Fractured Core

Untold Tales #6

by Laura Greenwood

She's determined to regain her throne, no matter what it takes.

Lucia wasn't raised to be a warrior, but it might be the only way to get her kingdom back from the sister-in-law who stole it. When a foreign prince turns up claiming he's going to marry her, and the assassination attempts from the queen increase in number, Lucia has to face that regaining her crown won't be as easy as she wanted it to be.

Fractured Core is part of the Untold Tales series of fantasy retold fairy tales and is based on Snow White.

Genres: Fairy Tales, Audiobook

ebook

Published January 1, 2020

About the author

Laura is a USA Today Bestselling Author of fantasy romance and urban fantasy. She lives in the UK, where most of her books are set, with her partner. When she's not writing, Laura can be found exploring worldwide cusine with her partner, drinking tea, and reading fantasy books. Laura specialises in quick reads, featuring healthy relationships and consent-positive moments, regardless of whether she's writing light-hearted romance, mythology-inspired modern fantasy, cozy fantasy or anything in between.

Discover one of Laura Greenwood's most popular series:
- The Apprentice of Anubis (mythology inspired modern/urban fantasy)
- Forgotten Gods (mythology inspired fantasy romance)
- Jinx Paranormal Dating Agency (mythology inspired paranormal rom-com)
- House of Blood and Roses (vampire romantasy)
- Amethyst's Wand Shop Mysteries (urban fantasy murder mystery)
- Scales of Justice (mythology inspired modern/urban fantasy)
- Purple Oak Oasis (cozy fantasy romance)
- Falhaven Castle (cozy fantasy romance)

You can find a full book list and more information on her website, or in her Facebook Reader Group.

Happy Reading!

Reviews

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little while ago I already read the third book in this series, focussing on the Evil Queen in the Snow White tale. I remember that her story was quite original and interesting, but that we saw little of Snow White and her journey. So, when I discovered that this book would change that and would tell us Snow's side of the tale I was quite excited to read it. The moment I got an e-mail from BookSprout that I could read it, I therefore didn't hesitate!

And this tale was exactly what I had hoped it would be. It really filled in all the blanks, it really did answer all the questions and it really made me understand Snow and root for Snow too. I think Greenwood did a truly amazing job with both these stories. Both heroines are easy to like, easy to understand and therefore perfect heroes in their own tales. And yet, it's not hard to understand that the Queen is Evil is Snow White's tale.

This retelling, unlike some others I've read recently, is based on the original Snow White tale. I love how all three the magical items trying to take Snow's life are making an appearance in this story and I also love how they worked and did the trick. And even though this tale stays quite close to the original Snow White tale, I did like the details and the small changes that were made. And no matter how much I like the seven dwarfs, I didn't really miss them in this one to be honest.

It also helps that the prince is playing a huge part in this tale. We all know that in the original tale it's not quite healthy what happens, here the relationship between Snow and the prince really gets the time to grow and develop. When he kisses her awake from her slumber it's not an unwanted kiss he's giving her and it's for sure not their first kiss. It still goes quite fast, but it's in a way also really cute and I love how the prince really accepts to stand in Snow's shadow without longing for more.

[SEng · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this take on the Snow White fairytale. It is definitely twisted where Lucia becomes a warrior to save her kingdom. This story is well written with a few obstacles and twists that had me reading to the end. I received an arc of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Malischa Nijenhuis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I love this retelling of Snow White
But than a little different.
It hooked me right away at the first chapter a lot and i couldnt put this book down.
I really enjoyed this booK. And Enjoyed this serie of the untold tales by Laura Greenwood

[BookwormGrace · Rating 5 out of 5]

The last book in an awesome series of fairytale retellings. Each book has such an inventive and exciting plot. I love the characters and how the author puts her own twists on the fairytales. I also love a happily ever after!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Laura Greenwood]

Fractured Core is part of Kingdom of Crowns and Glory: Fairytale retellings from the hero's perspective

Untold Tales Series (all can be read as standalones)
1. Balanced Scales: books2read.com/balancedscales
2. Golden Wings: books2read.com/goldenwings
3. Poisoned Fate: books2read.com/poisonedfate
4. Tainted Ashes: books2read.com/taintedashes
5. Braids Of Silver: books2read.com/braidsofsilver
6. Fractured Core: books2read.com/fracturedcore

You can also join my Goodreads Reader Group for new release alerts, spoiler threads, and more!
==> https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katya has betrayed Lucia, grabbing the throne as soon as Killian had died, banishing Lucia, and throwing out anyone who supported Lucia. Her anger made her determination to regain her throne even stronger, no matter what it takes. One of the stewards told her there was a cottage nearby that she could live in since she was now homeless.

Lucia wasn't raised to be a warrior, but she began training and after 2 years was able to consistently hit a bulls-eye. She was practicing when someone informed her that she had a visitor from the palace who would not give his name. She walked to the cabin to see who it was. Prince Jonathan, a prince from another kingdom, was off to a good start by assuming she was a maid. He made things worse when he said he had gone to the palace to ask Lucia to marry him. She promptly said no and told him that if he wanted to stay, he had to get assignments from someone outside; then she walked out.

When the number of people in camp increased noticeably, Brutus told Lucia the taxes had again been raised within only two months of the last one. Katya was having a ball. So Lucia decided they would make a move against her since she was so calm about her treachery. But Brutus reminded her they needed more food for their increased numbers, and additional training was required before they were ready. Jonathan suggested stealing Katya’s crown with the ball coming up. It would instead appear on Lucia’s head, the rightful Queen. It wasn’t a bad idea, but she told him to just stay out of the way.

Lucia went out to talk to the crowd and address their needs. She felt so inadequate, comparing herself to her father and brother who were natural leaders. She wondered how they could all pin their hopes on her. If she did any good, she was sure it was by accident. Yet the people coming to her group increased, and those still under the Queen’s rule were unhappy. Would Lucia’s people rally around her and help her regain her rightful place? Would she continue to warm up to Jonathan as she got to know and like him better?

This was such a good rendition of the Snow White story, completely twisted into something exciting and new. The story line was fun and the characters were likable. Jonathan was my favorite with how easily he fit in and was still comfortable to remain part of the rebellion group, wanting to help… or maybe just liking the proximity to Lucia! This author’s skill at re-working a well-known tale into something more magical than it had been before still impresses me! Grab your copy and find out if Lucia can regain the thrown, and perhaps have a new King to introduce!

[Katheyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sixth installment in the “Untold Tales” series (“Fractured Core”) by Laura Greenwood is a brand-new retelling of Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm’s “Snow White” that should not be confounded with a previous retelling of the story (Poisoned Fate) in this series, who focused in Katya’s (Evil Queen) character. This new retelling focuses on Lucia (Snow White) and allows the reader to see the other side of the story, by witnessing Lucia’s development. While the tale can perfectly be enjoyed on its own, it is even better when read in combination with “Poisoned Fate” as both stories are complimentary to each other.

Greenwood’s version of the fairy-tale world is funny, entertaining and interesting. A brand-new take on the fairy-tale trope, fresh, original and fun. The stories, which are independent from each other, offer an amazing blend of the original tales and brand-new twist and situations, that will appeal to both fairy-tale lovers and all those looking for a brand-new story that adds layers of narrations and different POVs to the already known situations. Fairy tales, magic, romance, familiars, FMC, adventure, fast-paced plots, credible leads, new turns and twists, what more can one wish for?

The Untold Tales series is a retelling of world-renowned classical fairy tales, that adds a modern twist to the classical tales. Greenwood’s version of the fairy-tale world is funny, entertaining and interesting. A brand-new take on the fairy-tale trope, fresh, original and fun. The stories, which are independent from each other, offer an amazing blend of the original tales and brand-new twist and situations, that will appeal to both fairy-tale lovers and all those looking for a brand-new story that adds layers of narrations and different POVs to the already known situations. Fairy tales, magic, romance, familiars, FMC, adventure, fast-paced plots, credible leads, new turns and twists, what more can one wish for?

[Fay J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucia is a princess in distress but not in the usual way. Her best friend Katya married Lucia's brother for which at the beginning Lucia rejoiced and yet slowly things began to change. The death of her father and brother left her now sister-in-law to rule and what a rule it was. High taxes, impossible demands, families ripped apart and the whole kingdom going to ruin. A plot on Lucia's life forces her to flee into the woods with some loyal staff and slowly they begin to build a village and a rebellion. Hatred for the new queen brings the people together until it seems that someone is trying to kill Lucia! Jonathan is a prince who was dispatched by his father to bring about a marriage between their two kingdoms be it by marrying either Katya (not a option he favoured) or Lucia (who he wasn't sure was ever going to make it as Queen). Still he chose Lucia and set off to find her. When he arrives it seems that trouble arrives with him as the first of the attempts on Lucia's life come soon after. Lucia is struggling to make herself the rightful Queen that her people deserve and Jonathan is trying to make sure that he survives long enough to do so.
This is a wonderful Snow White retelling and refreshingly different which is why I don't want to tell you too much and as with all the others, spoil the surprise! Poisoned Fate is interwoven with this one and if I had a suggestion to make I would say that you need to read Fractured Core first.This is a marvellous series and would encourage you to get them all.

[Jamie Bee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Different, Independent-Minded Snow White

This fantasy story is loosely based on the Snow White fairytale, though it has a sibling element, not a parental one, as the evil queen is married to Lucia's (the Snow White character) brother. After his death, his wife claims the throne, tossing Lucia out. Will the deposed princess be able to wrest control away and serve her people as queen? A motley band comes together to help, including a prince from another realm whose bright idea/quest is to find her and ask her to marry him. But she's more independent than that, though she is willing to accept his help. I have read several other fairytale-inspired stories by this author, and she always writes them well, but this book is certainly further from the traditional Snow White story than her other tales are from their originals. But she writes with a deft hand—I particularly liked Prince Johnathan—making this story enjoyable even with the looser connection. As with most of this author’s books, highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.

My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com

[Marjorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great twist on the Snow White story. Lucia didn't run away from an evil step-mother, she ran away from her best friend who is out to steal her kingdom after her husband, Lucia's older brother, died. She's not singing sweetly in the woods dreaming of a prince to save her. No, this princess is learning to be a warrior and a leader, but will it be enough to win the loyalty of her people and take back her rightful throne?

Fast paced, adventure filled read with just a touch of completely unexpected sweet romance.

This is book 6 and while all these stories can be read as standalones, this is also the companion novel to Poisoned Fate - if you haven't read that yet be sure to grab it to read the other side of this story and see what was going through Katya's head through all this. Great addition to the series!

[Douglas Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our heroine wants her thrown back, but that is going to be a bit more challenging than she anticipated. She might even need a little help.

This is book six of the series, but each one is written as a standalone. No prior reading is required to enjoy this one.

This is a retelling of the classic Snow White fairy tale story with some fun and intriguing twists. As I expect from this author, the story is well written and easy to read. Both the setting and characters are vaguely familiar, and yet they have their own unique twist, making them fresh as well. I found this one to be particular enjoyable as our heroine is a bit tougher than the original and I like strong heroines. Overall, as a fan of new takes on old stories, I had a lot of fun with this one.

Highly recommended

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.

[Ash J · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. As I previously read 'Poisoned Fate' where we got a different but great tale of the Evil Queen, or Katya's story, I have been wishing for the story of everything that happened to Lucia in her quest to get her community back. When I realized that 'Fractured Core' was that story, I was so excited. It gives the reader all the missing information and character's feelings that were missing in Katya's story. This was an exciting and sweet retelling of the story of Snow White and the Evil Queen, but this time in Lucia or Snow White's point of view. I love Laura's retellings of all the classic fairy tales and can't wait to read more stories like this.
'
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
'

[Sassy Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another great story by Laura Greenwood. I enjoy reading fairy tale retelling stories. I was thrilled to read Lucia's story after reading the story about Katya. This is the retelling of Snow White.

Lucia has been betrayed by her sister in law and she doesn't know why. She has spent the past couple of years building her skills and her army. She doesn't know what she is doing but knows that she needs to help her people out. Prince Jonathan shows up at her encampment and changes things within her. Things are going to be harder than she expected. Will she be strong enough to get her kingdom back?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Desiree Derouen · Rating 4 out of 5]

What would you do if everything changed over night? If everything you thought to be one thing changed into something else, in the blink of an eye? What am I talking about You say..? A spoiled princess in a far off land Used to things the way they are. As in all kingdoms the ruler changes with time Whether due to death Or denouncement. Would you be ready to step into their shoes.? Would you be ready to take over they reigns if the heir suddenly died? BUT you end up with a very huge obstacle? A sister-n-law you once Called friend??!!! So many twists & turns it’ll make your head spin. Come on over to the darker side of a fairytale retold. Recommended. HAPPY READING !!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Reed Daylee · Rating 3 out of 5]

POV: Lucia
HUMOR: not really
SEX SCENES: No
F BOMBS: No
HEA: Yes
SERIES: Book 6 of 6 Untold Tales

This can be read on its own, but best start at beginning of series or at least book 3 to get Katya's story. Author new to me. Short read. Didn't feel the chemistry between Lucia and Jonathan. Couldn't connect with the FMC. She was impulsive, naive, and kept making the same mistake. Although there was a slight twist at the end, for me, there wasn't enough angst, excitement, build or emotions. Perhaps this book would fare better for a younger audience (tweens - teens)?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Aimee Bower · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lucia is working to get her throne back from her step mother. Lucia has been working hard to become a warrior in the two years. Lucia is informed that someone is there to see her, that he will only speak with her. Lucia is surprised by a prince is there for her. She is even more surprised by who sent him. Lucia is keeping him at arms length, she is surprised he is still there. Lucia has to determine what is has to be done with her step mother or she will lose her life and her people will lose even more.


There is more to the story than what I wrote. This was a fun story that will keep you engaged. If like a new take on fairytales, this one is for you.

[Donise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the flip side of Poisoned Fate and is told from Lucia's point of view. If you have read Poisoned Fate, then you will know what to expect to happen in this book. However, you will better gain an understanding of Lucia and why things had to happen the way that they did. You will learn how she goes from being a pampered princess to a woman who can bear the weight of the crown and become queen. She accomplishes this with the help of two trusted friends, her pet bird, an unexpected ally and a new loyal servant.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elizabeth McDaniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Princess Lucia had been exiled by her best friend, the Queen Katya. Prince Jonathan came to present himself for marriage to the princess but switched identities with the huntsman and given a map to where the princess and her loyal followers were. Princess Lucia was faced with attempts on her life on more than one occasion by the queen as she, Prince Jonathan and her people planned a rebellion. But Lucia felt something was off with the way her former friend was presenting things. With the help of Prince Jonathan, her spies and loyal followers Lucia obtained her royal HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 6th book in the author's Untold Tales series and is a fantasy retelling of Snow White like you have never seen before! I love reading all the fairy tale retellings that seem to be a popular theme with many authors these days but I will say Greenwood does an amazing job of taking the core of the classic tale and reweaving it in a magical way that keeps you engrossed in the story from the first page to the last!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some splendid twists.
What an interesting look at a classic fairytale I just loved it. Lucia must fight for what she believes is right. Now the person she must win over just may have been a friend at one time. You will see the growth of Lucia as the story progresses. This one has some splendid twists and turns that are sure to keep you captivated by the piece. If you like re-telling of classics then this is the book to pick up it is a book I am so very happy to recommend. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.

[sherri jones-teachout · Rating 5 out of 5]

She’s building a rebellion. Lucia is confused. Her brother is dead and her best friend and sister-in-law, Katya, who she has known since they were young and she loves like a sister, has taken over the kingdom and installed herself on the throne. She has stolen Lucia’s birthright and kingdom and banished her. How could someone she thought she knew for years turn so cold and scheming? Lucia’s only goal now is to take back her kingdom, and to do that she needs to train, and become a fighter. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review

[Judy Gittleson Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the story the way this was told. It has a subtle throw back to Snow White but I like this one for the strength Lucia has. She has the love of the people who rally around her and the love of a prince who has to show her he really cares. The suspense of what the current queen does against Lucia and the people, raising taxes, having parties, etc., keeps the pages turning. The ending is so great and the twists that get you there were surprising. Can not wait to read the next story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ketty · Rating 5 out of 5]

The other side to Poisoned Fate, told from Snow White aka Lucia's point of view. Even though I knew where this was going, it eas still incredibly fun to see it unfold. It was even more satisfying to see the end. I really loved Poisoned Fate so having this just made me love it even more.

This series as a whole was a fun one to read, I love fairytales and no matter how many I read, I can never get enough. It is clear the author has the same sort of love for them and I will be reading so much more from her.

[Adena Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are many version of the Snow White story with the princess changing from ornament to queen. This version presented one of the harshest way to encourage an otherwise innocent naive court blossom to flower and develop thorns, the better to defend the bush. The cost to the queen who sets herself this task - heartrending. Here's hoping that Lucia does not let her former sister-in-law down.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carlynne Toomey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laura Greenwood has done it again! This is the Sixth Book in the Untold Tales collection. This time she takes on Snow White and she has done a marvelous job! This is Snow White in a way you have never seen her before. Once again the characters are well developed and complex, the story world is detailed and awesome! If you like fairy tale retellings, you have got to read this one! Fantastic!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fractured Core is a wonderful retelling of the fairy tale Snow White. As always this author has given the reader an intriguing story that held my attention from beginning to end. I enjoyed the twist that the Queen was Lucia's sister-in-law and someone she thought was her friend. I am loving the Untold Tales series and I can't wait to read the next book in this amazing series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Trina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A retelling of the fairytale Snow White, but with many twists. Don’t want to give too much away, but some of the things that happened in the original also happen in this story as well, but many are twisted or should I say fractured. The sweet romance between the main characters started on rocky ground but developed well. A have ending which I always like.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[LeMiliere · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you, like me, are enjoying this current trend some authors have of re-writing our childhood fairy stories for adults then this the 6th book in the Untold Tales Series is one you won't want to miss. It's an interesting and well-plotted retelling of Snow White, but Snow White as you never imagined!

Laura Greenwood has done a great job with this one, the theme of the original is still there but she has added so much to it. I was engrossed in the story from beginning to end.

[Jerri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is based on a version of Snow White though not the renowned one. It is different than what I was used to thinking of Snow White but I love Ms. Greenwood and she always has good characters. They were entertaining and made you think about what was going on throughout the story. The storyline though different was entertaining and kept my interest. I would recommend.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elesha's book fun gossip · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a re-telling of snow white. This is the other side of the story to Poisoned Fate which was Katya’s (Evil Queen) side of the story. This new retelling focuses on Lucia (Snow White) and allows the reader to see her side as she becomes a warrior and tries to bring her people to her side as she fights for her place as queen.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.