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Fantasy and Fairytales #1
Golden Curse
A curse. A hidden identity. A dangerous love.
Ten year old Persinette Basile was forced to flee the palace of Gaule for her life.
Now at eighteen, she must find a way to return in order to obey a curse on her family line.
The prince won’t know who she is. Not anymore. But she knows him and what he will do if he discovers her true name.
Made to fight for her life to earn her place, she vows to find a way to break the curse no matter the cost.
-------
To. The. Death.
The words describing the tournament turn Prince Alexandre Durand’s blood to ice.
The last warrior standing will win a spot at his side.
As he's thrust onto the throne, forbidden magic, dangerous betrayals, and a complicated love could tear his reign apart.
When the secrets begin to unravel, will Alex stay true to the laws and traditions of Gaule or will he give it all up for a woman who deceived him?
Inspired by the Rapunzel story, this is the golden-haired princess as you’ve never seen her before.
Ten year old Persinette Basile was forced to flee the palace of Gaule for her life.
Now at eighteen, she must find a way to return in order to obey a curse on her family line.
The prince won’t know who she is. Not anymore. But she knows him and what he will do if he discovers her true name.
Made to fight for her life to earn her place, she vows to find a way to break the curse no matter the cost.
-------
To. The. Death.
The words describing the tournament turn Prince Alexandre Durand’s blood to ice.
The last warrior standing will win a spot at his side.
As he's thrust onto the throne, forbidden magic, dangerous betrayals, and a complicated love could tear his reign apart.
When the secrets begin to unravel, will Alex stay true to the laws and traditions of Gaule or will he give it all up for a woman who deceived him?
Inspired by the Rapunzel story, this is the golden-haired princess as you’ve never seen her before.
242 pages, Unknown Binding
First published October 2, 2018
3332 people are currently reading
13027 people want to read
About the author
M. Lynn
59 books409 followersMichelle MacQueen is a USA Today bestselling author of love. Yes, love. Whether it be YA romance, NA romance, or fantasy romance (Under M. Lynn), she loves to make readers swoon.
The great loves of her life to this point are two tiny blond creatures who call her "aunt" and proclaim her books to be "boring books" for their lack of pictures. Yet, somehow, she still manages to love them more than chocolate.
When she's not sharing her inexhaustible wisdom with her niece and nephew, Michelle is usually lounging in her ridiculously large bean bag chair creating worlds and characters that remind her to smile every day - even when a feisty five-year-old is telling her just how much she doesn't know.
The great loves of her life to this point are two tiny blond creatures who call her "aunt" and proclaim her books to be "boring books" for their lack of pictures. Yet, somehow, she still manages to love them more than chocolate.
When she's not sharing her inexhaustible wisdom with her niece and nephew, Michelle is usually lounging in her ridiculously large bean bag chair creating worlds and characters that remind her to smile every day - even when a feisty five-year-old is telling her just how much she doesn't know.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 465 reviews
April 17, 2021
Ohhh Nelly.
He hated her magic for making her an enemy of Gaule. Persinette. His childhood friend.
The only Golden Curse here is the bad writing.
That's right, it's another YA book chock full of teen tropes and tired writing.
"My boys," he boomed. "We are going to have a tournament...It is time we find you a protector."So we start this book with a tournament (sounds exciting, right? Just...be prepared for disappointment).
The kingdom needs an Oath-man for the prince - somebody who is to protect the prince with their lives - and the king specifically say that they're only doing this out of tradition.
That the role of the Oath-Man is purely symbolic...unless they were to be attacked. Which brings up two questions:
1) If it is truly symbolic, why not just pick someone and get it over with? Yet, we must have a symbolic sword-fighting tournament to pick special symbolic person who will hang out with the prince for the rest of his life. Symbolically.Right away, you can tell the logic with this one isn't going to hold up.
2) All roles are technically symbolic until you're supposed to do something, right?
Persinette (which, gosh dang that's an awfully average YA name), enters this tournament in order to become the protector of the prince and break the curse upon her father.
She's wickedly good at straight-up murdering people, her skills are unparalleled and she essentially shows that the king's army is completely useless without this one teenage girl on their side.
Totally realistic, right? (I suppose...this is actually on par for most young adult books).
Besides my general annoyance with the entire basis of the plot...I was also thrown by a few more things.
The setting is definitely medieval (hello sword fights), but the dialogue between characters had a very modern feel to it - both in the word choice and the method of delivery.
It was disconcerting and prevented me from sinking into this world - I felt constantly yo-yo'ed from place to place because of the way the medieval and modern bits warred with each other.
Also, despite being extremely close childhood friends, to the point where the prince remembers her name and all their childhood activities...he absolutely doesn't recognize her despite coming face to face.
In addition, there was so much telling that I became detached from the story.
So-and-so is evil, I'm in love cause DESTINY, this (aka this extremely specific and overly complicated method) is the ONLY way to save the kingdom, yadda yadda yadda.
What is the point in caring for the story if you're just going to tell me what to do the entire time?
I honestly could go on and on...but essentially, this one isn't for me and I don't think I'll be returning for book 2.
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February 10, 2019
When I learned that this was a Rapunzel retelling I was overly extatic because everyone who knows me even slightly knows Rapunzel is my favorite story/princess and that I luuuurve everything concerning our extremely long-haired gal.
However, The Golden Curse is not only a very dubious retelling, but also the umpteenth 3-star book I have the (sarcastic) pleasure of reading so far this year.
While I appreciated the try and the originality, the writing was repetitive and descriptive even when the plot didn't require it to be, and the chapters were waaaay too long for a book so short, to the point it made it all sound boring and slow.
Etta was a fairly annoying main character in my opinion. She kept doing things she shouldn't have done (for her life's sake, and for that of everyone surrounding her tbh), and the only time I found myself rooting for someone was when Alex (main character #2) found some balls and made a nice statement about same sex relationships. That's it. The rest was pretty forgettable.
Also, I'm no writer but I'm pretty sure you just can't write something that takes place in the past and have the characters talk like petty millennials without it sounding stupid and anticlimactic.
Oh, Flynn Rider. How I missed you.
Bonus star for the slashing cover and this dialogue:
However, The Golden Curse is not only a very dubious retelling, but also the umpteenth 3-star book I have the (sarcastic) pleasure of reading so far this year.
While I appreciated the try and the originality, the writing was repetitive and descriptive even when the plot didn't require it to be, and the chapters were waaaay too long for a book so short, to the point it made it all sound boring and slow.
Etta was a fairly annoying main character in my opinion. She kept doing things she shouldn't have done (for her life's sake, and for that of everyone surrounding her tbh), and the only time I found myself rooting for someone was when Alex (main character #2) found some balls and made a nice statement about same sex relationships. That's it. The rest was pretty forgettable.
Also, I'm no writer but I'm pretty sure you just can't write something that takes place in the past and have the characters talk like petty millennials without it sounding stupid and anticlimactic.
Oh, Flynn Rider. How I missed you.
Bonus star for the slashing cover and this dialogue:
"You're too shy, brother."
"I'm a prince. It isn't for me to dally with servants."
Tyson barked a laugh. "Alex, you're a prince, you can dally with whoever you'd like. And I thought you liked blondes."
Alex gasped as if greatly offended. "I can't believe you would think I'd discriminate."
January 14, 2019
This book series boils down to the effects of an ancient fami!y curse continuing through each first born child in a magic family line to intertwine them with their worst enemy, the Durands. It's non-magical folks against those with powers. There is so much betrayal within, that I don't know where to start, so I will leave it a mystery!
The curse was hard for me to understand at first, but the plot and the curse are revealed a little more as you read along. I began to understand more as I went and grew more interested in the characters and their fates. I downloaded the second one for several reasons...the first of those being that this one was-- Yes, a cliffhanger!! This is a very, very, different take on Rapunzel. 3.75 rounded up
The curse was hard for me to understand at first, but the plot and the curse are revealed a little more as you read along. I began to understand more as I went and grew more interested in the characters and their fates. I downloaded the second one for several reasons...the first of those being that this one was-- Yes, a cliffhanger!! This is a very, very, different take on Rapunzel. 3.75 rounded up
March 12, 2019
Oh, you must have thought I'm done dragging some books from 2018? Ha ha ha. That didn't happen, because we are here today with yet another book dragged.
Wow, we're starting 2019 off on a great foot.
Much like Death by the River, if anyone got a golden curse, it was yours truly with a golden curse of fucking boredom.
And I'm one of the few people who thought the same. Wow, I'm just full of unpopular opinions these days. I can't tell if I'm in a slump, I'm crabby with reading so much, or the book sucked. Maybe a mixture of crabby Sophia in addition to the sucky book.
Golden Curse is bloody and it's terrific!
We've got a tournament, bookwyrms! To the death! The dark side of me loves a good battle showcasing the skillz of the characters; it's fascinating. In Golden Curse, Persinette (Etta) who joins a tournament to become Prince Alexandre Durand's protector so she can find a way to break the curse placed on her family.
And wow, it's quite bloody. Swords are crossed and people are killed brutally.
Don't expect much action to go on after.
This is where the golden curse of boredom appears and I decided to call it quits after 65% of the book. After the tournament, which is full of action and blood and swords clashing, there is virtually nothing. Someone dies, someone gets thrown onto the throne, and someone mopes around grieving with no clue what to do.
That last one I understand, though.
And then, eventually, he says, I AM READY TO BE KING. I mean, are you ready to be king? All we've got is a dead king, lots of talk about some person named La Dame and how awful magic is, and oh, look, we've got a fricking romance that doesn't feel authentic.
Oh, and they appear to be very close childhood friends YET THE PRINCE DOES NOT RECOGNIZE ETTA AND BASICALLY FALLS IN LOVE WITH HER INSTANTLY. 🤔🤔🤔 He does ask if they've met in the past though, and then just brushes it off after she says not at all. Friend, you're not going to go and investigate?
Let's also not begin with how he constantly says something along the lines of, "I AM KING AND YOU WILL TREAT ME AS SUCH." But honestly without that line all the time I would have forgotten he's even king.
Who is dis, what is dis, why is dis
I have so many questions and lots of, "This is what it is because it is what it is." We are told that this person named La Dame (wow, what a name 😴) is an awful person who does magic and does awful magic things. We are told she's been around for centuries and cursed Etta's family generations ago. We are told she is now plotting to take over this kingdom.
In addition to that, we are told:
~ Magic has no place and it never will - WHY
~ There are quite a few lost firstborns involved - HOW
~ A most powerful kingdom becomes weak eventually - HOW
~ There's a tragedy - WHAT HAPPENED
~ There's a curse - TELL ME MORE ABOUT THIS
At a certain point, I just didn't give a single fuck about this book and didn't feel the need to continue.
Besides, there are better books that capture my attention longer. I feel there are books more worthy of my attention.
This review was originally posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts
Wow, we're starting 2019 off on a great foot.
Much like Death by the River, if anyone got a golden curse, it was yours truly with a golden curse of fucking boredom.
And I'm one of the few people who thought the same. Wow, I'm just full of unpopular opinions these days. I can't tell if I'm in a slump, I'm crabby with reading so much, or the book sucked. Maybe a mixture of crabby Sophia in addition to the sucky book.
Golden Curse is bloody and it's terrific!
We've got a tournament, bookwyrms! To the death! The dark side of me loves a good battle showcasing the skillz of the characters; it's fascinating. In Golden Curse, Persinette (Etta) who joins a tournament to become Prince Alexandre Durand's protector so she can find a way to break the curse placed on her family.
And wow, it's quite bloody. Swords are crossed and people are killed brutally.
Don't expect much action to go on after.
This is where the golden curse of boredom appears and I decided to call it quits after 65% of the book. After the tournament, which is full of action and blood and swords clashing, there is virtually nothing. Someone dies, someone gets thrown onto the throne, and someone mopes around grieving with no clue what to do.
That last one I understand, though.
And then, eventually, he says, I AM READY TO BE KING. I mean, are you ready to be king? All we've got is a dead king, lots of talk about some person named La Dame and how awful magic is, and oh, look, we've got a fricking romance that doesn't feel authentic.
Oh, and they appear to be very close childhood friends YET THE PRINCE DOES NOT RECOGNIZE ETTA AND BASICALLY FALLS IN LOVE WITH HER INSTANTLY. 🤔🤔🤔 He does ask if they've met in the past though, and then just brushes it off after she says not at all. Friend, you're not going to go and investigate?
Let's also not begin with how he constantly says something along the lines of, "I AM KING AND YOU WILL TREAT ME AS SUCH." But honestly without that line all the time I would have forgotten he's even king.
Who is dis, what is dis, why is dis
I have so many questions and lots of, "This is what it is because it is what it is." We are told that this person named La Dame (wow, what a name 😴) is an awful person who does magic and does awful magic things. We are told she's been around for centuries and cursed Etta's family generations ago. We are told she is now plotting to take over this kingdom.
In addition to that, we are told:
~ Magic has no place and it never will - WHY
~ There are quite a few lost firstborns involved - HOW
~ A most powerful kingdom becomes weak eventually - HOW
~ There's a tragedy - WHAT HAPPENED
~ There's a curse - TELL ME MORE ABOUT THIS
At a certain point, I just didn't give a single fuck about this book and didn't feel the need to continue.
Besides, there are better books that capture my attention longer. I feel there are books more worthy of my attention.
This review was originally posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts
January 17, 2019
What a way to end that book! Thank goodness this whole series is written and I don't have to wait for the next book.
I really think I'm gonna gobble up this series!
I really think I'm gonna gobble up this series!
July 29, 2018
This was an amazing retelling of Rapunzel!! I’m such a sucker for fairy tales, even retellings!! The author did a a wonderful job writing this story! It is action packed and full of suspense. I’m looking forward to reading more of this series as it comes out.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
June 7, 2019
Golden Curse is like a felt Lisa Frank poster that's black and white till you marker it in and hang it. With all the potential for technicolor hues and magic, your hands get sore because you had to run with a mass-produced idea that you had to make captivating with your rainbow array of markers. As you shade in magenta eyes to your felt-lined pony, you wish the pages you paid for would have inspired you more and wouldn't have just been a caricature of a fairy tale.
November 6, 2018
I think I skimmed from halfway on. This book strived for fast paced, but instead I ended up with whiplash and too many grimaces.
The main characters were hard to stomach. Mainly the heroine.
Etta changes her mind so quickly on a variety of things, but we are told she struggled with each one. From her hatred of the Durands to her feelings for Alex, Etta completely reverses her opinions. And then! You find out she has always loved Alex. What?? After hating him for so long, she has always loved him?
Really, it was hard to believe and I found myself so uninterested in finding out where the story goes and how everything resolved.
The main characters were hard to stomach. Mainly the heroine.
Etta changes her mind so quickly on a variety of things, but we are told she struggled with each one. From her hatred of the Durands to her feelings for Alex, Etta completely reverses her opinions. And then! You find out she has always loved Alex. What?? After hating him for so long, she has always loved him?
Really, it was hard to believe and I found myself so uninterested in finding out where the story goes and how everything resolved.
July 20, 2018
My First Alt - Fairy Tale!! ✨😍💕
I was an alternative fairy tale virgin before this book. If this one is anything to go by, I've been converted to another sub genre!!🎉🎉
Persinette 'Etta' Basile is the first born child of Victor Basile. He was once the Protector & friend to the King of Gaule. The first born children in their Basile bloodline were cursed long ago by an ancient & powerful Sorceress. Their curse kicks in on their 18th Birthday & is to protect their enemy, the rulers of Geule!! Etta's father was betrayed by the King when he suddenly ordered a purge of all people with magic from his land - by purge he meant slaughter!! Victor was able to escape with his daughter, Etta's mother was slain 😢 The betrayal was so deep for many reasons but one of the biggest was that it was Victor's magic that the King had used to ward his land so that the ancient Sorceress, La Dame, couldn't attack his kingdom!! His fear of her had twisted his mind against ALL magic!!😡
Etta needs to return to the place she left at 10 years old, the place her Mother was murdered, her Father was betrayed & she lost her best friend and crush ... Prince Alexandre!! She must return to the Palace, even though she was born with magic, because her curse is about to kick in & if she can't find a way to serve Alex they'll both suffer the consequences!!😳💥
Alex is going to be King one day, he knows this. He hates swords, doesn't like fighting - not because he's a wimp but because he prefers to draw & use a bow and arrow!! Close combat is gruesome so when his Father announces a Tournament to find his new Protector then adds it will be 'To the Death' he's horrified. Even more so when he meets a beautiful girl beforehand then discovers she's is fighting in it because so is his best friend, Edmund, and there can be only one winner!!!😳😳
His sister, Princess Camille, will revel in the bloodthirsty displays they'll witness, she's so like their cruel Father!! He'll do his best to keep his face blank as befits his role as Heir but his poor little Brother, Prince Tyson, who will be so excited to see some real fighting, will have a rude awakening, he fears! Tyson is strong at 15 years but he cares deeply for people and these Deaths will be brutal 😢⚔
Etta has Royal blood. Her kingdom no longer exists but if it did she would be Princess of the kingdom of Bela and Heir to the thrown!! It was a magical kingdom that stood against La Dame, she defeated them by enacting the curse 😡😡 Etta is determined to break the curse once and for all!!💥
I found this tale well written & engrossing. The Author chose where to take me & transported me there easily with her descriptive style & cast of characters that grabbed me and didn't let go - in fact they still haven't, I want book 2 and 3 asap please 🙏😀 I marked it down because of the cliffhanger, I hate the darn things plus other than Etta having long blond hair & a vague reference to a plant nicknamed 'Rapunzel' - I genuinely don't see the connection?? 😂 Having said that
I just want to add I think Etta was fantastic, badass & stoic in the face of SO much 😭💖
A highly recommended 4 stars 🌟 from this Fairy Tale virgin 😂😎✨
Debbie, 1970, UK
I was an alternative fairy tale virgin before this book. If this one is anything to go by, I've been converted to another sub genre!!🎉🎉
Persinette 'Etta' Basile is the first born child of Victor Basile. He was once the Protector & friend to the King of Gaule. The first born children in their Basile bloodline were cursed long ago by an ancient & powerful Sorceress. Their curse kicks in on their 18th Birthday & is to protect their enemy, the rulers of Geule!! Etta's father was betrayed by the King when he suddenly ordered a purge of all people with magic from his land - by purge he meant slaughter!! Victor was able to escape with his daughter, Etta's mother was slain 😢 The betrayal was so deep for many reasons but one of the biggest was that it was Victor's magic that the King had used to ward his land so that the ancient Sorceress, La Dame, couldn't attack his kingdom!! His fear of her had twisted his mind against ALL magic!!😡
Etta needs to return to the place she left at 10 years old, the place her Mother was murdered, her Father was betrayed & she lost her best friend and crush ... Prince Alexandre!! She must return to the Palace, even though she was born with magic, because her curse is about to kick in & if she can't find a way to serve Alex they'll both suffer the consequences!!😳💥
Alex is going to be King one day, he knows this. He hates swords, doesn't like fighting - not because he's a wimp but because he prefers to draw & use a bow and arrow!! Close combat is gruesome so when his Father announces a Tournament to find his new Protector then adds it will be 'To the Death' he's horrified. Even more so when he meets a beautiful girl beforehand then discovers she's is fighting in it because so is his best friend, Edmund, and there can be only one winner!!!😳😳
His sister, Princess Camille, will revel in the bloodthirsty displays they'll witness, she's so like their cruel Father!! He'll do his best to keep his face blank as befits his role as Heir but his poor little Brother, Prince Tyson, who will be so excited to see some real fighting, will have a rude awakening, he fears! Tyson is strong at 15 years but he cares deeply for people and these Deaths will be brutal 😢⚔
Etta has Royal blood. Her kingdom no longer exists but if it did she would be Princess of the kingdom of Bela and Heir to the thrown!! It was a magical kingdom that stood against La Dame, she defeated them by enacting the curse 😡😡 Etta is determined to break the curse once and for all!!💥
I found this tale well written & engrossing. The Author chose where to take me & transported me there easily with her descriptive style & cast of characters that grabbed me and didn't let go - in fact they still haven't, I want book 2 and 3 asap please 🙏😀 I marked it down because of the cliffhanger, I hate the darn things plus other than Etta having long blond hair & a vague reference to a plant nicknamed 'Rapunzel' - I genuinely don't see the connection?? 😂 Having said that
I just want to add I think Etta was fantastic, badass & stoic in the face of SO much 😭💖
A highly recommended 4 stars 🌟 from this Fairy Tale virgin 😂😎✨
Debbie, 1970, UK
November 30, 2025
When I discovered golden curse , a Rapunzel retelling with a competitive element, I was immediately drawn in. The tournament in the story felt new and engaging, combining action with political intrigue. Persinette's character, driven by a curse on her family, is well-developed, showcasing determination and cunning.
March 21, 2019
I’ve mentioned my love for fairy tales, yeah? I loved this book! It’s a Rapunzel retelling, but I honestly didn’t get the connection until the end. Even then, it’s a subtle connection. Etta has magic and golden hair, but until the end, that’s about the only likeness to the story. Regardless, it was still a fantastic book. There’s also a reference to Sleeping Beauty when explaining the curse’s history.
M. Lynn is a new author to me, but after this book, I’m hooked. The story was quick-paced, but it didn’t feel rushed. It was well written and easy to follow through the histories and changing POVs. It had everything you’d want from a YA fairy tale, but it was told in a more modern way while still taking place in a historical setting.
For the most part, I loved the characters. Alex was very wishy-washy, especially in the end, but with everything going on, it was to be expected. Even if I didn’t like his actions. Etta was pretty awesome. I love a good, strong herione who doesn’t take crap from anyone. Those are the two main characters, but it was actually Edmund and Prince Tyson who were my favorites. Edmund is Alex’s best friend and head of his personal guard. We also find out early on that he’s in love with Alex. It is rare to see LGBT representation in a fairy tale like this and I actually loved it. It wasn’t a main plot point, he never acted on it, but it was there. Tyson is the youngest royal sibling, who has secrets of his own, and throughout the story we see this warm, caring character who you just can’t help but love.
I fully intend on jumping into the next book ASAP. I’m so glad all three books are out already and I don’t have to wait for more of the story. There are two books after that as well, which are based on Cinderella and take place in the same world. The second book, Glass Princess, was actually just released today. I already can’t wait to read them. The covers are absolutely beautiful, and we all know how I feel about Cinderella retellings!
If you like fairy tales, check out this series! I will definitely be continuing and looking for more of Lynn’s books.
M. Lynn is a new author to me, but after this book, I’m hooked. The story was quick-paced, but it didn’t feel rushed. It was well written and easy to follow through the histories and changing POVs. It had everything you’d want from a YA fairy tale, but it was told in a more modern way while still taking place in a historical setting.
For the most part, I loved the characters. Alex was very wishy-washy, especially in the end, but with everything going on, it was to be expected. Even if I didn’t like his actions. Etta was pretty awesome. I love a good, strong herione who doesn’t take crap from anyone. Those are the two main characters, but it was actually Edmund and Prince Tyson who were my favorites. Edmund is Alex’s best friend and head of his personal guard. We also find out early on that he’s in love with Alex. It is rare to see LGBT representation in a fairy tale like this and I actually loved it. It wasn’t a main plot point, he never acted on it, but it was there. Tyson is the youngest royal sibling, who has secrets of his own, and throughout the story we see this warm, caring character who you just can’t help but love.
I fully intend on jumping into the next book ASAP. I’m so glad all three books are out already and I don’t have to wait for more of the story. There are two books after that as well, which are based on Cinderella and take place in the same world. The second book, Glass Princess, was actually just released today. I already can’t wait to read them. The covers are absolutely beautiful, and we all know how I feel about Cinderella retellings!
If you like fairy tales, check out this series! I will definitely be continuing and looking for more of Lynn’s books.
February 17, 2019
Whelp, that one star was unexpected.
A fantasy setting that seemed right up my alley—curses, magic, mystery forests, girl power, etc. The story’s execution? That fell short.
Brief list of what didn’t work for me:
- Although I didn’t like it, the book was way too short. Events that could have been fleshed out with action, character development, and backstory come and go without a thought.
- The setting was medieval, but the dialogue was modern which instantly took me out of the story.
- Why is magic bad exactly?? Everyone “just knows” magic is bad, and yet I never felt like it was explained. The kingdom is protected by magic wards, but magic suddenly becomes bad?
- Inconsistent characters. Happy, sad, kissing, hate. Bah, they felt like soap opera characters.
- Other various things that just didn’t make sense. Example: Why would a female protector wear a formal dress? She also leaves the party early? Good luck protecting anyone.
- Various grammatical errors. Example: it’s not “when I was ten-years-old”, it’s “when I was ten years old”. And the incorrect use of dashes with random spacing in place of an em dash always irks me.
Moving on.
A fantasy setting that seemed right up my alley—curses, magic, mystery forests, girl power, etc. The story’s execution? That fell short.
Brief list of what didn’t work for me:
- Although I didn’t like it, the book was way too short. Events that could have been fleshed out with action, character development, and backstory come and go without a thought.
- The setting was medieval, but the dialogue was modern which instantly took me out of the story.
- Why is magic bad exactly?? Everyone “just knows” magic is bad, and yet I never felt like it was explained. The kingdom is protected by magic wards, but magic suddenly becomes bad?
- Inconsistent characters. Happy, sad, kissing, hate. Bah, they felt like soap opera characters.
- Other various things that just didn’t make sense. Example: Why would a female protector wear a formal dress? She also leaves the party early? Good luck protecting anyone.
- Various grammatical errors. Example: it’s not “when I was ten-years-old”, it’s “when I was ten years old”. And the incorrect use of dashes with random spacing in place of an em dash always irks me.
Moving on.
August 7, 2020
This was a solid retelling linking mildly to both Rapunzel and Sleeping Beauty. Except, she's training to be a royal guard.
Etta is a bold heroine. Though I have quite a few gripws about the love interest Alexandre. He's a prince who's so obsessed with loving his people and doing right by them, that he becomes blind to what is genuinely right. He can't see past his hero/king complex. Ugh.
I assume he'll come around in book two, but who's to say.
Queen Katrine is a BAMF who has just been waiting in the sidelines to have her moment to shine. I loved every scene with her in it.
This was an audiobook read for me. I gotta say the narrator really kept me listening. She had great voices and her emotions were well done without being over the top. A very pleasant voice. I decided to jump into book 2 right away!
Etta is a bold heroine. Though I have quite a few gripws about the love interest Alexandre. He's a prince who's so obsessed with loving his people and doing right by them, that he becomes blind to what is genuinely right. He can't see past his hero/king complex. Ugh.
I assume he'll come around in book two, but who's to say.
Queen Katrine is a BAMF who has just been waiting in the sidelines to have her moment to shine. I loved every scene with her in it.
This was an audiobook read for me. I gotta say the narrator really kept me listening. She had great voices and her emotions were well done without being over the top. A very pleasant voice. I decided to jump into book 2 right away!
December 9, 2018
Not for me
I know this book had a lot of 4 and 4 star reviews, so I guess I am an outlier in thinking it merited two. Like another reviewer noted, the carousel storyline is almost non existent. As I am not a huge fan of fairytale retellings, that wasn't a huge loss. Still, I dislike when a book doesn't live up to what it is supposed to be.
Overall, the story is pretty shallow. Etta and Alex are super childish for their ages and life experience. Alex bullies people ( bad people, mostly, but still) and Etta is supposed to be his protector but she spends most of her time away from him or not doing protector things. The adults in this series don't take either Etta or Alex's roles seriously, which means Alex is constantly being told what to do as long and Etta is uselessly staring at her feet. I guess there is consistency here, since neither are particularly capable. Still, it makes for a bad story.
FYI the romance is paltry and goes from 0 to 100 in about 5 seconds. There's almost no build up, and it just gets dropped in because hey, why not. I didn't mind the sex (it's not even described) but it was like why is this even happening? Super awkward to the storyline considering how little plot or character development happened.
This book just didn't wow me. It was too young in ways that weakened the storyline, nothing much gets accomplished, and nothing surprising happens. Descriptions are minimal because we spend almost no time in each scene. Even the initial tournament is over in a flash; that should have been something that lasted much longer and felt harder. Instead it's like Etta waltzed in and didn't have to try. Boom, she's the protector. Boom she becomes friends with the Prince and sleeps with him. Boom he finds out who she is and has her captured. Everything is just so...shallow.
If you are a reader wanting a more in depth experience, I suggest you skip.
I know this book had a lot of 4 and 4 star reviews, so I guess I am an outlier in thinking it merited two. Like another reviewer noted, the carousel storyline is almost non existent. As I am not a huge fan of fairytale retellings, that wasn't a huge loss. Still, I dislike when a book doesn't live up to what it is supposed to be.
Overall, the story is pretty shallow. Etta and Alex are super childish for their ages and life experience. Alex bullies people ( bad people, mostly, but still) and Etta is supposed to be his protector but she spends most of her time away from him or not doing protector things. The adults in this series don't take either Etta or Alex's roles seriously, which means Alex is constantly being told what to do as long and Etta is uselessly staring at her feet. I guess there is consistency here, since neither are particularly capable. Still, it makes for a bad story.
FYI the romance is paltry and goes from 0 to 100 in about 5 seconds. There's almost no build up, and it just gets dropped in because hey, why not. I didn't mind the sex (it's not even described) but it was like why is this even happening? Super awkward to the storyline considering how little plot or character development happened.
This book just didn't wow me. It was too young in ways that weakened the storyline, nothing much gets accomplished, and nothing surprising happens. Descriptions are minimal because we spend almost no time in each scene. Even the initial tournament is over in a flash; that should have been something that lasted much longer and felt harder. Instead it's like Etta waltzed in and didn't have to try. Boom, she's the protector. Boom she becomes friends with the Prince and sleeps with him. Boom he finds out who she is and has her captured. Everything is just so...shallow.
If you are a reader wanting a more in depth experience, I suggest you skip.
July 21, 2018
“Magic was evil. That’s what they’d been told when it was scrubbed clean from the face of Gaule. Alexandre Durand’s father-the king-made sure it couldn’t hurt them any longer.”
This is a quick, refreshing take on the tale of Rapunzel, centered around Etta, descended from a family with magic, and Alex, her childhood friend and the future king - two people tied together by a generations-old curse.
I am a huge fan of fairy tales, but find many YA adaptations I’ve read to be lack-luster in recent years. I’m delighted to say that wasn’t the case with Golden Curse. Not only is the cover lovely, the story itself was interesting and the characters engrossing.
While there *is* a smidge of insta-love (which I’m not a fan of 99% of the time), Lynn does a phenomenal job of keeping the story fairly fast-paced and intriguing, and has a refreshing take on the “chosen one” trope. The characters themselves are kept few, distinct, and fleshed out in a way that draws you in and makes it easy for the reader to get past those tropes (if they bother you, like they sometimes do me).
If you’re looking for a fresh take on a classic tale, with a delightful set of characters, I definitely recommend!
*this is my honest opinion of an ARC copy*
This is a quick, refreshing take on the tale of Rapunzel, centered around Etta, descended from a family with magic, and Alex, her childhood friend and the future king - two people tied together by a generations-old curse.
I am a huge fan of fairy tales, but find many YA adaptations I’ve read to be lack-luster in recent years. I’m delighted to say that wasn’t the case with Golden Curse. Not only is the cover lovely, the story itself was interesting and the characters engrossing.
While there *is* a smidge of insta-love (which I’m not a fan of 99% of the time), Lynn does a phenomenal job of keeping the story fairly fast-paced and intriguing, and has a refreshing take on the “chosen one” trope. The characters themselves are kept few, distinct, and fleshed out in a way that draws you in and makes it easy for the reader to get past those tropes (if they bother you, like they sometimes do me).
If you’re looking for a fresh take on a classic tale, with a delightful set of characters, I definitely recommend!
*this is my honest opinion of an ARC copy*
July 31, 2018
Loved, loved, loved this Rapunzel retelling! This was actually my first fairy tale retelling so I wasn't sure what to expect, but having read many of this author's books before, I knew I wouldn't be disappointed. On a side note, M. Lynn is possibly the most underrated author out there. Her characters are so phenomenally written with so much heart that it's practically impossible not to fall in love with them. Etta is strong, brave and willful and the perfect match to the charming prince, Alex. The chemistry between these two is swoon worthy and kept me turning the pages till the wee hours of the night. If you love strong heroines, handsome princes and dastardly royals, you're going to love this book. Just one question - when is book two coming out?!
September 2, 2022
This book has an intriguing plot but the writing is hard to get through. I also found the main character very annoying and the Prince to be a dull character with little personality. I made it through about a third of the book, hoping that it was going to get a little better, but I had to stop, for my own sanity. DNF
March 6, 2020
4.5/5 stars for this fantastical retelling!
Great world building! Love the main characters! Love the cover, and the narration. Great for fans of Red Queen! Definitely recommend!
Great world building! Love the main characters! Love the cover, and the narration. Great for fans of Red Queen! Definitely recommend!
June 20, 2021
This is a re-telling of Rapunzel, or as the cover says: "The True Story of Rapunzel". Besides Etta having long, golden hair I don't really draw any parallels to the original story, but it doesn't matter. I haven't yet read a book by M Lynn/Michelle MacQueen that I haven't loved (or at least liked very much), and Golden Curse is no exception!
The framework is rather classic when it comes to fantasy: if you have magic you're evil (and should be executed), if you don't have magic you're good. Anyone with a brain know it's hardly ever that straightforward, but...
"You are not evil." She sat back on her heels. "People will say differently, but it isn't the magic that makes a person good or bad. It's how they use it. You have a choice. Use it for good and you will be good."
Prince Alex has grown up with his father's, the king's, black and white approach to magic, and that puts him in some predicaments when he learns that people he trusts have magic skills. When Alex becomes king, the people expect him to continue his father's work and rid them of all magic users. Will he be able to see reason?
Etta is a fierce character. Due to her family's curse she's been trained to become a warrior. The curse makes her connected with the prince, but Etta will do everything she can to break it. She didn't expect to fall in love...
I also have to mention Edmund, Alex's best friend. He's such a great character with his cheery mood and merry manner! The fact that he loves Alex more than a friend is an odd, but most acceptable, ingredient in a fantasy. Edmund doesn't act on his feelings, he only wants Alex to be happy, so it's not a big part of the story, but I love that it's included.
I could rant about this book a lot more, but it's already too long, so I'll stop here. I just want to say that you need to read this if you haven't already! I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series!
* I received a free copy of the book, and I'm giving my honest review. *
The framework is rather classic when it comes to fantasy: if you have magic you're evil (and should be executed), if you don't have magic you're good. Anyone with a brain know it's hardly ever that straightforward, but...
"You are not evil." She sat back on her heels. "People will say differently, but it isn't the magic that makes a person good or bad. It's how they use it. You have a choice. Use it for good and you will be good."
Prince Alex has grown up with his father's, the king's, black and white approach to magic, and that puts him in some predicaments when he learns that people he trusts have magic skills. When Alex becomes king, the people expect him to continue his father's work and rid them of all magic users. Will he be able to see reason?
Etta is a fierce character. Due to her family's curse she's been trained to become a warrior. The curse makes her connected with the prince, but Etta will do everything she can to break it. She didn't expect to fall in love...
I also have to mention Edmund, Alex's best friend. He's such a great character with his cheery mood and merry manner! The fact that he loves Alex more than a friend is an odd, but most acceptable, ingredient in a fantasy. Edmund doesn't act on his feelings, he only wants Alex to be happy, so it's not a big part of the story, but I love that it's included.
I could rant about this book a lot more, but it's already too long, so I'll stop here. I just want to say that you need to read this if you haven't already! I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series!
* I received a free copy of the book, and I'm giving my honest review. *
May 14, 2024
It was ok, not really memorable - However was a good book to have on as background noise whilst working though. I will admit I could not makes link on how it was a Rapunzel retelling. I felt it had more of Sleeping Beauty references in terms of magic folk, the black forest and mention of Aurora and Philip.
It was a welcomed break after reading two Psychological Thrillers that needed full attention. Also it' nice to listen to a book that has no spice (I enjoy, but sometimes you need a break!!)
Not saying the book is bad or not enjoyable, as was an easy listen which I enjoy, especially when completing tedious work tasks! I can zone out and not worry about missing details, as it's easy to follow. The audio book was 7 hour and 29 minutes, but it felt like 4 hours. My teenager self would have devoured this book, and my inner teenager was pleased.
It was a welcomed break after reading two Psychological Thrillers that needed full attention. Also it' nice to listen to a book that has no spice (I enjoy, but sometimes you need a break!!)
Not saying the book is bad or not enjoyable, as was an easy listen which I enjoy, especially when completing tedious work tasks! I can zone out and not worry about missing details, as it's easy to follow. The audio book was 7 hour and 29 minutes, but it felt like 4 hours. My teenager self would have devoured this book, and my inner teenager was pleased.
Read
November 8, 2021Golden Curse is now FREE on all ebook retailers.
It's been a while since I wrote this book, but Persinette Basile is still my favorite heroine because she goes up against the impossible and never backs down. In a society that laughs when she walks into the arena, she proves she belongs among the best warriors protecting the prince.
What he doesn't know, is she's also tied to him by an ancient family curse. The first born of every Basile generation has their life connected to that of their greatest enemy. If he dies, so does she.
So, she must protect Prince Alexandre until she can break the curse. Then, she can kill him. If she doesn't fall in love with him first.
Available for free at all retailers!!
books2read.com/u/bP5Wxx
It's been a while since I wrote this book, but Persinette Basile is still my favorite heroine because she goes up against the impossible and never backs down. In a society that laughs when she walks into the arena, she proves she belongs among the best warriors protecting the prince.
What he doesn't know, is she's also tied to him by an ancient family curse. The first born of every Basile generation has their life connected to that of their greatest enemy. If he dies, so does she.
So, she must protect Prince Alexandre until she can break the curse. Then, she can kill him. If she doesn't fall in love with him first.
Available for free at all retailers!!
books2read.com/u/bP5Wxx
March 31, 2019
Wowee. I just wanna say this is all over the place. The writing is jumpy and the story is erratic. The characters motivations and convictions change with almost no effort to sway their decisions. Their problems are solved with almost no effort or thought put into them almost as if it's just extra plot which it is. The main bad guy gets no screen time and the story itself is short. I honestly was just hoping for better from the story with this rating.
May 27, 2020
ok so i actually didn’t like this. it could’ve been good but i just hate the characters so much. don’t make them try to be stubborn and headstrong when they’re really just weak.
good plot but lacked the writing to support
also, this was supposedly a rapunzel retelling but it’s really difficult to find those details
good plot but lacked the writing to support
also, this was supposedly a rapunzel retelling but it’s really difficult to find those details
October 4, 2018
A clever and fun take on the Rapunzel story! Great for those who love retellings with a unique spin.
December 16, 2018
Boring persons without personality. What a pity
November 26, 2023
I’m bored.. very mid. Read the other two books bc the series was free with my audible subscription.
August 25, 2023
Book: Golden Curse
Read By: Ebook
Author: M Lynn
Narrator: NA
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult
Main Characters: Persinette
Recommend: Yes
Spice: 🌶️️
Age recommendation: 16-30+ Years
My feelings:
M Lynn writes the best Young Adult books I’ve ever read.
Her version of Rapunzel was all consuming.
"Because, my prince, the only thing that can defeat La Dame is a fully-powered Basile.”
I read the whole book in one sitting.
“The line between being a good man and a foolish one is drawn in sand. Easily erasable. Always movable. Never where you expect it to be.”
It was great:)
Read By: Ebook
Author: M Lynn
Narrator: NA
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult
Main Characters: Persinette
Recommend: Yes
Spice: 🌶️️
Age recommendation: 16-30+ Years
My feelings:
M Lynn writes the best Young Adult books I’ve ever read.
Her version of Rapunzel was all consuming.
"Because, my prince, the only thing that can defeat La Dame is a fully-powered Basile.”
I read the whole book in one sitting.
“The line between being a good man and a foolish one is drawn in sand. Easily erasable. Always movable. Never where you expect it to be.”
It was great:)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 2, 2020
I really enjoyed this retelling of Rapunzel! I adore Alex and Etta!
BUT THE ENDING!!!
I also love Edmund btw.
Can't wait to read the next one!
BUT THE ENDING!!!
I also love Edmund btw.
Can't wait to read the next one!
November 11, 2018
I cant wait to see where this series goes.
Want to read
May 16, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/16/2019)! 🎁
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