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The Faerie Godmother's Apprentice Wore Green
The village of Styesville has a dragon problem, and is in sore need of a knight in shining armor to solve it for them. Instead, they get a strange traveler in a ragged cloak they barely even notice at first. Worse still, it soon becomes clear the problem setting fire to their village isn't as simple as a dragon…
54 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 21, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
April 29, 2016
A wonderful, dragon-positive, high-fantasy friendship story between a lesbian and an aro-ace woman! There's a lot going on here within the short scope of The Faerie Godmother's Apprentice Wore Green's novella length--I admire the narrative's metaphors about how pain is sometimes too great to be contained and will have out to wreak destruction, and about how outsiders who do not share our marginalizations will, no doubt, get our stories wrong as they pass out of our control and into legend.
The story is told with visceral, evocative writing that made everything easy to imagine--both the beautiful and the terrifying. I like the way the author draws you in to the stranger's suspicions without making them too obvious, giving you time to feel suspicions of your own before you learn what she thinks is really happening in the village.
Frivolous, irrelevant quibble: I don't care for the title--it doesn't feel direct and it's sort of long and awkwardly constructed. That's probably the picky-pantsest thing I've ever written in a review, but so be it.
Anyway, I'm always a sucker for women rescuing women and for dragon-as-protector!
TW for people trying to (unsuccessfully) force women who do not want men, to marry men.
The story is told with visceral, evocative writing that made everything easy to imagine--both the beautiful and the terrifying. I like the way the author draws you in to the stranger's suspicions without making them too obvious, giving you time to feel suspicions of your own before you learn what she thinks is really happening in the village.
Frivolous, irrelevant quibble: I don't care for the title--it doesn't feel direct and it's sort of long and awkwardly constructed. That's probably the picky-pantsest thing I've ever written in a review, but so be it.
Anyway, I'm always a sucker for women rescuing women and for dragon-as-protector!
TW for people trying to (unsuccessfully) force women who do not want men, to marry men.
May 11, 2016
FAERIE GODMOTHER'S has an original premise, and the idea behind this book is quite an interesting play on several fantasy and princess tropes at once. Kyle took well-known storylines and twisted them around in an interesting fashion. This book also centers on two LGBTQ women, and is not an actual romance between them. So, that was cool.
Unfortunately, I never got really INTO the story. The actual prose could use a lot of tightening, both in what is said and how. It's not *bad*, it's just ... okay ish? With is kinda sad, because I quite enjoyed the omniscient narrator and its tone at first, and I think it could have carried wonderfully through the entire story with more care. Instead it wound up slowing it more often than not, to the point where I had hit the 68 % mark by the time I felt things were taking off at last. Bit late.
Overall, I'd say I really like the IDEA of this story but the execution didn't do it for me.
Unfortunately, I never got really INTO the story. The actual prose could use a lot of tightening, both in what is said and how. It's not *bad*, it's just ... okay ish? With is kinda sad, because I quite enjoyed the omniscient narrator and its tone at first, and I think it could have carried wonderfully through the entire story with more care. Instead it wound up slowing it more often than not, to the point where I had hit the 68 % mark by the time I felt things were taking off at last. Bit late.
Overall, I'd say I really like the IDEA of this story but the execution didn't do it for me.
March 18, 2016
So charmed by this faerie tale, not too long, not too short, just right. Hits all the tropes; dragon, princess, fairy godmother. Then turns them upside down. And inside out. Slick turns of event abound, and there isn't a prissy moment anywhere.
Don't want to give any of the surprises away, because you should savor them when you stumble onto them unawares, but there's a snarky "Princess Bride" vibe going on here; "Styesville would be quite prosperous if one held mud to be of great monetary value."
Gather your sons and daughters around, and read this aloud. Expect to hear, "And then what happened?" Looking forward to Nicky Kyle's next endeavor.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
Don't want to give any of the surprises away, because you should savor them when you stumble onto them unawares, but there's a snarky "Princess Bride" vibe going on here; "Styesville would be quite prosperous if one held mud to be of great monetary value."
Gather your sons and daughters around, and read this aloud. Expect to hear, "And then what happened?" Looking forward to Nicky Kyle's next endeavor.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 23, 2016
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and Less Than Three Press in exchange for an honest review.
This is my first story by this author that I have read.
It is difficult, in its way, trying to figure out what to put in a review for a story that is only 54 pages in length. If it was a mystery there are things I could mention, characters, setting, what type of mystery, how well everything was depicted. But this isn’t a mystery, but a fantasy. Granted there are two things of note regarding mystery and mysteries – (1) an investigation does take place; (2) the investigator and investigation was actually of a higher quality level than many a mystery I’ve read. And yet, I still would hesitate to fall back on calling this a mystery. To a certain extent that’s because this is a fantasy in a fantasy land and no one died. You can have mysteries without death and you can have mysteries in stories that involve fantasy, but it is not exactly tremendously common.
Right, enough of that. There is this village, see, called Styesville. It’s a time of changing seasons and the ground and everything is kind of wet and muddy. Which is good because there’s this dragon that, for no known reason, has taken a liking to wander by every once in a while and breath on things. This isn’t normally good, since there is fire involved with the breathing. Things are only singed, though, because of the wetness. Well, some of the sheep and the like aren’t exactly fairing well, but for the most part the danger is a bit of ‘singe’ getting on stuff.
Still, dragon around, and stuff, so the villagers have put the call out for some help from those that bounce about on horsies while wearing a lot of metal, and carrying pointy-things. It’s been a short while, oh, about two months, but alas, no knights appear to be turning up. A stranger did turn up, but that cloaked person came to the village under the power of their own two feet, and apparently lacking things like weaponry and metal protection. This stranger would be the lead character in the story, a Dea.
Without anyone taking much notice of Dea, an investigation is conducted. Relatively quickly, certain things are noted. Neither the mystery, nor the cloaked figure are exactly what they seem. I’m not exactly sure why I’m being all careful here, anyone reading this review has access to the book cover. But I retain an air of mystery.
The story flowed smoothly. I rather liked Dea, the fantasy world that has been created, and the stories that are told. I’d love to see more of both this world and more of Dea’s time in that world.
One last bit before I move on. One of the shelves I use is LGBT. It is true that one of the characters in the story has an opinion expressed about them that they neither confirm nor deny, said opinion being that they, the woman in question, prefers the company of woman – romantically. Well, that is not why I stamped ‘LGBT’ on the book. No, that’s because of the main character. Another review already mentioned the issue, but if you haven’t read that review – the main character in this story, Dea, falls within the LGBT framework. Though more when people recall that LGBT, elongated, includes more letters. LBGTQIA. Dea falls under the less talked about A category. And no, that doesn’t mean that Dea is an ‘Alley’, but an ‘Asexual’ (though I do not wish people who just took a biology class and then see this review and become confused, I am not referring to asexual reproduction here).
A highly entertaining story. Much recommended (there’s a slight issue of a 54 page story with a $3.99 price tag, but I’ll just mention that in passing *mentions* then move on).
Okay, I already said ‘one last bit’, but really, this time I mean it – one last bit – this story involves dragons, mysterious strangers, a fantasy world, magic, asexuals, and the magic of faerie godmothers (oh, sorry, forgot one that I really wanted to mention – a good nice bit of pleasant humor). A lot of those are less commonly seen (though known about). Though that just might be my own luck/reading habits that lead to me not seeing a lot of dragons, asexuals, and faerie godmothers (though I did just read one book that had faerie godmothers, strangely enough).
March 31 2016
This is my first story by this author that I have read.
It is difficult, in its way, trying to figure out what to put in a review for a story that is only 54 pages in length. If it was a mystery there are things I could mention, characters, setting, what type of mystery, how well everything was depicted. But this isn’t a mystery, but a fantasy. Granted there are two things of note regarding mystery and mysteries – (1) an investigation does take place; (2) the investigator and investigation was actually of a higher quality level than many a mystery I’ve read. And yet, I still would hesitate to fall back on calling this a mystery. To a certain extent that’s because this is a fantasy in a fantasy land and no one died. You can have mysteries without death and you can have mysteries in stories that involve fantasy, but it is not exactly tremendously common.
Right, enough of that. There is this village, see, called Styesville. It’s a time of changing seasons and the ground and everything is kind of wet and muddy. Which is good because there’s this dragon that, for no known reason, has taken a liking to wander by every once in a while and breath on things. This isn’t normally good, since there is fire involved with the breathing. Things are only singed, though, because of the wetness. Well, some of the sheep and the like aren’t exactly fairing well, but for the most part the danger is a bit of ‘singe’ getting on stuff.
Still, dragon around, and stuff, so the villagers have put the call out for some help from those that bounce about on horsies while wearing a lot of metal, and carrying pointy-things. It’s been a short while, oh, about two months, but alas, no knights appear to be turning up. A stranger did turn up, but that cloaked person came to the village under the power of their own two feet, and apparently lacking things like weaponry and metal protection. This stranger would be the lead character in the story, a Dea.
Without anyone taking much notice of Dea, an investigation is conducted. Relatively quickly, certain things are noted. Neither the mystery, nor the cloaked figure are exactly what they seem. I’m not exactly sure why I’m being all careful here, anyone reading this review has access to the book cover. But I retain an air of mystery.
The story flowed smoothly. I rather liked Dea, the fantasy world that has been created, and the stories that are told. I’d love to see more of both this world and more of Dea’s time in that world.
One last bit before I move on. One of the shelves I use is LGBT. It is true that one of the characters in the story has an opinion expressed about them that they neither confirm nor deny, said opinion being that they, the woman in question, prefers the company of woman – romantically. Well, that is not why I stamped ‘LGBT’ on the book. No, that’s because of the main character. Another review already mentioned the issue, but if you haven’t read that review – the main character in this story, Dea, falls within the LGBT framework. Though more when people recall that LGBT, elongated, includes more letters. LBGTQIA. Dea falls under the less talked about A category. And no, that doesn’t mean that Dea is an ‘Alley’, but an ‘Asexual’ (though I do not wish people who just took a biology class and then see this review and become confused, I am not referring to asexual reproduction here).
A highly entertaining story. Much recommended (there’s a slight issue of a 54 page story with a $3.99 price tag, but I’ll just mention that in passing *mentions* then move on).
Okay, I already said ‘one last bit’, but really, this time I mean it – one last bit – this story involves dragons, mysterious strangers, a fantasy world, magic, asexuals, and the magic of faerie godmothers (oh, sorry, forgot one that I really wanted to mention – a good nice bit of pleasant humor). A lot of those are less commonly seen (though known about). Though that just might be my own luck/reading habits that lead to me not seeing a lot of dragons, asexuals, and faerie godmothers (though I did just read one book that had faerie godmothers, strangely enough).
March 31 2016
July 4, 2017
What a delightful story!
The village of Styesville believes that they’re in need of a knight to solve their dragon problem. But the solution to their problem arrives largely unnoticed: Dea, a faerie godmother’s apprentice drawn by the rumors of dragons. She soon realizes that there’s something more complex at the heart of Styesville’s crisis…
At only about 18,000 words, The Faerie Godmother’s Apprentice Wore Green is a very quick read. I was considering it a novelette and then I double checked the length categories. Turns out it just barely squeezes into the novella category! It’s definitely a story that you can read in a single evening.
Obviously, The Faerie Godmother’s Apprentice Wore Green is a quick read, but it’s also a fun one too! While it’s an entirely original story that’s not drawing off of specific fairy tales, it does use the tropes of the genre in a way that creates a sort of fractured fairy tale feel. For instance, a princess who’s parents lock her in a tower until she’s rescued by her true love. Only, in this case the princess was in the tower because her parents refused to believe she was aromantic, asexual, and didn’t want to be married. Luckily, she gets some help from a dragon.
I don’t think The Faerie Godmother’s Apprentice Wore Green is being marketed as young adult, but it would make for a good crossover. It’s certainly the sort of story I could have read and loved when I was younger. A princess who doesn’t fall in love with anyone? Dragons? I would have been thrilled! I was still thrilled to read this as an adult, but I also wish I’d had it when I was a younger girl, a familiar feeling for queer stories.
There’s other things I liked about the story as well. The writing style worked really well for me, clear but a bit different from everyday language. I also liked the bit about how our stories get changed to fit the dominate narrative. The creation of history and how it departs from the realities is a concept I always love to see explored.
I would love more stories set in this world or with these characters. Unfortunately, as far as I can tell the author doesn’t have any other stories published! It looks like she might have a couple of freebies up on her tumblr, so I’ll need to check out those. I’ll be watching for whatever she writes next.
Originally posted on The Illustrated Page.
The village of Styesville believes that they’re in need of a knight to solve their dragon problem. But the solution to their problem arrives largely unnoticed: Dea, a faerie godmother’s apprentice drawn by the rumors of dragons. She soon realizes that there’s something more complex at the heart of Styesville’s crisis…
At only about 18,000 words, The Faerie Godmother’s Apprentice Wore Green is a very quick read. I was considering it a novelette and then I double checked the length categories. Turns out it just barely squeezes into the novella category! It’s definitely a story that you can read in a single evening.
Obviously, The Faerie Godmother’s Apprentice Wore Green is a quick read, but it’s also a fun one too! While it’s an entirely original story that’s not drawing off of specific fairy tales, it does use the tropes of the genre in a way that creates a sort of fractured fairy tale feel. For instance, a princess who’s parents lock her in a tower until she’s rescued by her true love. Only, in this case the princess was in the tower because her parents refused to believe she was aromantic, asexual, and didn’t want to be married. Luckily, she gets some help from a dragon.
I don’t think The Faerie Godmother’s Apprentice Wore Green is being marketed as young adult, but it would make for a good crossover. It’s certainly the sort of story I could have read and loved when I was younger. A princess who doesn’t fall in love with anyone? Dragons? I would have been thrilled! I was still thrilled to read this as an adult, but I also wish I’d had it when I was a younger girl, a familiar feeling for queer stories.
There’s other things I liked about the story as well. The writing style worked really well for me, clear but a bit different from everyday language. I also liked the bit about how our stories get changed to fit the dominate narrative. The creation of history and how it departs from the realities is a concept I always love to see explored.
I would love more stories set in this world or with these characters. Unfortunately, as far as I can tell the author doesn’t have any other stories published! It looks like she might have a couple of freebies up on her tumblr, so I’ll need to check out those. I’ll be watching for whatever she writes next.
Originally posted on The Illustrated Page.
May 4, 2016
Unable to defend itself from the flames and ill intentions of a rampaging dragon, the villagers of Styesville send out a request for a knight in shining armor to come rid them of their reptile problem. Sadly no knights of any luminosity can be found. What they do get is a stranger in a green cloak who brings with them the truth of old tales and choice for one of the villagers.
The blurb to this book didn’t have a whole lot of information in it so I didn’t really have too big a clue as to what exactly this book was going to be about. But I love dragons and this cover was delicious, so I decided to read it anyways.
Without giving anything away, I really liked this story. It had several really nice twists and adored the take on dragons. Unique dragon stories are one of my sweet spots.
I don’t read many f/f stories, and to be honest I wasn’t aware that this was one when I picked it up. I am glad I did read it though. The two MCs were nicely written and I loved the way they interacted. I would really enjoy knowing more about both of them as their stories go on past the end of the story. There is a lot of potential here.
Overall this was a great short story. It does a good job of using its short page count to tell a full and compelling story that I recommend you check out.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
The blurb to this book didn’t have a whole lot of information in it so I didn’t really have too big a clue as to what exactly this book was going to be about. But I love dragons and this cover was delicious, so I decided to read it anyways.
Without giving anything away, I really liked this story. It had several really nice twists and adored the take on dragons. Unique dragon stories are one of my sweet spots.
I don’t read many f/f stories, and to be honest I wasn’t aware that this was one when I picked it up. I am glad I did read it though. The two MCs were nicely written and I loved the way they interacted. I would really enjoy knowing more about both of them as their stories go on past the end of the story. There is a lot of potential here.
Overall this was a great short story. It does a good job of using its short page count to tell a full and compelling story that I recommend you check out.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
March 31, 2016
Book – The Faerie Godmother's Apprentice Wore Green
Author – Nicky Kyle
Star rating - ★★★★☆
No. of Pages - 54
Movie Potential – ★★★★☆
Ease of reading – very easy to read and follow
Would I read it again – Yes!
** COPY RECIEVED THROUGH NETGALLEY **
This was a really lovely story about self-belief and trusting your instincts.
The main characters in this story are both women, both of whom have faced the dread of an arranged marriage, in a time when many women were meant to do as they were told and not argue. Through the tale of Princess Aldeaim, we're told the story of a young Princess who takes her fate into her own hands, escaping a marriage she doesn't want. This tale is used as a lesson for the young girl Louisa, who is in the same position. Of a lower class, her rights are no more than the Princess, so she feels she'll be forced to marry Dane, despite Louisa being more partial to women.
Through incredible world building – at all, but especially for a short story – the role of the Faerie Godmother is played by Dea, who is a character. Witty, calm through chaos and very much the driving force of the story. Louisa is more timid; a daughter of an innkeeper, she feels trapped. It's only when the two meet that Louisa finds her inner strength.
I found the 3rd person omnipresent POV to be perfect for this story. It allowed us to see all aspects of the story, without dragging it out unnecessarily. The originality of the plot and characters made this a sweet short read that will leaving you feeling happy.
I had to remove 1 star, just because I felt as if the story was just starting. I wanted so much more. More stories about this pair, more adventure and to see the city of Klarns for myself. Other than that, the story is great and holds a nice lesson that the heart wants what the hearts wants, even if no one else understands.
Author – Nicky Kyle
Star rating - ★★★★☆
No. of Pages - 54
Movie Potential – ★★★★☆
Ease of reading – very easy to read and follow
Would I read it again – Yes!
** COPY RECIEVED THROUGH NETGALLEY **
This was a really lovely story about self-belief and trusting your instincts.
The main characters in this story are both women, both of whom have faced the dread of an arranged marriage, in a time when many women were meant to do as they were told and not argue. Through the tale of Princess Aldeaim, we're told the story of a young Princess who takes her fate into her own hands, escaping a marriage she doesn't want. This tale is used as a lesson for the young girl Louisa, who is in the same position. Of a lower class, her rights are no more than the Princess, so she feels she'll be forced to marry Dane, despite Louisa being more partial to women.
Through incredible world building – at all, but especially for a short story – the role of the Faerie Godmother is played by Dea, who is a character. Witty, calm through chaos and very much the driving force of the story. Louisa is more timid; a daughter of an innkeeper, she feels trapped. It's only when the two meet that Louisa finds her inner strength.
I found the 3rd person omnipresent POV to be perfect for this story. It allowed us to see all aspects of the story, without dragging it out unnecessarily. The originality of the plot and characters made this a sweet short read that will leaving you feeling happy.
I had to remove 1 star, just because I felt as if the story was just starting. I wanted so much more. More stories about this pair, more adventure and to see the city of Klarns for myself. Other than that, the story is great and holds a nice lesson that the heart wants what the hearts wants, even if no one else understands.
June 9, 2016
This was a lovely surprise! To be honest, most of the short stories I read are average and I think that not many short stories are exceptionally good or that all authors who write splendid novels can also write great short stories. So whenever I read one that is really good, I get all excited :)
This (haha, I realise I’m not writing this awful long title, so this it is again) is a short story in a high fantasy setting and plays in a small village the whole time. I think the world building is absolutely well done and the isolated, backwards vibe of the village palpable.
I love the new and different take on dragons and how – like in the blurb already mentioned – not all is as it seems. This part of the story is not only interesting but also well delivered.
The most important theme of this story is to accept yourself if you are different and that sometimes your happiness lies not at home but in a place where you can be yourself. That’s something both main characters either have learned a long time ago or have to come to the conclusion during the course of the book.
Unfortunately, I found out that this is the only story by the author. I wish there were more books in the same universe or, maybe even better, a follow-up to this story. It’s complete as it is but since it’s a new beginning for one of the protagonists, there could be much more. Well, maybe I get lucky some time in the future. *crosses fingers and stalks author*
Readers looking for aromantic or lesbian characters should definitely check this out.
_____________________________
Genre: high fantasy
Tags: dragons, aromantic MC, lesbian MC, village,
leaving home and new starts
Rating: 4.5 stars
Blog: Review for Just Love Romance
This (haha, I realise I’m not writing this awful long title, so this it is again) is a short story in a high fantasy setting and plays in a small village the whole time. I think the world building is absolutely well done and the isolated, backwards vibe of the village palpable.
I love the new and different take on dragons and how – like in the blurb already mentioned – not all is as it seems. This part of the story is not only interesting but also well delivered.
The most important theme of this story is to accept yourself if you are different and that sometimes your happiness lies not at home but in a place where you can be yourself. That’s something both main characters either have learned a long time ago or have to come to the conclusion during the course of the book.
Unfortunately, I found out that this is the only story by the author. I wish there were more books in the same universe or, maybe even better, a follow-up to this story. It’s complete as it is but since it’s a new beginning for one of the protagonists, there could be much more. Well, maybe I get lucky some time in the future. *crosses fingers and stalks author*
Readers looking for aromantic or lesbian characters should definitely check this out.
_____________________________
Genre: high fantasy
Tags: dragons, aromantic MC, lesbian MC, village,
leaving home and new starts
Rating: 4.5 stars
Blog: Review for Just Love Romance
April 1, 2017
Review written for Love Bytes Reviews.
I found this to be a really interesting twist on what could be considered a faerie godmother origin story. The village of Styesville has been plagued by a dragon for a while now and with no knight in sight to come save the day, things are looking fairly hopeless. Help does arrive, however, in the form of someone overlooked and completely unexpected but when the truth of the dragon comes out, will they be enough to save the day?
This was a short, yet still satisfying little story that turned out much different than I was originally expecting. Both main characters were surprising though one was for her appearance and the other for the ability she didn’t even know she possessed. While the pace was quick, the story itself didn’t feel rushed to me, and the ending left me feeling good about it, instead of dissatisfied. I feel like there isn’t a great deal I can say about the story itself without giving away any of the things that surprised me as that was the best part about reading this one. This is a f/f book though only in the loosest sense of the classification; one of the main characters prefers her own gender but there is no romance or romantic feelings between her or anyone else. I think that anyone would enjoy this story; it was a nice little magical/fairytale type story that isn’t overwhelmed by any kind of romance and I liked it that way.
I found this to be a really interesting twist on what could be considered a faerie godmother origin story. The village of Styesville has been plagued by a dragon for a while now and with no knight in sight to come save the day, things are looking fairly hopeless. Help does arrive, however, in the form of someone overlooked and completely unexpected but when the truth of the dragon comes out, will they be enough to save the day?
This was a short, yet still satisfying little story that turned out much different than I was originally expecting. Both main characters were surprising though one was for her appearance and the other for the ability she didn’t even know she possessed. While the pace was quick, the story itself didn’t feel rushed to me, and the ending left me feeling good about it, instead of dissatisfied. I feel like there isn’t a great deal I can say about the story itself without giving away any of the things that surprised me as that was the best part about reading this one. This is a f/f book though only in the loosest sense of the classification; one of the main characters prefers her own gender but there is no romance or romantic feelings between her or anyone else. I think that anyone would enjoy this story; it was a nice little magical/fairytale type story that isn’t overwhelmed by any kind of romance and I liked it that way.
March 13, 2016
Five Stars: fantasy
I was sent this book by Inked Rainbow Reads in exchange for an honest review.
If I had to pick a novel that illustrates a picture in words this novel would be it. The language used, the descriptions all blend together to depict a fantastic, magical adventure, one that unravels before your eyes in such picturesque detail it is totally absorbing, to the eyes and the mind.
To me this just wasn't a funny, humorous and cultured tale so much as an appraisal of coming to terms with your own sexuality. A parody of what can sometimes occur when you come "out" to loved ones and how they react to you. How you can cope with this, and, ultimately, learn to live and love yourself.
The images and rhetoric used are really insightful and effective. Using fairy tales to clarify a very difficult and emotional time in an individuals life.
This is a brilliant and witty book, full of carefully scripted images and advice all given in a surreal but meaningful way. Short but full of punch, an absolute gem, I can't praise this novel enough.
April 3, 2016
This quick, intriguing little read definitely puts a new spin on both faery/fairy godmothers and dragons. It’s hard to talk about without spoilers, but I have to say I found it fun and enjoyable, weaving a clever tale in a short amount of pages.
The writing style isn’t my favourite, being mostly omniscient, but for a story this short it just about worked. I liked Dea, the outsider who has come to investigate the dragon problem, and found the village girl Louisa’s predicament perfectly understandable – as was her reaction to Dea’s findings.
If you like an old-fashioned fantasy with a few new and different touches here and there, then you might enjoy this. This isn’t a fairytale as most would expect it, nor is there a romance (Dea is aromantic), but it’s fun and readable and I’d love to read more about Dea and her wandering adventures. It’s quick and quirky, but I liked it.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
The writing style isn’t my favourite, being mostly omniscient, but for a story this short it just about worked. I liked Dea, the outsider who has come to investigate the dragon problem, and found the village girl Louisa’s predicament perfectly understandable – as was her reaction to Dea’s findings.
If you like an old-fashioned fantasy with a few new and different touches here and there, then you might enjoy this. This isn’t a fairytale as most would expect it, nor is there a romance (Dea is aromantic), but it’s fun and readable and I’d love to read more about Dea and her wandering adventures. It’s quick and quirky, but I liked it.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
December 20, 2016
At about 50 pages, this was a cute and fun story with a twist on the dragon mythos. Overall I enjoyed it, though the writing itself needed a bit more tweaking for my personal taste. There were parts that dragged a bit, which isn't great for such a short piece, but overall everything else worked pretty well.
I really enjoyed the twists, and how all of that worked out - it certainly wasn't what I expected.
I would definitely read more by this author, though, and would really like to see more in this particular world.
I really enjoyed the twists, and how all of that worked out - it certainly wasn't what I expected.
I would definitely read more by this author, though, and would really like to see more in this particular world.
January 6, 2020
4.5 stars
June 20, 2025
The Faerie Godmother's Apprentice Wore Green is really short, more of a novelette than novela and because of that I have been meaning to tackle this for a bit. And I quite enjoyed myself.
If you like stories that play around with fairy-tales, queering them out this one might be very well for you. It reminded me a bit of The Dragon of Ynys although that one is definitely more purely MG while this one feels suitable for any age. (I think it's meant to be adult, but I could see myself reading this to a kid.) There are dragons and magic, aces and lesbians.
Would recommend if you are in need of a palate cleanser or some light short piece, definitely not a must read but I had a good time with it. Looking forward to future works from Nicky Kyle!
If you like stories that play around with fairy-tales, queering them out this one might be very well for you. It reminded me a bit of The Dragon of Ynys although that one is definitely more purely MG while this one feels suitable for any age. (I think it's meant to be adult, but I could see myself reading this to a kid.) There are dragons and magic, aces and lesbian
Would recommend if you are in need of a palate cleanser or some light short piece, definitely not a must read but I had a good time with it. Looking forward to future works from Nicky Kyle!
July 2, 2019
I loved this novella! My only problem is that is was short, and the author doesn’t seem to have published anything else. Nicky, give us more of Dea and Louisa please!
February 7, 2019
I found this book after such rigorous searching. Why did I look for it like crazy? Because the name was awesome and it had dragons in it. And after reading, I get some added bonus! The search was worth it. I won't call this book amazing or life-changing or anything like that, but it was a good one!
April 10, 2016
This book was obtained via NetGalley.
I'll keep this short and sweet because this book is short and sweet.
The village of Styesville has a dragon problem, and is in need of a knight in shining armor to save the day. What they get instead, however, is a strange traveler in a green cloak, and it soon becomes clear that they might have more problems than a rampaging dragon.
This story is part of a collection known as "Solitary Travelers" which features asexual and/or aromantic protagonists. Another reason I picked it up was due to the striking cover. I can never stress enough that a pretty cover will attract readers and first impressions definitely do matter.
It's difficult to talk about this story because it's so short. It's around 50 pages long. I'd consider it more of a novella. Suffice it to say that it's pretty much exactly what it says on the tin: There's a village with a dragon problem and someone needs to solve it. The few characters there are don't have a lot of depth, most outside of the two main characters could be summed up in one or two words, but the thing is, I don't think this sort of story requires a lot of character depth, although it's always nice. The world of this story is intriguing. It's the sort of world I'd like to see explored in a novel, with magical academies and an interesting take on dragons, where the author would have more time to flesh out the world and its characters.
If this story has one major flaw I felt like it was a bit too long-winded at times and I think a few pages of content could have been cut and it wouldn't have hurt the story. Yes Louisa rattling off what the inn has for supper establishes that she's a bit of a scatterbrain, but it felt as if the monologue wore out its welcome half a paragraph ago. There was also a bit of a tendency to repeat information. This is a common thing that happens to new authors, in my experience.
In terms of diversity, the major characters are an asexual woman of color and a lesbian. Dragons are stated to not have a sex and only adopt genders out of curiosity, otherwise the minor characters seem pretty homogeneous: white and straight as far as I know. In a large novel with a cast of thousands, this would be an issue, but the cast seems just right for the kind of story being told.
In terms of potential triggers, there's a description of a bloody sheep carcass, a shotgun wedding, and talk of romance "fixing" the ace and lesbian leads (although in the latter case, it's because the family believes that she's been cursed by a dragon).
All things considered, The Faerie Godmother's Apprentice Wore Green is a typical "queer" story. The sort of coming-out story you've probably seen before. Still, typical does not mean bad, and I absolutely recommend it if you like asexual protagonists and/or dragons, especially queer dragons.
I'll keep this short and sweet because this book is short and sweet.
The village of Styesville has a dragon problem, and is in need of a knight in shining armor to save the day. What they get instead, however, is a strange traveler in a green cloak, and it soon becomes clear that they might have more problems than a rampaging dragon.
This story is part of a collection known as "Solitary Travelers" which features asexual and/or aromantic protagonists. Another reason I picked it up was due to the striking cover. I can never stress enough that a pretty cover will attract readers and first impressions definitely do matter.
It's difficult to talk about this story because it's so short. It's around 50 pages long. I'd consider it more of a novella. Suffice it to say that it's pretty much exactly what it says on the tin: There's a village with a dragon problem and someone needs to solve it. The few characters there are don't have a lot of depth, most outside of the two main characters could be summed up in one or two words, but the thing is, I don't think this sort of story requires a lot of character depth, although it's always nice. The world of this story is intriguing. It's the sort of world I'd like to see explored in a novel, with magical academies and an interesting take on dragons, where the author would have more time to flesh out the world and its characters.
If this story has one major flaw I felt like it was a bit too long-winded at times and I think a few pages of content could have been cut and it wouldn't have hurt the story. Yes Louisa rattling off what the inn has for supper establishes that she's a bit of a scatterbrain, but it felt as if the monologue wore out its welcome half a paragraph ago. There was also a bit of a tendency to repeat information. This is a common thing that happens to new authors, in my experience.
In terms of diversity, the major characters are an asexual woman of color and a lesbian. Dragons are stated to not have a sex and only adopt genders out of curiosity, otherwise the minor characters seem pretty homogeneous: white and straight as far as I know. In a large novel with a cast of thousands, this would be an issue, but the cast seems just right for the kind of story being told.
In terms of potential triggers, there's a description of a bloody sheep carcass, a shotgun wedding, and talk of romance "fixing" the ace and lesbian leads (although in the latter case, it's because the family believes that she's been cursed by a dragon).
All things considered, The Faerie Godmother's Apprentice Wore Green is a typical "queer" story. The sort of coming-out story you've probably seen before. Still, typical does not mean bad, and I absolutely recommend it if you like asexual protagonists and/or dragons, especially queer dragons.
May 6, 2016
I was sent this book by Inked Rainbow Reads in exchange for an honest review.
If I had to pick a novel that illustrates a picture in words this novel would be it. The language used, the descriptions all blend together to depict a fantastic, magical adventure, one that unravels before your eyes in such picturesque detail it is totally absorbing, to the eyes and the mind.
To me this just wasn't a funny, humorous and cultured tale so much as an appraisal of coming to terms with your own sexuality. A parody of what can sometimes occur when you come "out" to loved ones and how they react to you. How you can cope with this, and, ultimately, learn to live and love yourself.
The images and rhetoric used are really insightful and effective. Using fairy tales to clarify a very difficult and emotional time in an individuals life.
This is a brilliant and witty book, full of carefully scripted images and advice all given in a surreal but meaningful way. Short but full of punch, an absolute gem, I can't praise this novel enough.
If I had to pick a novel that illustrates a picture in words this novel would be it. The language used, the descriptions all blend together to depict a fantastic, magical adventure, one that unravels before your eyes in such picturesque detail it is totally absorbing, to the eyes and the mind.
To me this just wasn't a funny, humorous and cultured tale so much as an appraisal of coming to terms with your own sexuality. A parody of what can sometimes occur when you come "out" to loved ones and how they react to you. How you can cope with this, and, ultimately, learn to live and love yourself.
The images and rhetoric used are really insightful and effective. Using fairy tales to clarify a very difficult and emotional time in an individuals life.
This is a brilliant and witty book, full of carefully scripted images and advice all given in a surreal but meaningful way. Short but full of punch, an absolute gem, I can't praise this novel enough.
Read
April 12, 2016*****
Five Stars for Nicky Kyle!
This is an incredibly imaginative story with beautiful prose. I adored the main characters. I would've loved to stay with them a little longer, but if you ask me that is exactly how a book should leave you - wanting more! If Nicky was to revisit the world she has created in The Faerie Godmother's Apprentice Wore Green, or any other world for that matter, I would be sure to read it.
Five Stars for Nicky Kyle!
This is an incredibly imaginative story with beautiful prose. I adored the main characters. I would've loved to stay with them a little longer, but if you ask me that is exactly how a book should leave you - wanting more! If Nicky was to revisit the world she has created in The Faerie Godmother's Apprentice Wore Green, or any other world for that matter, I would be sure to read it.
April 13, 2019
I loved the twist on fairy tales where dragons actually save the Princesses from towers to help them escape marriages they don't want.
While the world was a pretty generic fantasy village the focus is definitely on the two main characters both of which I loved. It's all about queer women escaping from the lives others force into them but wrapped up in a fun fantasy story.
Rep: Aro/ace MC, lesbian MC,
While the world was a pretty generic fantasy village the focus is definitely on the two main characters both of which I loved. It's all about queer women escaping from the lives others force into them but wrapped up in a fun fantasy story.
Rep: Aro/ace MC, lesbian MC,
November 30, 2017
4.5 stars
Lovely shorty story by someone who gets aromantic asexuals. Also, just a fun story.
Lovely shorty story by someone who gets aromantic asexuals. Also, just a fun story.
July 3, 2022
An aroace and a lesbian + dragons. I should've loved this.... I should've.... but I felt nothing for it, I'm sorry. I couldn't connect with the writing style, and frankly I think the prose could've been tightened up. There were also a too many lists that went "and, and, and" which rankled a bit. Just felt a bit... unpolished at times.
As for the characters, I liked Louisa well enough, but couldn't get a real read on Dea. This is, of course, in part due to the length. It's inevitable that 60 odd pages will not always feel like enough for latch on to any character, but still it felt like her 1 personality trait was "I know more about dragons than these people" and that's about it. The story just did not get me invested in the setting or the characters. A grand majority of the book, actually, was just them sitting in the tavern talking.
Also the world-building is a bit confusing to me, because it seems like a fantasy world with princesses and dragons, but then there are men playing checkers, threats of a witch hunt/burning, and a misogynistic homophobic priest that honestly just sounds like the leader of a Christian congregation (and there's nothing to suggest otherwise). Like that is just... our world. I don't wish to be too critical about that, the setting was playing a role in a metaphor, but did find it a bit jarring when encountering those details - it just pulled me out of the fantasy setting.
I understand that magic was being used as a metaphor for The Other, but I'll note a detail that just doesn't sit right with me, as it stands right now: the aroace being a dragon. Or more, is in the process of becoming a dragon. Now, I love dragons, and it's not weird to think about dragons and magical beings in a fantasy world. It certainly isn't weird to use magic/dragons/other supernatural creatures as a symbol for The Other - it's something that's been used for centuries. There's still a line you must walk though, at least in the way that this Other-ness is framed, and for me it just didn't feel framed... right? Like, for some it made total sense: embrace who you are and your power - take hold of your life! The suggestion, however, that Dea suited the life of a dragon more than a human just didn't agree with me though. Just... the situation of making non-humans aro/ace in fiction because of this "missing factor" allos think "makes us human" is a common issue, well, if aspec rep is included at all of course. I know the author is aroace themselves, so I don't obviously think that they meant this badly, but to me as another aroace this just felt mm........... unpleasant in its suggestion that Dea was better suited to a non-human life.
Also, not an actual complaint but just something that is a bit funny to me, but did the author just see the joke on tumblr about aroaces being really into dragons a la Charles Weasley and just run with it? Like of course the aroace is really into dragons to the point of turning into one. All that was missing was her eating a slice of cake and the og tumblr stereotypes would be complete LOL. Can't complain about dragons though, dragons are awesome. Could always do with more of them.
As for the characters, I liked Louisa well enough, but couldn't get a real read on Dea. This is, of course, in part due to the length. It's inevitable that 60 odd pages will not always feel like enough for latch on to any character, but still it felt like her 1 personality trait was "I know more about dragons than these people" and that's about it. The story just did not get me invested in the setting or the characters. A grand majority of the book, actually, was just them sitting in the tavern talking.
Also the world-building is a bit confusing to me, because it seems like a fantasy world with princesses and dragons, but then there are men playing checkers, threats of a witch hunt/burning, and a misogynistic homophobic priest that honestly just sounds like the leader of a Christian congregation (and there's nothing to suggest otherwise). Like that is just... our world. I don't wish to be too critical about that, the setting was playing a role in a metaphor, but did find it a bit jarring when encountering those details - it just pulled me out of the fantasy setting.
I understand that magic was being used as a metaphor for The Other, but I'll note a detail that just doesn't sit right with me, as it stands right now: the aroace being a dragon. Or more, is in the process of becoming a dragon. Now, I love dragons, and it's not weird to think about dragons and magical beings in a fantasy world. It certainly isn't weird to use magic/dragons/other supernatural creatures as a symbol for The Other - it's something that's been used for centuries. There's still a line you must walk though, at least in the way that this Other-ness is framed, and for me it just didn't feel framed... right? Like, for some it made total sense: embrace who you are and your power - take hold of your life! The suggestion, however, that Dea suited the life of a dragon more than a human just didn't agree with me though. Just... the situation of making non-humans aro/ace in fiction because of this "missing factor" allos think "makes us human" is a common issue, well, if aspec rep is included at all of course. I know the author is aroace themselves, so I don't obviously think that they meant this badly, but to me as another aroace this just felt mm........... unpleasant in its suggestion that Dea was better suited to a non-human life.
Also, not an actual complaint but just something that is a bit funny to me, but did the author just see the joke on tumblr about aroaces being really into dragons a la Charles Weasley and just run with it? Like of course the aroace is really into dragons to the point of turning into one. All that was missing was her eating a slice of cake and the og tumblr stereotypes would be complete LOL. Can't complain about dragons though, dragons are awesome. Could always do with more of them.
September 27, 2023
A little country village is experiencing a dragon problem ... but it's not quite the problem they think they're having. The Faerie Godmother's Apprentice appears to help unravel the real mystery and provide a solution. Knowing that the local inkeeper's daughter is attracted to women turns out to be the key piece of evidence, but if her family can't accept her for who she is, the situation might just get a lot worse.
I didn't realize this book would be so short or I would have picked it up sooner. Really, there's not a lot of action, but it makes some good points and has an engaging fairytale style that made it easy to read.
Ace character confirmed ;)
I didn't realize this book would be so short or I would have picked it up sooner. Really, there's not a lot of action, but it makes some good points and has an engaging fairytale style that made it easy to read.
Ace character confirmed ;)
April 10, 2020
I absolutely adore this story! The dragon lore and faerie godmother concept is novel and fascinating, and I adore how asexuality and aromanticism was incorporated seamlessly into the story without heavy handed explanations. I would love to live in this world and be a Faerie Godmother's apprentice.
June 8, 2020
A cute short story rethinking the concept of godmothers and dragons and the people who long for and fear them. In just around 60 pages you get such a hopeful fantasy which clearly depicts a small village and the emotions that come with being a part of one or just passing through.
August 23, 2022
Well, there was no full-fledged dragon here to rescue Louisa, but the Stylesville Inn was no impenetrable tower ringed with hungry beasts and a brambly hedge either. An apprentice dragon would do quite well, probably.
hayatim boyu bu kitabi aramisim haberim yokmus
hayatim boyu bu kitabi aramisim haberim yokmus
September 16, 2017
A nice, fresh view on dragons.
November 2, 2017
Nice original story
February 9, 2018
I liked the concepts of this short story, but I found the story itself not very intriguing. I think the story took to many turns for my taste, considering it was a short story.
November 21, 2018
Cute little story with a fresh, unique take on a classic fairytale.
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