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Once Upon a Broken Sky:
The circus where dreams come true, for a price...
Joining Grimmfay saved Zelandra’s life and gave her power she never thought possible. For countless performances, she’s enthralled audiences at the Master’s whim, but when a guest sees past the magic to the young woman trapped beneath, she realizes the power was never really hers.
A fairy-tale life waits beyond the circus’s eternal night, but it will take more than a handsome prince or a wish on a star to break Grimmfay’s bonds. The illusion of power isn’t so easily given up, especially when it will do everything to keep Zelandra under its control.
Come one, come any... Bring few, bring many...to Grimmfay, the fantasy circus perfect for fans of The Night Circus, Caraval, and the Lunar Chronicles.
Joining Grimmfay saved Zelandra’s life and gave her power she never thought possible. For countless performances, she’s enthralled audiences at the Master’s whim, but when a guest sees past the magic to the young woman trapped beneath, she realizes the power was never really hers.
A fairy-tale life waits beyond the circus’s eternal night, but it will take more than a handsome prince or a wish on a star to break Grimmfay’s bonds. The illusion of power isn’t so easily given up, especially when it will do everything to keep Zelandra under its control.
Come one, come any... Bring few, bring many...to Grimmfay, the fantasy circus perfect for fans of The Night Circus, Caraval, and the Lunar Chronicles.
136 pages, Paperback
Published May 6, 2024
1 person is currently reading
16 people want to read
About the author
M.T. DeSantis
21 books68 followersBorn a New Englander, M.T. DeSantis moved south in early adulthood, realized she actually liked winter, and promptly moved back north. She’s currently trying out life as a Michigander/anian with her family, who also (mostly) actually like winter. When not making word magic, M.T. can be found practicing yoga, attempting to make friends with the oven, or trying to read while people keep talking to her. To grab some free stories, visit M.T. here, where you can also subscribe to her somewhat sporadic but always relevant newsletter.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
April 24, 2023
This magical book is one of the most vivid stories I have EVER read!!!
If you want to learn how to use imagery effectively in your writing, READ THIS BOOK! The entire book felt like I was watching a movie. I could see everything so clearly. I don’t know how the author did it, but she completely blew me away!!!!
Zelandra was a fascinating character. Even though it took a while for me to connect to her character, her internal conflict promises an AMAZING story for the next book! Her powers were also so awesome!!!
Grenna was such a sweet little thing. I’m not exactly sure how old she was supposed to be, but I pictured her as about six, maybe? I kind of wish the author had included her exact age, so I could gauge if I was having the right reaction to the character. Grenna is just so sweet, so innocent, and so full of wonder!!! She reminded me a lot of Tess from Brandon Mull’s Dragonwatch series.
Halsten, Grenna’s older brother, I felt like could have been used better. I would have loved to see more of why he was protective of Grenna. Why was he so skeptical of Grimmfay? I feel like his character has a lot of room for growth in the next book and am excited to see more from him.
Torrick is Zelandra’s love interest. He has lots of good lines, but I would’ve liked to see him be a bit more active of a character. I’m honestly half hoping he’s connected to the villain in some way because it would give his character a bit more … intrigue.
Overall, this book was a great setup for the future of the Grimmfay series, and I am excited to read the next book!
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are my own.
If you want to learn how to use imagery effectively in your writing, READ THIS BOOK! The entire book felt like I was watching a movie. I could see everything so clearly. I don’t know how the author did it, but she completely blew me away!!!!
Zelandra was a fascinating character. Even though it took a while for me to connect to her character, her internal conflict promises an AMAZING story for the next book! Her powers were also so awesome!!!
Grenna was such a sweet little thing. I’m not exactly sure how old she was supposed to be, but I pictured her as about six, maybe? I kind of wish the author had included her exact age, so I could gauge if I was having the right reaction to the character. Grenna is just so sweet, so innocent, and so full of wonder!!! She reminded me a lot of Tess from Brandon Mull’s Dragonwatch series.
Halsten, Grenna’s older brother, I felt like could have been used better. I would have loved to see more of why he was protective of Grenna. Why was he so skeptical of Grimmfay? I feel like his character has a lot of room for growth in the next book and am excited to see more from him.
Torrick is Zelandra’s love interest. He has lots of good lines, but I would’ve liked to see him be a bit more active of a character. I’m honestly half hoping he’s connected to the villain in some way because it would give his character a bit more … intrigue.
Overall, this book was a great setup for the future of the Grimmfay series, and I am excited to read the next book!
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are my own.
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April 21, 2023And...it's live! Click here to grab your copy on Amazon.
April 22, 2023
I received a free ARC of this book and am leaving a review voluntarily.
The setting for this story is very unique and I really think it serves it well. Using a circus gives you all sorts of creative possibilities and the author takes full advantage of that! It was a joy reading the descriptions.
The characters likewise are a fun bunch. I definitely had my favorites but they were all enjoyable. Took me a bit to warm to some of them but I’ll fully admit that may just be a me thing.
I really enjoyed following the plot because within the setting the author chose even the “typical” tropes you see in stories suddenly took on a new life. That’s one of the things that a great setting can do—serve as a fun filter making a good adventure a great one.
Enjoy the performance with this one. It’s good!
The setting for this story is very unique and I really think it serves it well. Using a circus gives you all sorts of creative possibilities and the author takes full advantage of that! It was a joy reading the descriptions.
The characters likewise are a fun bunch. I definitely had my favorites but they were all enjoyable. Took me a bit to warm to some of them but I’ll fully admit that may just be a me thing.
I really enjoyed following the plot because within the setting the author chose even the “typical” tropes you see in stories suddenly took on a new life. That’s one of the things that a great setting can do—serve as a fun filter making a good adventure a great one.
Enjoy the performance with this one. It’s good!
March 28, 2023
As a little girl, I loved going to the circus and will never forget the wonderment and sense of anticipation. I felt like little Grenna who stepped into the magical world of Grimmfay, a circus like no other. This story is a wonderful escape into a world of fantastical colors, dark powers, desire and wrestling with the real world. I enjoyed the powers at play, the urge to get lost in a world of delirious happiness and the tug of war between fantasy and reality. I enjoyed the main character Zelandra who grows beyond the circus. In Grimmfay, happiness comes at a price. Is Zelandra, the mistress and main character in the novel prepared to pay this price? A complex story with great characters.
April 25, 2023
Wow, what an amazing, rich world that is the circus called Grimmfay. I wanted to stay, like Grenna. It presented such a conundrum: great power but only in service to another. I loved the characters and the setting. Definitely left wanting more, wondering who is the Master and what will happen next.
May 1, 2023
Beautiful story!
This was the first book I've read by this author and I loved every second of it. The Grimmfay circus was in town full of wonders and magic, yet full of power and evil. Zelandra had been with the circus for many years but had never questioned why she stayed. Her meeting of the Prince changed all of that thinking. We meet Hanston and Grenna, an 11 year old boy and his 9 year old sister, who attend this circus and have their world turned upside down. This story was beautifully written sucking you right into the story, until even I wanted to leave my life and join this circus myself. It has glimpses of fairy tales that are oh so familiar and this was why I found this book to be a joy to read! I look forward to reading more from M. T. DeSantis.
This was the first book I've read by this author and I loved every second of it. The Grimmfay circus was in town full of wonders and magic, yet full of power and evil. Zelandra had been with the circus for many years but had never questioned why she stayed. Her meeting of the Prince changed all of that thinking. We meet Hanston and Grenna, an 11 year old boy and his 9 year old sister, who attend this circus and have their world turned upside down. This story was beautifully written sucking you right into the story, until even I wanted to leave my life and join this circus myself. It has glimpses of fairy tales that are oh so familiar and this was why I found this book to be a joy to read! I look forward to reading more from M. T. DeSantis.
June 20, 2023
I enjoyed this book.
The characters are well-written, the setting is interesting, and it's a quick read that makes you want to see what happens next.
I liked how the classic fairytale characters are hinted at but not explicitly referenced so there's no expectation of their stories being exactly the same as other versions but you can guess at their origins while looking forward to getting their backstory for this world. I also like the use of tropes like "love at first sight" and how it's explored logically and emotionally and also pointing out the risk involved in that kind of trust of a stranger. I'm intrigued how that relationship will play out.
If you enjoy fairytale retellings or just mysterious fantasy, this is a great book for you.
The characters are well-written, the setting is interesting, and it's a quick read that makes you want to see what happens next.
I liked how the classic fairytale characters are hinted at but not explicitly referenced so there's no expectation of their stories being exactly the same as other versions but you can guess at their origins while looking forward to getting their backstory for this world. I also like the use of tropes like "love at first sight" and how it's explored logically and emotionally and also pointing out the risk involved in that kind of trust of a stranger. I'm intrigued how that relationship will play out.
If you enjoy fairytale retellings or just mysterious fantasy, this is a great book for you.
May 2, 2023
I’m not normally one for fairytale retellings, but something about this enchanted me and got me wanting to read it. I’m really glad I did. The descriptions are beautiful and you really feel the pull of the world that the characters are going through. I also loved the interpretation of the princesses becoming circus mistresses and Zelandra fighting her morals.
I got the ARC from the author and am leaving a review from my own decision. I’m very glad to take part in this.
I got the ARC from the author and am leaving a review from my own decision. I’m very glad to take part in this.
April 24, 2023
This was a beautiful story that follows four women captured by a circus and its master. The story has point of view of three characters that is seamlessly blended in. This novella is fast paced and pack so much in despite being short. I loved every minute of this book! I received a free copy of the book and this is my voluntary and honest review.
May 9, 2025
I love the plot idea and appreciate the magical circus mixed with Disney and Hanzel and Gretel vibes but overall was a bit confusing and ultimately not a book for me.
March 31, 2023
This novella teases readers for the author's upcoming novel, Grimmfay. It does exactly what it's intended to, because I'm excited to read Grimmfay! I want to know more about the compelling characters and rich setting introduced here. This story also serves as an interesting twist on the Hansel and Gretel fairy tale, that I hope we'll see more of in the novel.
Thanks to the author for the ARC!
Thanks to the author for the ARC!
March 23, 2023
Note: I was provided a free copy of this novella. I was in no way compensated for my opinions.
This is a Hansel and Gretel retelling, if the witch's house was a magic circus and the witches were Rapunzel, Snow White, Cinderella, and Aurora. It was well-written, but in places hard to follow.
Overall, I would say it's a decent read for something light and fast-paced. It has its issues that I won't delve into here, like some inconsistencies and choices that don't make a ton of logical sense, but it's a fun romp through a circus.
This is a Hansel and Gretel retelling, if the witch's house was a magic circus and the witches were Rapunzel, Snow White, Cinderella, and Aurora. It was well-written, but in places hard to follow.
Overall, I would say it's a decent read for something light and fast-paced. It has its issues that I won't delve into here, like some inconsistencies and choices that don't make a ton of logical sense, but it's a fun romp through a circus.
March 24, 2023
Interesting twist on multiple well-known fairy tales! That ending gave me chills.
April 17, 2023
*Goodreads is throwing errors - So this might not post*
4/5 Stars
M.T. DeSantis does it again! What a fantastic exposure to the circus that is Grimmfay. This story could have gone in so many different directions. I was pleasantly surprised by the turns this story took. I am pleased to say that my guesses and projections were incorrect.
The development of the Mistresses was great, but the main focus was on Zelandra. The dynamics of the story took a darker turn, very reminiscent of the 'man behind the curtain' that was the backbone of Caraval. I say this in a very positive way, as Caraval is one of my all-time favorite YA trilogies.
A few new characters are introduced in this story, and they quickly become the drivers of this tale, and I quickly became attached to their storylines.
There are moments where I had to remind myself that this flows much like a classic fairytale - there were times where I found myself saying, "Well that progressed quickly..." but as a novella, (and one with retelling themes) it has to happen that way. I would have loved to see a glimpse of who Grimmfay was. In my mind, he was just a disembodied entity who doesn't pose too much of an impression in my mind yet.
I am very excited to see another story from this world get published. It's very whimsical and the descriptions of the circus itself are very vivid.
DeSantis writes in a way that a part of me wants to attend Grimmfay and experience the magic, but more importantly, she writes in such a way that a larger part of me does not!
Thank you M.T. DeSantis for giving me the opportunity to review this ARC. I look forward to the next installment.
4/5 Stars
M.T. DeSantis does it again! What a fantastic exposure to the circus that is Grimmfay. This story could have gone in so many different directions. I was pleasantly surprised by the turns this story took. I am pleased to say that my guesses and projections were incorrect.
The development of the Mistresses was great, but the main focus was on Zelandra. The dynamics of the story took a darker turn, very reminiscent of the 'man behind the curtain' that was the backbone of Caraval. I say this in a very positive way, as Caraval is one of my all-time favorite YA trilogies.
A few new characters are introduced in this story, and they quickly become the drivers of this tale, and I quickly became attached to their storylines.
There are moments where I had to remind myself that this flows much like a classic fairytale - there were times where I found myself saying, "Well that progressed quickly..." but as a novella, (and one with retelling themes) it has to happen that way. I would have loved to see a glimpse of who Grimmfay was. In my mind, he was just a disembodied entity who doesn't pose too much of an impression in my mind yet.
I am very excited to see another story from this world get published. It's very whimsical and the descriptions of the circus itself are very vivid.
DeSantis writes in a way that a part of me wants to attend Grimmfay and experience the magic, but more importantly, she writes in such a way that a larger part of me does not!
Thank you M.T. DeSantis for giving me the opportunity to review this ARC. I look forward to the next installment.
April 21, 2023
Enchanting afternoon read
Oh my! A magical story without a fairytale ending.....well, not a classic happy ever after at least.
Once Upon a Broken Sky is a mix of childlike wonder, manipulation, growing up fast, magic, illusion and so much more.
I think I was a bit slow working out who some of the characters were before their life at Grimmfay but it made so much sense when I realised and things fell into place.
I like that it mirrors real life slightly, in that one situation is replaced with another that appears to be better but actually isn't. I can't explain it as you seriously need to read this and find out for yourself.
I'd recommend this for teenagers and above, partly as there would be a better understanding of the story and partly for some great talking points that create awareness for real life.
Oh my! A magical story without a fairytale ending.....well, not a classic happy ever after at least.
Once Upon a Broken Sky is a mix of childlike wonder, manipulation, growing up fast, magic, illusion and so much more.
I think I was a bit slow working out who some of the characters were before their life at Grimmfay but it made so much sense when I realised and things fell into place.
I like that it mirrors real life slightly, in that one situation is replaced with another that appears to be better but actually isn't. I can't explain it as you seriously need to read this and find out for yourself.
I'd recommend this for teenagers and above, partly as there would be a better understanding of the story and partly for some great talking points that create awareness for real life.
April 23, 2023
Once upon a Broken Sky by M.T DeSantis was such a cool, interesting take on a circus! I loved reading this novella, it was packed full of illusions and these amazing characters you can’t help but instantly like. The take on a classic fairytale, was extraordinary and I loved it so much! (If you want to know which tale I speak of…go grab the book!) I instantly fell for the mystique of the Grimmfay, I wanted so much more!
This novella is an appetizer before the big meal, which is the author’s full length book. I honestly can’t wait to be immersed with these characters, world and all the power the Grimmfay holds!
Final rating:
5 out of 5 stars
This world?
5 out of 5 main tents: 🎪🎪🎪🎪🎪
This novella is an appetizer before the big meal, which is the author’s full length book. I honestly can’t wait to be immersed with these characters, world and all the power the Grimmfay holds!
Final rating:
5 out of 5 stars
This world?
5 out of 5 main tents: 🎪🎪🎪🎪🎪
August 9, 2023
This short novella is so descriptive, you feel as if you are right there experiencing the circus with Hansten and Grenna. The world building is so lush and full, and the characters so well developed for being such a short story.
I loved how well written and imaginative the acts of the circus were. If only we could experience a circus as magical as this! The author does a great job creating a wonderful, amazing place. However, there are other factors at play, and Zelandra, one of the circus’ mistresses realizes she needs to escape the life she’s been tied to, and that’s when the action happens.
This is a great lead in to what is going to be the full length novel, Grimmfay. I, for one, cannot wait to read it. If you liked The Night Circus, you will definitely love this one.
I loved how well written and imaginative the acts of the circus were. If only we could experience a circus as magical as this! The author does a great job creating a wonderful, amazing place. However, there are other factors at play, and Zelandra, one of the circus’ mistresses realizes she needs to escape the life she’s been tied to, and that’s when the action happens.
This is a great lead in to what is going to be the full length novel, Grimmfay. I, for one, cannot wait to read it. If you liked The Night Circus, you will definitely love this one.
July 10, 2023
Magical Tale
This was such a fantastic story with a lot of heart and imagination. It was really a clever fairy tale retelling. I don’t think I’ve ever read a Hansel and Gretel retelling, and this was a clever take on it. The characters and worldbuilding were well done. Multiple POVs can be difficult to get right, but the author did a great job of making each one unique. I highly recommend diving by into this magical world.
This was such a fantastic story with a lot of heart and imagination. It was really a clever fairy tale retelling. I don’t think I’ve ever read a Hansel and Gretel retelling, and this was a clever take on it. The characters and worldbuilding were well done. Multiple POVs can be difficult to get right, but the author did a great job of making each one unique. I highly recommend diving by into this magical world.
August 27, 2023
This is such a clever little novella that is a little bit fantasy, a little bit mystery, and a lotta heart. It's a quick read but doesn't sacrifice depth with some truly beautiful descriptive elements. A very unique Hansel and Gretel re-telling, its also a prequel that does a great job sucking you into this enchanted world.
April 29, 2023
Who wants to visit the circus? With extraordinary characters, this fairytale style fantasy read is fast paced, well written and at times a little dark. A world that is full of excitement, colour, power, illusions, mystery and suspense, it’s a world that draws you in and does not let you go.
October 12, 2023
This book is a wonderful dark fantasy about many characters from grimm fairy tales. The way DeSantis re-imagined and wove these stories together woven together to create a wonderful circus. This didn't disappoint!
April 9, 2023
Thank you to the author and BookFunnel for providing me with an ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Come one, come all....to the circus of Grimmfay.
This story is a prequel and did everything it was supposed to do. It introduced you to the enchanting mistresses of Grimmfay, the circus itself, and it left you wanting more. It is a wonderful combination of fairytales with their own twists that make it unique. A circus is the perfect setting because it gave the author creative freedom to do a lot and they took every advantage of it. You get magic, fantasy, fairytales, but also a little darker themes. The ending leaves you with so many questions and can transition nicely to the next book.
Overall, I give this story 3.5 stars because some aspects of the plot were a little confusing and some part had too much going on and it became overwhelming. The idea of this story is amazing and was executed well. I am lookin forward to the next one
Come one, come all....to the circus of Grimmfay.
This story is a prequel and did everything it was supposed to do. It introduced you to the enchanting mistresses of Grimmfay, the circus itself, and it left you wanting more. It is a wonderful combination of fairytales with their own twists that make it unique. A circus is the perfect setting because it gave the author creative freedom to do a lot and they took every advantage of it. You get magic, fantasy, fairytales, but also a little darker themes. The ending leaves you with so many questions and can transition nicely to the next book.
Overall, I give this story 3.5 stars because some aspects of the plot were a little confusing and some part had too much going on and it became overwhelming. The idea of this story is amazing and was executed well. I am lookin forward to the next one
April 12, 2023
This is amazing! I never knew I needed fantasy with circuses in my life but I do. This is a retelling of Hansel and Gretel, but so much more. I really enjoyed it - and look forward to the next!
March 20, 2023
I couldn't put this fairytale thriller down! What fun to puzzle out the fantasy and the mystery. I hope another in this series is on the way. I still have questions about this world. I received this book for free from the author. Opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews