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Romance a Medieval Fairytale #13
Spin: Rumpelstiltskin Retold
A miller's daughter. A cursed knight. The power of a name.
Once upon a time...
Molina has one desire: to see her inventions spread throughout the kingdom. When Prince Lubos offers to take her to the capital as his bride, she jumps at the chance.
But impressing the king may take more than a simple spinning wheel. To marry Prince Lubos, she will need to work a miracle.
Molina enters into a desperate bargain with a mysterious man who turns all he touches into gold. A man with a tragic tale of his own, all tied up in his family name.
The future hangs in the balance, but will either of them live to see it?
Romance a Medieval Fairytale series:
Each book is a standalone, so they can be read in any order:
(#1) Enchant: Beauty and the Beast Retold
(#2) Dance: Cinderella Retold
(#3) Fly: Goose Girl Retold
(#4) Revel: Twelve Dancing Princesses Retold
(#5) Silence: Little Mermaid Retold
(#6) Awaken: Sleeping Beauty Retold
(#7) Embellish: Brave Little Tailor Retold
(#8) Appease: Princess and the Pea Retold
(#9) Blow: Three Little Pigs Retold
(#10) Return: Hansel and Gretel Retold
(#11) Wish: Aladdin Retold
(#12) Melt: Snow Queen Retold
(#13) Spin: Rumpelstiltskin Retold
(#14) Kiss: Frog Prince Retold
(#15) Hunt: Red Riding Hood Retold
(#16) Reflect: Snow White Retold
(#17) Roar: Goldilocks Retold
Once upon a time...
Molina has one desire: to see her inventions spread throughout the kingdom. When Prince Lubos offers to take her to the capital as his bride, she jumps at the chance.
But impressing the king may take more than a simple spinning wheel. To marry Prince Lubos, she will need to work a miracle.
Molina enters into a desperate bargain with a mysterious man who turns all he touches into gold. A man with a tragic tale of his own, all tied up in his family name.
The future hangs in the balance, but will either of them live to see it?
Romance a Medieval Fairytale series:
Each book is a standalone, so they can be read in any order:
(#1) Enchant: Beauty and the Beast Retold
(#2) Dance: Cinderella Retold
(#3) Fly: Goose Girl Retold
(#4) Revel: Twelve Dancing Princesses Retold
(#5) Silence: Little Mermaid Retold
(#6) Awaken: Sleeping Beauty Retold
(#7) Embellish: Brave Little Tailor Retold
(#8) Appease: Princess and the Pea Retold
(#9) Blow: Three Little Pigs Retold
(#10) Return: Hansel and Gretel Retold
(#11) Wish: Aladdin Retold
(#12) Melt: Snow Queen Retold
(#13) Spin: Rumpelstiltskin Retold
(#14) Kiss: Frog Prince Retold
(#15) Hunt: Red Riding Hood Retold
(#16) Reflect: Snow White Retold
(#17) Roar: Goldilocks Retold
272 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2018
19 people are currently reading
524 people want to read
About the author
Demelza Carlton
934 books3,879 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author Demelza Carlton has always loved the ocean, but on her first snorkelling trip she found she was afraid of fish.
She has since swum with sea lions, sharks and sea cucumbers and stood on spray-drenched cliffs over a seething sea as a seven-metre cyclonic swell surged in, shattering a shipwreck below.
Sensationalist spin? No - Demelza tends to take a camera with her so she can capture and share the moment later; shipwrecks, sharks and all.
Demelza now lives in Perth, Western Australia, the shark attack capital of the world.
The Ocean's Gift series was her first foray into fiction, followed by the Nightmares trilogy. She swears the Mel Goes to Hell series ambushed her on a crowded train and wouldn't leave her alone.
She has since swum with sea lions, sharks and sea cucumbers and stood on spray-drenched cliffs over a seething sea as a seven-metre cyclonic swell surged in, shattering a shipwreck below.
Sensationalist spin? No - Demelza tends to take a camera with her so she can capture and share the moment later; shipwrecks, sharks and all.
Demelza now lives in Perth, Western Australia, the shark attack capital of the world.
The Ocean's Gift series was her first foray into fiction, followed by the Nightmares trilogy. She swears the Mel Goes to Hell series ambushed her on a crowded train and wouldn't leave her alone.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
May 6, 2018
Hmmm... how interesting
I feel like this book ended not too happily, I think that's the first in this series, which it doesn't end as happily as the others
Molina is the Miller's daughter, her mother was a weaver who could weave like no other women in town, and who had an inventive mind.
And Molina now has those same skills, but she is way more inventive and eventually comes up of an idea to create a machine that will make weaving faster and easier.
And she wishes to show everyone her invention, no matter what the men would say about her
She just didn't know it would be the strange encounter with Prince Lubos that would give her that chance
Prince Lubos has been forced by his father to marry a woman who has a large dowry. But he goes against everything he was suppose to do when he meets Molina.
Together they go back to the palace but certain events unfold and a strange man enters Molina life and begs her to save him from a curse. A curse that has been passed from generation to generation, father to son, and when they come of age and get the curse, they only have one year to live
The curse? Everything they touch turns to gold, unless they wear special gloves
Sir Abraham von Rumpelstiltskin, believes his salvation is with Princess Molina, but their encounter creates many events and dangers for both them.
Can Molina save herself from her fretful fate, will she help Abraham. Will Lubos and Molina ever have their happy ending ?
It seems that this story has not ended, and I can see hints of a rapanzuel Retelling next? Who knows, but I honestly can't wait!
Received a copy from the author herself, for an honest review, thank you!
I feel like this book ended not too happily, I think that's the first in this series, which it doesn't end as happily as the others
Molina is the Miller's daughter, her mother was a weaver who could weave like no other women in town, and who had an inventive mind.
And Molina now has those same skills, but she is way more inventive and eventually comes up of an idea to create a machine that will make weaving faster and easier.
And she wishes to show everyone her invention, no matter what the men would say about her
She just didn't know it would be the strange encounter with Prince Lubos that would give her that chance
Prince Lubos has been forced by his father to marry a woman who has a large dowry. But he goes against everything he was suppose to do when he meets Molina.
Together they go back to the palace but certain events unfold and a strange man enters Molina life and begs her to save him from a curse. A curse that has been passed from generation to generation, father to son, and when they come of age and get the curse, they only have one year to live
The curse? Everything they touch turns to gold, unless they wear special gloves
Sir Abraham von Rumpelstiltskin, believes his salvation is with Princess Molina, but their encounter creates many events and dangers for both them.
Can Molina save herself from her fretful fate, will she help Abraham. Will Lubos and Molina ever have their happy ending ?
It seems that this story has not ended, and I can see hints of a rapanzuel Retelling next? Who knows, but I honestly can't wait!
Received a copy from the author herself, for an honest review, thank you!
November 30, 2018
This is Spin: Rumpelstilskin Retold written by Demelza Carlton. The books in this series are quite different from the original fairy tales. They are all captivating, in that you never quite know what will happen next. Spin ended quite abruptly and I am left wishing I knew what had happened afterwards.
March 1, 2024
This was an interesting retelling of "Rumpelstiltskin" and I enjoyed reading about Molina and how this series draws so many connections to other books within it. This book also sets things up really well for a retelling of "Rapunzel" that I hope will be added at some point in the future.
Series Character and Story Connections for Spin: Rumpelstiltskin Retold
The next tale in this series will be Kiss: Frog Prince Retold (Book #14)
Sir Chase's tale is in Hunt: Red Riding Hood Retold (Book #15)
The tale of Xylander, Lubos' half-brother is in Reflect: Snow White Retold (Book #16)
Weave: Rapunzel Retold (Book #25)
Series Character and Story Connections for Spin: Rumpelstiltskin Retold
The next tale in this series will be Kiss: Frog Prince Retold (Book #14)
Sir Chase's tale is in Hunt: Red Riding Hood Retold (Book #15)
The tale of Xylander, Lubos' half-brother is in Reflect: Snow White Retold (Book #16)
Weave: Rapunzel Retold (Book #25)
April 29, 2021
This is the first of the Retold fairytales I’ve read in this series by Demelza Carlton, and it was somewhat amusing, but mostly disappointing.
There’s no real character development between the menfolk and their ladies. One husband is away, questing to break a curse so fiercely that his brother-in-law thinks he doesn’t care for his wife at all. His need to save his son from the hereditary evil is commendable, but the writing doesn’t do the situation justice, and the internal dialogue does little to make him a sympathetic character. The other male protagonist is completely obsessed with his girl after seeing her naked once, and jerking off constantly over wanting her, because apparently, that’s an attractive quality in a future husband. I was actually surprised when he ended up being the love interest for Molina, because nothing about him as a person is desirable, other than his supposedly large manhood. The central relationship is based purely on lust, and all the complications of the curses and foibles are perpetuated because no one listens to anyone other than the witch. If these people would sit down for two seconds to have a real conversation that doesn’t involve shagging all day and all night in unlikely ways, they might solve their problems better.
Some of the twists were interesting, and I’m always fascinated to read retellings of well known fairytales, but this one lacked heart, depth, and character development, all of which are essential to a retelling, unless you intend on sticking to the straightforward, “moral of the story” gig. It also ended with no real closure or hope, which perhaps was purposeful so readers will want to pick up the next in the series, but to have such a dismal end for the central characters of this particular retelling is rather dissatisfying. A book should be able to stand on its own, regardless of how it intertwines with other tales.
There’s no real character development between the menfolk and their ladies. One husband is away, questing to break a curse so fiercely that his brother-in-law thinks he doesn’t care for his wife at all. His need to save his son from the hereditary evil is commendable, but the writing doesn’t do the situation justice, and the internal dialogue does little to make him a sympathetic character. The other male protagonist is completely obsessed with his girl after seeing her naked once, and jerking off constantly over wanting her, because apparently, that’s an attractive quality in a future husband. I was actually surprised when he ended up being the love interest for Molina, because nothing about him as a person is desirable, other than his supposedly large manhood. The central relationship is based purely on lust, and all the complications of the curses and foibles are perpetuated because no one listens to anyone other than the witch. If these people would sit down for two seconds to have a real conversation that doesn’t involve shagging all day and all night in unlikely ways, they might solve their problems better.
Some of the twists were interesting, and I’m always fascinated to read retellings of well known fairytales, but this one lacked heart, depth, and character development, all of which are essential to a retelling, unless you intend on sticking to the straightforward, “moral of the story” gig. It also ended with no real closure or hope, which perhaps was purposeful so readers will want to pick up the next in the series, but to have such a dismal end for the central characters of this particular retelling is rather dissatisfying. A book should be able to stand on its own, regardless of how it intertwines with other tales.
May 28, 2018
A good fairytale retelling is a thing of great pleasure and Demelza Carlton’s Romance a Medieval Fairytale series is chock full of great examples of this. Her Spin: Rumpelstiltskin Retold (Book 13 in the series) is no exception. This book is, quite simply, extremely imaginative and superbly written. Totally stand-alone as a story (though part of its universe), it had just what I wanted including a great plot (loosely based on the classic tale) that was wild and crazy but somehow worked. I frankly adore Molina, miller’s daughter and inventor, and the rest of the cast of characters here, from the nasty lord of her village to the cursed Abraham Rumpelstiltskin to Prince Lucía and his insane father, is just quite simply superb. But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review to my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises - the book definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book is most definitely one to read, it is easy to highly recommend. I’m definitely looking forward to book 14.
May 2, 2018
This retelling of the Rumplestiltskin fairytale is an excellent new story. With curses and blessings, love and hate, miracles and scientific and technological breakthroughs, this has all you could want in a great story and more. Well written, full of great characters (some of whom you see in other stories in the series) that drive the action which keeps you turning the pages until you reach the very end - you won't want to put this book down once you start! So if you like adult retellings of fairytales, this book (and the whole series!) is definitely for you, and anyone else who likes their stories with a sprinkling of romance and a happy ever after.
NB I received a complimentary copy of this book, but I always give an HONEST review based wholly on my own opinions
NB I received a complimentary copy of this book, but I always give an HONEST review based wholly on my own opinions
May 5, 2018
Spin: Rumpelstiltskin Retold is, like its predecessors in Mrs. Carlton's fairytale rewrite series, is a very different rendition of an age old story. You still have the bones: the millers daughter, the mad king, and the golden thread, but the flesh is very different indeed. I thoroughly enjoy Mrs. Carlton's writing because she does a good job of making her characters feel real or 'earthy' and this story is no exception. Molina was a strong and intelligent character that I enjoyed reading about. This was, however, what I would consider a very sad tale. Many people suffer in this book and it certainly leaves a sting, even at the end. A good tale, but I would be hard pressed to place it in the HEA category.
Received a free copy for a review.
Received a free copy for a review.
May 8, 2018
3.5 Stars
I enjoyed this novel, though I would say it’s been my least favorite of the series so far. There were a lot of intimate scenes that I don’t think needed to be included (in the other novels of the series, there are usually a couple of intimate scenes), but there just seemed to be an excessive amount in this story. The characters were interesting and the writing flowed well as always. As others have mentioned, this story didn’t end as happily as the rest of the series, but I do think there is more to the story, so hopefully we’ll see a happier ending in a future installment. I love how multiple fairytales are often woven together and look forward to seeing how the retelling of Rapunzel is further explored.
