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The Toymaker’s Chronicles #1
Of Might and Mettle: A Brave Tin Soldier Retelling
A tin ballerina. A brass soldier. A porcelain princess.
What does it matter who you are, if people only look at what you’re made of?
Twenty-four-year-old Lorelle Jimenez thrives under the spotlight. She’s trained all her life to be a principal ballerina, and now, with a performance before the princess of Monte Rico, her dream is within reach . . . only if she can keep her secret: her tin arm. The stage is the only place she’s called her home, but with the spotlight comes scrutiny and a jealous rival that will stop at nothing to expose her—and even end her life.
For Capitán Antonio Fuentes, failure isn’t an option . . . again. Even though he’s recovered from the accident that took his leg two years ago, he won’t show weakness. When rumors of an upcoming attempt on the prince’s life reach Antonio, he won’t fail to protect his kingdom. Not this time.
When Antonio sees a young ballerina in danger, he saves her life. Now, swept far from home, they must work together to get back to the castle. She can’t lose her only chance at her dream, and he’s the only one with the coveted information that will save the prince. But danger nips at their heels, testing their strength and resolve . . . When put to the fire, will they melt under the heat? Or come out as gold?
Of Might and Mettle is a NA Christian fantasy retelling of The Brave Tin Soldier with a Caribbean-inspired world, a happily ever after, and a very troublesome (but lovable) wolf pup.
What does it matter who you are, if people only look at what you’re made of?
Twenty-four-year-old Lorelle Jimenez thrives under the spotlight. She’s trained all her life to be a principal ballerina, and now, with a performance before the princess of Monte Rico, her dream is within reach . . . only if she can keep her secret: her tin arm. The stage is the only place she’s called her home, but with the spotlight comes scrutiny and a jealous rival that will stop at nothing to expose her—and even end her life.
For Capitán Antonio Fuentes, failure isn’t an option . . . again. Even though he’s recovered from the accident that took his leg two years ago, he won’t show weakness. When rumors of an upcoming attempt on the prince’s life reach Antonio, he won’t fail to protect his kingdom. Not this time.
When Antonio sees a young ballerina in danger, he saves her life. Now, swept far from home, they must work together to get back to the castle. She can’t lose her only chance at her dream, and he’s the only one with the coveted information that will save the prince. But danger nips at their heels, testing their strength and resolve . . . When put to the fire, will they melt under the heat? Or come out as gold?
Of Might and Mettle is a NA Christian fantasy retelling of The Brave Tin Soldier with a Caribbean-inspired world, a happily ever after, and a very troublesome (but lovable) wolf pup.
- GenresChristian Fiction
233 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 10, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
September 2, 2026
4 stars, personally ⭐️ Christian Fiction - New Adult - Fairytale Retelling + Fantasy (no magic)
About this book:
“A tin ballerina. A brass soldier. A porcelain princess.
What does it matter who you are, if people only look at what you’re made of?
Twenty-four-year-old Lorelle Jimenez thrives under the spotlight. She’s trained all her life to be a principal ballerina, and now, with a performance before the princess of Monte Rico, her dream is within reach . . . only if she can keep her secret: her tin arm. The stage is the only place she’s called her home, but with the spotlight comes scrutiny and a jealous rival that will stop at nothing to expose her—and even end her life.
For Capitán Antonio Fuentes, failure isn’t an option . . . again. Even though he’s recovered from the accident that took his leg two years ago, he won’t show weakness. When rumors of an upcoming attempt on the prince’s life reach Antonio, he won’t fail to protect his kingdom. Not this time.
When Antonio sees a young ballerina in danger, he saves her life. Now, swept far from home, they must work together to get back to the castle. She can’t lose her only chance at her dream, and he’s the only one with the coveted information that will save the prince. But danger nips at their heels, testing their strength and resolve . . . When put to the fire, will they melt under the heat? Or come out as gold?”
Series: Book #1 in “The Toymaker’s Chronicles”.
Spiritual Content- 2 Corinthians 12:9 at the beginning; Scriptures are remembered, mentioned, discussed, & quoted; Prayers & Thanking God and Jesus; Talks about God, Jesus, Scriptures, God using us, & trusting Him; ‘H’s are capital when referring to God and Jesus; Lorelle has a strong faith and relies on God for her strength; Antonio hasn’t opened his Bible since before his accident and feels like God would be disappointed in him, but Lorelle speaks the truth from Scriptures about himself; Mentions of God, Jesus, & trusting Him; Mentions of prayers, praying, & thanking God; Mentions of those & events in the Bible; A couple mentions of Bibles; A couple mentions of miracles; A mention of a blessing;
*Note: A few mentions of “ghosts” (Antonio having nightmares of “ghosts” from a past event; a figure of speech).
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘shut up’ and two ‘stupid’s; A bit of eye rolling & sarcasm; Being held at gun- and sword-point, Being tied-up, Fighting, Being trapped in a fire, Nearly drowning (x2), Saving someone from drowning, Injuries, Pain (including chronic pain that Teresa has), Blood/Bleeding, & Passing out (up to semi-detailed); Lorelle faces a couple mean girls’ sneers, negative comments, and is pushed by them (due to their jealousy); Both Lorelle and Antonio receive negative comments about their missing limbs from others (including someone calling Lorelle a “cripple”); Many mentions of treason/terrorist attacks that caused the deaths of many, fighting, weapons, fires, & threats; Mentions of deaths (including through illnesses and attacks), grief, & feeling abandoned by family members; Mentions of drownings & others planning to drown their enemies; Mentions of injuries & pain; Mentions of lies, lying, & liars; Mentions of gossip & rumors; Mentions of jealousy; Mentions of nightmares; A few mentions of arrests; A couple mentions of thieves; A couple mentions of animals being smuggled; A couple mentions of an animal possibly being abandoned or injured by something; A couple mentions of a fermented drink & someone drowning his sorrows in drinks; A mention of wine; A mention of a man thinking about kicking an animal;
*Note: Antonio has signs of PTSD from being involved in an attack/battle and having to heal from a major injury (such as being taken back to that day when hearing a gun go off); Lorelle feels like her aunt and uncle didn’t want to raise her after her parents’ death and sent her away (*Spoilers*).
Sexual Content- A cheek kiss; A few touches, embraces, flutters, nearness, & blushes (barely-above-not-detailed); A bit of noticing (barely-above-not-detailed); Lorelle and Antonio are questioned about staying in inns during their journey, but sleep in separate rooms; Very light love, falling in love, & the emotions.
-Lorelle Jimenez, age 24
-Antonio Fuentes
P.O.V. switches between them & Teresa
233 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- Three Stars
Early High School Teens- Four Stars
Older High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Four Stars
This was really neat! The tropical, Spanish-Caribbean influence added in a unique element to the story that I haven’t seen much in books. I also really liked our main characters and their personalities—they were all characters that I wanted to hug! Each one of our main characters, Lorelle, Antonio, and Teresa—and the wolf pup, , too—were good characters that have strengths and weaknesses. I’ve read a couple retellings of “The Brave Tin Soldier” before and liked those, but I would say this is my favorite so far because of the world building, faith content, and main characters.
I did have to read a few parts a couple of times to understand the political/world significance of different reveals and other happenings, but I was instantly interested in this setting. A map of the world would have been a great addition to the book as I was curious about the general area of the places and countries/kingdoms that are featured and mentioned throughout the story.
The romance was light and towards the end, but super sweet and clean. I particularly loved Lorelle’s heart, faith, and how both of those parts of her affect how she views difficulties in life and others. Both Lorelle and Antonio had their struggles, but were a great match in more ways than one.
While most everything is wrapped-up in this book, you can tell it’s the first book of series because it ends with more lingering out there for some of our characters. I look forward to reading the second book when it releases in February!
Edit to add: The bonus prequel novella, "Of Bears and Besitos", is available from the author's newsletter and was really sweet! It was super cute and fun to see more of certain characters. :)
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this book for free from the Author for this honest review.
About this book:
“A tin ballerina. A brass soldier. A porcelain princess.
What does it matter who you are, if people only look at what you’re made of?
Twenty-four-year-old Lorelle Jimenez thrives under the spotlight. She’s trained all her life to be a principal ballerina, and now, with a performance before the princess of Monte Rico, her dream is within reach . . . only if she can keep her secret: her tin arm. The stage is the only place she’s called her home, but with the spotlight comes scrutiny and a jealous rival that will stop at nothing to expose her—and even end her life.
For Capitán Antonio Fuentes, failure isn’t an option . . . again. Even though he’s recovered from the accident that took his leg two years ago, he won’t show weakness. When rumors of an upcoming attempt on the prince’s life reach Antonio, he won’t fail to protect his kingdom. Not this time.
When Antonio sees a young ballerina in danger, he saves her life. Now, swept far from home, they must work together to get back to the castle. She can’t lose her only chance at her dream, and he’s the only one with the coveted information that will save the prince. But danger nips at their heels, testing their strength and resolve . . . When put to the fire, will they melt under the heat? Or come out as gold?”
Series: Book #1 in “The Toymaker’s Chronicles”.
Spiritual Content- 2 Corinthians 12:9 at the beginning; Scriptures are remembered, mentioned, discussed, & quoted; Prayers & Thanking God and Jesus; Talks about God, Jesus, Scriptures, God using us, & trusting Him; ‘H’s are capital when referring to God and Jesus; Lorelle has a strong faith and relies on God for her strength; Antonio hasn’t opened his Bible since before his accident and feels like God would be disappointed in him, but Lorelle speaks the truth from Scriptures about himself; Mentions of God, Jesus, & trusting Him; Mentions of prayers, praying, & thanking God; Mentions of those & events in the Bible; A couple mentions of Bibles; A couple mentions of miracles; A mention of a blessing;
*Note: A few mentions of “ghosts” (Antonio having nightmares of “ghosts” from a past event; a figure of speech).
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘shut up’ and two ‘stupid’s; A bit of eye rolling & sarcasm; Being held at gun- and sword-point, Being tied-up, Fighting, Being trapped in a fire, Nearly drowning (x2), Saving someone from drowning, Injuries, Pain (including chronic pain that Teresa has), Blood/Bleeding, & Passing out (up to semi-detailed); Lorelle faces a couple mean girls’ sneers, negative comments, and is pushed by them (due to their jealousy); Both Lorelle and Antonio receive negative comments about their missing limbs from others (including someone calling Lorelle a “cripple”); Many mentions of treason/terrorist attacks that caused the deaths of many, fighting, weapons, fires, & threats; Mentions of deaths (including through illnesses and attacks), grief, & feeling abandoned by family members; Mentions of drownings & others planning to drown their enemies; Mentions of injuries & pain; Mentions of lies, lying, & liars; Mentions of gossip & rumors; Mentions of jealousy; Mentions of nightmares; A few mentions of arrests; A couple mentions of thieves; A couple mentions of animals being smuggled; A couple mentions of an animal possibly being abandoned or injured by something; A couple mentions of a fermented drink & someone drowning his sorrows in drinks; A mention of wine; A mention of a man thinking about kicking an animal;
*Note: Antonio has signs of PTSD from being involved in an attack/battle and having to heal from a major injury (such as being taken back to that day when hearing a gun go off); Lorelle feels like her aunt and uncle didn’t want to raise her after her parents’ death and sent her away (*Spoilers*).
Sexual Content- A cheek kiss; A few touches, embraces, flutters, nearness, & blushes (barely-above-not-detailed); A bit of noticing (barely-above-not-detailed); Lorelle and Antonio are questioned about staying in inns during their journey, but sleep in separate rooms; Very light love, falling in love, & the emotions.
-Lorelle Jimenez, age 24
-Antonio Fuentes
P.O.V. switches between them & Teresa
233 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- Three Stars
Early High School Teens- Four Stars
Older High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Four Stars
This was really neat! The tropical, Spanish-Caribbean influence added in a unique element to the story that I haven’t seen much in books. I also really liked our main characters and their personalities—they were all characters that I wanted to hug! Each one of our main characters, Lorelle, Antonio, and Teresa—and the wolf pup, , too—were good characters that have strengths and weaknesses. I’ve read a couple retellings of “The Brave Tin Soldier” before and liked those, but I would say this is my favorite so far because of the world building, faith content, and main characters.
I did have to read a few parts a couple of times to understand the political/world significance of different reveals and other happenings, but I was instantly interested in this setting. A map of the world would have been a great addition to the book as I was curious about the general area of the places and countries/kingdoms that are featured and mentioned throughout the story.
The romance was light and towards the end, but super sweet and clean. I particularly loved Lorelle’s heart, faith, and how both of those parts of her affect how she views difficulties in life and others. Both Lorelle and Antonio had their struggles, but were a great match in more ways than one.
While most everything is wrapped-up in this book, you can tell it’s the first book of series because it ends with more lingering out there for some of our characters. I look forward to reading the second book when it releases in February!
Edit to add: The bonus prequel novella, "Of Bears and Besitos", is available from the author's newsletter and was really sweet! It was super cute and fun to see more of certain characters. :)
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this book for free from the Author for this honest review.
July 17, 2026
This was sooooo good!!!!! I was shocked by how much I loved it! The characters were so cute and well rounded. I especially loved Teresa, how she can still smile after everything. The dancing was amazing and the descriptions were fabulous!!!! I really liked the culture of the story and how it was so well done. I wasn’t expecting pictures in the book but my oh my! They were gorgeous! And the faith content!!!!!! YES! So well done, they learn and grow and it wasn’t preachy but natural! I loved it so much! The whole plot of the story was very well done as well and definitely inspired me to read more by this author. I highly recommend this book! It was absolutely amazing and very well done!
Thank you to the author for the e-arc of this book!
Thank you to the author for the e-arc of this book!
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August 10, 2026Of Might and Mettle is finally available!
You can find it here on Amazon: https://a.co/d/04ThgX1A
Note: while the ebook and the paperback contain the chapter illustrations, only the special edition hardcover contains the additional 10+ illustrations featuring scenes from the novel.
You can find it here on Amazon: https://a.co/d/04ThgX1A
Note: while the ebook and the paperback contain the chapter illustrations, only the special edition hardcover contains the additional 10+ illustrations featuring scenes from the novel.
September 4, 2026
ENDORSEMENT:
"Of Might & Mettle is a beautiful story of overcoming our limitations and acknowledging that they do not make us any less worthy. From the relatable characters to the beautiful tropical setting, full of Spanish-Caribbean flair, it is a fairytale retelling like you've never seen before and will leave you with an overwhelming sense of worth and love!"
~ Kaytlin Phillips, author of The Chronicles of Uriu and Of Shadows & Snow
REVIEW:
I'm just now getting around to reviewing this book, even though I've read it twice and endorsed it...wow...just, wow, I kept meaning to write this review but always thought of it when I couldn't make myself a reminder to do it. *sighs*
Well, better late than never as the old saying goes!
Characters:
Lorelle is a dear, and I loved her strength and grace so much! She is relatable and just, an amazing character who overcomes so much over the course of the story!
Antonio...how do I explain how much I loved Captain Antonio Fuentes and how much his struggle with failure resonated with me! I loved him so much!
Teresa...she is a darling and I love her so much! Just...a breath of fresh air and so...darling!
There was an array of lovable, hatable, and hysterical side characters, and I had so much fun reading about them all! Especially the passport guy!
Romance:
Yes, budding and beautiful!
Language:
N/A
Magic:
N/A
Violence/Gore:
Nothing to note. There are past injuries and some that happen over the course of the story, but nothing gory or detailed. There is a fire, guns fired, kidnapping, and some overall take down the bad guy scenes.
Overall:
This was a delightful read, and I'm so glad that I got to read it, endorse it, and even pre-ordered myself a copy because it was sooooo good! I just love the Spanish-Caribbean flair that the author gave the story! It's an amazing all around book!
Recommend age 12+
"Of Might & Mettle is a beautiful story of overcoming our limitations and acknowledging that they do not make us any less worthy. From the relatable characters to the beautiful tropical setting, full of Spanish-Caribbean flair, it is a fairytale retelling like you've never seen before and will leave you with an overwhelming sense of worth and love!"
~ Kaytlin Phillips, author of The Chronicles of Uriu and Of Shadows & Snow
REVIEW:
I'm just now getting around to reviewing this book, even though I've read it twice and endorsed it...wow...just, wow, I kept meaning to write this review but always thought of it when I couldn't make myself a reminder to do it. *sighs*
Well, better late than never as the old saying goes!
Characters:
Lorelle is a dear, and I loved her strength and grace so much! She is relatable and just, an amazing character who overcomes so much over the course of the story!
Antonio...how do I explain how much I loved Captain Antonio Fuentes and how much his struggle with failure resonated with me! I loved him so much!
Teresa...she is a darling and I love her so much! Just...a breath of fresh air and so...darling!
There was an array of lovable, hatable, and hysterical side characters, and I had so much fun reading about them all! Especially the passport guy!
Romance:
Yes, budding and beautiful!
Language:
N/A
Magic:
N/A
Violence/Gore:
Nothing to note. There are past injuries and some that happen over the course of the story, but nothing gory or detailed. There is a fire, guns fired, kidnapping, and some overall take down the bad guy scenes.
Overall:
This was a delightful read, and I'm so glad that I got to read it, endorse it, and even pre-ordered myself a copy because it was sooooo good! I just love the Spanish-Caribbean flair that the author gave the story! It's an amazing all around book!
Recommend age 12+
Review of advance copy received from Author
5 stars. I'm not very familiar with fairytales, but the Brave Tin Soldier has always been one of my favourites, and I was so excited to see how this author approached a retelling of it! Through Lorelle, Antonio, and the princess, there is an excellent message of worth and both accepting help + finding independence in a chronic illness or disability, which really resonated with me. The plot was well done, the romance was super sweet, the illustrations are the perfect touch, and my favourite part was the world-building—the author did such a great job weaving in the Spanish, and the food sounds delicious!! I throughly enjoyed this story and I can't wait to see more set in this world. If you appreciate encouraging Christ-filled messages, cute animal sidekicks, intriguing political plots, and settings bursting with culture, then sit back and enjoy this book.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*
August 25, 2026
Five-minute review:
I was excited for this book from the time I first heard about the premise. I appreciated the way the three main characters portrayed a range of different attitudes and struggles that all felt realistic for those who struggle with chronic illness and disability. I appreciated the way they both pushed through and worked within their limitations to do what needed to be done, and I loved the other characters who supported them. The bit of sweet romance was adorable--and don't get me started on the puppy! :D Looking forward to the next book in the series!
I was excited for this book from the time I first heard about the premise. I appreciated the way the three main characters portrayed a range of different attitudes and struggles that all felt realistic for those who struggle with chronic illness and disability. I appreciated the way they both pushed through and worked within their limitations to do what needed to be done, and I loved the other characters who supported them. The bit of sweet romance was adorable--and don't get me started on the puppy! :D Looking forward to the next book in the series!
August 12, 2026
Oh my goodness how could a book so short be filled with so MUCH?? I loved every second of it! It was action packed, paced so well, and just incredibly well written. I loved the main characters SO much and the way God was at the very heart of this story. The ending had me squealing with delight, Antonio and Lorelle were just so incredibly sweet.
I also adored all of the art pieces in this book. I can’t wait to buy the physical copy so I can see them in person!
I also adored all of the art pieces in this book. I can’t wait to buy the physical copy so I can see them in person!
August 24, 2026
This is an awesome retelling of The Steadfast Tin Soldier. I love how it represents characters of different physical disabilities, and it's honest about both their struggles and their hopes and dreams. What's the big bonus? It has a wolf pup with a missing front paw, and this animal is as fun and frisky as a four-pawed puppy.
May 2, 2026
Of Might and Mettle is an easy five stars for me. It is a fun, engaging, and adventuresome story with sweet and well-drawn characters that are endearing, relatable, and sometimes really funny! This book had me cheering and in places really touched and encouraged as well.
This is the kind of book that is fun to read and leaves you feeling really GOOD afterward. It is clean and wholesome, and I walked away feeling strengthened and refreshed as well as entertained. There's something really special about books like that!
I love the depictions of disability and chronic illness, and I think they’re part of what make this story so special. Those elements aren’t included in a heavy-handed way; they’re just part of the characters, and they flow as naturally as the rest of the story.
No content warnings for this gem of a book. Suitable for anyone who can handle some peril and light romance.
This is the kind of book that is fun to read and leaves you feeling really GOOD afterward. It is clean and wholesome, and I walked away feeling strengthened and refreshed as well as entertained. There's something really special about books like that!
I love the depictions of disability and chronic illness, and I think they’re part of what make this story so special. Those elements aren’t included in a heavy-handed way; they’re just part of the characters, and they flow as naturally as the rest of the story.
No content warnings for this gem of a book. Suitable for anyone who can handle some peril and light romance.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Of Might and Mettle brings with it all the familiarity of a fairytale with a unique spin that will have you on the edge of your seat from the start. With strong Biblical Christian themes, characters that pop off the page, relatable internal battles, and high stakes that will have readers holding their breath, this first addition to The Toymaker’s Chronicles is a beautifully written multi-POV novella that you will not want to put down.
(I had the honor of beta reading Of Might and Mettle last summer, and can fully vouch that it is not to be missed!)
(I had the honor of beta reading Of Might and Mettle last summer, and can fully vouch that it is not to be missed!)
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a darling read! I loved the characters, the fun way she included the disability rep, the cozier storytelling and the heroes of the story!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I have never read the Toy Maker, but this was a cute story.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews