The Tower Without a Door: A Rapunzel Retelling

Chronicles of Curses #3

by H.L. Macfarlane

Eventually, talking to yourself gets a little boring.

After being locked away for 12 years in an enchanted tower, Princess Genevieve finally decides that enough is enough. She’ll climb out of the window of the tower and...that’s where her plan ends. For Genevieve knows nothing of the world - not even the way back to the royal palace and her beloved mother. But, when a tired and angry wizard magically appears in the tower just as Genevieve is trying to escape it, she is provided with a very reluctant guide back home.

Julian Thorne has been exploring the world and strengthening his magic for 12 years to avoid coping with the mysterious death of his father. Now, shackled with a young woman who claims to be the Princess Genevieve, the wretched wizard becomes embroiled in a conspiracy that may finally give him answers to what happened 12 years ago. The lives of the two may be far more connected than either of them could have ever imagined.

Chronicles of Curses is a series of independent but interconnected fairy tale retellings that can largely be listened to in any order, though The Tower Without a Door is the preferred third in the series.

Genres: Retellings

Audible Audio

Published January 10, 2022

About the author

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NOTE: H. L. Macfarlane is currently on a publishing hiatus to focus on her mental health. She hopes to return with new titles in early 2026 and appreciates your understanding in the meantime.

Hayley Louise Macfarlane hails from the very tiny hamlet of Balmaha on the shores of Loch Lomond in Scotland. After graduating with a PhD in molecular genetics she did a complete 180 and moved into writing fiction. Though she loves writing multiple genres (fantasy, romance, sci-fi, psychological fiction and horror so far!) she is most widely known for her enemies-to-lovers STEM rom-com, The Unbalanced Equation, and her Gothic, Scottish fairy tale, Prince of Foxes – book one of the Bright Spear trilogy.

Reviews

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a different telling of Rapunzel. She wants to leave the tower and find her way home to her mother but she has no idea how to find her way home. A wizard appears in the tower and she asks for help. Will he help her? How will they get on? See how they get on

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Suzanne Hare · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her golden hair had grown to about eight feet during the time she was trapped in the tower without a door. Evie, now 20 is finally rescued by the owner of the tower, a wizard named Julian. They et off on foot to take to her back to her father the king. What they don’t expect is that they will encounter danger, dark secrets, betrayals and hardships. They also didn’t expect their feelings to grow towards each other.

This story is loosely based on the fairytale of Goldilocks and is the third book in the Chronicles of Curses series. The characters were well cratered, interesting and full of personality. It was great to see how Evie gets to know the world around her after being held in a tower for twelve years. The narrative was great giving a picture of the time period that the story took place. The story is told from both main character’s giving insight into their emotions, doubts and insecurities and motivations. The characters show a great deal of compassion and strength and are fairly equally matched. The storyline flowed smoothly and was filled with action, adventure, romance, magic danger and suspense. All in all it is a darn good tale. I enjoyed this book, it was an enjoyable read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rose Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely love this series. The Chronicles of Curses had me at the edge of my seat with all three books. This book was a retelling of Rapunzel. However, it had a different take to the story which I loved. The chemistry between Genevieve and Julian was addicting. I enjoyed these two together. The banter between them was amusing. Actually, in all three books, the main characters all bantered with each other which I loved. Macfarlane did a great job with the storyline. It kept me engaged and it was entertaining. All three books were great, but the first book, "Big, Bad Mister Wolfe" was my favorite. Scarlett and Adriene by far were my favorite characters and they showed up briefly in the other two books. I listened to the audio version of this series and Alexander Bevan narrated all three books. He's great! I've listened to other books by Beven and I love him. He draws me into the story and makes me feel like I'm part of the storyline. He's fantastic. I highly recommend this series. All three stories are from well-known fairytales, yet with a different take and unexpected twists. Mcfarlane's writing is excellent. I'll be searching out more of this author's books.

[A Story Explorer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love fairy tale retellings and while this story is complete, I found I had a hard time loving the story. It was ok to me, I could finish the book and it had a satisfying enough of an ending but I didn't feel impressed by the story or writing.

I would like to see better character development and dynamics and writing style.

I did enjoy the little twist at the climax and end but other than that it's was a quick and easy read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Vanessa Borges · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting retelling of Rapunzel where the FMC doesn’t just wait around to be rescued. I really enjoyed getting to know Julien better and watching the dynamics between Genevieve and Julien bloom. I appreciated the distinction between wizard and magician.

Overall a pleasant read with interesting characters.

Note: a copy of this audiobook was provided in exchange for an honest review.

[Janet Smith McHardy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful Rapunzel re-telling. The day Princess Genevieve decides to escape her tower, Julian Thorne shows up and saves her, This story held my attention from start to finish I loved the characters. Genevieve is both naive and inquisitive driving Julian to distraction.
This is a sweet funny listen with excellent narration.

[Kirsty Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent

[Billie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eventually, talking to yourself gets a little boring.
After being locked away for twelve years in an enchanted tower, Princess Genevieve finally decides that enough is enough. She’ll climb out of the window of the tower and…
And that’s where her plan ends. For Genevieve knows nothing of the world - not even the way back to the royal palace and her beloved mother. But when a tired and angry wizard magically appears in the tower just as Genevieve is trying to escape it, she is provided with a very reluctant guide back home.
Julian Thorne has been exploring the world and strengthening his magic for twelve years to avoid coping with the mysterious death of his father. Now shackled with a young woman who claims to be the Princess Genevieve, the wretched wizard becomes embroiled in a conspiracy that may finally give him answers to what happened twelve years ago.
The lives of the two may be far more connected than either of them could have ever imagined.

I really loved this twisted tale of Rapunzel.
I love the rethinking of the fairytale.
Love the way the characters and world are written.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always love a fairy-tale re-telling and this Rapunzel re-telling was no exception. The opening scene paints the background history for the main premise of the plot. Whilst some people might not like stories telling you this much information straight off, I felt this fit the book. For one, I felt it brings a little nostalgia to how some old fairy-tales were written and without the information, you would be reading more about this, and probably less about the journey and development of the two protagonists, Genevieve (Evie) and Julian.

There were a few slower parts to the overall plot during the first part of the story but made up for it by developing the two characters as they get to know each other. Both of the main characters were interesting and I loved the dialogue. I wish there was a bit more on the side characters as I’d love to have seen those explored a bit more but understood that the focus was on our lovable princess and grumpy wizard.

The story itself was an exciting mix of romance, adventure, royal betrayals, family secrets and an interesting take on magic. Was definitely fun to read.

[Evie Childs · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5. A charming, easy to read fairytale retelling with by far the best love interest in the Cursed series. I really enjoyed the atmosphere of this one, light, seductive and magical with one the most entertaining endings of the three stories. I much prefer Adrian and Scarlett and Julian and Evie to the godawful Killian any day!
Despite thoughts that these stories could have been better if they possessed just a bit more substance and depth, I am very tempted to check out the other books in the series. It’s easy, enjoyable escapism if nothing else!

[Ken Biltz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great one

Really enjoyed this twisted tale of Rapunzel. I enjoy these retelling of fairy tales told/read in my youth. Evil and Julian were both strong characters and I couldn’t put it down. Read this entire book in less than 12 hours. Hayley, you’ve done it again, great job.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third book in the Chronicles of Curses series and I want to read the next book. There is suspense, drama, danger, a evil king, twists, turns, a wizard, and a romance between Princess Genevieve and Wizard Julian Thorne the book had me smiling at times. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carlynne Toomey · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a disclaimer, I do not like fairytale retakes. However, with that being said, the author did a great job with this story. His character development is great and the story world is very well done. If you like fairy tales, you'll love this story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet, fun fairy tale retelling. I loved it! It's sweet, romantic, and has a great adventure to tell...

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Iris · Rating 2 out of 5]

Content:
Language: mild swearing, God's name in vain
Sexual: sex - non graphic

Rapunzel retelling. Unique ideas but the sex scenes took away from the story. I also found parts of it hard to believe which took me out of the story at different times.