I enjoyed this novel, though I would say it’s been my least favorite of the series so far. There were a lot of intimate scenes that I don’t think needed to be included (in the other novels of the series, there are usually a couple of intimate scenes), but there just seemed to be an excessive amount in this story. The characters were interesting and the writing flowed well as always. As others have mentioned, this story didn’t end as happily as the rest of the series, but I do think there is more to the story, so hopefully we’ll see a happier ending in a future installment. I love how multiple fairytales are often woven together and look forward to seeing how the retelling of Rapunzel is further explored.
May 10, 2018
Rumple, with an interesting twist. The story is all here – miller, miller’s daughter, greedy king, spinning gold, and Rumplestiltskin. In this one the men in Rumplestiltskin’s family are cursed. One of his decendants enlists the miller’s daughter to help break the curse. He doesn’t want her firstborn, he wants her to help him save his. Has he found a way to end his family’s curse? Magic always has a price. Who will pay it, Rumplestiltskin, Molina, or both?
I enjoyed this version of the old tale. The ending is a little sad, but with a hint of more to come.
The book was a gift. The review all my own.
I enjoyed this version of the old tale. The ending is a little sad, but with a hint of more to come.
The book was a gift. The review all my own.
May 9, 2018
I love a good fairy tale and Ms. Carlton does a great job of "spinning" the tale of Rumpelstiltskin. The twists and turns will keep you on your toes and the storyline is unique enough to hold your interest. For me, the way each character is portrayed and developed makes this book. I was emotionally pulled in many different directions. In fact, the only thing I would have changed about the book was the ending. Not necessarily the way it ended, but because I was so emotionally invested I would have loved more closure. With that being said, if you love a good fairy tale this should be a must read on your list.
May 16, 2018
One of the best of this series. Molina is a thoroughly modern girl, more interested in her inventions and improvements than in catching her Prince Charming, although it's a fairy tale, so handsome princes kind of go with the territory as do mad kings, witches and curses.
This retelling of the Rumpelstiltskin story throws in some interesting twists and makes the title character much more interesting and sympathetic than the original tale.
All of the stories in this series are worth a read for their innovative interpretations of the old fairy tales most of us grew up with but I think this is one of my favourites.
This retelling of the Rumpelstiltskin story throws in some interesting twists and makes the title character much more interesting and sympathetic than the original tale.
All of the stories in this series are worth a read for their innovative interpretations of the old fairy tales most of us grew up with but I think this is one of my favourites.
May 19, 2018
This is an interesting retelling, and I'm not sure if it is not a spinoff for Rapunzel. I think the prince is really stupid to leave Molina to his mad father's dealings. And why do people steal from witches, nothing good ever comes of it. Didn't you see "Into the Woods"? Did Abraham break the spell? No the witch tricked him, so she could get the baby, Abraham believe her lies. Rules to survive fairy tales. 1. Never steal from a witch. 2. Never take advice from a witch, any advice she gives you is for her benefit only. 3. Never seek a witch at all, it will only get you cursed or worse. This is what I took away from this story.
May 1, 2018
I received this Advanced Reader Copy for my honest opinion. He was the Crowned Prince sent with the tithe collectors to gather information and find who was holding back tithes to the kingdom. She was the daughter of a prosperous miller who's wife had implemented spinning wheels. Demelza Carlton has taken a fairytale classic and spun it into medieval times with magic and romance. This was a quick read that I thoroughly enjoyed.
May 2, 2018
Great take on a classic fairy tale. Prince Lubos meets and falls in love with Molina while out collecting taxes for the King. He brings her back to the Capital to show the King her ideas for making thread. She is visited by a mysterious man who turns everything into gold.. He was told by a witch that he needs to save her to break the curse. . Ms. Carlton turns a fairy tale into midevil times with romance and suspense. I thoroughly enjoyed this story.
I received a ARC of this story.
I received a ARC of this story.
May 4, 2018
This is a excellent, intriguing adult retelling of the fairy-tale "Rumpelstiltskin" This book has a fantastic story-line which grabs your attention and keeps it. The characters are well developed and interesting. There is enough drama, intrigue, suspense, twists & turns, action, curses, revenge, passion, love and sexual tension to keep the reader's interest. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and really would recommend it.
May 5, 2018
This is another great retelling of a classic fairytale by Demelza Carlton. The basic story is still there but the story gives more background and shows Rumpelstiltslin in a more favourable light. He isn't really evil he is just trying to save his son from a curse that was placed on his family generations before. The storyline grabs your attention and keeps you enthralled with curses, misunderstandings, love and madness all mixed into the plot.
May 16, 2018
This book is a retelling of Rumpelstiltskin, with an unexpected storyline that will keep you wondering, even at the end. It involves passion, romance, fantasy, drama, action and suspense and not necessarily a complete happy ever after. It is beautifully written, as all of Demelza Carlton's work is. I'm thinking there's another book to follow on from this one.... I wonder what it will be?
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 18, 2018
Overall rating: 4.5 (advance copy)
I found this retelling of this fairytale very entertaining. It is very impressive how subtle hints of future books are entangled into this storyline. It makes a reader curious as to what is to come. This book is filled with great characters and of course, great ingenuity! Not the first fairytale retold I have read, yet I found this just as worthy as the first. This review has been voluntarily written.
I found this retelling of this fairytale very entertaining. It is very impressive how subtle hints of future books are entangled into this storyline. It makes a reader curious as to what is to come. This book is filled with great characters and of course, great ingenuity! Not the first fairytale retold I have read, yet I found this just as worthy as the first. This review has been voluntarily written.
October 26, 2018
This is a fabulous retelling of Rumpelstiltskin. The original is twisted in to the new plot but in a much different way. The Millers daughter, Molina has aims to improve the water wheel and dreams to bring it to the King's attention. She also wants to create a spinning wheel. The characters are well written no matter if they're good guys or bad guys. There's love and strife, interesting twists in the plot and an overall great story. I loved it and want more.
May 5, 2018
Tragic Tale. Molina is enslaved by a king of her worst nightmare. Comparable to Prince John and the Sheriff of Nottingham combined. A King that puts himself before the welfare of his people. A King that driven by greed. Well worth reading.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and voluntarily posted an honest review.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and voluntarily posted an honest review.
May 7, 2018
This was a clever, well-written retelling of the Rumpelstiltskin fairy tale. Molina has a creative mind and wants support to bring her inventions to reality. Prince Lubos meets Molina and asks her to marry him and meet the king. Things take a turn for the worse and a mysterious man asks Molina for help. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books by this author.
May 7, 2018
Spin: Rumpelstiltskin Retold (Romance a Medieval Fairytale, #13) takes a unparalleled rendition of a age old classic tale & spuns it into a medieval times mysterious tale with magic & romance. A clever tragic tale that lacks the HEA that gives it a more authentic touch. A well crafted fairytale that is the perfect addition to the series.
May 20, 2018
I received a free book and voluntarily chose to review it. If you are looking for Rumpelstiltskin, the original, you won’t find it here. The author took bits and pieces of the story and added her imagination to make an excellent new story. This book doesn’t allow you to blink or you will miss parts of this story. Loved it.
May 22, 2018
Rumpelstiltskin is a rather sad tale overall. Witch Kun is rather deceitful and her curses very unfair. I hope she eventually get her just deserves. Molina and Lubos are a sweet couple and find a way to love through adversity. it will be interesting to see what the future holds for their daughter, Isaak and Chase. I volunteered to read this book.
May 8, 2018
I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. This is a different retelling of Rumpelstlitskin, showing a softer side. Makes you feel sorry for him. Lots going on in this story. Not for under 18, lots of steamy sex. An interesting version that makes you want more.
May 14, 2018
A wonderful book of a fairytale retold.
It has romance and magic and medieval times.
I really enjoyed this book and couldnt put it down.
I highly recommend this book to read.
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book."
It has romance and magic and medieval times.
I really enjoyed this book and couldnt put it down.
I highly recommend this book to read.
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book."
May 28, 2018
This story is definitely different from The others - darker, more twisted. So That will come from this unlikely situation: miller's daughter, Prince of The kingdom and cursed nobelman?
Intriguing read That kept me engaged, but not The best one of them
Intriguing read That kept me engaged, but not The best one of them
June 3, 2018
Overall a decent story that many will enjoy. Personally not my favorite which is reserved for her Dance story. I’ve never really enjoyed the story it was a spin off from. However, given what story it is based off this is an interesting take on a retelling.
July 23, 2018
Fairy tale retelling
The witch wants Rappunzel but so does Rumpelstiltskin, who will win? This is a cute story about true love, angry witches, and making the best of your circumstances.
The witch wants Rappunzel but so does Rumpelstiltskin, who will win? This is a cute story about true love, angry witches, and making the best of your circumstances.
March 23, 2023
I liked this book. I have not seen too many retellings of Rumplestiltskin. I look for those stories that are less common than say Snow White or Cinderella. I was a bit disappointed at the ending. Only because I do like HEA.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews