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Fairytales of Folkshore #2
Prince of Cahraman
ONE WEEK. FIVE CONTESTANTS. ONE PRINCE. A DEVASTATING DECISION.
Before, she avoided elimination. Now, she must win.
Chosen as one of the Final Five in the Bride Search, Ada has one last chance to find the golden lamp and save her family.
Yet with Cyrus no longer her partner-in-crime, but her target, her plans unravel, tearing her between duty and desire. Now she has one week to pass three increasingly difficult tests fit for a queen.
As the competition takes a perilous bent, secrets are uncovered, demolishing her world as she knows it. Caught between impossible choices, the fates of all she loves depend on her decisions. But she fears that no matter what she does, she’d lose everything and change Cahraman forever.
This is a full-length novel at 90,000 plus words. Book 2 of 3 in the Cahraman trilogy
Fairytales of Folkshore is a series of interconnected fairytale retellings, but each heroine’s story could be read on its own. Ada’s story concludes in QUEEN OF CAHRAMAN.
Before, she avoided elimination. Now, she must win.
Chosen as one of the Final Five in the Bride Search, Ada has one last chance to find the golden lamp and save her family.
Yet with Cyrus no longer her partner-in-crime, but her target, her plans unravel, tearing her between duty and desire. Now she has one week to pass three increasingly difficult tests fit for a queen.
As the competition takes a perilous bent, secrets are uncovered, demolishing her world as she knows it. Caught between impossible choices, the fates of all she loves depend on her decisions. But she fears that no matter what she does, she’d lose everything and change Cahraman forever.
This is a full-length novel at 90,000 plus words. Book 2 of 3 in the Cahraman trilogy
Fairytales of Folkshore is a series of interconnected fairytale retellings, but each heroine’s story could be read on its own. Ada’s story concludes in QUEEN OF CAHRAMAN.
366 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 30, 2018
337 people are currently reading
576 people want to read
About the author
Lucy Tempest
14 books309 followersAs the spawn of Trekkie comic book nerds, the importance of storytelling is an integral part of my being. Spinning tales since I learned to speak, now my books can take others through my adventures and necessary escapism.
I live with one foot in Florida with my family and two spoiled cats, and the other firmly lodged in fantasy.
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I live with one foot in Florida with my family and two spoiled cats, and the other firmly lodged in fantasy.
Follow me on Bookbub
Join my VIP mailing list by clicking HERE!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
March 11, 2021
~~~3 Stars~~~
Not me reading 2 books in 2 hours...
Again, this is a comfort read and I will continue to love these books. We just have to ignore the 4th, 5th, and 6th books and then we can all be happy. I will say the number of grammatical errors I found was stupid. COME ON. "Without evening" WHAT THE HELL. I also found 'tha' and "yu". Grammarly hates me right now. Moving on, the plot was a bit better in this book, though it greatly resembles The Selection, it's so much better. This won't be a full review either because I have a lot of reading to get done in March.
Not me reading 2 books in 2 hours...
Again, this is a comfort read and I will continue to love these books. We just have to ignore the 4th, 5th, and 6th books and then we can all be happy. I will say the number of grammatical errors I found was stupid. COME ON. "Without evening" WHAT THE HELL. I also found 'tha' and "yu". Grammarly hates me right now. Moving on, the plot was a bit better in this book, though it greatly resembles The Selection, it's so much better. This won't be a full review either because I have a lot of reading to get done in March.
February 10, 2020
"It hadn’t mattered what choice I made, whether I left or stayed. From my first step past the city gates, my arrival had spelled doom for Cahraman."
Prince of Cahraman is even better than the first I never wanted to put it down. I'm a sucker for retellings and I got to say this is one of the best retellings I have had the pleasure to read. If you don't pay close enough attention you might even miss the similarities to the original. This right here is how a retelling is supposed to be written. Lucy Tempest is truly making this tale her own and I'm loving every second of it!
side note - still like Ada but got to admit the other girls really started to outshine her in this, but of course that's just my opinion
Prince of Cahraman is even better than the first I never wanted to put it down. I'm a sucker for retellings and I got to say this is one of the best retellings I have had the pleasure to read. If you don't pay close enough attention you might even miss the similarities to the original. This right here is how a retelling is supposed to be written. Lucy Tempest is truly making this tale her own and I'm loving every second of it!
side note - still like Ada but got to admit the other girls really started to outshine her in this, but of course that's just my opinion
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August 10, 2020Some reasons I love the Fairytales of Folkshore series:
- The setting! This one seems mostly inspired by ancient Persia, but pulls in bits of myth and history from all over the Middle East and Levant, with the easy familiarity of one who knows it well. So delightful!
- In this tropey romantic fantasy about girls competing for the hand of a prince, there's a moment where a crusty elderly princess gives an annoyed lecture on economics. yes PLEASE and thank you.
- A second book, a second apparently shallow, bitchy princess who turns out to have hidden depths and starts on her long arduous journey to redemption.
- Cora. Cora has muscles like coconuts. Cora headbutts ghouls. Cora could not care less about winning the prince's hand. Cora just wants to go home and farm. Cora is going to star in a Hades/Persephone retelling at some point. Cora has killed me. I am deceased.
- The setting! This one seems mostly inspired by ancient Persia, but pulls in bits of myth and history from all over the Middle East and Levant, with the easy familiarity of one who knows it well. So delightful!
- In this tropey romantic fantasy about girls competing for the hand of a prince, there's a moment where a crusty elderly princess gives an annoyed lecture on economics. yes PLEASE and thank you.
- A second book, a second apparently shallow, bitchy princess who turns out to have hidden depths and starts on her long arduous journey to redemption.
- Cora. Cora has muscles like coconuts. Cora headbutts ghouls. Cora could not care less about winning the prince's hand. Cora just wants to go home and farm. Cora is going to star in a Hades/Persephone retelling at some point. Cora has killed me. I am deceased.
June 15, 2020
Let's get one thing out in the open before my official review: I do not consider myself a series reader. So many times I'll read the first or maybe the second book in a series because it's what I have available to me, and then I'll slow it down or stop completely.
Lucy Tempest's Fairytales of Folkshore series changed that for me. I was already thinking of splurging when I realized Prince of Cahraman: A Retelling of Aladdin was actually available to me free on Kindle. And I don't always hold out high hopes for continuing a series, because I have this internal worry that the second novel is never as good as the first.
That was not the case with Prince of Cahraman at all. At first, it started off slightly slower than the first novel, but at the halfway mark I was absolutely shocked. I had expected something to change with Fairuza, but Lucy Tempest created this far more beautifully and in a more intriguing way than I could have ever imagined.
I love fairy tale retellings because you know, to some extent, what is going to happen. However, the best authors (I got into Liz Braswell and Jessica Day George last year) do everything in their power to create a unique spin on the story. The way Lucy Tempest does this blows me away.
I'm lucky to have received a $100 Amazon gift card from a university survey recently, because I didn't even think before my fingers hit the "buy the next book" button. This series has changed all of my reading plans for the entire year, and I am anxiously awaiting the release of the Sleeping Beauty book even though I am not even halfway done with the series, especially now that I know who it concerns.
What an amazing experience!
Lucy Tempest's Fairytales of Folkshore series changed that for me. I was already thinking of splurging when I realized Prince of Cahraman: A Retelling of Aladdin was actually available to me free on Kindle. And I don't always hold out high hopes for continuing a series, because I have this internal worry that the second novel is never as good as the first.
That was not the case with Prince of Cahraman at all. At first, it started off slightly slower than the first novel, but at the halfway mark I was absolutely shocked. I had expected something to change with Fairuza, but Lucy Tempest created this far more beautifully and in a more intriguing way than I could have ever imagined.
I love fairy tale retellings because you know, to some extent, what is going to happen. However, the best authors (I got into Liz Braswell and Jessica Day George last year) do everything in their power to create a unique spin on the story. The way Lucy Tempest does this blows me away.
I'm lucky to have received a $100 Amazon gift card from a university survey recently, because I didn't even think before my fingers hit the "buy the next book" button. This series has changed all of my reading plans for the entire year, and I am anxiously awaiting the release of the Sleeping Beauty book even though I am not even halfway done with the series, especially now that I know who it concerns.
What an amazing experience!
December 13, 2018
Another jewel from Lucy Tempest! In this book we find out more about Ada, as she finds out herself. She makes some good decisions and some bad ones, but she really grows as a person in this novel. My heart was breaking for her at the end, and it was one of those cliff hangers you know is coming but somehow are still unprepared for. I can't wait until the next one,
Queen of Cahraman (Fairytales of Folkshore Book 3), comes out on February 2, 2019.
Queen of Cahraman (Fairytales of Folkshore Book 3), comes out on February 2, 2019.
May 9, 2019
This series is proving to be just fantastic! I feel like the pacing and plot layering are all really nicely done and that nothing is overly dragged out or unrealistically achieved. There's character growth, sweet moments, obstacles, details building and building... great installment! A very good read that I'm enjoying a lot. I don't even mind the bits and pieces worked in about the next installment, a duology focusing on Bonnie, because they're worked into the story in a way that doesn't veer off the rails to accommodate it like a lot of other "stories about several characters" series can.
There's not much detail work to go through in terms of my review because I was just really happy with everything. Lucy Tempest is doing a fantastic job with this series and I hope all her future books have this same feeling of development and good pacing. It's not the most emotionally impactful or immersive story, but it's engaging and enjoyable enough that I'm happy with it, not just mildly content or indifferent.
There's not much detail work to go through in terms of my review because I was just really happy with everything. Lucy Tempest is doing a fantastic job with this series and I hope all her future books have this same feeling of development and good pacing. It's not the most emotionally impactful or immersive story, but it's engaging and enjoyable enough that I'm happy with it, not just mildly content or indifferent.
July 10, 2019
Most of the time when you are reading a good book, you cant put it down even for a second. But then there are some book that gets you so excited that you find yourself unable to just sit down still. If you are wondering what category this book falls, its the second. It was so good that I had to put it down a couple of times and walk around my room a while trying absorb all the things that were happening. Yes, the plot of this book was predictable. But then again its based on Aladin and Selection series and you all know what happens in those. What makes this book so captivating is the writing style, the well developed characters and plotline and interesting trials. You always know what to expect but I'd say that makes this book even more entertaining. My only question is - why aren't more people talking about this series?
January 26, 2020
Lucy Tempest goes above and beyond reader's expectations in this sequel to Thief Of Cahraman. After surviving the month long tournament for the hand of the prince, only five contestants remain in the search for the future queen of Cahraman- and only one week remains for the search for the golden lamp that Ada/Adelaide is being forced to search for. (Ooh, a golden lamp in the story of Aladdin? I wonder what could be in there?) After fellow thief Cyrus is- GASP- revealed to be the prince of Cahraman, Adelaide realizes she will have to purposely try for his hand if she wants the lamp in exchange for the freedom of her friends. This book is amazing, incredible, fantastic, and lots of other positive synonyms! A little bit darker than the first book, to be sure, but totally worth it. Fans of the character Cora will be thrilled with her parts in this sequel. New characters are introduced and old characters will be further developed. Recommended for fans of K.M. Shea and Melanie Cellier.
Romance- all clean, and absolutely adorable!
Language- also clean (Tempest is pretty much awesome that way)
Violence- maybe don't read this one aloud to the munchkins. There is a fair amount of killing flesh-craving ghouls (and it also happens to be the greatest chapter in the entire book, it's so cool). Nothing too graphic, however.
Five out of five stars!!
Romance- all clean, and absolutely adorable!
Language- also clean (Tempest is pretty much awesome that way)
Violence- maybe don't read this one aloud to the munchkins. There is a fair amount of killing flesh-craving ghouls (and it also happens to be the greatest chapter in the entire book, it's so cool). Nothing too graphic, however.
Five out of five stars!!
October 27, 2021
Honestly, it was entertaining, exciting and made me want to sit next to my phone on the couch all day so I could listen. I couldn't do that of course but I really, really wanted too.
July 26, 2021
So so sooo good! I cant wait to get into the next book!
June 24, 2019
A great continuation of the first book that picks up right where that one left off. Relationships deepen and the plot thickens. I was tearing my hair out with worry over Ada over the decisions she was making.
I especially loved how this book made people that we thought were straight-forward, annoying people into deep characters, especially Fairuza. In the first book, she is almost the stereotypical mean girl. But in this book, circumstances show Ada what makes Fairuza tick, and it made me as the reader like Fairuza and root for her. Honestly, I think I'm most excited for her story of all the upcoming stories in this series! She's such a fascinating person!
I especially loved how this book made people that we thought were straight-forward, annoying people into deep characters, especially Fairuza. In the first book, she is almost the stereotypical mean girl. But in this book, circumstances show Ada what makes Fairuza tick, and it made me as the reader like Fairuza and root for her. Honestly, I think I'm most excited for her story of all the upcoming stories in this series! She's such a fascinating person!
June 30, 2020
The second is the series and it was SO good! Ada is in the thick of the competition as final five. She had just learned Cyrus is the Crown Prince and all her plans of running away with him and the lamp are gone. So now what?
This book had such a great pace! I loved all the characters, even the ones we are to hate. They have such great individualism and ownership of their character without being so typical. The adventures were thrilling and the ending anticipated but really well done. Can’t wait for the next one!
This book had such a great pace! I loved all the characters, even the ones we are to hate. They have such great individualism and ownership of their character without being so typical. The adventures were thrilling and the ending anticipated but really well done. Can’t wait for the next one!
November 11, 2018
I received a gift card to purchase this book in exchange for an honest review.
Oh, how I waited for this book with bated breath and high hopes. I was not disappointed. Lucy Tempest once again brought me into a world filled with love, friendship, rivals, and magic.
Ada’s story is one that I was drawn into and haven’t stopped thinking about since I was able to read the first novel. I didn’t expect that I would fall in love with each of the characters time and time again. I found myself relating to each of the characters in some way, although I will say it is easy to want to hate some of them. I read this book in one sitting, much like I did the first, but since I read Prince the first time I have gone back and read it many more times.
The characters, I cannot talk enough about the characters and how they are so well written that you wonder at times who you should be rooting for. I am excited to know that many of the characters are going to be making an appearance in later books in this series as the main character. I was so upset with myself that it took me this long to recognize who some of the girls were, but I am glad that I know now who is coming up soon.
The romance is killer. No, like I literally wanted to kill a certain someone at times (ADA I AM LOOKING AT YOU) for not being more understanding. I do completely get why she is acting how she is at times, but at other times I just want to smack her and remind her that she is the main character and to quit being so difficult. I don’t think I would love her as much though if she wasn’t good old difficult Ada.
The “filler” helps to flesh out the story in so many great ways. There is a scene involving a witch and some ghouls that truly helped me to learn more about a character that I had hated since the first book. This girl became real. She had real fears, and real dreams. It helped me to understand why she wanted to win so badly. I began to feel for her and sympathize with her. This was such a key scene and I want to thank Lucy repeatedly for adding it to this novel.
The story as a whole has great pacing that kept my adrenaline pumping while also giving me chances to breathe and calm down.
Final Thoughts
I thought that the first novel was my favorite. I now believe that every time I review one of Lucy Tempest’s amazing books I will have a new favorite that is competing for its spot with another one. I mentioned before that I haven’t fallen in love with a series as quickly and as completely since the Harry Potter series, and I stand by that. I can only hope that Lucy receives all the credit she deserves for her writing and that she never stops, even once she has told everyone’s story.
https://epiloguebookreviews.blogspot....
Oh, how I waited for this book with bated breath and high hopes. I was not disappointed. Lucy Tempest once again brought me into a world filled with love, friendship, rivals, and magic.
Ada’s story is one that I was drawn into and haven’t stopped thinking about since I was able to read the first novel. I didn’t expect that I would fall in love with each of the characters time and time again. I found myself relating to each of the characters in some way, although I will say it is easy to want to hate some of them. I read this book in one sitting, much like I did the first, but since I read Prince the first time I have gone back and read it many more times.
The characters, I cannot talk enough about the characters and how they are so well written that you wonder at times who you should be rooting for. I am excited to know that many of the characters are going to be making an appearance in later books in this series as the main character. I was so upset with myself that it took me this long to recognize who some of the girls were, but I am glad that I know now who is coming up soon.
The romance is killer. No, like I literally wanted to kill a certain someone at times (ADA I AM LOOKING AT YOU) for not being more understanding. I do completely get why she is acting how she is at times, but at other times I just want to smack her and remind her that she is the main character and to quit being so difficult. I don’t think I would love her as much though if she wasn’t good old difficult Ada.
The “filler” helps to flesh out the story in so many great ways. There is a scene involving a witch and some ghouls that truly helped me to learn more about a character that I had hated since the first book. This girl became real. She had real fears, and real dreams. It helped me to understand why she wanted to win so badly. I began to feel for her and sympathize with her. This was such a key scene and I want to thank Lucy repeatedly for adding it to this novel.
The story as a whole has great pacing that kept my adrenaline pumping while also giving me chances to breathe and calm down.
Final Thoughts
I thought that the first novel was my favorite. I now believe that every time I review one of Lucy Tempest’s amazing books I will have a new favorite that is competing for its spot with another one. I mentioned before that I haven’t fallen in love with a series as quickly and as completely since the Harry Potter series, and I stand by that. I can only hope that Lucy receives all the credit she deserves for her writing and that she never stops, even once she has told everyone’s story.
https://epiloguebookreviews.blogspot....
November 26, 2019
This is the second book in the Folkshore series and the second book in the gender bender retelling of Aladdin. I loved this book! It was just as good as the first book, maybe even better. :)
This book starts up where the first book left off. Adelaide is just coming to grips with the fact that Cyrus is not who she thought he was. He is not just another servant, instead he is the Crown Prince of Cahraman. And this fact changes everything. She no longer knows what to think, she fell in love with a servant but instead she finds out that he is the prince. And that the king she is trying to steal from, is not just any king, but Cyrus’s father.
Adelaide now has to wrestle with her feelings for a prince, while still trying to figure out how to steal the lamp from the king and save her family. Adelaide has managed to survive the contest so far and she is even one of the top five. But she is at the hardest part of the contest, because she must try to stop herself from falling for the Prince, the man who already had stolen her heart.
Adelaide undergoes more tests for the contest, but this time she knows who she is fighting for. She is fighting for the hand of not just a far off prince, but Cryus the servant she wanted to run away with. As she competes for Cyrus’s hand, she finds herself falling more and more in love with him.
In this book, Adelaide learns that not everything is as it seems. Adelaide learns that maybe the ones who are mean, are the ones who are hiding the most hurt and bruises. I loved how Adelaide grows and starts to see behind the facade that people put up. It was so sad though, how you could see her losing hope for the future that she wanted with Cyrus, especially as she gets farther in the contest.
I liked this book a lot, especially because you can see the characters grow and get stronger. Even though Ayman is not one of the main characters, I loved gettinging to know his story and seeing how he was such a faithful friend to Cyrus. You start to see Cyrus grow and I adored him, he was such a kind person, even from the beginning.
This book ended horribly, it was such a cliffhanger. But it did its job, I couldn't wait to read the next book. I am so excited to see how Adelaide gros especially since at the end of this book, Adelaide learns that sometimes she can’t fix everything on her own.
This was a great book, I would definitely recommend it! I give it five stars.
This book starts up where the first book left off. Adelaide is just coming to grips with the fact that Cyrus is not who she thought he was. He is not just another servant, instead he is the Crown Prince of Cahraman. And this fact changes everything. She no longer knows what to think, she fell in love with a servant but instead she finds out that he is the prince. And that the king she is trying to steal from, is not just any king, but Cyrus’s father.
Adelaide now has to wrestle with her feelings for a prince, while still trying to figure out how to steal the lamp from the king and save her family. Adelaide has managed to survive the contest so far and she is even one of the top five. But she is at the hardest part of the contest, because she must try to stop herself from falling for the Prince, the man who already had stolen her heart.
Adelaide undergoes more tests for the contest, but this time she knows who she is fighting for. She is fighting for the hand of not just a far off prince, but Cryus the servant she wanted to run away with. As she competes for Cyrus’s hand, she finds herself falling more and more in love with him.
In this book, Adelaide learns that not everything is as it seems. Adelaide learns that maybe the ones who are mean, are the ones who are hiding the most hurt and bruises. I loved how Adelaide grows and starts to see behind the facade that people put up. It was so sad though, how you could see her losing hope for the future that she wanted with Cyrus, especially as she gets farther in the contest.
I liked this book a lot, especially because you can see the characters grow and get stronger. Even though Ayman is not one of the main characters, I loved gettinging to know his story and seeing how he was such a faithful friend to Cyrus. You start to see Cyrus grow and I adored him, he was such a kind person, even from the beginning.
This book ended horribly, it was such a cliffhanger. But it did its job, I couldn't wait to read the next book. I am so excited to see how Adelaide gros especially since at the end of this book, Adelaide learns that sometimes she can’t fix everything on her own.
This was a great book, I would definitely recommend it! I give it five stars.
March 1, 2019
“You came into my life like a summer storm, upended my expectations and scattered them to the four winds. But by the gods, you’ll stay through the winds of all the seasons of my life.”
My god. Know what this book didn't suffer from? SECOND BOOK SYNDROME. You heard it right folks. This book was just as amazing, if not better than, the first in the series and I am absolutely all here for my bbys Cyrus and Ada. And Ayman. And Cora. And maybe Cherine if she stops being Cherine.
This book picks up almost immediately after the first one ends. The girls are down to the final five in the bride search but honestly, Cyrus is only keeping five out of respect because he only has googly heart eyes for Ada and honestly, shes far superior so it only makes sense. Ada is still desperately searching for the lamp but also struggling with telling Cyrus the truth or not about why she is really in Cahraman. Pot meet kettle, Ada harbors some anger towards Cyrus for keeping up the ruse and not telling her who he really is. Thankfully, she understands the hypocrisy of this but it's a bit frustrating until she settles those feelings with herself.
I love that there is more action in this book! The tasks took on a little more danger than the previous book which ends up putting our kids into some rather sticky situations. I love it. Ada is a badass and it's perfect. The story is fast paced all the way through and you learn so much more about the royal family and even Ada's background, which is honestly a shock to both her and the you as the reader. The ending is desperate and made me ugly cry and I'm just so grateful the third book is already out because I don't think I could honestly wait to find out the ending of the story.
April 23, 2020
Whoa! Alright. Our girl came out swingin' in this one! And Tempest ended on quite the cliffy!
So, I think I liked this better than book one. Unlike the first book, I did invest in the first half of this one. But like the first book, after the 50% mark things zipped past like lightning! While I didn't not enjoy the first half, the second half was far more fast paced. Though, the pacing didn't feel quite as uneven in this book as it did the last one.
I still caught a few minor inconsistencies--like creatures who hunted by sound and smell, but had no noses?--and typos, sentences with a word left out or some such. Some of the writing felt heavy and bogged down in places with ornate descriptions that, while beautiful, were very frequent. There was still a fair bit of the physical attraction and he's-so-gorgeous, though it was far more toned down than the previous book. The worldbuilding felt more stable and secure in this book (perhaps because it is the second book? Or perhaps because we stayed in one land), which made it an overall easier read than the first book in my opinion.
That said, I really enjoyed the plot and very much look forward to seeing where Tempest takes this in the next book. She's certainly using the traditional Aladdin elements in her own way and twisting the story around, which is what draws my personal interest. I like puzzling out where different elements come in and how they affect the story. We still continued with the competition from book one, but Tempest was good at raising the stakes and threading in other plotlines for us to invest in.
Part of that, I believe, was the deeper look we got at certain characters. Now, the contest is over by the end of the book (as evidenced by the title of book three), so part of me wonders if our cast will be reduced in book three, which is kind of a sad thought. I don't know if I neglected to mention in the previous review, but I really like Cherine and Cora and Fairuza and Ayman. I like the supporting cast and I grew to appreciate them even more in this book. First of all, I can count on like two fingers the number of times I've ever seen my own name (or anything similar) in a book, so having a Cora is really cool. (Furthermore, there's Coralia! Y'all that is sooo close! XD And so pretty!!!) Also, I know who she is and I am both super stoked for her story and slightly terrified for her sake. And that's all I'll say about that! Ayman was such a delight to get a deeper look into and I really, really look forward to seeing how his story plays out, both romantically and non-romantically. I guessed who Fairuza was, but it was confirmed toward the latter half of the story. As one of my personal favorite heroines, I'm not sure how I feel about that XD But I really did love the development of Fairuza's character and am intrigued to see how Tempest handles her story when it comes up. Similarly, the other princess peaks my interest.
Anywho, on to Adelaide. I have to admit, she was getting on my everlovin' nerves at the beginning of the book. Through most of the last book and about the first 15% of this one, she was so fatalistic! It was like the world was ending: I'm not going to make it! There's no way I'm staying! It's all over! I've failed! We're all gonna die! I can't do this anymore! And on and on! Nothing ever seemed good enough for her. I mean, this girl is scrappy. She's a survivor. She's so clever and sarcastic and I love it! But I thought I would go mad if her character arc didn't at least start to change. And, thankfully, it did. I realize she needed to learn her worth and her value and all that, not just start out knowing it, but boy am I glad that she finally started to learn the lesson! I love her unconventional approach. I love her background as a server and how that has shaped her character and how she sees things. I love that it's been so applicable throughout this whole story so far and that she's spunky and adventurous. But after about the fifth time Cyrus or one of the other judges has hinted or downright explained that the search is looking at character qualities, I just wanted to shake Ada when she denied having any place there. Surely, even she could see at some point there was more to a potential queen than the fluff she originally thought.
Anywho, point being, she finally started to get it through her thick skull that she wasn't this awful, loathsome person and that there was more than one way to skin a cat. I liked how she listened when people came into her life and opened up her views to include more than an either or scenario.
One thing, actually, I did want to mention was how this whole thing sort of started with a tad bit of an insta love feeling, but I really appreciate how--despite his ever-stunning good looks--Cyrus has layers. He's multifaceted, if a little perfectly portrayed with no discernable flaws as of yet. But seeing how Ada and Cyrus develop and grow and experience things together is really cool. I like that their relationship isn't just built on the outward appearance. They have shared interests, qualities, and experiences that draw them together. And I liked that.
In terms of content, there were a few somewhat disturbing bits in the later half with some blood and violence. It wasn't overly graphic, but there were some really creepy creatures--creative creatures--but, well, creepy. There was one minor foul word I caught used three or four times, though only half the time as a curse (and the other half in its proper context). The romance was clean and sweet. I'd be okay giving this book to a mid-teen.
And on to book three for this intriguing twist on the Aladdin tale! (Seriously, she had some plot and character revelations in there that were just cool!)
So, I think I liked this better than book one. Unlike the first book, I did invest in the first half of this one. But like the first book, after the 50% mark things zipped past like lightning! While I didn't not enjoy the first half, the second half was far more fast paced. Though, the pacing didn't feel quite as uneven in this book as it did the last one.
I still caught a few minor inconsistencies--like creatures who hunted by sound and smell, but had no noses?--and typos, sentences with a word left out or some such. Some of the writing felt heavy and bogged down in places with ornate descriptions that, while beautiful, were very frequent. There was still a fair bit of the physical attraction and he's-so-gorgeous, though it was far more toned down than the previous book. The worldbuilding felt more stable and secure in this book (perhaps because it is the second book? Or perhaps because we stayed in one land), which made it an overall easier read than the first book in my opinion.
That said, I really enjoyed the plot and very much look forward to seeing where Tempest takes this in the next book. She's certainly using the traditional Aladdin elements in her own way and twisting the story around, which is what draws my personal interest. I like puzzling out where different elements come in and how they affect the story. We still continued with the competition from book one, but Tempest was good at raising the stakes and threading in other plotlines for us to invest in.
Part of that, I believe, was the deeper look we got at certain characters. Now, the contest is over by the end of the book (as evidenced by the title of book three), so part of me wonders if our cast will be reduced in book three, which is kind of a sad thought. I don't know if I neglected to mention in the previous review, but I really like Cherine and Cora and Fairuza and Ayman. I like the supporting cast and I grew to appreciate them even more in this book. First of all, I can count on like two fingers the number of times I've ever seen my own name (or anything similar) in a book, so having a Cora is really cool. (Furthermore, there's Coralia! Y'all that is sooo close! XD And so pretty!!!) Also, I know who she is and I am both super stoked for her story and slightly terrified for her sake. And that's all I'll say about that! Ayman was such a delight to get a deeper look into and I really, really look forward to seeing how his story plays out, both romantically and non-romantically. I guessed who Fairuza was, but it was confirmed toward the latter half of the story. As one of my personal favorite heroines, I'm not sure how I feel about that XD But I really did love the development of Fairuza's character and am intrigued to see how Tempest handles her story when it comes up. Similarly, the other princess peaks my interest.
Anywho, on to Adelaide. I have to admit, she was getting on my everlovin' nerves at the beginning of the book. Through most of the last book and about the first 15% of this one, she was so fatalistic! It was like the world was ending: I'm not going to make it! There's no way I'm staying! It's all over! I've failed! We're all gonna die! I can't do this anymore! And on and on! Nothing ever seemed good enough for her. I mean, this girl is scrappy. She's a survivor. She's so clever and sarcastic and I love it! But I thought I would go mad if her character arc didn't at least start to change. And, thankfully, it did. I realize she needed to learn her worth and her value and all that, not just start out knowing it, but boy am I glad that she finally started to learn the lesson! I love her unconventional approach. I love her background as a server and how that has shaped her character and how she sees things. I love that it's been so applicable throughout this whole story so far and that she's spunky and adventurous. But after about the fifth time Cyrus or one of the other judges has hinted or downright explained that the search is looking at character qualities, I just wanted to shake Ada when she denied having any place there. Surely, even she could see at some point there was more to a potential queen than the fluff she originally thought.
Anywho, point being, she finally started to get it through her thick skull that she wasn't this awful, loathsome person and that there was more than one way to skin a cat. I liked how she listened when people came into her life and opened up her views to include more than an either or scenario.
One thing, actually, I did want to mention was how this whole thing sort of started with a tad bit of an insta love feeling, but I really appreciate how--despite his ever-stunning good looks--Cyrus has layers. He's multifaceted, if a little perfectly portrayed with no discernable flaws as of yet. But seeing how Ada and Cyrus develop and grow and experience things together is really cool. I like that their relationship isn't just built on the outward appearance. They have shared interests, qualities, and experiences that draw them together. And I liked that.
In terms of content, there were a few somewhat disturbing bits in the later half with some blood and violence. It wasn't overly graphic, but there were some really creepy creatures--creative creatures--but, well, creepy. There was one minor foul word I caught used three or four times, though only half the time as a curse (and the other half in its proper context). The romance was clean and sweet. I'd be okay giving this book to a mid-teen.
And on to book three for this intriguing twist on the Aladdin tale! (Seriously, she had some plot and character revelations in there that were just cool!)
July 28, 2022
Another amazing book from Lucy Tempest!
There's character growth, sweet moments, obstacles, details building and building... great installment! In this book we find out more about Ada, as she finds out herself. She has to make some big decisions in this book that will effect her, friends and loved ones. I look forward to reading the next book in this trilogy.
I will certainly read anything Lucy Tempest writes from now on!
I highly recommend you read one of her books.
There's character growth, sweet moments, obstacles, details building and building... great installment! In this book we find out more about Ada, as she finds out herself. She has to make some big decisions in this book that will effect her, friends and loved ones. I look forward to reading the next book in this trilogy.
I will certainly read anything Lucy Tempest writes from now on!
I highly recommend you read one of her books.
January 15, 2022
Despite the fact that the fairytale of Aladdin and I never really had a click, I quite enjoyed the first book in this series. I enjoyed the Selection-like concept, mixed with the hidden motives of our heroine and the love that was slowly brewing between her and of course the prince. I was therefore quite curious about the second book in this series, especially because I knew that everything would somehow crash in this one.
What I love about this series, is that the hints towards the other books and the other fairytales are already scattered throughout it. We met Ella quite briefly in the first book. We also met our beauty, and we've seen a glimpse of her story already, in the first book. In this book we meet a few of the other princesses surely getting their own fairytales in time. Even though they will all have their own story, I like that they're really connected and do know each other.
I also quite liked the development of the romance in this book. I especially like how aware Ada is of the consequences of her choices and her deception, although she seems a little hypocritical at first concerning the true identity of her Cyrus. However, I understood way more where her feelings came from when she explained them and I quite liked how she always put the wellbeing of others and Cahraman first, as much as she could within the task she was given.
But what I enjoyed most was the ongoing selection process and especially the tests designed to see if the girls would make good queens. Mostly because they were about so much more than just being beautiful looking arm candy or being able to produce heirs. The tests were truly political and therefore also gave us the chance to meet people from other kingdoms and cities and get a sense of the political tension.
And after that last chapter I can't wait to dive into the last book in the Aladdin trilogy!
What I love about this series, is that the hints towards the other books and the other fairytales are already scattered throughout it. We met Ella quite briefly in the first book. We also met our beauty, and we've seen a glimpse of her story already, in the first book. In this book we meet a few of the other princesses surely getting their own fairytales in time. Even though they will all have their own story, I like that they're really connected and do know each other.
I also quite liked the development of the romance in this book. I especially like how aware Ada is of the consequences of her choices and her deception, although she seems a little hypocritical at first concerning the true identity of her Cyrus. However, I understood way more where her feelings came from when she explained them and I quite liked how she always put the wellbeing of others and Cahraman first, as much as she could within the task she was given.
But what I enjoyed most was the ongoing selection process and especially the tests designed to see if the girls would make good queens. Mostly because they were about so much more than just being beautiful looking arm candy or being able to produce heirs. The tests were truly political and therefore also gave us the chance to meet people from other kingdoms and cities and get a sense of the political tension.
And after that last chapter I can't wait to dive into the last book in the Aladdin trilogy!
March 12, 2024
Another amazing read down! There's nothing I can say about this story that I didn't like because I loved every single bit! This book did not suffer from middle book syndrome. It wasn't too fast-paced, but it wasn't slow. It built everything up. It gave answers to some questions. Then, it made more questions.
I think, for me, the best part wasn't Adelaide herself. Though I absolutely adore her character. But it was Fairuza that I grew to at least respect. She had nothing but what was taught to her, but in the end, she truly realized her worth and apologized for how she acted. She had her reasons, but she knew she had done wrong. I can respect a character that realizes their own mess ups and owns up to them.
Cherine and Cora are still amazing. They truly love and care for Adelaide. Cora, especially knowing the full truth. I wish Cherine had been a bit kinder with Ayman, but I hope for a happy ending there.
I truly hate what happened with Adelaide. She deserves to be happy. Cyrus deserves her as he values her more than anything. He loves and respects her. That's exactly how it should be. His father is an idiot for not recognizing that. I am just worried about how that will work with who Adelaides mother is.
I think, for me, the best part wasn't Adelaide herself. Though I absolutely adore her character. But it was Fairuza that I grew to at least respect. She had nothing but what was taught to her, but in the end, she truly realized her worth and apologized for how she acted. She had her reasons, but she knew she had done wrong. I can respect a character that realizes their own mess ups and owns up to them.
Cherine and Cora are still amazing. They truly love and care for Adelaide. Cora, especially knowing the full truth. I wish Cherine had been a bit kinder with Ayman, but I hope for a happy ending there.
I truly hate what happened with Adelaide. She deserves to be happy. Cyrus deserves her as he values her more than anything. He loves and respects her. That's exactly how it should be. His father is an idiot for not recognizing that. I am just worried about how that will work with who Adelaides mother is.
December 13, 2020
In Thief of Cahraman, we meed thief Adelaide, whose best friend is kidnapped by an evil witch and will only be released if Ada steals a magic lamp. She then enters a version of The Bachelor/The Selection, tries to find the lamp, and falls for palace worker "Cyrus" (who's really the prince). The contest to find the future Queen of Cahraman is ending, and Ada must find the lamp or her best friend Bonnie will be sacrificed to a beast. Increasingly desperate and torn between her feelings for Cyrus and her responsibility for Bonnie, she'll do whatever she can to navigate the royal world.
The author does a really great job building drama and tension. The story is plotted perfectly. Most of the characters (even the supporting ones) get story arcs which demonstrate their true character (even bitchy Princess Fairuza). The Aladdin story wouldn't have seemed to stretch over three books, but there's not any extra filler. I'm not crazy about the cliffhanger ending, but it does its job and makes me want to read the next book ASAP.
The author does a really great job building drama and tension. The story is plotted perfectly. Most of the characters (even the supporting ones) get story arcs which demonstrate their true character (even bitchy Princess Fairuza). The Aladdin story wouldn't have seemed to stretch over three books, but there's not any extra filler. I'm not crazy about the cliffhanger ending, but it does its job and makes me want to read the next book ASAP.
September 27, 2021
This was a fantastic read! I am devouring this series. I really enjoyed this continuation to Adelaide's story.
Something I loved about this book was the character growth we were able to see not just from Adelaide but from the other characters as well. We were able to see more sides to the characters we have already met. Also, I love Cora! She is by far one of my absolute favorite characters so far in this series and she was able to shine even more in this book.
I am so glad that I can see the seeds being planted for many more stories in this universe following the lives of characters we have already met. I am going to start the next book right night as I need to know what happens! I could easily see myself coming back and rereading this series in the future.
Romance content: super sweet, sweet kisses and hugs.
Something I loved about this book was the character growth we were able to see not just from Adelaide but from the other characters as well. We were able to see more sides to the characters we have already met. Also, I love Cora! She is by far one of my absolute favorite characters so far in this series and she was able to shine even more in this book.
I am so glad that I can see the seeds being planted for many more stories in this universe following the lives of characters we have already met. I am going to start the next book right night as I need to know what happens! I could easily see myself coming back and rereading this series in the future.
Romance content: super sweet, sweet kisses and hugs.
March 4, 2020
Mostly a similar level of fun and interest to the first book, but it really marred the story for me when the main character came down with 'idiot YA heroine syndrome'...
Content levels are also very similar to the first one, though the tense/scary moments ramp up quite a bit from what I remember in the first one. Still all described in an adventure story kind of way, not to highlight the grossness, but you do have things like decapitated ghouls in this one.
Content levels are also very similar to the first one, though the tense/scary moments ramp up quite a bit from what I remember in the first one. Still all described in an adventure story kind of way, not to highlight the grossness, but you do have things like decapitated ghouls in this one.
November 29, 2022
Lucy Tempest writes the best, most sophisticated fairy tales for grown ups you can find. "The Prime of Cahraman" ends the second story in the series with a bang. No happy ending in sight, no romance, no family reunion. There is nothing for it but to quickly get the third book, "The Queen of Cahraman" and see if things can be saved in the end!
December 10, 2019
A fascinating installment
There's just so much going on! Every page had me wondering what was coming next. This is so not your typical fairy tale and you simply can not be sure at all who will succeed. Now on to book three! Such a good read!
There's just so much going on! Every page had me wondering what was coming next. This is so not your typical fairy tale and you simply can not be sure at all who will succeed. Now on to book three! Such a good read!
October 26, 2021
fun series
I enjoyed book 1, but I love book 2. This is such a fun retelling! I can’t wait to see what happens in the third installment.
I enjoyed book 1, but I love book 2. This is such a fun retelling! I can’t wait to see what happens in the third installment.
September 12, 2020
I couldn’t put it down. A very epic sequel with adventure and romance, Prince of Cahraman had me craving every chapter. I loved the deepening of the characters and added fairytale hints. Going to read the third book because I simply can’t end on this cliffhanger. Highly suggest this series; five stars isn’t enough.
March 21, 2020
I am exhausted after binge-reading this book and the first one of the series but it is so totally worth it!!!! This retelling of Aladdin is so out of the box while still somehow being in it and is just amazing. I've been in love with these books and with Lucy Tempest from the first few paragraphs I read!!!!!!!!!!
May 23, 2021
I'm speechless.. but I won't go speechless, at least not for this book (bad attempt at a joke lol)
I loved it even more than the first book. It had more action and more retellings woven in, retellings that I never thought they would put in here like I love Cora and how she doesn't need a man, she just doesn't give a crap about this whole selection lol. I see her as a Mulan type of character or Persephone because her touch gives life- in the farms. it would be cool to see her get a book of her own I like her character.
I loved it even more than the first book. It had more action and more retellings woven in, retellings that I never thought they would put in here like I love Cora and how she doesn't need a man, she just doesn't give a crap about this whole selection lol. I see her as a Mulan type of character or Persephone because her touch gives life- in the farms. it would be cool to see her get a book of her own I like her character.
June 21, 2020
I was really excited to get my hands on the second book of the Fairytales of Folkshore trilogy, and I’m pleased to say that I wasn’t disappointed! Prince of Cahraman followed the story well from where it left off, with Ada discovering who Cyrus really is – the Prince of Cahraman himself, in the middle of the ballroom, surrounded by hundreds of guests. Talk about a shock to the system. The story had the perfect amount of mystery, romance, friendship and exciting new tasks to win the competition for the hand of the Prince. I was hooked from the first page and couldn’t put it down.
With one week left and three important tasks to test their future Queen, Ada was once again just acting like herself which holds an important aspect of her character to me. Never getting swept up with the possibility of a new life as Princess, but to save Bonnie and her father, although Prince Cyaxares is making it more and more difficult. Her feelings for him are confusing to say the least, finding out that the man you were planning to run away with was secretly royalty, the very hand she was fighting for to complete her own personal mission. She never thought she would actually have a chance until he told her who he really was, but Ada knows who she is and her station, she knows that her position in life isn’t suitable at a Prince’s side. You feel her heartbreak and confusion as she continues with the tasks with Cyrus never too far away. It’s real and easy to understand and sympathise with.
‘As ambivalent as I was about the change in his personality since he’d resumed being Cyaxares, about the difference in his tone, carriage and style, his eyes were still the same. And I never wanted them to look away from me.’
Cyrus/ Cyaxares is the perfect Prince, he’s down to earth, cares about his people enough to find them the perfect future Queen with the tasks he sets out for them. He still hasn’t realised that what he needs isn’t royalty by his side, but someone true and has experience living outside of expectations. His feelings for Ada are sweet, as much as he tries to keep up with appearances, he can’t help but be drawn to her. Propriety be damned. He’s our knight in shining armour, literally. Cyrus doesn’t hesitate to risk his life to save Ada which just confuses her more. His innocent disposition is really lovely at times.
‘”Which part of your servant personality was false?”
“Only the uniform I wore”‘
Cora and Cherish were still fantastic additions to the story, Cora coming more out of her shell and keeping Ada’s untold secrets. She still just wants to go home and doesn’t care about winning the Prince’s hand which makes her a wonderful aspect in Ada’s story. She doesn’t take crap from anyone and fights for what she cares about, whether it’s Ada’s life, her beliefs or simply to stop an argument. Cora is a complete badass who I admired. Her brilliant sense of humour is a bonus.
‘I stood rooted, everything inside me clanging as he straightened, turned away with one last lingering glance then strode back inside. I didn’t have a full moment to myself to process because Cora poked her head out of the doorway where he’d just disappeared.
“Has he proposed yet? Can I go home now?”‘
Fairuza was a little surprise, I wasn’t sure what I expected but her desire for wanting to be chosen and winning the competition means more than just appearances. I won’t say anymore, but it was nice to see a change in the horrible addition in the remaining selection. Overall I absolutely loved this book and I’m extremely keen to see what will become of Ada and the Kingdom of Cahraman, due to be released February 2019.
With one week left and three important tasks to test their future Queen, Ada was once again just acting like herself which holds an important aspect of her character to me. Never getting swept up with the possibility of a new life as Princess, but to save Bonnie and her father, although Prince Cyaxares is making it more and more difficult. Her feelings for him are confusing to say the least, finding out that the man you were planning to run away with was secretly royalty, the very hand she was fighting for to complete her own personal mission. She never thought she would actually have a chance until he told her who he really was, but Ada knows who she is and her station, she knows that her position in life isn’t suitable at a Prince’s side. You feel her heartbreak and confusion as she continues with the tasks with Cyrus never too far away. It’s real and easy to understand and sympathise with.
‘As ambivalent as I was about the change in his personality since he’d resumed being Cyaxares, about the difference in his tone, carriage and style, his eyes were still the same. And I never wanted them to look away from me.’
Cyrus/ Cyaxares is the perfect Prince, he’s down to earth, cares about his people enough to find them the perfect future Queen with the tasks he sets out for them. He still hasn’t realised that what he needs isn’t royalty by his side, but someone true and has experience living outside of expectations. His feelings for Ada are sweet, as much as he tries to keep up with appearances, he can’t help but be drawn to her. Propriety be damned. He’s our knight in shining armour, literally. Cyrus doesn’t hesitate to risk his life to save Ada which just confuses her more. His innocent disposition is really lovely at times.
‘”Which part of your servant personality was false?”
“Only the uniform I wore”‘
Cora and Cherish were still fantastic additions to the story, Cora coming more out of her shell and keeping Ada’s untold secrets. She still just wants to go home and doesn’t care about winning the Prince’s hand which makes her a wonderful aspect in Ada’s story. She doesn’t take crap from anyone and fights for what she cares about, whether it’s Ada’s life, her beliefs or simply to stop an argument. Cora is a complete badass who I admired. Her brilliant sense of humour is a bonus.
‘I stood rooted, everything inside me clanging as he straightened, turned away with one last lingering glance then strode back inside. I didn’t have a full moment to myself to process because Cora poked her head out of the doorway where he’d just disappeared.
“Has he proposed yet? Can I go home now?”‘
Fairuza was a little surprise, I wasn’t sure what I expected but her desire for wanting to be chosen and winning the competition means more than just appearances. I won’t say anymore, but it was nice to see a change in the horrible addition in the remaining selection. Overall I absolutely loved this book and I’m extremely keen to see what will become of Ada and the Kingdom of Cahraman, due to be released February 2019.
October 29, 2019
The romance, mystery, and epic dram continue in book 2 of this seriously fun series! I have always loved the Tales of the Arabian Knights, and this series brings them to new and vivid life.
Ada is an appealing heroine. She is strong and determined, yet she is willing to change her mind about people and adapt to circumstances--and her romance with the hero is very sweet.
I dived right into book 3 as soon as I finished this one!
Highly recommended fairy-tale fantasy.
Ada is an appealing heroine. She is strong and determined, yet she is willing to change her mind about people and adapt to circumstances--and her romance with the hero is very sweet.
I dived right into book 3 as soon as I finished this one!
Highly recommended fairy-tale fantasy.
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