Golden Braids and Dragon Blades: Steampunk Rapunzel

Steampunk Fairy Tales #4

by Melanie Karsak

Being the heir to Camelot is a tangled mess.Rapunzel has spent her entire life living in Merlin's cave on the coast of Cornwall. Under the protection of her faerie guardian, Gothel, she’s stayed safe. Safe and bored.

Dreaming of a life that looks more like a Jane Austen novel, Rapunzel fears she'll never have the chance to explore the world. Or meet a man. Or be kissed. Or anything else remotely resembling normal.

When Red Cape Society Agent Ewan Goodwin's monster-stalking device leads him to Rapunzel—and her unusual pets—the pair’s destinies entwine. Together, they must solve a mystery tied to the very roots of King Arthur's Britannia.

Golden Braids and Dragon Blades is a retelling of the classic Rapunzel fairy tale set in New York Times best-selling author Melanie Karsak's fairy tale universe. The novel is a standalone fairy tale in a shared magical world.

Genres: Steampunk, Fantasy, Romance, Retellings, Fairy Tales, Fairy Tale Retellings, Dragons

198 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 17, 2018

About the author

New York Times and USA Today best-selling historical fantasy author Melanie Karsak is the author of the Celtic Blood series, Steampunk Red Riding Hood, Steampunk Fairy Tales, the Road to Valhalla Series, and other works of fantasy and fiction. The author currently lives in Florida with her husband and two children.

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Reviews

[Sarah Ryder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’d never heard of this book or author until this book was reviewed on the website Fairy Tale Central (which you should totally check out if you love fairy tales—it’s fantastic!) and being the Rapunzel AND King Arthur lover I am, I decided to pick it up. And boy what a gem this little story is!

The combination of both tales works SO WELL and I loved how seamlessly the author wove the two together though I do wish she had mentioned WHY Rapunzel’s hair kept growing and was so long—that was the one thing not touched on that I wanted answers for, lol. Add in steampunk England with enough descriptions to make me feel I was there but not so much as to bog down the story and airships and a Jane Austen feel plus mentions of her books that actually makes me curious to read them myself and you have this delightful little tale.

But that’s not all or even the best part! No, the best part of this book hands down are Rapunzel, Ewan, and Rapunzel’s cat sized dragons and WHO DOESN’T WANT THAT?!?! I want tiny dragons, and these girls are such characters and lovely and can I have them please and thank you?

Rapunzel is a strong, naive, smart, and romantic girl who I just adore as while she doesn’t know much about the world she’s very willing to learn and grow and trust even when things don’t look good and she has to make a decision on the fly. And EWAN!!! Can we all appreciate how wonderfully brave yet dorky this guy is? He’s amazing, and his and Rapunzel’s banter is THE BEST THING EVER. Honestly, read this book if you love good banter because this book has it in spades between these two. Plus a love for bacon. 😉 (if you’ve read the book you know what I’m talking about) I honestly could read a whole book of nothing but these two and the dragons and be completely happy (oh wait that was this book. Well, mission accomplished I guess, LOL!)

The only downer to this book and the main reason I won’t be picking up any more of this author’s works is the language. Most of the time I can ignore language unless it’s the F word (none of those here!) or Jesus’ name is used in vain which sadly it was several times, and even though it was mostly by bad guys I’m still going to be blotting them from my copy somehow.

Aside from that this was such a fun, sweet, exciting tale I utterly adore and had me grinning and laughing throughout the whole adventure.


‼️Content‼️

Language: God, Lord, and Christ are used in vain (Lord: 1; God: 6; Christ: 2); dammit; bastard; oh my gosh; whore; what the hell; damned; bloody; Jesus, Mary, and Jospeh

Violence: people are shot and die (not detailed); guns are pointed at people; injuries and blood (not detailed); knives are held to a couple women’s throats; a dragon shoots fire at various people

Sexual: a mention of a long ago past birth from incest; kisses on the forehead; mild suggestive hints; a shirtless guy and a girl does notice his bare chest; kiss on the top of the head; kissing (not detailed)

Drug/Alcohol: a dragon breathes on peoples faces and knocks them out; characters drink ale/stout

Other: talk of selling a baby to another person or a brothel; a mention of possibly drowning a baby; magic; magical abilities, objects, and creatures; a character is a faerie; characters find a hidden temple; explosions; a character is chained up

[Jo · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book wasn't terrible, but it wasn't really any good, either. This is the fourth Steampunk fairytale book in this particular series, and so far, my ratings have been up and down for these books.

This book is a retelling of Rapunzel, with apparent Steampunk elements, but unfortunately, I failed to feel any of those Steampunk elements. I love Steampunk, and I am disappointed with the lack of that theme in here.

I think the best aspect of this book is the cover. It is obvious much work has gone into it, and it really is quite beautiful, but the content itself, has much to answer for. I see many positive reviews about this book, but much of it, didn't sit well with me.

First off, the Jane Austen references every five minutes. They had no place in this story, and they definitely didn't add anything to the plot. The main character Rapunzel, had no character. She seemed highly dependent on a man called Ewan, who also lacked charisma, but was apparently a "love at first sight" for Rapunzel, and he seemed to grab Rapunzel's waist every chance he got. It got a little repetitive for my liking.

As soon as Ewan turned up, I knew what was going to happen. It was pretty obvious. Rapunzel was going to lose all of her independence and put her trust into the hands of man that she had only just set eyes on. I was hoping for something fresh and new, but unfortunately, this book just wasn't up to the standard.

[Mandie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun read! I loved it. I really enjoy this authors style of writing. This book was intriguing and action packed. And the cover is stunning!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A steampunk Rapunzel retelling with references to Tangled, Arthurian legends, and Jane Austen. A beautiful fairytale!

[Jessica Harrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting read, an action-packed romance with dragons, King Arthur legends, and long golden locks. Though I enjoyed it, the book had a short-story feel and came across rather rushed. The romance was cute but fast to form, and everything felt a bit underdeveloped.

Content:
My main complaint was the couple of times the name of God and Christ were used in vain by characters. “Hell” was used a couple of times, but otherwise the language was clean. The violence was minimal. There was a little magic at the end. It definitely wasn’t Christian, but also wasn’t offensive except for the above.

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars
.
I needed a bit more of the Happily Ever After, but this Rapunzel/King Arthur mash-up was so much fun!

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/26/2020)! 🎁

[Dreamer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Melanie Karsak has expertly blended a Repunzel re-telling with King Arthur's legend. Hope to see more of this storyline in her Steampunk Fairy Tale series!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fourth imaginative installment in Melanie Karsak’s Steampunk Fairy Tales!

Flaunting a stunningly beautiful cover, Golden Braids and Dragon Blades heralds the fourth imaginative installment in Melanie Karsak’s Steampunk Fairy Tales. This time Melanie treats readers to a fractured retelling of Rapunzel set in her whimsical London steampunk world which sports a diverse population of supernaturals. It blends Authurian legend, steampunk and Jane Austen into a chivalrous, thrilling, addictive read. Please know that each of the entries in this series can be fully enjoyed as a stand alone although fans of the series will enjoy occasional cameos from previous favorite characters.

Rapunzel Pendragon is the true heir to King Arthur and a dragon blood. She has been hidden in a cave all of her life protected and cared for, not by a witch, but by a benevolent faerie acting as her mother. Unfortunately, danger is looming and she and her dragons must flee with the aid of Red Cape Society agent Ewan Goodwin, who just happens to be a descendent of King Arthur’s knights with a directive to save damsels in distress.

Even though she’s led a sheltered life unable to leave her cave, Rapunzel possesses a good heart and a love for all life. The little moments she enjoys discovering everyday life which we take for granted are precious. Ewan is brave and intelligent and a perfect match for Rapunzel. Rapunzel’s family of dragons are adorable pints of fiery energy. I want one!

Following please find a few of my favorite lines from Golden Braids and Dragon Blades:

I looked up at Ewan. He’d told me himself his job was to hunt people like me. To track them down and arrest – or kill – them. For all I knew, he was taking me to a cell somewhere. Me and my dragons could be in terrible danger. But if so, why was he looking at me like that? No. I was safe with Ewan. Everything in his eyes said so.
“Why are you helping me?” I whispered.
Ewan smiled. “Your hair.”
“My hair?”
He grinned playfully. “Got a thing for girls with long hair.”
---
I grinned. “Start at the beginning.”
“Once upon a time---“
“It did not start with “Once upon a time.”
“No? It should have. All the best stories do. Now, where was I? Once upon a time…”
---
I swallowed hard, trying not to let my feelings show. To hide them, I grinned. “Ewan, I have something to tell you,” I whispered.
The lines around his mouth trembled. “Yes?”
“You won’t laugh.”
“Rapunzel… No, of course not.”
“Ewan… I love bacon.”
At that, Ewan laughed then placed his arm around my shoulder and pulled me close, planting a kiss on the top of my head. “Yeah. Me too.”
---
“You’re better than butter upon bacon.”
“That’s a good line. Did you learn that from reading Jane Austen?”
“No, that’s all Ewan Goodwin.”

Melanie Karsak weaves a fun, magical spell of pure gold with Golden Braids and Dragon Blades. I love Melanie’s style of writing. Every book I’ve read by her has been wonderful and she has quickly become a must-read author for me. Once I opened this book, it was impossible to put it down. It’s a wild, emotional ride packed with fast-paced action. The romance within is sweet and not risqué – completely suitable for a YA audience. I rate it better than butter on bacon and can’t wait to see what Melanie comes out with next!

[Karissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Series Info/Source: This is the fourth book in the Steampunk Fairy Tale series. I borrowed this book through Kindle Unlimited.

Story (4/5): Rapunzel is the last Pendragon descendant and has been isolated in a cave to keep her safe from Mordred’s descendents. Her only companions are Gothel, a fae witch who is like a mother to Rapunzel, and three tiny dragons. When Agent Ewan Goodwin accidentally stumbles into her cave both of their lives are changed forever.

Characters (4/5): I enjoyed these characters, they were well done if not as unique as some of the characters in the previous books of this series. Rapunzel is very sheltered and naive but also fierce and protective when she needs to be. Ewan is besotted with her pretty much from the beginning. The surrounding characters are well done and there are some cameos by characters from Karsak’s other books.

Setting (4/5): This book takes place in a few different settings. Some of the book is in Rapunzel’s cave, some is in London and then most of it is out at a country estate. The settings were fine but not the main driver behind the story.

Writing Style (4/5): This book is well written and easy to read. It was a fun steampunk read with a ton of Arthurian references which I enjoyed. I do wish Karsak would create a master list somewhere of what order all her books should be read in. In the last Steampunk Fairy Tales book there were some characters who popped in from her Airship book series (which I have not read). In this book I feel like we're seeing characters from the Steampunk Red Riding Hood series, which I stopped reading because of all the cameos in the first book from her Steampunk Fairy Tales series. I came back to the Steampunk Fairy Tales series to read that but now I feel like I am getting spoilers for the Steampunk Red Riding Hood series.

Annette Marie also weaves multiple series very tightly together but she gives a very clear reading order list on Goodreads, Amazon, and her website. I would love to see the same thing from Karsak.

My Summary (4/5): Overall I liked this, it was a fun steampunk read with a lot of entertaining Arthurian references. I am just getting a bit frustrated with not knowing what order these books fall in compared to the other series that are also set in this world. Aside from that I continue to enjoy this series and Karsak’s writing style. This whole series has been very fun, full of action, and leaves you feeling happy.

[Melissa Dinwiddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Modern, Genre-Bending Take on a Classic

What I love about Melanie Karsak’s steampunk fairytales is the unexpected directions she takes them in. In fact, calling them “fairytales” is a bit of a misnomer. Yes, she takes classic fairytales (or, in the case of Alice in Wonderland, a more modern tale) as the jumping off point, but except for some central tropes (a red cape, wolves, and Grandmother, in the case of Little Red Riding Hood; long hair, a secluded “tower,” in the case of Rapunzel), she plays fast and loose with the details. Which is, of course, where the fun lies.

In this retelling of Rapunzel, Karnak blends steampunk, Jane Austen, and Arthurian legends. And instead of an evil witch keeping Rapunzel captive, Gothel is still magical, but benevolent, keeping Rapunzel locked away in an attempt to protect her (from what? You’ll have to read the book to find out!)

Since I’ve read several other Karsak books, it was especially fun to encounter characters I’d met before, in “cameo” appearances. Although this also led to my only complaint, which is that I prefer my female protagonists more kickass, like Clemeny Louvel of the Red Riding Hood series. In comparison, Rapunzel felt a bit too “damsel in distress” for my taste.

That said, it kept me reading. Clemeny is still my favorite, but I’ll continue to try other Karsak offers as she writes them! If you like Jane Austen, dragons, Arthurian legends, and tales of chivalry, it’s likely you’ll love this one.

[Lene Blackthorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unique and very charming retelling of classic fairytale, set up in steampunk England flooded with supernaturals.
Rapunzel Pendragon, as the true heir of King Arthur and a dragon blood, has been hidden in a cave for all her life, guarded by the faerie substituting her mother. But now the hunters are on her track. She is forced to flee together with her dragons, but her chances would be very low without the aid of Ewan Goodwin, an agent from the Red Cape Society and a descendant of one of Arthur's knights.
Despite the environment in which Rapunzel grew up, never having the chance to be free and live outside a cave, I loved her instantly thanks to her good heart, kind nature, and love for all life. The little moments when she enjoyed even such simple things like observing other people at their daily work endeared her to me. Even though she was sheltered, the magic that lives inside her gives her strength and fierceness much needed when facing the enemies. Ewan, as a true gentleman, is great match to the heroine, and a very well written character, with balanced bravery, physical appearances and characteristics, intelligence, and emotions. Bonded together by love, they can survive anything - well, with the aid of the little, fiery ones, of course. The dragons are adorable, a great addition to the already very interesting and hooking elements one can find in this story. I love this whole series and will definitely continue the journey.

[Renee Arthur · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can you possibly do with a retelling of Rapunzel? You'd be amazed at what Melanie Karsak can do! This is a tale about a young woman raised in Merlin's cave, alone except for her little dragons. Mother protects her and comes to visit as often as possible. Rapunzel is a very special young woman and must be protected at all costs. One day when mother comes to visit, she tells Rapunzel that she must leave for a while, but not to let the little ones outside at all until she comes back. Something is definitely going on but Rapunzel must content herself with her books and dragons. A few days later, a man shows up at her hidden cave and she must decide whether to trust him or not. Thus begins her adventure and dream of leaving the cave even though she knows it's dangerous. You just have to read this to find out what happens and see if it ties into any other of Melanie Karsak's books. I was totally drawn into this book from the beginning and it was a fantastic read! I highly recommend this steampunk book.

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

CUTE LITTLE BOOGERS!!!
I wasn't sure what I had expected from this little guy, but what I got was well worth my time. Talk about one interesting tale. I was captivated from the start. No if's, and's or but's. You get an action packed, fast paced, nerve racking, wild ride with a full range of emotions that have to be sorted out. The characters are well developed and so realistic I felt I could just reach out and touch them. Their personalities are unique and complex with all the individual traits that balance out perfectly. The scenes are bold and so graphically descriptive they layout the plot and make the storyline pop. Melanie added all the drama and suspense that kept your eyes on this page turning dynamo as the story unfolds. She weaves her world around us until nothing else exists. Your pulled so deep into her imagination with such vivid insight it takes your breath away. Melanie did an exceptional job bringing this read to life flawlessly. Fantastic job Melania, thanks for sharing this awesome read with us.

[Saundra Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Melanie Karsak has spun another steampunk tale of pure gold! No one combines steampunk and fairy tales like Melanie Karsak. With her fourth Steampunk Fairy Tale she not only continues her tradition, but brings to life the legends of King Arthur like none before her.

In the same whimsical steampunk universe of the Red Cape Society, in a lonely isolated cave, Rapunzel Pendragon has grown up. Watched over by her mother, taught the history of her famous ancestor, and the dangers of the outside world, where others would seek to harm her, she dreams of the world beyond.

Rapunzel reads her books, and longs for the life of their characters, something romantic! Alas her whole world is the cave left by Merlin, and the three dragons she sang awake. Will Rapunzel ever see the world past these stone walls?

When it's an adventure from Melanie Karsak, her world is sure to collide with that of thrilling steampunk adventure. What will befall the heir of Arthur? Get Golden Braids and Dragon Blades today to find out!

Kindle Unlimited edition

[Elysian Fields · Rating 5 out of 5]

Better then butter on bacon!

I love this author and devour her books whenever I can. I loved this book for many reasons, but mainly because it is a safe, fun, character driven story that just warms the heart. I feel so much lighter and happier when I read her work and this book was one that made me giggle and cheer for.

It is full of adventure, fun charavters, amazing dialogue and a plot that is Hollywood worthy. With an expertly woven story line, this book include Arthurian legend, Rapunzel, Jane Austen and a bit of steampunk. I loved this author's take not only on the Knights of the Round Table, but also the mythology behind certain aspects of the legend. When you blend together a fun leading lady, a bold and sweet hero, a few fisty dragons and life in London, the story must be a hit.

If you are new to this author, stop now and buy this book, you won't be dissapointed. If you have read her before, then sit back and enjoy, this was an amazing read. I highly recommend this book!

[LastBreath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rapunzel Meets Pride & Prejudice

After nearly 18 months, I finally got around to reading book #4 in this series. However, unlike normal, this book can be successfully read as a standalone.

It reignited my passion for Arthurian lore, tickled my fancy for Mr Darcy (such a dark & brooding man, sigh), and the Disney version of Rapunzel.

Golden Braids and Dragon Blades is a gentle take on a young woman taking her first steps into the big wide world. Of course, her innocence is tempered by 3 (ok, technically 4) dragons and a young Red Cape Society agent. It has adventure, fantastic small steampunk devices, fearsome bad guys, and inserts of old Britannia.

The only gripe I have is it was too short (insert awkward laughing emoji).

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short story is the latest in the steampunk fairytale series by Melanie Karsak, and is her version of Rapunzel. I LOVED it, and really hope Melanie expands it into a full series of full-length books (as she's doing with her Red Riding Hood stories), as there's so much potential for these characters. I'm not going to give away ANYTHING about the story, as it's just awesome to read coming into it with no expectations (and no spoilers - my pet hate!!) but I will recommend it to anyone who loves fairytale and myth retellings, steampunk, a twist of romance, and of course a happy ever after. More please!!
NB first appeared as BOOK ONE IN GASLIGHTS AND GRAVES BOX SET

[Marla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beauty and Beastly is still my favorite of this series, but I did like this one too. When the story line was actually moving forward. It started out quickly, then dragged through the middle, before picking up the pace again and ending quickly.

Rapunzel doesn't act like someone who claims they don't want the throne of England. If she has a son she wants to name him Arthur and she goes around collecting relics and antiques from Camelot. The last with the Queen's approval! Maybe the Queen is picturing a smooth transition from her to Rapunzel's children? Otherwise, it's odd behavior from the Queen too.

[Christina Morley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Golden Braids and Dragon Blades is an entertaining retelling of the classic Rapunzel. There's some humor like when references to the movie Tangled are made. There's great world building and plenty of action too. The characters of Ewan and Rapunzel are likable and the dragons are adorable. Clemeny and Edwin from Karsak's edgier Steampunk Red Riding Hood series also make an appearance. This story is young adult appropriate.

I received an ARC of this book. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Posted on Amanda's Books and More

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun and new story for Rapunzel. You throw in MErlin, King Arthur, the Knights of the Round Table, Rapunzel and Steampunk and you have a very fun, fresh and new story. We also get a chance to see Clemeny even if it's only for a second. I love all of Melanie's retelling of Fairy Tales in the Steampunk version. She always has fun creative books to read. You can read this one as a stand alone but as all the books are good I say read them all. Each one is a quick, fun, adventurous read.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an Arc and I am providing my honest review. What a wonderful read. This is a totally different version of Rapunzel. Loved it! Rapunzel is the heir to Camelot, she is a Pendragon and has special abilities. She is being protected and soon needs the protection of the Red Cape Society. Lots of action and special characters are introduced in this book. I like Ewan and Rapunzel, they make a good couple. I would recommend this to all, welcome to the gas lamp London Steampunk Universe.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Melanie Karsak's steampunked fairy tales always combine such interesting stories. This one blends Arthurian legend with many different veins of the Rapunzel story. I actually really enjoyed the slight Disney cast to this one. Estrid the Dragon reminded me of the horse in Tangled, and Wink reminded me of the chameleon. This story had great pacing and allusions to the myths while still having a really interesting plot line of its own!

[Sherri Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Better than butter on bacon

I really enjoyed this version of Rapunzel. For one thing, Gothel is not the villain - she wants only to nurture and protect Rapunzel. I loved that there are little dragons. I super enjoyed all the references to Jane Austin's works, especially Pride and Predudice. I appreciated the setting of the same world as steampunk Red Riding Hood which I have also read and enjoyed. And if course, there was a handsome hero who loves bacon!

[Kathie Frobe · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dreamy and charming read

Rapunzel, newborn daughter of drunken parents, is traded to Gothel, a woman of unearthly origins. The infant grows to womanhood in a seaside cave in Cornwall. She is charming, educated, and filled with longings to see the world she has only read about it the books her "Mother" brings her.
What follows brings Rapunzel an adventure that is far beyond her daydreams.
It's a lovely read, with interesting and fantastical characters and origins.

[Stacy Spoonster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Golden Braids and Dragon Blades

I loved it!! I love Arthurian legend and have always felt it would work well with Steampunk. These characters are just darling. Rapunzel and Ewan are too adorable together and who doesn't love dragons?!? I highly recommend this book and all of these fairy tales.

[Red Tide · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new character for this world

These are definitely fairy tales, as well as steam punk adventures. With that, the fairy tale endings and the romance should be expected.

They're not badly done and they're not over-the-top. I was thinking how similar they are to Austen and company. It's not a bad little story and sets up another good MC.

[Barbara Haar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steampunk Faerie Tales Series

Having read all the Tales I can give them a rousing cheer. They’re fanciful and imaginative. Each Tale has a new twist on a beloved story, tying them to the Red Cape finale. Ms Karzak’s prose reads fluently. The reader feels satisfied with each ending.

[Bego Salem · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mythology, fairy tales, Jane Austen and Arthurian legend come together in this steampunk tale, making it an awesome read. I quite liked Ewan Goodwin, and 'the girls', Estrid, Luna and Wink. And it was nice to see the Red Cape Agents again. I'm a big fan of Clemeny, but I have to confess, I was always a bit partial to Edwin...

[Kae | Kae’s Infinite Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

realistically more of a 3.5 but rounded up to a 4 because it gave me exactly what I wanted plus a little more!

I loved this creative take on Rapunzel that combined her with Arthurian legend and though a bit cheesy her & Ewan had me grinning the entire time!

I’m looking forward to reading more of Melanie Karsak’s works in the future!