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Cinderella Reverse Fairytale #2
Lucky Charm
Princess Charmaine is getting married. She should be happy right?The kingdom is in turmoil after the death of the king, and it’s up to Princess Charmaine to set things right. With her coronation looming and an upcoming wedding to sort out, she barely has time to worry about the people of magic that so desperately need her. Still on the run from the police and no longer wanted in the kingdom he once loved, Cynder is forced to find another way to live, but when a chance encounter puts him back in touch with the love he lost, he knows he must do everything in her power to save her.Lucky Charm is the second book in the Charm series, a reverse fairytale based on Cinderella by USA Today bestselling author J.A.Armitage.Take everything you think you know about fairytales and turn it on its head.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 11, 2017
88 people are currently reading
243 people want to read
About the author
J.A. Armitage
148 books492 followersBorn in Leeds, I lived a very normal life until I got bored one day and decided to travel the world. Since then I've worked on a Banana Plantation, cleaned ACDC's dressing room and been a professional clown.
I climbed to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and the top of Kilimanjaro. Nowadays you'll find me being a climbing frame for my two young children, working in a school, and renovating my home.
Did I also mention I wrote some books?
I hope you enjoy them!
For my free books, just sign up to my newsletter here http://www.subscribepage.com/v7o8k4
I climbed to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and the top of Kilimanjaro. Nowadays you'll find me being a climbing frame for my two young children, working in a school, and renovating my home.
Did I also mention I wrote some books?
I hope you enjoy them!
For my free books, just sign up to my newsletter here http://www.subscribepage.com/v7o8k4
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
March 6, 2018
You have a new take on Cinderella as the Princess is looking for the man who means so much to her but has disappeared after their encounter.
I enjoy new takes on standard fairytales. This one has some good twists that keep the story interesting. I am looking forward to more to come. Charmaine wants to do what is right for the kingdom but her heart is going in another direction.
I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received
I enjoy new takes on standard fairytales. This one has some good twists that keep the story interesting. I am looking forward to more to come. Charmaine wants to do what is right for the kingdom but her heart is going in another direction.
I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received
March 8, 2018
My second read from author J.A. Armitage. I have to be honest, I don’t care much for re-written fairy tales and when I picked up Charm I thought “Another retread fairy tale”. I was wrong! This is a different take on the Cinderella theme and was so well-written I found I couldn’t put it down. Captivating characters set in modern time with social issues, terrorism & a surprise twist ending and this, the second book in the trilogy, the story continues seamlessly from Charm. I’ll have to read more from J.A. Armitage, including Charmed, the conclusion of the trilogy.
March 25, 2018
Princess Charmaine is getting married to Luka, but the kingdom has been in turmoil since the death of her father: the king. It is up to her to put her kingdom back together in between planning her wedding and dealing with the press. She almost forgets about the Magi who were looking for her protection, but she still manages to try in the name of Cynder. She thinks that she will never see him again as he is on the run from the police, but Cynder knows some things that mean his Charm is in danger. Now, he knows he must go back to save her.
This, this was finally a love triangle done right! Charm knows that she cannot abandon her kingdom to chase after Cynder when she doesn't even know where he is. So, even though she loves him, she continues her duties and goes onto marry Luka. She had to also take charge and protect the Magi on the side and try to stop her kingdom from tearing itself apart. Therefore, even though there was a triangle, it wasn't pointless, and we knew who Charm would choose if she truly had the choice. Also, Cynder wasn't there the entire time, so she thought that she was just going to have to suck it up with Luka and produce an heir for the kingdom.
Also, I was truly able to see Charm grow within this novel. With the loss of her father, she knows that she will have to take over the kingdom, and so she really starts to step up to the plate as the leader. I have to say that this book was most likely my favorite in the entire trilogy simply because I get to see her really step up to the plate as a queen. She also handles the media and the stress of planning a wedding without completely forgetting about her family. This was one of the few YA novels that I read where the family ties were emphasized and viewed as being important.
Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a YA fantasy novel with a GOOD love triangle and incredible worldbuilding.
I received this book for free and this is my voluntary review.
This, this was finally a love triangle done right! Charm knows that she cannot abandon her kingdom to chase after Cynder when she doesn't even know where he is. So, even though she loves him, she continues her duties and goes onto marry Luka. She had to also take charge and protect the Magi on the side and try to stop her kingdom from tearing itself apart. Therefore, even though there was a triangle, it wasn't pointless, and we knew who Charm would choose if she truly had the choice. Also, Cynder wasn't there the entire time, so she thought that she was just going to have to suck it up with Luka and produce an heir for the kingdom.
Also, I was truly able to see Charm grow within this novel. With the loss of her father, she knows that she will have to take over the kingdom, and so she really starts to step up to the plate as the leader. I have to say that this book was most likely my favorite in the entire trilogy simply because I get to see her really step up to the plate as a queen. She also handles the media and the stress of planning a wedding without completely forgetting about her family. This was one of the few YA novels that I read where the family ties were emphasized and viewed as being important.
Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a YA fantasy novel with a GOOD love triangle and incredible worldbuilding.
I received this book for free and this is my voluntary review.
March 21, 2018
So much pretense. So high risk of betrayal. And yet she must do her best to lead the kingdom.
After her father's death, Charm is now the Queen of Silverwood, but her task is not an easy one. After the rule of terror, hate, and fear, the Magi are hiding abroad and not willing to return despite the changed laws of acceptance and equality. The former king's rule is simply ingrained too much, and the non-Magi citizens are afraid of magic. Moreover, wedding preparations are now full in the running. When Luca invites Charm for a journey to Thalia, she is glad for the distraction - only to meet Cynder again and spiral headfirst back into the mess her life used to be. When a contest is opened, the situation changes dramatically, and the longer it continues, the more suspicions arise around. Something is going to happen, but no one knows the culprit..
The second book in this series is a great continuation to the reversed & twisted Cinderella story. Unexpected turns drive the plot forward, developing the story with amazing speed. The rapidly changing world is intriguing, full of political machinations and ingenious strategies. However, what I enjoyed most was the development of the characters. With each challenge and each hard decision, they were forced to think, mature, and consider the options to decide what's best... not everytime for the citizens but for themselves. Hidden motives, silent plotting, and greed for power intensified over the course, and enough hints were dropped along to recognize the man standing in the background and pulling the strings, although Charm was oblivious to the facts. Surprising moments aided with action and battles not fought on the battlefield were balanced with emotional scenes, and I enjoyed the book very much to await the next book impatiently.
After her father's death, Charm is now the Queen of Silverwood, but her task is not an easy one. After the rule of terror, hate, and fear, the Magi are hiding abroad and not willing to return despite the changed laws of acceptance and equality. The former king's rule is simply ingrained too much, and the non-Magi citizens are afraid of magic. Moreover, wedding preparations are now full in the running. When Luca invites Charm for a journey to Thalia, she is glad for the distraction - only to meet Cynder again and spiral headfirst back into the mess her life used to be. When a contest is opened, the situation changes dramatically, and the longer it continues, the more suspicions arise around. Something is going to happen, but no one knows the culprit..
The second book in this series is a great continuation to the reversed & twisted Cinderella story. Unexpected turns drive the plot forward, developing the story with amazing speed. The rapidly changing world is intriguing, full of political machinations and ingenious strategies. However, what I enjoyed most was the development of the characters. With each challenge and each hard decision, they were forced to think, mature, and consider the options to decide what's best... not everytime for the citizens but for themselves. Hidden motives, silent plotting, and greed for power intensified over the course, and enough hints were dropped along to recognize the man standing in the background and pulling the strings, although Charm was oblivious to the facts. Surprising moments aided with action and battles not fought on the battlefield were balanced with emotional scenes, and I enjoyed the book very much to await the next book impatiently.
October 4, 2019
Despite the massive amounts of grammar mistakes, the storyline was decent, though a might too predictable. You know who the regent is fairly early on. Still, it's a fluff piece, and reads like one, which is good to take your mind off things. In that respect it does its job. Hits discrimination pretty hard, which is nice, and a good point in the story.
However, without going into too much detail, it needs a good grammatical clean up. There were formatting issues, punctuation mistakes, misspellings, awkward sentence structures, and a few homonym issues.
As for the story itself, my biggest gripe? The inconsistencies in the plot and characters. At one point, we're told this is the first time Charmaine isn't looking forward to going on camera. What?! The whole first book we read about how much she hated it, and now she suddenly likes it? Nope. Can't disregard such a huge inconsistency. And there were others, but this was one of the most notable.
Also, another thing that bugged me was what royal gets to have as much freedom as she seems to have? I can't think of any high profile person who would truly be allowed to disregard their safety as much as she does. Strolling literally everywhere without a guard? Being concerned about her virtue and public opinion, yet constantly being alone with men? The more I think about it, the more annoyed I get, so I need to stop now.
For my clean readers: language, though no f-bomb in this one. Mild violence, including attempted murder of a child. A few bedroom scenes, mostly descriptive of the male upper body and making out, but many thoughts on sex itself.
However, without going into too much detail, it needs a good grammatical clean up. There were formatting issues, punctuation mistakes, misspellings, awkward sentence structures, and a few homonym issues.
As for the story itself, my biggest gripe? The inconsistencies in the plot and characters. At one point, we're told this is the first time Charmaine isn't looking forward to going on camera. What?! The whole first book we read about how much she hated it, and now she suddenly likes it? Nope. Can't disregard such a huge inconsistency. And there were others, but this was one of the most notable.
Also, another thing that bugged me was what royal gets to have as much freedom as she seems to have? I can't think of any high profile person who would truly be allowed to disregard their safety as much as she does. Strolling literally everywhere without a guard? Being concerned about her virtue and public opinion, yet constantly being alone with men? The more I think about it, the more annoyed I get, so I need to stop now.
For my clean readers: language, though no f-bomb in this one. Mild violence, including attempted murder of a child. A few bedroom scenes, mostly descriptive of the male upper body and making out, but many thoughts on sex itself.
April 12, 2018
This is the second book in this collection and i was thinking it would be the last but i was wrong, it seems that this is a trilogy.
The pace of this book is way faster that the first one and there are always happening something but at the same time there are times when i though why do they do this? why can't it be over with and are expanding this situation. I was not expecting to see another "selection" and i think this was the downside for me in this book, i do not think it was creative enough.
As for the final, i was expecting it and at the same time i was not, let me explain i was expecting something to happen but not the exact thing that happens. Almost until the end i was not sure myself who i want Charm to end up with, and now i really want to see what will happen.
I gave 3.1 out of 5* to this one, it was a fast read and one that i enjoy but i have so mixed feelings about it, i just hope that the next one is better and more creative because i know that this series has so much potential.
The pace of this book is way faster that the first one and there are always happening something but at the same time there are times when i though why do they do this? why can't it be over with and are expanding this situation. I was not expecting to see another "selection" and i think this was the downside for me in this book, i do not think it was creative enough.
As for the final, i was expecting it and at the same time i was not, let me explain i was expecting something to happen but not the exact thing that happens. Almost until the end i was not sure myself who i want Charm to end up with, and now i really want to see what will happen.
I gave 3.1 out of 5* to this one, it was a fast read and one that i enjoy but i have so mixed feelings about it, i just hope that the next one is better and more creative because i know that this series has so much potential.
December 13, 2017
The Rebellion is as big as ever and someone is trying to kill Charm. Someone is hiding in the shadows and forming an entire group to take down the Royal family, or what's left of it, in order to keep the Magi where they belong. In the dirt. Charm is doing everything she can to make them equal citizens, and she's got the help of her new counsel. But no matter how many steps forward she takes, it seems like someone is two steps ahead. When Luke invites her to his land, someone makes a play for her life. And the man she never thought she'd see again, Cynder, is there once again to save her life and keep her sane. Only to disappear once again after he drops her off back in her own Kingdom. You won't want to miss this second installment in this Classic retelling of Cinderella. You might even get to see a famous scene. *wink* J.A. Armitage gives a beautiful twist to this story and you're going to love it as much as I did. I can't wait for the third book.
February 4, 2019
I'm really enjoying this story but I'm having problems reconciling a few things.
First is the seeming merging of past and present. Everyone talks and dresses as in modern times. There are telephones (very few) and televisions. And there are carriages and horses but no kind of automated transportation, although there was one mention of a train but it was just that - mentioned in passing.
There are mages or magi, people who can perform actual magic, but only if they have a wand. The magic population are treated as second class citizens in this one kingdom, but in other kingdoms they're accepted as equals. So the question becomes, why are they staying in this one kingdom where they're persecuted and treated so unfairly?
I guessed the ending very early in the book which is annoying.
Moving on to book 3 of this trilogy.
First is the seeming merging of past and present. Everyone talks and dresses as in modern times. There are telephones (very few) and televisions. And there are carriages and horses but no kind of automated transportation, although there was one mention of a train but it was just that - mentioned in passing.
There are mages or magi, people who can perform actual magic, but only if they have a wand. The magic population are treated as second class citizens in this one kingdom, but in other kingdoms they're accepted as equals. So the question becomes, why are they staying in this one kingdom where they're persecuted and treated so unfairly?
I guessed the ending very early in the book which is annoying.
Moving on to book 3 of this trilogy.
September 15, 2019
Just Predictable
I thought the first book in the series was predictable, but this one was predictable from beginning to end; no twist or surprises this time. I was hoping that Queen Charmaine would find her ruling voice, but despite all of her angry, fighting spirit and her planning, nothing ever worked the way she wanted or the way I wanted for that matter. The conflicts were predictable, and although stories need conflict to move forward, I couldn’t help but roll my eyes and say of course that would happen. I won’t say who, but I can’t believe that I had to read an entire book to know who the Regent was when I knew from the beginning who it would be based off of comments about the character and the name alone. If it wasn’t for the fact that I enjoy Cinderella retellings, I probably would have put this book down.
I thought the first book in the series was predictable, but this one was predictable from beginning to end; no twist or surprises this time. I was hoping that Queen Charmaine would find her ruling voice, but despite all of her angry, fighting spirit and her planning, nothing ever worked the way she wanted or the way I wanted for that matter. The conflicts were predictable, and although stories need conflict to move forward, I couldn’t help but roll my eyes and say of course that would happen. I won’t say who, but I can’t believe that I had to read an entire book to know who the Regent was when I knew from the beginning who it would be based off of comments about the character and the name alone. If it wasn’t for the fact that I enjoy Cinderella retellings, I probably would have put this book down.
March 5, 2018
Lucky Charm is the second book in J.A. Armitage's Reverse Fairytale series. It is the continuation of Princess Chamaine's accent to become queen of Silverwood. The story begins with her coronation and seamlessly continues with the upcoming Royal wedding to Luka, the prince Charm chose in book one. But is all as it seems? Will Charm ever see Cynder, the magi boy who stole her heart, again? And why is someone trying to kill the monarchy..... And who???
Yikes, the action, the romance, the beautifully created world. I loved it all! I had a had time putting it down. I cannot wait to read the next book in this skillfully crafted series.
"I received a copy of this book from the author. I voluntarily reviewed this book and this is my honest review."
Yikes, the action, the romance, the beautifully created world. I loved it all! I had a had time putting it down. I cannot wait to read the next book in this skillfully crafted series.
"I received a copy of this book from the author. I voluntarily reviewed this book and this is my honest review."
March 18, 2018
Breathtaking & definitely NOT a bridge!
This shattered the stereotypical 2nd book "bridge"! I had my suspicions and my angst was raised soo many times I thought of strangling the author for whipping me around like a wet dog. 😅😂 Just FABulous!
I was able to continue adoring Leo & Daniel. Cynder & Luca had me wanting to pull my hair out. Tsk!
Editing was pretty good. Wow, the world building & descriptions were wonderful. The ending, oh the ending!! What can I say? I'm starting the next book as soon as I submit this! You'll regret not having it in hand!!
My star ratings include these 5 elements:
1★ story line
1★ engaging characters
1★ use of world building/descriptive
1★ being well edited or narrated
1★ the ending
This shattered the stereotypical 2nd book "bridge"! I had my suspicions and my angst was raised soo many times I thought of strangling the author for whipping me around like a wet dog. 😅😂 Just FABulous!
I was able to continue adoring Leo & Daniel. Cynder & Luca had me wanting to pull my hair out. Tsk!
Editing was pretty good. Wow, the world building & descriptions were wonderful. The ending, oh the ending!! What can I say? I'm starting the next book as soon as I submit this! You'll regret not having it in hand!!
My star ratings include these 5 elements:
1★ story line
1★ engaging characters
1★ use of world building/descriptive
1★ being well edited or narrated
1★ the ending
December 16, 2017
A magical twisted Cinderella retelling
Lucky Charm is the magical romantic second part to this entertaining trilogy based loosely on Cinderella. The book has plenty of twists and turns to keep the readers on their feet. I had a hard time setting this book down and became emotionally involved in the characters. As a result I found Charm a bit frustrating in her indecision about her love life and was disappointed and disbelieving in the conclusion of the book, but hopefully the payoff in the final book will make up for it.
Lucky Charm is the magical romantic second part to this entertaining trilogy based loosely on Cinderella. The book has plenty of twists and turns to keep the readers on their feet. I had a hard time setting this book down and became emotionally involved in the characters. As a result I found Charm a bit frustrating in her indecision about her love life and was disappointed and disbelieving in the conclusion of the book, but hopefully the payoff in the final book will make up for it.
February 11, 2018
I loved getting to continue this fairytale. Getting to know Charm more and find out how it is going for her country after the previous disaster. This is one of those stories that drags you in and keeps you begging for more. Even after finishing it I can't wait to read the next installment in this series.
March 4, 2018
Charmaine has more trouble as the wedding to Luca gets closer. She has been searching for Cynder for the past six months and finally gives up. She runs into him at Luca's family palace. That's is when things start to really get out of hand. I love reverse fairytales. I can't wait to read the third one in this series.
March 9, 2018
I was so happy to get back to this series and it didn't disappoint. I read it so quickly because I was so involved with the story and wanted to know what would happen. Would she marry Lucas or be reunited with the man she truly loved? Would she abolish the prejudice and distrust towards the Mage that has become ingrained in the people? Who can she trust and who is working towards a different agenda?
I did guess the twist at the end but it hasn't changed my view in any way.
I did guess the twist at the end but it hasn't changed my view in any way.
March 12, 2018
Good follow to the first
The action continues and it is twisted. Charm struggles with leading her country and her romantic life. No one is who they seem to be and trust is in short supply. A few editing errors in this one but nothing that can't be puzzled out. After this, you will definitely want to read the next!
The action continues and it is twisted. Charm struggles with leading her country and her romantic life. No one is who they seem to be and trust is in short supply. A few editing errors in this one but nothing that can't be puzzled out. After this, you will definitely want to read the next!
March 14, 2018
I am loving this series! I was a little heart broken after the first one, rooting for the princess and the under dog is my thing.
This started where the last one ended. It is a rollercoaster ride of romance and rooting for love! I was pleasantly surprised that I was right all along! I look forward to the next book!
This started where the last one ended. It is a rollercoaster ride of romance and rooting for love! I was pleasantly surprised that I was right all along! I look forward to the next book!
October 1, 2018
Good book! I had the ending figured out a bit too soon though. I’m not going to go into too much detail, (I hate spoilers!) but I had the “big surprise” at the end figured out less than half way through. Despite that, it kept me interested enough to want to see “how” exactly it played out. I’m looking forward to diving into the next book, hoping that Charmaine has learned a lesson or two...
January 3, 2019
Fun genre
I haven't read anything like this since I was quite young. What a great love story. It's definitely a real page turner. I didn't agree with some of the reasoning, but I decided it was necessary for the story. I can't wait for the happily ever after. What a fun twist on Cinderella. Well Done!!!
I haven't read anything like this since I was quite young. What a great love story. It's definitely a real page turner. I didn't agree with some of the reasoning, but I decided it was necessary for the story. I can't wait for the happily ever after. What a fun twist on Cinderella. Well Done!!!
June 4, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this series and couldn't wait to start this book. Although there were some predictable/obvious outcomes it was still very gripping. I loved that we got to find out more about Cynder's past and got to know more about him and other characters too. Now onto the next one!
January 31, 2020
This was good, if not a little more predictable than the first. I definitely wasn’t shocked by the twist this time, and I was still thrown off by the way they talked and the carriages mixed with television and cameras. But I’m enjoying this series and am excited to see how it ends, even though I think we all know.
March 14, 2021
A few odd parts in the book, but still worth it
A few things were really strange in this book. Some of the seemingly random things that happened didn’t add up. I enjoyed the book overall... and I knew who the regent was based on a seemingly tiny clue that was only very briefly mentioned, so easily forgotten. I don’t know how many people miss that minor detail
A few things were really strange in this book. Some of the seemingly random things that happened didn’t add up. I enjoyed the book overall... and I knew who the regent was based on a seemingly tiny clue that was only very briefly mentioned, so easily forgotten. I don’t know how many people miss that minor detail
March 4, 2018
This time there is a male ‘cinderella’. The queen is trying to keep up with all the different things that are going on. But in the end she has to depend on her trusted informants. And you never know who might have a hidden agenda.
March 14, 2018
I really enjoyed reading this book. This is the continuation of Charmaine's story in her search for love. Plenty of familiar faces resurface in this novel, and the story becomes quite twisted along the way. If you are a fan of fairy tale retellings, then I think you'll find this series enjoyable.
April 3, 2018
Lots of excitement, even with time wasted with archaic dress-up. I won't give away the bad guy, but I found this story quite worth reading. In fact I am going on to the next book right away, it has really caught me.
December 29, 2018
Good
I enjoyed the second book in this story. A lot of things happening, but I did have my suspicions about who the regent was. I guessed correctly. Will be interesting to see how the rest plays out. Very different take on the tale. I’m liking it.
I enjoyed the second book in this story. A lot of things happening, but I did have my suspicions about who the regent was. I guessed correctly. Will be interesting to see how the rest plays out. Very different take on the tale. I’m liking it.
July 8, 2019
Frustrating
I know she’s still a teenager, but Charmaine’s naïveté drive me crazy through this whole book. I was still enthralled with what would happen even though I wanted to shake Charmaine the whole time!!
I know she’s still a teenager, but Charmaine’s naïveté drive me crazy through this whole book. I was still enthralled with what would happen even though I wanted to shake Charmaine the whole time!!
March 3, 2018
Whew! What a read! Also, what a ride! Another excellent novel delivered, with action, romance, amazing character development, and some bizarre twists and turns. I can't wait to start Charmed.
March 3, 2018
Really love the second book in that retelling of the fairytale Cinderalla. Can't wait to read the third book in this trilogy, Charmed.
March 10, 2018
A lucky Charm with no lucky at all...
Her only luck is that she is loved by a man like Cynder and she have friends like Daniel, Leo and Dean.
Her only luck is that she is loved by a man like Cynder and she have friends like Daniel, Leo and Dean.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews