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Finding Ever After #1
The Gilded Mirror
Once Upon a Time meets Grimms dark fairytales in this tale about vengeance, curses, and love.
Eveline Rafter has a gift. Not only can she hit every target with her twin golden knives, but she can find lost things.
When Princess Snowfall of Bellatorre goes missing, Eveline is hired by the mysterious Huntsman to find her. With one hundred medallions on offer, she can’t resist.
But when she’s thrust into a power game with old and terrifying magic, Eveline can’t ignore the brewing unrest or the secrets fighting to break free. When her dark past begins to catch up with her, Eveline begins to question the one thing she trusted most: Herself.
Confused by her desires for the Huntsman, Eveline tries to navigate her curse, her fate, and her friendships. But with a bloodthirsty queen out to eat their hearts, Eveline and her companions soon find that not all stories have a happily ever after.
Set against the dark forests of old fairy tales, in a kingdom ruled by an evil queen who consumes hearts, The Gilded Mirror is a YA dark retelling of the original Grimm’s fairytales.
Eveline Rafter has a gift. Not only can she hit every target with her twin golden knives, but she can find lost things.
When Princess Snowfall of Bellatorre goes missing, Eveline is hired by the mysterious Huntsman to find her. With one hundred medallions on offer, she can’t resist.
But when she’s thrust into a power game with old and terrifying magic, Eveline can’t ignore the brewing unrest or the secrets fighting to break free. When her dark past begins to catch up with her, Eveline begins to question the one thing she trusted most: Herself.
Confused by her desires for the Huntsman, Eveline tries to navigate her curse, her fate, and her friendships. But with a bloodthirsty queen out to eat their hearts, Eveline and her companions soon find that not all stories have a happily ever after.
Set against the dark forests of old fairy tales, in a kingdom ruled by an evil queen who consumes hearts, The Gilded Mirror is a YA dark retelling of the original Grimm’s fairytales.
370 pages, Paperback
First published March 15, 2021
11 people are currently reading
552 people want to read
About the author
K.E. Barden
4 books63 followersK E Barden is an independent author based in Brisbane. Her first book, The Gilded Mirror was written entirely on a mobile phone and the dent in her pinkie finger proves it. When she isn’t writing, you can usually find her spoiling her high maintenance cat, building fairy castles or comparing her real boyfriend with her book boyfriends.
Her books are a combination of fiction, romance and fantasy with the express intent of stealing you away from reality and creating characters that will become your entire personality.
You can find Kim on social media @ KEBardenAuthor
Her books are a combination of fiction, romance and fantasy with the express intent of stealing you away from reality and creating characters that will become your entire personality.
You can find Kim on social media @ KEBardenAuthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews
December 10, 2024
Okay, so I wasn’t sure if I was going to enjoy this boom, I will admit it took me a couple tries, buuuuut let me tell you!!!! After the initial slump I was in, looooved it!!! So glad I did not give up on it.
This book is a fun retelling twist of Snow White and Hansel and Gretel. I had no clue the two could work so well together. It does have multiple POV, but they transition very well and I had no issues keeping up or track of who was speaking or where I was.
The world building was also done so well. This is something I’m starting to really appreciate when a book does it so well.
This book is a fun retelling twist of Snow White and Hansel and Gretel. I had no clue the two could work so well together. It does have multiple POV, but they transition very well and I had no issues keeping up or track of who was speaking or where I was.
The world building was also done so well. This is something I’m starting to really appreciate when a book does it so well.
June 21, 2022
Mirror mirror on the wall, what's the fairest Snow White retelling of them all?
It's The Gilded Mirror indeed!
The Gilded Mirror is an enchanting retelling of both Snow White and Hansel & Gretel! I never would have thought of the two fairytales blending together, but they work so incredibly well with each other! What if there were more heroes behind breaking Snow White's curse? This book is dedicated to those characters!
The story follows two interesting characters who lead different lives. First we meet The Powerful Evil Queen who has ruled The Silver City for over a decade with nothing but fear and violence. Queen Myrenna is convinced that Youth & Beauty can be brought back again from maidens of purest hearts. Only when Princess Snow's heart has become of age to be plucked, she find out that the princess has disappeared. Now she is hell bent on finding her and eating her heart out!
Then we meet Evangeline, who has a small body figure yet a cunning mind with magical abilities. No longer the small child who wears lilac crowns and listens to her father's bedtime stories but now a grownup young woman who learned to live on her own. When her gift of being a seeker failed to locate her father who was taken by the witches, she decided to bargain with Rumple who deals with dreams of your loved lost ones. One dream for one dangerous theft. And so the journey begins!
The story is told from multiple POV's
as they smoothly switched between sever characters, allowing the reader to understand their inner thoughts and intimately witness how each character grow as the story progresses.
The world-building was incredible. Barden has created a whole broad-reaching world of many characters from our beloved fairytales with some surprising deeper themes. The ending left me spellbound and smiling big with the underlying message it sends to the reader; "That youth is absolutely fleeting but true inner beauty is more desirable"
With Dark magic, great morally grey characters, and Royalty in hiding, The Gilded Mirror hits all the right notes of a great epic Fantasy. Highly recommended for fans of retellings!
Thanks to @kebardenauthor for sending me the first book in her "Forever Ever After" series. Can't wait to dive into the next book!
It's The Gilded Mirror indeed!
The Gilded Mirror is an enchanting retelling of both Snow White and Hansel & Gretel! I never would have thought of the two fairytales blending together, but they work so incredibly well with each other! What if there were more heroes behind breaking Snow White's curse? This book is dedicated to those characters!
The story follows two interesting characters who lead different lives. First we meet The Powerful Evil Queen who has ruled The Silver City for over a decade with nothing but fear and violence. Queen Myrenna is convinced that Youth & Beauty can be brought back again from maidens of purest hearts. Only when Princess Snow's heart has become of age to be plucked, she find out that the princess has disappeared. Now she is hell bent on finding her and eating her heart out!
Then we meet Evangeline, who has a small body figure yet a cunning mind with magical abilities. No longer the small child who wears lilac crowns and listens to her father's bedtime stories but now a grownup young woman who learned to live on her own. When her gift of being a seeker failed to locate her father who was taken by the witches, she decided to bargain with Rumple who deals with dreams of your loved lost ones. One dream for one dangerous theft. And so the journey begins!
The story is told from multiple POV's
as they smoothly switched between sever characters, allowing the reader to understand their inner thoughts and intimately witness how each character grow as the story progresses.
The world-building was incredible. Barden has created a whole broad-reaching world of many characters from our beloved fairytales with some surprising deeper themes. The ending left me spellbound and smiling big with the underlying message it sends to the reader; "That youth is absolutely fleeting but true inner beauty is more desirable"
With Dark magic, great morally grey characters, and Royalty in hiding, The Gilded Mirror hits all the right notes of a great epic Fantasy. Highly recommended for fans of retellings!
Thanks to @kebardenauthor for sending me the first book in her "Forever Ever After" series. Can't wait to dive into the next book!
June 22, 2024
This book was FULL of fairytale references and I enjoyed how they were retold in a different and dark light. Eveline is a feisty main female character & Hansel is a sunshine main male character so of course... I loved them together! I do wish there was a bit more depth to the characters but they felt a little one dimensional.
The plot was plotting, lots was happening from the jump which I loved it being action packed but sometimes it's felt a bit rushed and was a bit hard to keep up with what was going on. I know the Evil Queen is the villain but she was iconic and my favourite character haha
Honestly I could 100% see this being a dark series on HBO, so if you are a fan of fairy tale retellings, give this a go!
The plot was plotting, lots was happening from the jump which I loved it being action packed but sometimes it's felt a bit rushed and was a bit hard to keep up with what was going on. I know the Evil Queen is the villain but she was iconic and my favourite character haha
Honestly I could 100% see this being a dark series on HBO, so if you are a fan of fairy tale retellings, give this a go!
May 21, 2024
2024:
With the upcoming rerelease of this book, I just want to thank everybody who picked it up. Thank you to those who reviewed (even if it was a low star) and thank you to those who loved it and pumped it up.
Self publishing is a scary journey and I’m learning as I go, but I’m proud to have rereleased this book.
I hope for those who do read it, that it brings you a little magic 🌟
May all of you fly 🧚♀️
2021:
I wrote it, so I’ve got to give it 5 stars ✨ 😉
With the upcoming rerelease of this book, I just want to thank everybody who picked it up. Thank you to those who reviewed (even if it was a low star) and thank you to those who loved it and pumped it up.
Self publishing is a scary journey and I’m learning as I go, but I’m proud to have rereleased this book.
I hope for those who do read it, that it brings you a little magic 🌟
May all of you fly 🧚♀️
2021:
I wrote it, so I’ve got to give it 5 stars ✨ 😉
April 20, 2024
I read the rewrite of this and let me just say WOW!
Kim has managed to weave in so many classic fairytales that it felt like a game but also a special secret only I knew.
It’s YA but not childish. They’re young but not silly. The writing is clean and easy and the characters are everything. She had me bloody crying MULTIPLE times and this book isn’t long. There was also a few laugh out loud moments.
I love the way Kim sucks you in with a villain straight away that you kinda wanna root for… until the end. Straight up irredeemable!!!!!!!!!! *bawling*
Eveline is a jerk. But the cracks in her armour and watching her realise she’s begun to care for her band of misfits is *chefs kiss*. I related hard to a lot of her choices and behaviours (within reason, this is a fantasy novel guys).
But my man Malak will forever be top tier and I SWEAR TO ALL THAT IS GOOD IN THE WORKD KIM, don’t you dare kill him.
Kim has managed to weave in so many classic fairytales that it felt like a game but also a special secret only I knew.
It’s YA but not childish. They’re young but not silly. The writing is clean and easy and the characters are everything. She had me bloody crying MULTIPLE times and this book isn’t long. There was also a few laugh out loud moments.
I love the way Kim sucks you in with a villain straight away that you kinda wanna root for… until the end. Straight up irredeemable!!!!!!!!!! *bawling*
Eveline is a jerk. But the cracks in her armour and watching her realise she’s begun to care for her band of misfits is *chefs kiss*. I related hard to a lot of her choices and behaviours (within reason, this is a fantasy novel guys).
But my man Malak will forever be top tier and I SWEAR TO ALL THAT IS GOOD IN THE WORKD KIM, don’t you dare kill him.
May 6, 2024
I was gifted a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Honestly, I'm getting myself a physical copy the next time I'm in the big smoke, I absolutely loved this! I adore fairytale retellings, and this book held a few that were beautifully intertwined in a vaguely Once Upon A Time-esque manner. I loved that the romance was slow burn, that the characters had their faults as well as their strengths (and ACKNOWLEDGED their own faults? Asdfghjkl), and especially loved the prose and dialogue. I had to sit for a bit after I finished TGM before I could write a review, because I was just blown away and gobsmacked by that ending. I can't wait for the sequel!
Honestly, I'm getting myself a physical copy the next time I'm in the big smoke, I absolutely loved this! I adore fairytale retellings, and this book held a few that were beautifully intertwined in a vaguely Once Upon A Time-esque manner. I loved that the romance was slow burn, that the characters had their faults as well as their strengths (and ACKNOWLEDGED their own faults? Asdfghjkl), and especially loved the prose and dialogue. I had to sit for a bit after I finished TGM before I could write a review, because I was just blown away and gobsmacked by that ending. I can't wait for the sequel!
May 31, 2024
‘Tell me a story.’
Let me tell you friends: you must read this gorgeous, gritty retelling. Barden weaves a seamless tale that is a slow burn, delicious, dark YA delight come true 🖤🍎
This book opens on one of my favourite villains: Myrenna, our vicious and conflicted queen who rips out hearts and gripped mine from chapter one. She’s the Queen of Morally Grey who you’ll love to hate 👀🩶
The writing is sharp and enticing, with nuance and tongue in cheek humour. I loved Eve and Hansel sassy meet cute! Eve is the black cat to Hansel’s golden retriever energy and I adored pint size Porchid being the cheeky matchmaker we all needed 🧚
Themes are: fairytale retelling, dark YA, fantasy, slow burn romance, magic, morally grey
Best moments are:
🗡️ Knife to the face meet cute
🗡️ Grumpy Eve x Sunshine Hansel
🗡️ Unlikely allies and hidden agendas
🗡️ Sassypants Porchid
🗡️ Riddles and prophecies
🗡️ Princess Snow x Seeker first encounters
🗡️ Pip Enters the Chat
🗡️ A Mic Drop Ending
Barden has crafted a beautiful tale with subtle threads and sharp banter, while honouring the Grimm fairytales of old, with a modern spin on some of my favourite stories.
The Gilded Mirror is fast paced and unique, it’s delicious and dark, with crisp writing that kept me invested from start to finish!
Perfect for fans of Once Upon A Time meets Grimm Fairytales with the sparkly humour of some of my Disney faves ♥️
Favourite lines are:
‘Maybe bring a pie next time instead of a death fog.’
‘Doesn’t everyone deserve their own happily ever after?’
‘Both. Require. Heart.’
A delicious 5 ⭐️
Let me tell you friends: you must read this gorgeous, gritty retelling. Barden weaves a seamless tale that is a slow burn, delicious, dark YA delight come true 🖤🍎
This book opens on one of my favourite villains: Myrenna, our vicious and conflicted queen who rips out hearts and gripped mine from chapter one. She’s the Queen of Morally Grey who you’ll love to hate 👀🩶
The writing is sharp and enticing, with nuance and tongue in cheek humour. I loved Eve and Hansel sassy meet cute! Eve is the black cat to Hansel’s golden retriever energy and I adored pint size Porchid being the cheeky matchmaker we all needed 🧚
Themes are: fairytale retelling, dark YA, fantasy, slow burn romance, magic, morally grey
Best moments are:
🗡️ Knife to the face meet cute
🗡️ Grumpy Eve x Sunshine Hansel
🗡️ Unlikely allies and hidden agendas
🗡️ Sassypants Porchid
🗡️ Riddles and prophecies
🗡️ Princess Snow x Seeker first encounters
🗡️ Pip Enters the Chat
🗡️ A Mic Drop Ending
Barden has crafted a beautiful tale with subtle threads and sharp banter, while honouring the Grimm fairytales of old, with a modern spin on some of my favourite stories.
The Gilded Mirror is fast paced and unique, it’s delicious and dark, with crisp writing that kept me invested from start to finish!
Perfect for fans of Once Upon A Time meets Grimm Fairytales with the sparkly humour of some of my Disney faves ♥️
Favourite lines are:
‘Maybe bring a pie next time instead of a death fog.’
‘Doesn’t everyone deserve their own happily ever after?’
‘Both. Require. Heart.’
A delicious 5 ⭐️
April 29, 2023
This was a wonderful fairy tale rendition of epic proportions.
In a realm of classic fairy tales one girl must use her extraordinary gift to find lost things that will enable her and her motley crew to save them all from the evil queen and the darkness. (Dun, dun, dun!!) Full of adventure, intrigue, romance, and magic!
Right from the get-go you are drawn in, hooked until the very end. K. E. Barden is a natural storyteller! She has taken classic fairy tales and fables and turned them into something completely innovative and fresh. Everything is well thought out and lavish in details. The characters are complex and compelling, with sharp dialogues excellent character development, they connect the reader to their resonance.
My only bother was that it felt a bit dense in sentencing structure which slowed the pace and my attention, for me at times. That being said though, this really is a phenomenal debut!
This was a highly entertaining read that I was intrigued to see who and what would happen next on the pages. I really enjoyed the twists Barden employs on these beloved and classic characters and I can't wait to see who else will make an appearance. I am also curious to see who Eve is and her connections to the fairytale world.
IG Post: https://www.instagram.com/p/CmxPZBHyC3a/
In a realm of classic fairy tales one girl must use her extraordinary gift to find lost things that will enable her and her motley crew to save them all from the evil queen and the darkness. (Dun, dun, dun!!) Full of adventure, intrigue, romance, and magic!
Right from the get-go you are drawn in, hooked until the very end. K. E. Barden is a natural storyteller! She has taken classic fairy tales and fables and turned them into something completely innovative and fresh. Everything is well thought out and lavish in details. The characters are complex and compelling, with sharp dialogues excellent character development, they connect the reader to their resonance.
My only bother was that it felt a bit dense in sentencing structure which slowed the pace and my attention, for me at times. That being said though, this really is a phenomenal debut!
This was a highly entertaining read that I was intrigued to see who and what would happen next on the pages. I really enjoyed the twists Barden employs on these beloved and classic characters and I can't wait to see who else will make an appearance. I am also curious to see who Eve is and her connections to the fairytale world.
IG Post: https://www.instagram.com/p/CmxPZBHyC3a/
July 2, 2024
ARC REVIEW
Eveline is a badass FMC, I really liked her. The Huntsman is a cinnamon roll MMC, I want to hug him. They're the perfect couple for me. Malak is incredible.
We have Snow White and… some other fairytales. The way that the author combined these fairytales it's magical. She took these fairytales, and wrote a gritty fairytale retelling. If you like retellings then you should read this.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Eveline is a badass FMC, I really liked her. The Huntsman is a cinnamon roll MMC, I want to hug him. They're the perfect couple for me. Malak is incredible.
We have Snow White and… some other fairytales. The way that the author combined these fairytales it's magical. She took these fairytales, and wrote a gritty fairytale retelling. If you like retellings then you should read this.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 17, 2024
This book was a great quick read.
It had multiple fairytales written within the pages. I enjoyed trying to see and find out which ones were being used!
If you liked Snow White, evil queens, Jack and the bean stalk and many other stories like that! This is for you as quite a few of those are all intertwined and weaved into this story.
The main Character is a strong female lead and the story has a side of romance.
I can’t wait for book 2 as it did end with a cliff hanger!
It had multiple fairytales written within the pages. I enjoyed trying to see and find out which ones were being used!
If you liked Snow White, evil queens, Jack and the bean stalk and many other stories like that! This is for you as quite a few of those are all intertwined and weaved into this story.
The main Character is a strong female lead and the story has a side of romance.
I can’t wait for book 2 as it did end with a cliff hanger!
May 21, 2024
[ARC Review]
I have watched a few fairytale retellings in tv shows and movies, but this is the first I’ve experienced in a book. There are a few in my TBR (like Hooked) that I’m yet to devour, but this has definitely opened my eyes to a genre that I really enjoy.
The story follows Eveline Rafter - she knows what she wants, and she‘s got the ability to find exactly what you want too 🫵 She’s strong willed, a lil sassy, and she won’t think twice about fighting a troll.
Hansel is sweet, a little cheeky and knows his way around an axe. He’ll risk anything for his friends, and he’s the smiling sunshine to Eve’s dark cloud.
I love Grumpy x Sunshine books, and I👏🏽ate👏🏽this👏🏽up! The slow burn was so tender and sweet, and I just adored all characters & their friendships.
One of my favourite’s being Porchid 🧚♀️❤️🔥 She’s a bit of Tinkerbell and a bit of Lehabah, and she helped fill the hole Crescent City left in my heart 😭
𝘗𝘰𝘳𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘥 𝘴𝘢𝘵 𝘶𝘱𝘰𝘯 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥𝘦𝘳, 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘪𝘴𝘩 𝘴𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘦 𝘧𝘢𝘤����. 𝘓𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘧𝘭𝘪𝘳𝘵.
TGM was packed full of nostalgia but with enough unexpected twists, that although you might spot some well known fairytale characters, you never know what their story might be in Barden’s world.
She managed to weave in so many POVs and seperate fairytales into one story. I loved how everything intertwined, and was so excited when new characters popped up! Despite the multitude of characters, the storylines didn’t feel too overwhelming - and I can’t wait to see how everyone fares in the next book 👀
🧚♀️ Fairytale Retelling
💬 Multiple POVs
🖤 Evil Queen
🔒 Forced Proximity
🌓 Grumpy x Sunshine
❤️🔥 Slowburn Romance
I have watched a few fairytale retellings in tv shows and movies, but this is the first I’ve experienced in a book. There are a few in my TBR (like Hooked) that I’m yet to devour, but this has definitely opened my eyes to a genre that I really enjoy.
The story follows Eveline Rafter - she knows what she wants, and she‘s got the ability to find exactly what you want too 🫵 She’s strong willed, a lil sassy, and she won’t think twice about fighting a troll.
Hansel is sweet, a little cheeky and knows his way around an axe. He’ll risk anything for his friends, and he’s the smiling sunshine to Eve’s dark cloud.
I love Grumpy x Sunshine books, and I👏🏽ate👏🏽this👏🏽up! The slow burn was so tender and sweet, and I just adored all characters & their friendships.
One of my favourite’s being Porchid 🧚♀️❤️🔥 She’s a bit of Tinkerbell and a bit of Lehabah, and she helped fill the hole Crescent City left in my heart 😭
𝘗𝘰𝘳𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘥 𝘴𝘢𝘵 𝘶𝘱𝘰𝘯 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥𝘦𝘳, 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘪𝘴𝘩 𝘴𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘦 𝘧𝘢𝘤����. 𝘓𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘧𝘭𝘪𝘳𝘵.
TGM was packed full of nostalgia but with enough unexpected twists, that although you might spot some well known fairytale characters, you never know what their story might be in Barden’s world.
She managed to weave in so many POVs and seperate fairytales into one story. I loved how everything intertwined, and was so excited when new characters popped up! Despite the multitude of characters, the storylines didn’t feel too overwhelming - and I can’t wait to see how everyone fares in the next book 👀
🧚♀️ Fairytale Retelling
💬 Multiple POVs
🖤 Evil Queen
🔒 Forced Proximity
🌓 Grumpy x Sunshine
❤️🔥 Slowburn Romance
December 5, 2024
What I felt while reading: It was like taking a delightful trip down memory lane! I truly enjoyed diving into the dark retelling of the fairy tales I loved back in the school library. They reminded me of the stories my parents would share when they wanted to teach me some important life lessons.
What I liked most about this book: I really appreciated how the author took the time to vividly describe the characters’ magical and challenging journeys. It felt like I was right there with them! I experienced a whirlwind of emotions—excitement, fear, nerves, and triumph—throughout the whole story. It was so entertaining that I found myself wishing my adult responsibilities and motherhood could just pause for a day so I could finish the book in peace.
What I didn’t like about this book: The ending left me a bit stunned. I mean, what? That’s it? Luckily, I don’t have to wait too long for book 2 since it’s already available for purchase!
Does it deserve a book trophy? Absolutely, YES!!!!!
I received an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
What I liked most about this book: I really appreciated how the author took the time to vividly describe the characters’ magical and challenging journeys. It felt like I was right there with them! I experienced a whirlwind of emotions—excitement, fear, nerves, and triumph—throughout the whole story. It was so entertaining that I found myself wishing my adult responsibilities and motherhood could just pause for a day so I could finish the book in peace.
What I didn’t like about this book: The ending left me a bit stunned. I mean, what? That’s it? Luckily, I don’t have to wait too long for book 2 since it’s already available for purchase!
Does it deserve a book trophy? Absolutely, YES!!!!!
I received an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
September 22, 2024
This book was everything I could want in a fairytale.
It was gritty and dark like the Grimm fairytales are. It also had so many smaller fairytales weaved in and I absolutely LOVED how mashed together it was. Very reminiscent of the style of the TV show Once Upon a Time.
I spent so much time giggling and kicking my feet with everything that happened. I also picked up book 2 immediately (I received an ARC) after finishing this book.
Eveline is a flawed character trying to figure out how to get what she's looking for. She has so many hints in this book to things that happened in her past that I can't wait to get more information on it in the next one. She has a slowburn romance coming with Hansel, if she can get out of her own way.
Read if you love:
-Fairytales
-Good vs evil
-Forced proximity
-Magic and monsters
It was gritty and dark like the Grimm fairytales are. It also had so many smaller fairytales weaved in and I absolutely LOVED how mashed together it was. Very reminiscent of the style of the TV show Once Upon a Time.
I spent so much time giggling and kicking my feet with everything that happened. I also picked up book 2 immediately (I received an ARC) after finishing this book.
Eveline is a flawed character trying to figure out how to get what she's looking for. She has so many hints in this book to things that happened in her past that I can't wait to get more information on it in the next one. She has a slowburn romance coming with Hansel, if she can get out of her own way.
Read if you love:
-Fairytales
-Good vs evil
-Forced proximity
-Magic and monsters
December 15, 2024
For me, it was a slow start to the book, but once the moment of betrayal hit, I was hooked! The intricacy of this book, with all its elements of magic, and fairytales intertwined into the story, was amazing.
I absolutely loved this book, and cannot wait for the second one.
I absolutely loved this book, and cannot wait for the second one.
September 20, 2024
This was such a good read filled with different takes on the classic fairytales we know and love.
I found myself not entirely sure of who to trust, who to love, and who to hate. To me this brings an extra layer of enjoyment to a book as you uncover ulterior motives and unravel character personalities and motives. This was also due to the story being told across various POVs which I really enjoyed.
There was a host of magical beings to love and learn about throughout the story. Fairies, Witches, Giants, Trolls, Dwarves, Evil Queens, Pixies, Dragons and more.
I also really enjoyed the storytelling within the story, and how the chapter titles also added to the reader journey.
I found myself not entirely sure of who to trust, who to love, and who to hate. To me this brings an extra layer of enjoyment to a book as you uncover ulterior motives and unravel character personalities and motives. This was also due to the story being told across various POVs which I really enjoyed.
There was a host of magical beings to love and learn about throughout the story. Fairies, Witches, Giants, Trolls, Dwarves, Evil Queens, Pixies, Dragons and more.
I also really enjoyed the storytelling within the story, and how the chapter titles also added to the reader journey.
March 15, 2021
The gilded mirror is an epic YA fantasy read that I throughly enjoyed. I laughed out loud, feared for the hero and her motley crew and even rooted for the most amazingly in depth villain. I got overly attached to the main character Eve and her pint sized sidekick Porchid within the first few chapters, not the mention the rest of the characters. This book is everything you didn’t know you needed in your life, set in a world based on all your classic childhood fairytales with its own unique twists and turns. I got to fall in love with all of my favourite fairytales all over again through this amazing and refreshing world. This is not a book you can put down.
February 14, 2022
The Gilded Mirror was an action packed, super fun read, full of adventure. I love how Kebarden was able to weave so many fairytales into the one tale without it feeling forced. There are so many characters/creatures in this book and we get to see a glimpse inside a number of these characters/creatures heads. I love head hopping in books, I wanna know what makes characters tick.
We even got to see inside the mind of the wicked Queen. Boy, is she ruthless. There were a few, ‘did that really just happen’ moments. 🤯
No one is safe!
The ending was dramatic. Awful, but clever.
I’m keen to know what happens in book 2.
We even got to see inside the mind of the wicked Queen. Boy, is she ruthless. There were a few, ‘did that really just happen’ moments. 🤯
No one is safe!
The ending was dramatic. Awful, but clever.
I’m keen to know what happens in book 2.
May 13, 2024
Thanks to K.E. Barden for the e-arc to review.
I enjoyed the concept of this book, the blending of all the fairytales from our childhood was well done and it was fun to find out which tale would be woven in next. Sometimes I found the pacing to be a bit disjointed but that improved as the story progressed.
Obsessed with Hansel the Huntsman, I thought his character was developed well and he had a fair a hit of dimension to him.
The relationship dynamic between Eveline and Snow kept it interesting for me and keen to see how it develops.
I’m digging Myrenna as the villian and hope we get more of her backstory in subsequent books.
I enjoyed the concept of this book, the blending of all the fairytales from our childhood was well done and it was fun to find out which tale would be woven in next. Sometimes I found the pacing to be a bit disjointed but that improved as the story progressed.
Obsessed with Hansel the Huntsman, I thought his character was developed well and he had a fair a hit of dimension to him.
The relationship dynamic between Eveline and Snow kept it interesting for me and keen to see how it develops.
I’m digging Myrenna as the villian and hope we get more of her backstory in subsequent books.
August 16, 2021
I wrote it, so I have to give it 5 stars ✨ 😉
May 19, 2024
✨ARC Review✨
The premise as a retelling of the brothers Grimms’ fairytales pulled me in right away, and let me tell you it did not disappoint!
The skill and care with which Barden wove so many tales into the story created a read that was equal parts nostalgic and new. Familiar characters and themes were subtly introduced throughout the book in a way that had me on the edge of my seat wondering who was going to make an appearance next.
The characters were awesome - Eveline was a badass FMC but was flawed in ways that gave her depth. Her friendship with Porchid was an absolute delight and I enjoyed the way their backstory was fleshed out as the book progressed. And how could we forget the Huntsman who gave morally grey golden retriever vibes. I am a romance girly at heart so I was delighted by the romantic subplot which I hope blossoms in future books (ya girl loves a slow burn).
The different POVs were a bit difficult to get around at times as I found some storylines a bit slow, however I do think this opens the story up to build to an epic fantasy.
Overall, it was an awesome read, I recommend it to any fantasy or retelling (is that a genre?) lovers!
Big thanks to @kebardenauthor for sending me the ARC 💕
The premise as a retelling of the brothers Grimms’ fairytales pulled me in right away, and let me tell you it did not disappoint!
The skill and care with which Barden wove so many tales into the story created a read that was equal parts nostalgic and new. Familiar characters and themes were subtly introduced throughout the book in a way that had me on the edge of my seat wondering who was going to make an appearance next.
The characters were awesome - Eveline was a badass FMC but was flawed in ways that gave her depth. Her friendship with Porchid was an absolute delight and I enjoyed the way their backstory was fleshed out as the book progressed. And how could we forget the Huntsman who gave morally grey golden retriever vibes. I am a romance girly at heart so I was delighted by the romantic subplot which I hope blossoms in future books (ya girl loves a slow burn).
The different POVs were a bit difficult to get around at times as I found some storylines a bit slow, however I do think this opens the story up to build to an epic fantasy.
Overall, it was an awesome read, I recommend it to any fantasy or retelling (is that a genre?) lovers!
Big thanks to @kebardenauthor for sending me the ARC 💕
May 19, 2024
Who needs Botox when you have young maidens’ hearts?
TGM is a fairytale retelling that follows Eveline, a salty seeker who can find anything, and Hansel, a handsome huntsmen, and their quest to save the princess Snow. Snow has been cursed into eternal slumber, only able to be awakened by true love.
Along for the ride are Eveline’s BFF, twinkly fairy Porchid, Hansel’s bestie, half troll Malak, and seven dwarves.
Hot on their heels is the evil queen Myrenna, who stays young by eating young girls’ hearts. And she wants Princess Snow’s.
In their quest to rescue Snow and the prince they believe can wake her with true love’s kiss, the gang encounter pixies, elves, giants, enormous bean stalks, wraiths, and, worst of all, a death fog.
TGM awakened so many childhood memories for me, of snuggling into my mum as she read to me about beautiful princesses and evil witches, about magic mirrors and magic beans. I adored these characters, and of course the slow burn romance between Eveline and Hansel that was both sweet and tender.
TGM is a fairytale retelling that follows Eveline, a salty seeker who can find anything, and Hansel, a handsome huntsmen, and their quest to save the princess Snow. Snow has been cursed into eternal slumber, only able to be awakened by true love.
Along for the ride are Eveline’s BFF, twinkly fairy Porchid, Hansel’s bestie, half troll Malak, and seven dwarves.
Hot on their heels is the evil queen Myrenna, who stays young by eating young girls’ hearts. And she wants Princess Snow’s.
In their quest to rescue Snow and the prince they believe can wake her with true love’s kiss, the gang encounter pixies, elves, giants, enormous bean stalks, wraiths, and, worst of all, a death fog.
TGM awakened so many childhood memories for me, of snuggling into my mum as she read to me about beautiful princesses and evil witches, about magic mirrors and magic beans. I adored these characters, and of course the slow burn romance between Eveline and Hansel that was both sweet and tender.
May 20, 2024
As someone that loved the TV show Once Upon a Time and any type of fairytale retelling, I thought this was a great book, and one I’ll recommend to friends. I had the pleasure of reading an ARC for the rewrite of this book prior to the release date, and the author did an amazing job weaving all the stories into a whimsical, adventurous, bad ass plot. I’m excited to see how Eveline’s story develops - the short story at the end made me so intrigued!
At times I found the the dwarves POV’s to be confusing as I forgot who was who a couple of times, but I ended up falling in love with all of their personalities. I can’t wait for the rest of the series!
At times I found the the dwarves POV’s to be confusing as I forgot who was who a couple of times, but I ended up falling in love with all of their personalities. I can’t wait for the rest of the series!
April 23, 2022
3 stars- I liked it.
This is a whole collection of retellings, and I absolutely adore retellings. I think this was an enjoyable read, but my biggest problem was the grammar. It sounds petty, but it really interrupted the flow of the book, and there were a lo of grammatical errors.
My more detailed review is below. All main points are in bold if you'd rather skim :)
what I liked:
- the cover! Absolutely gorgeous.
-the idea- it was very solid, fun, and action-packed.
-the retellings incorporated into the story. I'm surprised the author managed to interweave so many, and most of them were done well! I liked the Jack and the Beanstalk one the most; it was a very clean and smooth incorporation. I think the Hansel and Gretel retelling was also interwoven well.
-the little rhymes were so clever.
-the plot. A lot was happening, but it was evenly paced and I thought it had good flow. A lot of fantasy plots can be confusing, but this one was not; there was a clear motive/ goal for each plot point.
-I liked that Snow was not a damsel-in-distress stereotype when she woke. She was badass and it was a nice challenge to Eve's personality.
what I disliked:
-the constant grammatical errors. I would be delving into the world again, only to be stopped short and brought back to reality when a sentence did not make sense. Commas would be missing (which changes the flow, and even the meaning, of the sentence) or they would be thrown in randomly (again, breaking the flow). This was a re-occurring issue throughout the book, and I couldn't help but be annoyed. While there were other things I would've changed regarding grammar and sentence structure, the commas were my biggest issue.
-Another petty one, but the similar dwarf names caused me to not be able to recognise and distinctly identify them. There were 7 of them, and I could not tell who was who for a good long while. It didn't help that sometimes the third-person limited narration (ie. it is third person, but focuses on following only one individual) was not clear on who the subject was. I noticed this for Brufell and Bronson, for example.
-while most of the retellings were interwoven smoothly, I was really confused with the Rapunzel retelling.This is partially due to my point above regarding the third-person POV.
-the romance. I don't really think it was built very well, and over time, the constant miscommunication between the pair got on my nerves a bit.
-the characters were one-dimensional. I could see the author's attempts in bringing them to life, but there is something missing .
-specifically, in relation to the point above, I disliked the main character , Eve.
-there are some morally questionable ideas in this. First, see what I mentioned above about Eve and her treatment/ thoughts towards a rape victim. Secondly... fat-shaming? It made me uncomfortable:
Is this saying that Florian was confused that his father favoured Angus, despite his being fat? This doesn't sit right with me.
This is a whole collection of retellings, and I absolutely adore retellings. I think this was an enjoyable read, but my biggest problem was the grammar. It sounds petty, but it really interrupted the flow of the book, and there were a lo of grammatical errors.
My more detailed review is below. All main points are in bold if you'd rather skim :)
what I liked:
- the cover! Absolutely gorgeous.
-the idea- it was very solid, fun, and action-packed.
-the retellings incorporated into the story. I'm surprised the author managed to interweave so many, and most of them were done well! I liked the Jack and the Beanstalk one the most; it was a very clean and smooth incorporation. I think the Hansel and Gretel retelling was also interwoven well.
-the little rhymes were so clever.
-the plot. A lot was happening, but it was evenly paced and I thought it had good flow. A lot of fantasy plots can be confusing, but this one was not; there was a clear motive/ goal for each plot point.
-I liked that Snow was not a damsel-in-distress stereotype when she woke. She was badass and it was a nice challenge to Eve's personality.
what I disliked:
-the constant grammatical errors. I would be delving into the world again, only to be stopped short and brought back to reality when a sentence did not make sense. Commas would be missing (which changes the flow, and even the meaning, of the sentence) or they would be thrown in randomly (again, breaking the flow). This was a re-occurring issue throughout the book, and I couldn't help but be annoyed. While there were other things I would've changed regarding grammar and sentence structure, the commas were my biggest issue.
-Another petty one, but the similar dwarf names caused me to not be able to recognise and distinctly identify them. There were 7 of them, and I could not tell who was who for a good long while. It didn't help that sometimes the third-person limited narration (ie. it is third person, but focuses on following only one individual) was not clear on who the subject was. I noticed this for Brufell and Bronson, for example.
-while most of the retellings were interwoven smoothly, I was really confused with the Rapunzel retelling.This is partially due to my point above regarding the third-person POV.
-the romance. I don't really think it was built very well, and over time, the constant miscommunication between the pair got on my nerves a bit.
-the characters were one-dimensional. I could see the author's attempts in bringing them to life, but there is something missing .
-specifically, in relation to the point above, I disliked the main character , Eve.
-there are some morally questionable ideas in this. First, see what I mentioned above about Eve and her treatment/ thoughts towards a rape victim. Secondly... fat-shaming? It made me uncomfortable:
"[The king] remembered the eldest, of course. Angus. He was always the favourite, and it had always confused [Florian].
Angus was cocky, overconfident, and, well, fat."
Is this saying that Florian was confused that his father favoured Angus, despite his being fat? This doesn't sit right with me.
October 17, 2024
I loved the way this story interweaved so many different fairytales; the familiarity of these tales that we all grew up with shown in a new and exciting fantasy world was fantastic. Excellent world building and character development, a strong sense of adventure, and of course a healthy dash of found family, my favourite trope, all brought together an epic read. The ending sets up for the rest of the series to follow and I can’t wait to see how it all unfolds!
August 25, 2025
✨ARC Review✨
Love ALL the fairytale references is this book, the child in me is screaming in joy.
Once I started I could not put this down! 🥰
Love ALL the fairytale references is this book, the child in me is screaming in joy.
Once I started I could not put this down! 🥰
January 8, 2026
4.25 ⭐️
The Gilded Mirror by K.E. Barden is a dark, imaginative YA fantasy that reworks classic fairytales into something both familiar and sharply original.
At its heart is Eveline “Eve” Rafter, a Seeker with the rare ability to find what’s been lost. What begins as a desperate search for her missing father quickly becomes a dangerous journey through a world ruled by an evil queen who hungers for hearts and power. Along the way, Eve is drawn into a quest filled with magic, betrayal, and uneasy alliances that force her to confront not only the dangers around her, but her own desires and limits.
One of the book’s biggest strengths is its worldbuilding. Multiple Grimm fairytales — including Snow White and Hansel & Gretel — are woven seamlessly into the story, creating a rich, layered setting that feels nostalgic while still surprising. There’s a constant sense of discovery, both in the places Eve travels and the characters she encounters.
The character dynamics really shine. Eve is flawed, stubborn, and compelling, making her easy to root for even when her choices are messy. Hansel, with his warmth and quiet loyalty, provides a softer counterbalance to the darkness of the story, while the Queen is a standout villain — ruthless, magnetic, and ever-present, even when she’s off the page. The slow-burn romance adds emotional tension without overwhelming the plot.
While the pacing can feel rushed at times, particularly early on, the story remains gripping and difficult to put down. Action, humour, and emotional stakes are balanced well, and the darker fairytale elements give the book a sharp edge that sets it apart from lighter retellings.
Overall, The Gilded Mirror is a captivating start to a fairytale-inspired fantasy series — perfect for readers who enjoy dark magic, morally grey choices, and classic stories reimagined with bite. If you love adventurous YA fantasy with a hint of romance and a dangerous world lurking just beneath the surface, this one is well worth picking up. ✨🪞
I’m very excited for book 2!
The Gilded Mirror by K.E. Barden is a dark, imaginative YA fantasy that reworks classic fairytales into something both familiar and sharply original.
At its heart is Eveline “Eve” Rafter, a Seeker with the rare ability to find what’s been lost. What begins as a desperate search for her missing father quickly becomes a dangerous journey through a world ruled by an evil queen who hungers for hearts and power. Along the way, Eve is drawn into a quest filled with magic, betrayal, and uneasy alliances that force her to confront not only the dangers around her, but her own desires and limits.
One of the book’s biggest strengths is its worldbuilding. Multiple Grimm fairytales — including Snow White and Hansel & Gretel — are woven seamlessly into the story, creating a rich, layered setting that feels nostalgic while still surprising. There’s a constant sense of discovery, both in the places Eve travels and the characters she encounters.
The character dynamics really shine. Eve is flawed, stubborn, and compelling, making her easy to root for even when her choices are messy. Hansel, with his warmth and quiet loyalty, provides a softer counterbalance to the darkness of the story, while the Queen is a standout villain — ruthless, magnetic, and ever-present, even when she’s off the page. The slow-burn romance adds emotional tension without overwhelming the plot.
While the pacing can feel rushed at times, particularly early on, the story remains gripping and difficult to put down. Action, humour, and emotional stakes are balanced well, and the darker fairytale elements give the book a sharp edge that sets it apart from lighter retellings.
Overall, The Gilded Mirror is a captivating start to a fairytale-inspired fantasy series — perfect for readers who enjoy dark magic, morally grey choices, and classic stories reimagined with bite. If you love adventurous YA fantasy with a hint of romance and a dangerous world lurking just beneath the surface, this one is well worth picking up. ✨🪞
I’m very excited for book 2!
September 15, 2024
*I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
This book in large part felt like it was made for me. This book pulls on a lot of fairytales to retell Snow White, which I thought was so fun. It felt a lot like Once Upon a Time for the good and the bad of that show.
I’d say the story was really trying to do a lot and some parts really worked and others fell a bit flat. We were introduced to four main characters, Eveline, Hansel, Porchid and Malak and at about 30% through the book we just abandon Malak and he returns at about 70% which was very confusing haha. We didn’t really get a chance to become attached to him so it became a bit confusing that he was even set up to be important to begin with.
I thought Eveline and Hansel were very sweet characters. They have a bit of a grumpy/sunshine budding romance that is in large part being flamed by Hansel and it fit in nicely with the overall plot without it taking over.
I liked the addition of Porchid and I loved her relationships with the characters as a largely silent character. It made for a very interesting and engaging reading experience.
My main critique of this book is mostly in the editing. There were many scenes in the book that were very confusing because they were written… incorrectly?
The most memorable scene for this for me is when Eveline debuts her nickname Eve (never brought up prior to this scene so it was weird that it was made a point of) Hansel is sitting and eating and Eveline enters the scene but the writing says she ‘exits the room to get some food’. She doesn’t exit. She enters the scene. It makes it sound like she’s leaving. If it said she exited the BATHROOM rather than the room, that also would have made far more sense. I don’t necessarily blame the author for this because this should have been picked up in the edits.
But overall I thought the story was sweet and I’m really looking forward to reading the second book 🥰
This book in large part felt like it was made for me. This book pulls on a lot of fairytales to retell Snow White, which I thought was so fun. It felt a lot like Once Upon a Time for the good and the bad of that show.
I’d say the story was really trying to do a lot and some parts really worked and others fell a bit flat. We were introduced to four main characters, Eveline, Hansel, Porchid and Malak and at about 30% through the book we just abandon Malak and he returns at about 70% which was very confusing haha. We didn’t really get a chance to become attached to him so it became a bit confusing that he was even set up to be important to begin with.
I thought Eveline and Hansel were very sweet characters. They have a bit of a grumpy/sunshine budding romance that is in large part being flamed by Hansel and it fit in nicely with the overall plot without it taking over.
I liked the addition of Porchid and I loved her relationships with the characters as a largely silent character. It made for a very interesting and engaging reading experience.
My main critique of this book is mostly in the editing. There were many scenes in the book that were very confusing because they were written… incorrectly?
The most memorable scene for this for me is when Eveline debuts her nickname Eve (never brought up prior to this scene so it was weird that it was made a point of) Hansel is sitting and eating and Eveline enters the scene but the writing says she ‘exits the room to get some food’. She doesn’t exit. She enters the scene. It makes it sound like she’s leaving. If it said she exited the BATHROOM rather than the room, that also would have made far more sense. I don’t necessarily blame the author for this because this should have been picked up in the edits.
But overall I thought the story was sweet and I’m really looking forward to reading the second book 🥰
September 7, 2025
TW: Dark themes, violence
Have you ever wondered what Once Upon a Time x Grimm would be like mashed together? Well friends, let me introduce you to the Finding Ever After series by K E Barden (a Brisbane Indie Author)!
A dark YA series of the fairytale stories & characters we all know but with different twists from the original story (e.g. Hansel from Hansel and Gretel, but he is the Evil Queen's Huntsman)
The main FMC Eveline is fierce, prickly/grumpy, and doesn't trust easily, but when she does trust, she is fiercely loyal.
The main MMC Hansel has scars from his past but is hopeful for a brighter future.
Known throughout the land as the Seeker, Eveline can find any lost item or person with her gift. Whilst searching for Rumpelstiltskin's Spindle to get answers for her father's disappearance, she crosses paths with the Queen's Huntsman and a troll who are also seeking the spindle.
Later, the very same Huntsman, Hansel hires her to help him find the lost Princess Snowfall, who hasn't been seen in the kingdom for years.
With her fairy companion Porchid, Malak the troll, and Hansel, the four go searching for Princess Snow. Eveline's gift leads them to the mountains where the dwarves once lived.
It is here they find the Princess being guarded by The Seven (dwarves who still dwell within these mountains). Upon seeing that the Princess is cursed, three groups are formed with different tasks: one to find Princess Snowfall's prince in the hopes he can wake her from her cursed slumber, a group of the dwarves head to troll lands to seek information on what's happening to the land & the rest to remain behind to protect Princess Snowfall.
But danger lurks everywhere, and Queen Myrenna will not stop until she has Princess Snowfall.
Have you ever wondered what Once Upon a Time x Grimm would be like mashed together? Well friends, let me introduce you to the Finding Ever After series by K E Barden (a Brisbane Indie Author)!
A dark YA series of the fairytale stories & characters we all know but with different twists from the original story (e.g. Hansel from Hansel and Gretel, but he is the Evil Queen's Huntsman)
The main FMC Eveline is fierce, prickly/grumpy, and doesn't trust easily, but when she does trust, she is fiercely loyal.
The main MMC Hansel has scars from his past but is hopeful for a brighter future.
Known throughout the land as the Seeker, Eveline can find any lost item or person with her gift. Whilst searching for Rumpelstiltskin's Spindle to get answers for her father's disappearance, she crosses paths with the Queen's Huntsman and a troll who are also seeking the spindle.
Later, the very same Huntsman, Hansel hires her to help him find the lost Princess Snowfall, who hasn't been seen in the kingdom for years.
With her fairy companion Porchid, Malak the troll, and Hansel, the four go searching for Princess Snow. Eveline's gift leads them to the mountains where the dwarves once lived.
It is here they find the Princess being guarded by The Seven (dwarves who still dwell within these mountains). Upon seeing that the Princess is cursed, three groups are formed with different tasks: one to find Princess Snowfall's prince in the hopes he can wake her from her cursed slumber, a group of the dwarves head to troll lands to seek information on what's happening to the land & the rest to remain behind to protect Princess Snowfall.
But danger lurks everywhere, and Queen Myrenna will not stop until she has Princess Snowfall.
June 2, 2024
Gilded Mirror
K.E Barden
Once Upon A Time meets Grimms dark fairytales with wicked tales about vengeance, curses and love.
‘Handsome or not, his deal involved going up against the Evil Queen.
That meant danger and death.
But also, her mind whispered, it meant a chance at vengeance.’
Eveline has a gift. She is a seeker and can locate lost things, as well as being handy with her twin golden knives.
When Princess Snowfall goes missing, Eveline is hired by a mysterious Huntsman to find her.
“The fairest queen - of that you are, but folly you make, and you’ll go far. Without the heart that you desire; your soul is doomed to burn in fire.”
There’s adventures to be had, curses to break and friendships to make. Whilst staying on the bloodthirsty Queen’s good side, for she has a taste for eating hearts.
“It’s okay not to trust,” he said after a while. “With magic, people are never really what they seem. One thing said, and another done.”
There’s plenty of familiar characters, places, objects and concepts, that makes this very easy to read and follow, somewhat already knowing every outcome. This was a really fun read, especially for fans of retelling of the original Grimm’s fairytales.
“So, if I have this right, we just need to steal the key directly from a sleeping giant, free the prisoners without making a sound, find your flute, and flee before they wake?”
“Without dying,” Pip added.
A lost opportunity was definitely the One Bed at the Inn - a favourite trope of mine, that in this case gave me a unsatisfying result but nevertheless the conclusion was very sound. I loved Hansel, our Huntsman and found his backstory rather iconic!
This is Book One in the Forever Ever After series and I cannot wait to continue on this journey when Book Two is released.
“Our lessons covered everything from defence, to attack, to patience. His biggest lesson, though, was words. When used in the right way, words can be just as much a weapon as a sword.”
K.E Barden
Once Upon A Time meets Grimms dark fairytales with wicked tales about vengeance, curses and love.
‘Handsome or not, his deal involved going up against the Evil Queen.
That meant danger and death.
But also, her mind whispered, it meant a chance at vengeance.’
Eveline has a gift. She is a seeker and can locate lost things, as well as being handy with her twin golden knives.
When Princess Snowfall goes missing, Eveline is hired by a mysterious Huntsman to find her.
“The fairest queen - of that you are, but folly you make, and you’ll go far. Without the heart that you desire; your soul is doomed to burn in fire.”
There’s adventures to be had, curses to break and friendships to make. Whilst staying on the bloodthirsty Queen’s good side, for she has a taste for eating hearts.
“It’s okay not to trust,” he said after a while. “With magic, people are never really what they seem. One thing said, and another done.”
There’s plenty of familiar characters, places, objects and concepts, that makes this very easy to read and follow, somewhat already knowing every outcome. This was a really fun read, especially for fans of retelling of the original Grimm’s fairytales.
“So, if I have this right, we just need to steal the key directly from a sleeping giant, free the prisoners without making a sound, find your flute, and flee before they wake?”
“Without dying,” Pip added.
A lost opportunity was definitely the One Bed at the Inn - a favourite trope of mine, that in this case gave me a unsatisfying result but nevertheless the conclusion was very sound. I loved Hansel, our Huntsman and found his backstory rather iconic!
This is Book One in the Forever Ever After series and I cannot wait to continue on this journey when Book Two is released.
“Our lessons covered everything from defence, to attack, to patience. His biggest lesson, though, was words. When used in the right way, words can be just as much a weapon as a sword.”
March 9, 2022
It’s easy to see why The Gilded Mirror has been successfully nominated for the Miles Franklin award 2022. This Fantasy elegantly blends a story based in fairy tales, seamlessly with an effortless flow.
Eveline Rafter otherwise known as The Seeker- uses her gift to find what is lost, but her biggest quest, to avenge her Father burns as a constant empty loss.
When Hansel, a huntsman, requests her assistance to find the missing Princess- Snow, he brings drive, determination and something more back to the Seeker. Will Eve and Hansel find Snow, before death and destruction ruin their world? In a collapsing world can this thread forming between our H/h be enough to hold everything together?
This tale of questing, love, and of loss, has many nods to favourite fairy tales, woven by the author into a story made her own.
If you enjoy story’s with
⚔️Action & adventures
🗺Questing
👊🏻Feisty empowered heroine
🪓A hero who is keeping secrets
🧚♀️Cast of many interesting support characters 🧙♀️
👑Dastardly Villains
🔮Magic
🌏Wonderful world building
💜Sprinkle of romance
Then this will tick those boxes.
I am thrilled that Book 2 -These Grimm Fates will be published on March 15th so I can return to this world.
CW: Forced captivity, death, blood, supernatural themes
Eveline Rafter otherwise known as The Seeker- uses her gift to find what is lost, but her biggest quest, to avenge her Father burns as a constant empty loss.
When Hansel, a huntsman, requests her assistance to find the missing Princess- Snow, he brings drive, determination and something more back to the Seeker. Will Eve and Hansel find Snow, before death and destruction ruin their world? In a collapsing world can this thread forming between our H/h be enough to hold everything together?
This tale of questing, love, and of loss, has many nods to favourite fairy tales, woven by the author into a story made her own.
If you enjoy story’s with
⚔️Action & adventures
🗺Questing
👊🏻Feisty empowered heroine
🪓A hero who is keeping secrets
🧚♀️Cast of many interesting support characters 🧙♀️
👑Dastardly Villains
🔮Magic
🌏Wonderful world building
💜Sprinkle of romance
Then this will tick those boxes.
I am thrilled that Book 2 -These Grimm Fates will be published on March 15th so I can return to this world.
CW: Forced captivity, death, blood, supernatural themes
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