers, two kisses (up to lightly detailed) a married couple sleeps in the same bed on opposite sides (semi detailed), a married couple hold hands and hugs in bed (lightly detailed, for comfort not in a super romantic way)
Um, wow! I’ve never read a retelling of this fairytale. Umm, let’s just say the original is a little *cough*dumb*cough* based on the synopsis I read. I do recommend the synopsis before reading this retelling though.
There are two tropes/different romances. One is marriage of convenience *squee* and childhood best friends to lovers *also squee*.
Gwen was very interesting. She was in the dark about things for a while, but she grew a backbone quickly.
Charlotte was probably my favorite. While bold on the inside, she was meek and selfless. She knew how to stand up for herself. She eventually spoke up and had reconciliation. She was the marriage of convenience, which is what we mainly followed up to 75-80%. Henry was ✨amazing✨. Glad we got to sea Easton as well.
Content: enchantments, Palace of Light, High King, Godmothers, two kisses (up to lightly detailed) a married couple sleeps in the same bed on opposite sides (semi detailed), a married couple hold hands and hugs in bed (lightly detailed, for comfort not in a super romantic way)
November 21, 2024
This book literally, like no joke was the best book I have ever read so far this year. Like I love her writing. Her writing is always so poetic and can easily paint me the scene without me using so much brain power
You can feel the emotions the characters use and also know what they are going through these words. I will say the audio books for any of her books are the best experiance she has the best reader for the books and it will just help feel extra cozy.
This book focus on two fmcs Charlotte and Gwendylyn in the book you already know that Charlotte and Gwen both will need each other. The only down part is when these two are seperated in couples I really REALLY wished we saw More of Charlotte and her love interest I love them and if you've read any of Melanie's books in the universe you'll see crossovers and cameos in this book which is honestly so amazing I love how she could link everything and make it come full circle
Gwen and her love interest don't both appear until at the very end of the book. You really mostly focus on the Mountain kingdom and how it's run. You also focus on Gwen's life as a princess and how she wants to escape
Overall this book was amazing and I love every dang second of it.
Quotes -
- “Don’t cry lotti, I hate it to see you cry.”
- “I used my powerless as a cover up to wallow in weakness”
Links for book 1 & 2
Book 1 - To ride the Wind
Book 2 - To Steal the sun
You can feel the emotions the characters use and also know what they are going through these words. I will say the audio books for any of her books are the best experiance she has the best reader for the books and it will just help feel extra cozy.
This book focus on two fmcs Charlotte and Gwendylyn in the book you already know that Charlotte and Gwen both will need each other. The only down part is when these two are seperated in couples I really REALLY wished we saw More of Charlotte and her love interest I love them and if you've read any of Melanie's books in the universe you'll see crossovers and cameos in this book which is honestly so amazing I love how she could link everything and make it come full circle
Gwen and her love interest don't both appear until at the very end of the book. You really mostly focus on the Mountain kingdom and how it's run. You also focus on Gwen's life as a princess and how she wants to escape
Overall this book was amazing and I love every dang second of it.
Quotes -
- “Don’t cry lotti, I hate it to see you cry.”
- “I used my powerless as a cover up to wallow in weakness”
Links for book 1 & 2
Book 1 - To ride the Wind
Book 2 - To Steal the sun
Read
January 29, 2025DNF
I'm sorry, but even if he turns human at some point, I am not comfortable with a girl marrying a bear, talking or otherwise.
I'm sorry, but even if he turns human at some point, I am not comfortable with a girl marrying a bear, talking or otherwise.
October 29, 2025
3.75⭐️
Third person. 2 POV (mostly)
Really enjoyed the majority of this ‘East of the Sun, West of the Moon’ retelling (though I’ve never heard of the original tale). A lot of it has Beauty and the Beast vibes as well.
The two perspectives are Charlotte, who is pushed to marry a talking white BEAR (yes, the animal), and Gwen who is the daughter of a nasty Queen, trapped in her life.
I was waaaaay more invested in Charlotte’s story given that I am a marriage-of-convenience fan….and when the two storylines started merging, I started losing interest.
Ends in a cliffhanger
Third person. 2 POV (mostly)
Really enjoyed the majority of this ‘East of the Sun, West of the Moon’ retelling (though I’ve never heard of the original tale). A lot of it has Beauty and the Beast vibes as well.
The two perspectives are Charlotte, who is pushed to marry a talking white BEAR (yes, the animal), and Gwen who is the daughter of a nasty Queen, trapped in her life.
I was waaaaay more invested in Charlotte’s story given that I am a marriage-of-convenience fan….and when the two storylines started merging, I started losing interest.
Ends in a cliffhanger
January 1, 2025
I'm a huge fan of the East of the Sun, West of the Moon fairy tale, and I was so excited to see that one of my favorite fairy tale authors was going to be tackling it. And this book didn't disappoint! A lovely start to this duology!
November 4, 2025
well written, squeaky clean, not a single curse word in sight-which is a rarity these days
I'm not a fan of the author's writing style ( a lot of rhetorical questions overly explaining the POV character's inner thoughts) but if you have a young person in your life and you want to make sure to recommend clean fantasy, Melanie Cellier is your gal.
I'm not a fan of the author's writing style ( a lot of rhetorical questions overly explaining the POV character's inner thoughts) but if you have a young person in your life and you want to make sure to recommend clean fantasy, Melanie Cellier is your gal.
August 26, 2024
Dnf'ing it at about 1/3 of the way through. While I could understand some of the changes, I cannot stand the part where the author doesn't seem to understand that she completely broke the fairytale! A major part of East of the Sun, West of the Moon is the similarity to Cupid and Psyche. Charlotte isn't allowed to see her husband at night. She isn't allowed to know about the curse. Here, he tells her on their wedding night, which is day one of her being in the castle, because they are already married in this version to make it less weird, and in the fairytale, her looking at him and learning he is human is what kick starts her quest to save him from the evil sorceress. Granted, she does keep you can't see him in his human form, but even the fact that he can tell her anything removes a large part of the story to me. She doesn't have to figure anything out. Also, all the families are terrible in this. She tells you everything rather than showing you.
November 24, 2025
So nostalgic being back in the world of the Four Kingdoms. I’ve been reading these books for 7 years and the Four Kingdoms will always feel like home. Incredibly grateful for one last duology installment in this world, but I sure will miss the characters and this world!
May 9, 2025
Guys I think this might be first time Melanie left us on a cliffhanger!
Spoiler Free:
Loved this book! It’s definitely than the rest of the books in the other series but it was still amazing!
Romance: 3/10 ~ very little kissing or other romantic/sexual stuff.
Tropes: Childhood Sweethearts, Marriage, Forced Proximity, Secret Identity.
Gore: 0.5/10 ~ someone gets smashed by a fallen wall but survives.
Language: 0/10 ~ none
Plot: 9/10 ~ loved it and the timing was just perfect! Only wish I could read book 2 rn!!!!
Other: 4/10 ~ talk of torture: locking in small places, no food or drink, etc.
Age: 13+ (for romance and talk of torture)
Overall totally loved this book and will 2000% be recommending!!!!
SPOILERS!!!!!!!!
SPOILERS BEYOND THIS POINT!!!!
Ok this is very similar to another book I read but it only had Charlotte’s story not Gwen’s, so I was prepared for most of it.
IMO ~ Easton > Henry. I wouldn’t be able to marry what I thought was a bear for anything! However I’m a huge fan of the Childhood Sweethearts trope!
Spoiler Free:
Loved this book! It’s definitely than the rest of the books in the other series but it was still amazing!
Romance: 3/10 ~ very little kissing or other romantic/sexual stuff.
Tropes: Childhood Sweethearts, Marriage, Forced Proximity, Secret Identity.
Gore: 0.5/10 ~ someone gets smashed by a fallen wall but survives.
Language: 0/10 ~ none
Plot: 9/10 ~ loved it and the timing was just perfect! Only wish I could read book 2 rn!!!!
Other: 4/10 ~ talk of torture: locking in small places, no food or drink, etc.
Age: 13+ (for romance and talk of torture)
Overall totally loved this book and will 2000% be recommending!!!!
SPOILERS!!!!!!!!
SPOILERS BEYOND THIS POINT!!!!
Ok this is very similar to another book I read but it only had Charlotte’s story not Gwen’s, so I was prepared for most of it.
IMO ~ Easton > Henry. I wouldn’t be able to marry what I thought was a bear for anything! However I’m a huge fan of the Childhood Sweethearts trope!
September 26, 2024
[4.5 stars]
Ok, yeah, it’s a little (lot?) cheesy, but it’s a fairy tale! That’s the very reason we read them. Charming princes, fast and unrealistic True Love, an afflicted princess with a kind and courageous heart, jealous sisters, cursed kingdoms, wicked villains, and elderly godmothers… Everything I signed up for 🤓
Yeah, it was cheesy, but yeah, I enjoyed it. Looking forward to a very certain happily ever after in book 2
Content:
There’s no foul language or sex. The romance is clean and there is minimal violence. There is a High King and godmothers that appear to act as gift-bestowing guardian angels… but I wouldn’t call it truly Christian.
Ok, yeah, it’s a little (lot?) cheesy, but it’s a fairy tale! That’s the very reason we read them. Charming princes, fast and unrealistic True Love, an afflicted princess with a kind and courageous heart, jealous sisters, cursed kingdoms, wicked villains, and elderly godmothers… Everything I signed up for 🤓
Yeah, it was cheesy, but yeah, I enjoyed it. Looking forward to a very certain happily ever after in book 2
Content:
There’s no foul language or sex. The romance is clean and there is minimal violence. There is a High King and godmothers that appear to act as gift-bestowing guardian angels… but I wouldn’t call it truly Christian.
November 14, 2025
Did I seriously just read this book in a day?? Yes. Yes, I did. And I don't regret a second of it! 😆 This book is incredible!!! As usual, I'm in love with Melanie Cellier's books but this one especially was full of intrigue and adventure and secrets and I loved it! I've already started book two. 🥰 There is mention of characters being under a curse and an enchantment (both words used interchangeably).
June 23, 2025
the two intertwining stories
I don’t usually like the East of the Sun and West of the Moon retelling — but I really enjoyed this story. I liked the cameos for the rest of the series, and I liked the two intertwining stories. Charlotte and Gwen are a dream team.
I don’t usually like the East of the Sun and West of the Moon retelling — but I really enjoyed this story. I liked the cameos for the rest of the series, and I liked the two intertwining stories. Charlotte and Gwen are a dream team.
November 1, 2024
I honestly love anything and everything Four Kingdoms and Beyond! This was no different. I’ve never heard of this fairy tale, but so far I’m loving this retelling! I already loved Charlotte from The Abandoned Princess, so I’m glad she’s getting a duology. The other new characters I’ve also really enjoyed getting to know so far and I’m impatient to read the next one!
September 29, 2025
Makes me feel like a kid again
October 19, 2024
So fun and creative and had all the elements I wanted from both the world and the fairytale. Can't wait to read the second part
June 16, 2024
To Ride the Wind by Melanie Cellier is the first book in a two-part epilogue of the Four Kingdoms series that does not disappoint. This retelling of "East of the Sun and West of the Moon" is full of adventure, romance, and surprises. Though I'm not typically a fan of the original fairy tale, nearly every adaptation I have read improves upon its flaws. The first book in this duology ends on a cliffhanger that will be completed in To Steal the Sun but tells a satisfying enough story to make the wait worthwhile. This review is the second one I have written for #fairytalesummer, a Facebook event going on right now that awards points to readers of clean fairy tale adaptations all month long! If you love fairy tales as much as I do, you should check it out.
Charlotte, who was first introduced in The Abandoned Princess is all grown up and ready to go on adventures of her own, in no small part to get away from her sisters, who treat her like an outsider in her own family. In all of her wildest imaginings, she was unprepared for that adventure that came in the form of a talking bear and an impromptu proposal. She thought her parents would reject such an absurd suggestion, so Charlotte was shocked when her entire family was swayed by the offer of money and comfort in exchange for her hand in marriage to a talking bear. Another misconception she had was that her new husband was a talking animal from the Palace of Light, a recurring mythological location in this series, instead of a cursed human. Henry brought Charlotte to a vast enchanted castle where she could have everything her heart desired except her fondest wish to see his human face at night.
This book is told from dual perspectives, but not from the two love interests. Instead, it switches between Charlotte and Gwen, a foreign princess who does not meet Charlotte until near the end of the book. This is a bold move, but it pays off when the girls become fast friends, and the reader doesn't need any expository dialogue to catch up. It also helps to build up hype for the second book, which will likely focus more on Gwen than Charlotte. Gwen represents the troll princess from "East of the Sun and West of the Moon," but the way she is described is the exact opposite. She is a traditional fairy tale princess with a desire to be free from the lies and secrets in the confines of her castle and to save her people from her mother's tyranny. Between Charlotte and Gwen, this book tells two very different stories about two different types of heroines to reflect the dual nature of this adapation.
The biggest challenge of "East of the Sun and West of the Moon" to have a likable protagonist takes place when she uses a candle to look at her husband because her family thinks she might have been tricked into marrying someone ugly. This book does not change that part too much, but it uses Gwen's limited knowledge of curses and magic to form suspicion and fear for her friend. Charlotte trusts Henry implicitly and only decides to use the candle to prove her parents' accusations wrong, which were fueled by her new friend. In the end, the mistake comes as a result of pride and willfulness as opposed to superficiality, which are better flaws for a modern heroine as the superficiality theme has been done to death, and most noble protagonists can see beyond appearances. The reunion at the end of this book was not what I expected. The book had focused so much on Charlotte's story that I thought Gwen's would come in the next book. I look forward to learning how both girls can resolve their differences.
To Ride the Wind by Melanie Cellier is a thrilling retelling of "East of the Sun and West of the Moon" that exceeded my expectations. With its dual perspectives, adventure, romance, and surprises, this book is a must-read for fairy tale fans. Charlotte and Gwen's stories may be different, but they complement each other perfectly, building up to a cliffhanger that will leave you eager for the next installment, To Steal the Sun. If you're a fan of fairy tale adaptations like I am, be sure to check out the Clean Fairytales group on Facebook and join the conversation. And if you haven't already, add To Ride the Wind to your reading list - you won't regret it!
Charlotte, who was first introduced in The Abandoned Princess is all grown up and ready to go on adventures of her own, in no small part to get away from her sisters, who treat her like an outsider in her own family. In all of her wildest imaginings, she was unprepared for that adventure that came in the form of a talking bear and an impromptu proposal. She thought her parents would reject such an absurd suggestion, so Charlotte was shocked when her entire family was swayed by the offer of money and comfort in exchange for her hand in marriage to a talking bear. Another misconception she had was that her new husband was a talking animal from the Palace of Light, a recurring mythological location in this series, instead of a cursed human. Henry brought Charlotte to a vast enchanted castle where she could have everything her heart desired except her fondest wish to see his human face at night.
This book is told from dual perspectives, but not from the two love interests. Instead, it switches between Charlotte and Gwen, a foreign princess who does not meet Charlotte until near the end of the book. This is a bold move, but it pays off when the girls become fast friends, and the reader doesn't need any expository dialogue to catch up. It also helps to build up hype for the second book, which will likely focus more on Gwen than Charlotte. Gwen represents the troll princess from "East of the Sun and West of the Moon," but the way she is described is the exact opposite. She is a traditional fairy tale princess with a desire to be free from the lies and secrets in the confines of her castle and to save her people from her mother's tyranny. Between Charlotte and Gwen, this book tells two very different stories about two different types of heroines to reflect the dual nature of this adapation.
The biggest challenge of "East of the Sun and West of the Moon" to have a likable protagonist takes place when she uses a candle to look at her husband because her family thinks she might have been tricked into marrying someone ugly. This book does not change that part too much, but it uses Gwen's limited knowledge of curses and magic to form suspicion and fear for her friend. Charlotte trusts Henry implicitly and only decides to use the candle to prove her parents' accusations wrong, which were fueled by her new friend. In the end, the mistake comes as a result of pride and willfulness as opposed to superficiality, which are better flaws for a modern heroine as the superficiality theme has been done to death, and most noble protagonists can see beyond appearances. The reunion at the end of this book was not what I expected. The book had focused so much on Charlotte's story that I thought Gwen's would come in the next book. I look forward to learning how both girls can resolve their differences.
To Ride the Wind by Melanie Cellier is a thrilling retelling of "East of the Sun and West of the Moon" that exceeded my expectations. With its dual perspectives, adventure, romance, and surprises, this book is a must-read for fairy tale fans. Charlotte and Gwen's stories may be different, but they complement each other perfectly, building up to a cliffhanger that will leave you eager for the next installment, To Steal the Sun. If you're a fan of fairy tale adaptations like I am, be sure to check out the Clean Fairytales group on Facebook and join the conversation. And if you haven't already, add To Ride the Wind to your reading list - you won't regret it!
March 7, 2025
but the ending!!!
Time to immediately find book two. This ends on a cliffhanger.
I know nothing of East of the Sun and West of the Moon, so I got a lot of Beauty and the Beast-type vibes from this. Enjoyable interweaving of different perspectives.
Time to immediately find book two. This ends on a cliffhanger.
I know nothing of East of the Sun and West of the Moon, so I got a lot of Beauty and the Beast-type vibes from this. Enjoyable interweaving of different perspectives.
February 22, 2025
This might be my favorite series by Melanie Cellier. This fairytale is so cool. I'm glad I found a summary of the tale before starting it. It helped to keep the big story straight. Definitely fun to read a fairytale retelling of a story not as commonly read.
December 26, 2024
East if the Sun, West of the Moon is a FT I have adored since I was young, though it seems to have recently come back into fashion given the popularity of YA FT romance retellings. I saw that this had been split into two novels and (I admit) at first I was excited, but then I started reading and my hopes pretty much fizzled.
The writing style is stilted and really forced with wording choices that had me confused from time-to-time.
The original premise of a prince who is cursed to be a bear by day (black, white, brown… it changes depending on who tells the story) and his true form at night. If he wants to break the curse he simply needs to find a girl willing to marry him who isn’t going to come unglued at the fact that her new hubby is gone all day with an enormous bear roaming the property, but will also agree to never look at his face at night.
Sleep beside him, yes, but he won’t touch or kiss her and no lights can be lit in his presence- no fires, no candles. Oh, and he’s not allowed to give her answers about his being cursed or the parameters to break the spell.
Talk about your stacked deck.
And what did this guy do to earn his curse? He refused to marry someone from another kingdom after being kidnapped and threatened.
Here the author tries to make us sympathize a bit for the jilted girl (who has no idea just how diabolical and wicked her stepmother is… hence why it’s 2 books rather than one. We wind up with the jilted girl and the boy she loved who was banished (unbeknownst by the princess) over a decade earlier and then we have Henry the bear prince and his newfound wife.
It’s too much. The fact this completely abused and broken princess has a bear curse of her own (along with the nobility… just flipped (bear at night, human by day) naturally causes a problem for her stepmother, because in their kingdom you can’t just marry a bear- they have rituals involved that a Bear’s paws aren’t suitable for (washing each other’s dirty shirts by hand mid-ceremony). So how does our prince marry his gal? Easy- he finds a kingdom where there are no crazy rituals.
But the fact that abused princess and the bear prince’s bride come to befriend one another (let alone find each other in differing kingdoms) and then find the princess’s lost childhood buddy-turn-sweetheart within a few short chapters strains credulity even with the use of magic.
Add in a peasant rebellion and a whole lot of people sneaking around and in the palace and not being spotted? And while Henry and his bride eventually start talking easier between them, it’s still not enough to make anyone interesting enough to become invested in.
Stretching it out into 2 storylines eventually merging just makes for a bloated mess. Hen-pecked guardsmen, idiotic, shallow and self-serving families… there’s just not much to redeem this. Sure, Henry seems nice enough but his bride is far too whiny (how on earth did he observe her from the woods for a few days *stalker* and decide she’s a blessed ray of sunshine? Oh, yeah… she’s pretty.
I could really lay into the childhood friends-to-lovers who haven’t seen each other since they were kids and instantly you’re considering marriage (coerced or not) and we’re left to believe they’ll stay together in the long run? That true love not only exists for them but that this girl (after a lifetime of horrific abuse) is somehow going to make for a good queen who can stand firm when needed?
And there are way too many old fairy godmother gifts floating around and two too many fairy godmothers popping up to hand out new gifts.
Maybe I went in with my hopes too high- maybe someday I will try another title by the author, but for now, no thank you.
The writing style is stilted and really forced with wording choices that had me confused from time-to-time.
The original premise of a prince who is cursed to be a bear by day (black, white, brown… it changes depending on who tells the story) and his true form at night. If he wants to break the curse he simply needs to find a girl willing to marry him who isn’t going to come unglued at the fact that her new hubby is gone all day with an enormous bear roaming the property, but will also agree to never look at his face at night.
Sleep beside him, yes, but he won’t touch or kiss her and no lights can be lit in his presence- no fires, no candles. Oh, and he’s not allowed to give her answers about his being cursed or the parameters to break the spell.
Talk about your stacked deck.
And what did this guy do to earn his curse? He refused to marry someone from another kingdom after being kidnapped and threatened.
Here the author tries to make us sympathize a bit for the jilted girl (who has no idea just how diabolical and wicked her stepmother is… hence why it’s 2 books rather than one. We wind up with the jilted girl and the boy she loved who was banished (unbeknownst by the princess) over a decade earlier and then we have Henry the bear prince and his newfound wife.
It’s too much. The fact this completely abused and broken princess has a bear curse of her own (along with the nobility… just flipped (bear at night, human by day) naturally causes a problem for her stepmother, because in their kingdom you can’t just marry a bear- they have rituals involved that a Bear’s paws aren’t suitable for (washing each other’s dirty shirts by hand mid-ceremony). So how does our prince marry his gal? Easy- he finds a kingdom where there are no crazy rituals.
But the fact that abused princess and the bear prince’s bride come to befriend one another (let alone find each other in differing kingdoms) and then find the princess’s lost childhood buddy-turn-sweetheart within a few short chapters strains credulity even with the use of magic.
Add in a peasant rebellion and a whole lot of people sneaking around and in the palace and not being spotted? And while Henry and his bride eventually start talking easier between them, it’s still not enough to make anyone interesting enough to become invested in.
Stretching it out into 2 storylines eventually merging just makes for a bloated mess. Hen-pecked guardsmen, idiotic, shallow and self-serving families… there’s just not much to redeem this. Sure, Henry seems nice enough but his bride is far too whiny (how on earth did he observe her from the woods for a few days *stalker* and decide she’s a blessed ray of sunshine? Oh, yeah… she’s pretty.
I could really lay into the childhood friends-to-lovers who haven’t seen each other since they were kids and instantly you’re considering marriage (coerced or not) and we’re left to believe they’ll stay together in the long run? That true love not only exists for them but that this girl (after a lifetime of horrific abuse) is somehow going to make for a good queen who can stand firm when needed?
And there are way too many old fairy godmother gifts floating around and two too many fairy godmothers popping up to hand out new gifts.
Maybe I went in with my hopes too high- maybe someday I will try another title by the author, but for now, no thank you.
June 12, 2024
Summer just isn't summer without spending a day curled up on the couch with a Melanie Cellier book. She is one of my favorite authors, and I've come to expect great things from her. This book certainly did not disappoint.
I'd never even heard of East of the Sun and West of the Moon before this duology was announced, but I certainly love the title, and the story intrigued me from the first chapter. Gwen was probably my favorite of the two heroines, and I related to one certain aspect of her story- missing a beloved childhood friend. Gwen's storyline very much reminded me of Rapunzel, while Charlotte's reminded me of Beauty and the Beast. The plot twists were just... wow. Wow. That's really all I have to say.
Overall, I adored this book! Fairy tale retellings are comfort reads for me, and Melanie Cellier books are my favorite summer reads. I highly recommend this book to all fairy tale, and especially Four Kingdoms, fans! 11+
Content warnings:(mild spoilers)
I'd never even heard of East of the Sun and West of the Moon before this duology was announced, but I certainly love the title, and the story intrigued me from the first chapter. Gwen was probably my favorite of the two heroines, and I related to one certain aspect of her story- missing a beloved childhood friend. Gwen's storyline very much reminded me of Rapunzel, while Charlotte's reminded me of Beauty and the Beast. The plot twists were just... wow. Wow. That's really all I have to say.
Overall, I adored this book! Fairy tale retellings are comfort reads for me, and Melanie Cellier books are my favorite summer reads. I highly recommend this book to all fairy tale, and especially Four Kingdoms, fans! 11+
Content warnings:(mild spoilers)
April 18, 2025
I've read almost 50 books this year, and this is one of my favorites so far.
I love, love, love, love, love that instead of characters marrying and getting their happily ever after at the end of the story, Melanie has Charlotte married at the start. This created questions like, “How seriously do you take marriage vows? To what extent do you live them out? How much of yourself–your emotions, thoughts, past, and physical touch–do you give to your partner when married?”
As for physical touch, Melanie aced that as well. Holding hands–check. Kissing–check. Him wrapping himself around her–check. The latter was intimate and sweet but chaste, absolutely perfect.
Ms. Melanie, if you are reading this, please write about marriage and this sort of intimacy more often! I’m not saying to replicate the story; obviously, we like fairy tale retellings, not replicas. Likewise, we would want new, different stories with marriage, not replicas of this one. But it was so, so beautiful!
I also enjoyed the amount of fantasy in the novel. Typically, Melanie's books take place in a world involving enchantments and godmothers but are fairly imaginable as they include what we deal with in real life--threats of war, rebellions, uprisings, etc. This, however, had a talking white bear, two important godmother objects used repeatedly, literally riding the wind, and more I won't spoil!
Finally, I liked the two points of view with a couple of interludes in the middle. Melanie typically has the book divided into three parts, which she didn't do this time, but I was totally fine with that. The story flowed, and I just had to keep reading. I also liked that it was written in third instead of first person!
I cannot wait to read the sequel, To Steal the Sun. Well-done, Ms. Melanie--well-done!
I love, love, love, love, love that instead of characters marrying and getting their happily ever after at the end of the story, Melanie has Charlotte married at the start. This created questions like, “How seriously do you take marriage vows? To what extent do you live them out? How much of yourself–your emotions, thoughts, past, and physical touch–do you give to your partner when married?”
As for physical touch, Melanie aced that as well. Holding hands–check. Kissing–check. Him wrapping himself around her–check. The latter was intimate and sweet but chaste, absolutely perfect.
Ms. Melanie, if you are reading this, please write about marriage and this sort of intimacy more often! I’m not saying to replicate the story; obviously, we like fairy tale retellings, not replicas. Likewise, we would want new, different stories with marriage, not replicas of this one. But it was so, so beautiful!
I also enjoyed the amount of fantasy in the novel. Typically, Melanie's books take place in a world involving enchantments and godmothers but are fairly imaginable as they include what we deal with in real life--threats of war, rebellions, uprisings, etc. This, however, had a talking white bear, two important godmother objects used repeatedly, literally riding the wind, and more I won't spoil!
Finally, I liked the two points of view with a couple of interludes in the middle. Melanie typically has the book divided into three parts, which she didn't do this time, but I was totally fine with that. The story flowed, and I just had to keep reading. I also liked that it was written in third instead of first person!
I cannot wait to read the sequel, To Steal the Sun. Well-done, Ms. Melanie--well-done!
October 16, 2024
I was so happy when I stumbled upon this audiobook 🥹🥹. I love fractured fairytales and I love Melanie Cellier’s renditions especially. True comfort books that are easy to read, a little cheesy, but entirely satisfying😌😌😌
This actually isn’t my first book based on East of the Sun, West of the Moon so I was already familiar with the story. It’s kinda weird and I didn’t love the other one I read, so I was a little worried going into this, but it was AMAZING!!!!😍😍😍
I love how clean all these books are. Going into this one I was a little worried given the original, but it stayed true to its origins without any uncomfy parts😊
I love the switched perspectives in this book! All of her previous books focus on 1 character so it was interesting and fun to switch back and forth!
I love Charli ❤️❤️❤️❤️ She is so strong and persevering and just accepts the horribleness that’s handed to her and tries to make the best of it. Often in these books, the main characters don’t have a really really big oppsie so it was nice (and terrible 😢😢) to read Charli make hers the ruins everything 🫣🫣. I love Henry! I totally predicted who it was💪💪 and I love his loyalty, courage, and protectiveness of Charli (I also love that she completely has to save him, he is completely the damsel in distress). They are perfect for each other and their story is so sad☹️☹️☹️☹️☹️
I love Gwen❤️❤️❤️❤️ She was probably my favorite. I felt so bad for her and I loved watching her gain her courage and struggle with being brave versus running away. She ultimately does what she needs to for herself, but she realizes she can’t run forever and now that she gained the courage the run, she needs to use that courage to fight back even though it will be really really hard (it better be hard…) I love the idea of Easton (FINALLY ITS NOT A PRINCE 😆😆😆😆😆) and I’m excited to meet him fully in the next book😊😊😊
Altogether a really really really good, entertaining, intriguing rendition of another unusual fairy tale😜😜😜
This actually isn’t my first book based on East of the Sun, West of the Moon so I was already familiar with the story. It’s kinda weird and I didn’t love the other one I read, so I was a little worried going into this, but it was AMAZING!!!!😍😍😍
I love how clean all these books are. Going into this one I was a little worried given the original, but it stayed true to its origins without any uncomfy parts😊
I love the switched perspectives in this book! All of her previous books focus on 1 character so it was interesting and fun to switch back and forth!
I love Charli ❤️❤️❤️❤️ She is so strong and persevering and just accepts the horribleness that’s handed to her and tries to make the best of it. Often in these books, the main characters don’t have a really really big oppsie so it was nice (and terrible 😢😢) to read Charli make hers the ruins everything 🫣🫣. I love Henry! I totally predicted who it was💪💪 and I love his loyalty, courage, and protectiveness of Charli (I also love that she completely has to save him, he is completely the damsel in distress). They are perfect for each other and their story is so sad☹️☹️☹️☹️☹️
I love Gwen❤️❤️❤️❤️ She was probably my favorite. I felt so bad for her and I loved watching her gain her courage and struggle with being brave versus running away. She ultimately does what she needs to for herself, but she realizes she can’t run forever and now that she gained the courage the run, she needs to use that courage to fight back even though it will be really really hard (it better be hard…) I love the idea of Easton (FINALLY ITS NOT A PRINCE 😆😆😆😆😆) and I’m excited to meet him fully in the next book😊😊😊
Altogether a really really really good, entertaining, intriguing rendition of another unusual fairy tale😜😜😜
November 27, 2024
"To Ride the Wind" is a fantasy based off the tale of "East of the Sun and West of the Moon." This story continues in "To Steal the Sun," and I would have enjoyed the story more if it'd been condensed into one book. Charlotte and Gwen are both ninnies for much of the time, acting much younger than their ages -- though at least Gwen has some excuse for inexperience as she's very sheltered. The whole story is full of 'I could ask and find out the answer but I'd rather assume things, jump to wrong conclusions, and be miserable or make foolish, reckless choices based on my bad assumptions.'
For example, Charlotte's so miserable with her family that she agreed to marry a bear. She fell in love but didn't understand why he wouldn't touch her while in his human form, even though he promised not to and is a kind, caring fellow who keeps his promises. She saw a portrait of a pretty girl, knew she could just ask the bear about the girl, but tortured herself with heartbreak that her prince must love the girl. Seriously, too much wallowing in melodrama. Then she agreed to go home to visit her family because...surely she'll be less miserable when she gets back and can ask the bear about the girl then? It made no sense, but I guess the author had to get her home somehow so they can convince her to betray her husband's one request. Both Charlotte and Gwen had their good moments, but they kept doing the stupidest things.
I love most of this author's books, but this duology is not my favorite. There was no sex or bad language.
For example, Charlotte's so miserable with her family that she agreed to marry a bear. She fell in love but didn't understand why he wouldn't touch her while in his human form, even though he promised not to and is a kind, caring fellow who keeps his promises. She saw a portrait of a pretty girl, knew she could just ask the bear about the girl, but tortured herself with heartbreak that her prince must love the girl. Seriously, too much wallowing in melodrama. Then she agreed to go home to visit her family because...surely she'll be less miserable when she gets back and can ask the bear about the girl then? It made no sense, but I guess the author had to get her home somehow so they can convince her to betray her husband's one request. Both Charlotte and Gwen had their good moments, but they kept doing the stupidest things.
I love most of this author's books, but this duology is not my favorite. There was no sex or bad language.
June 19, 2024
To Ride the Wind is a duology with each book being told from the perspectives of the two main characters (with the occasional exciting interlude from other characters' perspectives as well). The story was gripping and I loved the way it explored the impact family has on a person both as an individual and on dynamics and baggage(good and bad) a person brings into a relationship. The story also had great insights on what boundaries, forgiveness, expectations, and reconciliation can look like in different kinds of relationships and personalities. Gwen and Charlotte have different personalities and challenges but both are very likeable and strong in their own ways. Charlotte tends to be a bit more of a bold doer and Gwen a careful thinker, but both are growing and changing. To Ride the Wind takes place in a multi-series world. It can totally be read standalone, but there are subtle mostly non-spoilery nods to earlier books in other series. The book has clean romance and is the first book in a two part duology that should be read in order. To Ride the Wind is an engaging, relational, and adventurous story that would be most enjoyed by those who like fairy tale retellings, strong characters and character growth, a network of important and easy to remember side characters, creative world building, mystery, and the fight of good vs evil. Melanie Cellier is a masterful story teller and her latest book is not one to miss.
September 7, 2024
Felt lost at first but it picked up
Maybe it's because it's been a while since I've read the series or.....maybe I'm just unfamiliar with the story this was based on but.....i wasnt getting the connection between Gwen & Charlotte at first. Felt like a mix of Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella and Ice Queen, among others.
Charlotte's sisters were pretty mean and so was her mother. Gwen had an evil stepmother who she thinks is her real mother....I think.
I hate that Charlotte let her parents ruin what she was building with Henry but...I kinda get it? But at the same time, I think I wouldn't have betrayed his trust so easily for people who gave me up. She was literally letting out all his secrets left and right as soon as she got away lol
Gwen also didn't make the best choices and what she did to Charlotte was messed up. All because SHE had doubts but didn't KNOW the situation 😒
But I also think her "true love" was too harsh with her. She was isolated and belittled for YEARS. He left, what was his excuse for doing NOTHING to help?
I know they had a history but I honestly didn't feel the love between them 😅
I could be wrong but also think it's the first time one of this books doesn't have a solid conclusion, so it's a true duology 🙊
I'm really really hoping they save Henry! Gotta keep reading to find out, I guess 😂
Overall it was still interesting. Especially seeing their world having their own legends and lore. Can't wait to find out how it all ends 😄
Maybe it's because it's been a while since I've read the series or.....maybe I'm just unfamiliar with the story this was based on but.....i wasnt getting the connection between Gwen & Charlotte at first. Felt like a mix of Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella and Ice Queen, among others.
Charlotte's sisters were pretty mean and so was her mother. Gwen had an evil stepmother who she thinks is her real mother....I think.
I hate that Charlotte let her parents ruin what she was building with Henry but...I kinda get it? But at the same time, I think I wouldn't have betrayed his trust so easily for people who gave me up. She was literally letting out all his secrets left and right as soon as she got away lol
Gwen also didn't make the best choices and what she did to Charlotte was messed up. All because SHE had doubts but didn't KNOW the situation 😒
But I also think her "true love" was too harsh with her. She was isolated and belittled for YEARS. He left, what was his excuse for doing NOTHING to help?
I know they had a history but I honestly didn't feel the love between them 😅
I could be wrong but also think it's the first time one of this books doesn't have a solid conclusion, so it's a true duology 🙊
I'm really really hoping they save Henry! Gotta keep reading to find out, I guess 😂
Overall it was still interesting. Especially seeing their world having their own legends and lore. Can't wait to find out how it all ends 😄
July 14, 2024
I usually enjoy Melanie Cellier's works. I like how the books are all in the same universe, but if you read them out of order it's still a decent read and you can eventually figure out how that book relates to the other stories. Each book focuses on one princess (or commoner who ends up with a prince) and you know there's a happy ending.
This one broke the formula. It bounced back and forth between two female protagonists who had nothing to do with each other for 85% of the book. Then they interact, there is some drama (leaving out any spoilers), and the book ends right in the middle of the story. You NEED to buy the second book in the Duology to know what happens to either protagonist. Luckily for me, I read this book about a week before the second is scheduled to come out so it's not a terrible wait. But if I got this book when it was first published, I'd be super annoyed. Melanie follows the same formula for more than a dozen books and then just changes it on a whim for the last two in the whole series?!
It makes me think I'll have to start checking the reviews on her other series more carefully so I don't fall into this trap again.
This one broke the formula. It bounced back and forth between two female protagonists who had nothing to do with each other for 85% of the book. Then they interact, there is some drama (leaving out any spoilers), and the book ends right in the middle of the story. You NEED to buy the second book in the Duology to know what happens to either protagonist. Luckily for me, I read this book about a week before the second is scheduled to come out so it's not a terrible wait. But if I got this book when it was first published, I'd be super annoyed. Melanie follows the same formula for more than a dozen books and then just changes it on a whim for the last two in the whole series?!
It makes me think I'll have to start checking the reviews on her other series more carefully so I don't fall into this trap again.
October 25, 2024
Charlotte and Gwen are both girls' girls.
I was skeptical going in to this because I wasn't sure about Gwen's POV. I was like, "Why do we need the troll princess's POV?" and then I realized that Cellier masterfully reimagined the original story of East of the Sun West of the Moon while retaining its definitive traits. Things like the princess riding the wind, the golden apple, and the candle were worked into the story in ways that worked perfectly into the magic system and fit the characters' choices. I loved the parallel plots of Charlotte and Gwen and how their fates intertwine. The Queen is cold and calculating, and I like the amount of thought that was put into the worldbuilding. Charlotte's family was alright, I thought her sisters seemed static, but I also understand they are characters from previous books in the world and may have been affected by previous stories. At first I was surprised the story was broken into two books, but I understand now that Cellier has expanded the original fairy tale into a bigger and more complicated plot than the original tale has. It needs more time to develop and resolve because it's just cooler.
I was skeptical going in to this because I wasn't sure about Gwen's POV. I was like, "Why do we need the troll princess's POV?" and then I realized that Cellier masterfully reimagined the original story of East of the Sun West of the Moon while retaining its definitive traits. Things like the princess riding the wind, the golden apple, and the candle were worked into the story in ways that worked perfectly into the magic system and fit the characters' choices. I loved the parallel plots of Charlotte and Gwen and how their fates intertwine. The Queen is cold and calculating, and I like the amount of thought that was put into the worldbuilding. Charlotte's family was alright, I thought her sisters seemed static, but I also understand they are characters from previous books in the world and may have been affected by previous stories. At first I was surprised the story was broken into two books, but I understand now that Cellier has expanded the original fairy tale into a bigger and more complicated plot than the original tale has. It needs more time to develop and resolve because it's just cooler.
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March 10, 2025
🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷
This is my first East of the Sun and West of the Moon retelling! I’m excited to see Charlotte again and read about her happily ever after! Beautiful cover and perfect for the cold weather today! This story is very interesting and unlike anything I have ever read. Charlotte is a great character! Her love for Henry was admirable! Henry, well, the bear version of him is weird, but the human version I like. I did not realize who Henry really was! My mouth dropped open! I’m so excited to get to hear his story! Gwen was a lovely character! I felt so bad for her! I did not see that plot twist coming with her…it was a bit odd to say the least. I can’t wait to see what continues to happen with her! I loved the two POVs going back and forth! I loved the idea of a mountain kingdom! This was such an interesting and unique book and I LOVED it! I can’t wait to see what happens next!
Quote that I liked:
🔷 He stilled, only the muscles in his arms jumping in response to her words. His face softened as he gazed down at her. “I love you, too, Lottie," he murmured, and then he was gone.
🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷
This is my first East of the Sun and West of the Moon retelling! I’m excited to see Charlotte again and read about her happily ever after! Beautiful cover and perfect for the cold weather today! This story is very interesting and unlike anything I have ever read. Charlotte is a great character! Her love for Henry was admirable! Henry, well, the bear version of him is weird, but the human version I like. I did not realize who Henry really was! My mouth dropped open! I’m so excited to get to hear his story! Gwen was a lovely character! I felt so bad for her! I did not see that plot twist coming with her…it was a bit odd to say the least. I can’t wait to see what continues to happen with her! I loved the two POVs going back and forth! I loved the idea of a mountain kingdom! This was such an interesting and unique book and I LOVED it! I can’t wait to see what happens next!
Quote that I liked:
🔷 He stilled, only the muscles in his arms jumping in response to her words. His face softened as he gazed down at her. “I love you, too, Lottie," he murmured, and then he was gone.
🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷
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