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Unfortunate Soul Chronicles #3
Pursuing Madness
The hands of the clock, They tick and they tock. Telling stories of a man known as the cat, Yet our story gets far more curious than that. Sterling lost his mind long ago. Hopping from realm to realm, it slipped from his grasp somewhere along the way. Now, in an odd turn of events, lives suddenly depend on him... if he can stay focused long enough to remember. A glassed-in tomb. A watery room. A long lost sister. A queen furious with her mister. All are counting on the little man with the mad grin remembering where exactly he’s been. Journey down the rabbit hole in the most curious tale ever told, and discover if happily ever after is possible for those unfortunate souls. Pursuing Madness is the conclusion to the Award Winning Unfortunate Soul Chronicles, written by Stacey Rourke!
138 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 5, 2020
25 people are currently reading
504 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
November 12, 2023
It's been quite a bit since I finished the first two books in this trilogy, but things fell right back into place quickly as I got into this one. Being reminded of what Vanessa and Alastor had been through, and Sterling's place in it all...everything came crashing back, and I was happily along for the ride. The blend of myths, fairy tales, and more made for a very entertaining read. I always enjoy this author's stories and creativity.
March 6, 2020
Wow...I am always surprised with this author's style of writing. I am always in wonder if she will be able to outdo herself at the end of each story and sure enough, she does it every single time. And this final story in this trilogy is no different. Dare I say it?..This is my favorite one!!
The characters were unforgettable. I was completely enchanted with these characters and the journey each one had to go through and what they had to conquer.
The storyline was pure genius!!! I am in love with fairytale retellings and like I said above this was my favorite one of all. Rourke spun the perfect tale and the way it was being told was so incredible. I also loved that the POV was told by not just one character so that way I got to see what was happening with each character and how everything came together. I enjoyed this wild ride and I am full of many emotions at the ending but it was truly a magical story from beginning to end and I will probably catch myself from time to time wanting to relive this story just so I can feel all the warmth and fuzzys that I felt all over again. I highly recommend this read!!
The characters were unforgettable. I was completely enchanted with these characters and the journey each one had to go through and what they had to conquer.
The storyline was pure genius!!! I am in love with fairytale retellings and like I said above this was my favorite one of all. Rourke spun the perfect tale and the way it was being told was so incredible. I also loved that the POV was told by not just one character so that way I got to see what was happening with each character and how everything came together. I enjoyed this wild ride and I am full of many emotions at the ending but it was truly a magical story from beginning to end and I will probably catch myself from time to time wanting to relive this story just so I can feel all the warmth and fuzzys that I felt all over again. I highly recommend this read!!
April 23, 2020
This was a great ending to this short series. I wish that there would have been a little more development at the end of what actually happened with all the characters, but I enjoyed it all the same.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 4, 2020
Note: This review contains NO spoilers
What an enchanting ending to a magnificent and twisty fairytale retelling! No, seriously! This NOT JUST a fairytale retelling! Of course, one must read this trilogy from the beginning to follow the thrilling journeys of these characters. Pursuing Madness is a compelling and whimsical twist on several classic fairytales we have all grew up reading and watching. Stacey Rourke cleverly intertwines her characters to the various stories which, in turn, took us (readers) on a wild and adventurous journey.
I absolutely loved how Stacey Rourke's imaginative and descriptive writing created a dramatic and poignant journey for her characters. Not only that, I enjoyed how various classic fairytales were tied in together with her characters' journey. And... Oh, that ending!!! Loved how Stacey wrapped up their adventure! I also loved how Stacey integrated all characters in the entire trilogy together; hence, the recommendation of reading the first two books.
Oh yeah! Pursuing Madness was absolutely a captivating and emotional conclusion that brought her characters' journeys "full circle." And, of course, Stacey just had to wrap up this trilogy with a creative twist on, yet another, favorite classic fairytale.
The Unfortunate Souls Chronicles is definitely an imaginative and passionate twist on the classic fairytales we all grew up reading...and watching on Disney! So... Seriously! Don't miss this poignant read!
Reviewer: Jasmine
Disclaimer: We received a free copy for an honest review. All is my own opinion.
What an enchanting ending to a magnificent and twisty fairytale retelling! No, seriously! This NOT JUST a fairytale retelling! Of course, one must read this trilogy from the beginning to follow the thrilling journeys of these characters. Pursuing Madness is a compelling and whimsical twist on several classic fairytales we have all grew up reading and watching. Stacey Rourke cleverly intertwines her characters to the various stories which, in turn, took us (readers) on a wild and adventurous journey.
I absolutely loved how Stacey Rourke's imaginative and descriptive writing created a dramatic and poignant journey for her characters. Not only that, I enjoyed how various classic fairytales were tied in together with her characters' journey. And... Oh, that ending!!! Loved how Stacey wrapped up their adventure! I also loved how Stacey integrated all characters in the entire trilogy together; hence, the recommendation of reading the first two books.
Oh yeah! Pursuing Madness was absolutely a captivating and emotional conclusion that brought her characters' journeys "full circle." And, of course, Stacey just had to wrap up this trilogy with a creative twist on, yet another, favorite classic fairytale.
The Unfortunate Souls Chronicles is definitely an imaginative and passionate twist on the classic fairytales we all grew up reading...and watching on Disney! So... Seriously! Don't miss this poignant read!
Reviewer: Jasmine
Disclaimer: We received a free copy for an honest review. All is my own opinion.
March 6, 2020
Pursuing Madness is the final installment in the Unfortunate Soul Chronicles fairy tale retelling series. It picks up where Entombed in Glass, the previous installment, left off. Readers interested in this series should read the books in order. Events in this book revolve around Sterling as he journeys through realms in search of his mind. This realm hopping uncovers secrets and twists, taking readers on an action packed journey through fairy tale lands. He meets some interesting characters along the way, some of which help him rediscover who he is and some of which present him with some challenges. Who can he trust as he uncovers his memories? Can they all find their happily ever after?
I loved the first book in this series and wasn't the biggest fan of the second book, so was a bit skeptical coming in to this one. This was a definite improvement over the second book. Ms. Rourke did a fantastic job wrapping up this series. Everyone's favorite characters from the previous books play a role and are paid their dues. The intertwining of fairy tales with Greek mythology brought elements of nostalgia for me as a reader. Ms. Rourke is an incredibly talented writer who isn't afraid to step outside the box and take a completely different, unique, and higher risk approach to writing. It's so refreshing to come across a writer such as this.
I loved the first book in this series and wasn't the biggest fan of the second book, so was a bit skeptical coming in to this one. This was a definite improvement over the second book. Ms. Rourke did a fantastic job wrapping up this series. Everyone's favorite characters from the previous books play a role and are paid their dues. The intertwining of fairy tales with Greek mythology brought elements of nostalgia for me as a reader. Ms. Rourke is an incredibly talented writer who isn't afraid to step outside the box and take a completely different, unique, and higher risk approach to writing. It's so refreshing to come across a writer such as this.
December 19, 2022
This is the third, and last book in the *Unfortunate Soul Chronicles" written by Stacey Rourke. This book had a SPECTACULAR ending, one I absolutely did not see coming at all. I love the way the author intertwines so many Fairytales and Greek Mythology. This book follows Sterling (aka the Cheshire Cat) and the Goddess Persephone. Sterling is set on three missions that ultimately all intertwine together. His first is to find his sister Alice, as he has lost her in his many time jumps, his second is to assist the Goddess Persephone in avenging her revenge on Lord Hades, and the third is to find a way to release his dear friend Alastor from the magic mirror. Thoughout the journey there is many twists and turns & multiple Fairytales. There is a connection with Alice in wonderland, Pinocchio, Cinderella, and Robin Hood. Will Persephone win her revenge against the mighty King of the Underworld? Will they succeed in getting Alastor out of the magic mirror, or will he forever be stuck there? Lots of adventure, character growth, sacrifices, love, revenge and most of all magic. The ending was written wonderfully in a way that was unexpected!
March 8, 2020
I honestly love this book. You know with this author it is always so hard to find a book that is my favorite because I fall in love with them all. I am sad to see this book end, but the way the ending came about was just perfect. We pick up right where Entombed with Glass leaves off and we learn what truly happened to Sterling and how he became our Cheshire cat. He gets the answers yet will he be okay with how it truly happened?
I loved the twist and turns that were given to us through out the story. The magical world is unique and the characters are ones you will never forget. I would love to go on and on but I feel like I would give way too much away. If you like retelling's of fairy tales then please pick up this series. Start with the beginning as it all comes together.
Favorite quote: "Your ramblings were disjointed chaos. Simply put, you were quite mad. All the best people are."
"Venture too far, and you lose who you are."
"It's not always an epic battle, my love. Sometime the greatest war we will ever fight is with ourselves."
I loved the twist and turns that were given to us through out the story. The magical world is unique and the characters are ones you will never forget. I would love to go on and on but I feel like I would give way too much away. If you like retelling's of fairy tales then please pick up this series. Start with the beginning as it all comes together.
Favorite quote: "Your ramblings were disjointed chaos. Simply put, you were quite mad. All the best people are."
"Venture too far, and you lose who you are."
"It's not always an epic battle, my love. Sometime the greatest war we will ever fight is with ourselves."
March 8, 2020
Stacey Roark has truly outdone herself yet again with the third, and dare I sadly say, the final book in this series. Pursuing Madness is as twisted and heartful as the characters that the author has created.
Going on the mission that will finally decide the fate of a mermaid betrayed, a soul trapped in a mirror, a crazy heart as mad as he is sain, and a goddess scorned by a love she was never going to recieve in return. This story takes you not just through their stories, but to so many different lands showing how sometimes "it's not always an epic battle", but that "sometimes the greatest war we will ever fight is with ourselves." With the trials that they have all faced the one lesson that they must learn is to simply let go of the hate, fear, and misguided thoughts to simply be happy.
While being very sad that this is the final chapter in their stories I'm extremely happy to have been able to partake in this incredible journey. Besides every fairytail no matter how twisted, and distorted it becomes deserves a happily ever after. The End.
Going on the mission that will finally decide the fate of a mermaid betrayed, a soul trapped in a mirror, a crazy heart as mad as he is sain, and a goddess scorned by a love she was never going to recieve in return. This story takes you not just through their stories, but to so many different lands showing how sometimes "it's not always an epic battle", but that "sometimes the greatest war we will ever fight is with ourselves." With the trials that they have all faced the one lesson that they must learn is to simply let go of the hate, fear, and misguided thoughts to simply be happy.
While being very sad that this is the final chapter in their stories I'm extremely happy to have been able to partake in this incredible journey. Besides every fairytail no matter how twisted, and distorted it becomes deserves a happily ever after. The End.
March 10, 2020
What an ending to this crazy series! I thought I knew where this story was going, but boy was I wrong.
In Pursuing Madness, we meet up with our favourite characters again with the classic Stacey Rourke spin. We journey back in time once more with the dashing Sterling finding his way from one realm to the next. This book brought together all the stories and maybe just a bit more.
This book highlights Sterling’s true powers and we witness the multiverse that is just as fleshed out as the series. I am always amazed at how she brings the story together with all these different characters that we already know and love. And you can see that there is just so much love that has been put into this series.
I love these characters so much, from their little quirks to their distinct voices, these characters will stay with me forever. I only wished there was more! Can there be more books with more retellings please!?
From the multiverse madness to a special appearance by a certain redhead, this book was unforgettable.
In Pursuing Madness, we meet up with our favourite characters again with the classic Stacey Rourke spin. We journey back in time once more with the dashing Sterling finding his way from one realm to the next. This book brought together all the stories and maybe just a bit more.
This book highlights Sterling’s true powers and we witness the multiverse that is just as fleshed out as the series. I am always amazed at how she brings the story together with all these different characters that we already know and love. And you can see that there is just so much love that has been put into this series.
I love these characters so much, from their little quirks to their distinct voices, these characters will stay with me forever. I only wished there was more! Can there be more books with more retellings please!?
From the multiverse madness to a special appearance by a certain redhead, this book was unforgettable.
April 2, 2020
In the final installment of the Unfortunate Soul Chronicles, Stacey Rourke has outdone herself. Her newest release Pursuing Madness, will take you on a whimsical journey filled with unforeseen twists and turns. While it is unfortunate that all good things must come to an end, you’ll find this a maddeningly satisfying read.
One must read The Unfortunate Soul Chronicles in order. If you read them out of order you will be lots, maybe just like Sterlings mind, and you may need to be the one looking in the other realms for the questions you seek.
As a whole this series has been a fantastic read, one I can see myself going back to. I love Vanessa, Alastor, Persephone and Sterling, they have so much depth and growth throughout the entire series. I'm sad to see it end, but I am content with the ending and it for surely pulls on the heart stings.
One must read The Unfortunate Soul Chronicles in order. If you read them out of order you will be lots, maybe just like Sterlings mind, and you may need to be the one looking in the other realms for the questions you seek.
As a whole this series has been a fantastic read, one I can see myself going back to. I love Vanessa, Alastor, Persephone and Sterling, they have so much depth and growth throughout the entire series. I'm sad to see it end, but I am content with the ending and it for surely pulls on the heart stings.
March 5, 2020
Gods, Goddesses and cats, oh my. I love reinvented fairy tales and this one does not disappoint. It is the perfect ending to an amazing series. The book is full of shocking twists, exciting turns, awesome characters and a rum drinking "witch" who sounds awfully familiar. The basic theme throughout, is what is the price of revenge and is it worth the cost? I honestly laughed and cried throughout this book. I also couldn't put it down. I love the romp through multiple stories and the way it effects each character from their powers down to their appearance. I highly recommend both this book and the series it is a part of. It's one of those books that you hug when you finish because it was just that good.
March 6, 2020
Holy cow! What a way to end a series. If you haven't read Stacey's work before you're truly missing out. She takes your favorite stories, gods, goddesses, characters and turns them into true magic. This book just combines Gods, Goddesses and cats, all into one. The book is full of twists, turns, and characters that will grab your attention and a rum drinking "witch" who sounds familiar. I love how this book connects through multiple stories and the way it effects each character from their certian powers to their appearance. I always recommend Stacey's books but will recommend this series because she took the basic fairy tale and put her unique spin on it and knocked it out of the park.
March 10, 2020
Such an epic ending to an imaginative, twisted, unique trilogy! Stacey brings everything full circle and brings us a beautiful ending that we deserve.
In Pursuing Madness, we follow Sterling as we continue from Entombed. As he tries to find himself on his own journey, we get to meet more fairytale characters and we get taken on yet another enchanted, twisty adventure.
Again, I was spellbound by the author's amazing writing and I'm just so happy on how everything came together.
This is book 3 of the Unfortunate Souls trilogy and reading in order is a must to get the most out of this story. If you haven't picked up, do it now!
In Pursuing Madness, we follow Sterling as we continue from Entombed. As he tries to find himself on his own journey, we get to meet more fairytale characters and we get taken on yet another enchanted, twisty adventure.
Again, I was spellbound by the author's amazing writing and I'm just so happy on how everything came together.
This is book 3 of the Unfortunate Souls trilogy and reading in order is a must to get the most out of this story. If you haven't picked up, do it now!
March 25, 2020
I did not cry happy tears at the end of this book. That was a lie. I did. In the Spirit of Once Upon a Time (which I loved and have rewatched a couple of times now) Stacey Rourke has brought all of our fairy tale stories together in the most magical way! The story of Alaistair and Vanessa began the tale, but my absolute favorite was Sterling and Persephone’s story! The way the tales of Cinderella, sleeping beauty, Pinocchio and Alice in wonderland were woven together was just amazing. This series went out with a bang and I am pretty sure it will be one I reread many times!!
5 stars for Pursuing Madness!
5 stars for Pursuing Madness!
March 26, 2020
THIS SERIES!!!!!!
I simply can not get enough of this series!
Rourke's vision came to life in all it's splendor with this twisted version of fairytales we have heard our entire lives with characters more unique than we once believed in worlds grander than we ever dreamed. All three books in this collection have a special place in my heart, but Pursuing Madness truly stole my breath away.
If you have not yet travelled to the sea, spied through the glass,
or hopped down this rabbit hole the time has come!
No time to spare ... venture now ... if you dare!!!
My favorite quote .....
"It's not always an epic battle, my love. Sometimes the greatest war we will ever fight is with ourselves."
I simply can not get enough of this series!
Rourke's vision came to life in all it's splendor with this twisted version of fairytales we have heard our entire lives with characters more unique than we once believed in worlds grander than we ever dreamed. All three books in this collection have a special place in my heart, but Pursuing Madness truly stole my breath away.
If you have not yet travelled to the sea, spied through the glass,
or hopped down this rabbit hole the time has come!
No time to spare ... venture now ... if you dare!!!
My favorite quote .....
"It's not always an epic battle, my love. Sometimes the greatest war we will ever fight is with ourselves."
May 26, 2022
It was just okay
I'll give this book a 3.5 stars. I was not expecting how this was written. I truly wish it had focused more on the Cheshire cat then anything. I didn't really love how all these gods and goddesses were pulled in to the story. That being said, I did like how the second book continued on from the first and how this one continued on from the second. I also KNEW Sterling was the Cheshire cat. I caught the quote in the first book, but didn't fully piece it together till he was climbing trees in the second book. The author needs to work on proofreading though for sure, I caught so many mistakes. So, not bad, but not great.
I'll give this book a 3.5 stars. I was not expecting how this was written. I truly wish it had focused more on the Cheshire cat then anything. I didn't really love how all these gods and goddesses were pulled in to the story. That being said, I did like how the second book continued on from the first and how this one continued on from the second. I also KNEW Sterling was the Cheshire cat. I caught the quote in the first book, but didn't fully piece it together till he was climbing trees in the second book. The author needs to work on proofreading though for sure, I caught so many mistakes. So, not bad, but not great.
September 25, 2020
Unfortunate Souls series, last book.
Its the end of the story as we (now) know it but its far from easy or boring. So many twists and turns, I couldn't put the book down ( I read all three books in about 48 hours because i needed to know how it all came together and how it ends. Again, several other stories are woven in masterfully. Will it have a happy ending or an unhappy ending? That's for me ( and everybody who read these books) to know, for you to find out. What are you waiting for? Read these books, i don't think you will regret it.
Its the end of the story as we (now) know it but its far from easy or boring. So many twists and turns, I couldn't put the book down ( I read all three books in about 48 hours because i needed to know how it all came together and how it ends. Again, several other stories are woven in masterfully. Will it have a happy ending or an unhappy ending? That's for me ( and everybody who read these books) to know, for you to find out. What are you waiting for? Read these books, i don't think you will regret it.
July 10, 2021
I was quite disappointed in this third book in the unfortunate souls trilogy. It was not that exciting and just seemed to be a dragging out story that I couldn't wait to get done. It had some inclusions of gods mixed in with the traditional characters but I just found it lacking compared to the first two books. I think there was also too much about the gods instead of the other characters even though they are intwinned here and the story seems like it should of been more about them and not focused so much on the gods. It didn't feel like it was part of the series as much because of that. I loved the first two books and her other series I own (raven,crane,steam) so was just not happy with how this one went.
February 19, 2023
After Entombed in Glass I was prepared for the story to continue in exciting and unexpected ways. Pursuing Madness follows Sterling's journey to save Alice (who is his sister instead of his girlfriend like I thought in the last book) and help Persephone bring down Hades. Tying in additional tales like Pinocchio and Cinderella with Alice in Wonderland inspiring the main storyline. The ending was perfection, truthfully I was a little annoyed with how it originally felt like it was going to end but the epilogue changed everything.
March 5, 2020
Stacey Rourke has really treated us to a whole new world with the Unfortunate Soul Chronicles. Not only is it unique that we get to see the villain side of these twisted fairytales, but each character has so much depth that you just feel every emotion from them. The main character Sterling is a hoot, and I think his story was the perfect way to end this fantastic series. I highly recommend this book, series and author!
March 6, 2020
This series will take you on a fantastic magical journey. I highly recommend reading in order so you get the full story. I could not put these books down - each one grabbed me from page one and did not let go. I became completely invested in each character and their journey early on. As much as I hated to see it end the author did a wonderful job of wrapping it up in a beautifully epic ending. I can't wait for more from this author
March 8, 2020
I loved the first two in the series but the ending fell flat. We are literally told the ending so must is done off page which is unsatisfactory.
I love fairy tale retelling's and them being flipped on their head or there's an added element. This series does that but it felt very rushed in this one.
There was powerful message of women wronged and being cast as evil and villainous for demanding better for themselves. And the consequences for when you let hate consume you.
I love fairy tale retelling's and them being flipped on their head or there's an added element. This series does that but it felt very rushed in this one.
There was powerful message of women wronged and being cast as evil and villainous for demanding better for themselves. And the consequences for when you let hate consume you.
March 5, 2020
Perfect ending to a perfect series. This author has an incredible imagination. This series is easy to read right from the start. It holds the readers interest throughout. I'm not usually interested similar story lines but this one had enough of it's own twist and turns to keep me going. I would highly recommend this.
March 6, 2020
Stacey knocks it out of the ball park with this book.
The spin on beloved fairytales is just amazing. So much work goes into planning and letting your characters take you on their journey.
There is no other author that I've read that make this happen so flawlessly.
I highly recommend the entire series. And encourage you to read Stacey's other books as well.
The spin on beloved fairytales is just amazing. So much work goes into planning and letting your characters take you on their journey.
There is no other author that I've read that make this happen so flawlessly.
I highly recommend the entire series. And encourage you to read Stacey's other books as well.
March 8, 2020
Stacey Rourke knows how to retell the classics. She puts a dark twist to them, and tells the story from a totally different view. I loved being pulled into the madness for this book. Pursuing Madness is an adventurous, wonderfully written conclusion to the Unfortunate Souls series. I recommend falling down the rabbit hole.
September 10, 2023
I will admit, I’m a sucker for fairytale adaptations. If I wasn’t this would probably be rated with 4/5 stars, but I just love all of them (as long as they end well). This book was a lot of fun (the whole series was); I loved all the different cameos and mythology that were inserted throughout. It just made my heart happy.
March 6, 2020
Beautiful conclusion to an enchanting story
Rourke has created such a magical yet satisfying conclusion to the Unfortunate Souls saga. My only complaint was that I didn't want the adventure to end. 😍
Rourke has created such a magical yet satisfying conclusion to the Unfortunate Souls saga. My only complaint was that I didn't want the adventure to end. 😍
March 16, 2020
Absolutely Amazing!!
I just finished the book and am almost speechless. Such a beautiful tale woven amongst some of the greatest fairytales of all times. Such a clever ending to this trilogy.
I just finished the book and am almost speechless. Such a beautiful tale woven amongst some of the greatest fairytales of all times. Such a clever ending to this trilogy.
April 30, 2020
Twisting of fairytales
This series was wonderful. The stories woven into each of the stories we’ve heard all our lives. Characters becoming different characters and the stories behind them. This final book was my favorite of the three. You won’t be disappointed!
This series was wonderful. The stories woven into each of the stories we’ve heard all our lives. Characters becoming different characters and the stories behind them. This final book was my favorite of the three. You won’t be disappointed!
July 3, 2020
Cleverly done
It was a delight figuring out what famous story was being used and how they all intertwined together. The main characters were well rounded, and the story kept my interest.
It was a delight figuring out what famous story was being used and how they all intertwined together. The main characters were well rounded, and the story kept my interest.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews