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Displaced Fairytales
Cursed Climb
A swan, a bird catcher, and the plot they both intend to keep from hatching…
Working under her father as the Assistant Keeper of the Menagerie, Odessa Rothchild has always believed two things to be animals are much better listeners than people, and Boris Rothchild is the most brilliant man in all of Kovskia. All of that changes when an unfortunate discovery in her father’s workroom leaves her the recipient of a curse. Stuck in the body of a swan until the sun sets, Odessa begins to think that her search for the truth is hopeless—until, that is, a mysterious man crash-lands in the middle of her lake.
If there’s one thing in life that Jax should understand, it’s birds. As the fourth generation of a family of bird catchers, his future nest egg should be secure—and it would be, if he didn’t have his sights set on a different kind of winged creature. But after his search for a rare and elusive dragon egg goes wrong, Jax wakes up to find himself in the company of the one kind of bird he can’t seem to understand.
She needs his help to break her curse. He needs her to get his dragon. But as they work together, secrets are uncovered that create ripples bigger than either of them could have imagined, and they both must decide whether or not a happy ending is worth the climb…or the fall.
Torn from one fairytale and trapped in the Displaced Fairytales series is a multi-author fairy tale retelling series of standalones from your favorite no-spice, closed door young adult romance authors. CURSED CLIMB is Jack and the Beanstalk meets Swan Lake with He Falls First, Found Family, and a dragon companion who doesn’t understand why he can’t be a swan.
Working under her father as the Assistant Keeper of the Menagerie, Odessa Rothchild has always believed two things to be animals are much better listeners than people, and Boris Rothchild is the most brilliant man in all of Kovskia. All of that changes when an unfortunate discovery in her father’s workroom leaves her the recipient of a curse. Stuck in the body of a swan until the sun sets, Odessa begins to think that her search for the truth is hopeless—until, that is, a mysterious man crash-lands in the middle of her lake.
If there’s one thing in life that Jax should understand, it’s birds. As the fourth generation of a family of bird catchers, his future nest egg should be secure—and it would be, if he didn’t have his sights set on a different kind of winged creature. But after his search for a rare and elusive dragon egg goes wrong, Jax wakes up to find himself in the company of the one kind of bird he can’t seem to understand.
She needs his help to break her curse. He needs her to get his dragon. But as they work together, secrets are uncovered that create ripples bigger than either of them could have imagined, and they both must decide whether or not a happy ending is worth the climb…or the fall.
Torn from one fairytale and trapped in the Displaced Fairytales series is a multi-author fairy tale retelling series of standalones from your favorite no-spice, closed door young adult romance authors. CURSED CLIMB is Jack and the Beanstalk meets Swan Lake with He Falls First, Found Family, and a dragon companion who doesn’t understand why he can’t be a swan.
197 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 17, 2026
23 people are currently reading
233 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Beran
31 books209 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 47 reviews
March 19, 2026
4 stars ⭐️ Clean Fiction - Fairytale Retelling
Yep, that was just as adorable as I had hoped it would be. A little confusing at times because of the curse situation, but I think it was supposed to be that way because the reader is left out of the loop of the details of the curses. Some readers might dislike that element, but I wasn’t too bothered by it because I was loving our main characters and baby dragon too much to fret.
At first, I thought this book was Jac from ‘Falling for the Winged Witch’, but it’s actually Jax who is Avi’s nephew and a Bird Catcher from the ‘Seasons of Music and Magic’ series! Which makes so much more sense and quickly realized I misunderstood this Jax’s first meeting with Altas in that book (which we see again from his perspective in this book). Once I figured this out, I was tickled to see glimpses of the ‘Seasons of Music and Magic’ series as that series has a fond place in my heart.
While this book can be read as a stand-alone, I think having read the author’s others books mentioned above would make a much more enjoyable time reading. With this book, Sarah Beran is basically making it a multi-universe set-up (move over Marvel, there’s fairytales in town) and each book has been very fun!
Jax is basically a flirty golden retriever mixed with Flynn Rider and I loved it. If that’s not a selling point for you to pick up this book, I honestly don’t know what else would do it. Okay, actually, wait: sassy baby dragon. There. I imagine you are running off to mark this book as want to read now with this information. You are welcome. 🤗
I would have liked a bit more at the ending with explanations of motives and whatnot, but overall greatly enjoyed this retelling mash-up and our main characters—Bean included.
Main Content-
Magic/Spiritual-
Main characters mention the Almighty; Jax says that in the Faerie realm, every single creation of the Almighty has a song.
In these worlds, Wizards are good magic users while sorcerers use magic for evil or selfish reasons; A sorcerer is seen on-page gathering magic in his hands to curse someone (twice, up to a few sentences).
Odessa’s father cursed her to be a swan, but because of their shared blood, the curse makes her a swan only during the day; He has also cursed others who were in the way of his plans *Spoilers* .
Jax is from the realm of Faerie where music is magic and because of it, he is able to hear magic.
Being cursed and pain from transforming into a swan (up to a few sentences); Seeing transformations & curses broken (up to a few sentences); Some characters can talk to each other through their minds because of magic/curses.
All about & many mentions of magic, curses, breaking curses, wizards/sorcerers, Faerie magic, different realms, & gateways between different realms; Mentions of being Fairy-Blessed & some abilities because of it.
Mentions of the Almighty; A mention of praying to the Almighty; A mention of being blessed by the Almighty.
Language/Negative/Dangerous Situations-
No language stronger than ‘stupid’, and ‘idiot’ but there are a few usages of in-world phrases like “what in [country’s name]”; A mention of a curse (said, but not written out); Sarcasm & Eye rolling; Some lying (to hide feelings).
Odessa was close to her father before finding out his secret, but then he cursed her and has been cruel to her since (she then realizes that he never loved her); Odessa feels grief over what her relationship with her father should have been; Her father threatens to harm/murder her in her swan form.
Jax feels like he is a disappointment to his father and wishes for him to be proud of him; Jax believes that his father thinks he is a fool for trying to charm dragons and is after a dream that will never amount to anything; Someone else tells him that is not the case and Jax wonders if that is true.
A mother has grief over infertility, miscarriages, and a stillborn baby.
Saving someone from drowning and giving him CPR, Being threatened with harm or death, Being grabbed at one’s throat, Pain, Injuries, Blood/Bleeding (up to a few sentences); Remembering almost drowning (up to a few sentences).
Mentions of deaths, grief; Mentions of a near drowning, injuries, being unconscious, pain, & blood/bleeding; Mentions of threats to harm/kill others; Mentions of thieves & stealing; Mentions of lies & lying; A few mentions of the main characters in the original Swan Lake story committing suicide by drowning into a lake; A few mentions of the giant in the original Jack and the Beanstalk story eating young boys; A few mentions of breaking and entering; A couple mentions of executors; A couple mentions of hunting swans; A couple mentions of poisons.
Sexual/Romance-
Fingers/Hand kisses,
1 cheek kiss,
2 head kisses,
1 kiss with no details,
1 kiss lasting a sentence,
1 kiss lasting 2-3 sentences.
Wanting to kiss & embrace (up to a couple sentences).
Touches, Embraces, Dancing, Hand holding, Warmth, Flutters, Shivers, Nearness, & Smelling (up to a few sentences); Flirting, Blushes, & Winks; Noticing & Staring (up to a few sentences).
Jax teases Odessa for kissing him (when she was actually giving him CPR).
Mentions of kisses/kissing; A couple mentions of procreation; A mention of a prince having women figuratively throwing themselves at him.
Yep, that was just as adorable as I had hoped it would be. A little confusing at times because of the curse situation, but I think it was supposed to be that way because the reader is left out of the loop of the details of the curses. Some readers might dislike that element, but I wasn’t too bothered by it because I was loving our main characters and baby dragon too much to fret.
At first, I thought this book was Jac from ‘Falling for the Winged Witch’, but it’s actually Jax who is Avi’s nephew and a Bird Catcher from the ‘Seasons of Music and Magic’ series! Which makes so much more sense and quickly realized I misunderstood this Jax’s first meeting with Altas in that book (which we see again from his perspective in this book). Once I figured this out, I was tickled to see glimpses of the ‘Seasons of Music and Magic’ series as that series has a fond place in my heart.
While this book can be read as a stand-alone, I think having read the author’s others books mentioned above would make a much more enjoyable time reading. With this book, Sarah Beran is basically making it a multi-universe set-up (move over Marvel, there’s fairytales in town) and each book has been very fun!
Jax is basically a flirty golden retriever mixed with Flynn Rider and I loved it. If that’s not a selling point for you to pick up this book, I honestly don’t know what else would do it. Okay, actually, wait: sassy baby dragon. There. I imagine you are running off to mark this book as want to read now with this information. You are welcome. 🤗
I would have liked a bit more at the ending with explanations of motives and whatnot, but overall greatly enjoyed this retelling mash-up and our main characters—Bean included.
Main Content-
Magic/Spiritual-
Main characters mention the Almighty; Jax says that in the Faerie realm, every single creation of the Almighty has a song.
In these worlds, Wizards are good magic users while sorcerers use magic for evil or selfish reasons; A sorcerer is seen on-page gathering magic in his hands to curse someone (twice, up to a few sentences).
Odessa’s father cursed her to be a swan, but because of their shared blood, the curse makes her a swan only during the day; He has also cursed others who were in the way of his plans *Spoilers* .
Jax is from the realm of Faerie where music is magic and because of it, he is able to hear magic.
Being cursed and pain from transforming into a swan (up to a few sentences); Seeing transformations & curses broken (up to a few sentences); Some characters can talk to each other through their minds because of magic/curses.
All about & many mentions of magic, curses, breaking curses, wizards/sorcerers, Faerie magic, different realms, & gateways between different realms; Mentions of being Fairy-Blessed & some abilities because of it.
Mentions of the Almighty; A mention of praying to the Almighty; A mention of being blessed by the Almighty.
Language/Negative/Dangerous Situations-
No language stronger than ‘stupid’, and ‘idiot’ but there are a few usages of in-world phrases like “what in [country’s name]”; A mention of a curse (said, but not written out); Sarcasm & Eye rolling; Some lying (to hide feelings).
Odessa was close to her father before finding out his secret, but then he cursed her and has been cruel to her since (she then realizes that he never loved her); Odessa feels grief over what her relationship with her father should have been; Her father threatens to harm/murder her in her swan form.
Jax feels like he is a disappointment to his father and wishes for him to be proud of him; Jax believes that his father thinks he is a fool for trying to charm dragons and is after a dream that will never amount to anything; Someone else tells him that is not the case and Jax wonders if that is true.
A mother has grief over infertility, miscarriages, and a stillborn baby.
Saving someone from drowning and giving him CPR, Being threatened with harm or death, Being grabbed at one’s throat, Pain, Injuries, Blood/Bleeding (up to a few sentences); Remembering almost drowning (up to a few sentences).
Mentions of deaths, grief; Mentions of a near drowning, injuries, being unconscious, pain, & blood/bleeding; Mentions of threats to harm/kill others; Mentions of thieves & stealing; Mentions of lies & lying; A few mentions of the main characters in the original Swan Lake story committing suicide by drowning into a lake; A few mentions of the giant in the original Jack and the Beanstalk story eating young boys; A few mentions of breaking and entering; A couple mentions of executors; A couple mentions of hunting swans; A couple mentions of poisons.
Sexual/Romance-
Fingers/Hand kisses,
1 cheek kiss,
2 head kisses,
1 kiss with no details,
1 kiss lasting a sentence,
1 kiss lasting 2-3 sentences.
Wanting to kiss & embrace (up to a couple sentences).
Touches, Embraces, Dancing, Hand holding, Warmth, Flutters, Shivers, Nearness, & Smelling (up to a few sentences); Flirting, Blushes, & Winks; Noticing & Staring (up to a few sentences).
Jax teases Odessa for kissing him (when she was actually giving him CPR).
Mentions of kisses/kissing; A couple mentions of procreation; A mention of a prince having women figuratively throwing themselves at him.
