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The Seven Kingdoms #4
The Betrothal
Murder and magic and mayhem… with ogres!
When Cendrilla is abducted by Lord Bluebeard’s unscrupulous squire, she thinks agreeing to her demands will be the end of her problems.
She’s dead wrong.
Because in Cendrilla’s world, not everyone is who they seem...not even her.
This fourth installment of the Perrault Chronicles finally gets answers to her most pressing questions:
What are her origins?
What are the true motives of Lord Bluebeard?
Join Cendrilla in as she battles for her freedom… and her survival.
When Cendrilla is abducted by Lord Bluebeard’s unscrupulous squire, she thinks agreeing to her demands will be the end of her problems.
She’s dead wrong.
Because in Cendrilla’s world, not everyone is who they seem...not even her.
This fourth installment of the Perrault Chronicles finally gets answers to her most pressing questions:
What are her origins?
What are the true motives of Lord Bluebeard?
Join Cendrilla in as she battles for her freedom… and her survival.
- GenresFantasyMagicFairy Tales
318 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 15, 2018
181 people are currently reading
114 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
March 30, 2018
Argh! This is such a roller coaster ride! My feelings and emotions are all over the place!
I feel happiness and surprised but also anger and confusing all the way!
Spoiler alert!
Honestly Rilla really needs to choose between Bluebeard and Armin, because it's driving my head in, like really just choose Armin!
Anyways, back to the review, I really liked how things turned out, we get answers to many of our questions. We find out Rilla's origins, Bluebeard's real intentions and a few things along the way.
Now that Rilla saved the witches, she has to go to Steppe, with Bluebeard. Not as his fiancé as planned but she still goes and finds out many things about her past.
But now that she has defeated the Snow Queen in battle, she is on her list of execution. Now she knows what she is, she can practice using her powers, this way she has a better chance to defeat the Snow Queen and other unexpected enemies, such as King Rhinoceros.
Can Rilla control her new powers and save herself and the innocent ? Will she find love or hate wherever she goes ?
Such as awesome series! Really is worth picking up, high recommend it!
Received a copy, for an honest review, thank you!
I feel happiness and surprised but also anger and confusing all the way!
Spoiler alert!
Honestly Rilla really needs to choose between Bluebeard and Armin, because it's driving my head in, like really just choose Armin!
Anyways, back to the review, I really liked how things turned out, we get answers to many of our questions. We find out Rilla's origins, Bluebeard's real intentions and a few things along the way.
Now that Rilla saved the witches, she has to go to Steppe, with Bluebeard. Not as his fiancé as planned but she still goes and finds out many things about her past.
But now that she has defeated the Snow Queen in battle, she is on her list of execution. Now she knows what she is, she can practice using her powers, this way she has a better chance to defeat the Snow Queen and other unexpected enemies, such as King Rhinoceros.
Can Rilla control her new powers and save herself and the innocent ? Will she find love or hate wherever she goes ?
Such as awesome series! Really is worth picking up, high recommend it!
Received a copy, for an honest review, thank you!
September 23, 2021
The fourth entry of Cordelia Castel’s Seven Kingdoms series opens with protagonist Cendrilla, Rilla for short, taking shock at hearing her birth mother is alive, with her promised husband Lord Bluebeard having more details, except is lifeless, with a kiss necessary to bring him back. There’s some good backstory on the Snow Queen, along with details on Rilla’s lineage, with Rilla further seeking to relocate witches in the Steppe, since the United Kingdom of Seven executes those with magical capability. Rilla surprisingly shows a caring side for Lord Bluebeard, contrary to their antagonism in prior books.
Rilla finds out that her hand in marriage had already been promised before Lord Bluebeard to another, King Rhinoceros of the Glaciers, although she can potentially nullify the marital contract if she is victorious in battle against him, consequentially seeking training in the art of swordsmanship. Another element potentially helpful to Rilla in her quest to weasel her way out of marriage to King Rhinoceros is the revelation of the location by Rumpelstiltskin of the monarch’s disembodied heart, and she seeks other allies in the forthcoming conflict as well, with the fated battle ending the book.
All in all, while I felt that this series was in a bit of a decline after reading the third book, the revelations about Rilla’s lineage definitely refresh the literary franchise, and the battles contain good action and description, with the fourth entry like its precursors scarcely being shy about its fairytale inspirations. There is a slight bit of confusion at times, for instance, regarding some elements such as one of the characters being turned into a cheek-rat, but I would definitely recommend this entry to those who enjoyed its predecessors, and the series still holds interest for me.
Rilla finds out that her hand in marriage had already been promised before Lord Bluebeard to another, King Rhinoceros of the Glaciers, although she can potentially nullify the marital contract if she is victorious in battle against him, consequentially seeking training in the art of swordsmanship. Another element potentially helpful to Rilla in her quest to weasel her way out of marriage to King Rhinoceros is the revelation of the location by Rumpelstiltskin of the monarch’s disembodied heart, and she seeks other allies in the forthcoming conflict as well, with the fated battle ending the book.
All in all, while I felt that this series was in a bit of a decline after reading the third book, the revelations about Rilla’s lineage definitely refresh the literary franchise, and the battles contain good action and description, with the fourth entry like its precursors scarcely being shy about its fairytale inspirations. There is a slight bit of confusion at times, for instance, regarding some elements such as one of the characters being turned into a cheek-rat, but I would definitely recommend this entry to those who enjoyed its predecessors, and the series still holds interest for me.
June 8, 2020
I just love this series. This is book 4 of the Seven Kingdoms Series. In this book, Rilla rescues the captured witches, as promised in the previous book. She travels to Steppe, the country where she is originally from. She wants to know more of her heritage. In Steppe, she meets her mother and grandfather, who are the Queen and her Regent and also one-eyed ogres. The Queen has been poisoned and is slowly dying. The queen tells Rilla that her father is a Prince and a fairy who she forced to mate with her to create a super magical baby. She also tells her that she consumed many of her previous babies before Cendrilla was born, as this is the trolls way of life. Her birth name was Gullinbursti.
She finds out that she has been betrothed to King Rhinocerous, a disgusting ogre who tries to force himself on her many times. There is a surprising twist to the ending of that.
Truths are revealed, both good and bad. We find out the real intentions of Bluebeard. Rilla has to learn how to use and embrace her still-developing powers while so many questions are floating in her mind. This has been the best book of the series so far. The author did a fantastic job of intertwining different fairy tales together. We meet trolls, imps, ogres, fairies, magical beings, the Frog Prince, Rapunzel, Pinnochio, Jack and the BeanStalk, Rumpelstiltskin, Lord Bluebeard, Cinderellas step-sisters, the Snow Queen, and many more.
I love how Rilla has grown as a character. She has gone from maid to warrior to leader. She is fierce, yet compassionate. With the passing of her mother, Rilla is now the Queen of the ogres. I'm curious how that is going to go as I read the next book, The Usurper.
Highly recommend.
She finds out that she has been betrothed to King Rhinocerous, a disgusting ogre who tries to force himself on her many times. There is a surprising twist to the ending of that.
Truths are revealed, both good and bad. We find out the real intentions of Bluebeard. Rilla has to learn how to use and embrace her still-developing powers while so many questions are floating in her mind. This has been the best book of the series so far. The author did a fantastic job of intertwining different fairy tales together. We meet trolls, imps, ogres, fairies, magical beings, the Frog Prince, Rapunzel, Pinnochio, Jack and the BeanStalk, Rumpelstiltskin, Lord Bluebeard, Cinderellas step-sisters, the Snow Queen, and many more.
I love how Rilla has grown as a character. She has gone from maid to warrior to leader. She is fierce, yet compassionate. With the passing of her mother, Rilla is now the Queen of the ogres. I'm curious how that is going to go as I read the next book, The Usurper.
Highly recommend.
March 30, 2018
Entering the world of magical creatures does not put an end to her problems. They are only beginning...
Cendrilla now enters Steppe, the country of her origins, after finishing her mission to save the abducted witches. Leaving them go home in the Seven Kingdoms is out of question due to their magical abilities. Rilla too is not safe there anymore, and her desire to discover her origins is still growing. However, learning the truth is a big surprise, and more surprises are coming her way...
Amazingly full of twists and surprising revelations, this book finally provides answers to some of the most substantial questions covering Cendrilla's life. But let's be honest, truth can be cruel and unwelcome, and whatever Cendrilla expected was definitely not what she learned. Now, different questions are roaming her mind, and she must find a way out of the mess her life is becoming. Not to mention the struggle with her own magic.
I absolutely love how far she got since we first met her. She has grown up into a fierce woman and fearless warrior, compassionate and just yet not backing whrn facing a violent threat. I absolutely love her character and would love to continue her journey.
The most adventurous, dramatic, and suspenseful book in the series so far, full of turbulent emotions and fantastic world building. I am so looking forward to the next installment.
Cendrilla now enters Steppe, the country of her origins, after finishing her mission to save the abducted witches. Leaving them go home in the Seven Kingdoms is out of question due to their magical abilities. Rilla too is not safe there anymore, and her desire to discover her origins is still growing. However, learning the truth is a big surprise, and more surprises are coming her way...
Amazingly full of twists and surprising revelations, this book finally provides answers to some of the most substantial questions covering Cendrilla's life. But let's be honest, truth can be cruel and unwelcome, and whatever Cendrilla expected was definitely not what she learned. Now, different questions are roaming her mind, and she must find a way out of the mess her life is becoming. Not to mention the struggle with her own magic.
I absolutely love how far she got since we first met her. She has grown up into a fierce woman and fearless warrior, compassionate and just yet not backing whrn facing a violent threat. I absolutely love her character and would love to continue her journey.
The most adventurous, dramatic, and suspenseful book in the series so far, full of turbulent emotions and fantastic world building. I am so looking forward to the next installment.
October 2, 2022
Cliffhanger ending, dragging storyline, and the main character growing more annoying by the second.
Rilla started out sweet and caring, now she is just selfish and annoying. I get that she's been through a lot, but she is so rude to everyone. I hate the whole "falling for Lord Bluebeard" situation. He is a bully and a brute. And don't get me started on Paloma. I really don't like her. In fact, I find myself disliking all the characters more and more. None of them seem to be growing, except Jacques. He is much better as a wolf, which is the point, but it's true. Everyone else is annoying.
Not to mention, there are still many grammar mistakes that bug me.
Anyway, the point is, that this series is going downhill fast.
For my clean readers: language-minor. Violence-fighting, battles, descriptive gore, attempted rape, and cannibalism. There is also a description of a whore house that is for selling babies to be raised to be raped, then eaten. Romance-kissing, but a lot of discussion of rape as forced mating, and several innuendos. Also, Rilla games at flesh way too much, then acts like a prude. She's a hippocrit for sure.
Rilla started out sweet and caring, now she is just selfish and annoying. I get that she's been through a lot, but she is so rude to everyone. I hate the whole "falling for Lord Bluebeard" situation. He is a bully and a brute. And don't get me started on Paloma. I really don't like her. In fact, I find myself disliking all the characters more and more. None of them seem to be growing, except Jacques. He is much better as a wolf, which is the point, but it's true. Everyone else is annoying.
Not to mention, there are still many grammar mistakes that bug me.
Anyway, the point is, that this series is going downhill fast.
For my clean readers: language-minor. Violence-fighting, battles, descriptive gore, attempted rape, and cannibalism. There is also a description of a whore house that is for selling babies to be raised to be raped, then eaten. Romance-kissing, but a lot of discussion of rape as forced mating, and several innuendos. Also, Rilla games at flesh way too much, then acts like a prude. She's a hippocrit for sure.
March 29, 2018
Our shy but not little Cendrilla is no more, now she is a really hero...! And something more...
This series has a great moral teaching: no matter what problem you're facing, family abandonment, bullying even sexual harassment or abuse, a person with a strong character can overcome all these situations. And all those social problems are not unknown to our protagonist. I think that with this series, the author tries to empower her readers to overcome the ups and downs of life, all in a very entertaining way. And that is exactly the goal of fairy tales!
I want to thanks Ms. Castel for giving me the opportunity to be part of her group of readers, sending me an Advanced Reader Copy of this great book, The Bethrothal, the fourth and so long, one of the best in The Seven Kingdoms Series!
Armin or Bluebeard? I already made my choice, but what would Rilla's be?
This series has a great moral teaching: no matter what problem you're facing, family abandonment, bullying even sexual harassment or abuse, a person with a strong character can overcome all these situations. And all those social problems are not unknown to our protagonist. I think that with this series, the author tries to empower her readers to overcome the ups and downs of life, all in a very entertaining way. And that is exactly the goal of fairy tales!
I want to thanks Ms. Castel for giving me the opportunity to be part of her group of readers, sending me an Advanced Reader Copy of this great book, The Bethrothal, the fourth and so long, one of the best in The Seven Kingdoms Series!
Armin or Bluebeard? I already made my choice, but what would Rilla's be?
March 30, 2018
Just when you think the series can't get anymore complicated or action-packed, Cordelia Castel finds a way! In book 4 of The Seven Kingdoms, Cendrilla finally learns her true heritage and finds herself betrothed to yet another person while still trying to sort out what to make of Bluebeard and whether she loves him or Prince Armin. Earlier enemies turn out to be friends, early friends turn out to be false, and Cendrilla finds her list of problems growing ever larger. However, I should mention that there are some graphic elements to the story that may be disturbing for some although the author does stop them from going too far.
March 31, 2018
Once again picking up quickly after where the previous book ended, The Betrothal (finally!) gives us some answers to the questions that have been circling since book 1 -- who is Cendrilla, and what is Lord Bluebeard's true goal (aside from the "seven sons")? And will Rilla finally make a choice between Armin and Bluebeard?
The fairy tales keep getting more intertwined and introduced. After a bit of a slow down in book 3, the pace picked back up (at least for me) here in book 4. This has been a great series so far, hope to see more of it in the future!
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
The fairy tales keep getting more intertwined and introduced. After a bit of a slow down in book 3, the pace picked back up (at least for me) here in book 4. This has been a great series so far, hope to see more of it in the future!
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
June 19, 2018
The Betrothal (The Seven Kingdoms #4)
by Cordelia Castel Rilla has made her way home to Steppe. Finding her mother and grandfather. But as always Rilla has nothing easy with her life..... EVER! Now she has to deal with King Rhinoceros! Her grandfather put her in a boon to be wed to this king. Adventure, excitement, betrayal always for poor Rilla. This book as always is amazing! The ending .... you have to read the book. I could not even take time to smoke a cigarette. That awesome! Cordelia never fails. Bye for now!
by Cordelia Castel Rilla has made her way home to Steppe. Finding her mother and grandfather. But as always Rilla has nothing easy with her life..... EVER! Now she has to deal with King Rhinoceros! Her grandfather put her in a boon to be wed to this king. Adventure, excitement, betrayal always for poor Rilla. This book as always is amazing! The ending .... you have to read the book. I could not even take time to smoke a cigarette. That awesome! Cordelia never fails. Bye for now!
March 28, 2018
This book was provided to me free of charge. My review is given voluntarily.
This series just does not let up. In book 4, the author does a good job of starting to flesh out some of the side characters, and it adds tremendously to the book's appeal. What I really appreciate, is that Rilla's origins are revealed, but there is still a sense of mystery about what she is. And, while I never thought it could happen, I find myself firmly ensconced in Team Blackbeard. I can't wait for book 5.
This series just does not let up. In book 4, the author does a good job of starting to flesh out some of the side characters, and it adds tremendously to the book's appeal. What I really appreciate, is that Rilla's origins are revealed, but there is still a sense of mystery about what she is. And, while I never thought it could happen, I find myself firmly ensconced in Team Blackbeard. I can't wait for book 5.
April 28, 2018
WOW! This series just keeps getting better and better. We have learned so much about Rilla and her life. It is just amazing how well it is written and well the story is progressing. I love Paloma and her spunky attitude. She is strong and fierce bu, also amazingly loyal. Cordelia Castel is fantastic and has brought this fantastic twist on on the fairytales we grew up with. This will not disappoint and is definitely worth reading.
September 17, 2018
Coming into her own power.....
The series continues with our heroine having freed the witches from the Trolls. Now she is in Steppe to meet her mother who is Queen of the Ogres. Finding out that her father was Prince Evander, a High Fairy, she has both ogre and fairy magic. Rilla finds that she is to marry another who she doesn't want to marry and to fight the Snow Queen can she save Steppe, Seven Kingdoms and their people from the Snow Queen?
Jo-Ann Doyle
The series continues with our heroine having freed the witches from the Trolls. Now she is in Steppe to meet her mother who is Queen of the Ogres. Finding out that her father was Prince Evander, a High Fairy, she has both ogre and fairy magic. Rilla finds that she is to marry another who she doesn't want to marry and to fight the Snow Queen can she save Steppe, Seven Kingdoms and their people from the Snow Queen?
Jo-Ann Doyle
October 27, 2020
Castel's story telling shows vast improvement in this fourth book
This is the first book of the seven kingdom series that rises above trite plays on the grimm brothers fairy tales and shows the epic adventure telling of Castel's dragon mage series. I would have given it five stars except for the multiple rape and sex references. Fortunately they are lacking in the dragon mage series.
This is the first book of the seven kingdom series that rises above trite plays on the grimm brothers fairy tales and shows the epic adventure telling of Castel's dragon mage series. I would have given it five stars except for the multiple rape and sex references. Fortunately they are lacking in the dragon mage series.
January 30, 2024
Just... same review as The Seven Kingdoms #1
But I am upping my rating for all the books to 2. I did have to acknowledge that Castel doesn't gloss over the ugliness of people and that physically ugly people can be the most beautiful. Full of tropes still? Yes. Still an an unending oh gods please just stop for more than a day? Yes. Am I picking up speed to near skimming and not missing literally anything? Also yes.
But I am upping my rating for all the books to 2. I did have to acknowledge that Castel doesn't gloss over the ugliness of people and that physically ugly people can be the most beautiful. Full of tropes still? Yes. Still an an unending oh gods please just stop for more than a day? Yes. Am I picking up speed to near skimming and not missing literally anything? Also yes.
April 20, 2018
Nail biter
Another one you can't put down. Each page is just another excitement filled excursion. You lose time with this book. You can't put it down, you don't want to put it down.. You want to see what happens next. You need to find out what happens next. You are hooked... That is all I can say...
Another one you can't put down. Each page is just another excitement filled excursion. You lose time with this book. You can't put it down, you don't want to put it down.. You want to see what happens next. You need to find out what happens next. You are hooked... That is all I can say...
June 29, 2021
This entry in the series delivered on several questions about Drilla past.you learn some very interesting things about her heritage and also about the power she posses and why she is so unique.filled with exciting characters and many twist and turns im really enjoying this series even more then I thought I would.
March 27, 2018
Good
I liked this book better than the last. It is interesting with all the different fairytale stuff woven in, but at the same time it’s like almost everything has to go wrong all the time. There is lots going on, though and I do love the characters.
I liked this book better than the last. It is interesting with all the different fairytale stuff woven in, but at the same time it’s like almost everything has to go wrong all the time. There is lots going on, though and I do love the characters.
May 12, 2018
Holy smokes! That was an intense book! I love how agile Cendrilla’s mind is and how she surrounds herself with people who are loyal and helpful even though she doesn’t realize that is what she is doing. I truly am loving this series!
October 6, 2018
Omg, another page turner.
The ups and downs that our Heroin has to endure are SSO fantastical and tragic but so entertaining. I hope you love this book as !much as I did! Phenomenal story, on to he next!!!
The ups and downs that our Heroin has to endure are SSO fantastical and tragic but so entertaining. I hope you love this book as !much as I did! Phenomenal story, on to he next!!!
September 19, 2021
In this part of Rilla's story she finds out more about her origins and why Lord Bluebeard wants her. There is a giant twist that kind of changes her entire world in this book and I can't wait to see what happens next.
April 5, 2018
Krista Jasper on March 26, 2018
Betrothal is the 4th book in The Seven Kingdom Series. This series captures your interest and keeps you pulled in for the entire story.. not just one book, but the entire series.
Cendrilla has grown extensively since we met her in the Magestaff. She was used as a servant by her step-monster, um “mother” and nasty step-sisters. Very Cinderella sounding right?
Cordelia Castel has taken fairy tales, well known and obscure, and twisted them into a creative tale with Cendrilla as the main character. As she travels within the Seven Kingdoms and beyond into the Known World, who and what she is seems more puzzling. However, the Betrothal answers many questions that readers have as we have travelled with Cendrilla meeting both friend and foe. Who are her parents? Is she human? Part human? What kind of magic does she possess? Will she choose Prince Armin or Lord Bluebeard? What happened to Jack? Jacques? Join Cendrilla in her journey as she visits Steppe. It’s a heck of an adventure.
Betrothal is the 4th book in The Seven Kingdom Series. This series captures your interest and keeps you pulled in for the entire story.. not just one book, but the entire series.
Cendrilla has grown extensively since we met her in the Magestaff. She was used as a servant by her step-monster, um “mother” and nasty step-sisters. Very Cinderella sounding right?
Cordelia Castel has taken fairy tales, well known and obscure, and twisted them into a creative tale with Cendrilla as the main character. As she travels within the Seven Kingdoms and beyond into the Known World, who and what she is seems more puzzling. However, the Betrothal answers many questions that readers have as we have travelled with Cendrilla meeting both friend and foe. Who are her parents? Is she human? Part human? What kind of magic does she possess? Will she choose Prince Armin or Lord Bluebeard? What happened to Jack? Jacques? Join Cendrilla in her journey as she visits Steppe. It’s a heck of an adventure.
April 4, 2018
WOW
This book is so far my favorite story in the series. I wonder how the author can top this one!
This book is so far my favorite story in the series. I wonder how the author can top this one!
April 12, 2018
I've read the fourth book I love this writer I'm on number five
I have 2 more after this .I hope she writes more.
I have 2 more after this .I hope she writes more.
May 12, 2018
Fairy tales stories
Continuation of story merging fairy tales into a new story. This is not as good as the last one, but does resolve many lingering questions.
Continuation of story merging fairy tales into a new story. This is not as good as the last one, but does resolve many lingering questions.
August 9, 2018
A good story. Cendrilla is creative. Slow going through a lot but the pace picks up toward the end. Which is another almost happily ever after.
January 15, 2022
Cindrella continues to surprise me what a warrior. So excited to be moving to book 4.
April 8, 2018
Expect the unexpected! Questions about Cendrilla's origins are finally answered, but they're not what you may have thought. This fourth installment of Cendrilla's adventures will keep you rooted to your seat and your eyes focused on the pages. Another well written story by Cordelia Castel, full of intrigue, adventure and romance.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews