What do you think?
Rate this book
Spinning Tales
Maggie McShay wants a little magic in her life. Something more than the drab existence of going to work and coming home to a cat that barely tolerates her.
When she spontaneously replies to a want ad asking for someone to take care of a fairy tale cottage, it turns out magic wasn’t as far away as she thought. Maggie discovers she wasn’t who she thought she was either. Recalcitrant fairy tale shepherd and ladies’ woman Kody Wilk shows Maggie a world she knew nothing about…a world they need to save before the villains of the world’s fairy tales take over New York City.
It’s up to Maggie, her grumpy, shape-shifting cat, a dwarf hell-bent on finding romance, and Kody to set the fairy tale world to rights. The big bad wolf has nothing on Maggie McShay.
Cover Artist: Jeanine Henning
Genres: Fantasy / Romance
Tags: New York City , Magic , Other Worlds , Shifters
When she spontaneously replies to a want ad asking for someone to take care of a fairy tale cottage, it turns out magic wasn’t as far away as she thought. Maggie discovers she wasn’t who she thought she was either. Recalcitrant fairy tale shepherd and ladies’ woman Kody Wilk shows Maggie a world she knew nothing about…a world they need to save before the villains of the world’s fairy tales take over New York City.
It’s up to Maggie, her grumpy, shape-shifting cat, a dwarf hell-bent on finding romance, and Kody to set the fairy tale world to rights. The big bad wolf has nothing on Maggie McShay.
Cover Artist: Jeanine Henning
Genres: Fantasy / Romance
Tags: New York City , Magic , Other Worlds , Shifters
314 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2019
18 people are currently reading
322 people want to read
About the author
Brey Willows
19 books109 followersBrey Willows is a longtime editor and writer. Her passion is literature and the classics, and she has published a variety of short stories as well as more than ten novels, all sapphic speculative fiction romantasy of some design. She's a coffee fiend, loves long walks in the woods or on the beach, and is terribly clumsy. *She also writes sapphic romance under Ally McGuire*
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
March 7, 2019
3.5 Stars. This was a hard book for me to rate. I’m a big fan of Willows. She is an excellent spec-fic author and she writes the kind of books I want to read. When I heard about this book, a fantasy featuring fairy tales come to life, I could not have been more excited. The premise was great and Willows imagination is fantastic, but I felt the execution was a little bit off.
The main premise is about a woman who realizes fairy tales are real and it is her job to keep the stories and people/creatures in-line. I was a great premise and I found myself hooked into it immediately. For fans of the ABC series Once Upon a Time, this book will probably appeal to you. But the story itself is unique and not like any other lesfic book I have read.
While the book started off great, I found that the pace seemed to really drop in places. A book I should have been devouring, I found a little hard to read at times. This book is a nice long length (which I appreciate for fantasy books) but it still felt like too much for one book. It felt to me Willows started a few threads, like with secondary characters, which just never went anywhere. Maybe she will turn this into a series and parts that were dropped will make sense…but for right now it feels like she tried to pack just a bit too much in.
I also must admit I was a little disappointed in the romance. It wasn’t bad but it felt like it went from a few flirty moments, than jumped to relationship territory. It felt like it was missing the middle where a lot of chemistry could have been formed. I did enjoy both characters and liked them as a potential couple but something was missing.
As I mentioned before Willow’s has an amazing imagination so I do feel bad that this book didn’t click with me more. I was blown away multiple times at little details she wrote of jokes or sayings that were about specific fairy tale creatures. It was just so cleaver and imaginative. But then there would be big important moments like facing down some of the bad guys/girls and I felt that things just wrapped up too easily. It was so strange to go from being really impressed to almost a little disappointed.
Even with this book having some issues I would still recommend it. We need books like this and authors like this that really use their imagination to take use to another world. I do wish I liked this more than I did, but I would read a sequel if there is one.
An ARC was given to me by BSB for a honest review.
The main premise is about a woman who realizes fairy tales are real and it is her job to keep the stories and people/creatures in-line. I was a great premise and I found myself hooked into it immediately. For fans of the ABC series Once Upon a Time, this book will probably appeal to you. But the story itself is unique and not like any other lesfic book I have read.
While the book started off great, I found that the pace seemed to really drop in places. A book I should have been devouring, I found a little hard to read at times. This book is a nice long length (which I appreciate for fantasy books) but it still felt like too much for one book. It felt to me Willows started a few threads, like with secondary characters, which just never went anywhere. Maybe she will turn this into a series and parts that were dropped will make sense…but for right now it feels like she tried to pack just a bit too much in.
I also must admit I was a little disappointed in the romance. It wasn’t bad but it felt like it went from a few flirty moments, than jumped to relationship territory. It felt like it was missing the middle where a lot of chemistry could have been formed. I did enjoy both characters and liked them as a potential couple but something was missing.
As I mentioned before Willow’s has an amazing imagination so I do feel bad that this book didn’t click with me more. I was blown away multiple times at little details she wrote of jokes or sayings that were about specific fairy tale creatures. It was just so cleaver and imaginative. But then there would be big important moments like facing down some of the bad guys/girls and I felt that things just wrapped up too easily. It was so strange to go from being really impressed to almost a little disappointed.
Even with this book having some issues I would still recommend it. We need books like this and authors like this that really use their imagination to take use to another world. I do wish I liked this more than I did, but I would read a sequel if there is one.
An ARC was given to me by BSB for a honest review.
February 20, 2019
I liked the concept of Spinning Tales and the meshing of modern day New York with mythical creatures and the folk tales that gave them life. I didn’t find it easy reading though. Maggie McShay isn’t very happy with her life, her drab apartment and her mind-numbing job as an accountant. She finds her entertainment in reading the personal ads and the cat that seems to have deigned her to be acceptable. One of the personal ads asked for a cottage caretaker catches her eye and on a whim she responds. It’s not long before discovers the cottage is something out of her wildest imaginings.
It started off really well for me. Maggie is thrust into a world she doesn’t believe in with Blech, Brenda and Kody as her guides and companions. Maggie is and interesting mix of smart, willful and lack of self-esteem. Kody is strong, tattooed and sexy but living a hedonistic existence of women and alcohol. Diminutive Brenda is a little snooty and seemingly disinterested. Blech, well, he’s a cat. The interesting cast and great concept held so much promise but by half way through I was struggling to maintain my attention. I wasn’t as engaged as I’d hoped to be found that all the threads of the story line were too loose to sustain the tension.
In some ways, for me, it was like watching someone else play a good adventure video game and while it is interesting enough, it’s not as much fun as playing it yourself. I kept thinking that it would have made a great trilogy giving more opportunity to flesh out the characters and their stories, and me more chance to care about them. So while I enjoyed the theme, the humour and the cleverness of the story line, I wasn’t invested in the wellbeing of the characters.
Book received from Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
It started off really well for me. Maggie is thrust into a world she doesn’t believe in with Blech, Brenda and Kody as her guides and companions. Maggie is and interesting mix of smart, willful and lack of self-esteem. Kody is strong, tattooed and sexy but living a hedonistic existence of women and alcohol. Diminutive Brenda is a little snooty and seemingly disinterested. Blech, well, he’s a cat. The interesting cast and great concept held so much promise but by half way through I was struggling to maintain my attention. I wasn’t as engaged as I’d hoped to be found that all the threads of the story line were too loose to sustain the tension.
In some ways, for me, it was like watching someone else play a good adventure video game and while it is interesting enough, it’s not as much fun as playing it yourself. I kept thinking that it would have made a great trilogy giving more opportunity to flesh out the characters and their stories, and me more chance to care about them. So while I enjoyed the theme, the humour and the cleverness of the story line, I wasn’t invested in the wellbeing of the characters.
Book received from Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
April 22, 2019
A brand new Brey Willows and this time she takes us to the land of fairy tales. The beginning of Spinning Tales had some similarities with the tv show Once Upon a Time.
Maggie McShay is a 30 something accountant living in New York City. As an orphan she feels no close connection to her job or her adopted family and her drab life is passing her by. That all changes when she answers a want ad.
Enter Kody Wilk, fairy tale shepherd without a tale spinner to guide and protect. She hides decades of guilt and sorrow behind booze and lots of women. When Maggie gets the job it opens the door to a new world and slowly it becomes clear that her old life is gone forever. Fairy tales are real and the balance in the magical world has been disturbed by evil forces. Those evil forces that killed her real parents and basically all of the other spinners have taken control and are bleeding into our world. It‘s up to Maggie, Kody, a dwarf and a shape-shifting cat to save us all.
The premise was highly imaginative and it was off to a good start, but somewhere in the middle of this (what felt like an) ongoing road trip it began to falter. I think what failed me most was Maggie. She goes through this big transformation and as the reluctant savior she carries a lot on her shoulders. But all of her decisions are made ‘off screen’, we are not part of her inner world. Furthermore there are too many magical MacGuffins in the plot and the truly evil beings are not so hard to conquer after all. It muted my initial excitement and turned it into a snooze fest.
Maggie and Kody’s romantic arc was missing a few steps and was suffering from a very busy script with lots of players. There is some mutual flirting and then they give off this we’re-a-couple-now vibe for the rest of the journey. The money shot is in one of the last chapters.
f/f
Themes: New York City, fairy tales are real, magic, she is a different kind of spinner, a big bag of magic tricks, let’s paint our way out of a jam.
3.5 stars
* A free copy was provided by Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books Inc. for an honest review.
Maggie McShay is a 30 something accountant living in New York City. As an orphan she feels no close connection to her job or her adopted family and her drab life is passing her by. That all changes when she answers a want ad.
Enter Kody Wilk, fairy tale shepherd without a tale spinner to guide and protect. She hides decades of guilt and sorrow behind booze and lots of women. When Maggie gets the job it opens the door to a new world and slowly it becomes clear that her old life is gone forever. Fairy tales are real and the balance in the magical world has been disturbed by evil forces. Those evil forces that killed her real parents and basically all of the other spinners have taken control and are bleeding into our world. It‘s up to Maggie, Kody, a dwarf and a shape-shifting cat to save us all.
The premise was highly imaginative and it was off to a good start, but somewhere in the middle of this (what felt like an) ongoing road trip it began to falter. I think what failed me most was Maggie. She goes through this big transformation and as the reluctant savior she carries a lot on her shoulders. But all of her decisions are made ‘off screen’, we are not part of her inner world. Furthermore there are too many magical MacGuffins in the plot and the truly evil beings are not so hard to conquer after all. It muted my initial excitement and turned it into a snooze fest.
Maggie and Kody’s romantic arc was missing a few steps and was suffering from a very busy script with lots of players. There is some mutual flirting and then they give off this we’re-a-couple-now vibe for the rest of the journey. The money shot is in one of the last chapters.
f/f
Themes: New York City, fairy tales are real, magic, she is a different kind of spinner, a big bag of magic tricks, let’s paint our way out of a jam.
3.5 stars
* A free copy was provided by Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books Inc. for an honest review.
February 14, 2019
I love Brey Willows’ imagination and she delivers in this urban-fantasy. Her writing is simplistic and easy to follow, but her storylines are always much deeper and much more intricate than her writing style. This allows us average folk the pleasure of enjoying her complex stories.
Maggie McShay leads a boring life with a boring job in New York City. She has very few friends, no family, and one stray cat who has claimed her, but barely acknowledges her. She dreams of more excitement and ‘magic’ in her mundane existence. Maggie’s mornings are spent reading the personal ads in the newspaper, which sadly, is the highlight of her days. Little does she know that this habit is going to change her life. One day, not too far after we’re introduced to Maggie, she reads an ad in the paper requesting a keeper for a fairy tale cottage. Something about the ad calls to her, so she responds.
What follows is a rich, plot-driven adventure with a vast group of characters from the fairytale world; characters ranging from humorous to flirty (sometimes both), from innocuous to dangerous. This is Maggie’s tale of not only finding adventure and a purpose, but also of finding herself and where she belongs when she’s never felt like she’s really belonged anywhere. As with other Willows’ books, it is obvious that a lot of thought, planning, and research was done in order to bring this story to life and I loved it. She does a great job weaving several fairytale creatures from around the globe into one tale and I found it highly entertaining.
Unfortunately, I do have one complaint, which is in regards to the romantic aspect of this book. I actually found myself thinking that the book could have stood on its own without it. Because Spinning Tales is written in third person from only Maggie’s perspective, I found the signals Kody was sending her way to be flirtatious simply because of her naturally flirtatious personality. I just didn’t feel her original draw to Maggie. I’m trying to determine, however, if this is because of Maggie’s insecurities. Since we only have her perspective and her perspective isn’t one full of self-confidence, I’m going to chalk it up to that. Regardless, the romance did not detract from the story, so it’s really not a huge gripe.
I recommend Spinning Tales to anyone looking for a fanciful, plot-driven adventure in fairytale land.
Book received from Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
Maggie McShay leads a boring life with a boring job in New York City. She has very few friends, no family, and one stray cat who has claimed her, but barely acknowledges her. She dreams of more excitement and ‘magic’ in her mundane existence. Maggie’s mornings are spent reading the personal ads in the newspaper, which sadly, is the highlight of her days. Little does she know that this habit is going to change her life. One day, not too far after we’re introduced to Maggie, she reads an ad in the paper requesting a keeper for a fairy tale cottage. Something about the ad calls to her, so she responds.
What follows is a rich, plot-driven adventure with a vast group of characters from the fairytale world; characters ranging from humorous to flirty (sometimes both), from innocuous to dangerous. This is Maggie’s tale of not only finding adventure and a purpose, but also of finding herself and where she belongs when she’s never felt like she’s really belonged anywhere. As with other Willows’ books, it is obvious that a lot of thought, planning, and research was done in order to bring this story to life and I loved it. She does a great job weaving several fairytale creatures from around the globe into one tale and I found it highly entertaining.
Unfortunately, I do have one complaint, which is in regards to the romantic aspect of this book. I actually found myself thinking that the book could have stood on its own without it. Because Spinning Tales is written in third person from only Maggie’s perspective, I found the signals Kody was sending her way to be flirtatious simply because of her naturally flirtatious personality. I just didn’t feel her original draw to Maggie. I’m trying to determine, however, if this is because of Maggie’s insecurities. Since we only have her perspective and her perspective isn’t one full of self-confidence, I’m going to chalk it up to that. Regardless, the romance did not detract from the story, so it’s really not a huge gripe.
I recommend Spinning Tales to anyone looking for a fanciful, plot-driven adventure in fairytale land.
Book received from Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
March 3, 2019
I want to preface this review saying that this type of story is not my normal preference. I liked the cover, title, and blurb enough to try something out of my reading comfort zone.
This book is about fairy tales, storybook characters, and magic. It is unique, however, in that it blends in the modern world as well. Think 'Men in Black.' But exchange space and aliens for fairy tales and characters.
Maggie is a young adult that is not particularly inspired with her life and job. She answers an ad in the paper offering unusual employment. And because she needs a change, she accepts. This starts a journey of self discovery, choosing family, and finding love. All the while, trying to save everyone from the villains who have gone rogue and infiltrated Manhattan.
There were times when this was cute, amusing, and endearing. We are introduced to several supporting characters with unique personalities that added color to the story. Also a litany of one-off characters along the way that brought the world to life. I think the author truly shined with world and character building.
But listen. This book was extremely hard to get through. It was written well enough. The story and the characters were interesting. I don't know if I can put my finger on why I had to take so many breaks and come back to it over and over again. I just have to chalk it up to that it isn't my usual genre. There are plenty of other reviewers who adored this book.
Perhaps it was the sum of little things for me. Kody was supposed to be this hot and promiscuous butch. But she often uses ridiculous fairy tale expressions that just come across as dorky and caused some character confusion for me. I felt the romance was on the light side and chemistry was lacking a bit. We were introduced to one of Maggie's friends but then there is literally no reason for her as she doesn't have anything to do with the rest of the book. Same with her older sister. There was just more emphasis on things that weren't necessary.
Truly, though. Take this review below face value. It just wasn't my thing.
This book is about fairy tales, storybook characters, and magic. It is unique, however, in that it blends in the modern world as well. Think 'Men in Black.' But exchange space and aliens for fairy tales and characters.
Maggie is a young adult that is not particularly inspired with her life and job. She answers an ad in the paper offering unusual employment. And because she needs a change, she accepts. This starts a journey of self discovery, choosing family, and finding love. All the while, trying to save everyone from the villains who have gone rogue and infiltrated Manhattan.
There were times when this was cute, amusing, and endearing. We are introduced to several supporting characters with unique personalities that added color to the story. Also a litany of one-off characters along the way that brought the world to life. I think the author truly shined with world and character building.
But listen. This book was extremely hard to get through. It was written well enough. The story and the characters were interesting. I don't know if I can put my finger on why I had to take so many breaks and come back to it over and over again. I just have to chalk it up to that it isn't my usual genre. There are plenty of other reviewers who adored this book.
Perhaps it was the sum of little things for me. Kody was supposed to be this hot and promiscuous butch. But she often uses ridiculous fairy tale expressions that just come across as dorky and caused some character confusion for me. I felt the romance was on the light side and chemistry was lacking a bit. We were introduced to one of Maggie's friends but then there is literally no reason for her as she doesn't have anything to do with the rest of the book. Same with her older sister. There was just more emphasis on things that weren't necessary.
Truly, though. Take this review below face value. It just wasn't my thing.
March 14, 2019
I liked the book well enough, though didn't love. Reminded me a little too much of Bill Willingham's Fables series, but that has no impact on rating & enjoyment - stories were quite different.
Hate to say it but the main reason I gave a 4.25 rating (though maybe I should rate it in the 3.8 range) was because, to put it bluntly, everything unfolded way too gently and easily. eh, happens.
rating: 3.8 to 4.25
March 14 2019
Hate to say it but the main reason I gave a 4.25 rating (though maybe I should rate it in the 3.8 range) was because, to put it bluntly, everything unfolded way too gently and easily. eh, happens.
rating: 3.8 to 4.25
March 14 2019
March 1, 2019
Spinning Tales by Brey Willows is a spectacularly written tale about how the real world and the fairy tale world collide. It all happens when the villains of the fairy tale world revolt, take over their realms, and then enter the real world with plans to take over New York City. But in their way is Maggie McShay, a young woman with a boring life who lives in the city with her less than loving cat. Only she isn’t really a boring young woman and her cat is not just a cat. As Maggie discovers who she really is, and realizes her cat is really a shape shifting creature from the fairy tale world, she and Blech/Shamus the cat, together with Shepherd Kody Wilk and Brenda the romance-driven dwarf must figure out how to save both worlds from the villains’ plans.
I must say that I am awed at the brilliance and the complexity of this story. The plot is well developed and even though it flows through multiple worlds, the reader is easily able to follow and understand the story. The characters, both human and mythical are so well drawn, they seem real enough that you would not be surprised to meet them at your door. The pace of the story was appropriate for this genre. In fact, the biggest problem I had was to put the book down and return to real life before I finished it. This book has it all: fantasy, friendship, love,, heroes, villains, mythical beings, steamy romance, and a riveting story.
I’m giving this book my highest recommendation. It is also going into my favorites folder, and I hope it will be in yours as well.
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
Rainbow Reflections:
https://rainbowreflections.home.blog/
I must say that I am awed at the brilliance and the complexity of this story. The plot is well developed and even though it flows through multiple worlds, the reader is easily able to follow and understand the story. The characters, both human and mythical are so well drawn, they seem real enough that you would not be surprised to meet them at your door. The pace of the story was appropriate for this genre. In fact, the biggest problem I had was to put the book down and return to real life before I finished it. This book has it all: fantasy, friendship, love,, heroes, villains, mythical beings, steamy romance, and a riveting story.
I’m giving this book my highest recommendation. It is also going into my favorites folder, and I hope it will be in yours as well.
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
Rainbow Reflections:
https://rainbowreflections.home.blog/
March 23, 2019
Well that was some out of the box story telling right there… Wow!
Maggie McShay is bored with life, her job and her lack of dating. She sees an ad in the newspaper for a cottage keeper but what she doesn’t know is the cottage is a portal into a Fairytale world… literally. When Maggie meets her protector, Kody Wilks she’s not sure if she’s more shocked how unbelievably butch and sexy Kody is or by the string of women in her bed. As they tackle the fairytale realm and Maggie's new-found gifts, they begin to fall for each other but how can it work when Maggie is from another world and Kody is brooding over the past… Maybe fairy-tales can come true?
I absolutely loved this book. I was engrossed from the prologue and it just kept getting better. Honestly, I wasn’t sure if I would connect with this book at all but I had nothing to worry about as the magic whisked me away into this magical land and I couldn’t get enough.
All the characters, main and secondary were fantastic and well fleshed out. But for me there was only Kody Wilks. She was everything… Butch but in a James Dean way, sweet and sensitive in some ways but above all she was ferociously brave and genuingly caring of her friends, especially Maggie.
I don’t know how Maggie kept her hands to herself for so long because she was Maggie's perfect match in every way. The chemistry and connection between them both was undeniable and honestly it seeped from the page. The sex scenes were off the chart and it was a relief when these two finally let the fireworks take over because it was amazing, loving but ultimately incredibly sexy!
Also, the “Wanted Ads” that Maggie enjoys reading in the newspaper were nothing short of hilarious and they added a levity to the books in moments where I didn’t think there was any.
This is not my normal go to for Lesbian fiction but I am so glad I picked it up. I hope Spinning Tales becomes a series or has a follow-up because I want more magic and adventure with Maggie and Kody
Unequivocally 5 Stars.
Maggie McShay is bored with life, her job and her lack of dating. She sees an ad in the newspaper for a cottage keeper but what she doesn’t know is the cottage is a portal into a Fairytale world… literally. When Maggie meets her protector, Kody Wilks she’s not sure if she’s more shocked how unbelievably butch and sexy Kody is or by the string of women in her bed. As they tackle the fairytale realm and Maggie's new-found gifts, they begin to fall for each other but how can it work when Maggie is from another world and Kody is brooding over the past… Maybe fairy-tales can come true?
I absolutely loved this book. I was engrossed from the prologue and it just kept getting better. Honestly, I wasn’t sure if I would connect with this book at all but I had nothing to worry about as the magic whisked me away into this magical land and I couldn’t get enough.
All the characters, main and secondary were fantastic and well fleshed out. But for me there was only Kody Wilks. She was everything… Butch but in a James Dean way, sweet and sensitive in some ways but above all she was ferociously brave and genuingly caring of her friends, especially Maggie.
I don’t know how Maggie kept her hands to herself for so long because she was Maggie's perfect match in every way. The chemistry and connection between them both was undeniable and honestly it seeped from the page. The sex scenes were off the chart and it was a relief when these two finally let the fireworks take over because it was amazing, loving but ultimately incredibly sexy!
Also, the “Wanted Ads” that Maggie enjoys reading in the newspaper were nothing short of hilarious and they added a levity to the books in moments where I didn’t think there was any.
This is not my normal go to for Lesbian fiction but I am so glad I picked it up. I hope Spinning Tales becomes a series or has a follow-up because I want more magic and adventure with Maggie and Kody
Unequivocally 5 Stars.
June 4, 2022
It was my first book by Brey Willows 👏 but assuredly not the last one 'cause 😍🥰 I LOVED the story and its originality, the writing style, the MCs & the strong secondary characters !!!!
So glad to finally find a fantasy book in which the MC is not a YA or (worst in my book) a teen...
Personal note to the author: Thank you !!! 🙏 for this great moment, I really had a blast !!!
I'd really love to read more about this chosen and highly unconventional family (there are so many things to do to right the wrongs and reach the HEA they deserve) so, I surely hope you'll feel free and inspired to write a sequel. And waiting for this great moment to happen, I'll make sure to read more of your books ASAP.
So glad to finally find a fantasy book in which the MC is not a YA or (worst in my book) a teen...
Personal note to the author: Thank you !!! 🙏 for this great moment, I really had a blast !!!
I'd really love to read more about this chosen and highly unconventional family (there are so many things to do to right the wrongs and reach the HEA they deserve) so, I surely hope you'll feel free and inspired to write a sequel. And waiting for this great moment to happen, I'll make sure to read more of your books ASAP.
April 2, 2021
I LOVE the queer fantasy genre - especially those utilizing fairy tales with a sapphic bents. So when I spotted this I know I had to read.
For some reason I saw the MC Maggie as a 35 year old version of Merida from Brave. It's stated she is tall but femme and has long red hair - and she has a fun sassy internal monologue. So for whatever reason that's the imagery she drew in me lol. She is kind, but awkward. Dreaming about a lady love and wanting something more for her life. So she answers an ad to become a care-taker to a cottage.
I've got well into cottagecore lately, and that cottagecore lesbian life really appeals to me. So the premise of this story should have ticked all my boxes. But unfortunately it just kind of faltered and fizzled. Which may be my own issue with thinking too hard about the plot, instead of just going along for the ride.
My biggest issue I think is the plot hole which makes the people supposedly there to 'protect' and serve Maggie, starts to unravel when you realize they often just... weren't doing their jobs???
Such as love interest Kody (who supposed to be a 'Shepherd' for Maggie on her journey) being too busy slutting it up in her penthouse suite and not even realizing that there was a new caretaker for the cottage. Like what? There's a tortured backstory there, which I appreciate but I felt like - dude it's been 35 years! Plus you had a job to do! She apologises to Maggie at one point for not being there for her, but I just felt like it was shallow - and that's all I really got from the character of Kody, was shallowness. I struggled to sympathize even with her sad backstory. Let alone get on board with Maggie's ridiculous infatuation with her.
The same with the rest of the ensemble cast of characters - it's like they were all just waiting around for Maggie to show up and do their jobs for them... I always struggled with that whole "chosen one" angle, where everyone keeps a secret for ages, yet expect that chosen one to step up quickly to save the day, and insists on giving shrouded advice about what they should and shouldn't do. While clearly not taking on much responsibility themselves.
Again, maybe I'm thinking too much on things. It's classic fairy tale fare - but seemed to be missing depth, or perhaps I just expected different things.
For some reason I saw the MC Maggie as a 35 year old version of Merida from Brave. It's stated she is tall but femme and has long red hair - and she has a fun sassy internal monologue. So for whatever reason that's the imagery she drew in me lol. She is kind, but awkward. Dreaming about a lady love and wanting something more for her life. So she answers an ad to become a care-taker to a cottage.
I've got well into cottagecore lately, and that cottagecore lesbian life really appeals to me. So the premise of this story should have ticked all my boxes. But unfortunately it just kind of faltered and fizzled. Which may be my own issue with thinking too hard about the plot, instead of just going along for the ride.
My biggest issue I think is the plot hole which makes the people supposedly there to 'protect' and serve Maggie, starts to unravel when you realize they often just... weren't doing their jobs???
Such as love interest Kody (who supposed to be a 'Shepherd' for Maggie on her journey) being too busy slutting it up in her penthouse suite and not even realizing that there was a new caretaker for the cottage. Like what? There's a tortured backstory there, which I appreciate but I felt like - dude it's been 35 years! Plus you had a job to do! She apologises to Maggie at one point for not being there for her, but I just felt like it was shallow - and that's all I really got from the character of Kody, was shallowness. I struggled to sympathize even with her sad backstory. Let alone get on board with Maggie's ridiculous infatuation with her.
The same with the rest of the ensemble cast of characters - it's like they were all just waiting around for Maggie to show up and do their jobs for them... I always struggled with that whole "chosen one" angle, where everyone keeps a secret for ages, yet expect that chosen one to step up quickly to save the day, and insists on giving shrouded advice about what they should and shouldn't do. While clearly not taking on much responsibility themselves.
Again, maybe I'm thinking too much on things. It's classic fairy tale fare - but seemed to be missing depth, or perhaps I just expected different things.
February 23, 2019
Whew! This took me more time to get threw than I originally thought. I have mixed feelings about Spinning Tales. This is classified as Romance, but I am not so sure that is the primary theme and honestly I am not sure how I would classify it. What I can say is that I really enjoyed the beginning of the book. As I approached the middle, it dragged for me and then picked up again about 3/4 of the way in. So here are the trouble spots - the book was overly complicated. There were times where I just thought too much is going on and wondered why this particular theme was picked. I found it dragging when detail was given about fairy tales and how they are made etc. just too much. I also felt enough wasn’t given on the romance side of things. Yes, the connection between Maggie and Kody is there, it just needed to be expanded more. So what did I like? I really liked the supporting characters and I liked that the suspense wasn’t overly strong. With that said, it seemed that everything towards the end was just too easy. I was expecting more from Maggie and Kody.
So I will rate this one a 3 star. I know I gave a lot of reasons for this to be lower, but it was still a decent read and movement of the beginning and end helped to keep me interested.
So I will rate this one a 3 star. I know I gave a lot of reasons for this to be lower, but it was still a decent read and movement of the beginning and end helped to keep me interested.
February 8, 2019
What’s that saying—Be careful what you ask for ‘cause you just might get it?
Maggie McShay wants some magic in her life (Uh-oh, red flag #1). When she answers a personal ad seeking a caretaker for a magical cottage in New York City (red flag #2), she ends up with way more than she expected. Then when the book she’s supposed to read to get all of her instructions keeps changing and leaving her personal notes; the person who’s supposed to be the one who can tell her everything she needs to know turns out to be a hot butch lady’s woman; the ddorwoman of the building the magical cottage sits atop is a dwarf looking for love in all the wrong places; Maggie’s cat, whom she thought was just a typical grouchy, arrogant cat changes into something she’s never seen before; and she herself isn’t who she thought she was, she knows her life will never be the same.
This book is creative, imaginative, excellently plotted, brilliantly written, and the characters—whether human or mythical creature—stand up and walk off the page. The character arcs and back stories of the two MCs, Maggie and her fairy tale shepherd, Kody Wilk, are richly developed, and the cast of secondary characters beautifully populates and colors in the magical world that Willows has created in this story. I especially enjoyed not only the relationship that builds between Maggie and Kody but also the group dynamic and interaction between them and the two main secondary characters, Brenda and Shamus.
Willows does a remarkable job of not only building both the fairy tale world—careful to include those stories commonly known as well as a variety of myths, legends, and tales from many other cultures—but also the ins and outs of how the magic works within it and in connecting it to the human world. There is so much detail in this book that makes the reader feel like they’ve really stepped into a magical realm.
In case you couldn’t tell by now, I “highly” recommend this book to all readers who love fairy tales, magic, adventure, sweet love stories, personal journeys, and brilliant displays of creativity. All of Willows’s books speak to her wonderful imagination and her amazing ability to put it into words and are all excellent reads, but this one really shines.
Maggie McShay wants some magic in her life (Uh-oh, red flag #1). When she answers a personal ad seeking a caretaker for a magical cottage in New York City (red flag #2), she ends up with way more than she expected. Then when the book she’s supposed to read to get all of her instructions keeps changing and leaving her personal notes; the person who’s supposed to be the one who can tell her everything she needs to know turns out to be a hot butch lady’s woman; the ddorwoman of the building the magical cottage sits atop is a dwarf looking for love in all the wrong places; Maggie’s cat, whom she thought was just a typical grouchy, arrogant cat changes into something she’s never seen before; and she herself isn’t who she thought she was, she knows her life will never be the same.
This book is creative, imaginative, excellently plotted, brilliantly written, and the characters—whether human or mythical creature—stand up and walk off the page. The character arcs and back stories of the two MCs, Maggie and her fairy tale shepherd, Kody Wilk, are richly developed, and the cast of secondary characters beautifully populates and colors in the magical world that Willows has created in this story. I especially enjoyed not only the relationship that builds between Maggie and Kody but also the group dynamic and interaction between them and the two main secondary characters, Brenda and Shamus.
Willows does a remarkable job of not only building both the fairy tale world—careful to include those stories commonly known as well as a variety of myths, legends, and tales from many other cultures—but also the ins and outs of how the magic works within it and in connecting it to the human world. There is so much detail in this book that makes the reader feel like they’ve really stepped into a magical realm.
In case you couldn’t tell by now, I “highly” recommend this book to all readers who love fairy tales, magic, adventure, sweet love stories, personal journeys, and brilliant displays of creativity. All of Willows’s books speak to her wonderful imagination and her amazing ability to put it into words and are all excellent reads, but this one really shines.
February 17, 2019
Brey Willows' latest, "Spinning Tales," was a bag of sorts....the fairy tale kind. Before reading it, I was told that the story would be about a fairy tale amongst fairy tales. Didn't have to be convinced much with that description, mind! So, when I received me copy, I was ready to set out on me journey to experience Willows' land of wonders...fairy tale wonders. So.... Well, as Cypher famously said, "Buckle up, Dorothy, cause Kansas is going bye-bye!" And down the rabbit hole I went!
First off, let me get this out of me chest.... Brey Willows does FUNNY, too! Wicked! I mean, I was chuckling the whole time I was reading the early chapters and then throughout where I found meself chuckling again! I loved Maggie's hilarious inner thoughts. Her constant confusion about her mates' colloquialism, always settling on her own assumptions or even just dismissing it rather than asking for an explanation, hence, saving herself from embarrassment! LOL! And then, those "Want Ads!!" Original! Brilliant! Speaking of, besides them sounding a bit mad and amusing, they also kept me on me toes the whole time because I couldn't stop wondering....! And just so you know, Maggie's cat also kept me wondering... So, well done, Willows!
And before I move on any further into the story, who can forget the end of the Prologue, eh? Well, I bloody can't! I mean, when I read the last passage, I was like..."Whaaa?!" No way! Totally didn't expect THAT! You got me there, Ms. Willows! Brilliant!
Full commentary here.... In Bugs' Own Words
An ARC copy was given to me by BSB/Netgalley in exchange for an honest feedback.
First off, let me get this out of me chest.... Brey Willows does FUNNY, too! Wicked! I mean, I was chuckling the whole time I was reading the early chapters and then throughout where I found meself chuckling again! I loved Maggie's hilarious inner thoughts. Her constant confusion about her mates' colloquialism, always settling on her own assumptions or even just dismissing it rather than asking for an explanation, hence, saving herself from embarrassment! LOL! And then, those "Want Ads!!" Original! Brilliant! Speaking of, besides them sounding a bit mad and amusing, they also kept me on me toes the whole time because I couldn't stop wondering....! And just so you know, Maggie's cat also kept me wondering... So, well done, Willows!
And before I move on any further into the story, who can forget the end of the Prologue, eh? Well, I bloody can't! I mean, when I read the last passage, I was like..."Whaaa?!" No way! Totally didn't expect THAT! You got me there, Ms. Willows! Brilliant!
Full commentary here.... In Bugs' Own Words
An ARC copy was given to me by BSB/Netgalley in exchange for an honest feedback.
May 30, 2020
I... hmm. This was going well I was enjoying the silly magical stuff, the discoveries, but... I don’t know. It feels incomplete. What happened to the best friend? To her sister and her children? To the homeless man? Also, did the author got bored and just killed the bad guy? I really have trouble rating this. It’s a 4 most of the time, but that rushed final part? That’s a very generous 3. So 3.5 for this. I liked it, kinda.
Maybe I need a sequel or another book told from Di's perspective or something.
Maybe I need a sequel or another book told from Di's perspective or something.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2022
2.5 star rating
This was surprisingly underwhelming. The story just didn't hold me in want for more, I had on many moments just abandon the book to do something else.
This story is about a boring city girl finding herself first as custodian of a magical cottage and then herself as an action heroine of sort.
Unfortunately this entire story didn't work for me.
This was surprisingly underwhelming. The story just didn't hold me in want for more, I had on many moments just abandon the book to do something else.
This story is about a boring city girl finding herself first as custodian of a magical cottage and then herself as an action heroine of sort.
Unfortunately this entire story didn't work for me.
July 30, 2021
3 stars
Hmm. I have a hot and cold relationship with fairytale based stories.
On one hand I know the source material, which makes it more interesting to see what the author has created out of the existing lore.
On the other hand I grew up on Grimm fairytales and never was a fan of them (granted I dislike Disney even more, but still...), so it doesn't really appeal to me.
This book was pretty well written, made sense (except for a few plot holes) and I kinda enjoyed it so it deserves a slightly above average rating. Sadly can't say more positive stuff because it was definitely not my cup of tea.
Hmm. I have a hot and cold relationship with fairytale based stories.
On one hand I know the source material, which makes it more interesting to see what the author has created out of the existing lore.
On the other hand I grew up on Grimm fairytales and never was a fan of them (granted I dislike Disney even more, but still...), so it doesn't really appeal to me.
This book was pretty well written, made sense (except for a few plot holes) and I kinda enjoyed it so it deserves a slightly above average rating. Sadly can't say more positive stuff because it was definitely not my cup of tea.
April 4, 2019
Lovely tale! Completely different from everything I've read this year so far, a very exciting adventure with great characters!
September 12, 2019
Loved reading this book. I'm currently working my way through the Once Upon a Time box set so this book was right up my street. The storyline was great and the characters all had their unique personalities and quirks. My only little nag was that it wasn't longer. Highly recommend if you enjoy fairytales and fantasy.
February 25, 2019
Brey Willows has a fabulously colourful imagination that really shines with this book. The characters are wonderful, the premise is refreshing and the book overall is hard to classify. Others have summarized the book, so I won't do that here. What I will do is tell you that 'Spinning Tales' is one of the most refreshing books I've read in years. Yes, years. It has angst, heartache, magic, a quest, romance, love lost, and a sense of wonder that so few books these days have.
I was so captivated by this book that I'll be ordering the print version, and it will go on the shelf beside my classics like Tolkien and Lewis. and you can bet I'll be reading this one again and again when I'm in need of some "comfort reading"
Quite possibly Ms. Willows BEST work!
I was so captivated by this book that I'll be ordering the print version, and it will go on the shelf beside my classics like Tolkien and Lewis. and you can bet I'll be reading this one again and again when I'm in need of some "comfort reading"
Quite possibly Ms. Willows BEST work!
March 24, 2019
Super light-hearted fun!
April 3, 2019
This was absolutely amazing!
The story had everything I love, romance, magic, fairy tales…a cat! I mean what wasn’t to love.
Maggie McShay is just fed up of her boring little life (I could relate) but she had some wonderful quirks, which led her on the most exciting adventure, and to the answers of questions she had always wanted to know.
With her cat, Blech, she takes on a job at a hidden cottage in the city, completely unaware of her fate, and what it really entails until she gets a few surprises. When she finally realises what it is she has to do, and finds her Kody the real excitement of all that lies in her wake is bought to life.
I really couldn’t put this book down! I was drawn in from that very first chapter and thoroughly enjoyed learning all about Maggie’s worlds on both sides of the cottage. The magical descriptions, and wonders of all Maggie was discovering really bough the book to life, creating beautiful imagery, and leaving me really wanting to know more (and a little envious).
It was such an imaginative story, with wonder and excitement, building tension and fabulous fairy tale worlds. Beautifully written and I really do hope we will see more from Maggie and Kody in future, because there has to be more wonderful things to come in their future. I am also intrigued as to how Maggie will find her newly discovered life?
I cannot recommend this book enough. A real page turner, with magic and wonder in every chapter, and I loved every moment of it.
The story had everything I love, romance, magic, fairy tales…a cat! I mean what wasn’t to love.
Maggie McShay is just fed up of her boring little life (I could relate) but she had some wonderful quirks, which led her on the most exciting adventure, and to the answers of questions she had always wanted to know.
With her cat, Blech, she takes on a job at a hidden cottage in the city, completely unaware of her fate, and what it really entails until she gets a few surprises. When she finally realises what it is she has to do, and finds her Kody the real excitement of all that lies in her wake is bought to life.
I really couldn’t put this book down! I was drawn in from that very first chapter and thoroughly enjoyed learning all about Maggie’s worlds on both sides of the cottage. The magical descriptions, and wonders of all Maggie was discovering really bough the book to life, creating beautiful imagery, and leaving me really wanting to know more (and a little envious).
It was such an imaginative story, with wonder and excitement, building tension and fabulous fairy tale worlds. Beautifully written and I really do hope we will see more from Maggie and Kody in future, because there has to be more wonderful things to come in their future. I am also intrigued as to how Maggie will find her newly discovered life?
I cannot recommend this book enough. A real page turner, with magic and wonder in every chapter, and I loved every moment of it.
March 25, 2019
I've loved all the books written by Brey Willows and so I had high hopes that I'd love this book too. I'm still trying to gauge how I feel about it though. I liked it, 'cause I thought the main characters were well written. There were a few things that just fell to the side without explanation which was a shame, but that's only because I have a need to know everything, like what happened to Maggie's friendship with Casey and did she ever speak to her sister again?
Everything was also super easy, or so it seemed for Maggie to figure out. Maybe because she didn't have to abide by the rules past Tale Spinners had to follow? With her powers she really could have done everything all on her own but I'm happy she went through it with the characters she did. Anyway, for now... I've marked this with three stars, I might change my mind later.
Everything was also super easy, or so it seemed for Maggie to figure out. Maybe because she didn't have to abide by the rules past Tale Spinners had to follow? With her powers she really could have done everything all on her own but I'm happy she went through it with the characters she did. Anyway, for now... I've marked this with three stars, I might change my mind later.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 19, 2019
*ARC received from NetGalley in return for an honest review*
Sadly, I have very mixed feelings about this book. With a kickass beginning, Willows starts a story that kept me hooked. As time went on the story got slower and slower until it moved almost at a snail's pace. Which would have been fine if the romance had been played out a little better, but sadly it was mainly "damn she is hot" 24/7. The ending left a lot to be desired. Everything wrapped up too easily and quickly for my liking. I honestly thought it was going to take another hundred pages at the pace it was going and instead it wrapped up in like twenty. I would really only recommend this story to people who really love lesbian fairy tale retellings and not to anyone else.
Sadly, I have very mixed feelings about this book. With a kickass beginning, Willows starts a story that kept me hooked. As time went on the story got slower and slower until it moved almost at a snail's pace. Which would have been fine if the romance had been played out a little better, but sadly it was mainly "damn she is hot" 24/7. The ending left a lot to be desired. Everything wrapped up too easily and quickly for my liking. I honestly thought it was going to take another hundred pages at the pace it was going and instead it wrapped up in like twenty. I would really only recommend this story to people who really love lesbian fairy tale retellings and not to anyone else.
March 19, 2019
This story is brilliant.
February 22, 2019
I ARC received via NetGalley and in exchange for an honest review.
Maggie McShay feels that her life is boring only entertainment she gets is looking at personal ads in the newspaper and a cat who seems to accept her then don't.
Then onday while looking in the newspaper one of the personal ads asked for a cottage caretaker this seems like something that can spice her life up while she decide next plan for her life.
When she is accepted for the job she thinks it's going to be a piece of cake and before long she is thrust into a world of fairytales and magic. When she learns she is destined to balance fairytale world by keeping everything in it's place. With the help of shape shifter cat she names Blech but real name is Shamus who is hilarious and Brenda who is a bit of not really into but ther to help also the shepard Kody who is sexy and has a lot of tattoos but like to divulge in women and alcohol.
As they try to figure out who trying to tip the balance Maggie is discovery where she finally feels like where she belong because she never felt that she ever did. This book remind me of some element of my favorite tv show once upon a time and I could totally see this a mini series where you can explore more and meet other characters. I like how the author visual descriptions of each sectors how it came alive in your mind.
Maggie McShay feels that her life is boring only entertainment she gets is looking at personal ads in the newspaper and a cat who seems to accept her then don't.
Then onday while looking in the newspaper one of the personal ads asked for a cottage caretaker this seems like something that can spice her life up while she decide next plan for her life.
When she is accepted for the job she thinks it's going to be a piece of cake and before long she is thrust into a world of fairytales and magic. When she learns she is destined to balance fairytale world by keeping everything in it's place. With the help of shape shifter cat she names Blech but real name is Shamus who is hilarious and Brenda who is a bit of not really into but ther to help also the shepard Kody who is sexy and has a lot of tattoos but like to divulge in women and alcohol.
As they try to figure out who trying to tip the balance Maggie is discovery where she finally feels like where she belong because she never felt that she ever did. This book remind me of some element of my favorite tv show once upon a time and I could totally see this a mini series where you can explore more and meet other characters. I like how the author visual descriptions of each sectors how it came alive in your mind.
March 14, 2019
I received an ARC copy of this book from NetGalley
This was a fun little urban fantasy story with a side of lesbian romance. I liked all the characters and the romance was present and built naturally without necessarily overwhelming the rest of the story. The world that the author created was interesting and the way she combined all the fairy tales and mythologies into one world and had people 'living in their stories' reminding me a bit of Seanan McGuire's Indexing series, although they definitely have different focuses and executions.
My main problem with this book was the pacing. I felt like it definitely took awhile to get going in the beginning and then there seemed to be a lot of time spent focusing on the spaces between the action. I feel like Maggie learned how to do everything WAY too quickly, and the big 'boss battles' at the end felt a bit anti-climactic and definitely too easy. I think that it maybe would have been better to focus more on the low level villains in the 'real' world in this book and then put the battle with the mastermind at the end of a second book or something like that. It just felt a bit disjointed at times, but still definitely an enjoyable read and it's always nice to see an urban fantasy series with a F/F main pairing.
This was a fun little urban fantasy story with a side of lesbian romance. I liked all the characters and the romance was present and built naturally without necessarily overwhelming the rest of the story. The world that the author created was interesting and the way she combined all the fairy tales and mythologies into one world and had people 'living in their stories' reminding me a bit of Seanan McGuire's Indexing series, although they definitely have different focuses and executions.
My main problem with this book was the pacing. I felt like it definitely took awhile to get going in the beginning and then there seemed to be a lot of time spent focusing on the spaces between the action. I feel like Maggie learned how to do everything WAY too quickly, and the big 'boss battles' at the end felt a bit anti-climactic and definitely too easy. I think that it maybe would have been better to focus more on the low level villains in the 'real' world in this book and then put the battle with the mastermind at the end of a second book or something like that. It just felt a bit disjointed at times, but still definitely an enjoyable read and it's always nice to see an urban fantasy series with a F/F main pairing.
did-not-finish
March 17, 2019I received an advance copy from the published via Netgalley. This in no way influences my review; all words, thoughts, and opinions are my own.
DNF @ 38%
Content Notes to 38%:
🧙♀️ violence
🧙♀️ home invasion
🧙♀️ death of infant
🧙♀️ threat of violence
🧙♀️ casual ableism
🧙♀️ verbal/physical violence towards homeless man
🧙♀️ alcohol consumption, inebriation
🧙♀️ sex work mention, negative reaction
🧙♀️ mention of parent death, car accident
🧙♀️ mention of orphanage, adoption
🧙♀️ panic attack
I really wanted to like this book and I do think it has potential as a fairy tale reimagining (which is a favorite thing for me), but I just feel like nothing is happening, even though I know things are. I’m not feeling as much tension as I’d expect when on the run and trying to figure out what’s going on with the fairy tale world. I can see the beginning of something developing between Maggie and Kody, but I don’t feel invested enough to dedicate the time to see the romance. If you enjoy lesbian fairy tale world reimaginings, kinda in the same vein as Chris Colfer’s The Land of Stories series, this may be something you’ll enjoy.
DNF @ 38%
Content Notes to 38%:
🧙♀️ violence
🧙♀️ home invasion
🧙♀️ death of infant
🧙♀️ threat of violence
🧙♀️ casual ableism
🧙♀️ verbal/physical violence towards homeless man
🧙♀️ alcohol consumption, inebriation
🧙♀️ sex work mention, negative reaction
🧙♀️ mention of parent death, car accident
🧙♀️ mention of orphanage, adoption
🧙♀️ panic attack
I really wanted to like this book and I do think it has potential as a fairy tale reimagining (which is a favorite thing for me), but I just feel like nothing is happening, even though I know things are. I’m not feeling as much tension as I’d expect when on the run and trying to figure out what’s going on with the fairy tale world. I can see the beginning of something developing between Maggie and Kody, but I don’t feel invested enough to dedicate the time to see the romance. If you enjoy lesbian fairy tale world reimaginings, kinda in the same vein as Chris Colfer’s The Land of Stories series, this may be something you’ll enjoy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2019
Maggie lives a mostly solitary life - her parents have passed away, estranged from her sister, no close friends nearby, has a job she doesn’t much like. The cat who’s taken up residence with her doesn’t seem to like her very much. One of her pasttimes is reading the personal ads and when she decides to answer one very intriguing ad, she learns who she really is & discovers a world she didn’t know existed.
This book is magical. I loved every minute of it. I wanted to read it as fast as possible while simultaneously wanting the story not to end. I loved the world that Brey Willows created in this story - loved the characters and enjoyed learning about fairy tale characters I’d never heard of before — definitely loved the chemistry between Maggie and Kody. Fairy tales and strong, sexy women — what an amazing combination! I’m so glad Brey continues to share her wonderful creations with the world. I highly recommend this and all her other books too.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an ARC of this book.
This book is magical. I loved every minute of it. I wanted to read it as fast as possible while simultaneously wanting the story not to end. I loved the world that Brey Willows created in this story - loved the characters and enjoyed learning about fairy tale characters I’d never heard of before — definitely loved the chemistry between Maggie and Kody. Fairy tales and strong, sexy women — what an amazing combination! I’m so glad Brey continues to share her wonderful creations with the world. I highly recommend this and all her other books too.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an ARC of this book.
March 14, 2019
For a paranormal book that deals with the meta aspects of the world that it takes place in, the book does very well. It is a romance, but more on the "pining after people with a dark past" type, where the romantic payoff is nice, but long over due. I also enjoyed Maggie's fish out of water story arch especially since she didn't lose her wits (like knew when she needed help and asked for it).
Maggie is an accountant at a New York City firm and knows that she's bored and stuck. With no romantic prospects, a flat lining career, and a new weird cat, Maggie looks answers a strange classified s ad that changes her life. Turns out that she is the last of a race of a group of fairy tale cops called "tale spinners". Her and her super hot guardian, a Shepard called Kody, are responsible for maintaining the balance of the stories being told. That's it, for the most part. I love the idea. It's reminiscent of one of my favorite author's take on a Fairy Tale cop force in Indexing, by Seanan McGuire. Willows almost pulls it off with the same amount of aplomb, but I thought the plot was a little slow, so it made the impending doom feel less urgent.
I loved the characters, and thought the chosen family theme was sweet and at times cute. Seamus and Brenda are excellent sidekicks and are almost as fleshed out as Kody and Maggie. The only thing that kind of pulled me out a little bit, was that Maggie was always extremely doubtful of her looks. I kept thinking that she has no reason to because she is a Sidhe, a group of fae that are well known for their looks.
If you're looking for a solid paranormal/ slightly romantic fantasy this is for you. There's some great and detailed world building, even with the slow plotting. I wish I could have felt that the urgency within the writing for how big the stakes were, but I loved all the references of mostly Celtic myths. Maggie is a great lead and has some fun costars.
I received this ARC from BSB and NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
Maggie is an accountant at a New York City firm and knows that she's bored and stuck. With no romantic prospects, a flat lining career, and a new weird cat, Maggie looks answers a strange classified s ad that changes her life. Turns out that she is the last of a race of a group of fairy tale cops called "tale spinners". Her and her super hot guardian, a Shepard called Kody, are responsible for maintaining the balance of the stories being told. That's it, for the most part. I love the idea. It's reminiscent of one of my favorite author's take on a Fairy Tale cop force in Indexing, by Seanan McGuire. Willows almost pulls it off with the same amount of aplomb, but I thought the plot was a little slow, so it made the impending doom feel less urgent.
I loved the characters, and thought the chosen family theme was sweet and at times cute. Seamus and Brenda are excellent sidekicks and are almost as fleshed out as Kody and Maggie. The only thing that kind of pulled me out a little bit, was that Maggie was always extremely doubtful of her looks. I kept thinking that she has no reason to because she is a Sidhe, a group of fae that are well known for their looks.
If you're looking for a solid paranormal/ slightly romantic fantasy this is for you. There's some great and detailed world building, even with the slow plotting. I wish I could have felt that the urgency within the writing for how big the stakes were, but I loved all the references of mostly Celtic myths. Maggie is a great lead and has some fun costars.
I received this ARC from BSB and NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
February 4, 2021
Writing fantasy worlds requires immense imagination. Peopling the imagined worlds with strange beings and creatures is a special challenge. Creating an involving tale with all this is talent. The author measures up to all the tests that this genre presents to write a fun fantasy-adventure with the thread of romance running through it.
Read the full review @https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
Read the full review @https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews