Beneath the Earth and Woods

by Kacey Thiele

1804, Norway.

The forest is wicked. Sigrid has known this since she was a child, having grown up hearing tales of the dark magic that lingers there. Until now she has heeded the warnings, too preoccupied with caring for her family to venture near the woodland.

But when disease strikes their farm, the threat of destitution draws near. Desperate to save her family, Sigrid takes employment at a manor hidden within the forest. There a strange creature, the Udyr, dwells.

To her surprise, her new employer is far from the monster she had been expecting. The soft-spoken Udyr, who is neither animal nor quite human, suffers beneath a malignant curse. Breaking the curse should be a salvation; to Sigrid’s horror, it is the very opposite. Upon revealing the Udyr’s true identity, he is abducted by a powerful being who has been watching him for years.

Now, with only a talking fox and a pair of magic knitting needles for protection, Sigrid sets out on the perilous journey to rescue the one she has come to love—before he is bound to the realm below the earth forever.

Inspired by the Norwegian fairy tale "East of the Sun and West of the Moon" and drawing on elements from the original "The Beauty and the Beast" novella, Beneath the Earth and Woods is sure to captivate fans of Norse mythology and heart-wrenching romance.

Genres: Romance, Fantasy Romance, Fantasy

421 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 20, 2024

About the author

Kacey has been writing stories for as long as she’s been able to read. Fairy tales and folklore are her passion, and often are at the center of most of the stories she writes. She loves delving into the darker side of fairy tales, and while her characters may experience quite a bit of heartache, they will (eventually) get their happy ending.

Aside from writing, some of her other hobbies include collecting vintage picture books, crafting, and hosting movie nights with friends (horror and period romance are her two favorite movie genres).

Chattanooga, Tennessee is home for Kacey, where she lives with her black cat Freya, who is her ultimate good luck charm.

Reviews

[Abigail Kopp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Initial Thoughts
I couldn’t put it down. I finished it in one day if that tells you anything.

I have been anticipating this book for a couple of years now, ever since Kacey had started sharing her snippets and writing journey on Instagram so it was a no-brainer to raise my hand and volunteer to be an ARC reader.

The writing was just as good, if not better than most books on the market today. Her complex weaving of storylines was easy to follow but still jaw-droppingly exhilarating. I stopped reading to squeal and talk to my siblings about it multiple times.

Plot (5/5)
It is a Beauty and the Beast retelling, so there's that to bounce off of. I know she used another fairytale for the second half of the book, but I am not as familiar with that. The plot kept me on the edge of my seat and was believable. I loved the romance of the characters because it actually felt realistic and wasn't toxic at all.

Pacing (5/5)
One day. I rarely finish books in one day anymore. THIS ONE I DID. If I could give a million stars to this section, I would. Every chapter and scene felt like it added to the story, but wasn't too rushed.

World Building (5/5)
She explained the world in a simple, but effective way, letting the world speak for itself. Combining the real world with the world of mythology was realistic enough.

Characters (5/5)
A soft female character lead!!! YAY! I loved her. She was soft but had her own strength too.
And the Udyr ... a soft male character, too? HE IS SUCH A SWEETHEART. He had my heart from his first appearance, not gonna lie.
Snö. Loved him. Sassy boy.

Writing Style (5/5)
Very captivating and whimsical. Easy to read at the same time. Really enjoyed it and had a good time reading it. As I stated before, this was better than most books on the market.

Personal Enjoyment (5/5)
Loved it. I have been following Kacey for so long and this book makes me so happy for her. Like, how is this INDIE? Can't wait for the sequel.

Themes & CW
Magic. Nothing crazier than what is in fairytales and legends.
Mythical creatures and mentions of Norse gods.

Overall Thoughts (5/5)
A beautiful rendition of two beloved fairytales woven into a mythical masterpiece that stands on its own. A story of love and fighting for it. Can't go wrong with that.


I received an ARC copy to give an honest review.

[Callie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Beauty and the Beast if the beast was a shy softie who employed Belle instead of imprisoning her.

The first half and second half were very different in a way that surprised me.

The first half has some mystery but is mostly them quietly falling in love. The second half was a lot of action, some tension, and battling.

I don’t mind either type of story but it was a marked difference, and also I was sad because Henrik and Sigrid couldn’t be together all that much in the second half. I wanted way more page time of them finally being happy!!

Other than that, I enjoyed the magical elements, the kind side characters, a fox companion, and a fairy tale setting.

Even though it was high stakes at the end, and had some triggering topics like grooming and assault, it was never very gruesome. Also no spice! (Dang! 🤣)

I’d definitely read more by this author!

P.S. this needed an epilogue!! I wanted the reunion between Sigrid and her father so bad!

[Carissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a fantastical debut. I savored this one as we were sure put on an adventure with Sigrid. As the eldest daughter is to save her family's diseased barley farm, she is employed by a Udyr, a forgotten cursed being who resides in a magical manor in a dark forbidden forest. There Sigrid finds out about her own past as well and with her kind hearted nature tries to help the Udyr. Just when I thought what more could there be midway Kacey was sure to keep the plot going and for sure did I gasp out loud! I was very impressed with the characters and storyline. Fans of Beauty and the Beast retellings drawn also from Norwegian folklore and settings will see this as a new refresh take on this tale. I really enjoyed it. I hope there will be more.

I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

[Lisa Conant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ out of 5
Spice: 🌶 out of 5

Tropes:
❤️Beauty and the Beast Retelling
🇳🇴Early 1800's Norway
💮Norse Folklore
💫Cursed Cinnamon Roll MMC
💘Sunshine Girl x Soft Boy
🦊Talking Fox Companion
🥀Gothic Vibes

✨️Review:
This is an immaculate debut! Not only an incredibly orginal take on the traditional Beauty and the Beast we're familiar with, but it combines rich elements of Norse Folklore and is woven into a fresh, tenderly romantic and exciting tale!

I'm quite obsessed I have to tell you, and I read everything Beauty and the Beast related lol. This goes on a short list of faves for me because it's fresh yet timeless and delivered scenes that just had my heart quickening! The depth to the characters that springs to life from the page is breathtaking and the descriptions, whether a twisted dreamscape, a firelit library or an underground labrynth, are evocative and superbly visual.

The world is bathed in the irresistable Gothic Vibes for the first half, when our strong and kind Sigrid goes to work for the reclusive Udyr. I also can't forget about the best companion side character, the endearingly Grumpy and lovable arctic fox, Sno...who has the best quips but is also Udyr's only cherished friend for the past 6 years.

Udyr's affliction/curse is fascinating and heartbreaking. In constant pain (i had tiny vibes from The Elephant Man for him), he somehow has remained gentle hearted but is also ashamed of his malformations and limitations, Their relationship blooms in the most elegant way...each intimate scene revealing a bit more of the Udyr's true mystery.

The first half is more focused on the close proximity, angst romance/curse and then we seamlessly doubledown on drama when we enter an exciting action focused latter half!

My heart tightened, it races, it skipped and it just burns for this couple's love. Petal by petal this story unfolds and just enraptures you...give in to it, you won't be disappointed. Bring on book 2!

[Susanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot say enough about this book! Kacey, you absolutely smashed it, my friend! 🤗

I can't pass up a Beauty and the Beast retelling 😁 And this one had such Gothic classic, and timeless vibes. The combination of East of the Moon + BatB + Kacey's own brilliant storytelling, writing skills, and world building (so good!) made for an original and loveable take on this tale as old as time.

The plot was wonderful. Slower at first while the scene was set and the vast beautiful world was created, then the halfway mark hits and the drama really ratcheted up! The Romance was swoony and giggly and oh so perfect 😍 But the characters shined the brightest for me, and I loved them from the start.

Sigrid was so loveable and warm. 💛 She was strong —without sacrificing any femininity!— determined, bright, optimistic, practical, and genuinely intelligent! She figured so many things out quickly and logically, it made me so happy haha 🙌

The Udyr/Prince was the sweetest thing ever (in a totally manly way lol) 🥹 So good and patient and gentle while also being brave and courageous in the face of some terrible situations and hurts. I want to protect him from all harm always (luckily Sigrid is there to help with that 😍). ❤️

And Snø! Easily one of the best animal companions I've ever read! His sass was the best 😄 And his relationship with the Udyr was so gentle and supportive 🫂

The world felt full and vibrant and varied thanks to the supporting cast, who held their own opposite the main characters. 👏

And villains/antagonists that aren't just plainly evil are hard to come by, so while I didn't "love" the antagonist in this book, she was real and complex, which added to her villainousness, and made her stand out. 🖤

I'm so looking forward to what comes next for these characters and the beautiful world in which they live! 🥰

[Unleishd_reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t usually read fairytale retellings, but I absolutely loved this Beauty and the Beast retelling. It is wonderfully written and has fantastic world building, the romance was sweet, there’s plenty of intriguing characters and an action packed second half of the book. I’m also a sucker for sassy talking animals.

Thank you so much to Kacey Thiele for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

[c_reads_books_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spice rating: RCRS 2 (hand holding & kissing)

If you like Beauty & the Beast, but wished that the beast was a gentle sad boi from the start, then this is the book for you! It is, at its core, a cozy YA romantasy and therefore while there is peril & adventure, we know our heroes will save the day and that good will conquer evil.

This story subverts the trope of the FMC having an emotionally painful back story and the MMC swoops in to save the day. In Between the Earth & Woods it’s our Udyr - our beast - with the painful past, and Sigrid - our FMC - saves him not once, but multiple times through the story.

There are a bevy of wonderful supporting characters including a cheeky talking snow fox, a wicked dark elf antagonist and dwarf royals.

Even better? This is book 1 of a trilogy but there is no cliffhanger at the end. I fell in love with Sigrid & the Udyr and can’t wait to see where their story goes next!

Thank you to Thiele for the opportunity to read and review an advanced copy of Between the Earth and Woods.

[Nicole Melecio · Rating 3 out of 5]

First half was great and could’ve ended there.

[Jess L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mega thank you to the author Kacey Thiele for providing me with an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this before publication on November 22, 2024.

First Impressions: I follow the artist who designed the cover on Instagram, which is how I found this book. I had never read any “East of the Sun, West of the Moon” stories so I really enjoyed this exposure to that tale. Mix that in with Beauty & the Beast retelling with the Beauty saving the Beast… I am here for it.

Characters: 5/5 — All of the characters felt well fleshed out. The love that blossoms between Sigrid and Udyr felt natural; nothing felt like it happened out of nowhere to fit Thiele’s storyline. The villain and her motives were also well realized. Snø, the arctic fox, was obviously the sassy star.

Plot/storyline: 4/5 — I felt like the story dragged in the beginning, but in hindsight, everything started moving (plot-wise) by Chapter 4. Nothing was a surprise concerning the plot, and it was nice to see how the quest and battle ultimately played out.

Storytelling: 5/5 — Thiele’s storytelling is descriptive and evocative.

Spice/Smut: 0/5 — No spice. Sweet YA level lovefest.

Overall Review: What a beautifully written story. The plot did not present any crazy twists, which made it an enjoyable read to see how everything would play out. This is Book One of a series and I am so appreciative to Thiele for not ending it on a cliffhanger like many other authors these days. I felt content with the ending and am ready to read the second installment whenever Thiele sees fit. I have already told friends about this novel and plan to buy a few copies to gift to them. I would wholeheartedly recommend this to anyone interested in fantasy Scandinavian folklore with a charming love story with a mix of two fairytale retellings (East of the Sun & Beauty and the Beast) with fun surprises. And my final four words to get you to read this are: sassy talking arctic fox.

[thelilcloseddoorbookgal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am very impressed! Beneath the Earth and Woods fully enchanted me with its beautiful, beautiful storytelling. The first half was cozy and heartwarming, and the second half had heart-pounding danger. It nailed the classic fairytale vibes, and the lush scenery made me feel like I was in the book. The mix between the historical setting, folklore, and mythology made the story stand out to me. The writing style also reminded me of Rebecca Ross. I LOVED the characters. Sigrid is the equivalent of what Keanu Reeves said, "If you're a lover, you've gotta be a fighter." She's AMAZING. The Udyr was so tenderhearted it made my heart want to BURST. He seriously deserves all the happiness in the world. The romance was very sweet, and I loved the bond that was built between the characters. I'm not going to lie, I was nervous in the second half! I was devastated alongside the characters as they were going through the wringer so to speak. The great worldbuilding really assisted the plot, too. This story is going to stay with me for a long time. There's much more I could say but just READ THIS BOOK. I saw that this is book one on the cover, so I will definitely be continuing this series.

Unrelated to the review but I’M OBSESSED WITH THE BOOK COVER.

Spice level: kisses only
CW/TW: references to child grooming and SA (nothing explicitly detailed), deaths

[Ambriel (melaninfae) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the utmost privilege of reading an early draft of this stunning Norwegian Beauty and the Beast retelling, and as someone who has read nearly every fairytale retelling she could get her hands on, Beneath the Earth and Woods has to be one of my absolute favorites.

Not only is Kacey’s writing gorgeous, but she breathes so much life into each character that you can’t help but fall in love with them. This book has it all: a sweet but badass female MC, and kind and tender love interest, and even an interesting, complex villain. And who doesn’t love a sassy but lovable animal companion? Snø’s witty remarks had me laughing out loud as I read.

One thing that I want to note about how this retelling stands out is just how unique this story is. The foundation is still there— a kind woman who hungers for more than her provincial life, and a prince who falls under a terrible curse— but there are elements to the tale that makes it entirely new and entirely special. It’s not just a Beauty and the Beast retelling, it’s a story of love, grief, perseverance, carving your own path and taking control of your own destiny. It’s like a warm bowl of chicken noodle soup for the soul.

And you also learn a lot about Norwegian folklore! It’s clear that the author did a lot of research to bring this book to life.

I’m so eager to read the sequel! 🤍

[Alanna Vane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wanted to read Beneath the Earth and Woods because of the connection to East of the Sun, and West of the Moon, and I was not disappointed.

I loved seeing the world unfold with the stories around the dark forest, the elves, and the war. The research put into placing the story in Norway was evident and felt from the very first pages. This all made for a great backstory for a Beauty and the Beast retelling.

When the story shifted to East of the Sun and West of the Moon, the book became impossible to put down.

Expect to meet an intriguing, diverse cast of characters reminiscent of classic fairy tales. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the dwarf kingdom, while I still shudder at the mental pictures from the kingdom of the dark elves.

Old fairy tales are often shockingly dark, but Thiele's love and appreciation for those stories shone through in the way she incorporated these heavier themes into her story, while holding onto the light.

This is a world I would very much enjoy returning to, and I hope to meet many of these characters again in future books. I'll be watching for Thiele's next one!

[Violet Heart · Rating 4 out of 5]

**A Classical Beauty & Beast Retelling Through & Through**

It is everything that your favorite fairy tale retelling should be twisted into. I love the gradual friendship & companionship to romance between Udyr and Sigrid. The romance part between the leads grows into you as it grows into the story. It’s comforting, cozy, and endearing. But the book has enough to keep on the edge to read what happens next. Without boring you much with detail, the writing does enough to experience character depth and the motivation behind the character’s choices. It was a great comfort read.

If you want to revisit your favorite fairy tale where you have more character depth, the freedom for motives behind the choices your characters make, and with a solid back story—this could be your fantastic next read, and it has a sassy talking fox! 🦊✨

[Haley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me hooked by the first page! I was immediately immersed in a world where history meets folklore; a refreshing take on fantasy. The vibrant characters stand out in the beautiful landscape Kacey Thiele has painted.

I loved the Udyr the moment Sigrid met him, and I adored watching their relationship progress. I had high hopes for the story and this book definitely did not disappoint! Beneath the Earth and Woods is one of my favorite books I've read this year! I can't wait for book 2!

[Em · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this story especially since its a debut novel! The rich history and mythos was so fascinating to dive into and get bits and pieces of as the romance unravels!

The first half was so intimate and intriguing as we are dropped with Sigrid right into the middle of a heavy mystery.

The second half was action packed and opened us to a completely new world. I only wish there was a bit more depth to some of the side characters in the latter half, but it was still very enjoyable nonetheless ❤️

[Maddie Perschbacher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first cozy read! I always wondered what people meant by that. It was so charming and a great beauty and beast retelling with cool Nordic themes. Definitely made me tear up at some parts and I thought it was a stand alone which it could be in some regards, but found out a second book is in progress! Excited for the next!

TW: eluded to past grooming/sexual abuse. But still clean and YA.

[Jennie Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've ever wanted a mashup of Beauty and the Beast with East of the Sun, West of the Moon this is your book! East of the Sun, West of the Moon is such a good fairy tale that I wish was done more. The Norwegian vibes from the tale are on point with the alternate fantasy setting of Norway complete with dwarves, elves, and so many fun Norwegian folklore elements.

The Beast is sweet and gentle and the love story was amazingly well developed. I was just dying for them to finally get together! I really enjoyed the friends to lovers vibes as opposed to the usual enemies to lovers with this fairytale.

This retelling also explores themes of power and abuse with the Beast's curse that I found really moving and thought provoking. The ending is uplifting and highly satisfying. I can't wait for the next book!

[Cheyenne Langevelde · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

I've been anticipating this release since I first met the author on Instagram. I was honored to be part of the eARC team and am glad that despite file issues causing a delay, I was able to read and now review this lovely debut.

It's a East of Sun, West of Moon meets Beauty and the Beast retelling, set during early 1800's Norway. The attention to detail and setting was marvelous, and it had all the vibes of being a cozy (though at times chilling!) fantasy tale. It's a perfect read for this time of year, and I enjoyed every minute of it. The characters were also all endearing, from Sigrid to the Udyr to Sno (may his fur be ever glossy) to even the minor characters. The author did a fantastic job with setting, pacing, and character development. For a debut, this book is incredible.

The only reason I docked half a star was because there were a few things that, while they did not detract from my enjoyment for the most part, I would have loved to see even more, and hope to see these things in whatever this author writes next. The main thing was that I would have loved to see more headspace or emotion or physical response. We'd see some of it in the key moments of the story, but the rest of the time, it was missing, and Sigrid felt very distant because of that. As someone who struggles with this in my own writing, I know how difficult it is to do, but I would love to see more expansion in this. It would make the story that much richer. And more details about cultural life during that time period in history. I know this is historical fantasy, but just a few more things on the historical side would have been lovely. The only other thing was (and confession time, I've not actually ever read the original story that this is a retelling of) the main climax almost felt a bit too convenient? Perhaps I'm used to stories that are more risky and dark, but I felt that things were resolved too easily, and it surprised me. This is by no means a bad thing (and a huge relief as a reader), but it did catch me off guard. A bit more struggle or difficulty would have made it a bit more realistic I think. But that's just being nitpicky.

Overall, I loved this tale immensely, plan on getting a physical copy as soon as I can, and would highly recommend it! It also is mostly clean in content (minus a few kissing scenes, nothing too graphic at all). For fans of Echo North, this is a great companion tale!

[Abbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this book. If you're a fan of fairytale retellings or sweet romantasy, Beneath the Earth and Woods needs to go right to the top of your TBR!

Sigrid is the daughter of farmers who are struggling to make ends meet. When a mysterious being in the dark forest offers her a job at his manor, she takes the chance to help her family even though she has always been told the forest and all who dwell within it are dangerous. But when she arrives at the manor and meets the Udyr, she finds not a monster, but a gentle & kind being suffering under a terrible curse; and slowly, she begins to fall in love with him. But in this story, breaking the curse is only the beginning; and Sigrid will have to decide just how far she's willing to go for the one she loves.

Beneath the Earth and Woods is a Beauty & the Beast retelling influenced by Nordic folklore & history. The first part of the book follows the traditional fairy tale in an expected way while giving the story its own unique twist (the gothic fairy tale vibes are perfect!). But then the second part of the book spun the story into an entirely new direction, and did it incredibly well. You get the best of both worlds with this book; it's a fairy-tale faithful retelling, and an entirely new story, all at once.

I was honestly shocked this was a debut. This book has rich world-building incorporating Nordic folklore & myth, and was extremely well-written. It also has a really interesting & unique plot, especially in the second half of the book. But my favorite part was the characters, and how they all interacted together; there is in-depth character and relational development, which you don't always see in fantasy romance unfortunately. But in this book, you truly get to know the characters, and the relationships develop very authentically. And speaking of relationships- this is a deeply, beautifully romantic book! Fans of sweet romance, you need this story in your life.

I loved this book, and I can't wait for it to publish so I can buy a print copy for my bookshelf! This is a beautiful story from a new author to watch. I would recommend this book to fans of fairy tale retellings, sweet (not spicy) Romantasy, and readers who love folklore & myths.

Thank you to the author for an Arc in exchange for a fair & honest review!

[Meiri · Rating 5 out of 5]

A masterful retelling of Beauty and the Beast & East of the Sun and West of the Moon!
Ever since I read the original version of Beauty and the Beast, written by Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve, I wondered when someone would pluck the courage to write a retelling of Beauty and the Beast with the backstories of Belle and her Prince on mind, and Kacey Thiele did it! She has a great understanding of the original story and the geniality of knitting the threads of this plot with the one of East of the Sun and West of the Moon, and as both stories have their roots on the myth of Eros and Psyche they are perfectly suited to be merged in one retelling.
Beneath the Earth and Woods is set on 1800’s Norway, but in an alternate world where magical creatures and humans coexist. Inspired by Norse mythology, the story is enriched with the presence of dwarves, nøkken and elves, who are not there just for embellishment, but who indeed have relevance on the plot. The main characters are complex and well nuanced, Sigrid is a heroine with great strength of mind without being a Mary Sue, she isn't perfect. I could feel Sigrid’s frustration with her strange dreams, her conflicted feelings towards the Udyr and the Prince as her shame when his true identity was uncovered, she is a character that feels real and because of that we can relate with her and root for her. The Udyr is the most wronged Beast of all, his backstory is even more heartbreaking than the original, his pain is palpable and I felt so badly for him! When he is finally free of his curse, we see that the prince isn't magically well, he will need time to recover from such an ordeal, and this felt such a logical thing to happen. Now, the villain was superb, the Dark Queen isn’t a cardboard villain, she is a true menace every time she appears, with a distorted moral she truly thinks to have been wronged and that she has the right to act the way she does!
And last but not least we have the dear arctic fox Snø, who is the best and most loyal of friends and deserves all the praise in the world!
Beneath the Earth and Woods has an immersive world, endearing characters and beautiful prose, it feels like a classic to me. The ending of the book is satisfying but the story isn’t finished, the author will publish two more books and the tale of Sigrid and her Prince will veer off the source material to walk on a new direction and I can’t wait for that!

[Alesa Bernat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beneath the Earth and Woods by Kacey Thiele evokes the dark fairytales we all enjoyed as children, but instead of fear her story fills you with a sense of intrigue and romance. Thiele draws on inspiration from Norse mythology, Norwegian history, and the tales of Beauty and the Beast (the original french story, rather than its Disney knockoff) as well as East of the Moon and West of the Sun, which is a personal favorite of mine. I really draw the line at calling this a "retelling". It stands alone as a fairytale driven by its own characters, scenery, and magic. So many elements were woven throughout the story, but each thread of something new fit wonderfully within the entire tapestry. The first few chapters were a bit slow as the scene was set, but by the halfway point there was nothing but action in the best way. Thiele's writing was immersive, but not too detailed as to bog itself down. I could imagine everything. It would be one amazing movie to watch with people of all ages, because the story really is safe for kids and adults alike. Thiele's characters were loveable and memorable. There was little to no spice, but it was not even missed. Best of all she reversed the roles and allowed the main female character to rescue the love interest rather than the other way around. Everything wrapped up nicely and left room for sequels to unfold. I can't wait to follow this author for many years to come. This is the best debut I have ever read from a self-published author. I happened upon this author quite recently via Instagram. I joined her ARC listing on a whim and I was not left disappointed. Thank you for the lovely adventure in this very enchanting ARC Kacey Thiele. I will be purchasing a paperback or hardcover of my own.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lovely retelling of my favorite fairytales, Beauty and the Beast and East of the Sun, West of the Moon. The romance is beautiful and gentle as the main characters fall in love over several months.

The first half is lovely and wonderfully magical and follows the reimagined Beauty and the Beast storyline. The second half features the journey the FMC goes through to save the MMC from the antagonist and reminds me a lot more of Gilded. It has some interesting reveals and character dynamics.

If fairytale retellings are your jam, definitely consider giving this book a go!

Comp titles:
East by Edith Pattou
Gilded by Marissa Meyer
Heart's Blood by Juliette Marilier

Themes:
Gentle beasty MMC
Sweet, no spice romance
Dream world sequences
Talking arctic fox animal companion
Belle if she were employed by the Beast, not captured
Magical curses and deals
Post-war society
Hidden identity
Light elves vs Dark elves

Content: mention of child tricked by a nefarious magical creature into dr*wning herself, brief mentions of gro*ming of minor by an adult in a position of power, mentions of women manipulated to have children with males who were using them and who then stole said children from their mothers once they came of age, forcing them to serve as their slaves/servants

[Renae · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a beautiful book and I can’t believe it was a debut.

I loved the writing and the setting and I liked how the first and second half of the book were different. The first half was a beauty and the beast retelling and we watched them fall in love which I adored and the second half was quite action pact. I was actually surprised at some of the dark topics i.e. grooming, but it was never that dark of a book. It was a great cozy read!

Henrik and Sigrid were so stinkin cute. With all the moody and broody MMCs Henrik is a breath of fresh air. He is soft, gentle and sweet and I loved him so much. He went through so much for so long so it was lovely to see his happy ending. Sigrid was also a lovely, kind and strong women who would do anything for her loved ones. They had a gentle and sweet love and it was so endearing.

I also loved the friendship between Henrik, Sigrid and Sno. It was adorable and I love animal companions.

I do wish it had more of an epilogue but it was still great and I would read more from this author.

[Laura Pu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kacey is a true word weaver. Her love for storytelling shines bright in her debut novel. The depth of her passion for her story and characters is felt from page one. Each character has a distinct voice, so much so that if you remove dialogue tags, you know exactly who is speaking. And that is such an incredible feat to accomplish, especially for a debut!

Knowing the author had done endless research (she even traveled overseas to ensure the atmosphere and setting were similar to set the right tone!), she poured her heart into every page. This story is bursting with bravery, self-awareness, self-acceptance, and love through all life’s strife with heart-pounding moments!

A cozy fantasy read that both squeezes and blooms your heart simultaneously. This fairytale retelling is great for the young, old, and all ages. 💓

[Tiana Lastra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story. From the opening pages, I was transported into the land. It is cozy, adventurous, and full of beautiful detail. The main characters are a soft strength, and their genuine care for one another brought out all the fairytale vibes. My heart pounded and broke with the characters through the story, and I can’t wait to read where Kacey takes us next!

[JJ Feller · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Udyr is perhaps my favorite “Beast" out of any retelling I’ve come across. This book had a little bit of everything— folklore, atmosphere, a magical manor, inception-style dream sequences (some of my favorite parts), a battle, and of course a good dose of romance. I adored the cast of characters— especially the talking (and feisty) arctic fox named Snø. A well-done debut novel!

[Tanya Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This isn't the sort of book I would normally read, but a friend recommended it - and I'm so glad I listened! In some ways it's a retelling of the classic Beauty and the Beast story, but then the book took it much further, and that's when it got really good. The author is able to create entire worlds, and paint a vivid picture that transports the reader there. Definitely worth a read!

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book!! It's a historical fantasy set in Norway with dwarves, dark elves, light elves, fantastical history, romance, beauty and the beast type of story, and Norse mythology. Also, this may be more personal, but I lowkey got Shrek and Donkey vibes from a couple characters. Was a phenomenal read!! Highly recommend💜

[Giniro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cool book! Its a slower burn and the stakes are never impending doom and the rush around. I loved the authors note at the end explain the original myths and the mash up of time and a look into the thought process for the story!

[Elena Shelest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written retelling, filled with northern folklore and myths.