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To Win a Dark Heart
Falling for the Winged Witch: A Villainous Twist on Wild Swans and Jack and the Beanstalk
A widowed queen trapped by her past.
A giant who just wants to be left alone.
A fowl curse that could cost them both everything.
Lindy never wanted to get married or have children—especially not seven stepsons old enough to be her brothers and a doddering royal husband. Just when it seems like things couldn’t possibly get any worse, the king suddenly dies, and her sinister reputation for casting curses means that all eyes and fingers are pointed at her. Rather than support their new mother, her stepsons seem determined to do everything they can to make her life miserable. When the youngest fills her room with water fowl as a prank, Lindy finally decides to take things into her own hands—and everything goes wrong.
Atlas lives with his head in the clouds, and he likes it that way. His ancestral home is hidden away so high in the mountains that it’s practically inaccessible. But somehow the secret has slipped, and he keeps chasing away unwanted visitors. After the latest break-in ends with his prized goose missing, Atlas is forced to do the one thing never climb down the beanstalk.
Unfortunately, the scoundrel who took his goose is now a swan, and the only way to get him to tell Atlas where she is is to help the witch who cast the curse in the first place. The nettlesome woman won’t give him the time of day, refusing to speak until the sun goes down. When she does, it’s to instruct him in the most ridiculous task he’s ever heard of.
But Atlas really wants to get his goose and go home, and if knitting is the way to achieve that, so be it. If only the task didn’t threaten to knit his heart to hers in the process…
Falling for the Winged Witch is a combined retelling of Jack and the Beanstalk and The Wild Swans, featuring tropes such as Unlikely Allies, Found Family, and Opposites Attract. It is the third book in the To Win a Dark Heart series, which retells fairy tales as old as time, but this time it’s the villain’s turn to get a happy ending.
A giant who just wants to be left alone.
A fowl curse that could cost them both everything.
Lindy never wanted to get married or have children—especially not seven stepsons old enough to be her brothers and a doddering royal husband. Just when it seems like things couldn’t possibly get any worse, the king suddenly dies, and her sinister reputation for casting curses means that all eyes and fingers are pointed at her. Rather than support their new mother, her stepsons seem determined to do everything they can to make her life miserable. When the youngest fills her room with water fowl as a prank, Lindy finally decides to take things into her own hands—and everything goes wrong.
Atlas lives with his head in the clouds, and he likes it that way. His ancestral home is hidden away so high in the mountains that it’s practically inaccessible. But somehow the secret has slipped, and he keeps chasing away unwanted visitors. After the latest break-in ends with his prized goose missing, Atlas is forced to do the one thing never climb down the beanstalk.
Unfortunately, the scoundrel who took his goose is now a swan, and the only way to get him to tell Atlas where she is is to help the witch who cast the curse in the first place. The nettlesome woman won’t give him the time of day, refusing to speak until the sun goes down. When she does, it’s to instruct him in the most ridiculous task he’s ever heard of.
But Atlas really wants to get his goose and go home, and if knitting is the way to achieve that, so be it. If only the task didn’t threaten to knit his heart to hers in the process…
Falling for the Winged Witch is a combined retelling of Jack and the Beanstalk and The Wild Swans, featuring tropes such as Unlikely Allies, Found Family, and Opposites Attract. It is the third book in the To Win a Dark Heart series, which retells fairy tales as old as time, but this time it’s the villain’s turn to get a happy ending.
178 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 30, 2026
About the author
Sarah Beran
32 books226 followersSarah lives in sunny southern California with her husband, two small children, and dog Pippin. An elementary music teacher by day, when she is not writing or devouring books she spends her free time running, making music, or playing make believe.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
February 12, 2026
4 stars ⭐️ Clean Fiction - Fairytale Retelling
Welp, that was a perfect Sarah Beran book with humor and depth within a mashup of fairytales. The cherry on top was that it was set in the world of my favorite series by her, “The Tales of Eukarya”—and it basically confirmed my theory that her “Seasons of Music and Magic” series is connected in a parallel/portal world kind of way! I might have been a bit giddy about that! 😁
I’ll admit I was really hesitant about this book when I first saw the title as I try to stay away from anything that has a witch in it, but I became hopeful when I heard it was about Lindy, the sister and curse-caster we meet in the “The Tales of Eukarya” series and also hearing she’s not an actual, practicing spells witch. She’s a hurt young woman who lived in an abusive household, has the ability to use magic thanks to bloodline, and uses sarcasm as a wall from letting others in. A moment of intense emotions causes an accidental curse that she knows she’s responsible for and needs to fix.
Enter in our male lead, who is quite literally a “gentle giant”. I cannot say it enough—Atlas was great. Great male lead, great goose-dad, and just great for Lindy. His encouragement to her was precious and was so wonderful to see. 🥹
I was really happy to be back in the “The Tales of Eukarya” world as I’ve enjoyed all of those books and not I can’t wait to read the next one releasing next month “Cursed Climb” (which is Jax’s story)!
Main Content-
Lindy is called a “witch” a few times and others believe she cursed the king and the princes; Lindy was taught magic when she was young due to have a bloodline that allowed her to so do, and uses her voice to channel magic either into an item or liquid; Lindy was told that “Magic is a powerful tool, Lindy. It can be used to do wonderful things, but it’s also capable of doing great harm. It’s like a heavy hammer—in the hands of a skilled, industrious worker, it can help build a house, but in the hands of an angry man those same walls will be demolished.”.
She has cursed people three times (once was to get what she wanted, one asked for it, and the last was an accident she has to fix in this book); Lindy agrees when someone calls her a “witch” because she’s a villain who has done “dark things” like cursing others.
A mention of a funeral service at a chapel; A comment about the Almighty having mercy on someone’s soul.
Many mentions of curses, magic, & breaking a curse; A few mentions of the witch, fairy, and curse, in the original Wild Swans story; A few mentions of ogres that eat boys in the original Jack and the Beanstalk story; A couple mentions of the Faerie Realm; A mention of "spooky spirits" in a graveyard.
Eye rolling & Sarcasm; A few mentions of curses/swearing (said, not written).
Lindy has difficulty trusting others due to abuse from her father’s temper (physical) and flinches when others go to touch her (up to a couple sentences); Lindy feels guilt when noticing that she welded her power over someone when the scales were balanced in her favor (she feels guilt over this because it reminds her of what her father would do); Lindy wishes to be loved and wanted.
Being kicked, grabbed, threatened, thrown in prison, pain, injuries, & blood/bleeding (up to a few sentences); Seeing someone almost burned at the stake (up to a couple sentences).
Mentions of deaths, possible murder, & grief; Mentions of executions (including being burned at the stake); Mentions of abuse (including physical abuse from a parent) & bullies; Mentions of break-ins, crimes, criminals, stealing, & thieves; Mentions of prisons & arrests; Mentions of injuries, pain, & blood/bleeding; Mentions of hatred; A few mentions of lies & lying; A couple mentions of a dog being beaten by a man and later fearing all men because of it; A mention of a war; A mention of jealousy.
2 fingers-to-lips touches,
Fingers kisses,
2 head/forehead kiss,
2 kisses lasting a couple sentences,
1 kiss lasting a few sentences.
Touches, Embraces (including sitting in another’s lap), Warmth, & Butterflies (up to a few sentences); Noticing (up to a couple sentences).
Atlas comments on wanting to taste Lindy; Lindy married a man who was 80-years-old and didn’t have any say in the matter (it was a political marriage).
A mention of thinking someone was seduced; A mention of jealousy.
Welp, that was a perfect Sarah Beran book with humor and depth within a mashup of fairytales. The cherry on top was that it was set in the world of my favorite series by her, “The Tales of Eukarya”—and it basically confirmed my theory that her “Seasons of Music and Magic” series is connected in a parallel/portal world kind of way! I might have been a bit giddy about that! 😁
I’ll admit I was really hesitant about this book when I first saw the title as I try to stay away from anything that has a witch in it, but I became hopeful when I heard it was about Lindy, the sister and curse-caster we meet in the “The Tales of Eukarya” series and also hearing she’s not an actual, practicing spells witch. She’s a hurt young woman who lived in an abusive household, has the ability to use magic thanks to bloodline, and uses sarcasm as a wall from letting others in. A moment of intense emotions causes an accidental curse that she knows she’s responsible for and needs to fix.
Enter in our male lead, who is quite literally a “gentle giant”. I cannot say it enough—Atlas was great. Great male lead, great goose-dad, and just great for Lindy. His encouragement to her was precious and was so wonderful to see. 🥹
I was really happy to be back in the “The Tales of Eukarya” world as I’ve enjoyed all of those books and not I can’t wait to read the next one releasing next month “Cursed Climb” (which is Jax’s story)!
Main Content-
Lindy is called a “witch” a few times and others believe she cursed the king and the princes; Lindy was taught magic when she was young due to have a bloodline that allowed her to so do, and uses her voice to channel magic either into an item or liquid; Lindy was told that “Magic is a powerful tool, Lindy. It can be used to do wonderful things, but it’s also capable of doing great harm. It’s like a heavy hammer—in the hands of a skilled, industrious worker, it can help build a house, but in the hands of an angry man those same walls will be demolished.”.
She has cursed people three times (once was to get what she wanted, one asked for it, and the last was an accident she has to fix in this book); Lindy agrees when someone calls her a “witch” because she’s a villain who has done “dark things” like cursing others.
A mention of a funeral service at a chapel; A comment about the Almighty having mercy on someone’s soul.
Many mentions of curses, magic, & breaking a curse; A few mentions of the witch, fairy, and curse, in the original Wild Swans story; A few mentions of ogres that eat boys in the original Jack and the Beanstalk story; A couple mentions of the Faerie Realm; A mention of "spooky spirits" in a graveyard.
Eye rolling & Sarcasm; A few mentions of curses/swearing (said, not written).
Lindy has difficulty trusting others due to abuse from her father’s temper (physical) and flinches when others go to touch her (up to a couple sentences); Lindy feels guilt when noticing that she welded her power over someone when the scales were balanced in her favor (she feels guilt over this because it reminds her of what her father would do); Lindy wishes to be loved and wanted.
Being kicked, grabbed, threatened, thrown in prison, pain, injuries, & blood/bleeding (up to a few sentences); Seeing someone almost burned at the stake (up to a couple sentences).
Mentions of deaths, possible murder, & grief; Mentions of executions (including being burned at the stake); Mentions of abuse (including physical abuse from a parent) & bullies; Mentions of break-ins, crimes, criminals, stealing, & thieves; Mentions of prisons & arrests; Mentions of injuries, pain, & blood/bleeding; Mentions of hatred; A few mentions of lies & lying; A couple mentions of a dog being beaten by a man and later fearing all men because of it; A mention of a war; A mention of jealousy.
2 fingers-to-lips touches,
Fingers kisses,
2 head/forehead kiss,
2 kisses lasting a couple sentences,
1 kiss lasting a few sentences.
Touches, Embraces (including sitting in another’s lap), Warmth, & Butterflies (up to a few sentences); Noticing (up to a couple sentences).
Atlas comments on wanting to taste Lindy; Lindy married a man who was 80-years-old and didn’t have any say in the matter (it was a political marriage).
A mention of thinking someone was seduced; A mention of jealousy.
January 17, 2026
****Actual Rating 4.5 Stars****
Can’t say after reading Chords of Green and Gold that I wanted nor expected a story about the antagonist, Belinda aka Lindy, but here we are and despite my doubts in the first chapter I ended up loving this sweet little tale far more then I thought I would! My gosh though her stepsons were horribly mean, good grief! I felt so bad for Lindy and Atlas giving those boys a piece of his mind and protect her was EVERYTHING, he was so sweet!
The combining of The Wild Swans and Jack and the Beanstalk was super creative and well done, and I kept guessing throughout how certain elements from both tales would play out and was surprised and pleased with each one. And the climax was WILD, my goodness that was pure chaos!
The way Lindy’s past and present abuse was handled in such a light but raw and real way was very well done, and Atlas being there for her despite how bad her past actions were was so sweet and just everything.
The only part that confused me was the whole Jax and the golden egg bit which went nowhere and felt weirdly out of place, even though I know those elements are part of Jack and the Beanstalk. Though…hang on a second. *runs off to go check something* *runs back* Okay, I think Jax is one of the MCs in her next book in another multi author series, Cursed Climb, which is also a mash-up of JatB, so that makes sense now! Though I still stand behind saying if you don’t know that the scene is strange and feels out of place; so not great since they’re not in a series together (at least not right now) but it’s not totally wasted either, as long as it ends up being the same character, that is, lol.
So far I haven’t been too fond of this author’s series books but have generally loved her multi author contributions which is interesting, lol, and this one is no exception, as I really enjoyed this little tale and had a hard time putting it down! Can’t wait for the release of Cursed Climb later this year!
‼️Content‼️
TRIGGER WARNING: a character is bullied; hints at past physical/verbal/emotional abuse
Violence: a character is nearly burned at the stake; fighting with swans and hand to hand (not detailed); injuries and blood (not detailed)
Sexual: a kiss (not detailed)
Other: a character is bullied; hints at past physical/verbal/emotional abuse; magic; magical abilities; a character curses others (past and present); a character’s called a witch; a character’s locked up in a dungeon
****Note: I received a free copy of the book from the author/publisher. All thoughts and opinions are most assuredly my own and I wasn’t required to write a positive review. If I was I wouldn’t have read it. 😜****
Can’t say after reading Chords of Green and Gold that I wanted nor expected a story about the antagonist, Belinda aka Lindy, but here we are and despite my doubts in the first chapter I ended up loving this sweet little tale far more then I thought I would! My gosh though her stepsons were horribly mean, good grief! I felt so bad for Lindy and Atlas giving those boys a piece of his mind and protect her was EVERYTHING, he was so sweet!
The combining of The Wild Swans and Jack and the Beanstalk was super creative and well done, and I kept guessing throughout how certain elements from both tales would play out and was surprised and pleased with each one. And the climax was WILD, my goodness that was pure chaos!
The way Lindy’s past and present abuse was handled in such a light but raw and real way was very well done, and Atlas being there for her despite how bad her past actions were was so sweet and just everything.
The only part that confused me was the whole Jax and the golden egg bit which went nowhere and felt weirdly out of place, even though I know those elements are part of Jack and the Beanstalk. Though…hang on a second. *runs off to go check something* *runs back* Okay, I think Jax is one of the MCs in her next book in another multi author series, Cursed Climb, which is also a mash-up of JatB, so that makes sense now! Though I still stand behind saying if you don’t know that the scene is strange and feels out of place; so not great since they’re not in a series together (at least not right now) but it’s not totally wasted either, as long as it ends up being the same character, that is, lol.
So far I haven’t been too fond of this author’s series books but have generally loved her multi author contributions which is interesting, lol, and this one is no exception, as I really enjoyed this little tale and had a hard time putting it down! Can’t wait for the release of Cursed Climb later this year!
‼️Content‼️
TRIGGER WARNING: a character is bullied; hints at past physical/verbal/emotional abuse
Violence: a character is nearly burned at the stake; fighting with swans and hand to hand (not detailed); injuries and blood (not detailed)
Sexual: a kiss (not detailed)
Other: a character is bullied; hints at past physical/verbal/emotional abuse; magic; magical abilities; a character curses others (past and present); a character’s called a witch; a character’s locked up in a dungeon
****Note: I received a free copy of the book from the author/publisher. All thoughts and opinions are most assuredly my own and I wasn’t required to write a positive review. If I was I wouldn’t have read it. 😜****
April 9, 2026
One of the most darling fairy tale retelling novellas I’ve read in a long time - and a retelling of one of my personal favourite tales to boot! A perfect balance of humour, depth, and pacing as well as starring characters easy to root for. This is the first of Beran’s works I’ve tried, but it won’t be the last.
January 6, 2026
Falling for the Winged Witch was a fantastic book. It retells the stories The Wild Swans and Jack and the Beanstalk flawlessly. I have wanted Lindy to get her own story after reading about her sister Eliza in A Bond of Ice and Sunshine. Admittedly I wasn't positive I would like her as the protagonist, but Sarah Beran has proven that some villains can be redeemed in the eyes of readers.
Lindy and Atlas were a great couple too. I loved how protective and caring he is to her as he slowly breaks away the barriers, she's built around herself during and after her abusive childhood. (I also really liked that the goose is his pet - so cute!) And I enjoyed seeing Lindy open up her fragile heart to him and learning she doesn't have to do everything by herself. Her friendship with her Ellie was also very sweet and I liked how Ellie stood by her even in the face of the prince's animosity. The princes were very annoyingly rude at first, but I was glad to see how they developed throughout the storyline. Their masterplan at the end had me chuckling too!
Overall Falling for the Winged Witch is a wonderful book that can be read by itself but is more enjoyable after reading Chords of Green and Gold and A Bond of Ice and Sunshine. I look forward to reading more books in this series as well as more books by Sarah Beran
Lindy and Atlas were a great couple too. I loved how protective and caring he is to her as he slowly breaks away the barriers, she's built around herself during and after her abusive childhood. (I also really liked that the goose is his pet - so cute!) And I enjoyed seeing Lindy open up her fragile heart to him and learning she doesn't have to do everything by herself. Her friendship with her Ellie was also very sweet and I liked how Ellie stood by her even in the face of the prince's animosity. The princes were very annoyingly rude at first, but I was glad to see how they developed throughout the storyline. Their masterplan at the end had me chuckling too!
Overall Falling for the Winged Witch is a wonderful book that can be read by itself but is more enjoyable after reading Chords of Green and Gold and A Bond of Ice and Sunshine. I look forward to reading more books in this series as well as more books by Sarah Beran
January 7, 2026
ARC Review - Falling for the Winged Witch by Sarah Beran.
I loved this so much. A retelling of Jack and the beanstalk mixed with the Seven Wild Swans.
This story was heartbreaking and healing at the same time, I was literally crying sad and happy tears at once.
Lindy is such a great character! So full of love and care despite all else. She made a huge mistake but it was never on purpose. Her dedication to fix it was so sad though.
Atlas… he was amazing! So misjudged and all because of physical appearance. It was unfair but he wore it like a crown. He absolutely got what he deserved.
I loved the ending! I would have liked to know a bit more about what happened to the princes and the idiot guard, but it was still great.
Highly recommended to fairytale readers. This is only my second book of Sarah but will definitely be reading all the rest soon. Thank you for the opportunity to read this early copy.
I loved this so much. A retelling of Jack and the beanstalk mixed with the Seven Wild Swans.
This story was heartbreaking and healing at the same time, I was literally crying sad and happy tears at once.
Lindy is such a great character! So full of love and care despite all else. She made a huge mistake but it was never on purpose. Her dedication to fix it was so sad though.
Atlas… he was amazing! So misjudged and all because of physical appearance. It was unfair but he wore it like a crown. He absolutely got what he deserved.
I loved the ending! I would have liked to know a bit more about what happened to the princes and the idiot guard, but it was still great.
Highly recommended to fairytale readers. This is only my second book of Sarah but will definitely be reading all the rest soon. Thank you for the opportunity to read this early copy.
![Profile Image for Jacquelyn 💐 {This Rapunzel Reads} [Jesus Christ, my Living Hope].](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1783567243i/169222098._UX200_CR0,0,200,200_.jpg)
March 17, 2026
First, I normally would stay away from anything that has the word witch in the title. It makes me wary as a Christian, but this had nothing really to do with witches. It was a cute retelling of the Wild Swans and Jack and the Beanstalk. Both of those fairytale and retellings aren’t usually my favorite. But this one was really good! My heart broke for Lindy and all that she had been through. I enjoyed seeing her transformation and how she grew and healed as a character. Atlas (I love that name!) was perfect for her. How they met was hilarious! 😂 I loved all of the twists and turns and it all worked out so perfectly! Sarah Beran is a new favorite author for me! I can’t wait to read Cursed Climb next!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Rtc!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really enjoyed this it was quite the interesting twist on the fairytales.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This no-spice fairytale retelling was such a heartbreaking story, making me very emotional throughout the whole novella! The author beautifully weaved the villains from Jack and the Beanstalk and The Wild Swans together in a story of redemption and misunderstandings. I loved how attentive Atlas was towards Lindy, and how he was able to get her to open up. The hardships Lindy endured and her deep desire to belong are things I'm sure would resonate with many readers, just as they did with me.
When Queen Lindy's elderly husband dies, she's falsely accused of his murder by a kingdom that thinks she's a witch. To make matters worse, his seven sons play another cruel prank on her, trapping a flock of stolen waterfowl in her room. In a moment of overwhelmed emotions, Lindy accidentally curses the princes, turning them into swans. Her lady-in-waiting and loyal friend, Ellie, tries to help her escape from the kingdom that now thinks she killed the whole family. While trying to break the curse, she encounters the giant, Atlas, who is searching for his goose that one of the princes stole for their prank. Offering her his help and protection, she slowly reveals her true self to him, and to the princes who never gave her a chance.
Will they be able to trust each other and break the curse before her fate is sealed?
I received an Advanced Reader Copy with no expectation of a review. All opinions are my own.
When Queen Lindy's elderly husband dies, she's falsely accused of his murder by a kingdom that thinks she's a witch. To make matters worse, his seven sons play another cruel prank on her, trapping a flock of stolen waterfowl in her room. In a moment of overwhelmed emotions, Lindy accidentally curses the princes, turning them into swans. Her lady-in-waiting and loyal friend, Ellie, tries to help her escape from the kingdom that now thinks she killed the whole family. While trying to break the curse, she encounters the giant, Atlas, who is searching for his goose that one of the princes stole for their prank. Offering her his help and protection, she slowly reveals her true self to him, and to the princes who never gave her a chance.
Will they be able to trust each other and break the curse before her fate is sealed?
I received an Advanced Reader Copy with no expectation of a review. All opinions are my own.
April 5, 2026
4.5
I loved both the characters and the story line. Definitely interesting and I really like how it has a moral to it. So yeah, really good!
I loved both the characters and the story line. Definitely interesting and I really like how it has a moral to it. So yeah, really good!
February 16, 2026
Falling for the Winged Witch
To Win a Dark Heart #3
By Sarah Beran
Being a stepmother to children nearly your own age is not what Lindy wanted for her life. And apparently neither did her stepsons. But as a now unnecessary heir to the throne, her father needs to make way for her brother. Lindy's been trained to be a queen, and this is an excellent way to be done with her. So what if the king she is to marry is on the older side?
Lindy has an unfortunate reputation, and when the elderly king she's married to dies, she's blamed. Okay, maybe she did turn a prince into a frog, but that was years ago. She didn't kill the king, and she has no aspirations to the throne. Not that anyone believes her.
When her stepsons play yet another prank that goes too far, Lindy is left heartbroken and accidentally curses her stepsons, including the crown prince. The only way to set everything right is to flee the castle and the charges of murder being brought against her. She needs to break the curse, and to do so will take time.
As she works, she comes across another victim of her stepsons' "fowl" prank, a giant looking for his stolen goose. Yikes! But Atlas is determined to wait until the curse is broken. Yes, he wants his goose back that much. And he can't get much from Lindy. During the daylight hours, Lindy cannot speak; it's all part of the curse-breaking process.
This was a cute mash-up of Jack and the Beanstalk and The Wild Swans. The story was a unique and engaging read. Perfect for a late-night reading treat.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own.
To Win a Dark Heart #3
By Sarah Beran
Being a stepmother to children nearly your own age is not what Lindy wanted for her life. And apparently neither did her stepsons. But as a now unnecessary heir to the throne, her father needs to make way for her brother. Lindy's been trained to be a queen, and this is an excellent way to be done with her. So what if the king she is to marry is on the older side?
Lindy has an unfortunate reputation, and when the elderly king she's married to dies, she's blamed. Okay, maybe she did turn a prince into a frog, but that was years ago. She didn't kill the king, and she has no aspirations to the throne. Not that anyone believes her.
When her stepsons play yet another prank that goes too far, Lindy is left heartbroken and accidentally curses her stepsons, including the crown prince. The only way to set everything right is to flee the castle and the charges of murder being brought against her. She needs to break the curse, and to do so will take time.
As she works, she comes across another victim of her stepsons' "fowl" prank, a giant looking for his stolen goose. Yikes! But Atlas is determined to wait until the curse is broken. Yes, he wants his goose back that much. And he can't get much from Lindy. During the daylight hours, Lindy cannot speak; it's all part of the curse-breaking process.
This was a cute mash-up of Jack and the Beanstalk and The Wild Swans. The story was a unique and engaging read. Perfect for a late-night reading treat.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
When I started this book, I didn’t think I was going to like it much. I didn’t understand how the two storylines were going to combine in a way that made sense, and I wasn't really a fan of Lindy.
This changed quickly. Lindy was so hurt by everyone in her life but was still trying to be the better person. Atlas had given up on kindness and was resigned to a life alone. They met after the princes had been cursed, when Lindy was working on the nettle shirts. And even though I wasn't a huge fan of how this ended, with both still being seen as a villian by the general population, I loved everyone's growth and I hope there is a story later where the new king tries to make everything right.
This changed quickly. Lindy was so hurt by everyone in her life but was still trying to be the better person. Atlas had given up on kindness and was resigned to a life alone. They met after the princes had been cursed, when Lindy was working on the nettle shirts. And even though I wasn't a huge fan of how this ended, with both still being seen as a villian by the general population, I loved everyone's growth and I hope there is a story later where the new king tries to make everything right.
January 30, 2026
~Overall 4.5 Stars~
This is the first I've read of Sarah Beran's, and I will probably read more of her books after this. Falling for the Winged Witch is a very cute short novel that retold the stories of Wild Swans and Jack and the Beanstalk.
All of the characters came to life and had their own voice, which is a remarkable feat in the short pages of the book. Lindy wasn't just a damsel in distress or an evil witch. She had a rough life and made some bad choices. Atlas was a gentle, caring, misunderstood giant. I didn't think I would like the pairing, but their relationship worked surprisingly well.
I recommend this book to anyone looking for a clean, no-spice, fantasy romance.
This is the first I've read of Sarah Beran's, and I will probably read more of her books after this. Falling for the Winged Witch is a very cute short novel that retold the stories of Wild Swans and Jack and the Beanstalk.
All of the characters came to life and had their own voice, which is a remarkable feat in the short pages of the book. Lindy wasn't just a damsel in distress or an evil witch. She had a rough life and made some bad choices. Atlas was a gentle, caring, misunderstood giant. I didn't think I would like the pairing, but their relationship worked surprisingly well.
I recommend this book to anyone looking for a clean, no-spice, fantasy romance.
January 31, 2026
Falling for the Winged Witch was a sweet and satisfying read, but then again, Beran’s novels always are. They feel cozy to me, no matter the situation the characters end up in. This story is about the giant from Jack and the Beanstalk and the “witch” from The Wild Swans.
The characters. Lindy and Atlas are so cute together. She’s lonely, he’s antisocial. What could possibly be a better match? I loved the way Atlas always wanted to make sure that Lindy was not alone in anything and that she was taken care of. Their banter is cute! The playful water scene is one of my highlights. I really love the growth of her stepbrothers and I adored Atlas’ goose, Phoebe (I’m nothing if not a bird lover).
The ending was my favorite part of this story. I won’t spoil it. Just know, I loved the combination of the two fairytales and Atlas’ actions were fabulous!
(A note: from my understanding, Lindy is not so much a witch as an inheritor of hereditary magic. Just something to keep in mind if you don’t want a book with witches.)
Thank you to Sarah Beran for an ARC of Falling for the Winged Witch! All opinions are my own.
No-Spice Rating: 1.5 light kissing
Language: Clean
Faith-Elements: None
The characters. Lindy and Atlas are so cute together. She’s lonely, he’s antisocial. What could possibly be a better match? I loved the way Atlas always wanted to make sure that Lindy was not alone in anything and that she was taken care of. Their banter is cute! The playful water scene is one of my highlights. I really love the growth of her stepbrothers and I adored Atlas’ goose, Phoebe (I’m nothing if not a bird lover).
The ending was my favorite part of this story. I won’t spoil it. Just know, I loved the combination of the two fairytales and Atlas’ actions were fabulous!
(A note: from my understanding, Lindy is not so much a witch as an inheritor of hereditary magic. Just something to keep in mind if you don’t want a book with witches.)
Thank you to Sarah Beran for an ARC of Falling for the Winged Witch! All opinions are my own.
No-Spice Rating: 1.5 light kissing
Language: Clean
Faith-Elements: None
February 1, 2026
3.5 ⭐️ rounded up.
This was a very sweet retelling, with lots of tenderness and sarcasm, though I feel that Atlas and Lindy falling in love over the course of three days is quite unrealistic. Super cute book, definitely reccomend.
This was a very sweet retelling, with lots of tenderness and sarcasm, though I feel that Atlas and Lindy falling in love over the course of three days is quite unrealistic. Super cute book, definitely reccomend.
January 30, 2026
Loved it!
I loved this clever and sweet story! I read the whole thing in one sitting, and it was time well spent.
I loved this clever and sweet story! I read the whole thing in one sitting, and it was time well spent.
January 22, 2026
Oh this villain retelling just hit the spot for me. I could not put it down and it was such a sad story with just the right amount of hope. I don’t know if I could pick a favorite part in this book because i seriously just loved the entire book. I couldn’t put it down just knowing that this witch who was severely picked on and deserves better is being framed for everything and who, but another outcast comes to her rescue and even stands up for her and shows the right way to treat a person for these seven spoiled princes, and the transformation of the princess is amazing and real and unforced. I just loved every moment of this book.
February 13, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
June 12, 2026
Content:
Profanity: None.
Violence: Mild. Bruises, scrapes, and pain from stinging nettles (wild swans retelling). Attempts to kill characters by burning at the stake.
Sexual: Mild. hand holding, hugs, and holding. Sweet kisses, nothing spicy.
Triggers: Character has been physically abused in the past by a parent. Nothing is on screen or even flashback though. Pranks are played and a character is constantly harangued verbally by everyone around her save two people.
This is Belinda's story from Tales of Eukarya! it took me a bit to realize that, since she's called Lindy in this and I forgot that was her nickname.
Giving Lindy such a fun and healing story made me smile. I enjoyed seeing her side of things, and seeing how so much of what she did was a desperate bid to escape from a horrible home life. Eliza (from A Bond of Ice and Sunshine) escaped by numbing herself with magic. Lindy escapes by marrying a guy that could be her grandfather after her horrible debacle with Dorian (from Chords of Green and Gold).
The way Atlas is introduced and immediately sees that Lindy's been hurt in the past was amazing. He's seen it before and it changes how he interacts with her, and boy did I LOVE how he takes those brothers to task for how they've treated her.
The thing I loved most was how the characters in this weren't one-dimensional. They all had solid reasons for acting the way they did, and it made it easier to forgive them and even love them in the end. I'd say that was true of all characters but one. But I thought the same of Belinda when she was introduced in Chords of Green and Gold. I love how Sarah Beran does that. She takes a character that seems stereotypical, but then shows us why they did what they did, and it makes sense. It fits their experience and how they were trying to protect themselves or get what they needed.
I will definitely read this again. It was just so sweet and had such a good message about trying to change and taking responsibility as well as patience and true love.
Happy warm fuzzies always happen when I read Sarah Beran. That's why she's a go-to for me.
Profanity: None.
Violence: Mild. Bruises, scrapes, and pain from stinging nettles (wild swans retelling). Attempts to kill characters by burning at the stake.
Sexual: Mild. hand holding, hugs, and holding. Sweet kisses, nothing spicy.
Triggers: Character has been physically abused in the past by a parent. Nothing is on screen or even flashback though. Pranks are played and a character is constantly harangued verbally by everyone around her save two people.
This is Belinda's story from Tales of Eukarya! it took me a bit to realize that, since she's called Lindy in this and I forgot that was her nickname.
Giving Lindy such a fun and healing story made me smile. I enjoyed seeing her side of things, and seeing how so much of what she did was a desperate bid to escape from a horrible home life. Eliza (from A Bond of Ice and Sunshine) escaped by numbing herself with magic. Lindy escapes by marrying a guy that could be her grandfather after her horrible debacle with Dorian (from Chords of Green and Gold).
The way Atlas is introduced and immediately sees that Lindy's been hurt in the past was amazing. He's seen it before and it changes how he interacts with her, and boy did I LOVE how he takes those brothers to task for how they've treated her.
The thing I loved most was how the characters in this weren't one-dimensional. They all had solid reasons for acting the way they did, and it made it easier to forgive them and even love them in the end. I'd say that was true of all characters but one. But I thought the same of Belinda when she was introduced in Chords of Green and Gold. I love how Sarah Beran does that. She takes a character that seems stereotypical, but then shows us why they did what they did, and it makes sense. It fits their experience and how they were trying to protect themselves or get what they needed.
I will definitely read this again. It was just so sweet and had such a good message about trying to change and taking responsibility as well as patience and true love.
Happy warm fuzzies always happen when I read Sarah Beran. That's why she's a go-to for me.
January 30, 2026
*4.5 stars*
Genre: Fantasy, fairy tale retelling [of The Wild Swans and Jack and the Beanstalk]
Tropes: Unlikely allies, on the run, misunderstood
Setting: Castle, forest, up the mountain
Writing style: Dual POV, 3rd person, past tense; includes a flashback
Tone: Vulnerable
Character- or plot-driven: Character-driven
Romance: Yes
Clean level:
• 1 mouth kiss minimally described, pulling closer by shirt
• 2 mouth kisses barely described but 1 with taste
• Kiss fingertips, 1 sentence; again 2 sentences
• 1 forehead kiss, one sentence; 1 head kiss, zero description; 1 forehead touch, zero description
• Man sits on the ground with woman in his lap and her head on his chest; preceded by her nuzzling into his neck; barely described in a very tame context
• Brush cheek with fingers
• “Smoldering” look, 1 sentence
Sensitive aspect: Lyndy was abused by her father and still bears the scars, including flinching whenever a man lifts a hand toward her.
Favorite aspects of the book:
• The way Atlas and Ellie offer Lyndy understanding when no else does, and eventually help her find faith in herself
• Lyndy and Atlas’s relationship
• The redemption and forgiveness
Thoughts on main characters:
• Lyndy’s temper is what has previously got her into trouble with her magic, yet she also displays an impressive forebearance when it comes to her stepsons’ abuse. And when she accidentally turns them into swans, she immediately works to make it right, despite her anger and pain, despite the fact they’d never do the same for her.
• Atlas can be both fierce and gentle, and his indignation on Lyndy’s behalf even when they’ve just met shows his sense of justice.
• Ellie’s loyalty to Lyndy despite the horrible things even her own sweetheart, the oldest prince, believe about Lyndy. She doesn’t allow others’ judgement to guide her own. As Lyndy’s lady-in-waiting, she’s had a close-up view of her for the past few years, and she can sense the trauma lying behind the exterior.
Aside from Atlas and Elise, everyone views Lyndy through a lens of guilt and suspicion. They interpret her composure and fortitude as cold and calculating—because, as they see it, being a villain, she can’t have any other reason. They refuse to consider the strength it takes to endure the abuse of her stepsons and the scorn and ridicule from every corner. Or stop to consider that maybe such an experience was nothing new to her. Only the person closest to her and the outsider with a baselessly ugly reputation of his own are able to recognize her mental scars, because only they care enough to notice.
The beauty of Lyndy and Atlas’s relationship lies in the empathy and tenderness he shows her, even when he’s just met her and her barriers are still up. Even before she’s ready to receive all he offers, he shows her that a man can be gentle and good—something she hasn’t seen since her tutor was dismissed for trying to protect her from her father. He highlights how her character contrasts with the accusations leveled against her, gives voice to her defense mechanisms, and forces her stepsons to reckon with their shameful behavior toward her. The longer he’s with her, the more he yearns to replace her fear-instilling memories with ones that nurture and heal. For the first time, she begins to feel safe with someone, like maybe she can start trusting people again.
____________________________________
The type of illogic easy to fall prey to. It matters because why should they be proven right? Whether or not you are one is on you, no one can make you be one.
Favorite Quotations:
• My heart never stopped beating, but my imprisonment was its own form of death. It separated me from my throne, my power, and my tea.
• A smirk played along the corner of one of his lips. “Yes, they were blissfully silent when you froze them.”
• The queen, wearing a glamour that made her leather clothes look like a peasant’s dress, sniffed dramatically. “Please, we’ve been riding for days.” She hiccupped. Literally hiccupped. She was lucky I had experience in schooling my face because my eyes were threatening to roll out of my head.
• I drew a ragged breath as a new Andar—an old Andar who cared about people more than power—shook off centuries of oppression. My own oppression of myself had been even more cruel than what Brintontoven had done to me. He’d imprisoned a power-hungry monster. I’d smothered a good person with a cruel one.
• I hadn’t been on the island when her body finally gave up its grasp on her soul, and when I’d received word of her passing, I’d buried the sorrow of not being there into the same mass grave I’d built for a quickly growing collection of other regrets.
• All the power I’d once tried to control—all the strength I’d thought it would bring me—was nothing compared to the strength that came from trusting. Or the power in admitting I could be wrong without being weak. And the security that came from being known—seen and understood and accepted for exactly who we both were—strengths, weaknesses, hopes, and desires. We were stronger together.
• “I didn’t realize we were having the king for dinner,” he scowled for the sake of tradition. The expression was short-lived, unable to survive long in the presence of Lindy’s smile. She brightened as he entered the room, perking up like a cut flower in a vase of cold water, and jumped from her chair to greet him. “We’re not having him for dinner,” she corrected with a twinkle in her eye. [...] “You need to choose different words if we’re going to salvage your reputation. “Will doing that result in more visitors?” “It could.” [...] “In that case, I stand by my previous statement.”
(I received a free ARC of this book from the author and am gratefully—voluntarily—leaving a review.)
Genre: Fantasy, fairy tale retelling [of The Wild Swans and Jack and the Beanstalk]
Tropes: Unlikely allies, on the run, misunderstood
Setting: Castle, forest, up the mountain
Writing style: Dual POV, 3rd person, past tense; includes a flashback
Tone: Vulnerable
Character- or plot-driven: Character-driven
Romance: Yes
Clean level:
• 1 mouth kiss minimally described, pulling closer by shirt
• 2 mouth kisses barely described but 1 with taste
• Kiss fingertips, 1 sentence; again 2 sentences
• 1 forehead kiss, one sentence; 1 head kiss, zero description; 1 forehead touch, zero description
• Man sits on the ground with woman in his lap and her head on his chest; preceded by her nuzzling into his neck; barely described in a very tame context
• Brush cheek with fingers
• “Smoldering” look, 1 sentence
Sensitive aspect: Lyndy was abused by her father and still bears the scars, including flinching whenever a man lifts a hand toward her.
Favorite aspects of the book:
• The way Atlas and Ellie offer Lyndy understanding when no else does, and eventually help her find faith in herself
• Lyndy and Atlas’s relationship
• The redemption and forgiveness
Thoughts on main characters:
• Lyndy’s temper is what has previously got her into trouble with her magic, yet she also displays an impressive forebearance when it comes to her stepsons’ abuse. And when she accidentally turns them into swans, she immediately works to make it right, despite her anger and pain, despite the fact they’d never do the same for her.
• Atlas can be both fierce and gentle, and his indignation on Lyndy’s behalf even when they’ve just met shows his sense of justice.
• Ellie’s loyalty to Lyndy despite the horrible things even her own sweetheart, the oldest prince, believe about Lyndy. She doesn’t allow others’ judgement to guide her own. As Lyndy’s lady-in-waiting, she’s had a close-up view of her for the past few years, and she can sense the trauma lying behind the exterior.
Aside from Atlas and Elise, everyone views Lyndy through a lens of guilt and suspicion. They interpret her composure and fortitude as cold and calculating—because, as they see it, being a villain, she can’t have any other reason. They refuse to consider the strength it takes to endure the abuse of her stepsons and the scorn and ridicule from every corner. Or stop to consider that maybe such an experience was nothing new to her. Only the person closest to her and the outsider with a baselessly ugly reputation of his own are able to recognize her mental scars, because only they care enough to notice.
The beauty of Lyndy and Atlas’s relationship lies in the empathy and tenderness he shows her, even when he’s just met her and her barriers are still up. Even before she’s ready to receive all he offers, he shows her that a man can be gentle and good—something she hasn’t seen since her tutor was dismissed for trying to protect her from her father. He highlights how her character contrasts with the accusations leveled against her, gives voice to her defense mechanisms, and forces her stepsons to reckon with their shameful behavior toward her. The longer he’s with her, the more he yearns to replace her fear-instilling memories with ones that nurture and heal. For the first time, she begins to feel safe with someone, like maybe she can start trusting people again.
____________________________________
They’ll never see me as anything other than a witch. Why not just give them what they want?
The type of illogic easy to fall prey to. It matters because why should they be proven right? Whether or not you are one is on you, no one can make you be one.
Favorite Quotations:
• My heart never stopped beating, but my imprisonment was its own form of death. It separated me from my throne, my power, and my tea.
• A smirk played along the corner of one of his lips. “Yes, they were blissfully silent when you froze them.”
• The queen, wearing a glamour that made her leather clothes look like a peasant’s dress, sniffed dramatically. “Please, we’ve been riding for days.” She hiccupped. Literally hiccupped. She was lucky I had experience in schooling my face because my eyes were threatening to roll out of my head.
• I drew a ragged breath as a new Andar—an old Andar who cared about people more than power—shook off centuries of oppression. My own oppression of myself had been even more cruel than what Brintontoven had done to me. He’d imprisoned a power-hungry monster. I’d smothered a good person with a cruel one.
• I hadn’t been on the island when her body finally gave up its grasp on her soul, and when I’d received word of her passing, I’d buried the sorrow of not being there into the same mass grave I’d built for a quickly growing collection of other regrets.
• All the power I’d once tried to control—all the strength I’d thought it would bring me—was nothing compared to the strength that came from trusting. Or the power in admitting I could be wrong without being weak. And the security that came from being known—seen and understood and accepted for exactly who we both were—strengths, weaknesses, hopes, and desires. We were stronger together.
• “I didn’t realize we were having the king for dinner,” he scowled for the sake of tradition. The expression was short-lived, unable to survive long in the presence of Lindy’s smile. She brightened as he entered the room, perking up like a cut flower in a vase of cold water, and jumped from her chair to greet him. “We’re not having him for dinner,” she corrected with a twinkle in her eye. [...] “You need to choose different words if we’re going to salvage your reputation. “Will doing that result in more visitors?” “It could.” [...] “In that case, I stand by my previous statement.”
(I received a free ARC of this book from the author and am gratefully—voluntarily—leaving a review.)
March 24, 2026
The only thing I didn't like about this book is it was too short. I feel like I started it, blinked and finished it. But in between what an adorable whirlwind of words!
Lindy has a gift for magic that is tied to her emotions, so sometimes she accidentally curses people and as a result has been accused of being a wicked witch who killed the king (her husband.) However she’s neither wicked nor a murderer, simply extremely misunderstood. She’s also one of the kindest, most selfless and most forgiving characters you will ever meet! When she makes a mistake she forces herself to pay painful penance even though it is often others in the wrong, so when she accidentally turns the seven bratty princes into swans after they played a really awful prank on her she sets herself to knitting with stinging nettles in silence at the lake and shows remarkable self control when Atlas comes along and tries to engage her in conversation.
Atlas is a bit of a hermit and at over seven feet tall he’s considered a giant. As a man who loves his peace and solitude he plays into this reputation when boys climb the beanstalk to the top of the mountain to bug him, but his kind cook keeps feeding them – which of course makes the boys return (plenty of laugh out loud moments there! And the cook is such a sweetheart!) Anyhow, Atlas tends to shout about being hungry and one of the boys gives him rhyme tips! Hilarious! Atlas is cantankerous and grumpy but underneath his hard shell he is just the kindest, most protective man! When his goose is stolen by the cheeky boy who gave him threat-pointers, poor Atlas has no choice but to climb down the beanstalk (a vine that is like a ladder in the cliff – VERY clever twist on the original plant!) and look for Phoebe (who is the cutest, most adorable goose you’ll ever meet!) But instead of finding his goose he finds a beautiful silent queen and seven swans at the lake.
The banter between Lindy and Atlas is so cute, even when she has to stay silent and can only gesture in reply, I loved every moment! Their relationship develops quickly but realistically with Atlas’ protective side coming out through cooking for her, building fires and telling off the swans for treating their stepmother so badly. Thankfully they took the lecture to heart and started protecting Lindy instead of tormenting her, which was a wonderful character arc!
I must mention that Lindy is wary of Atlas at first, being used to abuse, but he shows her through gentle protectiveness that he can be trusted. I thought that was completely adorable and his respect for her is just so precious! It does lead to a misunderstanding that could have grave consequences but this gets sorted out in time, thankfully. The story is a wonderful depiction of how love and kindness can overcome fear.
I don’t want to give the ending away obviously but it was fantastically dramatic and entertaining and if this book was made into a movie I’d be the first to watch it like 20 times in a row. However the movie in my mind is definitely begging to be played again and methinks it won’t be very long before I give this super-short masterpiece a reread!
Lindy has a gift for magic that is tied to her emotions, so sometimes she accidentally curses people and as a result has been accused of being a wicked witch who killed the king (her husband.) However she’s neither wicked nor a murderer, simply extremely misunderstood. She’s also one of the kindest, most selfless and most forgiving characters you will ever meet! When she makes a mistake she forces herself to pay painful penance even though it is often others in the wrong, so when she accidentally turns the seven bratty princes into swans after they played a really awful prank on her she sets herself to knitting with stinging nettles in silence at the lake and shows remarkable self control when Atlas comes along and tries to engage her in conversation.
Atlas is a bit of a hermit and at over seven feet tall he’s considered a giant. As a man who loves his peace and solitude he plays into this reputation when boys climb the beanstalk to the top of the mountain to bug him, but his kind cook keeps feeding them – which of course makes the boys return (plenty of laugh out loud moments there! And the cook is such a sweetheart!) Anyhow, Atlas tends to shout about being hungry and one of the boys gives him rhyme tips! Hilarious! Atlas is cantankerous and grumpy but underneath his hard shell he is just the kindest, most protective man! When his goose is stolen by the cheeky boy who gave him threat-pointers, poor Atlas has no choice but to climb down the beanstalk (a vine that is like a ladder in the cliff – VERY clever twist on the original plant!) and look for Phoebe (who is the cutest, most adorable goose you’ll ever meet!) But instead of finding his goose he finds a beautiful silent queen and seven swans at the lake.
The banter between Lindy and Atlas is so cute, even when she has to stay silent and can only gesture in reply, I loved every moment! Their relationship develops quickly but realistically with Atlas’ protective side coming out through cooking for her, building fires and telling off the swans for treating their stepmother so badly. Thankfully they took the lecture to heart and started protecting Lindy instead of tormenting her, which was a wonderful character arc!
I must mention that Lindy is wary of Atlas at first, being used to abuse, but he shows her through gentle protectiveness that he can be trusted. I thought that was completely adorable and his respect for her is just so precious! It does lead to a misunderstanding that could have grave consequences but this gets sorted out in time, thankfully. The story is a wonderful depiction of how love and kindness can overcome fear.
I don’t want to give the ending away obviously but it was fantastically dramatic and entertaining and if this book was made into a movie I’d be the first to watch it like 20 times in a row. However the movie in my mind is definitely begging to be played again and methinks it won’t be very long before I give this super-short masterpiece a reread!
Review of advance copy received from Author
While I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book, the review below reflects my own opinion.
Sarah Beran has easily become a favorite author of mine, so I knew that this story would be good. I was indeed right! While I had wondered how Beran would meld the classic stories of Jack and the Beanstalk and Wild Swans together into a unique villainous story that would capture the reader's attention I wasn't prepared for the seamless way she did so.
Lindy has always felt unwanted. First in her own family, then by the king she was forced to marry as well as her new stepsons. From the moment she entered their lives, her stepsons have done everything they could to make her life miserable. Combine this with the ghosts of her past, it's no wonder Lindy buries her good heart beneath her sharp tongue and by pushing others away. When the king dies, the people begin to believe that it was because of her. When one of the pranks her stepsons play goes too far in the wake of the king's funeral, Lindy ends up accidentally cursing the princes. Desperate to break the curse even at the cost of being thrown into prison or put to death, Lindy escapes along with her stepsons who are now in the bodily form of swans. To break the curse, Lindy makes each of the princes shirts sewn from stinging nettles in silence from dawn to dusk. She doesn't expect to meet Atlas, the gentle giant who at first was only looking for his beloved goose that one of the princes had stolen for their prank.
Atlas is used to a life of solitude. His large intimidating height has forced him into his life of solitude as the townspeople are afraid of him. Only those looking for adventure have dared to climb the mountain to where he resides. When a young man escapes with his close companion, a goose he had rescued and raised from a gosling, he sets out to bring his friend back. When he stumbles upon Lindy at the lakeshore. Despite getting off on the wrong foot during their first interaction, Atlas can't bring himself to leave Lindy alone by herself where anything could happen to her. Offering his protection and help, the two slowly begin to trust each other. Atlas can't deny that there's something special about Lindy, despite her prickly personality. As Atlas slowly gains Lindy's trust and begins to get to know the real Lindy danger strikes.
Will Atlas be able to rescue Lindy before it's too late? Will Lindy be able to break the curse? Read Falling for the Winged Witch to find out! It's a great, clean, villianous story you will not want to miss!
Sarah Beran has easily become a favorite author of mine, so I knew that this story would be good. I was indeed right! While I had wondered how Beran would meld the classic stories of Jack and the Beanstalk and Wild Swans together into a unique villainous story that would capture the reader's attention I wasn't prepared for the seamless way she did so.
Lindy has always felt unwanted. First in her own family, then by the king she was forced to marry as well as her new stepsons. From the moment she entered their lives, her stepsons have done everything they could to make her life miserable. Combine this with the ghosts of her past, it's no wonder Lindy buries her good heart beneath her sharp tongue and by pushing others away. When the king dies, the people begin to believe that it was because of her. When one of the pranks her stepsons play goes too far in the wake of the king's funeral, Lindy ends up accidentally cursing the princes. Desperate to break the curse even at the cost of being thrown into prison or put to death, Lindy escapes along with her stepsons who are now in the bodily form of swans. To break the curse, Lindy makes each of the princes shirts sewn from stinging nettles in silence from dawn to dusk. She doesn't expect to meet Atlas, the gentle giant who at first was only looking for his beloved goose that one of the princes had stolen for their prank.
Atlas is used to a life of solitude. His large intimidating height has forced him into his life of solitude as the townspeople are afraid of him. Only those looking for adventure have dared to climb the mountain to where he resides. When a young man escapes with his close companion, a goose he had rescued and raised from a gosling, he sets out to bring his friend back. When he stumbles upon Lindy at the lakeshore. Despite getting off on the wrong foot during their first interaction, Atlas can't bring himself to leave Lindy alone by herself where anything could happen to her. Offering his protection and help, the two slowly begin to trust each other. Atlas can't deny that there's something special about Lindy, despite her prickly personality. As Atlas slowly gains Lindy's trust and begins to get to know the real Lindy danger strikes.
Will Atlas be able to rescue Lindy before it's too late? Will Lindy be able to break the curse? Read Falling for the Winged Witch to find out! It's a great, clean, villianous story you will not want to miss!
February 11, 2026
Falling for the Winged Witch is the third book in the To Win A Dark Heart multiauthor series where two characters we usually know as villains fall for each other and get their happy end. In some cases these villains are just misunderstood and there’s a good explanation for their crimes, in others they start as actually quite evil and have a real redemption arc.
In this fairytale mashup Atlas, the giant whose goose was stolen is forced to climb down his beanstalk to get it back. He soon meets Lindy, the now widowed queen who cursed her seven stepsons and turned them into swans and the two of them turn into some sort of reluctant allies.
I love everything Sarah Beran writes, this has been no exception!
This was such a fun retelling. (It was missing the introduction, I always love when Sarah writes a summary of a fairy tale/classic or whatever for her husband who grew up without them, they always make me laugh!)
But anyways, the story itself is lovely and entertaining enough, the characters are wonderful and there are enough puns to make up for the “missing” summary. ;)
I always thought it was a bit unfair what happened to the giant in Jack and the beanstalk. I mean only because he is big, rich and a bit dumb (he doesn’t eat humans in every version, so let’s not talk about this aspect…), doesn’t make it okay to steal from him, right?? So turning him into the misunderstood hero of this book made a lot of sense to me - and I love misunderstood heroes, especially when they are as grumpy AND protective as Atlas is!
But Sarah Beran managed to turn the evil stepmother into a relatable character that I actually felt for. I honestly didn’t expect to empathize as much with her as I did, but there you have it. She’s definitely also one of the misunderstood characters of the series and I would have loved to learn more about her backstory. (Just found out through another review that A Bond of Ice and Sunshine, book 3 of the Tales of Eukarya is actually about Lindy’s sister, so I just moved it higher on my TBR!)
The romance was quick but really sweet and I loved the banter between the characters.
Oh and Jax will get his story too, can’t wait to read this one!
This was one of my favorite books of the series and I absolutely recommend it!
* 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.
In this fairytale mashup Atlas, the giant whose goose was stolen is forced to climb down his beanstalk to get it back. He soon meets Lindy, the now widowed queen who cursed her seven stepsons and turned them into swans and the two of them turn into some sort of reluctant allies.
I love everything Sarah Beran writes, this has been no exception!
This was such a fun retelling. (It was missing the introduction, I always love when Sarah writes a summary of a fairy tale/classic or whatever for her husband who grew up without them, they always make me laugh!)
But anyways, the story itself is lovely and entertaining enough, the characters are wonderful and there are enough puns to make up for the “missing” summary. ;)
I always thought it was a bit unfair what happened to the giant in Jack and the beanstalk. I mean only because he is big, rich and a bit dumb (he doesn’t eat humans in every version, so let’s not talk about this aspect…), doesn’t make it okay to steal from him, right?? So turning him into the misunderstood hero of this book made a lot of sense to me - and I love misunderstood heroes, especially when they are as grumpy AND protective as Atlas is!
But Sarah Beran managed to turn the evil stepmother into a relatable character that I actually felt for. I honestly didn’t expect to empathize as much with her as I did, but there you have it. She’s definitely also one of the misunderstood characters of the series and I would have loved to learn more about her backstory. (Just found out through another review that A Bond of Ice and Sunshine, book 3 of the Tales of Eukarya is actually about Lindy’s sister, so I just moved it higher on my TBR!)
The romance was quick but really sweet and I loved the banter between the characters.
Oh and Jax will get his story too, can’t wait to read this one!
This was one of my favorite books of the series and I absolutely recommend it!
* 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.
January 22, 2026
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author and though I didn’t have to post a review, I wanted to offer my honest, voluntary impression of it anyway upon completing the book.
Sarah has written a book meshing together two beloved fairy tales which twist the villains into understanding one another through mutually working together leading to an ending both different and satisfying than what you know from reading them separately!
This is a wonderful story of a person who has been overlooked and only used as a pawn never knowing love or kindness and a giant who just wants to be left alone but has to contend with people who climb up the beanstock to cause mischief!
When the king dies and his sons play an especially cruel prank on her Lindy lets out a curse directed against them and the next day they aren’t to be found - only a swan is found in each bedroom.
Realizing what has happened she leaves with the swans to try and undo her curse and meets the giant looking for the youngest prince who stole his goose!
Seeing they need each other to get what they want they work together which is hard for her since she has been mistreated and used her whole life.
Things transpire at the castle requiring her to return with the princes/ swans to save an innocent woman and she is captured. This leads to a plan for a dramatic rescue for her!
I enjoyed this tale of redemption and sacrifice on the part of Lindy and realizing through her ordeal that the princes have watched and changed in their behavior towards her watching her work on their behalf.
This should make everyone pause to reflect how they treat others and to be sure that any judgements you have reflect honestly on known behavior and not suspicions!
I happily recommend this book as one I know you’ll enjoy! I, for one, love fairy tales and it’s nice to read a series where this time all the villains in fairy tales have a chance for redemption and showing they were not the evil persons they’ve been represented to be!
If you love fairy tales get this book and if you think you’re too old for the magic and feeling you had when you read them when you were younger, come back and let that feeling wash over you again reminding you while you loved them in the first place!
Sarah has written a book meshing together two beloved fairy tales which twist the villains into understanding one another through mutually working together leading to an ending both different and satisfying than what you know from reading them separately!
This is a wonderful story of a person who has been overlooked and only used as a pawn never knowing love or kindness and a giant who just wants to be left alone but has to contend with people who climb up the beanstock to cause mischief!
When the king dies and his sons play an especially cruel prank on her Lindy lets out a curse directed against them and the next day they aren’t to be found - only a swan is found in each bedroom.
Realizing what has happened she leaves with the swans to try and undo her curse and meets the giant looking for the youngest prince who stole his goose!
Seeing they need each other to get what they want they work together which is hard for her since she has been mistreated and used her whole life.
Things transpire at the castle requiring her to return with the princes/ swans to save an innocent woman and she is captured. This leads to a plan for a dramatic rescue for her!
I enjoyed this tale of redemption and sacrifice on the part of Lindy and realizing through her ordeal that the princes have watched and changed in their behavior towards her watching her work on their behalf.
This should make everyone pause to reflect how they treat others and to be sure that any judgements you have reflect honestly on known behavior and not suspicions!
I happily recommend this book as one I know you’ll enjoy! I, for one, love fairy tales and it’s nice to read a series where this time all the villains in fairy tales have a chance for redemption and showing they were not the evil persons they’ve been represented to be!
If you love fairy tales get this book and if you think you’re too old for the magic and feeling you had when you read them when you were younger, come back and let that feeling wash over you again reminding you while you loved them in the first place!
February 4, 2026
🪶🦢🌄 ARC Review: Falling for the Winged Witch by Sarah Beran
⭐ 4.5/5 Stars — a tender, bittersweet fairytale romance about survival, curses, and learning it’s safe to be held
Falling for the Winged Witch feels like standing at the edge of a mountain at sunset windbitten, wary, and aching for a place to belong.
🕯️ Lindy is a queen who never wanted a crown. Forced into a marriage, blamed for magic she never meant to use, and burdened with seven stepsons who see her as the enemy, she wants only one thing: a home. To feel safe. To be loved. When a curse turns her stepsons into swans, Lindy refuses to run. She will break it or die trying.
🪶 Atlas is a giant in every sense of the word over seven feet tall, reclusive, gentle, and lonely. He lives high in the mountains where the beanstalk is really a climb few survive. He goes searching for his stolen goose and instead finds a sharp-tongued, winged witch who refuses to speak before sunset and doesn’t trust easily. He falls first. Quietly. Completely.
✨ This story is filled with small, human moments that make the magic feel real: stinging nettles, trout turning on a spit, knitting socks by firelight, punches thrown into lakes, and a goose named Phoebe worth crossing the world for. Atlas knits. Atlas protects. Atlas stays. And Lindy who can’t swim, who has never been safe finally lets herself be carried.
🌙 If you love: 🦢 Swan curses & fairytale retellings 🪶 Gentle giant MMCs 💛 He falls first 🌄 Forced proximity & quiet devotion 🧶 Cozy magic & emotional healing
⚠️ Content Warnings: • Past physical abuse (mentioned) • Threats of bodily harm • Death of family • Attempted murder
📖 Final Thoughts: Sarah Beran delivers a soft, emotionally resonant romance about loneliness, trust, and choosing to stay when leaving would be easier. Falling for the Winged Witch is proof that even the most damaged hearts can learn to fly especially when someone is finally willing to catch them.
— Elizabeth
Falling for the Winged Witch feels like standing at the edge of a mountain at sunset windbitten, wary, and aching for a place to belong.
🕯️ Lindy is a queen who never wanted a crown. Forced into a marriage, blamed for magic she never meant to use, and burdened with seven stepsons who see her as the enemy, she wants only one thing: a home. To feel safe. To be loved. When a curse turns her stepsons into swans, Lindy refuses to run. She will break it or die trying.
🪶 Atlas is a giant in every sense of the word over seven feet tall, reclusive, gentle, and lonely. He lives high in the mountains where the beanstalk is really a climb few survive. He goes searching for his stolen goose and instead finds a sharp-tongued, winged witch who refuses to speak before sunset and doesn’t trust easily. He falls first. Quietly. Completely.
✨ This story is filled with small, human moments that make the magic feel real: stinging nettles, trout turning on a spit, knitting socks by firelight, punches thrown into lakes, and a goose named Phoebe worth crossing the world for. Atlas knits. Atlas protects. Atlas stays. And Lindy who can’t swim, who has never been safe finally lets herself be carried.
🌙 If you love: 🦢 Swan curses & fairytale retellings 🪶 Gentle giant MMCs 💛 He falls first 🌄 Forced proximity & quiet devotion 🧶 Cozy magic & emotional healing
⚠️ Content Warnings: • Past physical abuse (mentioned) • Threats of bodily harm • Death of family • Attempted murder
📖 Final Thoughts: Sarah Beran delivers a soft, emotionally resonant romance about loneliness, trust, and choosing to stay when leaving would be easier. Falling for the Winged Witch is proof that even the most damaged hearts can learn to fly especially when someone is finally willing to catch them.
— Elizabeth
Review of advance copy received from Author
Reader’s Notes:
*Series or Connected Books?* part of a series, but meant to be read as a stand-alone
-it is set in the same world as Sarah Beran’s Tales of Eukarya series, but can be read on it’s own (Lindy’s sister’s story is A Bond of Ice & Sunshine; some of the events of Chords of Green & Gold are mentioned too)
*Point Of View:* Lindy & Atlas
*Any Cursing Or Possibly Offensive Language?* once or twice it is mentioned that a character utters a curse, but no actual curse words are used in the book
*Romance?* Yes! Just sweet kisses
*Things To Know:*
–past physical abuse is mentioned (insinuated, not shown as it happened)
-Lindy was married to someone old enough to be her grandfather (he dies before the story starts & the marriage was arranged by her father)
-there are some threats of harm & death
Review:
This was a lot of fun! I enjoyed the way Sarah Beran made the ‘villains’ someone we cared about and not the typical way the fairytales would portray each character to be! I also loved how the author made the characters cross paths and get to know each other! Lindy and Atlas were so sweet together!
I’m excited to find out more about a character that was very briefly mentioned in this book too! In one of her newsletters, Sarah Beran mentioned that the ‘Jack’ for her Cursed Climb book was briefly met in this story!
Summary:
Lindy has a reputation for being an evil witch. So when her husband – the king – dies soon after they have married, everyone turns their eyes and ire on her. The worst of it comes from her stepsons who find cruel pleasure in trying to crack her tough façade with pranks. After a particularly fowl prank, Lindy accidentally curses the princes into the form of swans. With the kingdom already ready to have her head for something she didn’t do, her only option is to leave the castle in hopes of creating the counter-spell to free her stepsons.
Atlas knows that the townspeople see him and live in fear when he comes down the mountain. He knows that anything that goes wrong is immediately put on his shoulders despite him not having done anything but a supply run. Not that it stops thrill seekers from climbing the mountain to say they spotted him anyways. But when one thrill seeker runs off with his goose, Atlas finds himself travelling to the world below to get her back. Unfortunately when he gets down the mountain, Atlas finds that he can’t scare the boy into returning or pointing out his goose. Because that boy has been turned into a swan. The only way he’ll find his goose is by waiting for the witch who cursed the boy to finish her counter-spell.
*Series or Connected Books?* part of a series, but meant to be read as a stand-alone
-it is set in the same world as Sarah Beran’s Tales of Eukarya series, but can be read on it’s own (Lindy’s sister’s story is A Bond of Ice & Sunshine; some of the events of Chords of Green & Gold are mentioned too)
*Point Of View:* Lindy & Atlas
*Any Cursing Or Possibly Offensive Language?* once or twice it is mentioned that a character utters a curse, but no actual curse words are used in the book
*Romance?* Yes! Just sweet kisses
*Things To Know:*
–past physical abuse is mentioned (insinuated, not shown as it happened)
-Lindy was married to someone old enough to be her grandfather (he dies before the story starts & the marriage was arranged by her father)
-there are some threats of harm & death
Review:
This was a lot of fun! I enjoyed the way Sarah Beran made the ‘villains’ someone we cared about and not the typical way the fairytales would portray each character to be! I also loved how the author made the characters cross paths and get to know each other! Lindy and Atlas were so sweet together!
I’m excited to find out more about a character that was very briefly mentioned in this book too! In one of her newsletters, Sarah Beran mentioned that the ‘Jack’ for her Cursed Climb book was briefly met in this story!
Summary:
Lindy has a reputation for being an evil witch. So when her husband – the king – dies soon after they have married, everyone turns their eyes and ire on her. The worst of it comes from her stepsons who find cruel pleasure in trying to crack her tough façade with pranks. After a particularly fowl prank, Lindy accidentally curses the princes into the form of swans. With the kingdom already ready to have her head for something she didn’t do, her only option is to leave the castle in hopes of creating the counter-spell to free her stepsons.
Atlas knows that the townspeople see him and live in fear when he comes down the mountain. He knows that anything that goes wrong is immediately put on his shoulders despite him not having done anything but a supply run. Not that it stops thrill seekers from climbing the mountain to say they spotted him anyways. But when one thrill seeker runs off with his goose, Atlas finds himself travelling to the world below to get her back. Unfortunately when he gets down the mountain, Atlas finds that he can’t scare the boy into returning or pointing out his goose. Because that boy has been turned into a swan. The only way he’ll find his goose is by waiting for the witch who cursed the boy to finish her counter-spell.
May 25, 2026
Breaking a Curse Most Fowl
Now that I got it out of my system, no more intentional puns.
Recently widowed Queen Belinda (Lindy) is tormented by her stepsons to the point where she accidently curses them, turning them into swans. She sets out to knits shirts of nettles to break the curse, and meets Atlas, the giant who lives up a mountain who needs to have words with Jaques, one of the cursed princes about the whereabouts of Atlas’ Goose, Phoebe.
Before the story starts, Lindy was sold off in marriage to a man much older than her and, when he dies, everyone takes it out on her, with courtiers saying she’s responsible because she has powers she has a hard time controlling. The story most revolves into Poor Lindy trying to overcome, with Atlas being a literal gentle giant. The chemistry was fine between the pair, it’s a sweet romance.
My issue was how the narrative demands we feel bad for Lindy, which if the story was along the lines of, “Ah yes, she lives through a terrible circumstance but overcomes with grace and quiet strength” I’d probably be fine, but towards the end, we get a lot of dialogue about how one prince in particular learned his lesson. It breaks the narrative: Are we in a cruel world where nobles treat everyone (including the women of their class) like their inferior or, are we in a world where we acknowledge everyone’s feelings and take responsibility for how you treated them? I’m not saying we can’t explore his psyche, but it doesn’t deliver the emotional punch because it feels like we’re dealing with a now well-adjusted young man with modern values.
Furthermore, Lindy does have magical powers, so it would be normal for people to maybe question what all she can do, especially considering she enchanted the Rightful Heir to the Throne.
Anyway, the two leads are villains in name only and overall it’s a light read. If you’re reading the series and you’re enjoying it, you’ll probably enjoy this one as well. I’m totally not the target audience for this series as a whole.
Now that I got it out of my system, no more intentional puns.
Recently widowed Queen Belinda (Lindy) is tormented by her stepsons to the point where she accidently curses them, turning them into swans. She sets out to knits shirts of nettles to break the curse, and meets Atlas, the giant who lives up a mountain who needs to have words with Jaques, one of the cursed princes about the whereabouts of Atlas’ Goose, Phoebe.
Before the story starts, Lindy was sold off in marriage to a man much older than her and, when he dies, everyone takes it out on her, with courtiers saying she’s responsible because she has powers she has a hard time controlling. The story most revolves into Poor Lindy trying to overcome, with Atlas being a literal gentle giant. The chemistry was fine between the pair, it’s a sweet romance.
My issue was how the narrative demands we feel bad for Lindy, which if the story was along the lines of, “Ah yes, she lives through a terrible circumstance but overcomes with grace and quiet strength” I’d probably be fine, but towards the end, we get a lot of dialogue about how one prince in particular learned his lesson. It breaks the narrative: Are we in a cruel world where nobles treat everyone (including the women of their class) like their inferior or, are we in a world where we acknowledge everyone’s feelings and take responsibility for how you treated them? I’m not saying we can’t explore his psyche, but it doesn’t deliver the emotional punch because it feels like we’re dealing with a now well-adjusted young man with modern values.
Furthermore, Lindy does have magical powers, so it would be normal for people to maybe question what all she can do, especially considering she enchanted the Rightful Heir to the Throne.
Anyway, the two leads are villains in name only and overall it’s a light read. If you’re reading the series and you’re enjoying it, you’ll probably enjoy this one as well. I’m totally not the target audience for this series as a whole.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a wonderful take on some of the fairytales we don’t see as often: Jack and the Beanstalk and Wild Swans. It is a tale of repentance and forgiveness, friendship, sacrifice, and ultimately learning your true worth and embracing love even when you don’t feel like you deserve it.
Things I liked:
-The MMC, Atlas. He was so sweet and charming and wise, despite having lived his whole life being misunderstood and stereotyped due to his appearance.
-What I like to call “The Atlas Therapy Sessions.” These moments were so heartwarming, and honestly much needed words that everyone should take to heart.
-The repentance of the princes. I think it was a nicely handled, and believable, character arc.
-The unconditional friendship of Ellie.
-Phoebe.
Things I didn’t like so much:
-The portrayal of time passing was confusing at times. Sometimes it seemed like we were told a few weeks had gone by, then it seemed like only a day or two. Just a bit unclear, however, not to worry! It didn’t affect the storyline.
-The backstory with Lindy’s sister. We are told vaguely about an event involving her sister being cursed by her, but it’s never described or explained. It’s such a huge part of the pain that Lindy feels and has shaped her, but we don’t get to know anything about it.
This was a well written, clean/no-spice, charming romantic fairytale that can be enjoyed by all ages, with plenty of humor, heart, and happily ever afters.
I received this book as an ARC from the author. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given willingly.
Things I liked:
-The MMC, Atlas. He was so sweet and charming and wise, despite having lived his whole life being misunderstood and stereotyped due to his appearance.
-What I like to call “The Atlas Therapy Sessions.” These moments were so heartwarming, and honestly much needed words that everyone should take to heart.
-The repentance of the princes. I think it was a nicely handled, and believable, character arc.
-The unconditional friendship of Ellie.
-Phoebe.
Things I didn’t like so much:
-The portrayal of time passing was confusing at times. Sometimes it seemed like we were told a few weeks had gone by, then it seemed like only a day or two. Just a bit unclear, however, not to worry! It didn’t affect the storyline.
-The backstory with Lindy’s sister. We are told vaguely about an event involving her sister being cursed by her, but it’s never described or explained. It’s such a huge part of the pain that Lindy feels and has shaped her, but we don’t get to know anything about it.
This was a well written, clean/no-spice, charming romantic fairytale that can be enjoyed by all ages, with plenty of humor, heart, and happily ever afters.
I received this book as an ARC from the author. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given willingly.
February 3, 2026
I received an ARC copy of this book and am leaving a review voluntarily.
So, I love when authors tackle lesser known fairy tales and I can count the number of “Wild Swans” retellings I have read on one hand. It was so awesome to see another one because that fairy tale has such interesting traits to work with.
Lindy makes for an interesting protagonist. She’s not perfect—in fact, it’s her mistakes that basically kick off the plot—but she does have accountability which is a trait I always love to see. She makes no excuses but rather admits to what she did.
She also doesn’t agree she deserves to die for it. Both things can be true!
Honestly, the only thing that keeps this from five stars is that the golden egg plot doesn’t seem like it goes anywhere so it almost feels wasted. I wondered a few times if there were characters in here that didn’t need to be. From my understanding, it’s a set up for one of her other books but it feels clunky and not well placed. Minor complaint but worth mentioning.
I love Atlas so much. He has a gruff exterior and really doesn’t want to get involved with other people’s business but he will absolutely use his reputation to protect people he cares about. I adore when characters have such self awareness. It’s a different kind of intelligence I would enjoy seeing more.
So, while not my favorite of this series, I still think if you enjoy magic, emotionally aware characters, and headstrong protagonists, you need to check this out!
So, I love when authors tackle lesser known fairy tales and I can count the number of “Wild Swans” retellings I have read on one hand. It was so awesome to see another one because that fairy tale has such interesting traits to work with.
Lindy makes for an interesting protagonist. She’s not perfect—in fact, it’s her mistakes that basically kick off the plot—but she does have accountability which is a trait I always love to see. She makes no excuses but rather admits to what she did.
She also doesn’t agree she deserves to die for it. Both things can be true!
Honestly, the only thing that keeps this from five stars is that the golden egg plot doesn’t seem like it goes anywhere so it almost feels wasted. I wondered a few times if there were characters in here that didn’t need to be. From my understanding, it’s a set up for one of her other books but it feels clunky and not well placed. Minor complaint but worth mentioning.
I love Atlas so much. He has a gruff exterior and really doesn’t want to get involved with other people’s business but he will absolutely use his reputation to protect people he cares about. I adore when characters have such self awareness. It’s a different kind of intelligence I would enjoy seeing more.
So, while not my favorite of this series, I still think if you enjoy magic, emotionally aware characters, and headstrong protagonists, you need to check this out!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh, this one is a hoot, loved it!
Lindy is married off to an 80yo king who promptly dies and his 7 sons can’t accept she didn’t do him in.
What if the “evil” queen was a political pawn who wanted a home, NOT the throne. What if the princes deserved their fate? What if the swan curse was an accident? And the biggest what if - what if the giant went down the beanstalk and found himself someone to love?
I absolutely adored Lindy’s and Atlas’ story! This fairytale retelling completely remakes the Wild Swans story as well as Jack and the Beanstalk - in one fell 90-minute read! Loved how curses had to be dismantled and that it was the caster, not the princes’ sister (or in this case betrothed to the heir apparent) who unwound the curse. Absolutely adored Atlas, the gentle giant, reminded me of Fezzik from the Princess Bride, a heart of gold and such a cinnamon roll, awww. Lindy was a good soul and a victim of her reputation, so whitewashing of a villain here. Glad the princes figured things out by the end as well. Fantastic finale, play up the stereotypes is what I’m sayin’. ;)
Fave quote: “You have your reputation, I have mine.”
Recommended for lovers of clean and sweet mixed gen (YA/NA) mashup fairytales, especially the Roald Dahl kind, and especially of those blending Jack and the Beanstalk and Wild Swans.
Lindy is married off to an 80yo king who promptly dies and his 7 sons can’t accept she didn’t do him in.
What if the “evil” queen was a political pawn who wanted a home, NOT the throne. What if the princes deserved their fate? What if the swan curse was an accident? And the biggest what if - what if the giant went down the beanstalk and found himself someone to love?
I absolutely adored Lindy’s and Atlas’ story! This fairytale retelling completely remakes the Wild Swans story as well as Jack and the Beanstalk - in one fell 90-minute read! Loved how curses had to be dismantled and that it was the caster, not the princes’ sister (or in this case betrothed to the heir apparent) who unwound the curse. Absolutely adored Atlas, the gentle giant, reminded me of Fezzik from the Princess Bride, a heart of gold and such a cinnamon roll, awww. Lindy was a good soul and a victim of her reputation, so whitewashing of a villain here. Glad the princes figured things out by the end as well. Fantastic finale, play up the stereotypes is what I’m sayin’. ;)
Fave quote: “You have your reputation, I have mine.”
Recommended for lovers of clean and sweet mixed gen (YA/NA) mashup fairytales, especially the Roald Dahl kind, and especially of those blending Jack and the Beanstalk and Wild Swans.
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