Long Ago and Far Away: Six Fantasy Novels Inspired by Fairy Tales, Myths, Legends, Folklore, & Magic

Tales of the Latter Kingdoms #1

by Christine Pope, Jennifer Blackstream, Laura Greenwood

Get swept into a world that never was...

Enter realms of enchantment in a boxed set of six spellbinding novels! Fall under the spell of “tales as old as time,” now given a fresh new twist in this captivating collection.

Long Ago and Far Away includes these six full-length fantasy romance and fantasy novels:

Christine Pope - Dragon Rose (Tales Of The Latter Kingdoms #1)

The shadow of the cursed Dragon Lord has hung over the town of Lirinsholme for centuries, and no one ever knows when the Dragon will claim his next doomed Bride. Rhianne Menyon has dreams of being a painter, but her world changes forever when a single moment of sacrifice brings her to Black's Keep as the Dragon's latest Bride. As she attempts to adjust to her new life - and to know something of the monster who is now her husband - she begins to see that the curse is far crueler than she first believed. Unraveling the mystery of what happened to the Dragon's Brides is only the beginning...

Jennifer Blackstream - Before Midnight (Blood Prince #1)

An alpha wolf fighting a powerful curse...

The werewolf prince Etienne is turning into a human. A fierce and loyal pack, Etienne and his family have protected their kingdom with tooth and claw - literally - for hundreds of years. Unfortunately, the spell of a well-meaning witch is slowly stealing the beast from inside him. Only the bite of a cursed werewolf - one who was not born with the beast inside - can save him from losing everything. He has no time for anything that will not lead him to a cure for the curse. Not even the beautiful maiden whose gentle nature soothes his soul even as she tempts him into primal pursuits of an entirely different nature…

A maiden enslaved by her stepfamily, who dares to reach for more...

Loupe lives in terror. Terror of the bloodthirsty stepfamily who treats her like a slave, and terror of the beast trapped inside her. Bitten by a werewolf while dealing with the illegal gains of her step-family’s poaching, Loupe’s dreams of a strong husband who would take her away from her servant-like existence are over. A woman who becomes a mindless beast on the night of the full moon has no place in a marriage bed. Not even if that bed belongs to a prince with the manners of royalty and the hungry eyes of a wolf.

Nothing will stand between an alpha wolf and his mate...

A grand ball. The stroke of twelve. A magic “slipper.” All kinds of things can happen when you don’t leave the ball... Before Midnight.

Laura Greenwood - Spindles And Spells (Grimm Academy #1)

Briar doesn't believe in Once Upon A Time...

Her whole life, Briar has been told about her fate, but she doesn't believe a word. Now she's forced to go to Grimm Academy along with all the other fairy tale characters trying to avoid their tales.

When she finds a spindle in one of the tallest towers, she begins to believe, but is it already too late?

Welcome to Grimm Academy, where fairy tale characters go to escape their foretold fate.

Kat Parrish - Bride Of The Midnight King (Grimm Blood Tale #1)

And the story begins with... once upon a time

The land was called Eindar, and those who lived there called it “home,” but those who lived beyond its borders called it “The Divided Kingdom” because it was a place where humans and vampires shared the land but divided the day’s hours into sunlight and shadow, and there were only a few whose lives were lived in both realms.

Eindar had once been ruled by a royal house of humans, but that era ended when the last human king - Lorant the Third - took a vampire wife and died, leaving the kingdom in her care. Queen Isix abdicated in favor of her son Adraxus, and the sons of his line had occupied the throne of the Shadow Palace ever since.

By custom, the vampire kings choose human consorts to rule by their side. A king chose his consort for any number of reasons, but rarely was love involved. Or so it was until the last consort of King Idrax died, leaving behind a most unusual bequest. Lady Judita’s final gift to the kingdom and the king she’d loved was a complete surprise, and it changed… everything.

Jenna Elizabeth Johnson - Faeborne (Otherworld #9)

Brennon Roarke is cursed. Stolen from his family at the age of sixteen and forced to use his glamour in the service of Eilé’s most malevolent goddess, Brenn has little room for warmth in his heart. For seven long years, he endured hardship and pain, only to escape and find his parents and sister murdered, his nephew left blind and broken. With the stain of dark magic on his soul, Brennon perseveres for the sake of his young ward, always worrying that one day the evil infecting his spirit will destroy him for good.

Seren is an outcast among her own kind, ridiculed and ostracized by all but her mother. Born to the Fahndí tribe of the Weald, Seren’s glamour allows her to transform into a deer, but it also grants her the power to heal grave wou...

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Mythology, Fiction, Ebooks, Paranormal, Anthologies

1358 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 16, 2020

About the author

A native of Southern California, Christine Pope has been writing stories ever since she commandeered her family’s Smith-Corona typewriter back in the sixth grade. Many reams of dead trees later, she’s happy to announce that her debut novel, Fringe Benefits,was published by Pink Petal Books on April 8, 2010. Her short fiction has appeared in Astonishing Adventures, Luna Station Quarterly, and the new journal of dark fiction, Dark Valentine. Her paranormal novella, Playing With Fire, was released on August 5, 2010.

While Fringe Benefits is a straight contemporary romance, she writes in a variety of genres, including paranormal romance, fantasy, horror, science fiction, and historical romance. She blames this on being easily distracted by bright, shiny objects, which could also account for the size of her shoe collection.

After spending many years in the magazine publishing industry, she now works as a freelance editor in addition to writing fiction. She lives with her husband and an explosively fluffy Pomeranian mix. Her house is pink, but don’t hold that against her.

Reviews

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon & on iBooks today (9/1/2020)! 🎁

[Valerie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Of the six books in this collection, I only liked two, and another one was okay. The others, not so much.

First story, Dragon Rose by Christine Pope was great- I loved it. Beauty and the Beast retelling where the beast is a dragon.

Second story, Before Midnight by Jennifer Blackstream, was kinda out-there weird to me. It's a Cinderella retelling, but with werewolves. Also, very graphic sexually, which is a hard pass from me. No thank you.

Third, Spindles and Spells by Laura Greenwood. It's like a different version of "Ever After High" or "Descendants" type fairy tale characters go to a boarding school together. Not my thing, so I gave it up after just a few chapters.

Fourth, Bride of the Midnight King by Kat Parrish is a Cinderella retelling with vampires. But the vampires aren't very vampire-y. They drink blood wine and give a "bloody kiss" which makes one a vampire. And they stay out of the sun and have immortality. Other than that, there's nothing really giving this a vamp feel. Idk. Also, gets kinda PG-13. This is the story that I thought was okay.

Fifth, Faeborne by Jenna Elizabeth Johnson. This is another one that I liked, and it kept things clean. Based on a greek mythology golden hind type story, also a dark fae queen, like the Unseelie court of Mab. That kind of thing.

Sixth, Down the Rabbit Hole by Julia Crane, based on Alice in Wonderland. I couldn't make it past the first few pages from of a combination of confusion, bad writing, and a general dislike of the Wonderland story in general.

[Renée · Rating 5 out of 5]

Long Ago and Far Away is a collection of fantasy romance stories by six authors.

Review for Spindles and Spells by Laura Greenwood is the fairytale inspired story from Sleeping Beauty (one of my favourite fairytales). I really loved Briar’s story which was rather magical and a perfect way to start the Grimm Academy series.

Favourite quote: “It's hard to believe I have a best friend. But I do. Rapunzel knows all of my secrets, and I think I know all of hers. And more importantly, I trust her. Even as far as trusting her with my life. I'm not sure when it happened, but we have a bond that can't be replaced.”

[Bookloverb1234 · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is a collection of six novels inspired by fairy tales, myths, and magic. The truth is that they are more similar to the original version, they have darker touches, but they always have a happy ending.
My favorites were the first four. However, the negatives of the book are that they are very uneven in terms of the number of chapters and a lot of unnecessary details.
Inside you will meet Beauty and the Beast, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland, a different cosmology between palaces, magic and battles and of course the couples with different names in completely new worlds.

So if you want to feel like a kid again, it's time to travel long ago and far away!

[Scott Shjefte]

Purchased this item on March 11, 2023 for free from Amazon.

Long Ago and Far Away includes these six full-length fantasy romance and fantasy novels:

Dragon Rose - Christine Pope
Before Midnight - Jennifer Blackstream
Spindles and Spells - Laura Greenwood
Bride of the Midnight King - Kat Parrish
Faeborne - Jenna Elizabeth Johnson
Down the Rabbit Hole - Julia Crane

[Jennine · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far I have read Spindle and Spells by Laura Greenwood, I really enjoyed this beautiful tale and grew fond of this young student. I found it original and entertaining and think you will too. Well written. Recommended. Now back to the couch to read the rest and have a coffee.

[Shannon Risdon · Rating 5 out of 5]

An eclectic mix of tales

A wonderful mixture of fairy tales each with their own twist. No matter you preference you will find many that you will enjoy...and new authors to add to your list. Definitely a set to introduce you to some amazing authors and their magical worlds.

[shannon Stubbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Different but familiar

These stories had a familiar feel to them but with a different twist to them. It made most if them interesting and I had to finish them to find out what happens to the people in the stories.

[Darrell Nuner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good story that combines all the different characters. I do recommend it.

A good collection that holds your interest from first to last page!
It is worth adding this to your collection!

[Marc Rieck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each story is a winner

There are six stories in this book, and each one makes me want to read the whole series! Highly recommended.

[Gerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

Fun reads. Updated classic fairy tales with twists for adults
Interesting. Sensual dot dot dot dot dot dot dot period

[Suzanne G]

A must read for everyone

Brilliant retellings of tales we all know, some are more recognizable than others but all are uniquely new takes on the tales we grew up with.

[Hilda Baard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read from the first page to the last. well worth reading.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many twists and turns to the traditional tales.

[Sherryle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I seriously enjoyed reading this set of stories. The one that stood out was Kat Parrish's - Bride of the Midnight King...

[Queen Talk Talk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imaginative

Six full length retellings of fairy tales. A couple even have sexy times. I recommend this book. I will be purchasing two of the series.

[Jodee Clark · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the first story but then realized the others (and the first) were all part of a series. The last story was not but I just couldn't get into it.

[Virginia · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Stacy Ziems · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting fairy tale retellings

I found the first four stories very fun to read. The last two were okay, almost a bit boring, but the end of the last story had a fun twist!

[Brian Busby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing read

All the books had wonderful storylines in their own way , i couldnt pick a favorite this set of books is totaly recomended .

[Robert Nacke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book that had a collection of stories that were well thought out by the authors that moved you through each story before you. I highly recommend this to those who like this type of book.

[Addison · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This collection offers a rich tapestry of fairy tale and myth-inspired fantasy romances, each weaving classic motifs with fresh, imaginative twists. Whether you love cursed dragon lords, werewolf princes fighting to save their pack, or fairy tale characters striving to escape their fates at Grimm Academy, this set provides enchanting worlds and heartfelt romance.

Christine Pope’s Dragon Rose sets a darkly romantic tone with a mysterious curse and a bride seeking the truth behind her husband’s legend. Jennifer Blackstream’s Before Midnight beautifully blends wolf pack politics with personal sacrifice and love’s redemptive power. Laura Greenwood’s Spindles and Spells adds a meta-fantasy charm by featuring fairy tale characters trying to avoid their destinies.

Kat Parrish’s Bride of the Midnight King introduces a complex vampire-human kingdom with political intrigue and a touch of forbidden romance. Jenna Elizabeth Johnson’s Faeborne dives into a darker, emotional fantasy about curses, redemption, and unlikely bonds.

Overall, this set is a perfect gateway for readers seeking modern fantasy romance layered with myth, magic, and the timeless allure of fairy tales.

[Cait M · Rating 5 out of 5]

DRAGON ROSE 5 stars.
A re-imagining of the beauty and the beast story.
I loved the mythical medieval type world where the story is set. Written in the first person from the heroine's POV details were revealed as she came to understand them which kept the book interesting. The mystery of how the dragon's curse could be broken kept me reading late into the night.

SPINDLES AND SPELLS 3.5 stars
Well-written, sweet and clean story. Princess Briar is "sleeping beauty". She is sent to the Grimm Academy to further her education in diplomacy, dance, magic etc. All the areas which will help her once she becomes Queen. Grimm Academy is also the place people go to break curses and prophesies that have been placed on them, and Briar has the spindle/forever sleep prophesy to try and avoid.

BRIDE OF THE MIDNIGHT KING. 4stars
Eindar is a land ruled by the Vampire King. He takes a human consort as his wife for the course of her natural life then replaces her. He rules for 300 years or so then steps aside for another Vampire King to take the throne while he becomes a royal advisor of sorts.

The human population keeps things running by day and has its own council, and the vampire population rules, but only move a about at night.

This is a Cinderella story with Yala the heroine. She is the human daughter of a well-respected member of the council. When her father died, her stepmother opens a gambling club where Yala is forced to work long hours and her stepmother and two stepsisters treat her very poorly.

Prince Charming is actually King Idrax, the Vampire King whose consort has died and us now looking for a new consort.

I enjoyed the intricacy of the world these characters inhabit. The palace intrigues were interesting too. The story doesn't exactly follow the standard retelling, which made it more interesting.

FAEBORNE. 3.5 stars.
A true fantasy story with a Celtic feel. I didn't recognize the fairy tale it was based on, but enjoyed reading it anyway.

Brennon battles inner demons due to harsh memories from a life enslaved to a ruthless war goddess. The only thing keeping him sane is his promise to protect his young, orphaned nephew Rori. Seren is a deer changeling who runs away from her tribe when they discover she has a powerful healing gift and try to harm her.

The two meet in the forest when Brenn is hunting and shoots Seren in her deer form. He takes her back to his home to help her recover during the winter months.

The love story was gradual and sweet. Rori was a great little character. The conflict played out well and was resolved nicely.
This was a 4 star story for me, but I took off half a star because the POVs change repeatedly and I had some trouble keeping track of who was talking.

[Tricia]

Laura Greenwood - Spindles and Spells: Great retelling of the Sleeping Beauty fairytale.