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Never Lands #1
Charming: A Charming Book One
Once Upon a Time... Prince Christophe can't die. Or, more precisely, if he dies, so does his country. But that hasn't stopped the King from hosting a ball. And it hasn't stopped Kit's enemies from seeking a quick end between the quadrille and the waltz. The Children of the Wood hold out hope that their Assassin Queen will fulfill the prophecy and end Kit's life. But when Ella vies for the prince's attention, it's not a knife that pierces his heart, or her own. One waltz at a ball. One trip of a slipper. One Prince. And one Assassin. In the world of the Never Lands, Fairy Tales aren't quite like you remember.
160 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
December 8, 2015
Charming? Maybe
I’ll say this, that cover is captivating and the blurb intriguing; the story in itself warrants props for making the heroine some kind of anti-hero with internal conflict for loving the enemy and betraying her kind. But, and sorry if there is a but, it's not all it's cracked up to be.
We have “Ella” who is in fact an assassin sent to kill her people’s worst enemy, or rather, to kill the one person that according to prophesy will be the end of them all. We meet her at what appears to be the end of a ball, hence the reference to Cinderella and a prince. The prince wants to live a normal life thus prefers to travel with no guard even though they all know they are hired assassins out to get him. As fate would have it, Ella the greatest and best of the assassins sent, makes a life changing decision that alters the lives of everyone in this world.
So, as I was reading this story and I kept putting it down, I just kept thinking: it’s a decent story, why do I keep dozing off? Why doesn’t it hold my interest? And so it hit me, it’s not the story, or the plot, it was the narrative. More than half the time it was told in a passive voice and told at a rather slow pace. I had a hard keeping track of the characters not because there were too many of them but because they all showed up at random times with no previous introduction. During dialogue, the conversation was separated by quotation marks but it was not acknowledged who had made the talking until later and well, by that time I had already lost track of what had been said.
Perhaps I’m just not used to this kind of writing. I mean, I’m no expert and although I consider myself an avid reader I don’t think I’ve ever come across a book told in this manner. I suppose other fantasy lovers may enjoy it if they find this kind of prose engaging. As it is, I can only give it 3 stars and only because I found the plot to be imaginative but that’s really pushing it.
** Review copy provided via Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review **
I’ll say this, that cover is captivating and the blurb intriguing; the story in itself warrants props for making the heroine some kind of anti-hero with internal conflict for loving the enemy and betraying her kind. But, and sorry if there is a but, it's not all it's cracked up to be.
We have “Ella” who is in fact an assassin sent to kill her people’s worst enemy, or rather, to kill the one person that according to prophesy will be the end of them all. We meet her at what appears to be the end of a ball, hence the reference to Cinderella and a prince. The prince wants to live a normal life thus prefers to travel with no guard even though they all know they are hired assassins out to get him. As fate would have it, Ella the greatest and best of the assassins sent, makes a life changing decision that alters the lives of everyone in this world.
So, as I was reading this story and I kept putting it down, I just kept thinking: it’s a decent story, why do I keep dozing off? Why doesn’t it hold my interest? And so it hit me, it’s not the story, or the plot, it was the narrative. More than half the time it was told in a passive voice and told at a rather slow pace. I had a hard keeping track of the characters not because there were too many of them but because they all showed up at random times with no previous introduction. During dialogue, the conversation was separated by quotation marks but it was not acknowledged who had made the talking until later and well, by that time I had already lost track of what had been said.
Perhaps I’m just not used to this kind of writing. I mean, I’m no expert and although I consider myself an avid reader I don’t think I’ve ever come across a book told in this manner. I suppose other fantasy lovers may enjoy it if they find this kind of prose engaging. As it is, I can only give it 3 stars and only because I found the plot to be imaginative but that’s really pushing it.
** Review copy provided via Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review **
November 23, 2015
Fresh, unique and riveting… this re-interpretation of Cinderella is an attention grabber. Ms. Lawrencovna is a new to me author who I will be watching. In Charming, this is not your Disney happily ever after fairy tale. There are "fairies" as in a race which seems to be modelled after the fae. That is about all that is similar. Because Cinderella is not an unloved fatherless girl. Instead, she is a strong warrior with an exacting mother. Her mother is queen and will not tolerate disobedience.
The conflict in this story is monumental. It's not a simple little contrived misunderstand or a poor little girl situation. This is a meaty conflict that can start a war, if not a call for genocide. This dark story is not like Grimm's fairy tale. It's more than a simple cautionary tale because it creates a world where two races are hostile and no one is willing to talk to the other. The misconceptions and distrust are obstacles not easily overcome.
The tension between Charming aka Kit and Ella is so good. I like how the relationship started out with Kit chasing Ella and when some important facts come to light, it becomes Ella who starts to hunt Kit. The fighting in this book is what does it for me. I love the Ella's strength and self confidence. It reminds me of the old Mercedes Lackey books when she wrote the Valdemar: Arrows of the Queen series. This strong female lead who breaks into the male dominated world in her own way impresses me. I want to learn more. Exposing more about the Children of the Woods would be great. They seem ruthless and similar to the Children of the Woods in Anne Bishop's Dark Jewels series. There are so many pieces in this first book that reminds me of fantasy authors I adore. Even though there are familiar feelings, Ms. Lawrencovna brings it in a refreshing new way. I'm excited about this new to me author and can't wait to read more. Charming is spellbinding and recommended for fantasy lovers who enjoy fairy tales retold.
* Review copy provided via Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review.
The conflict in this story is monumental. It's not a simple little contrived misunderstand or a poor little girl situation. This is a meaty conflict that can start a war, if not a call for genocide. This dark story is not like Grimm's fairy tale. It's more than a simple cautionary tale because it creates a world where two races are hostile and no one is willing to talk to the other. The misconceptions and distrust are obstacles not easily overcome.
The tension between Charming aka Kit and Ella is so good. I like how the relationship started out with Kit chasing Ella and when some important facts come to light, it becomes Ella who starts to hunt Kit. The fighting in this book is what does it for me. I love the Ella's strength and self confidence. It reminds me of the old Mercedes Lackey books when she wrote the Valdemar: Arrows of the Queen series. This strong female lead who breaks into the male dominated world in her own way impresses me. I want to learn more. Exposing more about the Children of the Woods would be great. They seem ruthless and similar to the Children of the Woods in Anne Bishop's Dark Jewels series. There are so many pieces in this first book that reminds me of fantasy authors I adore. Even though there are familiar feelings, Ms. Lawrencovna brings it in a refreshing new way. I'm excited about this new to me author and can't wait to read more. Charming is spellbinding and recommended for fantasy lovers who enjoy fairy tales retold.
* Review copy provided via Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review.
October 21, 2015
**Review copy provided via Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review**
Cinderella with a Dark Twist.
This Cinderella is an elf, an assassin, whose mission is to kill Prince Christophe and bring back peace to her people. But when confronted with the prince, she realizes that ending his life is not the right thing to do, or so the Darkness tells her.
I really like reading fairy tale retellings, they just let you enjoy once more a story you're familiar with, but reimagined and with lots of new characters to meet. In this book, we get to know a whole different Cinderella, one who doesn't let people tell her how to do things, and who is not in need of a prince coming to sweep her off her feet.
The prince and Cinderella are not exactly on the same side, but, well, she tried killing him after all. Even so, they start spending a lot of time together and get to know more about each other and their people. We also get a lot of action and fighting, it's very refreshing to see the girl kicking butt and protecting the guy for once.
The only problem I had with this book was that, even though it was beautifully written in the beginning, it started getting a little confusing at times and I had to reread some parts, because I didn't know who was talking. But other than that, it was very enjoyable.
If you like Cinderella and fairy tale retellings, you might want to give this one a try :)
More reviews on my blog: Lipstick and Mocha
Cinderella with a Dark Twist.
This Cinderella is an elf, an assassin, whose mission is to kill Prince Christophe and bring back peace to her people. But when confronted with the prince, she realizes that ending his life is not the right thing to do, or so the Darkness tells her.
I really like reading fairy tale retellings, they just let you enjoy once more a story you're familiar with, but reimagined and with lots of new characters to meet. In this book, we get to know a whole different Cinderella, one who doesn't let people tell her how to do things, and who is not in need of a prince coming to sweep her off her feet.
The prince and Cinderella are not exactly on the same side, but, well, she tried killing him after all. Even so, they start spending a lot of time together and get to know more about each other and their people. We also get a lot of action and fighting, it's very refreshing to see the girl kicking butt and protecting the guy for once.
The only problem I had with this book was that, even though it was beautifully written in the beginning, it started getting a little confusing at times and I had to reread some parts, because I didn't know who was talking. But other than that, it was very enjoyable.
If you like Cinderella and fairy tale retellings, you might want to give this one a try :)
More reviews on my blog: Lipstick and Mocha
December 3, 2017
This is an inventive, intriguing, and captivating reimagining of Cinderella. The story is fast-paced and left me wanting more. I’m looking forward to reading more in this series.
I received a copy of this book from the author, my review has been voluntarily submitted.
I received a copy of this book from the author, my review has been voluntarily submitted.
November 29, 2017
I love fairy tale re-tellings and this one was very unique. We have Ella (Cinderella) and Kit (Price Charming), who meet at a ball. However, she is an assassin there to kill and he is a Prince who wants to live a more normal life and take care of his people. He ends up chasing after her and then later she chases after him.
This was more than family conflicts and saving the girl. The girl in this story is the warrior and it is centered on 2 different races of people who may destroy each other.
This was a very unique take on Cinderella and I encourage people who can think outside of the box and enjoy different views on an old classic to read it. I can't wait for the next one!!
I received a free copy of this book from the author
This was more than family conflicts and saving the girl. The girl in this story is the warrior and it is centered on 2 different races of people who may destroy each other.
This was a very unique take on Cinderella and I encourage people who can think outside of the box and enjoy different views on an old classic to read it. I can't wait for the next one!!
I received a free copy of this book from the author
October 23, 2017
Not sure exactly what to expect, and since I am new to this author, I put off reading it in favor of another unknown-to-me author. I should have read this one first! Honestly, I couldn't put it down! It's an interesting, yet pleasantly surprising, twist on a beloved fairytale. The story opens as Ella is fleeing, the prince in hot pursuit. She makes a decision which changes her destiny, setting things in motion, bringing her both closer to the prince, yet always just out of reach.
Lawrencovna is a talented writer with a great imagination, breathing a fun new twist into the ages old Cinderella. I highly recommend Charming, and am looking forward to reading the rest of this series!
Lawrencovna is a talented writer with a great imagination, breathing a fun new twist into the ages old Cinderella. I highly recommend Charming, and am looking forward to reading the rest of this series!
November 28, 2017
Charming by Andi Lawrencovna
This book is indeed a twisted tale. Well plotted and well written, this is a terrific upside-down Cinderella story. Here, Ella is an assassin who falls for a prince. Now she must protect him, and teach him to protect himself, without ever sharing her feelings with him.
I really enjoyed these characters and the subtle nods to the original tale. This is my first book from Lawrencovna and I am delighted to continue the series.
This book is indeed a twisted tale. Well plotted and well written, this is a terrific upside-down Cinderella story. Here, Ella is an assassin who falls for a prince. Now she must protect him, and teach him to protect himself, without ever sharing her feelings with him.
I really enjoyed these characters and the subtle nods to the original tale. This is my first book from Lawrencovna and I am delighted to continue the series.
December 3, 2017
My kind of book!!! An assassin Elf "Ella" who is The Assassin Queen sent to kill Prince Charming , Kit, but she unable to not your everyday fairytale!!! I love that Eli, as she calls herself Is tough as nails and kickbutt!! Defiantly a series for me!!!! A Must Read!! Great characters, fantastic storyline, my first book from this Author!!
December 6, 2017
Great twist on a familiar tale. Well written with a plot that hits the ground running and doesn’t slow down until the end. Engaging characters and well developed world a testimony to the author’s skill. HFN leaves the reader anxious for book two. Highly recommended.
I received a free copy from the author.
I received a free copy from the author.
May 15, 2017
Not your usual Cinderella
Absolutely love this book!! This time around Ella in an elf specially trained as an assassin. Darkness forbid anyone ever mistakes this lady as a fragile flower.
Absolutely love this book!! This time around Ella in an elf specially trained as an assassin. Darkness forbid anyone ever mistakes this lady as a fragile flower.
November 28, 2017
this book is not the usual type of book i read. i did find it interesting though. its not like the fairy tale thats for sure. she is a killer and he is a prince. now her fate has been set in stone . can he help her? read to find out what happens.
November 30, 2017
An entertaining twist on a classic fairy tale. I throughly enjoyed the story. The characters felt real and were fun to read. I loved the tension between the characters and can’t wait to see what happens next.
I voluntarily reviewed an arc from the author.
I voluntarily reviewed an arc from the author.
December 2, 2017
This story was definitely different that is was expecting. 'Cinderella' is an elf assassin and the Prince will have a extended life. I think it cutoff to soon, but book two is available for reading. Still pretty good read. Gonna grab it.
December 3, 2017
Following personal enlightenment is never easy.
When guided by prophecy not all seems clear. Having been give the chance is it the time? One never truly knows till standing in that moment. Only them must we decide. For light and darkness have a balance. This scale isn't ours to govern.
When guided by prophecy not all seems clear. Having been give the chance is it the time? One never truly knows till standing in that moment. Only them must we decide. For light and darkness have a balance. This scale isn't ours to govern.
December 4, 2017
Oh this was interesting. What do you do when you are sent to murder a man and he is Prince Charming and both of you are drawn to each other. Do you finish the job or run and be chased? Really enjoyed this book.
January 27, 2018
I'm not into love stories but the strong female character was a nice change. If Cinderella was an assassin who belonged to a guild of darkness I'm sure she would be just as kick ass.
I nice twist on a well known story.
I nice twist on a well known story.
March 2, 2018
Uncaged Review: I’m not into love stories usually but the strong female character was a nice change. If Cinderella was an assassin who belonged to a guild of darkness I’m sure she would be just as kick ass.
A nice twist on a well known story. Reviewed by Skye
A nice twist on a well known story. Reviewed by Skye
September 14, 2016
A great start to an interesting series
I greatly enjoyed Charming. To start off, you are thrown straight into the story, skipping the get-to-know-you between Ella and Christophe, which I wasn't expecting. The action keeps rolling from there and never lets up until the end. While the pacing was a bit rough and awkward at times, overall the story worked. The plot was thought out and engaging. I couldn't put the book down while reading. The best part for me was how the romance between Ella and Christophe is a slow boil. We really get to see those two deal with their inner struggles (and some cringy interactions), which made me feel like I really got to know those two. The story does have a cliffhanger/HFN ending which will be continued in the second book, so you definitely need to read the books in order.
While I enjoyed Charming and the way it is written, it unfortunately doesn't always work. Due to the nature of throwing people straight into the action with no setup, books like this sometimes run into issues with having a lot of confusion or a lot of telling rather than showing. Unfortunately, that ended up happening here. Different countries, races, religions, etc. are mentioned at times in the story, but not explained in the story. There are extensive appendixes at the end of the book explaining the different countries, religions, peoples, etc. While I did like having these appendixes, it was a huge info dump at the end of the book. Details in the appendixes would have been helpful to know while reading the story, and I would have liked to see the author include more of that information in the story in a more organic way (showing) rather than just telling us in an info dump at the end of the book. There are also sections where the author inserts herself and her thoughts into the story. I'm divided on my overall feelings about that, but it was very interesting and unusual.
Overall, I greatly enjoyed this story and highly recommend giving it a try. While the book did have its flaws, the story is engaging and fun, the characters are a blast, and the worldbuilding is gorgeous. As for me, I cannot wait to read book 2 to find out what happens to Ella and Christophe next.
I greatly enjoyed Charming. To start, you are thrown straight into the story, skipping the get-to-know-you between Ella and Christophe, which I wasn't expecting. The action keeps rolling from there and never lets up until the end. While the pacing was a bit rough and awkward at times, overall the story worked. The plot was thought out and engaging. I couldn't put the book down while reading. The best part for me was how the romance between Ella and Christophe is a slow boil. We really get to see those two deal with their inner struggles (and some cringy interactions), which made me feel like I really got to know those two. The story does have a cliffhanger/HFN ending which will be continued in the second book, so you definitely need to read the books in order.
While I enjoyed Charming and the way it is written, it unfortunately doesn't always work. Due to the nature of throwing people straight into the action with no setup, books like this sometimes run into issues with having a lot of confusion or a lot of telling rather than showing. Unfortunately, that ended up happening here. Different countries, races, religions, etc. are mentioned at times in the story, but not explained in the story. There are extensive appendixes at the end of the book explaining the different countries, religions, peoples, etc. While I did like having these appendixes, it was a huge info dump at the end of the book. Details in the appendixes would have been helpful to know while reading the story, and I would have liked to see the author include more of that information in the story in a more organic way (showing) rather than just telling us in an info dump at the end of the book. There are also sections where the author inserts herself and her thoughts into the story. I'm divided on my overall feelings about that, but it was very interesting and unusual.
Overall, I greatly enjoyed this story and highly recommend giving it a try. While the book did have its flaws, the story is engaging and fun, the characters are a blast, and the worldbuilding is gorgeous. As for me, I cannot wait to read book 2 to find out what happens to Ella and Christophe next.
*Review copy provided via Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review.*
I greatly enjoyed Charming. To start off, you are thrown straight into the story, skipping the get-to-know-you between Ella and Christophe, which I wasn't expecting. The action keeps rolling from there and never lets up until the end. While the pacing was a bit rough and awkward at times, overall the story worked. The plot was thought out and engaging. I couldn't put the book down while reading. The best part for me was how the romance between Ella and Christophe is a slow boil. We really get to see those two deal with their inner struggles (and some cringy interactions), which made me feel like I really got to know those two. The story does have a cliffhanger/HFN ending which will be continued in the second book, so you definitely need to read the books in order.
While I enjoyed Charming and the way it is written, it unfortunately doesn't always work. Due to the nature of throwing people straight into the action with no setup, books like this sometimes run into issues with having a lot of confusion or a lot of telling rather than showing. Unfortunately, that ended up happening here. Different countries, races, religions, etc. are mentioned at times in the story, but not explained in the story. There are extensive appendixes at the end of the book explaining the different countries, religions, peoples, etc. While I did like having these appendixes, it was a huge info dump at the end of the book. Details in the appendixes would have been helpful to know while reading the story, and I would have liked to see the author include more of that information in the story in a more organic way (showing) rather than just telling us in an info dump at the end of the book. There are also sections where the author inserts herself and her thoughts into the story. I'm divided on my overall feelings about that, but it was very interesting and unusual.
Overall, I greatly enjoyed this story and highly recommend giving it a try. While the book did have its flaws, the story is engaging and fun, the characters are a blast, and the worldbuilding is gorgeous. As for me, I cannot wait to read book 2 to find out what happens to Ella and Christophe next.
I greatly enjoyed Charming. To start, you are thrown straight into the story, skipping the get-to-know-you between Ella and Christophe, which I wasn't expecting. The action keeps rolling from there and never lets up until the end. While the pacing was a bit rough and awkward at times, overall the story worked. The plot was thought out and engaging. I couldn't put the book down while reading. The best part for me was how the romance between Ella and Christophe is a slow boil. We really get to see those two deal with their inner struggles (and some cringy interactions), which made me feel like I really got to know those two. The story does have a cliffhanger/HFN ending which will be continued in the second book, so you definitely need to read the books in order.
While I enjoyed Charming and the way it is written, it unfortunately doesn't always work. Due to the nature of throwing people straight into the action with no setup, books like this sometimes run into issues with having a lot of confusion or a lot of telling rather than showing. Unfortunately, that ended up happening here. Different countries, races, religions, etc. are mentioned at times in the story, but not explained in the story. There are extensive appendixes at the end of the book explaining the different countries, religions, peoples, etc. While I did like having these appendixes, it was a huge info dump at the end of the book. Details in the appendixes would have been helpful to know while reading the story, and I would have liked to see the author include more of that information in the story in a more organic way (showing) rather than just telling us in an info dump at the end of the book. There are also sections where the author inserts herself and her thoughts into the story. I'm divided on my overall feelings about that, but it was very interesting and unusual.
Overall, I greatly enjoyed this story and highly recommend giving it a try. While the book did have its flaws, the story is engaging and fun, the characters are a blast, and the worldbuilding is gorgeous. As for me, I cannot wait to read book 2 to find out what happens to Ella and Christophe next.
*Review copy provided via Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review.*
November 17, 2015
A gem!
CHARMING is a dark fairy-tale retelling of Cinderella, where the prince is still the prince, but "Cinderella" is an assassin out to kill the prince.
Got your attention, huh? Thought it would.
The story starts with Ella running out from the castle into the woods, with Prince Christophe pursuing after her. It was the third night of the ball (I must admit the movie "Into the Woods" flashed into my mind as I read this), and try as she might, Ella just cannot kill the prince, no matter that that was her mission, and no matter that the prince is foretold to die. The three nights of talking and dancing with him had changed her, shown her a side of him she hadn't expected. So, she's torn between duty and her heart, though she denies any feelings for him. The danger escalates when more assassins appeared in the woods, and it was the two of them against four...
CHARMING is an awesome re-imagining, giving the fairy tale a dark, gritty feel, as well as remaking Cinderella into a top-caliber assassin who doesn't need a prince to rescue her from her stepmother's abuse and cruelty, and who instead just might be the one the prince needs to save him from certain death. Certainly, Ms. Lawrencova has created two unforgettable, fleshed-out characters from one of the most beloved fairy tales in the world. The characters' motivations were all well thought out and supported their actions and the direction of the story.
The worldbuilding is superb and detailed and varied enough for the reader to feel transported into a different world. The author's writing style is easy to read; the words flow and captivate the reader into reading onward. CHARMING is a gem in the flood of retellings in the market, and it is but the first installment in what seems to be a three-part series, and I can't wait to read the next one, entitled The Captain.
Review copy provided via Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review.
Review also posted at The Romance Reviews
CHARMING is a dark fairy-tale retelling of Cinderella, where the prince is still the prince, but "Cinderella" is an assassin out to kill the prince.
Got your attention, huh? Thought it would.
The story starts with Ella running out from the castle into the woods, with Prince Christophe pursuing after her. It was the third night of the ball (I must admit the movie "Into the Woods" flashed into my mind as I read this), and try as she might, Ella just cannot kill the prince, no matter that that was her mission, and no matter that the prince is foretold to die. The three nights of talking and dancing with him had changed her, shown her a side of him she hadn't expected. So, she's torn between duty and her heart, though she denies any feelings for him. The danger escalates when more assassins appeared in the woods, and it was the two of them against four...
CHARMING is an awesome re-imagining, giving the fairy tale a dark, gritty feel, as well as remaking Cinderella into a top-caliber assassin who doesn't need a prince to rescue her from her stepmother's abuse and cruelty, and who instead just might be the one the prince needs to save him from certain death. Certainly, Ms. Lawrencova has created two unforgettable, fleshed-out characters from one of the most beloved fairy tales in the world. The characters' motivations were all well thought out and supported their actions and the direction of the story.
The worldbuilding is superb and detailed and varied enough for the reader to feel transported into a different world. The author's writing style is easy to read; the words flow and captivate the reader into reading onward. CHARMING is a gem in the flood of retellings in the market, and it is but the first installment in what seems to be a three-part series, and I can't wait to read the next one, entitled The Captain.
Review copy provided via Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review.
Review also posted at The Romance Reviews
December 19, 2015
1.5 Stars
Got a copy of this book from Reading Alley in exchange for my review.
I've really been enjoying fairy tale retellings lately. Most of the ones I've come across are Alice In Wonderland so I was thrilled to find Cinderella one. Unfortunately I wasn't able to get a Kindle copy of this book. Weirdly I got the PDF instead which rarely works. So I wasn't off to a good start with this book because I find PDFs to be a big pain in the butt.
Maybe I need to do some homework to figure the mystery of the PDF out but I really don't want to. I also didn't like the font in this book. It has a really cool premise but I wasn't too crazy about the starting point. It started after the ball. Ella was running away from the Prince. Oh by the way she's an assassin and the Prince seems to be immortal. She ends up saving him and starts to work him because she's exiled for killing her own people instead of the Prince.
I just felt like I was stepping into a book that had already started. I think I would have enjoyed it more if it started before the ball. I would have liked to have seen Ella with her people and find out more about her along with a little slice of life from the Prince. I also would have liked to see them at the ball together. I realize some of the questions I had could have been answered at some later point but I just didn't feel like continuing the story. I liked the writing but I just felt like things could have been fleshed out more. At this point I don't think I'll continue on with the series although I might consider it especially if I could read the book in a different format which I think is most of my problem with this book.
http://www.ficgal.com/book-club/charming
Got a copy of this book from Reading Alley in exchange for my review.
I've really been enjoying fairy tale retellings lately. Most of the ones I've come across are Alice In Wonderland so I was thrilled to find Cinderella one. Unfortunately I wasn't able to get a Kindle copy of this book. Weirdly I got the PDF instead which rarely works. So I wasn't off to a good start with this book because I find PDFs to be a big pain in the butt.
Maybe I need to do some homework to figure the mystery of the PDF out but I really don't want to. I also didn't like the font in this book. It has a really cool premise but I wasn't too crazy about the starting point. It started after the ball. Ella was running away from the Prince. Oh by the way she's an assassin and the Prince seems to be immortal. She ends up saving him and starts to work him because she's exiled for killing her own people instead of the Prince.
I just felt like I was stepping into a book that had already started. I think I would have enjoyed it more if it started before the ball. I would have liked to have seen Ella with her people and find out more about her along with a little slice of life from the Prince. I also would have liked to see them at the ball together. I realize some of the questions I had could have been answered at some later point but I just didn't feel like continuing the story. I liked the writing but I just felt like things could have been fleshed out more. At this point I don't think I'll continue on with the series although I might consider it especially if I could read the book in a different format which I think is most of my problem with this book.
http://www.ficgal.com/book-club/charming
November 8, 2015
A must read!
Yay! A princess who kicks ass. Literally. Even the prince's. I like this girl! Charming is a fairy-tale retelling of Cinderella, but a version of Cinderella you've not seen before. I like this fresh, unique concept, where the prince and Ella are on opposite sides, not really enemies, but not trusting each other either. It elevates Ella from this nice, kind, long-suffering girl to one who is fierce and lethal and infinitely more interesting.
The prince seems to be young in comparison to Ella, but no less interesting. It's fascinating how the author developed these two characters and set them in a world that is equally breathtaking. I have high hopes for this world, meaning, after Ella and Kit's story is done, I hope the author will set other stories in this same world so that we can continue to explore other places that we haven't seen yet, and at the same time, see more of Ella and Kit. But I'm getting ahead of myself. There's still the next installment--Captain--and more to come, I hope! A must read for all who want something new and exciting!
Review copy provided via Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review.
Yay! A princess who kicks ass. Literally. Even the prince's. I like this girl! Charming is a fairy-tale retelling of Cinderella, but a version of Cinderella you've not seen before. I like this fresh, unique concept, where the prince and Ella are on opposite sides, not really enemies, but not trusting each other either. It elevates Ella from this nice, kind, long-suffering girl to one who is fierce and lethal and infinitely more interesting.
The prince seems to be young in comparison to Ella, but no less interesting. It's fascinating how the author developed these two characters and set them in a world that is equally breathtaking. I have high hopes for this world, meaning, after Ella and Kit's story is done, I hope the author will set other stories in this same world so that we can continue to explore other places that we haven't seen yet, and at the same time, see more of Ella and Kit. But I'm getting ahead of myself. There's still the next installment--Captain--and more to come, I hope! A must read for all who want something new and exciting!
Review copy provided via Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review.
November 23, 2015
Elven Assassin
This is an enjoyable fantasy novel. Looking forward to book two. Elichi or Ella, the Assassin Queen, servant of the Darkness, had been tasked with killing Prince Christophe (Kit). However, as she got to know him, waiting for the right opportunity, she felt that his death was not what the Darkness wished, even though his death was deemed necessary to help her people regain lost power and influence and freedom. Her decision pits her against some of her own people and she is forced to kill them, resulting in her banishment. She becomes captain of the guard for the prince, protecting him from others intent on killing him to collect the sizable bounty on his head. Her presence is a source of great tension.
The author has created intriguing characters with depth. I especially like that Ella continues to observe the religious precepts of the Darkness despite her exile and that the ritual is described in detail. The story also contains some great dialogue by Ella. Well worth the read.
I received a copy of the ebook from Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review.
This is an enjoyable fantasy novel. Looking forward to book two. Elichi or Ella, the Assassin Queen, servant of the Darkness, had been tasked with killing Prince Christophe (Kit). However, as she got to know him, waiting for the right opportunity, she felt that his death was not what the Darkness wished, even though his death was deemed necessary to help her people regain lost power and influence and freedom. Her decision pits her against some of her own people and she is forced to kill them, resulting in her banishment. She becomes captain of the guard for the prince, protecting him from others intent on killing him to collect the sizable bounty on his head. Her presence is a source of great tension.
The author has created intriguing characters with depth. I especially like that Ella continues to observe the religious precepts of the Darkness despite her exile and that the ritual is described in detail. The story also contains some great dialogue by Ella. Well worth the read.
I received a copy of the ebook from Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review.
May 2, 2016
Picked this up at OddMall. Fun read with an interesting twist. Can't wait to pick up book 2 and find out where things are headed with Eli and Kit. Lots of carefully thought out world building and detail. The author clearly loves her world and has spent much time and effort into fleshing it out. I hope to see more of the details included in the back appendix woven into the next books of the series. Hopefully more light will be shed on why so many people want the Prince dead.
There are a few small editing mistakes that could be smoothed out in later editions, but they should not dim the reader's enjoyment of the book.
There are a few small editing mistakes that could be smoothed out in later editions, but they should not dim the reader's enjoyment of the book.
October 17, 2015
Captivating
Review copy provided via Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review.
I fell in love with Andi Lawrecovna's "Charming" right from the beginning. I am a huge fan of the original Grimm fairy tales. I always love reading someones new version of one of the classics, and Andi's retelling of Cinderella is hands down one of the best out there. What set's Charming apart from the rest is Ella's character. Instead of being the one who needs to be rescued from her abusive family she is one strong butt kicking women.
I cant wait to read the next book.
Review copy provided via Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review.
I fell in love with Andi Lawrecovna's "Charming" right from the beginning. I am a huge fan of the original Grimm fairy tales. I always love reading someones new version of one of the classics, and Andi's retelling of Cinderella is hands down one of the best out there. What set's Charming apart from the rest is Ella's character. Instead of being the one who needs to be rescued from her abusive family she is one strong butt kicking women.
I cant wait to read the next book.
November 24, 2015
Cinderella with a sting!
A roller coaster ride of War and Peace of two different worlds that crash and collide, yet a fairy tale of love and hate, and tenderness and pain between too leaders who are as different as the Sun and the Moon. This begins with a bang in a story that we will travel on a tide of time, guided by an author who will lead us on a long and very exciting series of adventures in a merry chase across many worlds of passion and war.
Review copy provided by Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review.
A roller coaster ride of War and Peace of two different worlds that crash and collide, yet a fairy tale of love and hate, and tenderness and pain between too leaders who are as different as the Sun and the Moon. This begins with a bang in a story that we will travel on a tide of time, guided by an author who will lead us on a long and very exciting series of adventures in a merry chase across many worlds of passion and war.
Review copy provided by Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review.
November 9, 2015
Review copy provided via Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review.
A Refreshing Surprise
I thoroughly enjoyed the writing exhibited in this book. The bill at between the characters, while displaying thorough knowledge of the "world" in which they dwelled kept me interested and wanting more.
I really enjoyed that the person of interest was a heroine and albeit an outcast of sorts, able to stand her ground and deliver!
A Refreshing Surprise
I thoroughly enjoyed the writing exhibited in this book. The bill at between the characters, while displaying thorough knowledge of the "world" in which they dwelled kept me interested and wanting more.
I really enjoyed that the person of interest was a heroine and albeit an outcast of sorts, able to stand her ground and deliver!
April 4, 2017
Great debut book
This book was awesome. A few minor grammar mistakes but nothing that took me away from the story. I like how the Prince is the one in distress and not the princess.
I read this book in a matter of a few hours and couldn't put it down. Already I'm curious to know where the story goes from here and will one click the next book in the series.
This book was awesome. A few minor grammar mistakes but nothing that took me away from the story. I like how the Prince is the one in distress and not the princess.
I read this book in a matter of a few hours and couldn't put it down. Already I'm curious to know where the story goes from here and will one click the next book in the series.
December 1, 2017
OH! WOW! This book was awesome! I LOVE twists on fairytales. Totally awesome.
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