A cursed prince. A miller's daughter who is willing to do anything to save her family. Are they the only hope to save their kingdom? When Crown Prince Alexander is cursed into the form of a cat, he fears all is lost. Little does he know that when he stumbles upon two sisters he has found his sweetest and bravest companions. Eirwen loves her family deeply and is willing to enter into a loveless and miserable marriage for their sake. Neither she nor her younger sister, Rowan, will inherit the mill so this is how she can do her part. When a talking cat scares them both, Eirwen is afraid that evil has come to destroy her family. But is he really an evil cat, or is it possible there's more to meet the eye with this new furry friend? And is he someone she could have a future with and not be miserable? Can these two sisters aid the talking cat in facing off against the evil that is plaguing their country, or are they all doomed for more curses? Two Intertwined Tales. One Happily Ever After. The Caring and the Cursed is a sweet clean retelling of Puss in Boots and Snow White & Rose Red and part of the Intertwined Tales series. The Intertwined Tales is a multi-author series of clean fairy tale retellings. Each novella entwines a famous fairy tale with a lesser-known story to create one happily ever after. These standalone stories can be enjoyed in any order.
In all the fairytales I’ve read lately (which is a lot), I’m learning that Puss in Boots isn’t my favorite retelling. I think it’s the talking animal part or maybe it’s just the cat element (coming from someone who really wasn’t raised with cats or even the knowledge of what to do with them), so this book fell a bit short to me.
At the beginning, there was a bit of info dumping and possibly a plot hole? It’s said that the sisters were unaffected by the meanness disease because they have a blessing from the Creator, but their father is said to have a blessing as well (by his mother) and he was a complete meanie during the curse!
It’s a short book, but Alexander quickly falls for her after only knowing her for a couple of days. There’s a comment that “sometimes [love] can take years to build and other times only days” which when a book does a nod to the short about of time the couple has know the other and it already in love, I have to roll my eyes. It’s about halfway through the book so it didn’t bother me too much, but because we hadn’t seen his POV for a bit before that, it felt like it came out of left field.
The ending and how they dealt with the sorcerer was one I honestly did not see coming. That blinking man meme? Yeah, that was me at the end.
It would have been nice to see more of the curse being lifted at the end—particularly of their family no longer being jerks and see his family’s reaction to him being alive. I did like the faith content throughout the book and thought it was sweet to see. Not my personal favorite, but I would be curious to read another book by this author.
Main Content- Prayers to the Creator (including ones of forgiveness for fibbing for safety); A few mentions of talks about the Creator and blessings from Him; ’H’s are capital when referring to the Creator; Mentions of the Creator, praying/prayers to Him, & blessings; A few mentions of a chapel & priest; Eirwen meets a fairy godmother and the woman says that all fairy godmothers work on His behalf and that the Creator strongly believes in free will.
The sorcerer, the dark magic, Alexander being cursed into a cat, and trying to find the sorcerer are all major parts of the book and mentioned often; The sorcerer turns Alexander into a cat & others into stone statues; We see ogres and a gryphon on-page (both which are terrifying for our main character); Those that have the Blessing of Nobility or are blessed by the Creator are able to talk to the animal that is the symbol of their home country (for both Alexander and Eirwen it is the gryphons); There are mentions of gryphons, gnomes, unicorns, dragons, fire and ice phoenixes, ogres, goblins, gremlins, & trolls; Mentions of a sorcerer, dark magic, evil, & his magic poisoning the country; A couple mentions of ghosts.
No major language, minor words and phrases like ‘blasted’, ‘drat’, ‘idiots’, and ‘stupid’; Eye rolling & Sarcasm; Eirwen fibs/lies to others for her safety (which she feels guilt over); Eirwen eavesdrops on a conversation and feels bad about it; Alexander is lying to Eirwen by keeping his identity a secret and doesn’t like doing it, but wants her to know him before the crown.
Due to the curse, most people have become bitter, rude, and mean (including most of Eirwen family and we see it on-page and how it hurts her); Rowan is beat up by a man who “wants to see her in her proper place”; Alexander is horrified when another cat starts sniffing his hindquarters.
Being attacked, Pain, Injuries, Blood/Bleeding, & Passing out (up to a few sentences); Alexander and Eirwen know they they may have to kill the sorcerer and while do not like the idea of taking another life, they have to consider it (*Spoilers* ).
Mentions of missing people & assumed deaths; Mentions of attacks, pain, injuries, blood/bleeding, & passing out (up to a couple sentences); Mentions of a tavern & bar; Mentions of hatred; Mentions of gossip & rumors; Mentions of Alexander the cat hunting and eating rabbits, squirrels, chipmunks, & mice (no details, but it’s added he feels disgusted with himself for doing it the first time); A few mentions of ogres wanting to eat humans; A few mentions of horrible smells (from the ogres who sleep surrounded by their kills); A few mentions of nightmares (including a young girl having nightmares of a bear killing her family); A couple mentions of jealousy; A mention of a man kicking a cat.
2 kisses lasting a sentence, 1 kiss lasting a few sentences; Touches, Embraces, Hand holding, Nearness, & Noticing (up to a few sentences); Blushes.
Eirwen and Alexander fall for each other quickly despite him being cursed to be a cat and only knowing each other for a few days (Eirwen blushes over him and Alexander thinks that “sometimes [love] can take years to build and other times only days”; Eirwen panics that she is falling in love with a cat, but corrects herself that he is a cursed nobleman; The sorcerer flirts with Eirwen and she flirts back to get answers (he suggestively asks her what she would like to see and then says “I could show you many things”).
A few mentions of kisses/kissing & true love’s kiss; A couple mentions of producing heirs.
This is a cute book. I liked the incorporations of the two fairy tales into this story, but I'm convinced that the author has never owned a cat. The most unbelievable thing about this book is that Eirwen and Rowan had to put boots on Alex (haha yes, boots on a cat, wow puss in boots haha so cool) to tell him apart from the other cats. Any good cat owner can instantly tell which feline gremlin they're looking at, so if Eirwen literally has a crush on a certain cat (don't worry, she knows he's actually a human) then she should be able to recognize him even in his cat form.
I also wasn't a fan of the writing, it felt rushed and unedited. There were jumps and gaps in character explanation, so for example I thought the "great darkness taking over the land" what a metaphor for a solid 30% of the book because like every fantasy novel uses that phrase. Also, the characters decide to journey through several different towns, but they never say WHY they're going that way. No end goal in mind. "Stop the wizard" somehow? The book is written in 1st POV present tense, but for exactly half of one scene, it changes to past tense. The scene is literally a flashback, so it STARTS in past tense but then halfway through it CHANGES to present tense even though it's still a flashback (this is in chapter 2 if you're curious). Also also, the POV switches mid-chapter. One chapter, the POV switched TWICE because it switched back to the original POV! That's so distracting, it would've been more effective to just start a new chapter whenever the POV switches. That being said, we stop getting Alex's POV like halfway through the book, so I think the whole book could have been written from Eirwen's POV.
Don't get me wrong, I didn't not like the book. I thought it was very creative to intertwine the original Puss in Boots and Snow White and Rose Red fairy tales together. It's a cute story. The writing is just so distracting that it's hard to get super invested into the characters.
A fairytale retelling novella where the crown prince goes on a mission to defeat an evil sorcerer but finds himself transformed into a talking ginger cat. He must seek out the aid of 2 sisters in order to break the curse and save the Kingdom from the darkness that's spreading. With a bit of persuasion the trio venture off on their unexpected quest, and Alexander can't help but be drawn to Eirwen's kindness and light, and only hopes she can see past his curse and secrets to the real him. It's a clean YA Romantasy with M/F romance, hidden identities, dire stakes, magic and mythical creatures. I enjoyed seeing Eirwen's abilities to influence with her blessings, and the way she tricks the evil sorcerer. I also liked Alexander's vulnerability and his humourous pov of life as a cat.
🐈 'I am trying for my most adorable expression a hoping it translates well into a cat's face. Then I do the most humiliating thing in my life. "meow"
🐈 "This is beyond humiliating. I am the crown prince, I am the heir, and I am purring while a stranger pets me and I eat chicken"
🐈"Blast this conversation! I am making a mess of it. I have feelings for you, Eirwen. Romantic feelings"
This book will be released on October 4, 2024. ARCs will be sent out in the beginning of September 2024.
While this is my second book to be published it was the first I wrote to completion! I hope you enjoy this novella length mashup of Puss in Boots and Snow White & Rose Red!
Overall, this story was an interesting ride with some cool twists! I knew that the world had magic, and the broad "good versus evil" themes gave the book a real fairytale feel. The characters had a daring quest and faced escalating obstacles along the way. Eirwen was a great lead, and her relationship with her sister Rowan was sweet as well. :)
Worldview was fine, and I can see the intention, but some things didn't come across right. The world did mention God as being one to give blessings (and thus being an authority over magic, which I liked). One character was alluded as being an angel (but also a fairy). Where the worldview lost points for me was in the romance.
While I usually like a romance subplot, I think this novel could have done with a little bit less. I liked the theme of looking past appearances to see personality, but the execution was a bit awkward. I think the tricky part was a that the male lead was a cat, and with that kind of "look beyond the surface" message, it makes any romantic subtext come across as weird. I'm giving the author the benefit of the doubt here since it really doesn't feel intentional. This is, however, one of the main reasons why I don't read shapeshifter novels. Even though you may have a nice theme, including the romance made it weird. It's the same concept as when a character pretends to be another sex to avoid discovery (like a girl pretending to be a guy to avoid being married off), but then the male lead falls in love with her while she's dressed as a man?
One character did flirt with another character to trick them, and the flirting toed the line of innuendo (e.g. "What would you be willing to show me?" // "I could show you many things."). It makes sense in context but I would have liked to see them try a different solution instead (especially when diplomacy had been used in earlier situations).
In any case, I did enjoy the twist at the end of the book and the resolution. I'm interested in picking up another book from this author in the future! (Though not with talking animals as main characters.)
This is a sequel to The Fairy Tales of Ambrose series. There is another sequel called Amphibians and Admiration, which I have also reviewed.
Genre: Fantasy, fairy tale retelling [of Puss in Boots, and Snow White and Rose Red] Setting: Fictional kingdoms of Cortes and Fernweh on the fictional continent of Ambrose Writing style: Dual POV, 1st person, present tense Tone: Pretty light, though it’s a serious story Character- or plot-driven: Plot-driven
Romance: Yes Clean level: 1 kiss without description, two barely described. 1 instance of tracing arms, neck, and face.
*For anyone to whom it makes a difference: G-d plays a part in the story. He is talked about in generic terms (the Creator) not tied to any specific religion.
Thoughts on main characters: I like them just fine. I hope to get to know at least some of them better in Book 1 of The Fairy Tales of Ambrose series for a more fleshed-out picture of them.
As mentioned above, the story is a retelling of two fairy tales — Puss in Boots, and Snow White and Rose Red — and the author weaves the two together seamlessly. Puss is a prince who has been transformed into a cat by the same sorcerer featured in the original tale. The cat form replaces the bear form from Snow White and Rose Red. It’s a straightforward story, very easy to follow, and it works for when you’re in the mood for some adventure without the intensity.
Although there is an engagement proposal after just a few days, the couple doesn’t marry for another two years, so there’s time for them to really get to know each other off-page before officially joining their lives together. This approach may satisfy both those who like semi-instalove and those who want something more realistic (though, to be fair, whirlwind courtships do happen and can produce successful marriages).
It’s interesting to note that this sequel to The Fairy Tales of Ambrose mirrors an element from the other sequel. In the other, the older sister doesn’t want to be queen and instead desires to travel; in this one, the younger brother doesn’t want to be king and shares the same longing for adventure. The brother, Dario, is the love interest in Book 1 .
Favorite Quotations: • “Have I been wrong yet?” Father asks cheekily. “Not about the harvest,” [Mother] mumbles. • “Thank you, Brigid. The Creator truly knew what He was doing when He blessed our family with you,” I tell her. Her smile becomes a grin…“Of course He did.” • “And James”—she grins before continuing—“has been defending the gardens. Because there seems to be a lack of cats in this village.” “Defending?” I can feel the smile growing on my face[…] “Yes.” James sighs. “From the villainous rabbits and squirrels. It is truly a dangerous job, I assure you. But I have persevered.”
The Caring and the Cursed by Amanda Thompson is a charming and creative blend of two beloved fairy tales, Puss in Boots and Snow White & Rose Red. This novella, part of the Intertwined Tales series, offers a fresh retelling that combines the heartwarming bond between sisters with a classic curse-breaking quest.
Eirwen and her sister, Rowan, are two of the most endearing characters in the story. Their relationship is at the core of the novella, and the way they support and care for one another is both heartwarming and authentic. Eirwen’s determination to save her family, even if it means entering into a loveless marriage, speaks to her deep love and selflessness. Rowan provides a lovely contrast to her sister’s self-sacrifice, bringing balance and depth to their dynamic.
The introduction of Prince Alexander, cursed into the form of a talking cat, adds an interesting twist to the story. His transformation from a cursed prince into someone who learns to rely on others and navigate his new circumstances is very well done. As he embarks on a journey to find a way to break the curse and restore his true form, he becomes a valuable companion to Eirwen and Rowan. The slow development of trust and camaraderie between the trio is a highlight of the book. Their bond is rooted in mutual respect and shared trials, adding a sweet and gentle layer to the plot.
The blending of Puss in Boots with Snow White & Rose Red is handled beautifully. Thompson expertly weaves elements from both tales into a cohesive narrative that feels fresh yet familiar. The themes of sacrifice, kindness, and the power of love shine through, making this a feel-good story with a positive message.
Though the novella is a shorter read, it successfully tells a complete story, though there are moments where the plot feels like it could have been expanded. However, the book stands well as a standalone and fits within the Intertwined Tales series.
Overall, The Caring and the Cursed is a delightful and imaginative fairy tale retelling, perfect for readers who love sweet, clean romance and classic fantasy stories. Amanda Thompson has crafted a heartwarming tale that’s sure to leave you with a smile.
🐈"Two Intertwined Tales. One Happily Ever After.The Caring and the Cursed is a sweet clean retelling of Puss in Boots and Snow White & Rose Red and part of the Intertwined Tales series. The Intertwined Tales is a multi-author series of clean fairy tale retellings. Each novella entwines a famous fairy tale with a lesser-known story to create one happily ever after. These standalone stories can be enjoyed in any order."
🌿 Amanda Thompson's Intertwined Tale was SO cozy and addictive! Once I started reading this book I didn't want to put it down! I have never read a Puss in Boots retelling until now and Amanda's retelling has quickly become one of my favorite books I've read this year! It's the perfect balance of sweet, wholesome, cozy, and downright funny! The cast of characters are delightful & the two tales were woven together perfectly!
🐈 Alexander as a cat stole the show and made this book UN-put-downable! I found myself highlighting quotes every time he spoke:
😺I am trying for my most adorable expression and hoping it translates well into a cat’s face. Then I do the most degrading thing in my life. “Meow.”
😸This is beyond humiliating. I am the Crown Prince; I am the heir, and I am purring while a stranger pets me.
😹“Again, I am capable of speech! There is no reason to dress me in doll’s clothes!"
🌿 This story had a lot of references to the christian faith which I loved! There are more christian references in this book than in A Frigid Hope, and it was an amazing layer within the storyline! I loved that the characters who believed in God were blessed with an internal light. The intertwining of faith & fairytale was beautiful written!
⛰️ I loved that her two books are connected, taking place in the same world but with different characters. The way she connected the two different stories added depth to the world building, while further exploring the royal family's history.
😻 I LOVED this novella & give it 🌟✨🌟✨🌟 I would highly recommend it for anyone who loves cozy, humorous, heartwarming & unique fairytale retellings!
🧡 Thank you so much @amandathompsonauthor for the honor of arc reading your story, I absolutely loved it!
The Caring and the Cursed was an amazing retelling of Puss in Boots and Snow White and Rose Red. This is the second book that I have read by Amanda Thompson (and also her second book) and I really do think that it is getting better. I can't wait for the Fairy Tales of Ambrose series to come out, as both this book and A Frigid Hope are prequels to this series and I am eager to see how these two prequels help shape the world of that series. The plot was amazing and well-thought out, as were the characters and the world-building. I feel like the romance was a little rushed and it would have been nicer to see Eirwen and Alex gradually fall in love. I would have also liked to see Alex's reunion with his family, as they would have been worried about him after he disappeared. Eirwen was amazing. She was always so positive and cheerful, looking to see the good in everyone and sacrifice herself for the good of their country. Alex was also an interesting character, as he wanted to prove himself to his father that he could complete the mission. I would have liked to see him lose his pride a bit more and I feel that Eirwen was a bit too perfect and needed some character development, but I do feel that she had a really great personality. I think that my favourite character in this book would be Rowan and I can't wait to see her get her own book! I am also interested in Alex's brother Dario. What story will he get? Anyway, I can't wait for the book that Amanda will write next!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. This book is part of the The Intertwined Tales Series, a multi author standalone series. The Caring and the Cursed is told through Alex and mainly Eirwen's pov and is a clean and sweet tale about overcoming evil.
I have to note that while this isn't marketed as a Christian romance, there are elements of faith themes and a character is guided by their belief in the Creator. As long as you don't have hostile feelings about a higher being, then you can still enjoy this story.
I've only read a couple of Rose Red retellings and Puss in Boots is a story that I would like to see more retellings of so I liked how the author merged the tales together. Right from the start, I was invested in Eirwen, Rowan, her sister, and Alex's quest to save the kingdom. I loved the relationship between Eirwen and Rowan and how they cared for each other and brought out the best in each other. I liked that Alex recognized that he needed help and he put his pride aside to do what was best for everyone. It was fun to see him become friends with Eirwen and Rowan. I can't believe I'm saying this but I actually could've done without the romance or I would've liked to see it developed differently, like once the curse was broken. However, it was a kissing only romance with no curse words used so it's an appropriate read for both young teens and adults. The story could've been expanded some so that some things wouldn't have felt rushed, in terms of being told things rather than shown, but, overall, I enjoyed this and am curious to read more from this world the author has created.
Puss in Boots is always a good idea. This Puss is unfortunately a cursed prince, but when nearly the entire kingdom is cursed, it shouldn't be that surprising.
There are three main characters, the prince of course and two sisters who are the miller's daughters. The two girls are very different, but both are lovely. The older sister, Eirwen, is the POV character, but I do find myself hoping for a sequel that follows Rowan. Eirwen is quiet and kind, while Rowan is full of spunk and adventure and might speak before thinking more often than not. All three of these characters get have unique strengths and weaknesses and it's encouraging to see how all of those strengths and weaknesses become assets before the story is finished.
I liked the magic system; the way the curse worked and the reason for it was compelling. The way goodness was a deterrent of the curse was also unexpected, but lovely. A few of the magic elements reminded me of other favorite authors. The fairy godmothers who worked for the Creator were reminiscent of Melanie Cellier's Four Kingdoms fairy tale retellings. And the way the nobility could communicate with their kingdom's crest animal reminded me of Constance Lopez's Kasmian Chronicles. These could all be good comps for the other, if anyone was wondering.
Faith was a big part of the story. Faith in the abilities of one's traveling companions. Faith that good would conquer evil. And faith in the Creator's gifts. I finished the book feeling hopeful. It's a lovely story.
I received an ARC from the author and have reviewed it willingly.
I enjoyed this sweet novella and especially loved the characters.
Both sisters are absolutely adorable and also Prince Alexander, cursed to live as a cat, is wonderful. I loved their adventure, how they cared for each other, put the other ones first and grew closer together.
The emphasis on faith and virtue, on being selfless and courageous were the aspects I loved the most about this story.
While I loved Eirwen and Alex as characters and even thought they could make a great couple, it felt like the romance was a bit rushed and the fact that Alex is actually a cat most of the book was a bit strange.
I loved to watch old movie adaptations of fairy tales as a kid and Snow White and Rose Red was one of my two favorites. So I personally would have loved a few more details from this specific fairy tale. But I think the Puss in Boots elements were brought in very well and the blending of the two fairy tales worked perfectly.
The ending was more than satisfying with how everything resolved and the book had everything a Christian fairy tale novella should have - faith, humor, sweet and clean romance, characters that you definitely want to befriend and a clear distinction between good and evil.
* Thank you to the author for letting me read an advanced copy of this book. I leave this review voluntarily and the expressed opinions are my own.
A charming fairytale inspired story! This was a sweet story and a creative combination of fairytales. Eirwen and Rowan were so lovely. I love how they contrasted and supported one another. Sisters are one of my favorite things to read about. They truly cared about one another, but they did not always agree. I enjoyed seeing Alex’s journey! He found himself cursed and now was trying to find the solution. He had to learn some things about his own weaknesses and expectations. It was sweet to watch them all get to know one another and the gentle romance that was a secondary plotline. I enjoyed the combination of fairy tales (Puss in Boots with Rose Red and Snow White). It combined well, with the inspiration coming through. I loved the themes of sacrifice and kindness. This is a shorter story and I did feel like it could have been expanded, however it was a standalone with its HEA! The story moves along at a medium-pace, with some areas of the journey being a bit slower. It is part of a series, but this has been the only one I have read so far! This is fantasy romance, with only kissing. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.
Review: 4.5 stars Amanda Thompson’s books are always good if you need something short and sweet that will leave you happy. The Caring and the Cursed is so cute and it’s a combination of two fairytales I never imagined together, “Puss in Boots” and “Snow White and Rose Red”.
Eirwen and Rowan are sisters with great loyalty towards one another. Eirwen is the sweet and sensible sister and Rowan is the slightly bold, adventurous sister. Alex is our leading man in this story and quite possibly a cat. 👀 The focus is on Eirwen and Alexander throughout this story but Rowan is a lovely sidekick.
The story is a cute mashup of the two original tales while adding a fun twist. I giggled at a few of the scenarios that played out. I would have loved to see a few more scenes with Eirwen and Alex (as a human), however, this is a novella and therefore well done for its length. I’m excited to see what else Thompson has up here sleeve and I want to thank her for an ARC of The Caring and the Cursed!
I really enjoyed this story and how it combined elements of Snow White & Rose Red with the story of Puss in Boots. This book had several great characters and I loved getting to know Rowan & her sister Eirwen as well as Prince Alexander / James / Puss. It was fun seeing how Eirwen and him interacted throughout the story as they grew closer. This book is a standalone but I liked how it was vaguely mentioned in passing as town gossip in Amphibians and Admiration: A Frog Prince Retelling tying the two stories together as part of the same world. I look forward to reading more fairy tale retellings by this author in the future.
I really liked the concept of these two tales being combined; however, the pacing and characterization was all over the place. The beginning jumped around a lot and also dumped a lot of info. Other than Eirwin being nice, wanting to marry for love, and not knowing how to cook, I knew nothing about her. Alex/Puss felt like a completely different character in his early pov scenes compared to when he met the sisters. His voice was different, his actions were different, and his reaction to the sisters seemed at odds with his knowledge of them.
This is book 2 in a sweet romantasy fairy tale mashup multi author series. I’ve read a fairy tale retelling by this author previously and liked it.
This is only my second Puss in Boots fairy tale retelling. I was very wary with my first read but pleasantly surprised. I went into this one hoping for the same. It was a nice tale. Different from the previous retelling I read, our cat here can talk. I liked that there were two sisters. That was a very sweet bond and touch for this story.
The other fairy tales in this mash up are Snow White and Rose Red. This was an enjoyable romantasy read and I’m looking forward to more.
I received an ARC of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This was a delightful novella retelling of Puss in Boots and Snow White & Rose Red. I will say that the writing felt a bit choppy. Especially when Puss's feelings kinda came out of nowhere. I think there was a lot more telling than showing, especially towards the beginning of the book, but I'm not a writer, so I'm not sure if that's the best way to describe it. I really liked the bond between the sisters. They were so caring and real with each other. I also enjoyed the hidden identity aspect. It was fun to read as Puss and Eirwen got to know each other and anticipate what would happen when the truth came out. Another thing I appreciated was the bits of allegory. The Creator is known for giving blessings, and Eirwen often "prays" to him for guidance and other things. It's also stated that the Creator wanted the people to have free will when the question of evil came up. So, overall, it might be a slightly awkward writing style, but it's a great story!
I'm so thankful to have received an ARC from the author. All opinions are my own.
I had fun reading this Puss in Boots meets Rose Red retelling. Alex's character was a lot of fun, as was Eiryn's and I loved Rowan! I will say, I loved that they became friends first but I wish we'd gotten to see more of the true romance develop beyond the friendship after the curse was lifted. The ending was definitely my favorite part as Eiryn recognized her true strength of who she is instead of constantly feeling like a burden on everyone else, letting her glimpse herself from others' eyes, and it was beautiful. The breaking of the curses was quite creative and fun. I don't know that I really saw it coming the way it did but it was a delightful scene. I also love that it allowed Eirwyn to show more compassion and kindness contrasting to the sorcerer as well as others who were less forgiving than her.
The Caring and The Cursed was an adorable retelling of Puss in Boots and Snow White and Red Rose. This story was a quick and easy read. A perfect fairy tale retelling to read for fall. The combination of both fairytales made a creative and intriguing plot. Amanda blended the two fairytales well together. While the story had more classic elements of Puss in Boots, I could pick out the elements the lesser known tale of Snow White and Red rose. I loved how close and supportive the sisters were. They had a wonderful relationship and sweet bond. Alex was very determined to save his country from the evil brewing within. I like how Eirwen and Alex truly got to know each other. The romance was sweet, with nothing more than kissing. This book was a great read and highly recommend.
I volunteered to read an ARC copy of the book and all thoughts are my own.
The Caring and the Cursed by Amanda Thompson was a sweet combination of Puss in Boots and Snow White and Rose Red. The sisterly relationship was fun and enjoyable to read. There were times that the writing style felt as if it did not flow as well as it could have, however, the details and ideas were all still there and easy to follow. I liked the twist on the story that combining the two tales created and it made it feel more realistic. Overall I found the characters well thought through and the story compelling. I would reread this book and recommend it to others.
I enjoyed the book, but it didn't hit all the boxes for me. The writing at time felt a little rushed, and I feel that more context would have helped at different points. The concept of the story was great! And there was swoon but no spice. I feel the story could have greatly benefited from more pages to make it feel less rushed. Overall a good read.
I received an e-arc of this book and am leaving a voluntary review.
OK, I signed up for ARCs for this entire multi-author series and this is one of the ARCs I randomly received. This book looks like it should be good, and indeed it probably is good, but it's written in present tense which my brain refuses to process rendering it unreadable to me. So while it is sadly a miss for me, if you don't share my present tense disability, and you like sweet, creative fairy tale retellings, I'm sure it'll be great.
Puss in Boots and Snow White & Rose Red Intertwined Fairytale Retelling—4 stars There are some role reversals in this story. Crown Prince Alexander is cursed to be a cat and Eirwen and her sister Rowan are miller’s daughters. Eirwen is sweet tempered and calm and Rowan likes action. Alex and Rowan run headlong into danger and leave Eirwen behind for her safety. It was fun to see how the author weaved the elements from both stories in a creative way. I received an ARC copy from the author.
What an exciting retelling of Puss in Boots! The setting was fantastical, the plot was fast paced and engaging, and the characters were endearing. I enjoyed the kids tit he classic tale, as well as all the mythical creatures who appeared. Eirwen and Rowan were relatable characters of strength. Our Puss in boots was a well crafted character as well. The ending resolution was daring. The ending romance was everything swoony. A really great read!
Contains: verbal abuse, religious elements (prayer to the Creator and mentions of creator), and kisses
This was a nice retelling. I hated the first person present tense though. I also felt like the love story was very much so lacking. There was so much potential. They spend weeks together but instead of getting meaningful conversations or heartfelt discussions time is mostly glossed over until they decide they’ve developed feeling for each other.
This was a sweet, clean fairytale romance that takes place in the kingdom of Ambrose, where I was excited to see several of the characters from other books in this series! This book can be read as a standalone, however. I loved the concise storytelling and forward motion of the book as well as the sweet, clean romance!
This was a cute fun story that was a little rushed but hopefully the author will get better with pacing as this is only her 2nd book. This was a fun Puss in Boots retelling with hints of Snow White and Rose Red. Excited to see what this author does next.