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The Gretel Series #1-3
The first three books in this dark and captivating re-imagined series of the classic story of Hansel and Gretel.
There is an ancient evil in the Back Country, dormant for centuries but now hungry and lurking.
When it sets its sights on an unsuspecting mother one routine morning along an isolated stretch of highway, a quiet farming family is suddenly thrust into a world of unspeakable terror, and a young girl must learn to be a hero.
The Gretel Series: Books 1-3 includes Gretel (Book One), Marlene's Revenge (Gretel Book Two) and Hansel (Gretel Book Three).
There is an ancient evil in the Back Country, dormant for centuries but now hungry and lurking.
When it sets its sights on an unsuspecting mother one routine morning along an isolated stretch of highway, a quiet farming family is suddenly thrust into a world of unspeakable terror, and a young girl must learn to be a hero.
The Gretel Series: Books 1-3 includes Gretel (Book One), Marlene's Revenge (Gretel Book Two) and Hansel (Gretel Book Three).
749 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 5, 2017
747 people are currently reading
574 people want to read
About the author
Christopher Coleman
23 books143 followersChristopher Coleman lives in Maryland with his wife and two children. He is a graduate of the University of Maryland with a degree in English Literature. A fan of classic and modern horror and thriller movies, his favorite movies are Rosemary's Baby and The Ring. When he's not writing fiction, you can find him reading, taking his kids to and from various sporting activities or watching horror movies with his wife who shares his affinity for the horror genre. His books will creep you out and leave you scared to turn off the lights and go to sleep.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
December 27, 2017
What outcome of the whole series is
I was a little disappointed that the series was more scary than it was.,but it was gory in some places,it was well written, and the story flowed well from book one through book three. It is a fairytale gone terrible wrong but in the end things are different than you will think. I do recommend to all who think a fairytale is always happily ever after.
I was a little disappointed that the series was more scary than it was.,but it was gory in some places,it was well written, and the story flowed well from book one through book three. It is a fairytale gone terrible wrong but in the end things are different than you will think. I do recommend to all who think a fairytale is always happily ever after.
December 27, 2017
I WAS A LITTLE DISAPPOINTED IN THE FACT THAT I WAS LED TO BELIEVE THIS SERIES WAS REAL SCARY BUT IT'S NOT, THERE ARE PARTS THAT ARE GORY BUT NOT SCARY. IT IS WELL WRITTEN AND THE STORY MOVES AND FLOWS AT A GOOD PACE. IF YOU LIKE A FAIRYTALE GONE TERRIBLE WRONG THEN THIS SERIES WILL BE A GREAT READ.
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February 17, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (2/17/2020)! 🎁
November 17, 2017
Wow. Utterly superb reading. Loved this version of Gretel, totally grown up and different. Ready for more of this type by this outstanding author.
December 14, 2017
kindle unlimited, read all the 'Gretel' series except new one due out soonish so had flipped through the 3 set a while back, not sure why wasn't reviewed then. Reviewed the individual books sparately as usual.
Alone. Frightened. Captive. If you hear someone approaching, RUN. She is not there to help you. There is an ancient evil in the Back Country, dormant for centuries but now hungry and lurking. When it sets its sights on an unsuspecting mother one routine morning along an isolated stretch of highway, a quiet farming family is suddenly thrust into a world of unspeakable terror, and a young girl must learn to be a hero.
The Gretel Series: Books 1-3 includes Gretel (Book One), Marlene's Revenge (Gretel Book Two) and Hansel (Gretel Book Three). If you are a fan of horror, mystery, suspense and dark fantasy, The Gretel Series is an absolute must read. Just make sure you keep the lights on while reading.
Also by Christopher Coleman:
Gretel (Gretel Book One)
Marlene's Revenge (Gretel Book Two)
Hansel (Gretel Book Three)
The Gretel Series: Books 1-3
Anika Rising (Gretel Book Four) {Out soonish NOT part of 3 pack}
Alone. Frightened. Captive. If you hear someone approaching, RUN. She is not there to help you. There is an ancient evil in the Back Country, dormant for centuries but now hungry and lurking. When it sets its sights on an unsuspecting mother one routine morning along an isolated stretch of highway, a quiet farming family is suddenly thrust into a world of unspeakable terror, and a young girl must learn to be a hero.
The Gretel Series: Books 1-3 includes Gretel (Book One), Marlene's Revenge (Gretel Book Two) and Hansel (Gretel Book Three). If you are a fan of horror, mystery, suspense and dark fantasy, The Gretel Series is an absolute must read. Just make sure you keep the lights on while reading.
Also by Christopher Coleman:
Gretel (Gretel Book One)
Marlene's Revenge (Gretel Book Two)
Hansel (Gretel Book Three)
The Gretel Series: Books 1-3
Anika Rising (Gretel Book Four) {Out soonish NOT part of 3 pack}
December 16, 2017
As much as I loved the first book, I think the second two went progressively downhill. Marlene's Revenge (book 2) was still good, with some twists and turns and a twist ending that still contained badass females saving themselves. Parts of it felt a little too rehashed from the first book, but the majority of those echoes made sense, and I was prepared to be lenient.
Hansel (book 3), on the other hand, was totally different, and (I felt) the biggest let down of the series. First, the abrupt switch from mostly Gretel's point of view to being entirely stuck with Hansel was a big change to cope with. I could see why the change was made, but Hansel was not as strong of a narrator, and had been almost a non-entity in the other two books. Just as in the first books, he seemed largely dependent on those around him to save him, and that made him a weak voice for the story. The choices that we see Gretel making in the flashbacks don't seem to be in character for the woman we got to know in the first two volumes, although the scenes were filtered through Hansel's lens, and I don't know that he was a particularly reliable narrator on the subject of Gretel.
The oddest choice for me was to have , a pivotal character before, be written out for an entirely prosaic reason, and then never heard from again. The character is mentioned twice, seen once, and has no lines whatsoever. I find it hard to believe that, when news of Gretel's plight reaches the New World, that has no part in her rescue.
Hansel also had several apparent plot holes that never seemed to get resolved, although I am open to the idea that they could have been handled and I just missed them. The ending was so abrupt I thought that I must have mistakenly turned several pages at once, since it seemed to come out of nowhere and then was over before I really got what was happening. All of the climaxes in the series have been short and brutal, but this went by so fast it didn't have the emotional impact that I wanted it to.
I do see, however, that Coleman has a fourth book coming in the series, and I am hopeful that that will right a lot of the wrongs I see here.
So, book 1 is a solid 4/5, book 2 is a 3/4, and unfortunately the third brings the whole set down to 3. Not a bad book, by any stretch, but not as good as its predecessors. Looking forward to see how the rest of the story develops.
Hansel (book 3), on the other hand, was totally different, and (I felt) the biggest let down of the series. First, the abrupt switch from mostly Gretel's point of view to being entirely stuck with Hansel was a big change to cope with. I could see why the change was made, but Hansel was not as strong of a narrator, and had been almost a non-entity in the other two books. Just as in the first books, he seemed largely dependent on those around him to save him, and that made him a weak voice for the story. The choices that we see Gretel making in the flashbacks don't seem to be in character for the woman we got to know in the first two volumes, although the scenes were filtered through Hansel's lens, and I don't know that he was a particularly reliable narrator on the subject of Gretel.
The oddest choice for me was to have , a pivotal character before, be written out for an entirely prosaic reason, and then never heard from again. The character is mentioned twice, seen once, and has no lines whatsoever. I find it hard to believe that, when news of Gretel's plight reaches the New World, that has no part in her rescue.
Hansel also had several apparent plot holes that never seemed to get resolved, although I am open to the idea that they could have been handled and I just missed them. The ending was so abrupt I thought that I must have mistakenly turned several pages at once, since it seemed to come out of nowhere and then was over before I really got what was happening. All of the climaxes in the series have been short and brutal, but this went by so fast it didn't have the emotional impact that I wanted it to.
I do see, however, that Coleman has a fourth book coming in the series, and I am hopeful that that will right a lot of the wrongs I see here.
So, book 1 is a solid 4/5, book 2 is a 3/4, and unfortunately the third brings the whole set down to 3. Not a bad book, by any stretch, but not as good as its predecessors. Looking forward to see how the rest of the story develops.
November 12, 2017
If you’re an adult and just need some great escapist reading, this could be for you. The characters were very well delineated, and the story had just enough of the original Hansel and Gretel to keep you intrigued. I guess this would be a Fairytale for Adults. Fascinating and scary as pitch, and you will physically detest the witch and root for her demise, which surprisingly......but that’s a spoiler, :). I read the first part, not knowing that there would be more; but I’m so glad there was! It is really a well plotted and thought out tale -if you thought fairytales were only for children—hold on to your seat. I would like for there to be at least one more book about this because I’d like to follow up on what happened if and when they returned to the Back Country. Job well done Christopher Coleman
September 22, 2017
NO GINGERBREAD HOUSE HERE! This set includes books 1-3 in the Gretel series. You can read each as a standalone book. But it will make more sense if you have read the books in order and this set makes that easy to do. Book 3 (Hansel) does not end in a cliffhanger but is open-ended for future books in the series. There is violence. This is not the children's version of the tale as it is much much darker in tone and content.
The book blurb adequately describes the storyline so I'm not going to repeat all of that info here. The author has done a good job of expanding the classic fairytale and making it for adults. As usual, everything and everyone are not as they seem. The storyline and characters are average but well written. Overall I enjoyed reading this series and want to read more.
The book blurb adequately describes the storyline so I'm not going to repeat all of that info here. The author has done a good job of expanding the classic fairytale and making it for adults. As usual, everything and everyone are not as they seem. The storyline and characters are average but well written. Overall I enjoyed reading this series and want to read more.
November 18, 2017
Frightful trio of dark horror stories with a decidedly evil twist on the old Grimm's Fairy tale theme that IS sure to delight if a modern adult retelling suits you more. Each book is unique in that it is written from the perspective of a different character that is key to the overall story line, and while best read start to finish the individual novels could also be read as standalones should you desire as author does a reasonably good job of filling you in on what transpired from the prior books. Expect some violence and gore throughout in this contemporary collection of dark fantasy reads that were engaging and must say I did enjoy!
December 11, 2017
Well worth the time and the read. Would read again.
I enjoyed books 1-3 of Gretel Box Set. I liked that this wasn’t similar to the fable of Hansel & Gretel; but that it contained elements of it. I liked that you couldn’t attribute the locations to our World today, and that the “System” is just as corrupt as most governments today. The author did a great job on character development and mixing in different moments in time; as one would do today with personal memories. The rating sums up the books and my recommendations.
I enjoyed books 1-3 of Gretel Box Set. I liked that this wasn’t similar to the fable of Hansel & Gretel; but that it contained elements of it. I liked that you couldn’t attribute the locations to our World today, and that the “System” is just as corrupt as most governments today. The author did a great job on character development and mixing in different moments in time; as one would do today with personal memories. The rating sums up the books and my recommendations.
November 16, 2017
Wow. If you open these books without a shiver, you are oblivious to the dangers this author portrays. Wake up!
This is certainly a wildly different version of Hansel and Gretel, yet the gist of it is there: the children are essentially abandoned when their father is seriously injured and their mother disappears. The cruel interloper forces Gretel to take mature steps to save her brother and herself, and there are witches present. The reader gets to follow the mother’s tribulations as well as the children’s. Desire to turn to the end to stop the suspense was nearly overwhelming. The ending of the first book will finally let you ease out your breath, but you know there will be more.
In Marlene’s Revenge, the reader is reminded that witches work hard at gaining their nefarious knowledge, and they do not like being defeated. This one was no different. Gretel knew instinctively that the witch was not dead, as the System officers kept insisting. She knew her mother was right to urge her to use great caution and ALWAYS be vigilant. Petr was overwhelmed at her return and would do anything to protect her—and her brother. As it turns out, he was needed, and so was a good friend.
Hansel does not disappoint, either. Brace yourself…
This author has a wonderful knack for painting characters vividly, standing soundly in front of the reader. There is no candy-coated cottage, but the reader feels completely oriented within each scene.
This is certainly a wildly different version of Hansel and Gretel, yet the gist of it is there: the children are essentially abandoned when their father is seriously injured and their mother disappears. The cruel interloper forces Gretel to take mature steps to save her brother and herself, and there are witches present. The reader gets to follow the mother’s tribulations as well as the children’s. Desire to turn to the end to stop the suspense was nearly overwhelming. The ending of the first book will finally let you ease out your breath, but you know there will be more.
In Marlene’s Revenge, the reader is reminded that witches work hard at gaining their nefarious knowledge, and they do not like being defeated. This one was no different. Gretel knew instinctively that the witch was not dead, as the System officers kept insisting. She knew her mother was right to urge her to use great caution and ALWAYS be vigilant. Petr was overwhelmed at her return and would do anything to protect her—and her brother. As it turns out, he was needed, and so was a good friend.
Hansel does not disappoint, either. Brace yourself…
This author has a wonderful knack for painting characters vividly, standing soundly in front of the reader. There is no candy-coated cottage, but the reader feels completely oriented within each scene.
January 30, 2018
Not your typical Wicked Witch story
First, it sets my nerves on edge when published authors won’t take the time to learn the proper usage of the pronoun “I”. The plot was labored and the writing was wrought with distracting detail. I found myself skipping entire chapters which had no bearing on developing the plot. Grammatical errors were present and annoying as they interfered with the flow of reading.
First, it sets my nerves on edge when published authors won’t take the time to learn the proper usage of the pronoun “I”. The plot was labored and the writing was wrought with distracting detail. I found myself skipping entire chapters which had no bearing on developing the plot. Grammatical errors were present and annoying as they interfered with the flow of reading.
February 14, 2018
Great read. It was different, not your usual vampire/witch story. I loved how the characters are portrayed, and there aren't so many characters that you can't follow the story. After the end of the 3rd book, I found myself wishing it wasn't the end because I'd love to see what happens with Hansel, Gretel, Noah, and Maja in their endeavors to track down the remaining books. Perhaps another addition to the series?
January 3, 2020
I really should love this series more. It's got superb writing, a great story line and a real dark, Grimm fairy tale vibe to it. My only real probably is with the characters, the way they are written we are told how they feel but we don't really see them experience it. Gretel and Anika particularly feel cold and aloof. I was pretty sure I'd be done with this series after the third book but the ending was so intriguing that I might just have to continue on and see what happens next.
August 11, 2020
You won't see it coming!
At first, I wasn't too enthralled by the idea of another classic revisited. I just gave it a shot because I already read two other series that were excellent. What can you add to a story so well known? Boy, I WAS WRONG! The author did such a good job that he could have let go the "Hansel and Gretel" thing. He completely re-invented that classic tale! A must read!
At first, I wasn't too enthralled by the idea of another classic revisited. I just gave it a shot because I already read two other series that were excellent. What can you add to a story so well known? Boy, I WAS WRONG! The author did such a good job that he could have let go the "Hansel and Gretel" thing. He completely re-invented that classic tale! A must read!
November 17, 2017
The Gretel Series: Books 1-3 3 Great books!!! A gripping story of Hansel and Gretel, for adults not for children. I recommend this 3 books...so why are you waiting go and read them.
November 18, 2017
The Gretel Series: A Journey Of Entertainment
A beginning full of strange culture and places, a mixture of characters seemingly simple but delightfully complex. A venture into terror, fear, puzzles and simple lives or so it seems. Enjoyed it slowly to absorb the complex events and intertwining of good and bad
A beginning full of strange culture and places, a mixture of characters seemingly simple but delightfully complex. A venture into terror, fear, puzzles and simple lives or so it seems. Enjoyed it slowly to absorb the complex events and intertwining of good and bad
October 28, 2018
Great Gretel!
I so thoroughly enjoyed Gretelthee books 1thru 3! The Characters are believable and engaging. They grow on you and with you. I couldn't put these books down- I had. to see what happens next! I don't remember how I heard of them but I'm so very glad I did. Cant wait to read Annikas Revenge!
I so thoroughly enjoyed Gretelthee books 1thru 3! The Characters are believable and engaging. They grow on you and with you. I couldn't put these books down- I had. to see what happens next! I don't remember how I heard of them but I'm so very glad I did. Cant wait to read Annikas Revenge!
October 1, 2017
I absolutely loved this series! It is very original and once you start reading you can't stop! I have reviewed the books individually, because I read them as they came out! No more waiting for the rest of you though, this is the complete series and it will knock your socks off!
November 11, 2017
Gretel
This series puts a new twist on the story of Hansel and Gretel. This is a gripping story full of twists and turns. Its a must read! I recommend and challenge everyone to read it in its entirety.
This series puts a new twist on the story of Hansel and Gretel. This is a gripping story full of twists and turns. Its a must read! I recommend and challenge everyone to read it in its entirety.
November 16, 2017
I want more
It was very good. Kept my attention. You can't just leave things here. I would Olive to follow Hansel, Gretal, Noah, and Maja all over the world looking for the rest of the books.
It was very good. Kept my attention. You can't just leave things here. I would Olive to follow Hansel, Gretal, Noah, and Maja all over the world looking for the rest of the books.
November 16, 2017
An adult fairy tale that will leave you with nightmares. Christopher Coleman has created a fantastic cast of characters. The witch is someone you won't easily forget. When you get the set, you won't have to wait for the next release. Lucky!
November 18, 2017
This is a creepy twist on a fairy tale reminiscent of the original Grimm tales. These stories will take you to places you will not expect and at times heartrending. You may want to read these with the lights on. This review is voluntary and I received a complimentary copy.
December 3, 2017
Terrifyingly Terrific
These books held my interest throughout, never a dull moment. The characters evoked many emotions, and I never could predict where the story was going, though it never disappoints. This version of Hans Gretel will leave me with an indelible memory.
These books held my interest throughout, never a dull moment. The characters evoked many emotions, and I never could predict where the story was going, though it never disappoints. This version of Hans Gretel will leave me with an indelible memory.
December 6, 2017
Couldn't put it down!
A somewhat grisly tale, but crazy good reading! Hansel and Gretel and their tale here is so much different than the old fairy story! And yet it's not! Scary in many places, this book makes me want to read faster! Great series!
A somewhat grisly tale, but crazy good reading! Hansel and Gretel and their tale here is so much different than the old fairy story! And yet it's not! Scary in many places, this book makes me want to read faster! Great series!
January 1, 2018
Hansel and Gretel ReMixed
An intriguing remix of a popular old fairy tale. Intriguing and terrifying The Gretel series will keep you on the edge of your seat, biting your nails, afraid to turn the page, yet scared not to.
An intriguing remix of a popular old fairy tale. Intriguing and terrifying The Gretel series will keep you on the edge of your seat, biting your nails, afraid to turn the page, yet scared not to.
March 22, 2018
Scary Awesome
Received this book for free/ARC am voluntarily reviewing. beautifully scary take on Hansel and Gretel's story, full of unexpected twists, hard to put down, highly recommend reading.
Received this book for free/ARC am voluntarily reviewing. beautifully scary take on Hansel and Gretel's story, full of unexpected twists, hard to put down, highly recommend reading.
July 25, 2018
Absolutely thrilling crazy adventure!
The first book Gretel grabs you by the throat and takes you on a page turning thrill ride from start to finish! Then the next 2 takes you further on the amazing journey. Couldn't put it down!
The first book Gretel grabs you by the throat and takes you on a page turning thrill ride from start to finish! Then the next 2 takes you further on the amazing journey. Couldn't put it down!
September 4, 2018
The Gretel Series: Books 1-3.
Just finished the third in the series, Hansel. What a difference from the childhood fairy tale from many years ago. A very good book, much more detail and a glimpse into other realms of the childhood story. Now one more to go.
Just finished the third in the series, Hansel. What a difference from the childhood fairy tale from many years ago. A very good book, much more detail and a glimpse into other realms of the childhood story. Now one more to go.
June 30, 2019
Now that I finished this set of books and I really enjoyed these novels. The characters are well thought out and each story explained a piece of the whole. I am on to the next novel, Anika. I am guessing I will learn more about the Morgan family and how some things got started.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews