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The Grimm Files #1
It's a Charmed Life
Welcome to a world of fantasy, fairy tales, and murder most foul…My name's Elle. Princess Arielle, for those who know my history. Cursed by my own father and banished to Grimm, I'm a siren, a killer, and one of the best damned cold-case detectives in the hundred realms. I don't stop until I uncover the truth, no matter where that truth leads.After discovering a bloodstained ribbon and a poison-tipped cat’s claw at a cold-case crime scene at the Charmings’s castle, I’m sent to Wonderland to investigate. Wonderland is a harrowing place full of madness and dark secrets. I'd rather be landlocked than step foot on that twisted soil, but I don't have a choice. My insatiable thirst for truth reveals a conspiracy that will not only rock the Grimm world but also my own.No one ever walks away from Wonderland unscathed… no one.Join me for a spellbinding tale you aren't soon to forget.
229 pages, Paperback
First published April 30, 2018
1192 people are currently reading
1095 people want to read
About the author
Selene Charles
23 books280 followersSelene Charles is the pen name of a NY Times and USA Today bestselling author.
She is an avid penguin sweater knitter. She believes that unicorns really do exist and that skittles aren't really candy at all. She enjoys skydiving in the arctic, chatting with her polar bear friends around a warm campfire while sipping on warm cocoa, and she used to work in a travelling carnival which is where she got all these crazy ideas from. Only two of these statements are actually true.
If you'd like to know more about her or her works feel free to write her at selenecharleswrites@gmail.com
She is an avid penguin sweater knitter. She believes that unicorns really do exist and that skittles aren't really candy at all. She enjoys skydiving in the arctic, chatting with her polar bear friends around a warm campfire while sipping on warm cocoa, and she used to work in a travelling carnival which is where she got all these crazy ideas from. Only two of these statements are actually true.
If you'd like to know more about her or her works feel free to write her at selenecharleswrites@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews
December 2, 2019
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
3.5 Stars
I fell in love with the show Once Upon a Time when it first came out in 2011 and followed it religiously for about three seasons before falling off. It’s a Charmed Life reminded me a little of that show, just in the set up, not really in the delivery. This book takes characters we know from various fairy tales and gives them a new life and new story.
The main character is Arielle (Elle); she isn’t quite the little Mermaid but a Siren cast out of her realm by her father, landlocked and trying to make up for some of the sins of her past. Elle works cold cases. She is pretty good at clearing up old files and has been tasked with figuring out the ‘Charming Murders’. There is at least a clue, a ribbon that belongs to Alice and a poisonous claw which also comes from somewhere in Wonderland. Elle is off to the realm of the Cheshire Cat if she wants to figure this out. She has three days to find some connections with her guide Maddox the Mad Hatter himself.
This is an interesting world. I liked the different realms being from various stories in the Grimverse and that traveling to them is like going through a portal of sorts. Wonderland was a twisted version of the land I knew from childhood. A place where Alice runs a dominatrix club, the Mad Hatter is a sheriff, the caterpillar a soul drinking broker of deals and the Cheshire Cat, well actually he was somewhat the same. It is an interesting place filled with familiar, yet not characters.
Elle is an interesting creature as a siren. She used to call men to their deaths and eat them. Sometimes the call of the Siren is strong and she can’t help but want to fall back into her old ways. Her interactions with the Hatter shift from cold and detached, to steamy to artic again. There is an underlying tension between them that gets a lot of page time. I like them teamed up to solve murders; they seem to compliment each other. I’m not sure I’m on board with the romance, but only because it was so on and off and I just wanted Elle to make a choice and go for it.
The mystery is interesting and I liked the aspect where they worked the case and tried to figure out what is going on. There seems to be a lot of backstory from both Elle and the Hatter to explore. Especially how Hook, of all characters, saved Elle and made her want to be a better woman and not just a man eater. I did like the Hatter a lot; he has this tortured and broken feel about him that is like catnip to me.
Overall there is a lot of trying to build sexual tension in this story, a decent plot and an okay mystery. I had a good time reading/listening to the story, but I think that you need to have a big love of fairy tales to really enjoy most of it.
Narration:
This is the first time I’ve listened to Chelsea Stephens. She is a decent narrator for It’s a Charmed Life. She did Elle’s PoV very well and I did okay with most of the character transitions. The first few jumps into another person’s PoV were a little confusing I didn’t catch the first one but after that I could pick them out.
Listen to a clip: HERE
Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
3.5 Stars
I fell in love with the show Once Upon a Time when it first came out in 2011 and followed it religiously for about three seasons before falling off. It’s a Charmed Life reminded me a little of that show, just in the set up, not really in the delivery. This book takes characters we know from various fairy tales and gives them a new life and new story.
The main character is Arielle (Elle); she isn’t quite the little Mermaid but a Siren cast out of her realm by her father, landlocked and trying to make up for some of the sins of her past. Elle works cold cases. She is pretty good at clearing up old files and has been tasked with figuring out the ‘Charming Murders’. There is at least a clue, a ribbon that belongs to Alice and a poisonous claw which also comes from somewhere in Wonderland. Elle is off to the realm of the Cheshire Cat if she wants to figure this out. She has three days to find some connections with her guide Maddox the Mad Hatter himself.
This is an interesting world. I liked the different realms being from various stories in the Grimverse and that traveling to them is like going through a portal of sorts. Wonderland was a twisted version of the land I knew from childhood. A place where Alice runs a dominatrix club, the Mad Hatter is a sheriff, the caterpillar a soul drinking broker of deals and the Cheshire Cat, well actually he was somewhat the same. It is an interesting place filled with familiar, yet not characters.
Elle is an interesting creature as a siren. She used to call men to their deaths and eat them. Sometimes the call of the Siren is strong and she can’t help but want to fall back into her old ways. Her interactions with the Hatter shift from cold and detached, to steamy to artic again. There is an underlying tension between them that gets a lot of page time. I like them teamed up to solve murders; they seem to compliment each other. I’m not sure I’m on board with the romance, but only because it was so on and off and I just wanted Elle to make a choice and go for it.
The mystery is interesting and I liked the aspect where they worked the case and tried to figure out what is going on. There seems to be a lot of backstory from both Elle and the Hatter to explore. Especially how Hook, of all characters, saved Elle and made her want to be a better woman and not just a man eater. I did like the Hatter a lot; he has this tortured and broken feel about him that is like catnip to me.
Overall there is a lot of trying to build sexual tension in this story, a decent plot and an okay mystery. I had a good time reading/listening to the story, but I think that you need to have a big love of fairy tales to really enjoy most of it.
Narration:
This is the first time I’ve listened to Chelsea Stephens. She is a decent narrator for It’s a Charmed Life. She did Elle’s PoV very well and I did okay with most of the character transitions. The first few jumps into another person’s PoV were a little confusing I didn’t catch the first one but after that I could pick them out.
Listen to a clip: HERE
September 9, 2018
I thought this was such an interesting take on a siren named Arielle, aka Elle. After Elle was banished to Grimm by her father, she works as a cold case detective. When one case sends her to Wonderland chasing down leads she ends up turning to the Mad Hatter, aka Maddox to help her find her way around Wonderland. It was dark and twisted all of the classic stories we know, and I loved that. But I could have done without all of the emotional angst. I understand that's part of the story but they were wallowing in their feelings so much for one another, it really took away from the story being told about the cold case. That's just me, I would have liked to have read more about their case being solved and their relationship growing and character development. Instead, it kind of felt like every other scene was someone having some kind of emotional outburst. My sister calls that "being all up in your feelings".
May 27, 2018
I really wanted to enjoy this book, but, I found the constant focus on Elle and Maddox's sexual tensions to become increasingly annoying. Yes I knew it was a romance story, but I felt that too much time was spent on that rather than the murder part which was very interesting. And just for once can't we have a female lead who doesn't hate herself.
November 13, 2019
Elle, better known as Princess Arielle has been cursed and banned from Grimm by her own father, Elle is a siren who works as a cold case detective for the realms. Some say she is one of the best.
Her newest case takes her to the Charming estate where she discovers Alice’s ribbon and bandicoot’s claw covered in blood beside two victims. This discovery will force her to travel to Wonderland.
Wonderland is twisted, and with only a three day water supply she will need a guide. The local law officer is none other than the Mad Hatter, aka Maddox.
The tale that unfolds has us traipsing through Wonderland, sorting out clues and watching Elle deal with romantic feelings towards Maddox. An emotion she hasn’t felt since the love of her life, Hook. But that was before. Before he died, before the banishment. Elle doesn’t deserve a second chance at happy or so she thinks.
The author does a great job with Wonderland, the case and the characters. Elle is still a bit of a mystery. We learn bits and pieces about her life before she was banned from Grimm, and of Hook. She also hints at some of the darker sides of realms, the cases and the crimes.
Chelsea Stephens did a great job of capturing the quirks of the characters in Wonderland and realms. I thought her voice for Elle and Maddox quite good.
The case wrapped up and then we were thrown some twists that have rather curious to listen to the next audiobook. This was a fun start to the Grimm Chronicles. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
Her newest case takes her to the Charming estate where she discovers Alice’s ribbon and bandicoot’s claw covered in blood beside two victims. This discovery will force her to travel to Wonderland.
Wonderland is twisted, and with only a three day water supply she will need a guide. The local law officer is none other than the Mad Hatter, aka Maddox.
The tale that unfolds has us traipsing through Wonderland, sorting out clues and watching Elle deal with romantic feelings towards Maddox. An emotion she hasn’t felt since the love of her life, Hook. But that was before. Before he died, before the banishment. Elle doesn’t deserve a second chance at happy or so she thinks.
The author does a great job with Wonderland, the case and the characters. Elle is still a bit of a mystery. We learn bits and pieces about her life before she was banned from Grimm, and of Hook. She also hints at some of the darker sides of realms, the cases and the crimes.
Chelsea Stephens did a great job of capturing the quirks of the characters in Wonderland and realms. I thought her voice for Elle and Maddox quite good.
The case wrapped up and then we were thrown some twists that have rather curious to listen to the next audiobook. This was a fun start to the Grimm Chronicles. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
May 21, 2018
Grimm Files
It was crazy, it was emotional and it was entertaining. I absolutely loved this. Taking fairy tales and twisting things into a new and exciting world is genius! The characters were awesome lol I really enjoyed their stories and definitely can’t wait to discover more!
It was crazy, it was emotional and it was entertaining. I absolutely loved this. Taking fairy tales and twisting things into a new and exciting world is genius! The characters were awesome lol I really enjoyed their stories and definitely can’t wait to discover more!
May 14, 2025
I'm sure this was intended to be charming, pun intended, but I found it tiresome. DNF at 45%
January 18, 2020
Arielle, now known as Elle has been banished from her kingdom and now works cold cases for all of Grimm. Be aware this is very hard-boiled. None of the characters has pretty background and the world is very gritty.
What I enjoyed:
* The premise is intriguing, with each area of Grimm being mostly self-contained and few can travel between them.
* Wonderland was even odder than the original story. Hatter is the policeman in charge and Elle's guide. There is a lot of story and pain there.
* Elle's backstory mostly comes out through the book, but I would like a bit more. She is a siren and a former killer in this story.
* I was ready to call this book ok and one and done, but the epilogue pulled me in for the next one.
What could have been better:
* The "romance" felt forced. It pushed and shoved its way in where it wasn't needed
* The villain
What I enjoyed:
* The premise is intriguing, with each area of Grimm being mostly self-contained and few can travel between them.
* Wonderland was even odder than the original story. Hatter is the policeman in charge and Elle's guide. There is a lot of story and pain there.
* Elle's backstory mostly comes out through the book, but I would like a bit more. She is a siren and a former killer in this story.
* I was ready to call this book ok and one and done, but the epilogue pulled me in for the next one.
What could have been better:
* The "romance" felt forced. It pushed and shoved its way in where it wasn't needed
* The villain
November 19, 2020
A strong 3.5
Elle is a siren who works in the Grimm police department solving cold cases. Her latest case is a double homicide in the realm of Snow White and Prince Charming. The strongest clue leads her to Wonderland. In order to travel that realm, Elle needs the Mad Hatter, Maddox.
The best part of the book was Elle and Maddox working the case. I also enjoyed exploring Wonderland and meeting familiar characters through the lens of Elle's investigation.
I also like Maddox. And Elle. Both of them are deeply broken people with painful events in their pasts. Neither is interested in a romance, but their attraction is intense.
That was the biggest flaw in the book. Their attraction never let up. Every page seemed to mention how much they wanted each other, how sexy, how fascinating, blah, blah, blah. The angst was heavy-duty, and I got tired of the wallowing.
With that said, the story kept my attention all the way through, which isn't easy nowadays. I did want to see Maddox and Elle forge some kind of relationship, I just wish the author had used a lighter touch.
Elle is a siren who works in the Grimm police department solving cold cases. Her latest case is a double homicide in the realm of Snow White and Prince Charming. The strongest clue leads her to Wonderland. In order to travel that realm, Elle needs the Mad Hatter, Maddox.
The best part of the book was Elle and Maddox working the case. I also enjoyed exploring Wonderland and meeting familiar characters through the lens of Elle's investigation.
I also like Maddox. And Elle. Both of them are deeply broken people with painful events in their pasts. Neither is interested in a romance, but their attraction is intense.
That was the biggest flaw in the book. Their attraction never let up. Every page seemed to mention how much they wanted each other, how sexy, how fascinating, blah, blah, blah. The angst was heavy-duty, and I got tired of the wallowing.
With that said, the story kept my attention all the way through, which isn't easy nowadays. I did want to see Maddox and Elle forge some kind of relationship, I just wish the author had used a lighter touch.
December 3, 2018
Ok I love a good fantasy story and this one was just good, nothing really stood out and grabbed though, it was like I had read it or seen it before, so while I enjoyed it, it was just ok.
August 12, 2020
This was really good. I enjoyed this a lot.
Want to read
November 10, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (11/10/2020)! 🎁
August 5, 2021
Rated 3.5
June 25, 2023
Elle, a siren with a complicated past (and present), is a detective in Grimm trying to solve a case in Wonderland. Kinda dark, kinda creepy, a lot bizarre but also quite fun in the brain candy sort of way.
May 13, 2021
A Fantastic adult fairy tale mash-up. This story had everything I wanted. It was sexy, smart, involved fairytales, and had a mystery to boot. I can't wait to follow Elle and Hatter on more adventures.
May 21, 2018
Ok. Wow. Just finished this.
I'm here because of Jovee Winters: Truth.
I enjoyed this book: Truth.
This book was a good read. I didn't mind the angst in the beginning but by THAT part...yeah, it bothered me. A lot. I found it to be a bit in the extreme end of the scale. Hatter, to me, was a total delight to read. Elle, I don't know, there was something slightly off with her. I think she's a total badass, don't get me wrong, but it might be the way she was written. Idk. I hated how she was a bit back and forth with her resolves. I mean, yes change your mind ten thousand times, I do not mind. Just please, be totally honest with yourself and said opposite company involved.
I totally felt for Hatter in this. I was rooting that he do the same to her. Unfortunately, this was Elle's world, not his. So, you know, I just hung back and felt sorry for the man. That ending made me angry. So angry. It was such great anger that I'm not even keen to see the next book. She just tipped the scales back in her favour; holding all the damn cards. It was the last straw for me. Girl, you've done this time and time again to that poor man; alienating him when you're stuck inside your itty bitty (that might be a bit unfair but I'm angry damnit!) brain. I'm absolutely open to reading about Hatter and a new love interest. If that happens in Book 2, then I'm IN.
Elle is an amazing woman. We still don't know the full story, aside from the bullet points, yet. But she's a badass with steel for a spine. I just...wish she was a bit more like her cool waters with all that mystery and darkness lurking deep within and less like a ticking bomb. I swear, she keeps going on about the mask she puts on but everydamnbody knows how to push all her buttons. Big or otherwise. Seriously, like come on...give those bastards the same shit they keep giving you. Push back their buttons, girl.
Now that we've got the characters out the way. Everything and everyone else are worth your time. The plot is interesting and all the twists are just fascinating to uncover. Especially the people that come with it. This is Wonderland through the eyes of an adult. Crazy is okay, it's not fun, it's not harmless, it's...crazy. You either deal with it and continue about your life-safely- or you succumb to it and well, no one knows what happens to people like you.
I totally recommend this. Especially to Jovee Winters, and Marie Hall fans (obviously because it's the same person as Selene Charles lol just in case you didn't know...like me a few months ago 😪). Warning: there's a bit of sensuality and sex (jusss a lil bit ov sex) weaved throughout this book soooo just a little fyi.
Not gonna lie. I'm so tempted to bring my rating down to 3 stars just because I'm so irritated right now. Detailing that whole Elle+Hatter business brought back all the annoyance I felt while reading about their, barely there but full of promise, relationship. I'm not going to downgrade it, though. Because this book is not a 3.00 rating. For me it's more of a 3.82 rating, so might as well round up 😂 (but really...the book deserves a 4.00 😂).
Anywho, I might revisit this and edit or I might not but I'm definitely not re-reading this book. Too annoyed to do so, I think. Well, I'm off to find the next book to read.
Adios & Happy Reading! ☺ xx
Oh &
P.s: I fucking (sorry about the swearing but that's my word for really×a million) hate disloyalty, love triangles (because the heroine can't fucking make up her mind), and hypocrisy. That little "scratch me and I scratch you" part...yeah, I nearly DNF'd this book. Because we all know damn well that if that was the other way around, all hell would've broken loose or she would let things (feelings 'nd all) cool and eventually die down. But would she have peacefully let him react like that!? Of fucking course NOT. Because this is Elle's world...not Hatter's (I need the reminder). Hence, my annoyance. Ugh! So tempted to downrate (is that even a word? No, who cares) my rating. But I won't. Cos that beginning for that last chapter was sweet. So 4 stars it is.
Bye for real now 😂. Laters.
I'm here because of Jovee Winters: Truth.
I enjoyed this book: Truth.
This book was a good read. I didn't mind the angst in the beginning but by THAT part...yeah, it bothered me. A lot. I found it to be a bit in the extreme end of the scale. Hatter, to me, was a total delight to read. Elle, I don't know, there was something slightly off with her. I think she's a total badass, don't get me wrong, but it might be the way she was written. Idk. I hated how she was a bit back and forth with her resolves. I mean, yes change your mind ten thousand times, I do not mind. Just please, be totally honest with yourself and said opposite company involved.
I totally felt for Hatter in this. I was rooting that he do the same to her. Unfortunately, this was Elle's world, not his. So, you know, I just hung back and felt sorry for the man. That ending made me angry. So angry. It was such great anger that I'm not even keen to see the next book. She just tipped the scales back in her favour; holding all the damn cards. It was the last straw for me. Girl, you've done this time and time again to that poor man; alienating him when you're stuck inside your itty bitty (that might be a bit unfair but I'm angry damnit!) brain. I'm absolutely open to reading about Hatter and a new love interest. If that happens in Book 2, then I'm IN.
Elle is an amazing woman. We still don't know the full story, aside from the bullet points, yet. But she's a badass with steel for a spine. I just...wish she was a bit more like her cool waters with all that mystery and darkness lurking deep within and less like a ticking bomb. I swear, she keeps going on about the mask she puts on but everydamnbody knows how to push all her buttons. Big or otherwise. Seriously, like come on...give those bastards the same shit they keep giving you. Push back their buttons, girl.
Now that we've got the characters out the way. Everything and everyone else are worth your time. The plot is interesting and all the twists are just fascinating to uncover. Especially the people that come with it. This is Wonderland through the eyes of an adult. Crazy is okay, it's not fun, it's not harmless, it's...crazy. You either deal with it and continue about your life-safely- or you succumb to it and well, no one knows what happens to people like you.
I totally recommend this. Especially to Jovee Winters, and Marie Hall fans (obviously because it's the same person as Selene Charles lol just in case you didn't know...like me a few months ago 😪). Warning: there's a bit of sensuality and sex (jusss a lil bit ov sex) weaved throughout this book soooo just a little fyi.
Not gonna lie. I'm so tempted to bring my rating down to 3 stars just because I'm so irritated right now. Detailing that whole Elle+Hatter business brought back all the annoyance I felt while reading about their, barely there but full of promise, relationship. I'm not going to downgrade it, though. Because this book is not a 3.00 rating. For me it's more of a 3.82 rating, so might as well round up 😂 (but really...the book deserves a 4.00 😂).
Anywho, I might revisit this and edit or I might not but I'm definitely not re-reading this book. Too annoyed to do so, I think. Well, I'm off to find the next book to read.
Adios & Happy Reading! ☺ xx
Oh &
P.s: I fucking (sorry about the swearing but that's my word for really×a million) hate disloyalty, love triangles (because the heroine can't fucking make up her mind), and hypocrisy. That little "scratch me and I scratch you" part...yeah, I nearly DNF'd this book. Because we all know damn well that if that was the other way around, all hell would've broken loose or she would let things (feelings 'nd all) cool and eventually die down. But would she have peacefully let him react like that!? Of fucking course NOT. Because this is Elle's world...not Hatter's (I need the reminder). Hence, my annoyance. Ugh! So tempted to downrate (is that even a word? No, who cares) my rating. But I won't. Cos that beginning for that last chapter was sweet. So 4 stars it is.
Bye for real now 😂. Laters.
April 6, 2020
Y a de bonnes idées, j'aime bcp la manière dont l'autrice a exploité les personnages de contes de fée pour les intégrer dans son propre univers (par Alice qui devient tenancière d'une maison close !).
C'est vraiment la partie qui m'a le plus plu.
Par contre, je ne me suis pas attachée aux personnages, en particulier à Elle, le personnage principal (Arielle, la petire Sirène). Le personnage est très sombre et surtout j'ai moyennement aimé le fait que finalement tout est tourné autour du sexe en ce qui la concerne.
J'ai eu aussi qq soucis avec l'anglais, le style n'est pas simple. Il y a des passages qui n'étaient pas clairs et que j'ai vraiment compris dans les grosses grosses lignes. ça explique aussi que je ne me suis pas vraiment totalement entrée dans le récit. L'autrice met également du temps à creuses ses personnages et surtout leur passé, j'aurais préféré sans doute avoir des explications plus tôt et aussi que certains éléments soient mieux présentés... je suis clairement passée à côté de certaines choses.
Je lirai la suite, juste pour voir, mais ce n'est point une priorité.
C'est vraiment la partie qui m'a le plus plu.
Par contre, je ne me suis pas attachée aux personnages, en particulier à Elle, le personnage principal (Arielle, la petire Sirène). Le personnage est très sombre et surtout j'ai moyennement aimé le fait que finalement tout est tourné autour du sexe en ce qui la concerne.
J'ai eu aussi qq soucis avec l'anglais, le style n'est pas simple. Il y a des passages qui n'étaient pas clairs et que j'ai vraiment compris dans les grosses grosses lignes. ça explique aussi que je ne me suis pas vraiment totalement entrée dans le récit. L'autrice met également du temps à creuses ses personnages et surtout leur passé, j'aurais préféré sans doute avoir des explications plus tôt et aussi que certains éléments soient mieux présentés... je suis clairement passée à côté de certaines choses.
Je lirai la suite, juste pour voir, mais ce n'est point une priorité.
February 22, 2021
Grimm Files
Really enjoyed this world building here. It took fairy tales and their characters to a different place. It was very entertaining. Steam, 2.5 of 5. There were some moments... lots of build up, but nothing that had me panting.
Really enjoyed this world building here. It took fairy tales and their characters to a different place. It was very entertaining. Steam, 2.5 of 5. There were some moments... lots of build up, but nothing that had me panting.
April 5, 2021
Unfair review
I’m giving this book a unfair review because I’m tired of suited up romance novels being touted around as true fantasy. There is absolutely nothing wrong with romance but sadly finding a female led novel that doesn’t have any is extremely difficult. To make it worse authors such as this one, make amazing worlds and fun characters and ruin it by having this supposedly strong character swoon over a dude every five minutes despite the fact that there is murder and world ending events around them. Authors should have to classify their books appropriately and this is soundly in the genre ROMANCE with fantasy context.
I’m giving this book a unfair review because I’m tired of suited up romance novels being touted around as true fantasy. There is absolutely nothing wrong with romance but sadly finding a female led novel that doesn’t have any is extremely difficult. To make it worse authors such as this one, make amazing worlds and fun characters and ruin it by having this supposedly strong character swoon over a dude every five minutes despite the fact that there is murder and world ending events around them. Authors should have to classify their books appropriately and this is soundly in the genre ROMANCE with fantasy context.
December 22, 2018
Summary from Goodreads:
"Welcome to a world of fantasy, fairy tales, and murder most foul...
My name's Elle. Princess Arielle, for those who know about my past. Cursed by my own father, now I'm banished to Grimm. I'm a siren, killer, and one of the best damned cold-case detectives in all of the bloody realms. I don't stop until I discover the truth, no matter where that truth leads.
My next case sends me to Wonderland, a harrowing place of madness and dark secrets. I'd rather be landlocked than step foot on that tainted soil, but I don't have a choice after discovering Alice's bloodstained ribbon and a bandicoot's claw covered in blood beside two stiff's at the Charming's sprawling castle. My insatiable thirst for truth leads to a conspiracy that will not only rock the Grimm world but also my own.
No one ever walks away from Wonderland unscathed... No one."
My Thoughts:
I am so, so excited to have found this series and to have read this book! I picked this one up thanks to reading another blogger that I trust's thoughts on the second book (I believe), and was just so intrigued by the sound of it. I instantly downloaded a copy to my kindle and didn't look back. This was such a fun read but it's going to be kind of hard for me to describe. Take all of the fairy tale characters (and even worlds) that you know and love, then twist them into something different, darker, and edgier. That's basically the best way that I can describe this book. Let me just tell you that I loved every minute of it! Our main character is Elle - or Arielle from the Little Mermaid (kinda sorta) if you are keeping track - but in this book she is basically a badass detective who has been banished from her kingdom for unknown reasons. She has to go Wonderland during her current investigation which is a dark and dangerous place. There's even the Mad Hatter and the Hare except the Hatter is a handsome investigator for Wonderland who has visions of the future and past. I could keep going but I'm sure you get the point by now. Nothing is as you expect it might be, and one of the best things about this book was just seeing what this author did with all of the fairy tale characters. She created her own world with some of these well known but albeit very different characters. And I just could not get enough of it!! I plowed through the pages of this book and enjoyed every minute of it! I just had to see how everything was going to turn out! There is quite the chemistry between Elle and Hatter which I'm looking forward to seeing continued on in future books (I hope!). I don't know what else to say besides read this one! It's SO good!
Overall, I obviously enjoyed myself immensely while reading this book. I've actually already started reading the second book in the series because I just needed more time with these characters and this world. The only downside is that I'm going to have to wait for book three (please say there is going to be a book three). Luckily, it does look like this author has other series that I can check out to tide me over. Fair warning that the author ties up the ending of this book perfectly....but....she gives you a hook that makes you instantly want to jump into the next book. Which I obviously did! I would recommend this book to fans of the paranormal, urban fantasy, and fairy tales in general. Half of the fun is just seeing the different characters and aspects that she incorporates into the story! Highly recommended!
Bottom Line: This was honestly such a great beginning to this new series that I couldn't get enough!
Disclosure: I read my copy of this book thanks to my Kindle Unlimited membership. Thoughts are my own!
"Welcome to a world of fantasy, fairy tales, and murder most foul...
My name's Elle. Princess Arielle, for those who know about my past. Cursed by my own father, now I'm banished to Grimm. I'm a siren, killer, and one of the best damned cold-case detectives in all of the bloody realms. I don't stop until I discover the truth, no matter where that truth leads.
My next case sends me to Wonderland, a harrowing place of madness and dark secrets. I'd rather be landlocked than step foot on that tainted soil, but I don't have a choice after discovering Alice's bloodstained ribbon and a bandicoot's claw covered in blood beside two stiff's at the Charming's sprawling castle. My insatiable thirst for truth leads to a conspiracy that will not only rock the Grimm world but also my own.
No one ever walks away from Wonderland unscathed... No one."
My Thoughts:
I am so, so excited to have found this series and to have read this book! I picked this one up thanks to reading another blogger that I trust's thoughts on the second book (I believe), and was just so intrigued by the sound of it. I instantly downloaded a copy to my kindle and didn't look back. This was such a fun read but it's going to be kind of hard for me to describe. Take all of the fairy tale characters (and even worlds) that you know and love, then twist them into something different, darker, and edgier. That's basically the best way that I can describe this book. Let me just tell you that I loved every minute of it! Our main character is Elle - or Arielle from the Little Mermaid (kinda sorta) if you are keeping track - but in this book she is basically a badass detective who has been banished from her kingdom for unknown reasons. She has to go Wonderland during her current investigation which is a dark and dangerous place. There's even the Mad Hatter and the Hare except the Hatter is a handsome investigator for Wonderland who has visions of the future and past. I could keep going but I'm sure you get the point by now. Nothing is as you expect it might be, and one of the best things about this book was just seeing what this author did with all of the fairy tale characters. She created her own world with some of these well known but albeit very different characters. And I just could not get enough of it!! I plowed through the pages of this book and enjoyed every minute of it! I just had to see how everything was going to turn out! There is quite the chemistry between Elle and Hatter which I'm looking forward to seeing continued on in future books (I hope!). I don't know what else to say besides read this one! It's SO good!
Overall, I obviously enjoyed myself immensely while reading this book. I've actually already started reading the second book in the series because I just needed more time with these characters and this world. The only downside is that I'm going to have to wait for book three (please say there is going to be a book three). Luckily, it does look like this author has other series that I can check out to tide me over. Fair warning that the author ties up the ending of this book perfectly....but....she gives you a hook that makes you instantly want to jump into the next book. Which I obviously did! I would recommend this book to fans of the paranormal, urban fantasy, and fairy tales in general. Half of the fun is just seeing the different characters and aspects that she incorporates into the story! Highly recommended!
Bottom Line: This was honestly such a great beginning to this new series that I couldn't get enough!
Disclosure: I read my copy of this book thanks to my Kindle Unlimited membership. Thoughts are my own!
December 14, 2020
Good Series Intro
*****Spoilers*****
Arielle, or Elle for short is a detective. And a siren. We're introduced to her at the outset of a cold case investigation she's put in charge of solving. Bribes get her part of the way to resolving the case and help from Maddox, the mad hatter in Wonderland gets her to the finish line. With cover ups and witnesses and informants to interview who aren't exactly trustworthy or overly communicative, let alone dangerous some, Arielle and Maddox have their work cut out for them. But solve the case they did in a few days and not completely unscathed. They've both seen one another's most emotionally devastating moments by way of Maddox's ability to see the future and past with his different colored eyes.
I liked both Maddox and Arielle though sometimes I didn't understand her reactions. I also liked the unique idea the author had in using fairytale characters like Alice, the Cheshire Cat, the Mad Hatter, Hook, Ichabod Crane, Bo Peep, etc. It made for a really interesting read. I liked the chemistry Arielle and Maddox shared by couldn't figure why she, as a siren, resisted him for as long as she did. But once they connect, their passion for one another burns, only to be snuffed suddenly unexpectedly as Maddox accidentally shares a vision with Arielle that he previous saw. One where we was raging and at a low point in her life. I still don't really understand exactly what was happening to her in the vision but afterward, Arielle is emotionally vulnerable and hates Maddox because he didn't tell her he'd seen that moment in her past. Hard eye roll at how ridiculous that was for Arielle to blame Maddox.
Arielle has a bit of a mysterious past that's hinted at but never revealed fully. We know she's a princess, we know she's kicked out of the family's fold for some undisclosed reason, we know she's killed tons of men but is reformed, and we know she had a lover, Hook, who died a year ago. Except not really because at the end of this book, Maddox reveals that Hook is somehow still alive. Sighs. It's a way to keep interest in the book but I can't help but be a little exasperated by this development at the end of the book. Maddox tells her even knowing that it'll probably mean that whatever they had going on between them over the course of their time together investigating the cold case will be put to the side since Arielle had a deep relationship with Hook before she believed he'd died. We'll see what happens in the next one.
*****Spoilers*****
Arielle, or Elle for short is a detective. And a siren. We're introduced to her at the outset of a cold case investigation she's put in charge of solving. Bribes get her part of the way to resolving the case and help from Maddox, the mad hatter in Wonderland gets her to the finish line. With cover ups and witnesses and informants to interview who aren't exactly trustworthy or overly communicative, let alone dangerous some, Arielle and Maddox have their work cut out for them. But solve the case they did in a few days and not completely unscathed. They've both seen one another's most emotionally devastating moments by way of Maddox's ability to see the future and past with his different colored eyes.
I liked both Maddox and Arielle though sometimes I didn't understand her reactions. I also liked the unique idea the author had in using fairytale characters like Alice, the Cheshire Cat, the Mad Hatter, Hook, Ichabod Crane, Bo Peep, etc. It made for a really interesting read. I liked the chemistry Arielle and Maddox shared by couldn't figure why she, as a siren, resisted him for as long as she did. But once they connect, their passion for one another burns, only to be snuffed suddenly unexpectedly as Maddox accidentally shares a vision with Arielle that he previous saw. One where we was raging and at a low point in her life. I still don't really understand exactly what was happening to her in the vision but afterward, Arielle is emotionally vulnerable and hates Maddox because he didn't tell her he'd seen that moment in her past. Hard eye roll at how ridiculous that was for Arielle to blame Maddox.
Arielle has a bit of a mysterious past that's hinted at but never revealed fully. We know she's a princess, we know she's kicked out of the family's fold for some undisclosed reason, we know she's killed tons of men but is reformed, and we know she had a lover, Hook, who died a year ago. Except not really because at the end of this book, Maddox reveals that Hook is somehow still alive. Sighs. It's a way to keep interest in the book but I can't help but be a little exasperated by this development at the end of the book. Maddox tells her even knowing that it'll probably mean that whatever they had going on between them over the course of their time together investigating the cold case will be put to the side since Arielle had a deep relationship with Hook before she believed he'd died. We'll see what happens in the next one.
August 16, 2019
This is another story that is a take-off on Alice in Wonderland. In this case there's Arielle, a siren, who has had a lot of trouble with her own people. She now works cold cases as a investigator and ends up assigned to a case from Wonderland.
Prince Charming has a castle (and an incredibly bad attude.) There's been a couple of murders and some of his holdings need to be checked out. Arielle will be working with The Mad Hatter who is also a cop (along with the March Hare). Another person Arielle works with is Detective Ichabod Crane.
Some evidence indicates that Alice Blue, a woman who runs what is in essence a brothel, is the primary suspect.
If that's not enough problems it turns out Arielle is a siren Princess. She's known, though, as the Mad Princess. Since she's a siren she's also dangerous to other and has to keep her instincts controlled which turns out to be a problem in and of itself.
The Cheshire Cat also is in the book.
Oh, yes, one more problem for her. There's another branch of cops that is sort of comparible to our FBI. It seems that someone is trying to cover up the murders and she's going to have to deal with them in addition to all her other problems.
The story itself is pretty good but this book also has the same problem many similar books have. It's not really necessary to use any of the characters from Alice in Wonderland. It's nice to see them again but they are not essential to the story. It could have been any characters being involved in the story rather than the ones from Carroll's stories.
Prince Charming has a castle (and an incredibly bad attude.) There's been a couple of murders and some of his holdings need to be checked out. Arielle will be working with The Mad Hatter who is also a cop (along with the March Hare). Another person Arielle works with is Detective Ichabod Crane.
Some evidence indicates that Alice Blue, a woman who runs what is in essence a brothel, is the primary suspect.
If that's not enough problems it turns out Arielle is a siren Princess. She's known, though, as the Mad Princess. Since she's a siren she's also dangerous to other and has to keep her instincts controlled which turns out to be a problem in and of itself.
The Cheshire Cat also is in the book.
Oh, yes, one more problem for her. There's another branch of cops that is sort of comparible to our FBI. It seems that someone is trying to cover up the murders and she's going to have to deal with them in addition to all her other problems.
The story itself is pretty good but this book also has the same problem many similar books have. It's not really necessary to use any of the characters from Alice in Wonderland. It's nice to see them again but they are not essential to the story. It could have been any characters being involved in the story rather than the ones from Carroll's stories.
January 24, 2021
I picked this up as a free read on Kindle and now have to go see if I can't get the rest of them because there is a larger conspiracy going on in the background that I have to see the conclusion. Elle is a disgraced siren/mermaid turned detective in the city of Grimm. She is tasked with a cold case and given three days by her magic before she must return to her lands refuel.
I really enjoy this take on the twisted fairy tales/tales of Grimm. etc. I adored the blending of the tales of old and then new. The world-building is really rather fantastic as are the details for the characters backgrounds and current storylines. I loved how I was instantly sucked into the storyline of the main characters for this book for Elle and Maddox the Mad Hatter who is a Constable in Wonderland. I love how violent the siren is as well as how the uncontrolled premonitions of Hatter are explained.
I could have done without the 'sexual tension' between Hatter and Elle but I suppose considering that she is a siren it was expected, it just wasn't particularly needed to be so in your face in my opinion. However, it was an excellent device to move the emotional backstory.
The mystery was rather well done as well except for when we came to the conclusion. I really didn't remember the bad guy and his rather sparse introduction in the book and hadn't figured out that he was part of a larger conspiracy until I was told by the characters. I'm looking forward to the next in the series.
I really enjoy this take on the twisted fairy tales/tales of Grimm. etc. I adored the blending of the tales of old and then new. The world-building is really rather fantastic as are the details for the characters backgrounds and current storylines. I loved how I was instantly sucked into the storyline of the main characters for this book for Elle and Maddox the Mad Hatter who is a Constable in Wonderland. I love how violent the siren is as well as how the uncontrolled premonitions of Hatter are explained.
I could have done without the 'sexual tension' between Hatter and Elle but I suppose considering that she is a siren it was expected, it just wasn't particularly needed to be so in your face in my opinion. However, it was an excellent device to move the emotional backstory.
The mystery was rather well done as well except for when we came to the conclusion. I really didn't remember the bad guy and his rather sparse introduction in the book and hadn't figured out that he was part of a larger conspiracy until I was told by the characters. I'm looking forward to the next in the series.
June 20, 2018
I really enjoyed this story. You can tell it is based off the Grimm fairy tales but it takes it in an entirely different direction then what I am used to. It was an awesome way to hear about the fairy tales and the intensity of the book kind of reminded me of a detective novel but with all the perks of a fantasy/ romance. In some instances it reminded me of the show Once Upon a Time but only in how all the worlds are intertwined with one another.
I was a little dissatisfied with the background of the world building and with the characters themselves. You can tell when reading about the characters that they lived through some rough events but I felt that too much emphasis was put on their past and not enough on their present. In some scenes it was good but in others I felt it was too much? That may just be me but I wanted more on the interactions in the present tense then the ones alluding to the past. That is probably why I felt dissatisfied with the world building because it depended really heavily on the characters themselves and their pasts then on the actual world they were living in.
Otherwise I really loved the characters and how much the pain in their pasts really shaped them into who they are now. I really hate the cliffhanger and want to get my hands on the next book because I really NEED to KNOW!
I was a little dissatisfied with the background of the world building and with the characters themselves. You can tell when reading about the characters that they lived through some rough events but I felt that too much emphasis was put on their past and not enough on their present. In some scenes it was good but in others I felt it was too much? That may just be me but I wanted more on the interactions in the present tense then the ones alluding to the past. That is probably why I felt dissatisfied with the world building because it depended really heavily on the characters themselves and their pasts then on the actual world they were living in.
Otherwise I really loved the characters and how much the pain in their pasts really shaped them into who they are now. I really hate the cliffhanger and want to get my hands on the next book because I really NEED to KNOW!
March 26, 2021
Read. This. Book....now.
I don't usually leave written reviews, just how many stars, mostly because I don't really know what to say or rather how to scramble my thoughts together eloquently enough for someone else to read and understand where I was going because ......ohh butterfly..... But I needed to say how much I appreciated Selene Charles' version of the fairytales grimm. The fact that the main character is a detective and she lined in the Grimm universe is what drew me to read this book to start with but now my soul is so wound up in what happens next that I couldn't stop if I was paid to. This review isn't so much to convince someone into reading this book because really the book itself does that all on it's own, but mostly to show my appreciation to the author and to tell the potential reader that 5 stars is not enough, this book deserves more. I have read probably over a thousand books since the kindle app became popular but there are very FEW writers who can capture my soul with their stores the way this one did right from the start I will happily give you my money, anxiety, joy, eyesight, laughter, tears and hang in suspense for as long as you continue to write the Grimm files 🥰🤓 I hope this makes sense and I haven't sounded like too much of a scatterbrained idiot😬😂
I don't usually leave written reviews, just how many stars, mostly because I don't really know what to say or rather how to scramble my thoughts together eloquently enough for someone else to read and understand where I was going because ......ohh butterfly..... But I needed to say how much I appreciated Selene Charles' version of the fairytales grimm. The fact that the main character is a detective and she lined in the Grimm universe is what drew me to read this book to start with but now my soul is so wound up in what happens next that I couldn't stop if I was paid to. This review isn't so much to convince someone into reading this book because really the book itself does that all on it's own, but mostly to show my appreciation to the author and to tell the potential reader that 5 stars is not enough, this book deserves more. I have read probably over a thousand books since the kindle app became popular but there are very FEW writers who can capture my soul with their stores the way this one did right from the start I will happily give you my money, anxiety, joy, eyesight, laughter, tears and hang in suspense for as long as you continue to write the Grimm files 🥰🤓 I hope this makes sense and I haven't sounded like too much of a scatterbrained idiot😬😂
February 26, 2024
(FYI I tend to only review one book per series, unless I change my mind on a series, so want to change my scoring by more than 0.50 of a star. -- I tend not to read reviews until after I read a book, so I go in with an open mind.)
DNF*
Interesting idea and world-building.
I didn't like the MC or the love interest. I wanted more 'urban fantasy' murder mystery, than UF romance. So I got bored and decided to read a book I enjoy, again, instead.
First time read the author's work?: Yes
Will you be reading more?: No
Would you recommend?: No
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
DNF*
Interesting idea and world-building.
I didn't like the MC or the love interest. I wanted more 'urban fantasy' murder mystery, than UF romance. So I got bored and decided to read a book I enjoy, again, instead.
First time read the author's work?: Yes
Will you be reading more?: No
Would you recommend?: No
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
October 21, 2019
It's a fun detective romp. Don't think too hard on it and it's a good afternoon. That said, I don't know if I care enough about Elle to watch her in a sequel. I know I don't give a crap about Hook. And some of the mystery was pretty clumsy and unsatisfying. They never really answered the questions around the Mad Hatter and I feel like the author used Elle's general emotional flux as an excuse so she could drag that mystery out and lure us into a second book when she knew her lead wouldn't be compelling enough to do it on her own. Especially with the crap arc she set up for book 2. I don't give a crap about a love triangle. Honestly, I'm kind of mad that finding Hook is the set up for the next book and I'm kind of mad that someone the author set up as super powerful (Elle) somehow meets a more powerful man and often comes across as totally inept in ways it feels like she should be better.
I dunno if you just go with it, it's not a terrible story. There are parts of it I like. The second I turn my brain back on, there's a ton of problems and disappointment waiting in the wings.
I dunno if you just go with it, it's not a terrible story. There are parts of it I like. The second I turn my brain back on, there's a ton of problems and disappointment waiting in the wings.
March 27, 2021
Detective Elle (Arielle) is a siren who works for Grimm PD. Her specialty is solving cold cases, and her latest assignment sends her to the realm of Wonderland where she must work with Constable Maddox Hatter
The two of them need to solve both Elle's cold case involving two dead bodies found on the Charming Estate and Maddox's recently discovered dead body in Wonderland.
This was an interesting twisted fairy tale involving a number of recognizable characters from wonderland and other quite familiar stories. But these are not the familiar tales that we grew up reading involving these characters.
This twist on both the characters and the places in this book I found to be very unique and I enjoyed the originality of this story. But be warned, while this is a twisted fairy tale, it is not necessarily one meant for younger readers. There is a significant level of descriptive nudity & sexual content contained within.
I believe this would be an enjoyable book for those who enjoy twisted fairy tales with a harder edge to them, or anyone who prefers that their fairy tales required a more mature audience.
The two of them need to solve both Elle's cold case involving two dead bodies found on the Charming Estate and Maddox's recently discovered dead body in Wonderland.
This was an interesting twisted fairy tale involving a number of recognizable characters from wonderland and other quite familiar stories. But these are not the familiar tales that we grew up reading involving these characters.
This twist on both the characters and the places in this book I found to be very unique and I enjoyed the originality of this story. But be warned, while this is a twisted fairy tale, it is not necessarily one meant for younger readers. There is a significant level of descriptive nudity & sexual content contained within.
I believe this would be an enjoyable book for those who enjoy twisted fairy tales with a harder edge to them, or anyone who prefers that their fairy tales required a more mature audience.
June 7, 2018
Wow what a fantastic escape & a fabulous read. I had this book on my kindle for weeks before I read it & now I’m thinking why did I wait? I really enjoyed this book & cant wait for the next instalment, what an imagination the author has, I’ll never look at Disney films the same again lol! It ends on a tiny cliffhanger that made me want to throw my kindle across the room. The characters are fab & thoroughly entertaining, Maddox sounded hot 🔥. My only criticism if I had to make one was that I’d estimate that 90% of the book is written from Elle’s POV (first person) which is how I like to read so when I read the small amount of Maddox’s perspective it was written in third person, which is a major pet hate of mine, it definitely would have been more to my personal liking to have both POV written first person, but as u can see I still gave it 5* so not a major problem. Would definitely recommend 👍🏻😊
November 8, 2018
Spoilers
It was well written. I enjoyed the beautifully depicted scenes. The story is of the little mermaid only she's been exiled by her father for apparently having gone nuts (we get a very short and not at all detailed possible reason for this). She teams up with the mad hatter in this first book and he's got secrets that I hope the author delves into soon. There's definitely something more to hatter; I found him more interesting tbh. I did enjoy the depiction of our mc; she isn't just a mermaid, she is a siren. It bothered me that so much emphasis was put on her only having so much time before she had to return to her own waters AND it was never explained why she had such an aversion to rain. Pretty good book; it's a detective story to be sure, albeit unconventional.
There's talk of sex and even visits to sex clubs but there's no real erotica; they're attracted to each other and there's some steamy scenes.
It was well written. I enjoyed the beautifully depicted scenes. The story is of the little mermaid only she's been exiled by her father for apparently having gone nuts (we get a very short and not at all detailed possible reason for this). She teams up with the mad hatter in this first book and he's got secrets that I hope the author delves into soon. There's definitely something more to hatter; I found him more interesting tbh. I did enjoy the depiction of our mc; she isn't just a mermaid, she is a siren. It bothered me that so much emphasis was put on her only having so much time before she had to return to her own waters AND it was never explained why she had such an aversion to rain. Pretty good book; it's a detective story to be sure, albeit unconventional.
There's talk of sex and even visits to sex clubs but there's no real erotica; they're attracted to each other and there's some steamy scenes.
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