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The Ealdspell Cycle #3
Of Thorns and Curses
Standalone in a shared world
She was cursed at birth to marry him.
He is cursed to never know her love.
Rhoslyn Gautier refuses to accept her fate. All her life she believed she was nothing more than a poor merchant’s daughter from Factory Row. Not an elven princess in an arranged marriage. But when thrown to the wolves as punishment after challenging her queen, she becomes trapped with Fentienne Beausoleil, an aristocrat in an enchanted chateau who is half-monster by daylight and full monster by moonlight. An ugly, tormented man from an enemy realm she was bound to in faerie blood from her first breath. And there is no escape.
If she breaks their bonds, she will die.
If she falls in love with him, she will die.
Rhoslyn believes the chateau will be her tomb. Then a mysterious man appears in her dreams with claims that he, too, is a prisoner. A wickedly beautiful man with a sharp mind and even sharper heart who captures hers completely. Magic seals away his identity. Yet Rhoslyn suspects that appearances are not all what they seem. But to know for certain, she would need to revolutionize more than a realm on the brink of civil war.
And trigger a curse that will claim her life.
OF THORNS AND CURSES is a new adult fae fantasy spin on the romantic tale of Beauty and the Beast, blending faerie magic and pagan ritual with a French Revolution inspired setting. Guaranteed to please readers who love angsty, enemies-to-lovers villain redemption fated romances, forced proximity, he falls first, found family, and adorable wolf cubs.
STANDALONE in a connected series / shared world. Books can be read in any order.
Guaranteed happily ever after.
She was cursed at birth to marry him.
He is cursed to never know her love.
Rhoslyn Gautier refuses to accept her fate. All her life she believed she was nothing more than a poor merchant’s daughter from Factory Row. Not an elven princess in an arranged marriage. But when thrown to the wolves as punishment after challenging her queen, she becomes trapped with Fentienne Beausoleil, an aristocrat in an enchanted chateau who is half-monster by daylight and full monster by moonlight. An ugly, tormented man from an enemy realm she was bound to in faerie blood from her first breath. And there is no escape.
If she breaks their bonds, she will die.
If she falls in love with him, she will die.
Rhoslyn believes the chateau will be her tomb. Then a mysterious man appears in her dreams with claims that he, too, is a prisoner. A wickedly beautiful man with a sharp mind and even sharper heart who captures hers completely. Magic seals away his identity. Yet Rhoslyn suspects that appearances are not all what they seem. But to know for certain, she would need to revolutionize more than a realm on the brink of civil war.
And trigger a curse that will claim her life.
OF THORNS AND CURSES is a new adult fae fantasy spin on the romantic tale of Beauty and the Beast, blending faerie magic and pagan ritual with a French Revolution inspired setting. Guaranteed to please readers who love angsty, enemies-to-lovers villain redemption fated romances, forced proximity, he falls first, found family, and adorable wolf cubs.
STANDALONE in a connected series / shared world. Books can be read in any order.
Guaranteed happily ever after.
563 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 20, 2023
170 people are currently reading
1871 people want to read
About the author
Jesikah Sundin
21 books607 followersJESIKAH SUNDIN is a multi-award winning Fae Romantasy, Dystopian Punk Lit, and Historical Fantasy writer, a mom of three nerdlets, a faeriecore and elfpunk geek, tree hugger, nature photographer, and a helpless romantic who married her insta-love high school sweetheart. In addition to her family, she shares her home in Seattle, Washington with a rambunctious husky-chi and a collection of Doc Martens boots. She is addicted to coffee, GIFs, memes, potatoes, cheese, kilts, mossy forests, eyeliner on men, and artsy indie alt rock.
AUTHOR NAMES:
Jesikah Sundin: fae fantasy romance, dystopian
J. Sundin: reverse harem fantasy romance
Jae Dawson: contemporary new adult romance
AUTHOR NAMES:
Jesikah Sundin: fae fantasy romance, dystopian
J. Sundin: reverse harem fantasy romance
Jae Dawson: contemporary new adult romance
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
October 30, 2022
THIS STORY 🤌🏻 It's so fantastic. This is a dark, gothic romance, so don't expect Disney or rainbows and butterflies 😆
Jesikah has the most beautiful writing and descriptions. It's almost lyrical. The hero has a dark past, this is his villian redemption story. 😏 Both the hero and heroine deal with some PTSD. Court politics. Revolution. Our love interests visit each other in their dreams.
Caretaking. 🥰 So many twists and turns. Soul Mates (with a twist)
Matthieu is Rhoslyn's little brother and he is such a wonderful character. 🥺 Love him so much.
At the end of the book Jesikah includes Historical Notes, a glossary and pronunciation guide. My research loving heart goes crazy over her notes. 😁😁
This story can be read and enjoyed on It's own but I will warn you if you have not read book 2, OF HEART AND STONE there will be spoilers.
💕 RCRS: 4 (Fade to Black)
🗨 Some Quotes:
Nothing so lovely and pleasurable should touch something so ugly and defiled as him.
"Because,” she said thoughtfully, “unlike them, you are not truly a monster.”
“Oh but I am, my darling.” His stare became predatory. “More so for I am self-aware enough to choose differently and don’t.
"You look at me as though you are lost, monsieur.”
“Oui.” His gaze traveled over her face. “I will die when awake and resurrect while asleep. And, Rhoslyn Gautier, I do not know which one scares me more."
For if this man were even a fraction as passionate in love as he was in his anger, she would never want for anything else ever again
Jesikah has the most beautiful writing and descriptions. It's almost lyrical. The hero has a dark past, this is his villian redemption story. 😏 Both the hero and heroine deal with some PTSD. Court politics. Revolution. Our love interests visit each other in their dreams.
Caretaking. 🥰 So many twists and turns. Soul Mates (with a twist)
Matthieu is Rhoslyn's little brother and he is such a wonderful character. 🥺 Love him so much.
At the end of the book Jesikah includes Historical Notes, a glossary and pronunciation guide. My research loving heart goes crazy over her notes. 😁😁
This story can be read and enjoyed on It's own but I will warn you if you have not read book 2, OF HEART AND STONE there will be spoilers.
💕 RCRS: 4 (Fade to Black)
🗨 Some Quotes:
Nothing so lovely and pleasurable should touch something so ugly and defiled as him.
"Because,” she said thoughtfully, “unlike them, you are not truly a monster.”
“Oh but I am, my darling.” His stare became predatory. “More so for I am self-aware enough to choose differently and don’t.
"You look at me as though you are lost, monsieur.”
“Oui.” His gaze traveled over her face. “I will die when awake and resurrect while asleep. And, Rhoslyn Gautier, I do not know which one scares me more."
For if this man were even a fraction as passionate in love as he was in his anger, she would never want for anything else ever again
March 11, 2024
*May Contain Spoilers. Read at your own risk.
I absolutely love Rhoslyn and Fentienne's story. A more historical spin on the original Beauty and the Beast with some humor and love mixed in.
Rhoslyn is strong willed and loving and caring of everyone who comes into her life. She loves with her whole heart and then some. She sees the good in all, but also sees those who do not have good intentions for who they really are, the true beast.
Fentienne, well, he's just a young man stuck in an awful situation in his eyes. He learns who his true mate is and cannot fathom the idea of it for a second. Until... he starts to see her as someone who is more and does more and lives more and at what lengths she will go to to protect the ones she loves. This in turn helps Fentienne open up and see that he's not the real monster or beast that he sees himself to be.
I absolutely love Rhoslyn and Fentienne's story. A more historical spin on the original Beauty and the Beast with some humor and love mixed in.
Rhoslyn is strong willed and loving and caring of everyone who comes into her life. She loves with her whole heart and then some. She sees the good in all, but also sees those who do not have good intentions for who they really are, the true beast.
Fentienne, well, he's just a young man stuck in an awful situation in his eyes. He learns who his true mate is and cannot fathom the idea of it for a second. Until... he starts to see her as someone who is more and does more and lives more and at what lengths she will go to to protect the ones she loves. This in turn helps Fentienne open up and see that he's not the real monster or beast that he sees himself to be.
April 18, 2023
DNF at 77%. He’s the heir to this place, and that place and this other special thing. She’s a secret princess. The villain has this power, and that power, and omg she has all THREE POWERS! Just like, idk, it feels like reading a book about overpowered magic the gathering cards. I can’t make myself do it.
January 16, 2024
What a good book!!!!!
It would’ve been a total of five stars but I didn’t really understand Fentienne’s story or family structure well, as well as the world and it’s politics and magic until about 1/3 way through the book. So I HIGHLY suggest reading the series in order despite it being marketed as a standalone.
Other wise an amazing story that paints a story of suffering, guilt and the power of forgiveness and hope.
The spice level for this book I would put at 3/5🌶. This is something I would describe as a lights-off/door-open, so I was surprised. But remember spice is subjective. Well written spice though. The tension was amazing, the buildup and verbal word play was just ASTOUNDINGLY AMAZING.
Enjoy the read!✨
It would’ve been a total of five stars but I didn’t really understand Fentienne’s story or family structure well, as well as the world and it’s politics and magic until about 1/3 way through the book. So I HIGHLY suggest reading the series in order despite it being marketed as a standalone.
Other wise an amazing story that paints a story of suffering, guilt and the power of forgiveness and hope.
The spice level for this book I would put at 3/5🌶. This is something I would describe as a lights-off/door-open, so I was surprised. But remember spice is subjective. Well written spice though. The tension was amazing, the buildup and verbal word play was just ASTOUNDINGLY AMAZING.
Enjoy the read!✨
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August 12, 2025dnf 💔
Intermittently, I’ve been picking this up, reading a few pages, and then putting it back down for a couple of months already. Sadly at this point, I think it’s best to call it quits.
Intermittently, I’ve been picking this up, reading a few pages, and then putting it back down for a couple of months already. Sadly at this point, I think it’s best to call it quits.
October 22, 2023
There were a lot of things I liked about this book, but I struggled to finish it. There are way too many explanations for me, I skipped a lot of pages that I felt weren't necessary. I loved the concept of the book, but just felt like there didn't need to be so much talk about the kingdoms over and over that didn't really play into the story too much.
The book itself is very well written and the author is clearly talented! The characters were amazing and I loved the relationship between her and her brother, as well as the development of their love story. I loved the beauty and the beast retelling but that it had a lot more magic involved, I thought it was really cool!
The book itself is very well written and the author is clearly talented! The characters were amazing and I loved the relationship between her and her brother, as well as the development of their love story. I loved the beauty and the beast retelling but that it had a lot more magic involved, I thought it was really cool!
January 6, 2024
I wanted to love this. It needed so much editing. There were endless internal thoughts and unimportant world background. I skimmed most of Fentienne's chapters, especially those involving the Brotherhood, since those tended to brood repetitively on irrelevant background. (I did appreciate the periodic unnecessarily lengthy detail of Rhoslyn's clothing, though.) The only reason I did not DNF this was the sweet romance. Over 500 pages, but easily the story could have effectively been told in half.
October 17, 2022
This a wonderful Beauty and the Beast meets Little Red Riding Hood retelling. It's more Beauty and the Beast than Little Red Riding Hood for sure. I really loved the characters and the storyline in this. Jesikah weaves a beautiful story with MANY twists and turns. You are interested from start to finish. Before I continue in this review I want to mention that I read this book first *gasp* and it's book three and, I was NOT lost *gasp*. This means that these truly are standalones. Some authors tell you that and it's just not true but these definitely are. There are characters mentioned from the other books (that I have not read more than the synopsis for). The story does continue on from the events in the previous books BUT, you don't have to read the others before it to know what is happening. Jesikah sets the scene really well and makes it so you are comfortable with the information that you do have.
Anyway, on to the review! The characters and their names are EXCELLENT! I love all the Nordic/Celtic & French elements going on here. Some of the character dialogue is in French which I loved (side note: she does translate for those who didn't take 5 years of French like moi). I am HUGE fan of the Nordic & Celtic elements in there. My daughter's name is Freyja (old Norse spelling was a must) and I love all the nods to that culture (especially with the naming). I appreciate the time that Jesikah took to research the correct spellings and usage of words and names. There are also guides at the front and back of the book where she explains how to say those name if you aren't sure. Super thoughtful!
The world. Let me just say that the world building in this standalone is wonderful. It sounds like a beautiful area that they are in. It gave me French rolling hills and dark story forest vibes. I loved it. Alongside that world building is the relationship building between all the characters. The love that you feel between Rhoslyn and Mattieu is just adorable. The way that she cares for him, its a wonderful sister/brother relationship. ALL THE LOVE THAT FENTIENNE POSSESSES SLAYED ME! The fact that he loves her at first look and does everything he can to protect her is just, gah! Poor Fenti... He loves with his whole self even if he doesn't realize that it's love that he is giving. His care for Florian and Mattieu is adorable too. Man did I love Fenti. I'm like Rosie Mae, I like them tall, dark, and brooding. Fentienne's whole personality can be politely labeled grump and I was here for it. Rosie Mae is awesome. The fact that even when terrified, she never gives up and never backs down is just great. I love her stubborn nature and appreciate a strong heroine when I see one. She is indeed strong and she definitely had to be to endure all that she does. Fenti is a great match for her. He challenges her and forces her to improve herself beyond the confines of society. He allows her to grow both mentally and physically. She teaches him that he is worthy of love and acceptance and forgiveness. She also teaches him how to love others and be happy which is important.
The villains - Addien is AWFUL. I hate her. She is despicable and I just, I have no words. You will understand when you read it. She is a monster. I'm not going to say more because honestly, I want the twists and turns to really spin you around. Sorry not sorry! I feel like I have said too much already because you will expect her evilness. Oh well! If you have made it this far down in the review, you deserve it. Bravo.
So last, I just want to give a shoutout to the author. Jesikah wrote a wonderful story. This is my first story of hers and I will definitely be reading more of her. Like I said before, I appreciate all of her research and knowledge of French, Celtic, and Nordic cultures and language. I think that impressed me just as much as the whole story itself. It was super fun to get to say the names to myself and I just enjoyed reading this book. The length of the book was comfortable and the twists & turns in the story were not overdone; they flowed well. You can feel the amount of hard work and love went into this story. I am excited to read more of Jesikah's stories!
Last - Last - I did receive a free copy of this book as an ARC reviewer for Jesikah. My comments and viewpoints are my own and I was not paid to leave this review. If the story were crap, I would have told you but thankfully, it was AWESOME! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK, SERIES, & AUTHOR!
Anyway, on to the review! The characters and their names are EXCELLENT! I love all the Nordic/Celtic & French elements going on here. Some of the character dialogue is in French which I loved (side note: she does translate for those who didn't take 5 years of French like moi). I am HUGE fan of the Nordic & Celtic elements in there. My daughter's name is Freyja (old Norse spelling was a must) and I love all the nods to that culture (especially with the naming). I appreciate the time that Jesikah took to research the correct spellings and usage of words and names. There are also guides at the front and back of the book where she explains how to say those name if you aren't sure. Super thoughtful!
The world. Let me just say that the world building in this standalone is wonderful. It sounds like a beautiful area that they are in. It gave me French rolling hills and dark story forest vibes. I loved it. Alongside that world building is the relationship building between all the characters. The love that you feel between Rhoslyn and Mattieu is just adorable. The way that she cares for him, its a wonderful sister/brother relationship. ALL THE LOVE THAT FENTIENNE POSSESSES SLAYED ME! The fact that he loves her at first look and does everything he can to protect her is just, gah! Poor Fenti... He loves with his whole self even if he doesn't realize that it's love that he is giving. His care for Florian and Mattieu is adorable too. Man did I love Fenti. I'm like Rosie Mae, I like them tall, dark, and brooding. Fentienne's whole personality can be politely labeled grump and I was here for it. Rosie Mae is awesome. The fact that even when terrified, she never gives up and never backs down is just great. I love her stubborn nature and appreciate a strong heroine when I see one. She is indeed strong and she definitely had to be to endure all that she does. Fenti is a great match for her. He challenges her and forces her to improve herself beyond the confines of society. He allows her to grow both mentally and physically. She teaches him that he is worthy of love and acceptance and forgiveness. She also teaches him how to love others and be happy which is important.
The villains - Addien is AWFUL. I hate her. She is despicable and I just, I have no words. You will understand when you read it. She is a monster. I'm not going to say more because honestly, I want the twists and turns to really spin you around. Sorry not sorry! I feel like I have said too much already because you will expect her evilness. Oh well! If you have made it this far down in the review, you deserve it. Bravo.
So last, I just want to give a shoutout to the author. Jesikah wrote a wonderful story. This is my first story of hers and I will definitely be reading more of her. Like I said before, I appreciate all of her research and knowledge of French, Celtic, and Nordic cultures and language. I think that impressed me just as much as the whole story itself. It was super fun to get to say the names to myself and I just enjoyed reading this book. The length of the book was comfortable and the twists & turns in the story were not overdone; they flowed well. You can feel the amount of hard work and love went into this story. I am excited to read more of Jesikah's stories!
Last - Last - I did receive a free copy of this book as an ARC reviewer for Jesikah. My comments and viewpoints are my own and I was not paid to leave this review. If the story were crap, I would have told you but thankfully, it was AWESOME! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK, SERIES, & AUTHOR!
June 10, 2024
This one is my favorite out of the 3 books in the series!!! Everything came together perfectly. The writing is stunning and so descriptive. Instead of making things dragged, it added to the beauty of the story. I adore Rhoslyn. She's amazing and loyal, especially to her brother! And the redemption arc for Fenti? Just perfection! He was so horrible in book 2. I couldn't believe how evil he was, but it all started somewhere. He was just a broken kid, preyed upon over and over again. And then cursed by Fayette not once but twice over. Anyone could become a monster. But Rhoslyn saw through it all. I'm so glad they worked together to break the curse and to break the hold Fayette had on the land. This book was the longest and best in all ways. I love the ending. I love the atmosphere.
October 23, 2025
I really liked it, from the characters to the plot twists (this book felt like a big conspiracy 😶🌫️). And I must not forget the author's research and the amazing way she used it to bring to life Rhoslyn and Fentienne' s story.
May 2, 2023
Intriguing fantasy world based on the French revolution
May 15, 2023
Obsessed with Fentienne <3
dnf
April 7, 2024DNF at 30% because I can already tell this book will get spicier than I would like. Also the worldbuilding was chaotic and confusing
October 20, 2022
A rich, complex layering of faerie tale, history, romance and redemption! I was easily swept up in the action and tension and the contrasts between personal light and darkness kept me captive. Rhoslyn's relationship with Matthieu was so tender and sweet and I melted seeing Fenti's later interactions with him. As for the villain, they are someone you can really despise. I loved the more traditional influences of the Beauty and the Beast tale and Sundin's writing style is both immersive and poetic. This is an incredible addition to this series and I can't wait for the next!
December 25, 2023
I absolutely loved this reimagining of Beauty and the Beast! 🥀 Of Thorns and Curses was deliciously dark, and goes back to the Villeneuve original rather than the sparkly Disney version. Really enjoyed the French Revolution setting with fae and shifters, the dual POVs, the intrigue and magical / political machinations 🐺
📚 This is the third book in the Ealdspell Cycle, but definitely works well as a standalone. There are pronunciation guides, glossaries and historical notes, which I also appreciated. Now to go back and read the other two in the series 💕
I’m so glad I backed the Kickstarter special edition of this book - the illustrations, artwork and overlays elevated my enjoyment of the story 🥰
📚 This is the third book in the Ealdspell Cycle, but definitely works well as a standalone. There are pronunciation guides, glossaries and historical notes, which I also appreciated. Now to go back and read the other two in the series 💕
I’m so glad I backed the Kickstarter special edition of this book - the illustrations, artwork and overlays elevated my enjoyment of the story 🥰
October 19, 2022
Captivating Beauty and the Beast retelling with an elven fantasy spin!
Do you love stories with a twist on an old fairytale? Tend to fall for the broody, tortured hottie who has a good heart and just needs a reminder that he’s not the villain? Love a strong and feisty heroine who can dish it out AND take it? Does the French revolution inspire you to storm the Bastille? No? After you read this Beauty and the Beast retelling you just might say “yes”! Of Thorns and Curses is the third book in The Ealdspell Cycle. While I have enjoyed each one, this story takes the cake! There’s an arranged marriage, forced proximity, enemies-to-lovers, verbal foreplay, female empowerment, and scenes that simply tugged on my heartstrings. Jesikah’s writing will have you on the edge of your seat, falling in love with the characters, and at the end… wanting to read it again and again! Do yourself a favor and read this riveting and unputdownable book!!! Happy reading!!!
Do you love stories with a twist on an old fairytale? Tend to fall for the broody, tortured hottie who has a good heart and just needs a reminder that he’s not the villain? Love a strong and feisty heroine who can dish it out AND take it? Does the French revolution inspire you to storm the Bastille? No? After you read this Beauty and the Beast retelling you just might say “yes”! Of Thorns and Curses is the third book in The Ealdspell Cycle. While I have enjoyed each one, this story takes the cake! There’s an arranged marriage, forced proximity, enemies-to-lovers, verbal foreplay, female empowerment, and scenes that simply tugged on my heartstrings. Jesikah’s writing will have you on the edge of your seat, falling in love with the characters, and at the end… wanting to read it again and again! Do yourself a favor and read this riveting and unputdownable book!!! Happy reading!!!
September 18, 2024
Genre: Fantasy Romance, Historical Fantasy, Fae Fiction
Series: Part of The Ealdspell Cycle but can be read as a standalone novel.
The novel sparks conversations about power, identity, and love in ways that feel both timeless and relevant. Fans of A Court of Thorns and Roses or The Cruel Prince would find much to enjoy here.
Of Thorns and Curses combines popular fairy tale tropes with French Revolution-esque backdrops and tension. A story about the fated union of two individuals, in a world where the divide between human and fae is blurred, this read is Beauty and the Beast meets Little Red Riding Hood-smoothly interwoven magic, political intrigue, and forbidden romance. It means that the journey for the protagonist is one of self-discovery, acceptance, and transformation, coupled with battling his inner demons amidst a world filled with war and tussles for power.
The novel veers between dramatic action and times of personal growth on the silent underpinning of growing tension due to relationships evolving amongst characters, leading finally to a climax-a resolution touching on both personal and broader political themes.
Adalwolf Fentienne: A prince torn between his humanity and the curse that makes him a beast. Rich in psychological depth, his character arc wrestles with the weight of duty, rejection, and the rage festering inside of him. This continuous battle inside Adalwolf-desire for freedom versus loyalty to family and realm-creates a very interesting emotional core. On a deeper level, it's really a tale about his evolving relationship with Rhoslyn as he learns to confront the darker aspects of himself and find redemption.
Rhoslyn Gautier: An honest-to-goodness heroine-strong and resilient, usually against all odds. Of lowly station in status and personally burdened, her empathetic and strong character will come through. From seamstress and hardscrabble life to one finding place in the world-and herself-her blossoming relationship with Adalwolf is riveting. The inner struggles between survival and trust that drive the plot forward-of course, when doubts about love and loyalty set in.
Side Characters:
Fayette: An early love interest for Adalwolf, it is slowly revealed that she plays a deeply complex role, her fae origins and manipulations included. Her relationship with Adalwolf complicated the central conflict to more levels, personifying the false promises of power and treacherous nature of the fae.
Dalbréath Kadelaryn: He is one of the main supporting characters to the protagonist-a huge mentor for Rhoslyn, connecting her with the larger political background. His relationship with Rhoslyn is more protective in nature, even platonic, than the tension between her and Adalwolf. d) Themes:
Of course, this is the classic transformation-redeemer arc in Adalwolf's journey, layered with complex moralities pertaining to war, identity, and self-worth. Indeed, his struggle with the curse becomes an outward manifestation of internal battles he wages against his anger, his grief, and the quest for redemption.
The novel developed hitherto was set amidst a backdrop of the French Revolution, with a divide between the aristocracy and common folk. Rhoslyn threads her story as a seamstress in Factory Row, with continuances of such themes on inequality and resistance.
Love and Treachery: The core of the action is set as the counterpoint of romantic love and political intrigue. Their trust in each other will be constantly nudged, both from outside and inside them, so that love may become a potent dangerous force in this world.
Jesikah Sundin writes poetically, descriptively, and weaves historical details together with the perfect setup of the fantasy world. Often enough, richness fills the language with symbolism, mainly taken from nature and fae, mirroring emotional or psychological states of being within the characters. The pacing stays consistent, from placing the readers within this atmosphere, building up high tension, action-filled scenes.
These techniques, such as the way internal strife of both protagonists is shown from several angles, create closeness with the character while not forgetting about the greater stakes in the plot. The metaphorical language is dealing above all with the fae and nature to assure that there would be a mystical tone prevalent throughout the novel.
With Of Thorns and Curses, Jesikah Sundin has realized anew some rather well-worn fairytales, imbuing them with the weight of history and psychological acuity. Character development is one of the high points in this novel, along with the interplay between personal and political conflicts. Their growth-that of Adalwolf and Rhoslyn-is touching and nuanced, although at times the story does feel a bit too predictable by relying on tropes that readers of fantasy are generally far too familiar with.
Where the book really shines is in the development of such themes as redemption and power in which Sundin's evocative prose whisks one into a magical experience that is deeply human nonetheless.
This novel opens up in a timeless yet relevantly modern dialogue about power, identity, and love. Readers who enjoy A Court of Thorns and Roses or The Cruel Prince would love this.
Overall Rating: ★★★★☆
Writing Style: ★★★★☆
Characters: ★★★★★
World-Building: ★★★★☆
Fave Quote:
“We are more than the scars we bear.”
Series: Part of The Ealdspell Cycle but can be read as a standalone novel.
The novel sparks conversations about power, identity, and love in ways that feel both timeless and relevant. Fans of A Court of Thorns and Roses or The Cruel Prince would find much to enjoy here.
Of Thorns and Curses combines popular fairy tale tropes with French Revolution-esque backdrops and tension. A story about the fated union of two individuals, in a world where the divide between human and fae is blurred, this read is Beauty and the Beast meets Little Red Riding Hood-smoothly interwoven magic, political intrigue, and forbidden romance. It means that the journey for the protagonist is one of self-discovery, acceptance, and transformation, coupled with battling his inner demons amidst a world filled with war and tussles for power.
The novel veers between dramatic action and times of personal growth on the silent underpinning of growing tension due to relationships evolving amongst characters, leading finally to a climax-a resolution touching on both personal and broader political themes.
Adalwolf Fentienne: A prince torn between his humanity and the curse that makes him a beast. Rich in psychological depth, his character arc wrestles with the weight of duty, rejection, and the rage festering inside of him. This continuous battle inside Adalwolf-desire for freedom versus loyalty to family and realm-creates a very interesting emotional core. On a deeper level, it's really a tale about his evolving relationship with Rhoslyn as he learns to confront the darker aspects of himself and find redemption.
Rhoslyn Gautier: An honest-to-goodness heroine-strong and resilient, usually against all odds. Of lowly station in status and personally burdened, her empathetic and strong character will come through. From seamstress and hardscrabble life to one finding place in the world-and herself-her blossoming relationship with Adalwolf is riveting. The inner struggles between survival and trust that drive the plot forward-of course, when doubts about love and loyalty set in.
Side Characters:
Fayette: An early love interest for Adalwolf, it is slowly revealed that she plays a deeply complex role, her fae origins and manipulations included. Her relationship with Adalwolf complicated the central conflict to more levels, personifying the false promises of power and treacherous nature of the fae.
Dalbréath Kadelaryn: He is one of the main supporting characters to the protagonist-a huge mentor for Rhoslyn, connecting her with the larger political background. His relationship with Rhoslyn is more protective in nature, even platonic, than the tension between her and Adalwolf. d) Themes:
Of course, this is the classic transformation-redeemer arc in Adalwolf's journey, layered with complex moralities pertaining to war, identity, and self-worth. Indeed, his struggle with the curse becomes an outward manifestation of internal battles he wages against his anger, his grief, and the quest for redemption.
The novel developed hitherto was set amidst a backdrop of the French Revolution, with a divide between the aristocracy and common folk. Rhoslyn threads her story as a seamstress in Factory Row, with continuances of such themes on inequality and resistance.
Love and Treachery: The core of the action is set as the counterpoint of romantic love and political intrigue. Their trust in each other will be constantly nudged, both from outside and inside them, so that love may become a potent dangerous force in this world.
Jesikah Sundin writes poetically, descriptively, and weaves historical details together with the perfect setup of the fantasy world. Often enough, richness fills the language with symbolism, mainly taken from nature and fae, mirroring emotional or psychological states of being within the characters. The pacing stays consistent, from placing the readers within this atmosphere, building up high tension, action-filled scenes.
These techniques, such as the way internal strife of both protagonists is shown from several angles, create closeness with the character while not forgetting about the greater stakes in the plot. The metaphorical language is dealing above all with the fae and nature to assure that there would be a mystical tone prevalent throughout the novel.
With Of Thorns and Curses, Jesikah Sundin has realized anew some rather well-worn fairytales, imbuing them with the weight of history and psychological acuity. Character development is one of the high points in this novel, along with the interplay between personal and political conflicts. Their growth-that of Adalwolf and Rhoslyn-is touching and nuanced, although at times the story does feel a bit too predictable by relying on tropes that readers of fantasy are generally far too familiar with.
Where the book really shines is in the development of such themes as redemption and power in which Sundin's evocative prose whisks one into a magical experience that is deeply human nonetheless.
This novel opens up in a timeless yet relevantly modern dialogue about power, identity, and love. Readers who enjoy A Court of Thorns and Roses or The Cruel Prince would love this.
Overall Rating: ★★★★☆
Writing Style: ★★★★☆
Characters: ★★★★★
World-Building: ★★★★☆
Fave Quote:
“We are more than the scars we bear.”
Read
March 4, 2024DNF. 120 pages in and the two main characters hadn’t even met yet. Oodles of backstory references that I didn’t need for something that’s supposed to standalone. Honestly so ridiculously slow that I just couldn’t. I’ve read three other of the author’s works and loved two, but this whole line of standalones isn’t doing it for me.
Read
February 9, 2024just didnt feel like finishing it 🤷♀️
February 14, 2024
The world building is difficult to follow. I dnf the book. The story and the idea are great, but I didn't enjoy the execution.
July 22, 2023
Book 3 of the Ealdspell Cycle. A Beauty and the Beast retelling in a revolutionary French setting. This follows the story of the third son of the tyrannical king from the previous book. We first get a flashback to one of just many reasons why Adalwolf Fentienne is a bitter shell of a person who is cursed to be a beast. Rhoslyn is a girl trying to survive a war in a country that keeps the divide between the wealthy and the poor strong. Tensions run high and after the spark of revolution has started these two become entangled not just in revolution but each other.
Rhoslyn is a worker on the Row, where people scrape by and barely have enough to afford a roof or food. She is supporting her and her brother who have both survived the attacks on their country and lost everyone in their family but each other. While attempting to sell flowers to the noble class, Rhoslyn sparks a revolt when someone tries to take advantage of her. The fire was ready to burn and she set it ablaze. After a march on the monarchy, Rhoslyn is banished outside the city in hopes that someone would kill her. She finds a manor to keep her brother and herself safe but finds there is a beast lurking. But while she sleeps she finds a man trapped within the walls as well and wants to not only set her country free but him as well.
Fentienne, not Adalwolf, not after the events of the previous book and disavowing his father and what he stood for, is cursed. He is to be in the form of a half beast during the day and a full beast at night. Which suits him fine, he rather be a lone wolf than claim the throne and pack as his mother keeps insisting he was born to do. He comes back to his home to find a girl he thought he would never see again and hates with a passion. He knows this isn’t the same girl that broke him so long ago, that had been a trick of the fae but this is clearly not that same fae either. While trying to reconcile what he thinks and what he feels he slowly lets go of his anger and finds he wants to do more than be self-destructive.
I read this book first in the Ealdspell Cycle series and while it is enjoyable it is better to be read in order. There were a few things I didn’t quite understand about the fae and druids that had me a little perplexed without the context of the other two books. When I read the series in the correct order it made way more sense. Definitely not your average Beauty and the Beast retelling. There were components that other stories tend to miss or forget due to the movie being the powerhouse nowadays. Emotions ran high in this book and the highs were very intense along with the lows. But the cry for more and for better is clearly heard and done well in this installment.
Rhoslyn is a worker on the Row, where people scrape by and barely have enough to afford a roof or food. She is supporting her and her brother who have both survived the attacks on their country and lost everyone in their family but each other. While attempting to sell flowers to the noble class, Rhoslyn sparks a revolt when someone tries to take advantage of her. The fire was ready to burn and she set it ablaze. After a march on the monarchy, Rhoslyn is banished outside the city in hopes that someone would kill her. She finds a manor to keep her brother and herself safe but finds there is a beast lurking. But while she sleeps she finds a man trapped within the walls as well and wants to not only set her country free but him as well.
Fentienne, not Adalwolf, not after the events of the previous book and disavowing his father and what he stood for, is cursed. He is to be in the form of a half beast during the day and a full beast at night. Which suits him fine, he rather be a lone wolf than claim the throne and pack as his mother keeps insisting he was born to do. He comes back to his home to find a girl he thought he would never see again and hates with a passion. He knows this isn’t the same girl that broke him so long ago, that had been a trick of the fae but this is clearly not that same fae either. While trying to reconcile what he thinks and what he feels he slowly lets go of his anger and finds he wants to do more than be self-destructive.
I read this book first in the Ealdspell Cycle series and while it is enjoyable it is better to be read in order. There were a few things I didn’t quite understand about the fae and druids that had me a little perplexed without the context of the other two books. When I read the series in the correct order it made way more sense. Definitely not your average Beauty and the Beast retelling. There were components that other stories tend to miss or forget due to the movie being the powerhouse nowadays. Emotions ran high in this book and the highs were very intense along with the lows. But the cry for more and for better is clearly heard and done well in this installment.
November 8, 2022
A sweeping gothic tale, dripping in faerie magic and werewolf lore with enchanting world building, and a delightfully sinister villian. I could live between the pages of this book.
𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐦𝐞, 𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐬 𝐡𝐞 𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐝, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐬 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐟𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐝. 𝐁𝐮𝐫𝐲 𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞.
Beauty and the Beast, with a tiny dash of Little Red Riding Hood, and all of the fantastic magic that is Jesikahs writing. I absolutely LOVED Fentienne, with all his morally grey alpha maleness. 😏 I know more then a few women who would be swooning at his feet. Rhoslyn is such a strong female, that I couldn't NOT fall in love with her too. Little sweet Mattieu... I would fight for that little boy.
𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐨 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐨 𝐮𝐠𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐬 𝐡𝐢𝐦.
🥀 Elven Fantasy.
🥀 Beauty and the Beast Retelling.
🥀 French Revolution inspired setting.
🥀 Found Family.
🥀 Arranged Marriage.
🥀 Forced Proximity.
🥀 Enemies to Lovers Fated Romance.
🥀 Stand alone story in a connecting/shared world.
𝐀𝐧𝐝, 𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞, 𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐫. 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐚 𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐛𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐡 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐥? 𝐀 𝐯𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐨? 𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐮𝐠𝐥𝐲?
I can't say this enough, but I love the world building in this book and the dark gothic story. The writing was rich, beautiful and poetic. You can tell everything was so well researched, and the characters so well developed. I loved all the twists and turns the story takes. I found myself reading slower, just so I could spend more time in the story. Everything about this book is so yummy and rich. All you fans of morally grey characters or alpha males will absolutely adore Fenti!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘪𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘭𝘺 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘢𝘯 𝘈𝘙𝘊, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘮𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯.
𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐦𝐞, 𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐬 𝐡𝐞 𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐝, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐬 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐟𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐝. 𝐁𝐮𝐫𝐲 𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞.
Beauty and the Beast, with a tiny dash of Little Red Riding Hood, and all of the fantastic magic that is Jesikahs writing. I absolutely LOVED Fentienne, with all his morally grey alpha maleness. 😏 I know more then a few women who would be swooning at his feet. Rhoslyn is such a strong female, that I couldn't NOT fall in love with her too. Little sweet Mattieu... I would fight for that little boy.
𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐨 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐨 𝐮𝐠𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐬 𝐡𝐢𝐦.
🥀 Elven Fantasy.
🥀 Beauty and the Beast Retelling.
🥀 French Revolution inspired setting.
🥀 Found Family.
🥀 Arranged Marriage.
🥀 Forced Proximity.
🥀 Enemies to Lovers Fated Romance.
🥀 Stand alone story in a connecting/shared world.
𝐀𝐧𝐝, 𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞, 𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐫. 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐚 𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐛𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐡 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐥? 𝐀 𝐯𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐨? 𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐮𝐠𝐥𝐲?
I can't say this enough, but I love the world building in this book and the dark gothic story. The writing was rich, beautiful and poetic. You can tell everything was so well researched, and the characters so well developed. I loved all the twists and turns the story takes. I found myself reading slower, just so I could spend more time in the story. Everything about this book is so yummy and rich. All you fans of morally grey characters or alpha males will absolutely adore Fenti!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘪𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘭𝘺 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘢𝘯 𝘈𝘙𝘊, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘮𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯.
October 11, 2022
Book 3 in the Ealdspell Cycle series, a Beauty and the Beast retelling
Beauty and the Beast is my favorite fairytale, so it's no wonder that Of Thorns and Curses is my favorite book in this series so far. It begins with a detailed background which sets the stage for the entire book. The book is filled with descriptive, eye-catching words to draw the reader into the storyline. The characters are well-developed within an intricately detailed world.
Problems are being solved and prejudices are being overcome amidst breath-holding anticipation for the future of a kingdom on the brink of war. A broken soul strives to protect those he loves. A curse must be broken to move forward. It's a battle of wills between man and beast.
"Liberty. Equality. Fraternity."
Warrior Queen. Wolf Prince. For family...For justice...Take on the world...
Selfless Love...Forgiveness...Shared Dreamscapes...Redemption...Rebellion...
"I love you to the top of the sky and back." "I love you to the bottom of the sea and back."
"Innocent blood redeems the guilty."
"You are worth it."
"We are stronger together."
"Perhaps some curses were blessings in disguise."
"I will always fight for you."
"...sweet victory is yours."
Beauty and the Beast is my favorite fairytale, so it's no wonder that Of Thorns and Curses is my favorite book in this series so far. It begins with a detailed background which sets the stage for the entire book. The book is filled with descriptive, eye-catching words to draw the reader into the storyline. The characters are well-developed within an intricately detailed world.
Problems are being solved and prejudices are being overcome amidst breath-holding anticipation for the future of a kingdom on the brink of war. A broken soul strives to protect those he loves. A curse must be broken to move forward. It's a battle of wills between man and beast.
"Liberty. Equality. Fraternity."
Warrior Queen. Wolf Prince. For family...For justice...Take on the world...
Selfless Love...Forgiveness...Shared Dreamscapes...Redemption...Rebellion...
"I love you to the top of the sky and back." "I love you to the bottom of the sea and back."
"Innocent blood redeems the guilty."
"You are worth it."
"We are stronger together."
"Perhaps some curses were blessings in disguise."
"I will always fight for you."
"...sweet victory is yours."
December 16, 2023
Fated mates, enemies to lovers......do I really need to go on ?!
Jesikah Sundin does it again in this Beauty & the Beast standalone retelling! I am infatuated with this authors work and I can not gobble her books fast enough.
There is so much angst between our two main characters, Rhosyln and Fentienne and I was living for every moment.
I love a tortured, grumpy man and my main man, Fentienne is just that. Faerie magic curses, arranged marriages, and secret royals. The dialogue and rich story developmen will keep you up all night. I felt transported into this world by how descriptive the writing is. That alone had me enthralled from the beginning. This dark gothic retelling is lush, exciting, and now I think I need my husband to talk in a French accent
(My husbands eyes just rolled across the floor).
I just love when a grumpy, stubborn man falls fast and first. This is a story for all my gothic loving, mild heat seekers, and accent loving readers.
Tropes include:
Fated Mates
Enemies to Lovers
Forces Proximity
Found Family
Jesikah Sundin does it again in this Beauty & the Beast standalone retelling! I am infatuated with this authors work and I can not gobble her books fast enough.
There is so much angst between our two main characters, Rhosyln and Fentienne and I was living for every moment.
I love a tortured, grumpy man and my main man, Fentienne is just that. Faerie magic curses, arranged marriages, and secret royals. The dialogue and rich story developmen will keep you up all night. I felt transported into this world by how descriptive the writing is. That alone had me enthralled from the beginning. This dark gothic retelling is lush, exciting, and now I think I need my husband to talk in a French accent
(My husbands eyes just rolled across the floor).
I just love when a grumpy, stubborn man falls fast and first. This is a story for all my gothic loving, mild heat seekers, and accent loving readers.
Tropes include:
Fated Mates
Enemies to Lovers
Forces Proximity
Found Family
October 27, 2022
So anyone who knows me knows that beauty and the beast is my ultimate favourite fairytale of all time and I absolutely adore retellings and this one is simply incredible. It’s a fairytale told with an Elven and historical twist and such beautiful and incredible world building that draws you in so much so that you feel as though you are actually there. RhoslynI is our female mc, she’s such a great character, strong, caring and as with Belle she sees the good in everyone and Fenti is tall, dark and broody just as we love them!! It’s a fantastic twist on a fantastic fairytale and the author has done such an incredible job not just with the storyline but with the characters who are amazing, well except for the villains, they are simply despicable!! I absolutely loved this and it’s a fantastic addition to this incredible series!
July 9, 2023
I have fallen in love with the Ealdspell Cycle series by Jesikah Sundin. These are standalone yet connected books that are all fairy tale retellings that feature a different era of history. Jesikah has labeled her stories in this series as mythpunk, and they are so wonderfully weird. I haven’t read anything like it!
Of Thorns and Curses is a Beauty and the Beast meets Little Red Riding Hood retelling set in a French Revolution-type of world. Rhoslyn and Fentienne’s love story is completely different from the first two books, and I especially loved Fenti’s character arc. Plus, Rhoslyn’s little brother Mattieu is so fiercely adorable. Prepare to fan yourself from swooning! Enemies-to-lovers (soooo good), fated mates (ahhhh-mazing), found family, and alpha male. Goodness – I loved this book!
Of Thorns and Curses is a Beauty and the Beast meets Little Red Riding Hood retelling set in a French Revolution-type of world. Rhoslyn and Fentienne’s love story is completely different from the first two books, and I especially loved Fenti’s character arc. Plus, Rhoslyn’s little brother Mattieu is so fiercely adorable. Prepare to fan yourself from swooning! Enemies-to-lovers (soooo good), fated mates (ahhhh-mazing), found family, and alpha male. Goodness – I loved this book!
December 6, 2022
A Beauty and the Beast retelling.
This dark gothic romance is not the Disney version that’s for sure, it’s so much better! This is the Beast’s redemption story and the ride you get taken on is glorious. I’m completely in love with the main characters. One really cool part was the love interests visit each other in their dreams! It was really interesting how the author pulled this story all together. Some really cool details. Very well written plot amazing attention to detail, and did I mention this author is amazing at world building? Because she’s amazing at world building. IN LOVE. 10/10
I suggest reading Of Heart and Stone before this one although you can read this series as standalones.
This dark gothic romance is not the Disney version that’s for sure, it’s so much better! This is the Beast’s redemption story and the ride you get taken on is glorious. I’m completely in love with the main characters. One really cool part was the love interests visit each other in their dreams! It was really interesting how the author pulled this story all together. Some really cool details. Very well written plot amazing attention to detail, and did I mention this author is amazing at world building? Because she’s amazing at world building. IN LOVE. 10/10
I suggest reading Of Heart and Stone before this one although you can read this series as standalones.
April 27, 2025
So much happened in this book and I feel like I only understood 65% of it. it kinda felt like being thrown off a boat and being told "hope you survive" without a life jacket or anything. it could just be me and my inability to keep up with the pacing, so it's nothing on the author. the attention to detail was good, sometimes overbearing but not completely a bad thing.
I also didn't know this was a werewolf romance until I was invested enough in it to not put it down. I normally don't do werewolf romance but it was cute, I will give it that.
all in all, it was fun. the last part of the book definitely kept me interested in what would happen next.
ughhhh I love me some beauty and the beast based romances 😭😭
I also didn't know this was a werewolf romance until I was invested enough in it to not put it down. I normally don't do werewolf romance but it was cute, I will give it that.
all in all, it was fun. the last part of the book definitely kept me interested in what would happen next.
ughhhh I love me some beauty and the beast based romances 😭😭
October 26, 2022
What’s more satisfying than a fairytale retelling?
A villain’s redemption!
This series has become a favorite not only to me but my son as well. Loads of action, battles, young love, magic galore and such unique twists to age old classic fairytales.
This blending of beauty and the beast with little red riding hood was fantastic! Seamlessly done and the redemption story line of characters we saw in book 2 was the cherry on top.
So yes this can be completely read as a standalone but in order to truly savor the redemption angle read A Heart of Stone first.
A m/f arranged marriage between a human or rather a cursed shifter to an elf. A twist on enemies to lovers, villain’s redemption, fairytale retelling set in a war torn French Revolution setting. A clean read with mild heat.
A villain’s redemption!
This series has become a favorite not only to me but my son as well. Loads of action, battles, young love, magic galore and such unique twists to age old classic fairytales.
This blending of beauty and the beast with little red riding hood was fantastic! Seamlessly done and the redemption story line of characters we saw in book 2 was the cherry on top.
So yes this can be completely read as a standalone but in order to truly savor the redemption angle read A Heart of Stone first.
A m/f arranged marriage between a human or rather a cursed shifter to an elf. A twist on enemies to lovers, villain’s redemption, fairytale retelling set in a war torn French Revolution setting. A clean read with mild heat.
October 19, 2022
This book was stunning and beautifully wrote. This retelling of Beauty and the Beast is filled with twists and turns and will captivate you from the very beginning. The story telling is very descriptive and informational, making it that much more enjoyable for the reader. The beginning starts out with a detailed background as well, to really help set the stage. The author does throw in some humor and romance, which rounds out this wonderful story quite nicely. If you like fairytales and the retelling of them, this is one you won't want to miss.
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