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Stolen #1
Once Upon A [Stolen] Time
2015…
All her life, Myra Farrow has been obsessed with medieval castles—and the kings and princes who once inhabited them. Now, wealthy videogame designer Steve Bernard wants her to model for a princess character in his new game. Myra can’t resist his offer, especially when she learns that Steve plans to film inside the mysterious Hue Castle—a cursed, barren, colorless place forbidden to visitors for centuries. But unknown to Myra, her soul is bound to Hue Castle by blood and sorcery. When she enters its doors, she awakens dark powers that will reach through time—stealing her past, torturing her present, and rewriting her future.
1415…
Edward Hue, the last of the Hue royal bloodline, has never stood in the sunshine or held a living flower. Cursed from birth to live in darkness and bring death to all he touches, he is at the mercy of his cruel, tyrannical father, who will not rest until he shatters Edward’s soul and makes his son into a diabolical copy of himself. Edward’s one hope is the mysterious woman who haunts his dreams—who will either break his curse and bring him out of the darkness, or destroy him utterly.
For Myra and Edward, past and future collide in a tale of love, obsession, betrayal, and the hope for redemption.
All her life, Myra Farrow has been obsessed with medieval castles—and the kings and princes who once inhabited them. Now, wealthy videogame designer Steve Bernard wants her to model for a princess character in his new game. Myra can’t resist his offer, especially when she learns that Steve plans to film inside the mysterious Hue Castle—a cursed, barren, colorless place forbidden to visitors for centuries. But unknown to Myra, her soul is bound to Hue Castle by blood and sorcery. When she enters its doors, she awakens dark powers that will reach through time—stealing her past, torturing her present, and rewriting her future.
1415…
Edward Hue, the last of the Hue royal bloodline, has never stood in the sunshine or held a living flower. Cursed from birth to live in darkness and bring death to all he touches, he is at the mercy of his cruel, tyrannical father, who will not rest until he shatters Edward’s soul and makes his son into a diabolical copy of himself. Edward’s one hope is the mysterious woman who haunts his dreams—who will either break his curse and bring him out of the darkness, or destroy him utterly.
For Myra and Edward, past and future collide in a tale of love, obsession, betrayal, and the hope for redemption.
218 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2015
40 people are currently reading
939 people want to read
About the author
Samreen Ahsan
8 books167 followersHistory, art and literature are my passions. I love digging out information about prophecies, divine miracles, and paranormal events that are mentioned in history and holy books but don’t sound possible in today's modern world.
Since childhood, I have been into reading and writing—and yes, it can’t happen without imagination, which luckily has no boundaries. Dance and music are also pastimes I enjoy, as well as reading romance fiction. I love to travel and explore historical cities.
https://www.samreenahsan.com
Since childhood, I have been into reading and writing—and yes, it can’t happen without imagination, which luckily has no boundaries. Dance and music are also pastimes I enjoy, as well as reading romance fiction. I love to travel and explore historical cities.
https://www.samreenahsan.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews
February 13, 2020
The short version of this review is this is a not-bad book with a not-bad concept that could benefit from a zealous edit.
In fact, it reminded me of fanfiction, a comparison I have made before to half-baked but pleasant/easy/fun reads. And often I wish I could turn back time to when nothing satisfied me more than a story about Justin Bieber falling in love with his tour costume designer, or a quirky London resident trapped in a love triangle with two members of One Direction.
But alas, those are bygone days, and I wanted more from this.
This could have been a fine-ish read. While some of the writing feels fanfiction-y, as mentioned, some other lines are very beautiful. Plus it was quick.
Also, the concept is really interesting: A girl (Myra) who has long been obsessed with medieval history is able to access a secret, long-locked up castle when she begins working as the character model for a video game set inside...and realizes she can see into the past!!! 600 years ago!!! And the thing that she sees is a very hot guy, in a mirror.
Fun stuff.
Unfortunately, a lot of other stuff is not so fun.
For example, there is one gay character, Steve - Myra’s friend and the creator of the video game. His parents and Myra’s parents want them to get married, but since he’s gay, that’s a hard no. Steve has a long-term boyfriend, Tyler, who is black and thus (I believe) the only noted character of color.
First off, Tyler’s depiction is...not great. He curses all the time, much more than any other character. He continually calls his boyfriend “dude,” as opposed to every other character. And he uses phrasing and slang like “ain’t gonna,” unlike every other character.
These are notable differences which, taken altogether, don’t NOT look like stereotyping.
But that’s not all. Towards the end, Steve suddenly reveals himself to not be gay. Tyler was faking it, and Steve was lying about his identity in order to get Myra to fall in love with him.
Not a good look.
In less concerning news, this was not convincing historical fiction, in terms of language or of facts. Edward, the hot medieval guy from the mirror, lives an inexplicably advanced life for 1415. He uses the “lavatory,” for one thing. He goes for a run. He acts as though 28 is very young to get married, even though he’s like 2 years from dying of old age by my calculations. And the writing is basically identical to our 2015 perspective, including Edward using the phrase “have the balls.”
Finally, this just needs a good edit. On one page it says “What would I tell my mom?” and on the next it gives a paragraph-long description of what she’d told her days before. Myra does want a huge engagement party, then says she’s never wanted one. At one point Steve is screaming at Myra, profoundly hurt by her rejection, and suddenly he calmly says that she can go try to talk to the dead guy she loves instead. Edward thinks “How can I torture a woman? I have never touched any woman in my life, and I don’t want to torture her with my hands” like a page after he grabbed this woman by the hair, pushed her against the wall, and held her by the throat hard enough that she couldn’t breathe.
A real bummer.
Bottom line: This was an okay book that could have been really good.
--------------
pre-review
well. a lot just happened.
review to come / 2.5 stars
--------------
can every book be about fairytales? okay cool thanks
i was provided a copy by the author in exchange for an honest review
In fact, it reminded me of fanfiction, a comparison I have made before to half-baked but pleasant/easy/fun reads. And often I wish I could turn back time to when nothing satisfied me more than a story about Justin Bieber falling in love with his tour costume designer, or a quirky London resident trapped in a love triangle with two members of One Direction.
But alas, those are bygone days, and I wanted more from this.
This could have been a fine-ish read. While some of the writing feels fanfiction-y, as mentioned, some other lines are very beautiful. Plus it was quick.
Also, the concept is really interesting: A girl (Myra) who has long been obsessed with medieval history is able to access a secret, long-locked up castle when she begins working as the character model for a video game set inside...and realizes she can see into the past!!! 600 years ago!!! And the thing that she sees is a very hot guy, in a mirror.
Fun stuff.
Unfortunately, a lot of other stuff is not so fun.
For example, there is one gay character, Steve - Myra’s friend and the creator of the video game. His parents and Myra’s parents want them to get married, but since he’s gay, that’s a hard no. Steve has a long-term boyfriend, Tyler, who is black and thus (I believe) the only noted character of color.
First off, Tyler’s depiction is...not great. He curses all the time, much more than any other character. He continually calls his boyfriend “dude,” as opposed to every other character. And he uses phrasing and slang like “ain’t gonna,” unlike every other character.
These are notable differences which, taken altogether, don’t NOT look like stereotyping.
But that’s not all. Towards the end, Steve suddenly reveals himself to not be gay. Tyler was faking it, and Steve was lying about his identity in order to get Myra to fall in love with him.
Not a good look.
In less concerning news, this was not convincing historical fiction, in terms of language or of facts. Edward, the hot medieval guy from the mirror, lives an inexplicably advanced life for 1415. He uses the “lavatory,” for one thing. He goes for a run. He acts as though 28 is very young to get married, even though he’s like 2 years from dying of old age by my calculations. And the writing is basically identical to our 2015 perspective, including Edward using the phrase “have the balls.”
Finally, this just needs a good edit. On one page it says “What would I tell my mom?” and on the next it gives a paragraph-long description of what she’d told her days before. Myra does want a huge engagement party, then says she’s never wanted one. At one point Steve is screaming at Myra, profoundly hurt by her rejection, and suddenly he calmly says that she can go try to talk to the dead guy she loves instead. Edward thinks “How can I torture a woman? I have never touched any woman in my life, and I don’t want to torture her with my hands” like a page after he grabbed this woman by the hair, pushed her against the wall, and held her by the throat hard enough that she couldn’t breathe.
A real bummer.
Bottom line: This was an okay book that could have been really good.
--------------
pre-review
well. a lot just happened.
review to come / 2.5 stars
--------------
can every book be about fairytales? okay cool thanks
i was provided a copy by the author in exchange for an honest review
July 22, 2016
ARC Provided By Author in Exchange for An Honest Review
Historical romances usually aren't my thing. I overdosed on those Zebra ones in my late teens and early 20's, and just never had the urge to go back to reading them. But when I was approached by the author of this book with an offer of a copy in exchange for a review, the blurb intrigued me enough to give it a go.
"Once upon a time, in a distant land, there lived a beast that imprisoned his prey outside of time. He captured her, unraveled her, destroyed her and never let her go."
For the most part I really enjoyed this one. It took me a bit to get into and I honestly wasn't sure I was going to continue it, but it soon hit it's stride and I found myself sucked into the mystery.
It was not without its issues though. One being that the dialogue of the characters that takes place during the 1415 period sounded EXACTLY like the dialogue of the characters from 2015. At one point the hero Edwards says "What a dork" Now I am no historian, but I am going to go out on a limb here and guess that wasn't a common phrase in 1415. He also decides at one point to "go for a run" Again not sure going for a run was something men in the 1400's were doing.
There were also a couple issues with conversations that that made no sense. For example this conversation took place literally RIGHT after Julia told Myra to find out what hospital she was born in.. “So Myra was born at West Hampstead Day Hospital then?” he asked. My father coughed this time. I didn’t know why Steve was asking such silly questions. Even if he thought I was planning to marry him, still, why would someone need to know where I was born." Erhmmm...I believe we covered the "why" at the end of the previous chapter.
"Time had split me into two. I didn’t know which world I belonged to."
There was also a SMALL issue with Steve. He was gay with a boyfriend (Tyler) of 7 years, then near the end of the book. Steve is suddenly, not so much gay...and where the hell did Tyler go??
We jump back and forth between 2015 and 1415. Sometimes this can be jarring to the overall story, but worked well in this instance. The book had a fairytale like feel to it. Reminded me a bit like Beauty and The Beast, but darker. This also ends on a cliffhanger, so be prepared for that.
SO, how to rate this one. It did have a few issues that took away from my enjoyment. That said, I was sucked in and found myself turning the pages to see where this was all going. I also enjoyed it enough that I will continue on to see how things with Myra and Edward workout. A generous 3 stars from your truly...
Historical romances usually aren't my thing. I overdosed on those Zebra ones in my late teens and early 20's, and just never had the urge to go back to reading them. But when I was approached by the author of this book with an offer of a copy in exchange for a review, the blurb intrigued me enough to give it a go.
"Once upon a time, in a distant land, there lived a beast that imprisoned his prey outside of time. He captured her, unraveled her, destroyed her and never let her go."
For the most part I really enjoyed this one. It took me a bit to get into and I honestly wasn't sure I was going to continue it, but it soon hit it's stride and I found myself sucked into the mystery.
It was not without its issues though. One being that the dialogue of the characters that takes place during the 1415 period sounded EXACTLY like the dialogue of the characters from 2015. At one point the hero Edwards says "What a dork" Now I am no historian, but I am going to go out on a limb here and guess that wasn't a common phrase in 1415. He also decides at one point to "go for a run" Again not sure going for a run was something men in the 1400's were doing.
There were also a couple issues with conversations that that made no sense. For example this conversation took place literally RIGHT after Julia told Myra to find out what hospital she was born in.. “So Myra was born at West Hampstead Day Hospital then?” he asked. My father coughed this time. I didn’t know why Steve was asking such silly questions. Even if he thought I was planning to marry him, still, why would someone need to know where I was born." Erhmmm...I believe we covered the "why" at the end of the previous chapter.
"Time had split me into two. I didn’t know which world I belonged to."
There was also a SMALL issue with Steve. He was gay with a boyfriend (Tyler) of 7 years, then near the end of the book. Steve is suddenly, not so much gay...and where the hell did Tyler go??
We jump back and forth between 2015 and 1415. Sometimes this can be jarring to the overall story, but worked well in this instance. The book had a fairytale like feel to it. Reminded me a bit like Beauty and The Beast, but darker. This also ends on a cliffhanger, so be prepared for that.
SO, how to rate this one. It did have a few issues that took away from my enjoyment. That said, I was sucked in and found myself turning the pages to see where this was all going. I also enjoyed it enough that I will continue on to see how things with Myra and Edward workout. A generous 3 stars from your truly...
November 13, 2016
Have you ever been spellbound by the thought of magical castles, being royalty or of being part of a time long ago? Ever think you were born in the wrong time? Myra is obsessed with anything medieval, ask her about a castle, a king and she can talk for hours, but the one antiquated idea she cannot abide by is having her parents choose her husband. No one’s saying Steve isn’t attractive, or wealthy or intelligent, but he is not Myra’s type, nor is she his, now, how to let their parents down easily…
Meanwhile, there IS something that Steve could use Myra for, as a video game creator, he sees her as the perfect model for his next big game and it involves a legendary castle, thought haunted and cursed, Hue Castle, where nothing and no one survives. How could they know Myra had a tie to the castle or that she would awaken the dark magic within?
Six hundred years earlier the last of the Hue bloodline lives a wretched life as his brutal father tries to steal all humanity and compassion from his son with one deadly order. As Edward feels his soul being torn from him for his heinous act, he is haunted by a beautiful young woman he fears will be his destroyer, little did he know that woman exists six hundred years in the future. Is she his salvation or his final ticket to Hell?
Once Upon a [Stolen] Time by Samreen Ahsan, is a fairytale come to life, as two souls, centuries apart find each other, but still lack their own place in time. Unsure of the other’s intent, but for answers and intrigued by what they see and feel, fate most assuredly is playing a part in their meeting. Is this a dream come true or a nightmare getting worse?
Samreen Ahsan brings fantasy to life, as one contemporary young woman builds a close relationship with a man in her own time, while being drawn to a tormented man from the past. Ms. Ashan details the castle, its cure and the glimpses of the past in rich detail, from the actions of her characters to the dismal scenes that surround them. The suffering is palpable and dark, almost other worldly, while her portrayal of contemporary times is more cut and dry, with some major secrets and more reliance on her characters to color in the spaces. The do so marvelously, but it is the past that shines through, the magic of a castle and of a time far removed. Her style is magical in itself as she sets the past and present onto a direct collision course.
I received an ARC edition from Samreen Ahsan in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Stolen Series - Book 1
Publication Date: December 1, 2015
Publisher: Samreen Ahsan
Genre: Fantasy
My Rating 4.5 Stars
Print Length: 221 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Meanwhile, there IS something that Steve could use Myra for, as a video game creator, he sees her as the perfect model for his next big game and it involves a legendary castle, thought haunted and cursed, Hue Castle, where nothing and no one survives. How could they know Myra had a tie to the castle or that she would awaken the dark magic within?
Six hundred years earlier the last of the Hue bloodline lives a wretched life as his brutal father tries to steal all humanity and compassion from his son with one deadly order. As Edward feels his soul being torn from him for his heinous act, he is haunted by a beautiful young woman he fears will be his destroyer, little did he know that woman exists six hundred years in the future. Is she his salvation or his final ticket to Hell?
Once Upon a [Stolen] Time by Samreen Ahsan, is a fairytale come to life, as two souls, centuries apart find each other, but still lack their own place in time. Unsure of the other’s intent, but for answers and intrigued by what they see and feel, fate most assuredly is playing a part in their meeting. Is this a dream come true or a nightmare getting worse?
Samreen Ahsan brings fantasy to life, as one contemporary young woman builds a close relationship with a man in her own time, while being drawn to a tormented man from the past. Ms. Ashan details the castle, its cure and the glimpses of the past in rich detail, from the actions of her characters to the dismal scenes that surround them. The suffering is palpable and dark, almost other worldly, while her portrayal of contemporary times is more cut and dry, with some major secrets and more reliance on her characters to color in the spaces. The do so marvelously, but it is the past that shines through, the magic of a castle and of a time far removed. Her style is magical in itself as she sets the past and present onto a direct collision course.
I received an ARC edition from Samreen Ahsan in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Stolen Series - Book 1
Publication Date: December 1, 2015
Publisher: Samreen Ahsan
Genre: Fantasy
My Rating 4.5 Stars
Print Length: 221 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
March 16, 2017
I'll be as quick as possible in reviewing this...
a fairytale like
beautifully written...but a tad bit too long and a bit confusing in intertwining the past/present action and eventually, in resolving the matter leaving us still questioning...
the characters are likable but I still found myself missing smth...smth more palpable...
***COPY generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest REVIEW***
February 11, 2019
I think all of us have either read or seen the cutesy Disney classic Beauty and the Beast and have hummed the musical theme song. I know I sure did. Not even through the first chapter of Samreen Ahsan Once Upon a Stolen Time, I was playing it in the background and knew I was reading a five star hit.
This first read brilliant author had me entranced with her edgy tone of voice, suspenseful plot...trust me there wasn’t any dufus Gaston's running a muck…..no. You had curses, hexes, murders, tortures and a ever growing plot thickening. This was a highly refreshing change of read from my normal hunts. I’m more than eager to continue its lineup!
I’m very thankful and privileged the author contacted me. Within the first chapter I was inspired to not only deliver a five star rating because of her extraordinary talents but do something I’d never done before with my collage…...create a collage with gif animation. In the past the two for me were always separate unless it was just adding text…but I digress.
I loved the regalness of the two timelines….one being of medieval, the other more modern day contemporary. Both past and present meeting to bring the future….Ahhhh what a climactic ending. Already I’m hungering for the second one in the series.
August 20, 2024
Copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Samreen Ahsan!
-3 stars
I love fairytale retellings, especially the darker kind, and when Mrs. Samreen approached me, I instantly agreed to read this.
I admit, it took me a while to get into it and even considered giving up on it for a while, but as I crossed the halfway mark, I found myself entranced by the mystery.
Beauty and the Beast with a very dark twist, this tale gives us a love story that transcends time. Told from two different POVs, it takes the reader through 2 time periods, exactly 600 years apart.
The year 1415 - presents us Edward Hue, the last of the Hue royal bloodline.
Living in the cursed Hue Castle, he never stood in the sunshine or held a living flower. Destined to live in darkness and bring death to all he touches, he is at the mercy of his cruel, tyrannical father, who will not rest until he shatters Edward’s soul and makes his son into a diabolical copy of himself. Edward’s one hope is the mysterious woman who haunts his dreams—who will either break his curse and bring him out of the darkness, or destroy him utterly.
The year 2015 - presents us Myra Farrow.
A beautiful young girl obsessed with medieval castles and the kings and princes who once inhabited them. She meets wealthy videogame designer Steve Bernard who wants wants her to model for a princess character in his new game based on the mysterious Hue Castle—a cursed, barren, colorless place forbidden to visitors for centuries; castle that Myra had always wanted to visit but never could.
Within the walls of the castle, the present collides with the past, changing both Myra's and Edward's world in the most unexpected manner.
The story is original and unique. Next to the beauty and the beast spin, and the time travel, it also gives us a magic mirror as well as story weavers and magicians who can capture time, and it combines it all in a beautiful manner.
Unfortunately, it has a few drawbacks that prevent the reader from fully enjoying it. And those are mainly related to language and the characters' emotional development.
Edward's timeline is the year 1415, and yet his speech is more appropriate to our present time.
His vocabulary includes terms that originated way later than the 14 hundreds, like "caliginosity" or "melodrama" for instance. And I found it difficult to picture him as a prince from that time when he also used phrases like "bear all this shit", "he would never spill the beans", or "so my father could buy whatever I was selling him".
At the same time, it was jarring to hear his father, the king asking: "Fancy a drink?"
This phrasing and vocabulary, atypical of that time period, made it difficult to distinguish in between the time lines and cut down from the credibility of the characters.
The emotional development of the characters felt also jarring several times during the story. The instant connection between Myra and Steve, the friendship turned to instant love, the love turned to desire of revenge, they all occurred too sudden and seemed quite unbelievable. It doesn't help either that details like the relationship between Steve and Tyler for instance are never quite fully explained. Gay, not gay, apparently true love or just a ploy, it jumps out and makes the reader pause and wonder.
This story is wonderful as concept and idea, but its darkness is at times overwhelming. It depicts child abuse, as well as physical and psychological torture, for which the tormentor isn't brought to justice. So if you're not comfortable reading about this kind of stuff, this tale is not for you.
All in all, an original and unique tale. It was a bit difficult to get into and even stalled at times, but once the halfway mark was hit, the pace found it's rhythm and the mystery sucked me in. I was a little disappointed by the cliffhanger (*I resent cliffhangers as a rule!*), but am now interested enough to read the sequel.
Check out this review and more over at The Magic Book Corner
-3 stars
I love fairytale retellings, especially the darker kind, and when Mrs. Samreen approached me, I instantly agreed to read this.
I admit, it took me a while to get into it and even considered giving up on it for a while, but as I crossed the halfway mark, I found myself entranced by the mystery.
Beauty and the Beast with a very dark twist, this tale gives us a love story that transcends time. Told from two different POVs, it takes the reader through 2 time periods, exactly 600 years apart.
The year 1415 - presents us Edward Hue, the last of the Hue royal bloodline.
Living in the cursed Hue Castle, he never stood in the sunshine or held a living flower. Destined to live in darkness and bring death to all he touches, he is at the mercy of his cruel, tyrannical father, who will not rest until he shatters Edward’s soul and makes his son into a diabolical copy of himself. Edward’s one hope is the mysterious woman who haunts his dreams—who will either break his curse and bring him out of the darkness, or destroy him utterly.
The year 2015 - presents us Myra Farrow.
A beautiful young girl obsessed with medieval castles and the kings and princes who once inhabited them. She meets wealthy videogame designer Steve Bernard who wants wants her to model for a princess character in his new game based on the mysterious Hue Castle—a cursed, barren, colorless place forbidden to visitors for centuries; castle that Myra had always wanted to visit but never could.
Within the walls of the castle, the present collides with the past, changing both Myra's and Edward's world in the most unexpected manner.
The story is original and unique. Next to the beauty and the beast spin, and the time travel, it also gives us a magic mirror as well as story weavers and magicians who can capture time, and it combines it all in a beautiful manner.
Unfortunately, it has a few drawbacks that prevent the reader from fully enjoying it. And those are mainly related to language and the characters' emotional development.
Edward's timeline is the year 1415, and yet his speech is more appropriate to our present time.
His vocabulary includes terms that originated way later than the 14 hundreds, like "caliginosity" or "melodrama" for instance. And I found it difficult to picture him as a prince from that time when he also used phrases like "bear all this shit", "he would never spill the beans", or "so my father could buy whatever I was selling him".
At the same time, it was jarring to hear his father, the king asking: "Fancy a drink?"
This phrasing and vocabulary, atypical of that time period, made it difficult to distinguish in between the time lines and cut down from the credibility of the characters.
The emotional development of the characters felt also jarring several times during the story. The instant connection between Myra and Steve, the friendship turned to instant love, the love turned to desire of revenge, they all occurred too sudden and seemed quite unbelievable. It doesn't help either that details like the relationship between Steve and Tyler for instance are never quite fully explained. Gay, not gay, apparently true love or just a ploy, it jumps out and makes the reader pause and wonder.
This story is wonderful as concept and idea, but its darkness is at times overwhelming. It depicts child abuse, as well as physical and psychological torture, for which the tormentor isn't brought to justice. So if you're not comfortable reading about this kind of stuff, this tale is not for you.
All in all, an original and unique tale. It was a bit difficult to get into and even stalled at times, but once the halfway mark was hit, the pace found it's rhythm and the mystery sucked me in. I was a little disappointed by the cliffhanger (*I resent cliffhangers as a rule!*), but am now interested enough to read the sequel.
Check out this review and more over at The Magic Book Corner
February 15, 2022
"ARC Provided By Author in Exchange for An Honest Review"
thank you
4 Silver Stars
with Golden sparks
tbh I didn't think I like it this much, because it was categorized as Romance & I'm generally not a romance reader. but I read synopsis & see the story contained time travel & after I started reading that & reached the main part story actually began, I was like: "wow! this is actually awesome! mysterious & magical! cool!" & I very liked it & glad that I read this. & in the end, I just rooted for them!
this is my favourite & probably only "Beauty & the Beast" Retelling I've read!
I loved its Romance, tender & gentle & conflicted & complicated!
the main protagonist, Myra, wasn't annoying. (but sometimes she could be by jumping to conclusion & overthinking, but I can ignore that) & I was shouting at her: "you wanted it all the time, dammit, JUST DO IT!"
it was like a book lover want to go into his/her favourite fictional worlds but it actually real (just a matter of time) I would go there if I had that chance, without hesitation.
In general, all the characters were likable (except the KING!) & realistic. I liked Edward & Steve.
But at the end I was startled many times by these kind of questions: "What the...?! Why did you do that?" (yet when they explained, it made totally made sense, but still maddening!)
the main male protagonist, Edward had so many confliction inside, brooding, that kind of character with so much darkness inside, that broke my heart, & Myra wanted to help him so bad &...
well, you will see what will happen to them!
at some parts story was just dragged out, I was waiting for things to happen in the whole story & it happened at the end. (not like cliffhanger but kind of like cliffhanger.)
I think it was my first medieval story (as in historical fiction, not high fantasy) I ever read it was good, I could feel the darkness in 1415. (sometimes too much darkness)
also an easy read, but I would rather to see Edward's story-telling was more old English style. (tho I guess king's speech was old English)
-
I recommend this if you like any of these: Medieval time, Historical Romance (but as I said, I didn't like utter romance & I still loved this one), Dark power & magic, mysteries & these sort of stuff.
Warning: it contains Violence
-
World building: ★★★★/5
Characters: ★★★★/5
Written style: ★★★★/5
plot: ★★★★/5
Idea: ★★★★★/5
thank you
4 Silver Stars
with Golden sparks
tbh I didn't think I like it this much, because it was categorized as Romance & I'm generally not a romance reader. but I read synopsis & see the story contained time travel & after I started reading that & reached the main part story actually began, I was like: "wow! this is actually awesome! mysterious & magical! cool!" & I very liked it & glad that I read this. & in the end, I just rooted for them!
this is my favourite & probably only "Beauty & the Beast" Retelling I've read!
I loved its Romance, tender & gentle & conflicted & complicated!
the main protagonist, Myra, wasn't annoying. (but sometimes she could be by jumping to conclusion & overthinking, but I can ignore that) & I was shouting at her: "you wanted it all the time, dammit, JUST DO IT!"
it was like a book lover want to go into his/her favourite fictional worlds but it actually real (just a matter of time) I would go there if I had that chance, without hesitation.
In general, all the characters were likable (except the KING!) & realistic. I liked Edward & Steve.
But at the end I was startled many times by these kind of questions: "What the...?! Why did you do that?" (yet when they explained, it made totally made sense, but still maddening!)
the main male protagonist, Edward had so many confliction inside, brooding, that kind of character with so much darkness inside, that broke my heart, & Myra wanted to help him so bad &...
well, you will see what will happen to them!
at some parts story was just dragged out, I was waiting for things to happen in the whole story & it happened at the end. (not like cliffhanger but kind of like cliffhanger.)
I think it was my first medieval story (as in historical fiction, not high fantasy) I ever read it was good, I could feel the darkness in 1415. (sometimes too much darkness)
also an easy read, but I would rather to see Edward's story-telling was more old English style. (tho I guess king's speech was old English)
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I recommend this if you like any of these: Medieval time, Historical Romance (but as I said, I didn't like utter romance & I still loved this one), Dark power & magic, mysteries & these sort of stuff.
Warning: it contains Violence
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World building: ★★★★/5
Characters: ★★★★/5
Written style: ★★★★/5
plot: ★★★★/5
Idea: ★★★★★/5
January 31, 2019
This book was so frustrating! It has such a creative concept (two storylines, a cursed prince, a present day girl who could break it, an evil king, etc.), but it took so long to get to the action. It’s literally not until you’re halfway through the book that the plot finally moves forward. LITERALLY HALFWAY.
The first half of the book simply focuses on the main girl character, Myra, going on a tour of a castle with her friends she met less than 24 hours ago. Myra is in her early 20s, has a degree, lives with her parents, has no job, no friends, and is obsessed with castles. Her mother really wants Myra to meet someone so Myra can give her grandchildren, so her mom brings Myra to a party at the wealthiest family in town’s estate in order to meet said wealthy AF family’s son, Steve.
This is how the 1 hour meet-cute unfolds:
Myra meets Steve.
They walk around the mansion and grounds for about an hour.
Steve says he’s gay and his mom doesn’t know.
Myra says thats fine, nbd.
Steve asks Myra if she wants to help him create a video game centered around castles.
Myra says yes.
Myra and Steve’s moms overhear Myra saying yes and assume that Steve proposed marriage (after knowing Myra for 1 hour) and then proceed to turn the entire party into an engagement celebration.
This all happened in Chapter 1.
Chapter 2 introduces us to Edward, the cursed prince living in 1415, who is a bit more interesting. He has a troubled past and an even more troubled present. His dad is sadistic, his twin sister is depressed, and they all live in literal darkness (thanks to the curse). I actually really enjoyed reading his POV. I found myself growing annoyed when it switched back to Myra. She, Steve, Tyler, her parents, and the tour guide lady all seemed so flat. It became difficult to tell who was speaking in the dialogue because everyone sounded the exact same. Edward had a lot of issues and conflict, some of which seemed completely unnecessary and may have been added for shock value, but at least there was never a dull moment with him.
Also, this is just a personal issue, but the use of exclamation points outside of dialogue is off-putting and I don’t know why. It makes the story seem much younger than it actually is (if that makes any sense).
To summarize—cool, creative concept; lacks depth.
The first half of the book simply focuses on the main girl character, Myra, going on a tour of a castle with her friends she met less than 24 hours ago. Myra is in her early 20s, has a degree, lives with her parents, has no job, no friends, and is obsessed with castles. Her mother really wants Myra to meet someone so Myra can give her grandchildren, so her mom brings Myra to a party at the wealthiest family in town’s estate in order to meet said wealthy AF family’s son, Steve.
This is how the 1 hour meet-cute unfolds:
Myra meets Steve.
They walk around the mansion and grounds for about an hour.
Steve says he’s gay and his mom doesn’t know.
Myra says thats fine, nbd.
Steve asks Myra if she wants to help him create a video game centered around castles.
Myra says yes.
Myra and Steve’s moms overhear Myra saying yes and assume that Steve proposed marriage (after knowing Myra for 1 hour) and then proceed to turn the entire party into an engagement celebration.
This all happened in Chapter 1.
Chapter 2 introduces us to Edward, the cursed prince living in 1415, who is a bit more interesting. He has a troubled past and an even more troubled present. His dad is sadistic, his twin sister is depressed, and they all live in literal darkness (thanks to the curse). I actually really enjoyed reading his POV. I found myself growing annoyed when it switched back to Myra. She, Steve, Tyler, her parents, and the tour guide lady all seemed so flat. It became difficult to tell who was speaking in the dialogue because everyone sounded the exact same. Edward had a lot of issues and conflict, some of which seemed completely unnecessary and may have been added for shock value, but at least there was never a dull moment with him.
Also, this is just a personal issue, but the use of exclamation points outside of dialogue is off-putting and I don’t know why. It makes the story seem much younger than it actually is (if that makes any sense).
To summarize—cool, creative concept; lacks depth.
February 19, 2016
☆ I received an ARC via the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!! ☆
3.5 stars!!
After I read the synopsis, several keywords jumped out at me: "castles, royal, princes, obsession, dark powers, and love".
I've always loved sort of medieval stories and even ones that mixed with the present and this one did it with a very interesting twist.
There are elements of thrill, intrigue, romance, and mystery with a sprinkle of danger that I feel any adventurous reader will grasp onto and enjoy the ride.
I really implore those who love felt out of place and looking for an out of the box read and romance to dive into and escape into this. It makes you feel as if there is a place for everyone while exploring the darkside and romantic side of fairytales while adding a tinge of danger.
Not a bad read!
3.5 stars!!
After I read the synopsis, several keywords jumped out at me: "castles, royal, princes, obsession, dark powers, and love".
I've always loved sort of medieval stories and even ones that mixed with the present and this one did it with a very interesting twist.
There are elements of thrill, intrigue, romance, and mystery with a sprinkle of danger that I feel any adventurous reader will grasp onto and enjoy the ride.
I really implore those who love felt out of place and looking for an out of the box read and romance to dive into and escape into this. It makes you feel as if there is a place for everyone while exploring the darkside and romantic side of fairytales while adding a tinge of danger.
Not a bad read!
March 6, 2017
I received a free ecopy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Myra has always been obsessed by medieval castles and everything associated with them from royalty, chivalry, and courtly love. Her family has been trying to get her head out of the clouds and settle down with a man - after all, she is 22 and isn't in school and doesn't have a job - but she isn't really interested in anyone except long dead medieval kings, princes, and knights. When they try to set her up with Steve, an eligible bachelor from one of London's most prominent families, she grudgingly agrees to meet him. Turns out neither are interested in each other like that - Steve's gay and has been with his partner, Tyler, for several years and is keeping it all secret from his family. However, Steve's done his homework on Myra and knows she likes all that medieval stuff and he has a very intriguing business proposal for her. He works designing video games and he wants her to act as the model for the main character in his upcoming fantasy/ adventure/ mystery game. She excitedly says yes when she learns that his team has gotten permission from the government to record at Hue Castle. Hue Castle is one of the only castles in England that she's never visited and that's because it's never been open to the public, and that the government has practically made it impossible to even get a look at the place for the last two hundred years. According to legend though, Hue Castle is a cursed, haunted, and colorless place.
Once Upon A [Stolen] Time by Samreen Ahsan is quite unique and I love the concept behind it. I particularly found myself intrigued by the medieval aspect. I found myself the most interested in the mystery/ curse surrounding Hue Castle and the Hue royal bloodline. Unfortunately, this is one of those novels where I enjoyed the concept more than the overall execution of the story. There are definitely a few issues with it. I confess that I had a difficult time connecting to any of the characters and everyone is a little too flat for my liking. When it comes to Edward, the Prince from 1415 who alternates POV chapters with Myra, and Steve, there were times when I thought I must have missed something very important about the two characters. The story also could be quite repetitive - many scenes could have been trimmed down to tighten up the prose and move the plot along.
Two issues in particularly irked me the most: the language and the romance. In regards to the language, there is zero difference between reading the characters from 1415 to 2015. The language should have at least evolved a little bit over the course of 600 years, but no. If I'm not mistaken Edward actually says "what a dork" and that he's "going for a run" in his POV chapters - I didn't realize those phrases were commonly used by 15th century British royalty. Initially, I expected to be giving this novel three of five stars, but the romance angle made me knock it down to two. Steve appeared to do a heel face turn (unless I missed something) in his feelings for Myra. And, then there’s the ending which concludes with book one on quite a cliffhanger and . This novel’s billed as “a romantic fantasy fairytale”, but I wouldn’t call it romantic at all especially after that.
Overall, Once Upon A [Stolen] Time by Samreen Ahsan has the potential to be an intriguing fairytale-esque novel that features POV chapters from characters in both 1415 and 2015. However, in the end, I much preferred the concept behind the story to the actual execution. While I liked the medieval elements and the creepy mystery surrounding the castle, I wasn’t a fan of the cast of characters, the language, and the romance. Thanks again to the author for providing me with a free ecopy of this novel.
Myra has always been obsessed by medieval castles and everything associated with them from royalty, chivalry, and courtly love. Her family has been trying to get her head out of the clouds and settle down with a man - after all, she is 22 and isn't in school and doesn't have a job - but she isn't really interested in anyone except long dead medieval kings, princes, and knights. When they try to set her up with Steve, an eligible bachelor from one of London's most prominent families, she grudgingly agrees to meet him. Turns out neither are interested in each other like that - Steve's gay and has been with his partner, Tyler, for several years and is keeping it all secret from his family. However, Steve's done his homework on Myra and knows she likes all that medieval stuff and he has a very intriguing business proposal for her. He works designing video games and he wants her to act as the model for the main character in his upcoming fantasy/ adventure/ mystery game. She excitedly says yes when she learns that his team has gotten permission from the government to record at Hue Castle. Hue Castle is one of the only castles in England that she's never visited and that's because it's never been open to the public, and that the government has practically made it impossible to even get a look at the place for the last two hundred years. According to legend though, Hue Castle is a cursed, haunted, and colorless place.
Once Upon A [Stolen] Time by Samreen Ahsan is quite unique and I love the concept behind it. I particularly found myself intrigued by the medieval aspect. I found myself the most interested in the mystery/ curse surrounding Hue Castle and the Hue royal bloodline. Unfortunately, this is one of those novels where I enjoyed the concept more than the overall execution of the story. There are definitely a few issues with it. I confess that I had a difficult time connecting to any of the characters and everyone is a little too flat for my liking. When it comes to Edward, the Prince from 1415 who alternates POV chapters with Myra, and Steve, there were times when I thought I must have missed something very important about the two characters. The story also could be quite repetitive - many scenes could have been trimmed down to tighten up the prose and move the plot along.
Two issues in particularly irked me the most: the language and the romance. In regards to the language, there is zero difference between reading the characters from 1415 to 2015. The language should have at least evolved a little bit over the course of 600 years, but no. If I'm not mistaken Edward actually says "what a dork" and that he's "going for a run" in his POV chapters - I didn't realize those phrases were commonly used by 15th century British royalty. Initially, I expected to be giving this novel three of five stars, but the romance angle made me knock it down to two. Steve appeared to do a heel face turn (unless I missed something) in his feelings for Myra. And, then there’s the ending which concludes with book one on quite a cliffhanger and . This novel’s billed as “a romantic fantasy fairytale”, but I wouldn’t call it romantic at all especially after that.
Overall, Once Upon A [Stolen] Time by Samreen Ahsan has the potential to be an intriguing fairytale-esque novel that features POV chapters from characters in both 1415 and 2015. However, in the end, I much preferred the concept behind the story to the actual execution. While I liked the medieval elements and the creepy mystery surrounding the castle, I wasn’t a fan of the cast of characters, the language, and the romance. Thanks again to the author for providing me with a free ecopy of this novel.
January 6, 2019
. : ☾⋆ — 3 ★
READ THIS REVIEW ON MY BLOG!!!
https://bit.ly/2GWIN9t
ARC provided from the author in exchange for an honest review (thank you Samreen Ahsan!!)
i’m so confused in a really good way?? it might be the weirdest thing to say, but the characters in this book got SO INTERESTING literally 2 pages away from the epilogue. a brand new layer of dimension was introduced to them so suddenly and in such an absurd yet efficient way and they legitimately fleshed themselves out SO FAST in front of my eyes a literal minute before the book ended. I’m still a little bamboozled to be honest with you guys.
I’m not gonna lie, this book in general is very weird. the plot itself is rather on the odd side of things because it never really moves forward from what we know from the get-go. the narration of the story is divided between two characters who live six hundred years apart from each other, and their storylines never really entirely line up. the character development and romance are both mostly superficial, or, safe to say, there really isn’t any at all in the first place. but.... it all strangely works?? I want to say that the beautiful and colorful (ha) world building completely saved this book, but that isn’t totally the case. it all strangely harmonizes and falls into place when it really, really shouldn’t. the pieces shouldn’t fit together, but they do, and we are left with a very strange but unique puzzle.
the writing is mostly okay, Samreen did a great job, but I want to talk about anachronisms. one of our main characters, Edward, lives in 1415 (which is, you know, very far away). it means that, back then, the language was different, expressions were different, science was different, etc. I don’t want to get too much into it, but basically I mean that there’s no way for Edward to know that people start remembering dreams at age 7, knowing that oneirology originated in the 19th century, or for him to use technical terms like ‘monochrome’, which appeared roughly mid 17th century. anachronism isn’t a huge deal (there’s definitely MUCH bigger and badder instances of anachronism in history, cough cough MR LEONARDO DA VINCI) but as a history buff it’s still something that stuck out like a sore thumb to me in this book.
this is....... not a terrible book. I was definitely not expecting to like it that much, if at all, but I’m okay with having read it. I’m not mad about it. historical romances aren’t really my thing so I was pleasantly surprised by this, and the world building completely shines through. after that sudden character development reveal in the last few pages of the book, I’m excited about the potential of this series. thanks again to Samreen Ahsan for providing a free copy!!
READ THIS REVIEW ON MY BLOG!!!
https://bit.ly/2GWIN9t
ARC provided from the author in exchange for an honest review (thank you Samreen Ahsan!!)
i’m so confused in a really good way?? it might be the weirdest thing to say, but the characters in this book got SO INTERESTING literally 2 pages away from the epilogue. a brand new layer of dimension was introduced to them so suddenly and in such an absurd yet efficient way and they legitimately fleshed themselves out SO FAST in front of my eyes a literal minute before the book ended. I’m still a little bamboozled to be honest with you guys.
I’m not gonna lie, this book in general is very weird. the plot itself is rather on the odd side of things because it never really moves forward from what we know from the get-go. the narration of the story is divided between two characters who live six hundred years apart from each other, and their storylines never really entirely line up. the character development and romance are both mostly superficial, or, safe to say, there really isn’t any at all in the first place. but.... it all strangely works?? I want to say that the beautiful and colorful (ha) world building completely saved this book, but that isn’t totally the case. it all strangely harmonizes and falls into place when it really, really shouldn’t. the pieces shouldn’t fit together, but they do, and we are left with a very strange but unique puzzle.
the writing is mostly okay, Samreen did a great job, but I want to talk about anachronisms. one of our main characters, Edward, lives in 1415 (which is, you know, very far away). it means that, back then, the language was different, expressions were different, science was different, etc. I don’t want to get too much into it, but basically I mean that there’s no way for Edward to know that people start remembering dreams at age 7, knowing that oneirology originated in the 19th century, or for him to use technical terms like ‘monochrome’, which appeared roughly mid 17th century. anachronism isn’t a huge deal (there’s definitely MUCH bigger and badder instances of anachronism in history, cough cough MR LEONARDO DA VINCI) but as a history buff it’s still something that stuck out like a sore thumb to me in this book.
this is....... not a terrible book. I was definitely not expecting to like it that much, if at all, but I’m okay with having read it. I’m not mad about it. historical romances aren’t really my thing so I was pleasantly surprised by this, and the world building completely shines through. after that sudden character development reveal in the last few pages of the book, I’m excited about the potential of this series. thanks again to Samreen Ahsan for providing a free copy!!
March 22, 2021
3.7
I received a ebook in exchange for a review.
Once long ago there was a witch who fell in love, who was kind and a fair ruler for this witch was also queen. When her king fell ill, everything turned for the worst. She was misunderstood and her children were harmed by the evil brother in law. Or so the story goes.
Myra, Steve in the year
2015 enter the cursed castle to shoot for Steve's work.
There Myra meets Edward who is in the year 1415 and falls for him, kind of instalove.. but she falls deeper when she reads more about him in his life's book. And all she can think about is going to meet him even as her present life progresses.
Edward is stuck in his life in the past with a evil father and nothing but heartache and pain to keep him company with vists from Myra in his dreams being his only relief.
The story is kind of dark with evil king torturing his citizens and even his own children.
I surprisingly enjoyed this one for the way I was feeling about it when it started of.
In the beginning the heroine Myra just goes on and on about how much she loves castle's and kings and all of the historical way of life, and knowing the context of the book it just felt like it was convenient that she likes and feels so strongly the way she does.
And then we have Steve, the guy who is introduced to Myra for arrange marriage purposes, he introduced himself as gay who is already in a relationship with Taylor whose romance wasn't shown at all .. and later there is a bomb dropped about steve that just comes out of nowhere.
And we have Edward. The prince charming of Myras dreams. Only It's Edward who is dreaming about Myra from a young age and has feelings for her even before he meets her.
The whole book is a set up for the story to follow and dragged at times. There was a very small part that scared me, at around 40% and I was hooked after that because the story started getting interesting.
It felt like the book would have benefited from an edit because the story has potential.
Edwards POV dint read like it was from the year 1415 which kind of pulled me out of the story.
Some parts I felt like it would have looked really good as a movie. Because I would loved to watch this on screen.
It does end in a cliffhanger as the story continues in the next books.
I received a ebook in exchange for a review.
Once long ago there was a witch who fell in love, who was kind and a fair ruler for this witch was also queen. When her king fell ill, everything turned for the worst. She was misunderstood and her children were harmed by the evil brother in law. Or so the story goes.
Myra, Steve in the year
2015 enter the cursed castle to shoot for Steve's work.
There Myra meets Edward who is in the year 1415 and falls for him, kind of instalove.. but she falls deeper when she reads more about him in his life's book. And all she can think about is going to meet him even as her present life progresses.
Edward is stuck in his life in the past with a evil father and nothing but heartache and pain to keep him company with vists from Myra in his dreams being his only relief.
The story is kind of dark with evil king torturing his citizens and even his own children.
I surprisingly enjoyed this one for the way I was feeling about it when it started of.
In the beginning the heroine Myra just goes on and on about how much she loves castle's and kings and all of the historical way of life, and knowing the context of the book it just felt like it was convenient that she likes and feels so strongly the way she does.
And then we have Steve, the guy who is introduced to Myra for arrange marriage purposes, he introduced himself as gay who is already in a relationship with Taylor whose romance wasn't shown at all .. and later there is a bomb dropped about steve that just comes out of nowhere.
And we have Edward. The prince charming of Myras dreams. Only It's Edward who is dreaming about Myra from a young age and has feelings for her even before he meets her.
The whole book is a set up for the story to follow and dragged at times. There was a very small part that scared me, at around 40% and I was hooked after that because the story started getting interesting.
It felt like the book would have benefited from an edit because the story has potential.
Edwards POV dint read like it was from the year 1415 which kind of pulled me out of the story.
Some parts I felt like it would have looked really good as a movie. Because I would loved to watch this on screen.
It does end in a cliffhanger as the story continues in the next books.
March 21, 2016
I have been loving fairytales ever since I was a little girl. I grew up believing in prince Charming and hoping one day the prince would come to me. Now I’ve grown up, and now I know life is no fairytale.. But still.. I love fairytales. So when Samreen Ahsan emailed me a little while ago, with the question if I wanted to read her new novel called ‘Once Upon a (Stolen) Time’ I just couldn’t say no. I’ve read the previous two books written by Samreen, so I know for a fact she can write a great book.
After reading a view pages of ‘Once Upon a (Stolen) Time’ I honestly didn’t really know what I thought about this book. It felt a little like I was missing something. I just didn’t get the main character Myra. Her parents seemed to force her into marrying someone she didn’t love, and Myra just didn’t really say anything. I felt disappointed in the story and really didn’t think this book was anything like a fairytale. But I kept reading.. And soon I began to feel the magic of this story about Myra and Edward.
Myra is a young woman living in the modern time, Edward is living in a time almost 600 years ago. Somehow Myra and Edward have always been dreaming about each other. Myra has always felt like modern man weren’t for her, she dreamed of kings and castles.. Edward dreamed about a beautiful woman who could save him from the curse his family is living with for many years.
When Myra visits the Hue castle, she sees and feels things, no one else does. And when Myra looks inside a mirror she can see a man living in the castle many years ago.
After getting through those first view pages where I felt like I was missing something and didn’t really like this book.. I soon began to feel intrigued with the book and its characters. Soon I just couldn’t stop reading anymore and I really needed to learn more about Myra and Edward. The magic of ‘Once Upon a (Stolen) Time’ really is the way you can just feel the romance and passion between Myra and Edward, without it really happening. This book really is just the beginning of the story of Myra and Edward, and although we don’t get much of a real romantic scene.. I was definitely feeling those fairytale vibes.
Samreen Ahsan really has a unique way of writing. Her stories just feel very pure and sweet. And although the ending was really frustrating… (Major cliffhanger alert!!) I can’t wait to read the next book in this series. I almost feel like Myra, desperately thinking about Edward and wanting to be with him.. I can’t stop thinking about this book. There is still a lot of mystery in this story and it can still go a lot of different ways. Yep.. although I had my troubles at first, I really really really love this book!!
After reading a view pages of ‘Once Upon a (Stolen) Time’ I honestly didn’t really know what I thought about this book. It felt a little like I was missing something. I just didn’t get the main character Myra. Her parents seemed to force her into marrying someone she didn’t love, and Myra just didn’t really say anything. I felt disappointed in the story and really didn’t think this book was anything like a fairytale. But I kept reading.. And soon I began to feel the magic of this story about Myra and Edward.
Myra is a young woman living in the modern time, Edward is living in a time almost 600 years ago. Somehow Myra and Edward have always been dreaming about each other. Myra has always felt like modern man weren’t for her, she dreamed of kings and castles.. Edward dreamed about a beautiful woman who could save him from the curse his family is living with for many years.
When Myra visits the Hue castle, she sees and feels things, no one else does. And when Myra looks inside a mirror she can see a man living in the castle many years ago.
After getting through those first view pages where I felt like I was missing something and didn’t really like this book.. I soon began to feel intrigued with the book and its characters. Soon I just couldn’t stop reading anymore and I really needed to learn more about Myra and Edward. The magic of ‘Once Upon a (Stolen) Time’ really is the way you can just feel the romance and passion between Myra and Edward, without it really happening. This book really is just the beginning of the story of Myra and Edward, and although we don’t get much of a real romantic scene.. I was definitely feeling those fairytale vibes.
Samreen Ahsan really has a unique way of writing. Her stories just feel very pure and sweet. And although the ending was really frustrating… (Major cliffhanger alert!!) I can’t wait to read the next book in this series. I almost feel like Myra, desperately thinking about Edward and wanting to be with him.. I can’t stop thinking about this book. There is still a lot of mystery in this story and it can still go a lot of different ways. Yep.. although I had my troubles at first, I really really really love this book!!
February 28, 2017
Thank you to Samreen Ahsan for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Samreen Ahsan's Once Upon A [Stolen] Time was my first introduction to the author and I can say I am absolutely intrigued by her. When I first started reading, I was captured by the setting and time-traveling aspect. I had hoped for a kick ass heroine, a dark and tragic hero, and an amazing love story. What I got was a little bit different but I still enjoyed it nonetheless.
Myra was a heroine I had a hard time connecting to. It felt like I was inside a sixteen-year old's teenage brain who constantly had her head in the clouds. She's very into princes, princesses, castles... you get the drift. Basically, she's enamored with fairy tales and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. I just didn't connect with her. Edward on the other hand... I was curious about. The premise of the hero living in an entirely different time period from the heroine was quite interesting and I wanted to know how the two could possibly end up together, especially when separated by time itself. I loved reading in Edward's point of view and I felt for this complex and tragic character.
Samreen Ahsan's Once Upon A [Stolen] Time was my first introduction to the author and I can say I am absolutely intrigued by her. When I first started reading, I was captured by the setting and time-traveling aspect. I had hoped for a kick ass heroine, a dark and tragic hero, and an amazing love story. What I got was a little bit different but I still enjoyed it nonetheless.
Myra was a heroine I had a hard time connecting to. It felt like I was inside a sixteen-year old's teenage brain who constantly had her head in the clouds. She's very into princes, princesses, castles... you get the drift. Basically, she's enamored with fairy tales and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. I just didn't connect with her. Edward on the other hand... I was curious about. The premise of the hero living in an entirely different time period from the heroine was quite interesting and I wanted to know how the two could possibly end up together, especially when separated by time itself. I loved reading in Edward's point of view and I felt for this complex and tragic character.
"Once upon a time, in a distant land, there lived a beast that imprisoned his prey outside of time. He captured her, unraveled her, destroyed her and never let her go."Like many others before me, I struggled with starting this book and had a hard time getting into it. But once the ball started rolling, so to speak, I became a lot more interested and invested in the mystery as well as Myra and Edward's romance. It felt real and I was moved by Edward especially in his affection for Myra.
"There were only two people in this time. Just me and him, as the world spun into a timeless abyss."In the end, Samreen Ahsan's unique writing and sweet romance between Edward and Myra had me looking forward to the next book. It almost had a Beauty and the Beast feel to it, one of my favorite Disney movies and stories. While the book does end in a cliffhanger and we have no idea when Samreen will write the next one, this was still a very enjoyable read and I highly recommend it for the tortured hero and his romance with our contemporary heroine.
June 30, 2019
4.5 stars
**A digital copy of the book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.**
The book follows two timelines.
15th Century: Prince Edward Hue, cursed from his birth - just like all the members of the Hue Royalty. He lives in darkness. He can never ever touch flowers or feel the sunlight. But he keeps on dreaming about a girl whom he believes is the answer to the curse.
2015 : Myra Farrow, a girl obsessed with Mideaval Castles especially the Hue Caslte. She would do anything to explore that mysterious Caslte. She is forced into an arrganed marriage with Steve, a Royalty. But when she learns that he is a game developer who wishes to base his next big game on The Hue Caslte, she is excited. Myra becomes the model for the character and as soon as she steps into the castle, she knows that she belonged there. The two timelines meet in a spellbounding way that keeps us turning the pages.
What I liked :
~ The book is fast paced, it doesn't drag at all.
~ The characters are distinct from each other. And they have an interesting background.
~ The plot is unique and engaging.
~ The possibilities that this storyline offers is amazing. It will keep you guessing for most of the part and that is what I want a book to do to me.
~ The cliffhanger : tbh, I was absorbed in the story when I found out that the first book got over. I was like "that's all? OMG, I have to read the next book to know what has happened!! ". So definitely I will pick up the next book. I already have the eBook on my Kindle! (Hurray!!)
What I didn't like :
Even though this book has become a favourite of the month and the year, I did find somethings that bothered me.
~ Even though Edward belonged to the 15th century, sometimes he sounded like a 21st century guy. Com'on, we have all watched some or the other mediveal movies.
~ I felt that the Steve's character was not consistent. Sometimes he was nice and at the last portion of the story, why was he so concerned over his game rather than about Myra? (No spoilers, so can't say anything else)
~ Insta- love! ( No spoilers). The blame is on me, I just don't tend to appreciate insta loves.
~ Where did Tyler go? I need answers!! 🙈🙈 hope he will be there in the second book.
I loved the book. Definitely will be on the favorites of this year.
**A digital copy of the book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.**
The book follows two timelines.
15th Century: Prince Edward Hue, cursed from his birth - just like all the members of the Hue Royalty. He lives in darkness. He can never ever touch flowers or feel the sunlight. But he keeps on dreaming about a girl whom he believes is the answer to the curse.
2015 : Myra Farrow, a girl obsessed with Mideaval Castles especially the Hue Caslte. She would do anything to explore that mysterious Caslte. She is forced into an arrganed marriage with Steve, a Royalty. But when she learns that he is a game developer who wishes to base his next big game on The Hue Caslte, she is excited. Myra becomes the model for the character and as soon as she steps into the castle, she knows that she belonged there. The two timelines meet in a spellbounding way that keeps us turning the pages.
What I liked :
~ The book is fast paced, it doesn't drag at all.
~ The characters are distinct from each other. And they have an interesting background.
~ The plot is unique and engaging.
~ The possibilities that this storyline offers is amazing. It will keep you guessing for most of the part and that is what I want a book to do to me.
~ The cliffhanger : tbh, I was absorbed in the story when I found out that the first book got over. I was like "that's all? OMG, I have to read the next book to know what has happened!! ". So definitely I will pick up the next book. I already have the eBook on my Kindle! (Hurray!!)
What I didn't like :
Even though this book has become a favourite of the month and the year, I did find somethings that bothered me.
~ Even though Edward belonged to the 15th century, sometimes he sounded like a 21st century guy. Com'on, we have all watched some or the other mediveal movies.
~ I felt that the Steve's character was not consistent. Sometimes he was nice and at the last portion of the story, why was he so concerned over his game rather than about Myra? (No spoilers, so can't say anything else)
~ Insta- love! ( No spoilers). The blame is on me, I just don't tend to appreciate insta loves.
~ Where did Tyler go? I need answers!! 🙈🙈 hope he will be there in the second book.
I loved the book. Definitely will be on the favorites of this year.
December 7, 2015
< a href="https://tinesreviews.wordpress.com&qu... My review is also posted on my blog.
(Source: This was given to me by the author. This will not affect my reviews.)
“- It’s impossible you will not love Once Upon A[stolen]Time”
Since the beginning of the story, Ms. Samreen Ahsan never failed to amaze me to this story. I’ve never read this kind of story. A love story which sets in different time and only a mirror can able to see each other.
Myra Farrow is in the year 2015. She loves castles and palaces. All of her cousins are getting married or engaged. And her family set up an arranged marriage to Steve Bernard. Steve Bernard is working at gaming industry and he’s a gay. Myra and Steve made a deal to make a new game and they will film it to Hue Castle.
Edward Hue is in the year 1415. He is the son of King Stefan and will become a future king. He doesn’t like the way his father treat his people.
” I knew it was a silly desire, because we were cruelly separated by time. I came to the conclusion that time was my biggest enemy. ”
This is not the typical story that we read. Edward and Myra’s love story hurts me because Edward longed for her since he can see her in his dreams and Myra was engaged to the Guy he doesn’t love. But it’s a great story because of the twist. And one thing I can’t erase on my mind was Steve Bernard. He’s still a mystery to me.
” I experienced his present in the past but in my present, which was tied in our unknown future together. ”
I recommended this to everyone who loves fantasy, romance. You guys should try this, I promise. You will not regret reading this.
(Source: This was given to me by the author. This will not affect my reviews.)
“- It’s impossible you will not love Once Upon A[stolen]Time”
Since the beginning of the story, Ms. Samreen Ahsan never failed to amaze me to this story. I’ve never read this kind of story. A love story which sets in different time and only a mirror can able to see each other.
Myra Farrow is in the year 2015. She loves castles and palaces. All of her cousins are getting married or engaged. And her family set up an arranged marriage to Steve Bernard. Steve Bernard is working at gaming industry and he’s a gay. Myra and Steve made a deal to make a new game and they will film it to Hue Castle.
Edward Hue is in the year 1415. He is the son of King Stefan and will become a future king. He doesn’t like the way his father treat his people.
” I knew it was a silly desire, because we were cruelly separated by time. I came to the conclusion that time was my biggest enemy. ”
This is not the typical story that we read. Edward and Myra’s love story hurts me because Edward longed for her since he can see her in his dreams and Myra was engaged to the Guy he doesn’t love. But it’s a great story because of the twist. And one thing I can’t erase on my mind was Steve Bernard. He’s still a mystery to me.
” I experienced his present in the past but in my present, which was tied in our unknown future together. ”
I recommended this to everyone who loves fantasy, romance. You guys should try this, I promise. You will not regret reading this.
February 10, 2019
“Love is a camouflage of beauty. You feel free in love, but in truth, you’re trapped.”
What if accidentally you saw the man in an old mirror, and it easily captured your heart and mind? But, unfortunately, that man already died 300 years ago. Well, that was the shortest summary I will give, so I’m sorry. Just kidding! But to be honest, that’s the main topic of the story or what you will expect from it. It was historical fiction with a touch not only the past but with present characters and story.
So, I will tell you a little story while I was reading this book; I read two books at the same time, and while I’m reading City of Bones by Cassandra Clare, I’m also reading Once upon a stolen time. To be honest, I was able to finish this book faster than the City of Bones. I guess the pacing of the story was more exciting than the other book I was reading. They’re not the same genre, but I’m talking on the experiences while reading those two books. Yes, the story captured me because of how excellent it was executed. But, on the characters, there were some “questionable” on their part which I can’t really comprehend, and I expected to get the answers at the end of the book. Unfortunately, I got no answers.
Overall, the story was still good, the pacing and how it was delivered really gripped my eyes until the last page. I ignored the characters part, which by the way there was no character development for them. I hope on the next book the answers will reveal, and more character developments to enhance.
COPY generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest REVIEW
What if accidentally you saw the man in an old mirror, and it easily captured your heart and mind? But, unfortunately, that man already died 300 years ago. Well, that was the shortest summary I will give, so I’m sorry. Just kidding! But to be honest, that’s the main topic of the story or what you will expect from it. It was historical fiction with a touch not only the past but with present characters and story.
So, I will tell you a little story while I was reading this book; I read two books at the same time, and while I’m reading City of Bones by Cassandra Clare, I’m also reading Once upon a stolen time. To be honest, I was able to finish this book faster than the City of Bones. I guess the pacing of the story was more exciting than the other book I was reading. They’re not the same genre, but I’m talking on the experiences while reading those two books. Yes, the story captured me because of how excellent it was executed. But, on the characters, there were some “questionable” on their part which I can’t really comprehend, and I expected to get the answers at the end of the book. Unfortunately, I got no answers.
Overall, the story was still good, the pacing and how it was delivered really gripped my eyes until the last page. I ignored the characters part, which by the way there was no character development for them. I hope on the next book the answers will reveal, and more character developments to enhance.
COPY generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest REVIEW
August 7, 2016
Once Upon A [Stolen] Time by Samreen Ahsan is the tale of a girl trying to discover who she really is, and of a man succumbing to the darkness surrounding him. Their paths clash together in what can only be described as magic - a mirror being the lone portal that binds the two of them together and allows them to communicate with one another.
A communication that more often than not is cut short by Myra's fiancé.
Myra isn't your average 22-year-old. She does not suffer from the snowflake syndrome. In fact, despite her slight obsession with everything medieval, princess and castles, she seems to be one of the most grounded and relatable characters from the book. According to her family, who is used to mixing with other circles, Myra tying the knot is long overdue, so they arrange for her to get married to Steven, a wealthy bachelor with connections. He in turn unveils himself as a homosexual during their very first meeting and confesses his plans of using her as his main character in his video game to be based on Hue Castle. Little does Myra at this point know, that Steven isn't being completely honest with her or of the journey that she is about to embark on.
Hue Castle holds many secrets. The mysterious lives and the disappearance of its last inhabitants being only few of them. The land is barren, no light can enter, no life is anywhere to be found within its walls. Cameras are unable to capture anything within the castle's boundaries, and then, there is the mysterious mirror in the castle's chapel, preserved from the fire that took down everything else, and yet presenting an image that does not align with reality.
It is that distorted image that starts Myra's search for the truth of what happened to the last inhabitants of this castle. Why is everything within the castle's borders dead? Who is the man she sees in the mirror? Why can she feel him? Why is she the only one who sees him? Why does he seem to know her? Why do they share the same eyes? Why can she not forget him? A man, who should have succumbed to death 600 years ago.
It it those questions and the connection she feels to the man in the mirror that are the driving force behind her quest to figure out why Edward, the last heir of the Hue royal bloodline, disappeared on his 28th birthday never to be heard of again.
Despite Myra's attraction to the man in the mirror playing a large part in her motivation towards finding out the truth, I did not perceive the first instalment of the Stolen series to be a romance novel. It had more elements of a good mystery book to me, one that I actually enjoyed reading.
At first I was taken aback by the fact that Myra's parents seemed to consider her a spinster for not being anywhere near a steady relationship by the age of 22 and went as far as to arrange a marriage for her at this day and age. Being her age myself I find that notion completely ludicrous. However, I accepted that fact as a necessary evil for the plot to move forward.
In fact, the beginning of the book fell victim to quite a few tropes, which is the reason why I had to remove a few points from my initial rating. However, 50 pages in and I remember actively thinking that my perception had changed.
Ms Ahsan crafted a beautiful story - one that I could not put down once I really started reading. I got pulled into her world building, into the plot, into the characters and their world. I needed to know all and everything there was to know about the circumstances of Myra's and Edward's existence and why they were able to communicate with each other at certain times. In fact, I am skipping class right now, typing this up. This is how enthralled I am by the story.
It had been quite some time since I last read a story this beautifully written. I quite enjoyed the prose and the vocabulary used. I could picture myself right there with them, experiencing every excruciatingly mysterious moment right along with the characters. I could feel their anguish. I was amazed by their depth. They felt real to me. And they did so, not because they told me they were, but because I could read that from their actions. I could see nuances in them, read into their behaviour, make up my own mind about them. That I appreciated more than anything. That I believe to be indication of a good author that knows their craft.
Edward especially I found to be an incredibly complex character. I was turning page after page trying to understand him, trying to see where he was going, how he was reacting, uncovering all the facets there were to his character.
Steven didn't disappoint either. Especially as the story progressed. Whilst I found him slightly dull at the beginning, towards the end of the first novel his actions grew more and more complex, showing us other sides of him, not as monochrome and one sided as he might have appeared at the beginning.
What both infuriates and thrills me is the fact that the book ended with a cliffhanger. I cannot wait for Once Upon A [Fallen] Time to become available. I would kill to know what is going to happen next. And I rarely get this riled up over second instalments. If you haven't read this book yet, you're missing out.
A communication that more often than not is cut short by Myra's fiancé.
Myra isn't your average 22-year-old. She does not suffer from the snowflake syndrome. In fact, despite her slight obsession with everything medieval, princess and castles, she seems to be one of the most grounded and relatable characters from the book. According to her family, who is used to mixing with other circles, Myra tying the knot is long overdue, so they arrange for her to get married to Steven, a wealthy bachelor with connections. He in turn unveils himself as a homosexual during their very first meeting and confesses his plans of using her as his main character in his video game to be based on Hue Castle. Little does Myra at this point know, that Steven isn't being completely honest with her or of the journey that she is about to embark on.
Hue Castle holds many secrets. The mysterious lives and the disappearance of its last inhabitants being only few of them. The land is barren, no light can enter, no life is anywhere to be found within its walls. Cameras are unable to capture anything within the castle's boundaries, and then, there is the mysterious mirror in the castle's chapel, preserved from the fire that took down everything else, and yet presenting an image that does not align with reality.
It is that distorted image that starts Myra's search for the truth of what happened to the last inhabitants of this castle. Why is everything within the castle's borders dead? Who is the man she sees in the mirror? Why can she feel him? Why is she the only one who sees him? Why does he seem to know her? Why do they share the same eyes? Why can she not forget him? A man, who should have succumbed to death 600 years ago.
It it those questions and the connection she feels to the man in the mirror that are the driving force behind her quest to figure out why Edward, the last heir of the Hue royal bloodline, disappeared on his 28th birthday never to be heard of again.
Despite Myra's attraction to the man in the mirror playing a large part in her motivation towards finding out the truth, I did not perceive the first instalment of the Stolen series to be a romance novel. It had more elements of a good mystery book to me, one that I actually enjoyed reading.
At first I was taken aback by the fact that Myra's parents seemed to consider her a spinster for not being anywhere near a steady relationship by the age of 22 and went as far as to arrange a marriage for her at this day and age. Being her age myself I find that notion completely ludicrous. However, I accepted that fact as a necessary evil for the plot to move forward.
In fact, the beginning of the book fell victim to quite a few tropes, which is the reason why I had to remove a few points from my initial rating. However, 50 pages in and I remember actively thinking that my perception had changed.
Ms Ahsan crafted a beautiful story - one that I could not put down once I really started reading. I got pulled into her world building, into the plot, into the characters and their world. I needed to know all and everything there was to know about the circumstances of Myra's and Edward's existence and why they were able to communicate with each other at certain times. In fact, I am skipping class right now, typing this up. This is how enthralled I am by the story.
It had been quite some time since I last read a story this beautifully written. I quite enjoyed the prose and the vocabulary used. I could picture myself right there with them, experiencing every excruciatingly mysterious moment right along with the characters. I could feel their anguish. I was amazed by their depth. They felt real to me. And they did so, not because they told me they were, but because I could read that from their actions. I could see nuances in them, read into their behaviour, make up my own mind about them. That I appreciated more than anything. That I believe to be indication of a good author that knows their craft.
Edward especially I found to be an incredibly complex character. I was turning page after page trying to understand him, trying to see where he was going, how he was reacting, uncovering all the facets there were to his character.
Steven didn't disappoint either. Especially as the story progressed. Whilst I found him slightly dull at the beginning, towards the end of the first novel his actions grew more and more complex, showing us other sides of him, not as monochrome and one sided as he might have appeared at the beginning.
What both infuriates and thrills me is the fact that the book ended with a cliffhanger. I cannot wait for Once Upon A [Fallen] Time to become available. I would kill to know what is going to happen next. And I rarely get this riled up over second instalments. If you haven't read this book yet, you're missing out.
September 2, 2019
Copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review
Review coming soon!
Review coming soon!
October 19, 2015
The old adage, “Be careful what you wish for, because it might come true” is the starting point for this story. Myra Farrow is a romantic young woman from London, UK, who is obsessed with stories about medieval knights and princes. She wants to be part of history, and wishes she were a real medieval princess. Frustrated with the impossibility of that, she reads medieval English history, literature and poetry, even making it the subject of her university degree.
Characters
Drawbacks
Her parents have indulged her to the point of visiting every old castle and manor in the UK, except for one that’s abandoned and closed: the totally fictitious Hue Castle.
Myra’s parents, who run a successful business in London, are concerned that their daughter lives more in the past than the here-and-now, so they arrange a marriage for her to Steve Bernard, scion of one of the UK’s wealthiest and most powerful families.
But Steve isn’t just the inheritor of wealth. He’s actually a successful video game entrepreneur, and while he isn’t interest in Myra romantically, he does want her to be a model for shooting scenes for his new medieval-themed video game. And as coincidence will have it, Steve has chosen the abandoned, yet lifeless Hue Castle for his setting.
Hue Castle has all the necessary elements for a very spooky setting, like prison towers, dungeons and instruments of torture. But the most dangerous thing is a shrouded mirror. When Myra looks into it, she sees scenes from six hundred years ago, the vicious cruelty that brought down a curse so extreme that nothing grows at Hue Castle — no plants, not even rats live there.
As Myra returns to look into the mirror, she’s increasingly drawn into the lives of those dead for six centuries, and gradually, she begins to hear them and finally contacts Edward, the crown prince of England in 1415. Myra wonders whether she can even enter that time, and if she does, whether she would be able to return.
Characters
Ahsan’s strength is creating believable, familiar characters, and Myra is another example. She’s a romantic, obsessed with her fantasies of kings and princes and knights, but she is far from one-sided. She dreams about being rescued by a handsome knight, but she’s not weak. She’s a complex, modern woman who likes her cell phones and clothes, and her freedom and independence.
Steve is a complex man, too, who undergoes a transformation through the book and comes to love Myra for who she is. This sets up a love triangle and another level of conflict in Myra, who is already trying to choose between the past and the present.
Perhaps the most complex, appealing character is the tortured Edward Hue, the prince and son of the cruel (fictitious) King Stefan. You really feel for this character, and I was surprised by how fully Ahsan has realized this character.
Drawbacks
The only thing I didn’t like about this story was the framing device, the overly complex way she has set up the story, with Myra being set up by her parents with Steven, who is not interested in her at first. I understand why Ahsan chose the billionaire genius guy and the smart, regular girl structure for her previous two-volume Prayer series (A Silent Prayer and A Prayer Heeded). She was showing what a love story like 50 Shades could be if handled by a writer with skill and talent. But there is no need for that here. Neither is there a need for the marriage to be arranged. Steve could have just hired Myra to be his model, and gradually fallen in love with her. It would have made the story simpler and allowed the author to get to the action quicker.
But that’s a minor point. This is a mesmerizing story that keeps you swiping your e-reader to get to the next page. It’s well worth a read.
August 20, 2016
3.5 stars!
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
Myra is fascinated with all things medieval. Castles, princes, and kings are what she loves to talk about the most. She’s a good daughter, but she just can’t do what her parents want her to, which is to get married. They set her up with Steve. Steve is a fun and nice guy, but Myra just isn’t his type and vice versa.
Myra and Steve become friends instead, and when Steve asks Myla to help him out with his new video game, she says yes. What happens next changes Myla’s life.
I really enjoyed the mystery of hue castle. It made me as curious as Myla was. The romance aspect of this story was enjoyable as well. It was sad how Myla and Edward were in different times, but reading about them still made me so giddy!
This book does end in a cliffhanger, so be prepared.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
Myra is fascinated with all things medieval. Castles, princes, and kings are what she loves to talk about the most. She’s a good daughter, but she just can’t do what her parents want her to, which is to get married. They set her up with Steve. Steve is a fun and nice guy, but Myra just isn’t his type and vice versa.
Myra and Steve become friends instead, and when Steve asks Myla to help him out with his new video game, she says yes. What happens next changes Myla’s life.
I really enjoyed the mystery of hue castle. It made me as curious as Myla was. The romance aspect of this story was enjoyable as well. It was sad how Myla and Edward were in different times, but reading about them still made me so giddy!
This book does end in a cliffhanger, so be prepared.
August 4, 2016
Who knew I would fall madly in love with this book? I actually can't express what I'm feeling right now into words but I will say this, I WANT MORE!!
To relive history in 1425 in Edwards POV was very interesting and I couldn't get enough. Myra's POV in 2015 made things a little easier to read and connect with since I share the same passions as her with the love of castle and medieval era. A little part of me is sad now that the story is ended.. (For now)..
To relive history in 1425 in Edwards POV was very interesting and I couldn't get enough. Myra's POV in 2015 made things a little easier to read and connect with since I share the same passions as her with the love of castle and medieval era. A little part of me is sad now that the story is ended.. (For now)..
May 8, 2019
When I was offered a chance to read this book I was very intrigued because the premise sounded unlike anything I've read before. I'll be honest that it did take a few chapters for me to get interested in the characters and their situations but once I did I was hooked.
Myra has always had a fascination with the idea of living the fairy tale and everything that goes along with it; the castles, the prince and the royal court. But when she's given the rare opportunity to explore a haunting and seemingly cursed Castle Hue she's not at all prepared for the twist her life is about to take. Myra becomes obsessed with a man in a mirror that only she can see and his history begins to consume her. Little does she know that she is also becoming his obsession.
I thought this book was very original and well written, with the exception of a few parts that dove a little too deep into details that could have been a little lighter. But if you're looking for a new kind of PNR story I would definitely recommend checking out this book.
Myra has always had a fascination with the idea of living the fairy tale and everything that goes along with it; the castles, the prince and the royal court. But when she's given the rare opportunity to explore a haunting and seemingly cursed Castle Hue she's not at all prepared for the twist her life is about to take. Myra becomes obsessed with a man in a mirror that only she can see and his history begins to consume her. Little does she know that she is also becoming his obsession.
I thought this book was very original and well written, with the exception of a few parts that dove a little too deep into details that could have been a little lighter. But if you're looking for a new kind of PNR story I would definitely recommend checking out this book.
February 6, 2017
Final Score - 5 Oh Em Gee, What Happens Next? Stars!!!
Myra isn't your average 22-year-old. She slightly obsessed with everything medieval, princess and castles, but she seems to be grounded and relateable. Her family, who is used to mixing with various social circles, is trying to steer Myra aware from obsession. They believe her tying the knot is long overdue and so they arrange for her to meet Steven, a wealthy bachelor with connections.
Steven in turn unveils himself as a homosexual during their very first meeting and confesses his plans of using her as his main character in his video game to be based on Hue Castle. Little does Myra at this point know, that Steven isn't being completely honest with her or of the journey that she is about to embark on.
Hue Castle holds many secrets, and Myra has always been fascinated by it. The mysterious lives and the disappearance of its last inhabitant, the land is barren, no light can enter, no life is anywhere to be found within its walls. Cameras are unable to capture anything within the castle's boundaries, and then, there is the mysterious mirror (the portal of communication) in the castle's chapel.
It is this mirror and its strange workings that starts Myra's search for the truth of what happened to the last inhabitants of this castle. Why is everything within the castle's borders dead? Who is the man she sees in the mirror? Why can she feel communicate with him? Why is she the only one who sees him? Why does he seem to know her? Why do they share the same eyes? Why can she not forget him?
Its the connection she feels to the man in the mirror that are the driving force behind her quest to figure out why Edward, the last heir of the Hue royal bloodline, disappeared on his 28th birthday never to be heard of again. What's eerie about this connection is this mirror - its being used as a portal, allowing Myra & Edward to communicate with one another. And this communication should be virtually impossible, Myra is living in the year 2015, while Edward is living 600 yrs in the past, in 1415.
Despite Myra's attraction to the man in the mirror playing a large part in her motivation towards finding out the truth, I did not perceive the first installment of the Stolen series to be a romance novel. It had more elements of a good mystery book to me, one that I actually enjoyed reading and discovering the truth behind the lies that have been hidden in the walls of this castle for centuries.
Ms. Ahsan has crafted a beautiful time travel story - one that I could not put down once I really started reading. I got pulled into the plot, into the characters and their worlds = both past and present. I still need to know all and everything there is to know about the circumstances of Myra's and Edward's existence and why they were able to communicate with each other at certain times.
I could picture myself right there with them, experiencing every excruciatingly mysterious moment right along with the characters. I could feel their anguish and I was amazed by their depth - they felt real to me.
Edward, I found to be an incredibly complex character. As I was turning page after page trying to understand him, trying to see where he was going, how he was reacting, uncovering all the facets there were to his character, I myself couldn't help but be as drawn to him as Myra was. I was cheering along with her, wanting desperately to get back to the castle to have her questions answered, her prayers for him put to rest. Steven also presented a challenge - as Myra's pseudo fiance - and he didn't disappoint either. Whilst I found him slightly dull at the beginning, towards the end of this novel his actions grew more and more complex, showing us other sides of him, not as monochrome and one sided as he might have appeared at the beginning. I don't trust him, and neither should Myra. He's intentions go beyond self fulfilling desires for his game to succeed. I think he is the character we all should be keeping our eyes on.
This is more than just a tale of a girl trying to discover who she really is ... or a man succumbing to the darkness surrounding him.
The fact that the book ended with a cliffhanger left me frustrated but excited as well. I cannot wait for Once Upon A [Fallen] Time to become available. I would kill to know what is going to happen next.
If you haven't read this book yet, you may just be missing out on pure gold.
Myra isn't your average 22-year-old. She slightly obsessed with everything medieval, princess and castles, but she seems to be grounded and relateable. Her family, who is used to mixing with various social circles, is trying to steer Myra aware from obsession. They believe her tying the knot is long overdue and so they arrange for her to meet Steven, a wealthy bachelor with connections.
Steven in turn unveils himself as a homosexual during their very first meeting and confesses his plans of using her as his main character in his video game to be based on Hue Castle. Little does Myra at this point know, that Steven isn't being completely honest with her or of the journey that she is about to embark on.
Hue Castle holds many secrets, and Myra has always been fascinated by it. The mysterious lives and the disappearance of its last inhabitant, the land is barren, no light can enter, no life is anywhere to be found within its walls. Cameras are unable to capture anything within the castle's boundaries, and then, there is the mysterious mirror (the portal of communication) in the castle's chapel.
It is this mirror and its strange workings that starts Myra's search for the truth of what happened to the last inhabitants of this castle. Why is everything within the castle's borders dead? Who is the man she sees in the mirror? Why can she feel communicate with him? Why is she the only one who sees him? Why does he seem to know her? Why do they share the same eyes? Why can she not forget him?
Its the connection she feels to the man in the mirror that are the driving force behind her quest to figure out why Edward, the last heir of the Hue royal bloodline, disappeared on his 28th birthday never to be heard of again. What's eerie about this connection is this mirror - its being used as a portal, allowing Myra & Edward to communicate with one another. And this communication should be virtually impossible, Myra is living in the year 2015, while Edward is living 600 yrs in the past, in 1415.
Despite Myra's attraction to the man in the mirror playing a large part in her motivation towards finding out the truth, I did not perceive the first installment of the Stolen series to be a romance novel. It had more elements of a good mystery book to me, one that I actually enjoyed reading and discovering the truth behind the lies that have been hidden in the walls of this castle for centuries.
Ms. Ahsan has crafted a beautiful time travel story - one that I could not put down once I really started reading. I got pulled into the plot, into the characters and their worlds = both past and present. I still need to know all and everything there is to know about the circumstances of Myra's and Edward's existence and why they were able to communicate with each other at certain times.
I could picture myself right there with them, experiencing every excruciatingly mysterious moment right along with the characters. I could feel their anguish and I was amazed by their depth - they felt real to me.
Edward, I found to be an incredibly complex character. As I was turning page after page trying to understand him, trying to see where he was going, how he was reacting, uncovering all the facets there were to his character, I myself couldn't help but be as drawn to him as Myra was. I was cheering along with her, wanting desperately to get back to the castle to have her questions answered, her prayers for him put to rest. Steven also presented a challenge - as Myra's pseudo fiance - and he didn't disappoint either. Whilst I found him slightly dull at the beginning, towards the end of this novel his actions grew more and more complex, showing us other sides of him, not as monochrome and one sided as he might have appeared at the beginning. I don't trust him, and neither should Myra. He's intentions go beyond self fulfilling desires for his game to succeed. I think he is the character we all should be keeping our eyes on.
This is more than just a tale of a girl trying to discover who she really is ... or a man succumbing to the darkness surrounding him.
The fact that the book ended with a cliffhanger left me frustrated but excited as well. I cannot wait for Once Upon A [Fallen] Time to become available. I would kill to know what is going to happen next.
If you haven't read this book yet, you may just be missing out on pure gold.
August 6, 2019
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As a note, a copy of this novel was sent to me by the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions in any way. You can find this review here on Booked J.
I'm feeling incredibly spoiled with beautifully crafted fantasy novels this year. During my readathon (thanks to "Deep Freeze" 2019 and being stuck indoors due to freezing temperatures) I've found my TBR shrinking in size, thanks to many deeply engrossing novels. Samreen Ahsan is one of the leaders of the pack when it comes to these gorgeous tales and Once Upon A [Stolen] Time is, frankly, already one of my favourites of the year.
I can't believe I've only just now read it, as it's been out since 2015, but... better late than never? First of all, my head is still reeling from this book. Because, this BOOK YOU GUYS. I'm not the only one who is at a loss for words (in a REALLY good way) but... wow. I made the mistake of assuming at first that it was bound to be a lighter read, heavy on historical romance but there was so much more to it than that. It's a perfect concoction of mystery, fantasy, romance, action and the finished product is something highly indulgent.
First of all: the formatting in how this story is told! I adore it. It's so unique and really adds a layer of fantastical goodness to the story that I'm ALWAYS keen on. Always. I completely adore when stories have this unique and borderline bizarre tone to it (one of my favourite shows is Twin Peaks, after all) because it gives an extra kick to everything. When a story keeps me guessing or even questioning my own perception of things, I'm all the more enthralled.
Once Upon A [Stolen] Time is nothing if not enthralling and intricate and a little off the path of ordinary. What makes it work is the high stakes tone virtually everything takes. Samreen Ahsan will leave you breathless and that's a fact. It's all a matter of when. I was drawn in from the start, but around 30%... I was ALL IN and completely out of breath.
Further, Ahsan builds something truly special in not only her characters and plotlines but in the worldbuilding. She showcases her talent in her vivid prose and it really, really works to captivate readers until the final chapter. Some may find the way the story unfolds (its timelines) to be a bit confusing, but it all depends on the person.
In short, you're going to consume this novel just as much as it consumes you. What more could you want from a book?
As a note, a copy of this novel was sent to me by the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions in any way. You can find this review here on Booked J.
I'm feeling incredibly spoiled with beautifully crafted fantasy novels this year. During my readathon (thanks to "Deep Freeze" 2019 and being stuck indoors due to freezing temperatures) I've found my TBR shrinking in size, thanks to many deeply engrossing novels. Samreen Ahsan is one of the leaders of the pack when it comes to these gorgeous tales and Once Upon A [Stolen] Time is, frankly, already one of my favourites of the year.
I can't believe I've only just now read it, as it's been out since 2015, but... better late than never? First of all, my head is still reeling from this book. Because, this BOOK YOU GUYS. I'm not the only one who is at a loss for words (in a REALLY good way) but... wow. I made the mistake of assuming at first that it was bound to be a lighter read, heavy on historical romance but there was so much more to it than that. It's a perfect concoction of mystery, fantasy, romance, action and the finished product is something highly indulgent.
First of all: the formatting in how this story is told! I adore it. It's so unique and really adds a layer of fantastical goodness to the story that I'm ALWAYS keen on. Always. I completely adore when stories have this unique and borderline bizarre tone to it (one of my favourite shows is Twin Peaks, after all) because it gives an extra kick to everything. When a story keeps me guessing or even questioning my own perception of things, I'm all the more enthralled.
Once Upon A [Stolen] Time is nothing if not enthralling and intricate and a little off the path of ordinary. What makes it work is the high stakes tone virtually everything takes. Samreen Ahsan will leave you breathless and that's a fact. It's all a matter of when. I was drawn in from the start, but around 30%... I was ALL IN and completely out of breath.
Further, Ahsan builds something truly special in not only her characters and plotlines but in the worldbuilding. She showcases her talent in her vivid prose and it really, really works to captivate readers until the final chapter. Some may find the way the story unfolds (its timelines) to be a bit confusing, but it all depends on the person.
In short, you're going to consume this novel just as much as it consumes you. What more could you want from a book?
Read
December 18, 2015Ebook is available on:
Amazon US
Amazon Canada
Amazon UK
Amazon Australia
Amazon India
Ebook will be available on Dec01, 2015.
“Love is a necessary evil that traps you in illusory gossamer.”
“Love is a camouflage of beauty. You feel free in love, but in truth, you’re trapped.”
There were only two people in this time. Just me and him, as the world spun into a timeless abyss.
In his eyes, I was the only woman who had the power to hold him, kiss him and unravel his tangled life.
His touch was chancy—it could steal my world away from me—yet I’d take any risk to hold on to this addiction.
Time had split me into two. I had fallen in love with a man, who desired me six hundred years ago.
I,
Edward Hue,
the eighth monarch of the
Hue royal bloodline
had fallen in love with a woman,
who had never ceased
to haunt me.
I had the relationship with her
that sleep has with eyes.
I'd only get her if I shut out the
world around me and just
escaped into my dreams.
Amazon US
Amazon Canada
Amazon UK
Amazon Australia
Amazon India
Ebook will be available on Dec01, 2015.
“Love is a necessary evil that traps you in illusory gossamer.”
“Love is a camouflage of beauty. You feel free in love, but in truth, you’re trapped.”
There were only two people in this time. Just me and him, as the world spun into a timeless abyss.
In his eyes, I was the only woman who had the power to hold him, kiss him and unravel his tangled life.
His touch was chancy—it could steal my world away from me—yet I’d take any risk to hold on to this addiction.
Time had split me into two. I had fallen in love with a man, who desired me six hundred years ago.
I,
Edward Hue,
the eighth monarch of the
Hue royal bloodline
had fallen in love with a woman,
who had never ceased
to haunt me.
I had the relationship with her
that sleep has with eyes.
I'd only get her if I shut out the
world around me and just
escaped into my dreams.
July 26, 2025
Hey there! I am a little with a lot of desires to discover fantasies. I just love time travelling books and Once Upon A [Stolen] Time has truly made me feet like I am really travelling time. The book is beautiful written describing how a girl discovers her own powers, and how she is already connected to a haunted castle which she had been desired to discover since long.
I am already in love with the story, and I recommend that you should definitely read this. This story has already win so many hearts around the world. I just loved your work Samreen Ahsan. Thank you so much for sharing such a beautiful piece of imagination. I wish you all the best for future.
Its a guarantee that you will love it. There should be a movie or a TV series made on this but I wonder there isn't any such plan yet. EACH AND EVERY fantasy lover and in fact each and every reader MUST read this.
The book has beautiful made its readers to feel all the emotions present in a human being; Love, anger, hatred, peace, amaze, everything. The author of this book sounds a bit strict but her imagination is beautiful and one of a kind
The book is also available on Amazon.
Once you have completed with this book, please share this beautiful piece of art with your friends and relatives.
Thank you for giving your precious time to review.
I am already in love with the story, and I recommend that you should definitely read this. This story has already win so many hearts around the world. I just loved your work Samreen Ahsan. Thank you so much for sharing such a beautiful piece of imagination. I wish you all the best for future.
Its a guarantee that you will love it. There should be a movie or a TV series made on this but I wonder there isn't any such plan yet. EACH AND EVERY fantasy lover and in fact each and every reader MUST read this.
The book has beautiful made its readers to feel all the emotions present in a human being; Love, anger, hatred, peace, amaze, everything. The author of this book sounds a bit strict but her imagination is beautiful and one of a kind
The book is also available on Amazon.
Once you have completed with this book, please share this beautiful piece of art with your friends and relatives.
Thank you for giving your precious time to review.
December 29, 2019
I absolutely loved this book, I love stories of princesses and kings, and relate strongly with the character and her idea of wanting to live in the old days. The plot was amazing and the ideas were brilliant. I read it in 4 hours nonstop. I would highly recommend it to people who are dreamers, those who get pulled and immersed into books for it'll take you on a wild ride. #Inkitt
December 4, 2015
“Love is a camouflage of beauty. You feel free in love, but in truth, you’re trapped.”
It’s been a while since I picked up a book in the fantasy genre and when I was graciously given the opportunity to read “Once Upon a [Stolen] Time”, I was excited to see what this story would give me. When I began reading the synopsis into the first chapter, I soon realized that this story was also going to weave the elements of a longing romance and whimsical wishes into it; I became addicted to the words that made me fall into a world full of mystery that was both magical and heartbreaking.
“Once Upon a [Stolen] Time” at its very essence is a story about a love that literally transcends time. Beginning in a time where there are kings and servants, a family is haunted by the curse on the Royal name. In life and in dreams, Prince Edward can’t escape the longing and the feeling of love loss under his tyrannical fathers rule while he is being groomed for succession to the throne. Even in his dreams Edward can’t grasp the one thing that could bring him all the answers to his unspoken questions and desires. While simultaneously Myra living in the modern world can never find the answers she seeks as to why she has developed such a deep and intense connection to the past. Stubbornly, Myra finds herself the most complete when she is enraptured with all things lords and ladies, princes, princesses; just the valiancy of gentlemen and fair maidens always made Myra feel she belonged in a renaissance era and has been misplaced in the modern world. Until the timely mistake when Myra’s family tries to arrange a relationship with an affluent family. Myra is commissioned into being the main lead in a new fantasy video game that will center on the Hue Castle. A castle that has been clouded in secrecy and legends and just so happens to be the home of the Hue Royal family, Prince Edwards’s family. When Myra is granted access to investigate and sightsee in a once in a lifetime opportunity in the Hue Castle, she jumps at the chance only to be shrouded in the mystical situations that always seem to happen to her while in the castle.
Situations that mysteriously bring Edward and Myra in contact with each other.
Even though this is my first time reading any work from Samreen Ahsan it’s hard to not acknowledge early on why she is an award winning writer. Seamlessly bringing the reader back and forth through time, the outstanding way this story unfolded before me had completely gripped me with wanting to know what is going to happen next. I loved the way each chapter was broken down with its each own inspirational quote and also acting as a preface as to the turning events in this story. The secrets!! Wow! I loved the secrets that were brought to light as well as the secrets that had to stay hidden. I look forward to what is coming next surrounding this story. If you are that reader that needs a little something different in your genre palate, I would definitely recommend falling into “One Upon a [Stolen] Time”. If you are an established fantasy reader you won’t be disappointed either. Surely this is one unique story to fall away from the real world with.
It’s been a while since I picked up a book in the fantasy genre and when I was graciously given the opportunity to read “Once Upon a [Stolen] Time”, I was excited to see what this story would give me. When I began reading the synopsis into the first chapter, I soon realized that this story was also going to weave the elements of a longing romance and whimsical wishes into it; I became addicted to the words that made me fall into a world full of mystery that was both magical and heartbreaking.
“Once Upon a [Stolen] Time” at its very essence is a story about a love that literally transcends time. Beginning in a time where there are kings and servants, a family is haunted by the curse on the Royal name. In life and in dreams, Prince Edward can’t escape the longing and the feeling of love loss under his tyrannical fathers rule while he is being groomed for succession to the throne. Even in his dreams Edward can’t grasp the one thing that could bring him all the answers to his unspoken questions and desires. While simultaneously Myra living in the modern world can never find the answers she seeks as to why she has developed such a deep and intense connection to the past. Stubbornly, Myra finds herself the most complete when she is enraptured with all things lords and ladies, princes, princesses; just the valiancy of gentlemen and fair maidens always made Myra feel she belonged in a renaissance era and has been misplaced in the modern world. Until the timely mistake when Myra’s family tries to arrange a relationship with an affluent family. Myra is commissioned into being the main lead in a new fantasy video game that will center on the Hue Castle. A castle that has been clouded in secrecy and legends and just so happens to be the home of the Hue Royal family, Prince Edwards’s family. When Myra is granted access to investigate and sightsee in a once in a lifetime opportunity in the Hue Castle, she jumps at the chance only to be shrouded in the mystical situations that always seem to happen to her while in the castle.
Situations that mysteriously bring Edward and Myra in contact with each other.
Even though this is my first time reading any work from Samreen Ahsan it’s hard to not acknowledge early on why she is an award winning writer. Seamlessly bringing the reader back and forth through time, the outstanding way this story unfolded before me had completely gripped me with wanting to know what is going to happen next. I loved the way each chapter was broken down with its each own inspirational quote and also acting as a preface as to the turning events in this story. The secrets!! Wow! I loved the secrets that were brought to light as well as the secrets that had to stay hidden. I look forward to what is coming next surrounding this story. If you are that reader that needs a little something different in your genre palate, I would definitely recommend falling into “One Upon a [Stolen] Time”. If you are an established fantasy reader you won’t be disappointed either. Surely this is one unique story to fall away from the real world with.
December 2, 2015
I'm writing this a minute after finishing this book and my mind is empty and full at the same time.
The Writing:
I really liked the writing, how everything is so detailed. You are there, you can be in the book. I also loved how the story is written its really fluid. This story has two POVs: one from Myra in 2015 and one from Edward in 1415. Yes, I didn't write the year wrong. One chapter from each POV, alternating each one. Oh! And there are these quotes about love before any new chapter begins that I think its a great detail and I loved reading each quote.
I liked the title, because its like a fairy tale but then the 'Stolen' changes everything.
The Story:
If you are a lover of history,kind of historical fiction,castles,kings this is for you.
From the first moment in the prologue, I was drown into the story. This is not a fast read I think, you take your time to read and enjoy this story (or at least that's what I did). This has an impossible love, but such a great one. I fell in love with Ed, like Myra.
She goes one day into this castle that no one has been and that se has been dying to go. When she is there she can see and experience this that others can't. This castle has a lot of mystery and she is the one who maybe can solve them.
This is the start of a great story. It has lot of mystery but no action, don't expect that. It has also a romance, but not the classical one. It has some twists and things that you don't expect.
About the end: I want more. I wasn't expecting to end like that, I was shocked. I wasn't expecting to love that many characters. And there are lot's of mysteries that weren't solved. I want answers!
One great thing about this book is how the author plays with past and present, and present is this year, that is so cool!
The Characters:
Myra: I liked her personality. I could identify myself with her. She being a quiet person who has fallen in love with fictional characters, likes history and loves castles. She is in a really difficult situation, and she is mostly all the time down to earth. Whit that I mean that she knows she has a good life and she asks herself why she wants more and most of the time she lives in history not reality, difficult thing.
Edward: He is so sweet but has a difficult time. I love him but I will need the next book to continue saying that. The time he is in and his father make awful things that made him change. I couldn't believe his personality by the end of the book.
Steve: At the beginning I liked him as a friend and by the end I really liked him, a lot. I don't know what will happen with him in the next book.
This is a great historical,romance story that keeps you wanting to solve the mysteries that the Hue Castle has and wants an impossible love to become reality. You will be drown into the story from the beginning with and end that will leave you wanting more.
Again, this is not a fast paced story but a full worthy read. I can wait for the next book!!
The Writing:
I really liked the writing, how everything is so detailed. You are there, you can be in the book. I also loved how the story is written its really fluid. This story has two POVs: one from Myra in 2015 and one from Edward in 1415. Yes, I didn't write the year wrong. One chapter from each POV, alternating each one. Oh! And there are these quotes about love before any new chapter begins that I think its a great detail and I loved reading each quote.
I liked the title, because its like a fairy tale but then the 'Stolen' changes everything.
The Story:
If you are a lover of history,kind of historical fiction,castles,kings this is for you.
From the first moment in the prologue, I was drown into the story. This is not a fast read I think, you take your time to read and enjoy this story (or at least that's what I did). This has an impossible love, but such a great one. I fell in love with Ed, like Myra.
She goes one day into this castle that no one has been and that se has been dying to go. When she is there she can see and experience this that others can't. This castle has a lot of mystery and she is the one who maybe can solve them.
This is the start of a great story. It has lot of mystery but no action, don't expect that. It has also a romance, but not the classical one. It has some twists and things that you don't expect.
About the end: I want more. I wasn't expecting to end like that, I was shocked. I wasn't expecting to love that many characters. And there are lot's of mysteries that weren't solved. I want answers!
One great thing about this book is how the author plays with past and present, and present is this year, that is so cool!
The Characters:
Myra: I liked her personality. I could identify myself with her. She being a quiet person who has fallen in love with fictional characters, likes history and loves castles. She is in a really difficult situation, and she is mostly all the time down to earth. Whit that I mean that she knows she has a good life and she asks herself why she wants more and most of the time she lives in history not reality, difficult thing.
Edward: He is so sweet but has a difficult time. I love him but I will need the next book to continue saying that. The time he is in and his father make awful things that made him change. I couldn't believe his personality by the end of the book.
Steve: At the beginning I liked him as a friend and by the end I really liked him, a lot. I don't know what will happen with him in the next book.
This is a great historical,romance story that keeps you wanting to solve the mysteries that the Hue Castle has and wants an impossible love to become reality. You will be drown into the story from the beginning with and end that will leave you wanting more.
Again, this is not a fast paced story but a full worthy read. I can wait for the next book!!
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