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March 20, 2026
Okay, this might be my favorite book by Sarah Beran ever! First, the cover is absolutely stunning! Both pictures of the characters capture them perfectly! I also love the drawing inside. This was absolutely delightful! I think I had a smile on my face for most of the book. I never used to like Jack and the Bean stalk retellings or Swan Lake retellings. But this one has completely blown my mind and changed. My views. Odessa is a wonderful character. I just loved her and her fierce protectiveness. Her sass and spunk was great. Jax was amazing! He is hands down one of my favorite characters by this author. He reminded me of Flynn Rider. His humor was incredible. Odessa and Jax works so well together. They were made for each other. Their banter was perfect. How they met was perfect. I loved this book and I highly recommend. I can’t wait to see what she writes next!
Quote that I liked:
🦢"Where is it?" “Where's what?" “My satchel."
🦢 Jax leaned back onto his foot. "Huh. This is an off day for me. Normally I can get water fowl."
🦢 She ignored him. "He hatched from the golden egg that Jax brought with him in his purse." “It's a satchel. Purses have far less utility."
Quote that I liked:
🦢"Where is it?" “Where's what?" “My satchel."
🦢 Jax leaned back onto his foot. "Huh. This is an off day for me. Normally I can get water fowl."
🦢 She ignored him. "He hatched from the golden egg that Jax brought with him in his purse." “It's a satchel. Purses have far less utility."
March 21, 2026
Content:
Profanity: None.
Violence: Mild. There is a near drowning. There is a curse inflicted that causes a transformation with physical pain. There is threat both physical and magical to others' lives.
Sexual: Mild. Hugs, hand holding, and swoony/sweet kisses.
Triggers: Parent curses child and threatens them repeatedly to control them. Child endangerment through magical means.
More a 4.5 (I may round it up to 5 later)
This was so stinking cute. I love how Sarah Beran can tackle heavy material with hope and a lighthearted tone. This could've been heart-wrenching with Boris being worst Dad of the decade and cursing people left, right, and center, but instead Jax jumps in and makes everyone around him smile and shake their heads in amusement. And then there's Bean, the baby dragon
Oh my goodness. The cute-overload with Bean was fantastic and I adored him!
There were so many aspects of the story that surprised me, and I didn't see some of the twists coming at all! I loved every bit of reading this story. The romance was sweet and heart-warming. The creatures were all so fun (I mean, Emus!) And the way the two fairy tales got a make-over but had their elements woven in was *chef's kiss*.
Jax and Odessa were adorable together, and their parenting that baby dragon together just put everything over the top.
I can't really say anything else without ginormous spoilers, so I'll just end saying that if you need a endorphin making read that is sweet, funny, and surprising, read this book!
Profanity: None.
Violence: Mild. There is a near drowning. There is a curse inflicted that causes a transformation with physical pain. There is threat both physical and magical to others' lives.
Sexual: Mild. Hugs, hand holding, and swoony/sweet kisses.
Triggers: Parent curses child and threatens them repeatedly to control them. Child endangerment through magical means.
More a 4.5 (I may round it up to 5 later)
This was so stinking cute. I love how Sarah Beran can tackle heavy material with hope and a lighthearted tone. This could've been heart-wrenching with Boris being worst Dad of the decade and cursing people left, right, and center, but instead Jax jumps in and makes everyone around him smile and shake their heads in amusement. And then there's Bean, the baby dragon
Oh my goodness. The cute-overload with Bean was fantastic and I adored him!
There were so many aspects of the story that surprised me, and I didn't see some of the twists coming at all! I loved every bit of reading this story. The romance was sweet and heart-warming. The creatures were all so fun (I mean, Emus!) And the way the two fairy tales got a make-over but had their elements woven in was *chef's kiss*.
Jax and Odessa were adorable together, and their parenting that baby dragon together just put everything over the top.
I can't really say anything else without ginormous spoilers, so I'll just end saying that if you need a endorphin making read that is sweet, funny, and surprising, read this book!
April 13, 2026
The cast of this story is fantastic and the banter is the best. I loved it!
March 17, 2026
Good book!
I really enjoyed reading this story! Also, I’m mentally crowning Sarah Beran as the Queen of the Puns. 😂 This story was delightful and charming, and I loved it!
I really enjoyed reading this story! Also, I’m mentally crowning Sarah Beran as the Queen of the Puns. 😂 This story was delightful and charming, and I loved it!
March 17, 2026
At first I was confused when I twigged that the last Jack and the Beanstalk retelling I read was also by Sarah Beran. And mashed up with a swan-themed retelling again no less (although Swan Lake this time rather than the Wild Swans tale of last time). But of course then I realised that while the last book focussed on the giant of the tale, this book follows the "Jack" and so although the link they actually differ significantly and it worked so perfectly well!
Swan Lake is a ballet I love and I loved the way that (as is usual for Sarah's books) she explained the story at the start for those who don't know it, which actually told me more than I already knew from the souvenir programmes so I could better appreciate the similarities and differences in the book. Having mentioned her previous Jack and the Beanstalk retelling I do want to clarify that you don't HAVE to have read that one first and this novella would be completely understandable read alone if you so desire (although the other is really good so you should read it anyway). Our MMC Jax is only briefly in the previous book and that one scene is repeated here from his POV which gives more context so you wouldn't be missing out on that if you joined here.
I did already like Jax's character in that scene last book so when I realised he was our MMC here I was really excited to see more of his story and character, and now I love him even more. I also loved Odessa right from the first page where she's cursed to spend her daytime hours in a swan's body. Her strength and resilience were incredible and I loved how she just accepted that life and took it in her stride without it jading her and her lovely, caring personality. I adored their romance and the way it progressed slowly due to their circumstances even though they both fell in love quite fast. And I loved loved loved the ending!! One of the twists (although it maybe wasn't meant to be a twist?) I saw coming but the other I did not which tbh made for some very weird moments haha but I can't explain why sorry! I also don't want to give anything away, but I haven't yet mentioned our other MC Bean, who is without a doubt one of my favourite characters EVER! You'll just have to read and meet him for yourself!
Swan Lake is a ballet I love and I loved the way that (as is usual for Sarah's books) she explained the story at the start for those who don't know it, which actually told me more than I already knew from the souvenir programmes so I could better appreciate the similarities and differences in the book. Having mentioned her previous Jack and the Beanstalk retelling I do want to clarify that you don't HAVE to have read that one first and this novella would be completely understandable read alone if you so desire (although the other is really good so you should read it anyway). Our MMC Jax is only briefly in the previous book and that one scene is repeated here from his POV which gives more context so you wouldn't be missing out on that if you joined here.
I did already like Jax's character in that scene last book so when I realised he was our MMC here I was really excited to see more of his story and character, and now I love him even more. I also loved Odessa right from the first page where she's cursed to spend her daytime hours in a swan's body. Her strength and resilience were incredible and I loved how she just accepted that life and took it in her stride without it jading her and her lovely, caring personality. I adored their romance and the way it progressed slowly due to their circumstances even though they both fell in love quite fast. And I loved loved loved the ending!! One of the twists (although it maybe wasn't meant to be a twist?) I saw coming but the other I did not which tbh made for some very weird moments haha but I can't explain why sorry! I also don't want to give anything away, but I haven't yet mentioned our other MC Bean, who is without a doubt one of my favourite characters EVER! You'll just have to read and meet him for yourself!
March 19, 2026
Honestly the best book by Sarah Beran so far! This book is so, so, so humour-filled - every single page had me bursting out in laughter and giggles! Sarah Beran's humour and love of puns shines through every page of this book and made this book so delightful and enjoyable to read!
The characters were AWESOME too! I loved Jax so much! He is so funny, kind, sweet, and intelligent. He's a really great match for Odessa! He's so sweet and adorable and gives out the best hugs, which I loved so much! The way he (forced) his friendship onto Dmitri was hilarious and I love how that friendship eventually developed into something real and almost like sibling banter. Odessa was such a great character too! She's so strong and determined and I love her maternal instincts towards Bean (even if he's a dragon). Bean was so awesome as well. A dragon with identity issues...🤣Only Sarah Beran would come up with something like that!
All the side characters - Dmitri, Katrin, Sonya, and everyone else - were great as well! I really hope that they'll get their own stories too!
I was also ecstatic to learn that this world was (vaguely) connected to Faerie and Eukarya! We got to see some of the characters from Falling for the Winged Witch (it was great seeing Atlas and Prince Jacques again!) as well as Jax's family line (the Papagenos from Spring of Sparkling Song) and his occupation as a Bird Catcher and Dragon Charmer (another extreme source of hilarity in this book!).
And then the plot twist at the end... I was definitely not expecting that! And I love how everything turned out so well and it was like all the pieces of the puzzle coming together and fitting together perfectly! I loved this book so much, honestly! The character, the plot, the new world we've been introduced to, as well as brief cameos and mentions of the old ones! I love all the puns and the banter and the snark!
I can't wait for more of Sarah Beran's books!!!
Disclaimer: I received an ARC from the author. I was not required to leave a review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am voluntarily leaving a review because this book is just so good and funny and hilarious and everyone really needs to try it!
The characters were AWESOME too! I loved Jax so much! He is so funny, kind, sweet, and intelligent. He's a really great match for Odessa! He's so sweet and adorable and gives out the best hugs, which I loved so much! The way he (forced) his friendship onto Dmitri was hilarious and I love how that friendship eventually developed into something real and almost like sibling banter. Odessa was such a great character too! She's so strong and determined and I love her maternal instincts towards Bean (even if he's a dragon). Bean was so awesome as well. A dragon with identity issues...🤣Only Sarah Beran would come up with something like that!
All the side characters - Dmitri, Katrin, Sonya, and everyone else - were great as well! I really hope that they'll get their own stories too!
I was also ecstatic to learn that this world was (vaguely) connected to Faerie and Eukarya! We got to see some of the characters from Falling for the Winged Witch (it was great seeing Atlas and Prince Jacques again!) as well as Jax's family line (the Papagenos from Spring of Sparkling Song) and his occupation as a Bird Catcher and Dragon Charmer (another extreme source of hilarity in this book!).
And then the plot twist at the end... I was definitely not expecting that! And I love how everything turned out so well and it was like all the pieces of the puzzle coming together and fitting together perfectly! I loved this book so much, honestly! The character, the plot, the new world we've been introduced to, as well as brief cameos and mentions of the old ones! I love all the puns and the banter and the snark!
I can't wait for more of Sarah Beran's books!!!
Disclaimer: I received an ARC from the author. I was not required to leave a review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am voluntarily leaving a review because this book is just so good and funny and hilarious and everyone really needs to try it!
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
-this story occurs in the same timeframe & starts in the same world as Falling for the Winged Witch, but it doesn’t have to be read to enjoy this story
*Point Of View:* Odessa & Jax
*Any Cursing Or Possibly Offensive Language?* None!
*Romance?* Yes! Just kisses
*Things To Know:*
-it is mentioned that a character’s parent makes poor choices & the character’s view of them as a good, loving parent is shattered
–there is a brief mention of infertility & infant loss
Review:
This was so cute! I loved the way Sarah Beran mixed Jack and the Beanstalk with Swan Lake! Odessa and her dragon charge were adorable together and I loved how protective Odessa was of those she cared for. I loved seeing Jax try to figure out why the one swan was different from swans he’d encountered before as well as the various other bird related puns & encounters he brought forth throughout the story. 😂 I also loved that Jax kept trying and failing to convince himself not to fall for Odessa. It was adorable that he thought he would be leaving without falling for her! 😂
Summary:
Odessa works by night under her father as the Assistant Keeper of the Menagerie and loves caring for the animals in their care. But by day she is cursed to be a swan until the terms for breaking the curse have been met. Though Odessa knows the terms, she has no hope of breaking her curse when her only chance for human interaction being in the hours most people sleep. That is until one night a man mysteriously crashes into the lake beside her home.
Jax comes from a family of bird catchers but hopes to do more than the family business. But his hopes are tied to a dragon egg that keeps getting away from him. Though fate seems to be on his side when Jax discovers his dragon egg being guarded by a swan. Well, that is until he realizes his normally successful tricks for swan soothing have no effect on the protective bird.
*Series or Connected Books?* part of a series, but meant to be read as a stand-alone
-this story occurs in the same timeframe & starts in the same world as Falling for the Winged Witch, but it doesn’t have to be read to enjoy this story
*Point Of View:* Odessa & Jax
*Any Cursing Or Possibly Offensive Language?* None!
*Romance?* Yes! Just kisses
*Things To Know:*
-it is mentioned that a character’s parent makes poor choices & the character’s view of them as a good, loving parent is shattered
–there is a brief mention of infertility & infant loss
Review:
This was so cute! I loved the way Sarah Beran mixed Jack and the Beanstalk with Swan Lake! Odessa and her dragon charge were adorable together and I loved how protective Odessa was of those she cared for. I loved seeing Jax try to figure out why the one swan was different from swans he’d encountered before as well as the various other bird related puns & encounters he brought forth throughout the story. 😂 I also loved that Jax kept trying and failing to convince himself not to fall for Odessa. It was adorable that he thought he would be leaving without falling for her! 😂
Summary:
Odessa works by night under her father as the Assistant Keeper of the Menagerie and loves caring for the animals in their care. But by day she is cursed to be a swan until the terms for breaking the curse have been met. Though Odessa knows the terms, she has no hope of breaking her curse when her only chance for human interaction being in the hours most people sleep. That is until one night a man mysteriously crashes into the lake beside her home.
Jax comes from a family of bird catchers but hopes to do more than the family business. But his hopes are tied to a dragon egg that keeps getting away from him. Though fate seems to be on his side when Jax discovers his dragon egg being guarded by a swan. Well, that is until he realizes his normally successful tricks for swan soothing have no effect on the protective bird.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Having loved ‘Falling for the Winged Witch’, I was excited to go into Cursed Climb, maybe more so. I mean, I needed all of the bird content. Obviously. The world Beran has created in the current book, as well as past books, is so fun! There is a certain whimsical, sweet feel that makes me happy.
First off, I love a good old charming rogue. Jax fits the role admiringly, even if he may be slightly sweeter than the trope normally pertains to. He reminds me of Flynn Rider without the thieving tendencies. Odessa’s situation is sad but she is a strong character that cares greatly. She came across as a bit jaded a couple of times but I feel like that is to be expected with the way her curse came about. Jax raises her spirits and Odessa levels him out. It’s honestly a perfect match. I think the hugs were my favorite part.
The side characters were a great addition. I definitely did not expect them to play the roles that they did. The villain was most *fowl* (pun intended). The plan he *hatched* was wicked. One of my favorite parts was seeing cameos from other books. It made my day!! Also, can I talk about Bean?! Bean is the cutest and I loved his role in the story. Plus, his name is the best.
I can’t wait to see what Beran has in store for us next!
Thank you to Sarah Beran for an ARC of Cursed Climb! All opinions are my own.
No-Spice Rating: 1 (very light kissing)
Language: Clean
Faith-Elements: 🐑 (brief mentions of the Creator)
First off, I love a good old charming rogue. Jax fits the role admiringly, even if he may be slightly sweeter than the trope normally pertains to. He reminds me of Flynn Rider without the thieving tendencies. Odessa’s situation is sad but she is a strong character that cares greatly. She came across as a bit jaded a couple of times but I feel like that is to be expected with the way her curse came about. Jax raises her spirits and Odessa levels him out. It’s honestly a perfect match. I think the hugs were my favorite part.
The side characters were a great addition. I definitely did not expect them to play the roles that they did. The villain was most *fowl* (pun intended). The plan he *hatched* was wicked. One of my favorite parts was seeing cameos from other books. It made my day!! Also, can I talk about Bean?! Bean is the cutest and I loved his role in the story. Plus, his name is the best.
I can’t wait to see what Beran has in store for us next!
Thank you to Sarah Beran for an ARC of Cursed Climb! All opinions are my own.
No-Spice Rating: 1 (very light kissing)
Language: Clean
Faith-Elements: 🐑 (brief mentions of the Creator)
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was such a fun fairytale mashup of Swan Lake and Jack and the Beanstalk! I loved how the author incorporated elements from each story and made it her own! I also appreciated that she included a summary of the original fairytales at the beginning. It was great to see the start of Jax's story with some snippets of Falling for the Winged Witch. By far Jax was my favorite character since I'm a sucker for puns, and he always had one ready. Odessa was a really sweet character; how she took care of all the animals in the royal menagerie, and became Bean's "mother" was heartwarming. Prince Dmitri was a charming friend that came through when he was needed. The twists just kept coming out of nowhere and had my jaw on the floor! I highly recommend this no-spice, slow-burn fantasy!
When Jax, the Bird Catcher and Dragon Charmer, chases a wizard for a dragon egg, he doesn't expect to end up falling into a different realm. Odessa literally changes his life in ways he couldn't have predicted when she saves him from drowning. Now they have a baby dragon that thinks he's a swan and a curse to break before Odessa's fate is sealed. With Prince Dmitri's help, they must find the truth and bring it to light. When the villain's wrongdoings are exposed, how will the realm find its balance?
I received an Advanced Reader Copy with no expectation of a review. All opinions are my own.
When Jax, the Bird Catcher and Dragon Charmer, chases a wizard for a dragon egg, he doesn't expect to end up falling into a different realm. Odessa literally changes his life in ways he couldn't have predicted when she saves him from drowning. Now they have a baby dragon that thinks he's a swan and a curse to break before Odessa's fate is sealed. With Prince Dmitri's help, they must find the truth and bring it to light. When the villain's wrongdoings are exposed, how will the realm find its balance?
I received an Advanced Reader Copy with no expectation of a review. All opinions are my own.
March 25, 2026
This is an arc review.
I absolutely loved this book. It is a sequel to her book Falling for the Winged Witch but you don’t need to have read that one to read this one.
Jax was one of my favorite characters from the first book and I was so disappointed when he seemed to have vanished from the last book but now knowing he got his own story I am so happy! He is such a goofball it’s hard not to laugh at his punny jokes. (Yes pun intended).
Odessa meanwhile is such a tender hearted animal lover who is very protective of her four legged friends. Just don’t try to hurt them. Day or night she will do what she has to to protect them.
One of my favorite parts was when she and Jax official but unofficial second time meeting each other. Without revealing too much he was trying to take back a little companion he had lost and of course she had taken him under her wing and didn’t want to give the sweet little guy up! So she kinda fights him to try and keep his little friend.
I strongly recommend this book. It’s amazing!
I absolutely loved this book. It is a sequel to her book Falling for the Winged Witch but you don’t need to have read that one to read this one.
Jax was one of my favorite characters from the first book and I was so disappointed when he seemed to have vanished from the last book but now knowing he got his own story I am so happy! He is such a goofball it’s hard not to laugh at his punny jokes. (Yes pun intended).
Odessa meanwhile is such a tender hearted animal lover who is very protective of her four legged friends. Just don’t try to hurt them. Day or night she will do what she has to to protect them.
One of my favorite parts was when she and Jax official but unofficial second time meeting each other. Without revealing too much he was trying to take back a little companion he had lost and of course she had taken him under her wing and didn’t want to give the sweet little guy up! So she kinda fights him to try and keep his little friend.
I strongly recommend this book. It’s amazing!
May 2, 2026
Is it possible to have a favourite book by a favourite author? I’m not really sure it is, but as of this minute, after finishing my read of Cursed Climb, this is my new favourite by Sarah Beran.
It was incredibly well done. Though it had its sad moments, it was funny, punny, twisty, and completely unforgettable. Being a novella, I flew through it in a few hours instead of going to sleep, and while that was perfect, it also ended too soon. Don’t get me wrong, it ends beautifully and it doesn’t feel rushed. But I was so happy in that world and with those characters that I want more—maybe an epilogue or five would satisfy me.
This book is also perfect for any age old enough to read it, as far as romance is concerned. As to anything dealing with violence, it isn’t really violent but, being a Swan Lake retelling, there is a curse, so I’d suggest 12 to 13 as a good starting age.
Honestly, this book might have just hit the list of one of my top reads of the year, if not the top, I loved it that much. It might even make it under some Christmas trees in a few months. ; )
It was incredibly well done. Though it had its sad moments, it was funny, punny, twisty, and completely unforgettable. Being a novella, I flew through it in a few hours instead of going to sleep, and while that was perfect, it also ended too soon. Don’t get me wrong, it ends beautifully and it doesn’t feel rushed. But I was so happy in that world and with those characters that I want more—maybe an epilogue or five would satisfy me.
This book is also perfect for any age old enough to read it, as far as romance is concerned. As to anything dealing with violence, it isn’t really violent but, being a Swan Lake retelling, there is a curse, so I’d suggest 12 to 13 as a good starting age.
Honestly, this book might have just hit the list of one of my top reads of the year, if not the top, I loved it that much. It might even make it under some Christmas trees in a few months. ; )
March 27, 2026
Playful, Unique, and Fun
Cursed Climb was full of lighthearted fun from beginning to end. The characters are engaging, their banter hilariously on point, and there is a sarcastic baby dragon with an identity crisis.
Jax is charming and quick to talk his way out of trouble. He is also flexible, humble, observant, and quick to help. Odessa is diligent, quick witted, and caring. She takes a lot of responsibility from her duties to the burdens of others to her own curse.
The book has clean romance and almost no violence. The book has light references to books in other series (e.g. Spring of Sparkling Song and A Quest for Greatness), but can be read and understood on its own.
There are so many sweet moments and laugh out loud moments throughout this book. I will probably never look at birds the same. This book takes the reader on a delightfully exciting, charming, and sweet adventure, one I very much look forward to going on again.
Cursed Climb was full of lighthearted fun from beginning to end. The characters are engaging, their banter hilariously on point, and there is a sarcastic baby dragon with an identity crisis.
Jax is charming and quick to talk his way out of trouble. He is also flexible, humble, observant, and quick to help. Odessa is diligent, quick witted, and caring. She takes a lot of responsibility from her duties to the burdens of others to her own curse.
The book has clean romance and almost no violence. The book has light references to books in other series (e.g. Spring of Sparkling Song and A Quest for Greatness), but can be read and understood on its own.
There are so many sweet moments and laugh out loud moments throughout this book. I will probably never look at birds the same. This book takes the reader on a delightfully exciting, charming, and sweet adventure, one I very much look forward to going on again.
March 19, 2026
Cursed Climb by Sarah Beran
Emus, lions, and zebras, oh my! Odessa Rothchild works under her father as the Assistant Keeper of the Menageie...
Sarah Beran always tickles my sweet spot! And she certainly does it again with this charming retelling of Swan Lake and Jack and the Beanstalk. Jax was my favorite with his oh so ridiculous (my bad, I meant charming!) word plays and jokes! And a baby dragon who imprints on a swan? Oh, yes please! Thr royal menagerie was also a cool and unique setting! And some lovely twists at the end. Would absolutely highly recommend!
Genre: Fairytale retelling (clean)
Standalone in Displaced Fairytales series
Favorite character: Jax (MMC)
Favorite scene: all the ones with Bean!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
ARC (published Mar 17, all opinions are my own)
Emus, lions, and zebras, oh my! Odessa Rothchild works under her father as the Assistant Keeper of the Menageie...
Sarah Beran always tickles my sweet spot! And she certainly does it again with this charming retelling of Swan Lake and Jack and the Beanstalk. Jax was my favorite with his oh so ridiculous (my bad, I meant charming!) word plays and jokes! And a baby dragon who imprints on a swan? Oh, yes please! Thr royal menagerie was also a cool and unique setting! And some lovely twists at the end. Would absolutely highly recommend!
Genre: Fairytale retelling (clean)
Standalone in Displaced Fairytales series
Favorite character: Jax (MMC)
Favorite scene: all the ones with Bean!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
ARC (published Mar 17, all opinions are my own)
April 6, 2026
Oh my goodness!!! Swoon. And that dragon you just want to hug he is so ornery lol.
So much to love and several characters from past books were in this. I did manage to think of one of the twists, but then it did a twist on its own. Lol 😆 I can't spoil it. But Sarah Beran sure knows how to spin a tale.
You can tell from the get go Jax is using his obnoxious ways as a defense mechanism and with Odessa's curse she sure needs some humor. I just 💙LOVED this book. And I didn't realize how well Jack and the Beanstalk goes so well with Swan Lake.
If you are fans of the Swan Princess movie and some Once Upon a Time humor from a dashing Prince Charming lol then this is a must read for you.
So much to love and several characters from past books were in this. I did manage to think of one of the twists, but then it did a twist on its own. Lol 😆 I can't spoil it. But Sarah Beran sure knows how to spin a tale.
You can tell from the get go Jax is using his obnoxious ways as a defense mechanism and with Odessa's curse she sure needs some humor. I just 💙LOVED this book. And I didn't realize how well Jack and the Beanstalk goes so well with Swan Lake.
If you are fans of the Swan Princess movie and some Once Upon a Time humor from a dashing Prince Charming lol then this is a must read for you.
March 22, 2026
Sarah Beran's books never fail to disappoint in terms of humour, puns, and lightheartedness. This was such a cozy and sweet read and I absolutely loved seeing the connections across Sarah Beran's three different worlds. This book also cleared up some confusions I had after reading "Falling for the Winged Witch" and I loved that Jax is a Papageno and that Avi is his uncle! It was great recognising a character that I loved from the very first book I ever read of Sarah Beran. The plot twist was excellent! Even though I guessed at a few of the twists, there were still a few that I definitely didn't guess and it was incredible to see how they all combined! All the side characters were well-developed, Odessa was so sweet, and Jax was so funny and so good to Odessa. Jax is honestly one of the best MMC's I have ever read. It was so funny to see how people responded to Jax saying that his occupation is a Bird Catcher and that he's from Faerie. And Bean was so adorable! Overall, this was a highly enjoyable read and I definitely recommend it!
I received an ARC from the author. All opinions are my own.
I received an ARC from the author. All opinions are my own.
March 17, 2026
This book was such a fun adventure. I met the MMC Jax when I read Falling for the Winged Witch, he was just a passerby character in that.
Jax is an interesting character, he’s so happy go-lucky and just rolls with whatever happens. He brings that joy with him when he crosses paths randomly with Odessa.
Odessa has been cursed by her own father so from the start we don’t like Boris. This story was highly entertaining and kept me clutching my kindle in anticipation of what was coming.
Sara put in some fun little twists and turns and I loved her take and mix-up on Jack and the Beanstalk with Swan Lake.
Jax is an interesting character, he’s so happy go-lucky and just rolls with whatever happens. He brings that joy with him when he crosses paths randomly with Odessa.
Odessa has been cursed by her own father so from the start we don’t like Boris. This story was highly entertaining and kept me clutching my kindle in anticipation of what was coming.
Sara put in some fun little twists and turns and I loved her take and mix-up on Jack and the Beanstalk with Swan Lake.
March 24, 2026
“You kissed me!” he blurted…She reared her head back in surprise. “I most certainly did not.”
“You did.” Now that the words were out, Jax found himself relaxing into the flow of conversation. “I was there.”
“So was I,” she drawled. “And I definitely don’t remember kissing you.”
“It must have been some kiss, to leave your mind so addled that you can’t even remember.”
“Or completely forgettable,” she deadpanned.
Cursed Climb by Sarah Beran is incredible!
I am seriously in love with this displaced fairytale mashup of Jack and the Beanstalk and Swan Lake. From the very start, I eagerly turned page after page as the author created a wonderful story full of intrigue, swoony romance, adventure, and redemption. I adored the dancing by the lake scene, and of course, every time the assistant to the assistant keeper needed to provide his skills. I love how everything wrapped up and the plot surprises that I didn’t see coming.
The characters are fantastic - Jax – I love his wit, charm, and protectiveness. Odessa – I love her kindness, strength, and bravery. Bean – love everything about this dragon! Prince Dimitri – loyal through and through.
Truly, this author has become a favorite auto-read for me – I am on pins and needles waiting for her next creation!
“You did.” Now that the words were out, Jax found himself relaxing into the flow of conversation. “I was there.”
“So was I,” she drawled. “And I definitely don’t remember kissing you.”
“It must have been some kiss, to leave your mind so addled that you can’t even remember.”
“Or completely forgettable,” she deadpanned.
Cursed Climb by Sarah Beran is incredible!
I am seriously in love with this displaced fairytale mashup of Jack and the Beanstalk and Swan Lake. From the very start, I eagerly turned page after page as the author created a wonderful story full of intrigue, swoony romance, adventure, and redemption. I adored the dancing by the lake scene, and of course, every time the assistant to the assistant keeper needed to provide his skills. I love how everything wrapped up and the plot surprises that I didn’t see coming.
The characters are fantastic - Jax – I love his wit, charm, and protectiveness. Odessa – I love her kindness, strength, and bravery. Bean – love everything about this dragon! Prince Dimitri – loyal through and through.
Truly, this author has become a favorite auto-read for me – I am on pins and needles waiting for her next creation!
March 18, 2026
Remember those menace boys in Atlas's story with Falling for the Winged Witch? Well, you get to know one of them in more detail now, after he falls off the beanstalk he is saved! By a girl? Or is she a swan? What in the Swan Princess is going on here? Which is exactly what this Bird Catcher and Dragon Charmer, or is he the pied piper? is trying to figure out.
Bean makes the story. He is the perfect side character I didn't know I needed in my life. He heals so many things in so many lives and hearts because of how sweet and innocent he is. But really, this story is cozy and so fun.
Bean makes the story. He is the perfect side character I didn't know I needed in my life. He heals so many things in so many lives and hearts because of how sweet and innocent he is. But really, this story is cozy and so fun.
March 26, 2026
May I confess that while I've generally enjoyed most Swan Lake retellings that I've read, I don't think that I've ever really loved one?
That is, until Jax fell from the beanstalk into Swan Lake, taking a sad and dark story and turning it into a masterfully written tale that brought laughter and delight at every turn, even while staying true to some of the darker parts of the Swan Lake story. And just when you're ready for an utterly sweet happily ever after, you find out that nothing is quite like it seems.
Absolutely perfect.
That is, until Jax fell from the beanstalk into Swan Lake, taking a sad and dark story and turning it into a masterfully written tale that brought laughter and delight at every turn, even while staying true to some of the darker parts of the Swan Lake story. And just when you're ready for an utterly sweet happily ever after, you find out that nothing is quite like it seems.
Absolutely perfect.
April 3, 2026
Falling in love wasn’t his plan
Jax’s tumble from the beanstalk dunks him into an entirely different realm, but his plan stays the same: find the golden egg and return home. He didn’t plan on the egg hatching, the hatchling imprinting on a swan, and the swan turning into the most beautiful young woman he has ever seen. It’s a good thing that he is a Bird Catcher and Dragon Charmer, because he will need to use his skills in ways he never thought of before in order to make sense of this new place.
Jax’s tumble from the beanstalk dunks him into an entirely different realm, but his plan stays the same: find the golden egg and return home. He didn’t plan on the egg hatching, the hatchling imprinting on a swan, and the swan turning into the most beautiful young woman he has ever seen. It’s a good thing that he is a Bird Catcher and Dragon Charmer, because he will need to use his skills in ways he never thought of before in order to make sense of this new place.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A truly magical book that is full of wonder, strength, perfect puns, and a dragon baby with an identity crisis! The dynamic of Odessa and Jax is absolutely perfect, full of banter and a slow blooming friendship and love. Bean is my favorite little sassy dragon and ties everything together. It was light hearted, though still facing a dark curse, making a delightful story!
Thank you for the arc!
Thank you for the arc!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Cursed Climb was a delightful, light-hearted and hilarious read filled with classic Beran wit and lots of puns! I loved watching Jax and Odessa fall for each other, especially as they navigated some of the bigger obstacles to their relationship.
And can we talk about the plot twist?! I'd expect that from Mary Mecham, not Sarah Beran, but I loved it so much and it made everything 10 times better in every way possible!!!
I really enjoyed seeing Bean and Odessa forming a bond, and the experience was definitely enhanced having read Beran's other books (namely Tales of Eukarya #1, Falling for the Winged Witch, A Quest for Greatness and Snapdragon).
My favorite line? "I'm vine, it's vine, everything is vine." (Chapter 1). Excuse me while I go dig up some more Beran books to further split my sides! I read an early copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
And can we talk about the plot twist?! I'd expect that from Mary Mecham, not Sarah Beran, but I loved it so much and it made everything 10 times better in every way possible!!!
I really enjoyed seeing Bean and Odessa forming a bond, and the experience was definitely enhanced having read Beran's other books (namely Tales of Eukarya #1, Falling for the Winged Witch, A Quest for Greatness and Snapdragon).
My favorite line? "I'm vine, it's vine, everything is vine." (Chapter 1). Excuse me while I go dig up some more Beran books to further split my sides! I read an early copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 17, 2026
This cute book had so much charm! I loved the baby dragon and the sweet, clean romance! It was a clever combination of Swan Lake, The Magic Flute, Jack and the Beanstalk, with just a touch of King Arthur. The ending was a happy conclusion to a bright story that had several funny (and pun filled) moments. I received an ARC copy and this is my review.
March 22, 2026
I received an ARC for the Displaced Fairytale series. This is Cursed Climb. This was such a mix of Swan Lake and Jack in the Beanstalk but it was also unique. I loved that the original story were at the beginning for a reminder.
This is Odessa and Jax's story ...
Odessa is the Cursed by her father to be a swan during the day and a swan at night. She works with her further at the Menagerie.
Jax is a bird/ dragon chamer. He has pied piper Magic over birds.
I was not expecting the ending at all. I love when book surprise me and this one definitely did. I loved Jax puns and his sense of humor. Him and Odessa were perfect together
I also loved Bean. He was adorable with is identity crisis.
Such and amazing story.
This is Odessa and Jax's story ...
Odessa is the Cursed by her father to be a swan during the day and a swan at night. She works with her further at the Menagerie.
Jax is a bird/ dragon chamer. He has pied piper Magic over birds.
I was not expecting the ending at all. I love when book surprise me and this one definitely did. I loved Jax puns and his sense of humor. Him and Odessa were perfect together
I also loved Bean. He was adorable with is identity crisis.
Such and amazing story.
March 17, 2026
Clever story
This story runs parallel to that of Falling for the winged witch (Atlas' story which i highly recommend). Clean, clever plot with some unexpected twists and great characters. Loved Bean!
This story runs parallel to that of Falling for the winged witch (Atlas' story which i highly recommend). Clean, clever plot with some unexpected twists and great characters. Loved Bean!
March 19, 2026
Oh that was utterly adorable and so very charming
I'll definitely want to look for that other book, but I just adore rogues with hearts of gold. Though truthfully, I'm not sure I'd ever want to marry one myself! But they're the absolute best to read about.
I'll definitely want to look for that other book, but I just adore rogues with hearts of gold. Though truthfully, I'm not sure I'd ever want to marry one myself! But they're the absolute best to read about.
March 20, 2026
This was such a cute book, Bean the dragon who thinks he's a swan stole the whole show. That little sassy, sarcastic reptile was just so endearing and adorable. I loved how Sarah merged Jack and the Beanstalk and Swan Lake together as it flowed meticulously
March 20, 2026
I really loved reading this wonderful book! I loved the characters and the plot! I absolutely loved this retelling of Jack and the Beanstalk and Swan Lake! I had a hard time putting this really wonderful book down! I am looking forward to reading the next book in this really wonderful series!
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