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FIVE FAIRYTALES. NINE KINGDOMS. ONE PRINCE.
'This is not your Disney fairy tale. It is much, much better' WILDER'S BOOK REVIEW
'Brilliantly subverts the classic fairy tale' ONE CHAPTER MORE
'Loads of fun... Exposes the patriarchal, oppressive fairytale world order which we take for granted in the old yarns' THE INDEPENDENT
What if everything you thought you knew about the Grimms' fairytales was wrong?
Imagine a tower guarded by a dragon, a powerful witch, a foolhardy king, and a secret waiting to be discovered...
Welcome to the story of Rapunzel, retold as it always should have been.
Magic is the first instalment in the Tales from the Kingdoms series by the internationally bestselling creator of Netflix smash-hit Behind Her Eyes - unmissable for fans of A Dowry of Blood by ST Gibson, Belladonna by Adalyn Grace, and Gallant by V. E. Schwab.
__________________
Step into the Tales from the Kingdoms
Book 1: MAGIC
Book 2: BEAUTY
Book 3: POISON
Book 4: CHARM
Book 5: BLOOD
__________________
PRAISE FOR SARAH
'Bloody brilliant' STEPHEN KING
'An absolute dream' RICHARD OSMAN
'A twisted genius' LISA JEWELL
'Queen of WTF' RUTH WARE
'An absolute must-read' JOE HILL
'A dark, electrifying page-turner' HARLAN COBEN
'The queen of twisty reads' HARRIET TYCE
'Everyone will be talking about this book' STYLIST
'Expertly plotted' SUNDAY TIMES
'One of the best endings to a book' PRIMA
'The very definition of a page-turner' SUN
'This is not your Disney fairy tale. It is much, much better' WILDER'S BOOK REVIEW
'Brilliantly subverts the classic fairy tale' ONE CHAPTER MORE
'Loads of fun... Exposes the patriarchal, oppressive fairytale world order which we take for granted in the old yarns' THE INDEPENDENT
What if everything you thought you knew about the Grimms' fairytales was wrong?
Imagine a tower guarded by a dragon, a powerful witch, a foolhardy king, and a secret waiting to be discovered...
Welcome to the story of Rapunzel, retold as it always should have been.
Magic is the first instalment in the Tales from the Kingdoms series by the internationally bestselling creator of Netflix smash-hit Behind Her Eyes - unmissable for fans of A Dowry of Blood by ST Gibson, Belladonna by Adalyn Grace, and Gallant by V. E. Schwab.
__________________
Step into the Tales from the Kingdoms
Book 1: MAGIC
Book 2: BEAUTY
Book 3: POISON
Book 4: CHARM
Book 5: BLOOD
__________________
PRAISE FOR SARAH
'Bloody brilliant' STEPHEN KING
'An absolute dream' RICHARD OSMAN
'A twisted genius' LISA JEWELL
'Queen of WTF' RUTH WARE
'An absolute must-read' JOE HILL
'A dark, electrifying page-turner' HARLAN COBEN
'The queen of twisty reads' HARRIET TYCE
'Everyone will be talking about this book' STYLIST
'Expertly plotted' SUNDAY TIMES
'One of the best endings to a book' PRIMA
'The very definition of a page-turner' SUN
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 31, 2024
35 people are currently reading
529 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Pinborough
89 books7,904 followersSarah Pinborough is a New York Times bestselling and Sunday Times Number one and Internationally bestselling author who is published in over 30 territories worldwide. Having published more than 25 novels across various genres, her recent books include Behind Her Eyes, now a smash hit Netflix limited series, Dead To Her, now in development with Amazon Studios, and 13 Minutes and The Death House in development with Compelling Pictures. Sarah lives in the historic town of Stony Stratford, the home of the Cock and Bull story, with her dog Ted. Her next novel, Insomnia, is out in 2022. You can follow Sarah on Twitter at @sarahpinborough.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
November 3, 2024
I already loved the trilogy, but I'm planning on re-reading those three books when they are re-released, and this prequel didn't disappoint. If it's your introduction to the series it very well shows you what to expect. If it's revisiting this series, it has everything you'd want this story to contain. Just like the other three stories in the series, the book has a clear fairytale vibe, but it's a lot darker and a lot less hopeful. I don't want to give too much away, since it's a joy to see which parts of the fairytales stayed the same and which parts are different, but I'm already looking forward to continuing this series again!
October 31, 2024
Huge fun, not for children or YA and a delightfully smart and wicked take on Rapunzel - highly recommended
Full review - https://www.runalongtheshelves.net/bl...
Full review - https://www.runalongtheshelves.net/bl...
February 23, 2025
There was potential, but it wasn’t executed.
October 8, 2024
I really wanted to love this, fairytale reimagining is such a fun trope, but this just didn’t work for me. I enjoyed some aspects but it felt disjointed for the most part. The author can obviously write a good story, and I suspect that this will be popular, it’s just not for me.
I think the only time I’ve seen the mixing of multiple different fairytales work really well, was the TV show Once Upon A Time, and that worked because of the commonality of them being trapped in the same place. Unfortunately I didn’t get that sense of connectivity here.
I think the only time I’ve seen the mixing of multiple different fairytales work really well, was the TV show Once Upon A Time, and that worked because of the commonality of them being trapped in the same place. Unfortunately I didn’t get that sense of connectivity here.
December 3, 2024
I really enjoyed this version of Rapunzel. It's quite different from the original tale, but I think the changes actually really enhance the story! It's quite a quick read as it pulls you in, so you just can't stop reading. So I can't wait to read the rest in the series.
Thank you to Orion for sending me a copy to read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thank you to Orion for sending me a copy to read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 27, 2025
A very clever retelling and satisfying merge of Rapunzel, Hansel and Gretel and Aladdin!
Whilst being a YA, the hints of intimacy, the on page murder and definitely a psychopath actually made this an extremely quick and enjoyable read.
Whilst being a YA, the hints of intimacy, the on page murder and definitely a psychopath actually made this an extremely quick and enjoyable read.
November 12, 2025
I love a good fairy-tale retelling, and this was a really fun blend of some different stories!
This version of Rapunzel reminded me of Tangled, but with some twists and turns that meant it ended up taking a direction I didn't expect. I had hoped I might feel more of a connection to the characters - I'm not sure if it was that I didn't spend enough time with each POV, or if I was coming to the story with too many of my own ideas about what each character would be like, but I struggled to get properly invested in these protagonists' stories.
But overall this was a quick, fun, and undemanding read that would be perfect for fairy-tale (or Once Upon a Time!) fans.
Books with similar vibes - Hemlock and Silver by T Kingfisher, Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik, Heartless by Marissa Meyer, and Midnight in Everwood by M A Kuzniar.
This version of Rapunzel reminded me of Tangled, but with some twists and turns that meant it ended up taking a direction I didn't expect. I had hoped I might feel more of a connection to the characters - I'm not sure if it was that I didn't spend enough time with each POV, or if I was coming to the story with too many of my own ideas about what each character would be like, but I struggled to get properly invested in these protagonists' stories.
But overall this was a quick, fun, and undemanding read that would be perfect for fairy-tale (or Once Upon a Time!) fans.
Books with similar vibes - Hemlock and Silver by T Kingfisher, Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik, Heartless by Marissa Meyer, and Midnight in Everwood by M A Kuzniar.
November 4, 2024
This was a fun quick read and a fresh take on a known fairytale (Rapunzel, mainly) but something about it just didn't click for me. Well written, but I didn't feel anything for any of the characters. Worth a try if you like twists on fairytales though
I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
October 23, 2024
5 of 5 stars
https://lynns-books.com/2024/10/23/re...
My Five Word TL:DR Review: Pinborough, such a great storyteller
I love a good fairytale, but sometimes better still a good fairytale reimagined. If this is something you enjoy then I can’t recommend Pinborough enough. She has a wicked sense of humour, she turns everything on it’s head and I love the way she writes. Magic has been recently released as the first in the Tales from the Kingdom series. I’ve already read Poison, Charm and Beauty and loved them. I nearly had a conniption when I saw on Netgalley two new titles Magic and Blood. Magic is, as I understand it (although, ahem, I have been known to be wrong) being marketed as the first in the series, followed by the aforementioned three and then another new book, Blood, being the fifth instalment.
So, Magic is a retelling that predominantly focuses on Rapunzel but also captures so many other elements of stories that I’ve loved over the years. Aladdin plays a role, and believe me when I say he’s the furthest thing from the Disney imagined version than you’ll believe. Pinborough captures so many different elements and gives them all her own unique twist, I was filled with a lovely sense of nostalgia whilst reading at the same time as being dumbfounded at the creativity on display that takes all my ideas of tropes and characters and stamps them into the earth, followed by a quick dusting off of the hands and a hearty harrumph – take that you fairytale stereotypes. I mean literally, I loved this. I confess that I am a fan of the author and maybe I’m predisposed to like her work, I don’t know, but this book picked me up just when I needed it.
In fact the other three books are also available and as I no longer have copies (having given by beautiful hard copies to some scoundrel to read (and we all know how that goes) I’m tempted to request the others so I have the full set again, that way I could enjoy myself quite spectacularly reading all five in almost back to back fashion – is that greedy though?
As I said, this is Rapunzel’s tale. Rapunzel is a beautiful, sheltered, young woman who lives in a tower with her Aunt Gretel (we all know the tale of Hansel and Gretel and the gingerbread house – well, be patient). Anyway, Gretel is a witch, she makes charms or curses that are usually woven into spindles and she has many spinning wheels already imbued with such magic. Gretel has hidden herself away from the world, she’s raised Rapunzel to mistrust other folk, especially men. There’s no such thing as true love and men simply can’t be trusted (feels like a little play on Miss Havisham and Estella). Except, Gretel is becoming curious about the outside world and when she is given a book, by a friend, about love and romance, she finds herself longing to meet her very own Prince Charming.
Meanwhile, we have a King, he’s exploring the kingdoms (mainly sowing his wild oats) before he takes up his position of authority. He bumps into a young man who tells him of a beautiful maiden trapped in a tower by a cruel witch and he immediately imagines himself as the dashing hero rushing to rescue her. The young man who told him the story has his own motives, a room full of magic spindles seems too good to resist.
I think I’ve already told you too much of the plot so I’ll stop there. Pick these up and enjoy them for yourselves.
What I loved.
The writing. It’s clever and well plotted. The stories are written with Pinborough’s wicked sense of humour and it comes across so well. There’s a determined tongue in cheek poking of fun at everything you may have come to expect from such tales and it ultimately comes together in a perfect package.
I really enjoy the way the author turns the characters around. We have Aladdin, we even have a genie and a lamp, but they’re so unexpectedly different. I won’t say more.
All of the books are set within the Kingdoms and this is another reason why I’m tempted to read all of them in order, why deny myself such fun after all. They’re all connected in small ways so I highly recommend picking up all five and reading them all in order.
I can’t add too much more, well, other than the fact that these books are so easy to read and are good stories packed with humour and a little bit of sizzling sexiness. And, the cherry on top – this is ultimately a story of true love.
This book was the pick-me-up that I didn’t know I needed.
I received a copy through Netgalley, courtesy of the author, for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.
https://lynns-books.com/2024/10/23/re...
My Five Word TL:DR Review: Pinborough, such a great storyteller
I love a good fairytale, but sometimes better still a good fairytale reimagined. If this is something you enjoy then I can’t recommend Pinborough enough. She has a wicked sense of humour, she turns everything on it’s head and I love the way she writes. Magic has been recently released as the first in the Tales from the Kingdom series. I’ve already read Poison, Charm and Beauty and loved them. I nearly had a conniption when I saw on Netgalley two new titles Magic and Blood. Magic is, as I understand it (although, ahem, I have been known to be wrong) being marketed as the first in the series, followed by the aforementioned three and then another new book, Blood, being the fifth instalment.
So, Magic is a retelling that predominantly focuses on Rapunzel but also captures so many other elements of stories that I’ve loved over the years. Aladdin plays a role, and believe me when I say he’s the furthest thing from the Disney imagined version than you’ll believe. Pinborough captures so many different elements and gives them all her own unique twist, I was filled with a lovely sense of nostalgia whilst reading at the same time as being dumbfounded at the creativity on display that takes all my ideas of tropes and characters and stamps them into the earth, followed by a quick dusting off of the hands and a hearty harrumph – take that you fairytale stereotypes. I mean literally, I loved this. I confess that I am a fan of the author and maybe I’m predisposed to like her work, I don’t know, but this book picked me up just when I needed it.
In fact the other three books are also available and as I no longer have copies (having given by beautiful hard copies to some scoundrel to read (and we all know how that goes) I’m tempted to request the others so I have the full set again, that way I could enjoy myself quite spectacularly reading all five in almost back to back fashion – is that greedy though?
As I said, this is Rapunzel’s tale. Rapunzel is a beautiful, sheltered, young woman who lives in a tower with her Aunt Gretel (we all know the tale of Hansel and Gretel and the gingerbread house – well, be patient). Anyway, Gretel is a witch, she makes charms or curses that are usually woven into spindles and she has many spinning wheels already imbued with such magic. Gretel has hidden herself away from the world, she’s raised Rapunzel to mistrust other folk, especially men. There’s no such thing as true love and men simply can’t be trusted (feels like a little play on Miss Havisham and Estella). Except, Gretel is becoming curious about the outside world and when she is given a book, by a friend, about love and romance, she finds herself longing to meet her very own Prince Charming.
Meanwhile, we have a King, he’s exploring the kingdoms (mainly sowing his wild oats) before he takes up his position of authority. He bumps into a young man who tells him of a beautiful maiden trapped in a tower by a cruel witch and he immediately imagines himself as the dashing hero rushing to rescue her. The young man who told him the story has his own motives, a room full of magic spindles seems too good to resist.
I think I’ve already told you too much of the plot so I’ll stop there. Pick these up and enjoy them for yourselves.
What I loved.
The writing. It’s clever and well plotted. The stories are written with Pinborough’s wicked sense of humour and it comes across so well. There’s a determined tongue in cheek poking of fun at everything you may have come to expect from such tales and it ultimately comes together in a perfect package.
I really enjoy the way the author turns the characters around. We have Aladdin, we even have a genie and a lamp, but they’re so unexpectedly different. I won’t say more.
All of the books are set within the Kingdoms and this is another reason why I’m tempted to read all of them in order, why deny myself such fun after all. They’re all connected in small ways so I highly recommend picking up all five and reading them all in order.
I can’t add too much more, well, other than the fact that these books are so easy to read and are good stories packed with humour and a little bit of sizzling sexiness. And, the cherry on top – this is ultimately a story of true love.
This book was the pick-me-up that I didn’t know I needed.
I received a copy through Netgalley, courtesy of the author, for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.
October 30, 2024
Thank you NetGalley and Orion Publishing for this eCopy to review
Magic is a dark fantasy romance that reimagines the classic fairy tale of Rapunzel. This spellbinding prequel to the "Tales from the Kingdoms" series took me into a world filled with dragons, witches, and werewolves. The story subverts the traditional fairy tale, presenting a gripping and darker narrative that kept me hooked from start to finish.
The story follows Rapunzel, who has been locked away in a tower by a malevolent witch. As she yearns for freedom, she discovers her own powerful magic that can both save and destroy. When a prince comes to her rescue, the traditional tale takes a dark twist. Together, they face off against sinister forces, uncovering secrets that challenge their perceptions of good and evil. As their bond deepens, Rapunzel must harness her magic to protect the ones she loves and confront the darkness within.
The characters are well-crafted, each with their own secrets and motivations. Rapunzel is portrayed as a strong and independent woman, breaking away from the damsel-in-distress trope. The supporting characters, including the witch and the prince, add depth and complexity to the story.
The dark fantasy elements are seamlessly woven into the narrative, making you question what is real and what is illusion. Pinborough’s take on the classic fairy tale is fresh and thought-provoking, adding layers of meaning to the story. Her writing is engaging and atmospheric, with vivid descriptions which bring the magical elements to life.
Magic is a captivating read that combines elements of dark fantasy and romance in a way that is both thrilling and thought-provoking. It’s a story that stays with you, making you ponder the nature of power and freedom.
Magic is a dark fantasy romance that reimagines the classic fairy tale of Rapunzel. This spellbinding prequel to the "Tales from the Kingdoms" series took me into a world filled with dragons, witches, and werewolves. The story subverts the traditional fairy tale, presenting a gripping and darker narrative that kept me hooked from start to finish.
The story follows Rapunzel, who has been locked away in a tower by a malevolent witch. As she yearns for freedom, she discovers her own powerful magic that can both save and destroy. When a prince comes to her rescue, the traditional tale takes a dark twist. Together, they face off against sinister forces, uncovering secrets that challenge their perceptions of good and evil. As their bond deepens, Rapunzel must harness her magic to protect the ones she loves and confront the darkness within.
The characters are well-crafted, each with their own secrets and motivations. Rapunzel is portrayed as a strong and independent woman, breaking away from the damsel-in-distress trope. The supporting characters, including the witch and the prince, add depth and complexity to the story.
The dark fantasy elements are seamlessly woven into the narrative, making you question what is real and what is illusion. Pinborough’s take on the classic fairy tale is fresh and thought-provoking, adding layers of meaning to the story. Her writing is engaging and atmospheric, with vivid descriptions which bring the magical elements to life.
Magic is a captivating read that combines elements of dark fantasy and romance in a way that is both thrilling and thought-provoking. It’s a story that stays with you, making you ponder the nature of power and freedom.
March 19, 2025
“And always look perfect. Perfect and unattainable. That’s the way to keep them weak. To break a man’s heart without so much as touching him. Make them fear you for simply being yourself.”
The new prequel to Sarah Pinborough’s Tales from the Kingdoms. Features the usual mash-up of multiple fairytales, but leans most heavily into the story of Rapunzel.
Rapunzel, 21, lives with her Aunt Gretel in a large magical tower. The girl is aloof and indifferent—or so she appears.
Brainwashed by her misandrist “aunt” and inspired by a graphic book.
“And remember—there are more curses than charms in my collection, just as in the world of men.”
The young king. And the duke.
Aladdin, at only 15, already has quite the checkered and dastardly past.
He sometimes forgot how unacceptable most people found murder.
It’s become expected in every novel from SP, yet the way she weaves multiple threads together into a stunning narrative quilt remains mightily impressive.
All of Sarah’s characters have their own agendas. Gives them a realistic, human feel.
The charmed rainbow blanket. The young king’s dagger.
Aladdin is in big trouble.
Gretel is vicious, but funny. The humor in this book is quite dark…and edgy. 😉
Why does Gretel hate men so much? Her damage reveal is 😳
“Aunt Gretel said that magic and fate were brother and sister, and a witch was merely for both.”
Aladdin, Rapunzel, and the young king’s plot.
The spindle. The curse.
The Switch.
Conrad.
Red lightning.
Beautiful writing. Lush, without ever veering purple.
Happy ending, for (most of) those deserving. For the others? Some very ominous times lie ahead…
Only true love could break the curse and, as she had learned at her own bitter cost, true love was rarer than magic.”
The new prequel to Sarah Pinborough’s Tales from the Kingdoms. Features the usual mash-up of multiple fairytales, but leans most heavily into the story of Rapunzel.
Rapunzel, 21, lives with her Aunt Gretel in a large magical tower. The girl is aloof and indifferent—or so she appears.
Brainwashed by her misandrist “aunt” and inspired by a graphic book.
“And remember—there are more curses than charms in my collection, just as in the world of men.”
The young king. And the duke.
Aladdin, at only 15, already has quite the checkered and dastardly past.
He sometimes forgot how unacceptable most people found murder.
It’s become expected in every novel from SP, yet the way she weaves multiple threads together into a stunning narrative quilt remains mightily impressive.
All of Sarah’s characters have their own agendas. Gives them a realistic, human feel.
The charmed rainbow blanket. The young king’s dagger.
Aladdin is in big trouble.
Gretel is vicious, but funny. The humor in this book is quite dark…and edgy. 😉
Why does Gretel hate men so much? Her damage reveal is 😳
“Aunt Gretel said that magic and fate were brother and sister, and a witch was merely for both.”
Aladdin, Rapunzel, and the young king’s plot.
The spindle. The curse.
The Switch.
Conrad.
Red lightning.
Beautiful writing. Lush, without ever veering purple.
Happy ending, for (most of) those deserving. For the others? Some very ominous times lie ahead…
Only true love could break the curse and, as she had learned at her own bitter cost, true love was rarer than magic.”
February 5, 2025
Gretel the witch learned when she was a girl not to trust men and has brought up her young ward Rapunzel to do the same. But when a young King looking for one last adventure before his responsibilites come calling, and a boy named Aladdin with a duplicitous, possibly even murderous, agenda of his own converge on their tower, a wrench is about to be thrown into Gretel and Rapunzel's carefully ordered world that will change everything forever.
I read Sarah Pinborough's original trio of fairytale retellings/mash-ups - Beauty, Poison and Charm -when they came out and thoroughly enjoyed them (and after this I may go back and read them again). So I was very pleased to find out she's now written two more: a chronological prequel (magic) and another (Blood, which I have also borrowed from the library and is on my tbr list) which should hopefully tie up all the the storylines.
Like the first three, Magic is a delightful blend of familar fairytale elements, mixed up to create something new, with just the right amount of light to counterbalance the dark. I don't know if this is the way Rapunzel should "always" have been told, but it's certainly an original one.
I read Sarah Pinborough's original trio of fairytale retellings/mash-ups - Beauty, Poison and Charm -when they came out and thoroughly enjoyed them (and after this I may go back and read them again). So I was very pleased to find out she's now written two more: a chronological prequel (magic) and another (Blood, which I have also borrowed from the library and is on my tbr list) which should hopefully tie up all the the storylines.
Like the first three, Magic is a delightful blend of familar fairytale elements, mixed up to create something new, with just the right amount of light to counterbalance the dark. I don't know if this is the way Rapunzel should "always" have been told, but it's certainly an original one.
July 27, 2025
Magic is one of the two newer publications in the “Tales from the Kingdom”, wicked fairy tale retelling from Sarah Pinborough. Despite being published several years after the first three in the series, Magic is meant to be read as the first book.
Here’s the large shakeup in how to read the books compared to their publication order.
1. Magic (published 4th)
2. Beauty (published 3rd)
3. Poison (published 1st)
4. Charm (published 2nd)
5. Blood (published 5th)
Overall, Magic tells a twisted retelling of Gretel and Rapunzel but even pulls in a few parallels to Disney’s Cinderella II. The book pulls in similar themes that were read on the original 2013 publications (Beauty, Poison, Charm) with the fickleness of men. I will say the commentary was a bit ham handed compared to the plait and weave of her earlier work. Aladdin was an interesting addition and I believe sets up future publications should Pinborough wish to continue adding to the world.
Here’s the large shakeup in how to read the books compared to their publication order.
1. Magic (published 4th)
2. Beauty (published 3rd)
3. Poison (published 1st)
4. Charm (published 2nd)
5. Blood (published 5th)
Overall, Magic tells a twisted retelling of Gretel and Rapunzel but even pulls in a few parallels to Disney’s Cinderella II. The book pulls in similar themes that were read on the original 2013 publications (Beauty, Poison, Charm) with the fickleness of men. I will say the commentary was a bit ham handed compared to the plait and weave of her earlier work. Aladdin was an interesting addition and I believe sets up future publications should Pinborough wish to continue adding to the world.
October 27, 2024
Magic is the first in the Tales from the Kingdoms series, initially released in 2018 as a trilogy (Poison, Charm & Beauty), this one is a new addition along with Blood as book 5.
Focused mainly on the story of Rapunzel, Magic also incorporates a few elements from other fairytales, such as Aladdin, but with a twist! Lots of nostalgia but and I am looking forward to reading the others and am hoping that they will all link together!
Focused mainly on the story of Rapunzel, Magic also incorporates a few elements from other fairytales, such as Aladdin, but with a twist! Lots of nostalgia but and I am looking forward to reading the others and am hoping that they will all link together!
November 26, 2024
I didn't know what to expect from this book. All I knew was it was a different take on your classic fairy tale. I was pleasantly surprised, the book is very easy to read and offers you a different perspective on the classic fairytale Rapunzel and how she lives on a tower with her aunt gretel. It was a pleasant little romp which does have slightly darker edges. Honestly thought the book was great and as there are further books in the series I'm interested to see how the series plays out.
December 3, 2025
I wanted to love this one, as someone who inhales retellings as many as I can! I enjoyed book one well enough, but it didn't have me racing to the rest of the series. It was a quick easy palette cleansing read. I think the character development felt slightly shallow at times and a bit surface level but did not fulfil its potential. It reads as younger than I believe intended. Thank you to the publisher for my copy of this title in exchange for honest review.
October 17, 2024
Thank you Netgalley for gifting this book in exchange for an honest review
This was a cute fairytale re-telling of Rapunzel. It's not the normal genre of books I read so I don't want to judge it on the fact I don't normally enjoy YA.
It was well written though and a nice short read. I did enjoy the way it incorporated other classic fairy tales too, but characters did feel very one dimensional.
This was a cute fairytale re-telling of Rapunzel. It's not the normal genre of books I read so I don't want to judge it on the fact I don't normally enjoy YA.
It was well written though and a nice short read. I did enjoy the way it incorporated other classic fairy tales too, but characters did feel very one dimensional.
January 27, 2025
Oh The Joy of a Fairytale
Just what I needed in the post Christmas gloom of a wintery, stormy January. A fairytale with grown up touches which draws you into a magical tale with a mix of characters you think you know but are pleasantly surprised to realise have been reimagined.
Looking forward to diving into the rest of the series.
Just what I needed in the post Christmas gloom of a wintery, stormy January. A fairytale with grown up touches which draws you into a magical tale with a mix of characters you think you know but are pleasantly surprised to realise have been reimagined.
Looking forward to diving into the rest of the series.
September 25, 2024
Thank you Netgalley for this review copy for an impartial review.
Love how this book turns on its head everything you think of fairy tale characters and makes you question all the 'disnified' images of them.
Quite dark in places but realistic in the way the characters act. Loved it
Love how this book turns on its head everything you think of fairy tale characters and makes you question all the 'disnified' images of them.
Quite dark in places but realistic in the way the characters act. Loved it
November 8, 2024
2.5 stars
Average. The prose was very simplistic even though the storyline was quite mature and not for children or YA’s
I couldn’t get in to the story and found it tedious and a little boring so I don’t think I’ll be reading any of the others in the series.☹️
Average. The prose was very simplistic even though the storyline was quite mature and not for children or YA’s
I couldn’t get in to the story and found it tedious and a little boring so I don’t think I’ll be reading any of the others in the series.☹️
December 12, 2024
These Tales of the Kingdom series are a great rewrite of classic fairy tales but for adults. They pull you in and make it hard to put down. It certainly gives a different take on the originals. Great reads.
November 9, 2024
3.5 stars
I really enjoyed this retelling of Rapunzel with additional fairytale characters thrown in. It was a quick and entertaining read
I really enjoyed this retelling of Rapunzel with additional fairytale characters thrown in. It was a quick and entertaining read
November 29, 2024
It was an interesting story, a take on Rapunzel with other folk tales mixed in, too. I will probably read the further books in the series.
January 10, 2025
I loved this short fairytale retelling! We’re talking Rapunzel x Aladdin x Hansel & Gretel - there’s witches, kingdoms, magic, curses, dragons and more!!
April 1, 2025
I'm not sure what I was expecting with this one, but it was alright - well written, the plot was there, and I enjoyed it enough
April 6, 2025
This was good but also kind of something I've read so many times that I got kind of bored
April 14, 2025
An interesting take on fairytales. An enjoyable read.
August 17, 2025
Many fairytale references, which is to be expected. But in my opinion lacking. It was okay.
September 9, 2025
Enjoyed this retelling of a classic fairytale.
I liked that it incorporated different characters that I wasn't expecting to be paired together.
Have started the next book.
I liked that it incorporated different characters that I wasn't expecting to be paired together.
Have started the next book.
October 25, 2025
i liked the whooe book im just sad that rapunzel didint get her happy ending
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