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Slipper in the Snow #2
Nettles in the Snow: A Christmas Fairytale Short Story
Elisa has lived most of her life in the shadow of Burge's castle, knitting shirts out of nettles and keeping her vow of silence. This Christmas is the one chance she has to lift the curse from her brothers and change their fortunes. If she suceeds, she plans to punish everyone who made her suffer and take her place as royalty. If she fails, her brothers will be stuck as swans forever.
- GenresFantasyFairy Tales
Unknown Binding
Published December 12, 2020
5 people are currently reading
49 people want to read
About the author
Alice Ivinya
32 books305 followersAlice is a USA Today Bestselling author who writes low spice fantasy and fairytales.
She lives in Bristol, UK, and has loved fantasy all her life. Her favourite authors are Holly Black and Brandon Sanderson.
When she's not off gallivanting in other worlds, you can find her looking after her two young sons, hanging out with her church family, or walking the best dog in the world with her husband.
She lives in Bristol, UK, and has loved fantasy all her life. Her favourite authors are Holly Black and Brandon Sanderson.
When she's not off gallivanting in other worlds, you can find her looking after her two young sons, hanging out with her church family, or walking the best dog in the world with her husband.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
December 21, 2022
What a cute little read! Last year I read the first book in this four book series, "Slipper In The Snow" and it has the same flowing energy like this second book. A very short read but it definitely packs a punch within those few pages. There is something about reading fairytale themed books during the winter time.
I definitely recommend this series!
I definitely recommend this series!
January 6, 2021
A Fun, Quick Read
This was super cute and a quick read. The characters were engaging, it packed a lot of plot for such a little story, but not too much that it was overhwleming. I wasn't sure how it was a Cinderella or Little Mermaid retelling but it all came together at the end.
So excited for more time with these characters
This was super cute and a quick read. The characters were engaging, it packed a lot of plot for such a little story, but not too much that it was overhwleming. I wasn't sure how it was a Cinderella or Little Mermaid retelling but it all came together at the end.
So excited for more time with these characters
August 24, 2021
A wonderfully engaging little fairy tale retelling that, while obviously part of an interconnected series, can still be read as a tantalising stand-alone. With just a smidge of darkness, it's the perfect remedy for anything too cutesy when it comes to Christmas themed tales.
I wasn't quite sure if I was supposed to root for our crochety former princess given how her opening statements include wanting to witness her father's demise, but hey, she's spent twenty years knitting with nettles because of his actions so I'll cut her some slack. I liked that she's a bit of an anti-hero, tempered only by her mysterious moon-eyed companion who just happens to be a little mermaid... Yes, there's a hook there alright, and it makes me want to check out her episode of the story too!
My only niggles were a couple of typos, and that the end feels more like another beginning in order to have another short story episode after this one as it's finished enough but not completely resolved given those opening words. As it's only mildly Christmas-related, this is a series you could read at any time without feeling too much like you should be cracking out the eggnog.
Short and not-so-sweet, this made for a great quick read.
-I received a free copy of this e-book in a giveaway. This does not influence my review-
I wasn't quite sure if I was supposed to root for our crochety former princess given how her opening statements include wanting to witness her father's demise, but hey, she's spent twenty years knitting with nettles because of his actions so I'll cut her some slack. I liked that she's a bit of an anti-hero, tempered only by her mysterious moon-eyed companion who just happens to be a little mermaid... Yes, there's a hook there alright, and it makes me want to check out her episode of the story too!
My only niggles were a couple of typos, and that the end feels more like another beginning in order to have another short story episode after this one as it's finished enough but not completely resolved given those opening words. As it's only mildly Christmas-related, this is a series you could read at any time without feeling too much like you should be cracking out the eggnog.
Short and not-so-sweet, this made for a great quick read.
-I received a free copy of this e-book in a giveaway. This does not influence my review-
April 29, 2023
This is a series and as it is book two you must read Slipper in the Snow first and then the next two in order to enjoy this tale.
More information is given in this book about the events in book one and one’s perception of the queen is changed as a result.
The kingdom has lost its rightful rulers due to the
person the king married after the death of his first wife and what the stepmother did as a result but things are about to change.
I have enjoyed this story thus far and will be reading the next two books immediately. I recommend you get this series and read it as well. The books are short and all four can be read easily within a couple of hours.
More information is given in this book about the events in book one and one’s perception of the queen is changed as a result.
The kingdom has lost its rightful rulers due to the
person the king married after the death of his first wife and what the stepmother did as a result but things are about to change.
I have enjoyed this story thus far and will be reading the next two books immediately. I recommend you get this series and read it as well. The books are short and all four can be read easily within a couple of hours.
December 14, 2020
I’m a huge fairy tale nerd and I could tell you about almost any fairy tale out there, but this was one that had me guessing. I love the way the author combines fairy tales in a world that just makes sense, mixing and matching stories that keeps the reader wondering. I have never read The Wild Swans, but now I will!
Compared to Slipper in the Snow, this story had a darker, revengeful feel to it that I found intriguing. I’m curious about the next part of the story and I’m looking forward to what the author has planned next.
Compared to Slipper in the Snow, this story had a darker, revengeful feel to it that I found intriguing. I’m curious about the next part of the story and I’m looking forward to what the author has planned next.
December 23, 2020
I absolutely LOVE when a story is from a "villains" perspective! Nettles in the Snow reminded me of the movie Malificent, in that it shows how and why the Sea Witch in The Little Mermaid became who she was and why she stole the mermaids voice. This is the 2nd in this short fairytale series and it has added so much mystery and intrigue I cannot wait for the next installment! Author Invinya you are an artist knitting these beautiful stories together much like "the witch" knits her shirts. Bravo again!
May 10, 2021
Great Contrasts!
In Nettles in the Snow, we meet Ianthe again and see the prequel to Slipper from her point of view. Her kindness of nature is contrasted by Elisa’s bitterness from the harsh unfairness of her life, yet they are friends who make a mutually beneficial bargain. Whilst Elisa seems unpleasant, she is still a relatable character (we are not all nice people all the time!) and it is great to see her perspective on this.
Each story introduces a character that will feature in the next one, making the overall story flow. I can’t wait to see how the next instalment goes!
In Nettles in the Snow, we meet Ianthe again and see the prequel to Slipper from her point of view. Her kindness of nature is contrasted by Elisa’s bitterness from the harsh unfairness of her life, yet they are friends who make a mutually beneficial bargain. Whilst Elisa seems unpleasant, she is still a relatable character (we are not all nice people all the time!) and it is great to see her perspective on this.
Each story introduces a character that will feature in the next one, making the overall story flow. I can’t wait to see how the next instalment goes!
December 14, 2020
2 fairytales in one
I loved this short story! If you’ve ever wondered what did the witch do with Ariel’s voice and fins, read on. I never gave a thought how much knitting 12 shirts for her swan brothers and. Ot being able to speak to any human being had made the princess bitter and skittish around humans. Truly intrigued how it will all end. Recommend for lovers of rare retold fairytales. Keep’em coming!
I loved this short story! If you’ve ever wondered what did the witch do with Ariel’s voice and fins, read on. I never gave a thought how much knitting 12 shirts for her swan brothers and. Ot being able to speak to any human being had made the princess bitter and skittish around humans. Truly intrigued how it will all end. Recommend for lovers of rare retold fairytales. Keep’em coming!
March 11, 2021
I enjoyed this short story, it reminded me of The Wild Swans from KM Shea and The Little Mermaid twist. It seemed it might’ve been the sea witches perspective as Elisa. Her fathers mistress cursed the brothers to be swans and she spends the story trying her best to undo the curse. It was also like a villainous perspective like Blood From A Stone Twisted Villains Anthology. They aren’t what they appear.
July 24, 2021
Nettles is the snow is a cute but strong little short Christmas themed story with elements inspired by different fairytales. I liked the fact that even if I haven't read the first story I understood what was going on in this short story.
Alice Ivinya does a great job at putting so much action in such a few pages. I was hooked from the start and it left me wanting more.
All in all it was a great read and a fast one at that.
Alice Ivinya does a great job at putting so much action in such a few pages. I was hooked from the start and it left me wanting more.
All in all it was a great read and a fast one at that.
August 11, 2022
I didn’t think it was possible to become even more enamoured of Ivinya’s fairytale retellings. I love this series of interconnected fairytales!!
This is a retelling of the Seven Swans and it is simply brilliant. I also love how this short story can be read as a stand-alone or together with the rest of the Slipper in the Snow series to get a bigger picture of the unfolding events. Will be diving into the next one right away, as I can’t wait to find out what more Ivinya has in store.
This is a retelling of the Seven Swans and it is simply brilliant. I also love how this short story can be read as a stand-alone or together with the rest of the Slipper in the Snow series to get a bigger picture of the unfolding events. Will be diving into the next one right away, as I can’t wait to find out what more Ivinya has in store.
February 21, 2024
This story gives some of the back story to Slipper in the Snow, but it could be a stand-alone as well. I'm glad there were more books in the series as they are each only about a chapter in length and still so good. Alice wove numerous different fairytale themes into the story in a way that was creative and had plenty of action.
I received a free copy of this book from the author's newsletter and reviewed it happily because it's good. 😀
I received a free copy of this book from the author's newsletter and reviewed it happily because it's good. 😀
December 21, 2020
I loved this short story. There were two things that made me fall in love with this story. One, the main character is morally grey. She has been hardened by her life experiences and is unapologetic about it. Two, I enjoy it when a story weaves multiple fairy tales together.
March 10, 2021
This should be book one
I was confused at first but after reading a little further I realized how this fits in with book one. However I think it should have been book one and not two. Either way I’m loving where this is going and the characters. Can’t wait for the grand upheaval.
I was confused at first but after reading a little further I realized how this fits in with book one. However I think it should have been book one and not two. Either way I’m loving where this is going and the characters. Can’t wait for the grand upheaval.
November 9, 2022
This was an enjoyable quick read. It had all the fairytale hooks to pull the reader in. You could suffer through with her as she sewed nettles- a difficult task that caused her great pain, but for her brothers it was worth it.
December 17, 2020
Great twist! Very different feel to the first one. Can't wait to see how they solve this!
December 30, 2020
These short Christmas fairytale retellings are little gems. This is the second in a series of four and is both pretty and compelling, as a fairytale should be. I am new to this genre but am already a big fan. Ivinya’s characters are always engaging and the story fas-moving and satisfying. Lovely!
July 29, 2022
Another short story, a retelling of a wel known fairytal
November 13, 2022
I LOVE fairy/folk retellings!!!
This was a welcome change from the more common stories.
Keep 'em coming!
This was a welcome change from the more common stories.
Keep 'em coming!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews