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Once Upon a Curse #0.5
Granting Wishes
She's about to discover a whole new world... Don't miss GRANTING WISHES, a fantasy romance from bestselling author Kaitlyn Davis that reimagines the classic fairy tale of Aladdin. (*This prequel novella is roughly ½ the length of the other books.)
"His words come back to me — magic is the law. I guess I'm making my own set of rules."
Alanna thought rock climbing in Yosemite National Park would be the trip of a lifetime. Until an earthquake strikes and she finds herself plummeting to her death. But instead of slamming into the forest floor, Alanna drops into a secret underground cave where she's confronted by the impossible — magic.
A mysterious man named Erick uses incredible powers to save her life, then tells her that his magical world has collided with earth, merging the two together. Alanna writes it off as crazy, until he shows her a vision of her brother being dragged down a sandy cobblestone street in chains. Crazy or not, she'll do anything to save him.
As Alanna and Erick team up to rescue her brother from the clutches of a decrepit sorcerer king, fate intervenes in the form of a handsome prince. Alanna doesn't know who to trust, but in this foreign land, flying solo just might get her killed...
"His words come back to me — magic is the law. I guess I'm making my own set of rules."
Alanna thought rock climbing in Yosemite National Park would be the trip of a lifetime. Until an earthquake strikes and she finds herself plummeting to her death. But instead of slamming into the forest floor, Alanna drops into a secret underground cave where she's confronted by the impossible — magic.
A mysterious man named Erick uses incredible powers to save her life, then tells her that his magical world has collided with earth, merging the two together. Alanna writes it off as crazy, until he shows her a vision of her brother being dragged down a sandy cobblestone street in chains. Crazy or not, she'll do anything to save him.
As Alanna and Erick team up to rescue her brother from the clutches of a decrepit sorcerer king, fate intervenes in the form of a handsome prince. Alanna doesn't know who to trust, but in this foreign land, flying solo just might get her killed...
182 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 22, 2019
71 people are currently reading
486 people want to read
About the author
Kaitlyn Davis
51 books1,714 followersBestselling author Kaitlyn Davis writes young adult fantasy novels under the name Kaitlyn Davis and contemporary romance novels under the name Kay Marie. Publishers Weekly has said, "Davis writes with confidence and poise," while USA Today has recommended her work as "must-read romance."
To learn more about her contemporary romance novels, visit her Goodreads author page for Kay Marie here: https://www.goodreads.com/Kay_Marie
Always blessed with an overactive imagination, Kaitlyn has been writing ever since she picked up her first crayon and is overjoyed to share her work with the world. When she's not daydreaming, typing stories, or getting lost in fictional worlds, Kaitlyn can be found playing fetch with her puppy, watching a little too much television, or spending time with her family. If you have any questions for her--about her books, about scheduling an event, or just in general--you may contact her at: KaitlynDavisBooks@gmail.com
Sign up for Kaitlyn's newsletter to stay up-to-date with all of her new releases and more! http://bit.ly/AuthorNewsletter
Like her on Facebook here: Facebook.com/KaitlynDavisBooks
Follow her on Instagram here: Instagram.com/kaitlyndavisbooks/
To learn more about her contemporary romance novels, visit her Goodreads author page for Kay Marie here: https://www.goodreads.com/Kay_Marie
Always blessed with an overactive imagination, Kaitlyn has been writing ever since she picked up her first crayon and is overjoyed to share her work with the world. When she's not daydreaming, typing stories, or getting lost in fictional worlds, Kaitlyn can be found playing fetch with her puppy, watching a little too much television, or spending time with her family. If you have any questions for her--about her books, about scheduling an event, or just in general--you may contact her at: KaitlynDavisBooks@gmail.com
Sign up for Kaitlyn's newsletter to stay up-to-date with all of her new releases and more! http://bit.ly/AuthorNewsletter
Like her on Facebook here: Facebook.com/KaitlynDavisBooks
Follow her on Instagram here: Instagram.com/kaitlyndavisbooks/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
May 6, 2019
I'm so excited to announce that I've teamed up with eight other fabulous authors to put together a box set of Aladdin retellings! Kingdom of Sand and Wishes: A limited edition of Aladdin retellings goes on sale on May 24th (just in time for the new live-action movie), and this is my addition to the set!
Granting Wishes is a prequel novella to my Once Upon a Curse series, and it will follow a girl named Alanna who teams up with a mysterious mage to save her brother from the clutches of a decrepit sorcerer king. There may be a handsome prince dreaming of freedom...and a flying carpet ;)
If you want to learn more about the eight other books in the set, just head to the Goodreads page for KOSAW: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4...
Granting Wishes is a prequel novella to my Once Upon a Curse series, and it will follow a girl named Alanna who teams up with a mysterious mage to save her brother from the clutches of a decrepit sorcerer king. There may be a handsome prince dreaming of freedom...and a flying carpet ;)
If you want to learn more about the eight other books in the set, just head to the Goodreads page for KOSAW: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4...
August 1, 2020
Thoughts with side commentary:
🧞♂️ First, can we talk about how gorgeous this cover is?!?😍
🧞♂️ Second, this was short story and therefore I don't have much to say about it 😅
🧞♂️ One thing I did think was a bit weird is that this story is labeled as #0.5 (before book one) yet or features a character from book four....I'm sure there's a reason but it feels like it should be #3.5
🧞♂️ In the 20 years I've been on this Earth, I have never ever heard anyone refer to sex as a "test drive"🤣 I was sent
🧞♂️ Erick is still the same cocky SOB 😂
🧞♂️ This was basically a genderbent Aladdin and I am here for it!😍
🧞♂️ I was a little confused about the ending but I was listening to the audiobook while reading an ebook and yeah...😅
🧞♂️ First, can we talk about how gorgeous this cover is?!?😍
🧞♂️ Second, this was short story and therefore I don't have much to say about it 😅
🧞♂️ One thing I did think was a bit weird is that this story is labeled as #0.5 (before book one) yet or features a character from book four....I'm sure there's a reason but it feels like it should be #3.5
🧞♂️ In the 20 years I've been on this Earth, I have never ever heard anyone refer to sex as a "test drive"🤣 I was sent
🧞♂️ Erick is still the same cocky SOB 😂
🧞♂️ This was basically a genderbent Aladdin and I am here for it!😍
🧞♂️ I was a little confused about the ending but I was listening to the audiobook while reading an ebook and yeah...😅
October 22, 2023
My favorite fairytale is Aladdin so I knew that this was going to be a book I enjoyed! This book was very good I only wish that it was a full length novel.
May 14, 2020
Although I'm spending my time in the indie published book world for quite some time already, I hadn't heard about Kaitlyn Davis before I found the Raven and the Dove on Netgalley. I however fell in love with that book so when I discovered this series I knew I wanted to read it and when there was a great deal on the boxset on Amazon I had literally no arguments left not to buy it. So, when I needed a short story for today to read, I knew where to look.
And once more I really fell in love with Davis' writing style. Her world feels so vivid, even though she's not even describing it that detailed. All the emotions of her characters are also so easy to understand and feel. I don't feel like I'm just reading about it, I'm feeling with them and for them. And she's also a master in building tension and excitement. Even though it's very much a love at first side story, it works.
That's also because she takes the time to have the characters bond over more than just their pretty eyes and lovely hair. Of course, they notice that the other is pretty or handsome and they feel something they've never felt before. But it's not just that. They have honest and open conversations, they share things with the other and find common ground, they show that they care about the other and are willing to take risks or go against their own longings to keep the other safe. It feels like a solid base for a life long relationship.
I also really liked the small elements used from Aladdin. I have to admit that I'm not too familiar with the original tale, but it seemed that most inspiration came from Disney anyway. I loved the hide out, the tapestry, the genie, everything! And, although it clearly had the Aladdin elements, it still felt really fresh and original. And I especially loved the ending, because it was something I really hadn't seen coming!
I can't wait to read the rest of the series and I totally do not regret getting the boxset!
And once more I really fell in love with Davis' writing style. Her world feels so vivid, even though she's not even describing it that detailed. All the emotions of her characters are also so easy to understand and feel. I don't feel like I'm just reading about it, I'm feeling with them and for them. And she's also a master in building tension and excitement. Even though it's very much a love at first side story, it works.
That's also because she takes the time to have the characters bond over more than just their pretty eyes and lovely hair. Of course, they notice that the other is pretty or handsome and they feel something they've never felt before. But it's not just that. They have honest and open conversations, they share things with the other and find common ground, they show that they care about the other and are willing to take risks or go against their own longings to keep the other safe. It feels like a solid base for a life long relationship.
I also really liked the small elements used from Aladdin. I have to admit that I'm not too familiar with the original tale, but it seemed that most inspiration came from Disney anyway. I loved the hide out, the tapestry, the genie, everything! And, although it clearly had the Aladdin elements, it still felt really fresh and original. And I especially loved the ending, because it was something I really hadn't seen coming!
I can't wait to read the rest of the series and I totally do not regret getting the boxset!
Want to read
February 6, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (2/6/2021)! 🎁
February 19, 2021
Judging by this book, I don't think I'm gonna read the next book of the series. It was pretty bad. It wasn't fantasy, nor romance. Not even a retelling, if you ask me. I didn't read the plot before, so this was my first blow. Not my cup of tea. And everything was rushed. No essence, no character development. I made a deal with myself when I was halfway through that I will give it 2 stars if I find something I like. That's it...
May 8, 2021
Alanna was rock-climbing with a summer camp group in Yosemite when the earthquake happened. She slid into a crevasse and found herself face to face with a handsome man, Erick, in billowy pants in an underground cavern filled with flowers. He tells her that the earthquake was the result of his world merging with hers. He uses the lake in the cavern to show her the destruction of her world, her home and parents no longer there, and her brother who was at basketball practice now facing down a group of sword-bearing warriors. She asks Erick’s help to rescue her brother. He gives her a ring that she can contact him through, changes her clothes into something more appropriate for the new world that is taking over, and pushes her into the lake portal. But before she can save her brother, she finds the enemy forces have magic, and a handsome stranger pulls her away. Cyrus, crown prince of Baghar, sees a kindred spirit in her, willing to stand up to his father, and fight for the freedom of the people.
I’ve been meaning to read the Once Upon a Curse series for quite a while now, but the page length of the other books has looked daunting, so I started with this one. This is such a magical tale, with an Aladdin spin to it. It was definitely a story of its own, with only a couple of Aladdin elements to it, allowing for unexpected twists and turns. I loved that it was a gender reverse, with a girl in place of Aladdin. I really would have liked to know more about Erick, our stand-in for the genie. (Looks like he comes back into the story in Book 4 Parting Worlds). He really won me over when he referred to himself as devilishly handsome. Got to love an ego like that. It’s a fascinating world that’s been created here. A mish-mash of fantasy world and modern world collided together and struggling for dominance, with modern people having to deal with a fantasy world, and fantasy world people struggling to understand the technology of the modern. I loved Alanna’s relationship with her brother. I loved how she kept thinking about moments in the past, how they teased each other and relied on each other. And I loved Cyrus. Granted, when she first met him, I expected her to have a romance with Erick (which would have been an interesting change to the Aladdin tale). But I did like Cyrus. He’s wonderfully described and has a fascinating, developed personality with wanting to be free, yet he can’t escape his responsibilities or his impending future, and I loved that he had a fear of the future. (The one thing that I thought could have been improved was the pivotal scene. I mean, suddenly things happened and I was like, wait what? I had to re-read to try to figure out what brought the chandelier down, which even re-reading I didn’t manage to figure out, it was just down suddenly). In all, I am looking forward to seeing more of this fascinating blending of worlds.
I’ve been meaning to read the Once Upon a Curse series for quite a while now, but the page length of the other books has looked daunting, so I started with this one. This is such a magical tale, with an Aladdin spin to it. It was definitely a story of its own, with only a couple of Aladdin elements to it, allowing for unexpected twists and turns. I loved that it was a gender reverse, with a girl in place of Aladdin. I really would have liked to know more about Erick, our stand-in for the genie. (Looks like he comes back into the story in Book 4 Parting Worlds). He really won me over when he referred to himself as devilishly handsome. Got to love an ego like that. It’s a fascinating world that’s been created here. A mish-mash of fantasy world and modern world collided together and struggling for dominance, with modern people having to deal with a fantasy world, and fantasy world people struggling to understand the technology of the modern. I loved Alanna’s relationship with her brother. I loved how she kept thinking about moments in the past, how they teased each other and relied on each other. And I loved Cyrus. Granted, when she first met him, I expected her to have a romance with Erick (which would have been an interesting change to the Aladdin tale). But I did like Cyrus. He’s wonderfully described and has a fascinating, developed personality with wanting to be free, yet he can’t escape his responsibilities or his impending future, and I loved that he had a fear of the future. (The one thing that I thought could have been improved was the pivotal scene. I mean, suddenly things happened and I was like, wait what? I had to re-read to try to figure out what brought the chandelier down, which even re-reading I didn’t manage to figure out, it was just down suddenly). In all, I am looking forward to seeing more of this fascinating blending of worlds.
December 30, 2025
I enjoyed this Aladdin retelling because the world building was great, the characters were interesting, and the plot held my attention. I loved how the modern world collided with the fairytale lands. Just imagine a world where electronics were absolutely useless!
How horrific would that be? I also liked the concept of water portals, with just a small puddle of water you could transport anywhere and even view anyone that you were thinking about in that moment. My favorite character was the evil king. That dude was diabolical and to know why you'll have to read this story. Our gender reversed Aladdin a.k.a. Alanna is a beautiful and spunky young lady who just wants a little freedom and winds up in an unforgiving predicament. The devilishly handsome genie named Eric who has the world's strongest ego is not mentioned enough throughout this story in my opinion. I just wanted his character to be more involved. Overall, I look forward to reading the rest of the series!
How horrific would that be? I also liked the concept of water portals, with just a small puddle of water you could transport anywhere and even view anyone that you were thinking about in that moment. My favorite character was the evil king. That dude was diabolical and to know why you'll have to read this story. Our gender reversed Aladdin a.k.a. Alanna is a beautiful and spunky young lady who just wants a little freedom and winds up in an unforgiving predicament. The devilishly handsome genie named Eric who has the world's strongest ego is not mentioned enough throughout this story in my opinion. I just wanted his character to be more involved. Overall, I look forward to reading the rest of the series!
January 18, 2024
So... his kingdom just doesn't have a ruler now or what?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 5, 2021
Short review, but here's the basics:
1. Heroine is actually funny. She's got plenty of snark but also heart. I did like her.
2. There are so may contradictions here it's not even funny. She says she's never been with a guy, then mentions it later, mentions how magic works only to destroy it later, etc.
3. Plot is decent - I did enjoy the seriousness of the topic, but everything is wrapped up a bit too nicely for my tastes. Focuses too much on other things to really appreciate said seriousness, though.
4. The love story isn't a love story at all. There is NO basis for the relationship save physical attraction. "Love" my foot - this is just two idiot teenagers who wanna kiss somebody cute so badly it's stupid.
1. Heroine is actually funny. She's got plenty of snark but also heart. I did like her.
2. There are so may contradictions here it's not even funny. She says she's never been with a guy, then mentions it later, mentions how magic works only to destroy it later, etc.
3. Plot is decent - I did enjoy the seriousness of the topic, but everything is wrapped up a bit too nicely for my tastes. Focuses too much on other things to really appreciate said seriousness, though.
4. The love story isn't a love story at all. There is NO basis for the relationship save physical attraction. "Love" my foot - this is just two idiot teenagers who wanna kiss somebody cute so badly it's stupid.
August 18, 2023
This was a nice novella! And I think it can either be read by itself (if you're looking for a one-off novella, particularly to help meet your Reading Challenge) or if you're reading the whole series, read it last after book 4 (I think it really should be listed 4.5 because while canonically it takes place first, on the day of the earthquake, it has a spoiler for book 4 which I think would be a bummer to be spoiled if you're planning on reading everything). I liked how sporty Alanna is (though I'm bummed we only get one handspring from her!) and I loved seeing . This was a solid novella, though I think I would've liked to see a bit more with Alanna and her brother, but it makes sense why the book wraps up as quickly as it does.
December 4, 2019
A wickedly good retelling of Aladdin, with a mischievous genie with sparkle in his eyes and warmth in his heart, despite ulterior personal motives; a sad prince, caught in a different kind of curse, bound by magical burden; and a fierce human girl thrown into the world of magic, determined to save her brother at all costs.
Their adventures, feelings, and coming together, as well as the twist in the epilogue, are worth the time spent reading - and it was not so much time. The story flies by, develops at a really swift pace, and even though providing only a glimpse into Erick, Alanna, and Cyrus' story, it's enough to get attached to the lovely characters, and enough to motivate the reader to pick up the main series as well.
Their adventures, feelings, and coming together, as well as the twist in the epilogue, are worth the time spent reading - and it was not so much time. The story flies by, develops at a really swift pace, and even though providing only a glimpse into Erick, Alanna, and Cyrus' story, it's enough to get attached to the lovely characters, and enough to motivate the reader to pick up the main series as well.
January 1, 2026
Alanna falls into a cave and meets the mysterious Erick. He has magic and shows Alanna the real reason why she fell. Her world has been turned upside down after an earthquake. A cruel king has a curse and is torturing and killing innocent people, and he has imprisoned Alanna’s brother. Using Erick’s magic she is transported to this new world where she pretends she’s a princess and meets a handsome prince called Cyrus. Things don’t quite go to plan and is Erick all he seems…? - A sort of retelling of Aladdin, this story was inventive and I enjoyed it. I wasn’t keen on how open-ended it was cos I felt the story didn’t finish properly. But a good read otherwise.
August 8, 2020
Two Worlds literally collide which each other! And while rock climbing Allanna falls into a cave while trying to get out she meets a mysterious man Erick. He claims that the earthquake was caused by magic. Allanna sees her brother is taken by the evil King Jaffa and decides to rescue him with the help of Erick. I loved the magic and adventure of this short story and the surprise at the end in the epilogue. Now I want to know of Erick and his history!
November 23, 2023
A short dystopian variation of Aladdin and the Lamp. A very vague variation.
When the human world and magic world collide, Alanna is dropped in into Erik’s cavern. When she finds out that her brother is still alive, Erik gives her the means to find him. King Cyrus of Bahagar has captured him and she needs the aid of Prince-heir Cyrus to help rescue him.
Fave scenes: the apple & the rain, Alanna escaping the bedroom and the puddle portal.
When the human world and magic world collide, Alanna is dropped in into Erik’s cavern. When she finds out that her brother is still alive, Erik gives her the means to find him. King Cyrus of Bahagar has captured him and she needs the aid of Prince-heir Cyrus to help rescue him.
Fave scenes: the apple & the rain, Alanna escaping the bedroom and the puddle portal.
October 21, 2019
Very Unique Tale!
“Granting Wishes” is a wonderfully original paranormal version of Aladdin. This creatively written tale has an interesting storyline filled with adventure, twists, mystery, action and of course romance. Wonderful job Kaitlyn, can’t wait to read the next one.
I received a free copy of this book. This review was posted voluntarily
“Granting Wishes” is a wonderfully original paranormal version of Aladdin. This creatively written tale has an interesting storyline filled with adventure, twists, mystery, action and of course romance. Wonderful job Kaitlyn, can’t wait to read the next one.
I received a free copy of this book. This review was posted voluntarily
November 19, 2019
A story that captured me from the first page to the last. If your a lover of magic and fantastic stories this is definitely one. The Author has brought a terrific story to fruition that takes you away to a wonderful world with characters, I felt like I was living vicariously through. This read was given to me and I definitely recommend it.
Shauna Joesten
Shauna Joesten
February 13, 2021
Live,” I whisper in her ear. “The road ahead will be tough and winding, so don’t forget to live and love and laugh whenever you get the chance. The world will need it.”
This is so much better than the original Aladdin story. Captivating, interesting and twisty. I love it. Congratulations Kaitlyn Davis. You did it. Can't wait to read the other books
This is so much better than the original Aladdin story. Captivating, interesting and twisty. I love it. Congratulations Kaitlyn Davis. You did it. Can't wait to read the other books
September 23, 2022
I really enjoyed this Aladdin retelling! Alanna was great! I loved Cyrus' honesty and openness with her. And talk about an evil king!! I'm not sure about the ending. It seemed like a quick easy fix with lots of unanswered questions. I did find it interesting to have the modern world collide with fairy tale lands. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens in the rest of the series.
May 8, 2020
This book was awesome...just like every other book in the series! There was just enough of everything, though the end was very...weird and kind of out of place. (The epilogue.) But overall, a wonderful book full of magic intertwined with a twist of romance.
February 8, 2021
Fascinating
This is amazing world building and a very imaginative story, I think the genie in the cave is the only portion which resembles Aladdin, the rest is pure original fantasy.
This is amazing world building and a very imaginative story, I think the genie in the cave is the only portion which resembles Aladdin, the rest is pure original fantasy.
April 4, 2021
I've read other books from David and really enjoyed them, but this one was just okay. The plot wasn't very well flushed out for me, and it sort of dragged at times. Still, not a bad read for those looking to escape reality.
For my clean readers: language, mild romance, murder and violence.
For my clean readers: language, mild romance, murder and violence.
December 25, 2024
4.5
Other than the narrator being a little hard to get used to, I really liked this novella. Glad that it didn't sugarcoat the hard stuff but made me feel 2 people fell in love in a day without feeling like insta-love
Other than the narrator being a little hard to get used to, I really liked this novella. Glad that it didn't sugarcoat the hard stuff but made me feel 2 people fell in love in a day without feeling like insta-love
March 29, 2020
Everything I love about this series! I do recommend reading it after you read the series, though. It’s much more understandable if you’ve read the books before this prequel.
May 1, 2020
A fun, quick read
I am sucker for any fairy tale retelling. This one is no exception. Her charcters are sweet, fiesty, inquisitive well rounded individuals. I highly recommend.
I am sucker for any fairy tale retelling. This one is no exception. Her charcters are sweet, fiesty, inquisitive well rounded individuals. I highly recommend.
May 4, 2020
Short, but sweet!
October 29, 2020
This novella wasn't fleshed out enough to get me interested in the characters. The tale is sad, with an unsatisfying (albeit happy enough) ending. The protagonist is too "teenagey".
February 6, 2021
Great world-building
Lovely story. Makes me want to get the rest of the series, to find out what happens. I recommend it to fairytale lovers of all ages.
Lovely story. Makes me want to get the rest of the series, to find out what happens. I recommend it to fairytale lovers of all ages.
February 18, 2021
Fun and entertaining
A very loose tie to Aladdin, so it’s fun and pretty original. Sadly, it is a quick read and you are left with more questions than answers.
A very loose tie to Aladdin, so it’s fun and pretty original. Sadly, it is a quick read and you are left with more questions than answers.
March 3, 2021
Really enjoyed the whole series
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews