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Never Let Them Kiss You.
It is winter and England's New Forest is in the grip of a vigorous blizzard.
Why do summer flowers quickly grow and radiantly bloom for mere seconds during a winter blizzard?
Why do the same flowers quickly wither and die with equal speed?
Why did the late Mr. Ballantyne continuously speak of such radiance caused by the presence of strange little fairy folk?
Why did no one believe him?
Why do summer flowers quickly grow and radiantly bloom for mere seconds during a winter blizzard?
Why do the same flowers quickly wither and die with equal speed?
Why did the late Mr. Ballantyne continuously speak of such radiance caused by the presence of strange little fairy folk?
Why did no one believe him?
252 pages, Paperback
First published November 19, 2020
4 people are currently reading
10 people want to read
About the author
C.A. Powell
14 books49 followersAuthor Bio – C. A. Powell
C. A. Powell writes speculative fiction rooted in late-Victorian and Edwardian Britain. His work includes a series of science-fiction pastiches set in an alternative 1898, exploring the aftermath of the Martian invasion described in H. G. Wells’ The War of the Worlds.
Drawing on the language and atmosphere of the period, these novels examine suppressed histories, scientific unease, and the lingering consequences of events that official records prefer to forget.
A free introductory Victorian archive document is available online. https://mailchi.mp/c99f322dd37c/the-v...
C. A. Powell writes speculative fiction rooted in late-Victorian and Edwardian Britain. His work includes a series of science-fiction pastiches set in an alternative 1898, exploring the aftermath of the Martian invasion described in H. G. Wells’ The War of the Worlds.
Drawing on the language and atmosphere of the period, these novels examine suppressed histories, scientific unease, and the lingering consequences of events that official records prefer to forget.
A free introductory Victorian archive document is available online. https://mailchi.mp/c99f322dd37c/the-v...
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
December 1, 2021
I am not very good with words but I just want to say that I very much enjoyed reading this book! I don't read a lot of fantasy but the dark twist was very interesting so I knew I just had to give this one a go : D plus the writing style is lovely
November 7, 2021
Actual rating 3.5 ⭐!
I really like the idea about dark fairy tale in this book. Because all this time, I know the fairy with small and cute feature but never with the dark one and always annoy people.
First I want to tell you about the world building in this book. The setting is in snowy place and I think the writer did great job with explanation about the Little Wood. I can feel the beautiful place and at the same time the creepiness too.
After that, we are given the mystery behind the beautiful forest known as Little Wood. Something strange in the wood that make people go crazy even doing something that will harm them. At this point, it makes me curious about the "thing" that they talk about. And after we reach the real conflict, the writer can really make those little fairies look scary and make me imagine how terrible it would be for me to be in that position. Also the writer really did great job at explain about this creature!
For the characters, the girls really dominate here! I love how they can work together and be strong to face the little creatures! I love their powers!
I really recommend this book for someone who want to read something magical and with that dark little creature!
I really like the idea about dark fairy tale in this book. Because all this time, I know the fairy with small and cute feature but never with the dark one and always annoy people.
First I want to tell you about the world building in this book. The setting is in snowy place and I think the writer did great job with explanation about the Little Wood. I can feel the beautiful place and at the same time the creepiness too.
After that, we are given the mystery behind the beautiful forest known as Little Wood. Something strange in the wood that make people go crazy even doing something that will harm them. At this point, it makes me curious about the "thing" that they talk about. And after we reach the real conflict, the writer can really make those little fairies look scary and make me imagine how terrible it would be for me to be in that position. Also the writer really did great job at explain about this creature!
For the characters, the girls really dominate here! I love how they can work together and be strong to face the little creatures! I love their powers!
I really recommend this book for someone who want to read something magical and with that dark little creature!
February 19, 2022
Book Review
Basic Details:
Book Title: Never Let Them Kiss You.
Subtitle: (A Dark Fairy Tale)
Author: C.A. Powell
Genre: Fairytale, horror
Part of a series? Yes
Order in series:
Best read after earlier books in series?
Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...
Overall score:
I scored this book 4/5
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Short Summary of the book:
Do you believe in fairies and sprites? No? Perhaps you will after reading this book.
When Mr Ballantyne dies, new people buy his home. For years, he believed in fairies and warned not to allow them to kiss you or you’ll be forever smitten. Two local would-be Wiccans humoured the old man and Abi cooked up some spells for him, believing in the possible placebo effect. But were they more than that?
What I liked about the book:
The book is action-filled and has horror characteristics throughout.
What I didn’t like about the book:
The book was enjoyable in its entirety.
My favourite bits in the book:
Where Abi finds out her spells may be more real than she thought they were.
My least favourite bits in the book:
The book was a good read.
Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?
This is the first book I’ve read by this author.
What books could this be compared to and why?
This book is different to other fairy stories I’ve read in the past.
Recommendation:
In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:
Children No
Young Adult Probably
Adult Yes
If you like to read fairy stories and horror, this book may be the book for you.
Book Description by Author:
It is winter and England's New Forest is in the grip of a vigorous blizzard.
Why do summer flowers quickly grow and radiantly bloom for mere seconds during a winter blizzard?
Why do the same flowers quickly wither and die with equal speed?
Why did the late Mr. Ballantyne continuously speak of such radiance caused by the presence of strange little fairy folk?
Why did no one believe him?
About the Author:
C.A. Powell (Colin Alan Powell)
Born 1961 in Bow district of London. Now lives in Fenland of Cambridgeshire. Loves reading and writing.
When I read and do reviews, I always categorise the type of book in my own mind and think of the particular audience that might enjoy. It does not matter if it is classic, pulp, indie, sci-fi etc. It is all a personal reflection from my own bubble of thought. I always seem to take something from every book I read.
Basic Details:
Book Title: Never Let Them Kiss You.
Subtitle: (A Dark Fairy Tale)
Author: C.A. Powell
Genre: Fairytale, horror
Part of a series? Yes
Order in series:
Best read after earlier books in series?
Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...
Overall score:
I scored this book 4/5
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Short Summary of the book:
Do you believe in fairies and sprites? No? Perhaps you will after reading this book.
When Mr Ballantyne dies, new people buy his home. For years, he believed in fairies and warned not to allow them to kiss you or you’ll be forever smitten. Two local would-be Wiccans humoured the old man and Abi cooked up some spells for him, believing in the possible placebo effect. But were they more than that?
What I liked about the book:
The book is action-filled and has horror characteristics throughout.
What I didn’t like about the book:
The book was enjoyable in its entirety.
My favourite bits in the book:
Where Abi finds out her spells may be more real than she thought they were.
My least favourite bits in the book:
The book was a good read.
Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?
This is the first book I’ve read by this author.
What books could this be compared to and why?
This book is different to other fairy stories I’ve read in the past.
Recommendation:
In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:
Children No
Young Adult Probably
Adult Yes
If you like to read fairy stories and horror, this book may be the book for you.
Book Description by Author:
It is winter and England's New Forest is in the grip of a vigorous blizzard.
Why do summer flowers quickly grow and radiantly bloom for mere seconds during a winter blizzard?
Why do the same flowers quickly wither and die with equal speed?
Why did the late Mr. Ballantyne continuously speak of such radiance caused by the presence of strange little fairy folk?
Why did no one believe him?
About the Author:
C.A. Powell (Colin Alan Powell)
Born 1961 in Bow district of London. Now lives in Fenland of Cambridgeshire. Loves reading and writing.
When I read and do reviews, I always categorise the type of book in my own mind and think of the particular audience that might enjoy. It does not matter if it is classic, pulp, indie, sci-fi etc. It is all a personal reflection from my own bubble of thought. I always seem to take something from every book I read.
October 8, 2021
This is a new kind of story for me. I don’t usually go for “fairytales”, although let me tell you that these fairies are not sweet little creatures. I enjoyed it, the chapters were short, so it was easy and fast to read. Which in a way is good, but I would have also liked to know a little bit more about our characters, because they seemed to have very interesting stories to tell us too.
Never Let Them Kiss You is a tale about the past and the present of a little cottage, about the previous owner and the new, and the little creatures that are sure to welcome new victims into their domains. We follow the story of two couples and their friend in common. All of them skeptic about magic, until one of them seems to lose their mind after a walk in the woods, which will cause everyone’s life to come upside down.
As I said, it was very easy to read and I was surprised when the story was over because it felt that we were just getting to the main plot, but the book was cut short very quickly. At the beginning the characters were a bit hard to differentiate because they were all seemingly very much the same apart from that set of things that were meant to make them different, for example a couple was the “New Agers” and the other one was implied to be more “right-leaning”, while their friend just seemed to be in between. The characters were nice but not relatable, and we got some of their background, but I really wanted to know more about them outside of the main story.
In regards of the little devils, I thought they would be quite scary to find, just surrounded by seemingly little children with fangs and blue eyes. They were fun to imagine them doing their mischievousness. Although after a while it did became a little repetitive to hear their descriptions over and over.
All in all, it was a nice read to pass the time and if you wanted a little bit of darkness sprinkled in your usual fairy tales. Maybe younger readers could enjoy it very much, although there is the casual mention of cheating and ***T.W.*** Wrist cutting ***T.W***, so maybe we could be more cautious with that if you would allow them to read it.
Quote: “You’ll not mind once they kiss you.”
Never Let Them Kiss You is a tale about the past and the present of a little cottage, about the previous owner and the new, and the little creatures that are sure to welcome new victims into their domains. We follow the story of two couples and their friend in common. All of them skeptic about magic, until one of them seems to lose their mind after a walk in the woods, which will cause everyone’s life to come upside down.
As I said, it was very easy to read and I was surprised when the story was over because it felt that we were just getting to the main plot, but the book was cut short very quickly. At the beginning the characters were a bit hard to differentiate because they were all seemingly very much the same apart from that set of things that were meant to make them different, for example a couple was the “New Agers” and the other one was implied to be more “right-leaning”, while their friend just seemed to be in between. The characters were nice but not relatable, and we got some of their background, but I really wanted to know more about them outside of the main story.
In regards of the little devils, I thought they would be quite scary to find, just surrounded by seemingly little children with fangs and blue eyes. They were fun to imagine them doing their mischievousness. Although after a while it did became a little repetitive to hear their descriptions over and over.
All in all, it was a nice read to pass the time and if you wanted a little bit of darkness sprinkled in your usual fairy tales. Maybe younger readers could enjoy it very much, although there is the casual mention of cheating and ***T.W.*** Wrist cutting ***T.W***, so maybe we could be more cautious with that if you would allow them to read it.
Quote: “You’ll not mind once they kiss you.”
December 5, 2021
"Say Night, Night to the Fairies"
I found this quote hilarious and unmatched. It was the lighter part of the book as I could imagine the scene quite vividly. A good pick me up towards my mental health.
Summary
Set in an enchanting forest, the beginning can be described as gruesome. The reader can expect what it feels like when you are about to die. Literally, a battle ensues between good and evil with the high hopes that good shall conquer all. A fantasy mystery quickly resolved by the three musketeers or in this case- four.
Review
C.A. Powell meets R. L. Stine. I am a huge fan of dark fantasy and was quite excited to get my hands on this bad boy.
The plot started out a bit slow at the beginning which is fair given that it is a dark fantasy thriller. It did pick up midway and to my surprise peaked at my anxiety every time the magical creatures were mentioned. The detail that went into describing these horrific yet beautiful magic creatures was astounding.
In terms of characterization, the main character of this novel is Abigail. She could be seen as 'the underdog turned hero' of the novel. I really admire how her character is portrayed as she is an introvert but make no mistake - She is brave at heart as she does not wince in the battle of the Little Wood.
Furthermore, I would like to touch on Nelly the dog as she is the epitome of loyalty- Three cheers to Nelly for countlessly saving the day!
In terms of world-building - It was a brilliant idea on using flora to indicate the looming presence of magical creatures as the flora is associated with the magical creatures well. . It gives off a dark and twisty feeling overall.
In terms of representation, I appreciated the insight into the Wiccan belief. I do believe it could have gone a bit deeper than a few spells and potions however it was a good introduction nonetheless.
This book was targeted at the young adult group given the writing style is quite casual and laid back.
My overall thought of the book is I wish it had a different ending as it ended on a cliffhanger but the reader can pick up a happy ending for all. I would definitely recommend this book.
I found this quote hilarious and unmatched. It was the lighter part of the book as I could imagine the scene quite vividly. A good pick me up towards my mental health.
Summary
Set in an enchanting forest, the beginning can be described as gruesome. The reader can expect what it feels like when you are about to die. Literally, a battle ensues between good and evil with the high hopes that good shall conquer all. A fantasy mystery quickly resolved by the three musketeers or in this case- four.
Review
C.A. Powell meets R. L. Stine. I am a huge fan of dark fantasy and was quite excited to get my hands on this bad boy.
The plot started out a bit slow at the beginning which is fair given that it is a dark fantasy thriller. It did pick up midway and to my surprise peaked at my anxiety every time the magical creatures were mentioned. The detail that went into describing these horrific yet beautiful magic creatures was astounding.
In terms of characterization, the main character of this novel is Abigail. She could be seen as 'the underdog turned hero' of the novel. I really admire how her character is portrayed as she is an introvert but make no mistake - She is brave at heart as she does not wince in the battle of the Little Wood.
Furthermore, I would like to touch on Nelly the dog as she is the epitome of loyalty- Three cheers to Nelly for countlessly saving the day!
In terms of world-building - It was a brilliant idea on using flora to indicate the looming presence of magical creatures as the flora is associated with the magical creatures well. . It gives off a dark and twisty feeling overall.
In terms of representation, I appreciated the insight into the Wiccan belief. I do believe it could have gone a bit deeper than a few spells and potions however it was a good introduction nonetheless.
This book was targeted at the young adult group given the writing style is quite casual and laid back.
My overall thought of the book is I wish it had a different ending as it ended on a cliffhanger but the reader can pick up a happy ending for all. I would definitely recommend this book.
November 23, 2021
I am not too much into fairies and fantasy, But I was attracted to the novel's title.
Janice, her husband Simon and their Labrador dog Nelly, moved from the city looking for a new start in a quiet place. They bought a cottage in the forests next to Little Woods.
Janice friend Sandy, told her about many rumors surrounding this woods and about Mr Ballantyne, the previous owner of the cottage. The old man convinced that fairies inhabits these woods, and he was warning everyone he meets, never let them Kiss You. No one believed the old man, even Abigail and Raymond, the new Age couple, who helped him by concoction a spell from an old book Abigail had, to cure Mr Ballantyne from a smitten kiss and protect his house against the little impish creatures
With snow piling, Janice and Simon noticed strange flowers blooming in the middle of winter and then wither and die, infant chanting "La La La" coming from within the forest, Simon got kissed by a little creature, and had a breakdown then got hospitalized. With a vigorous blizzard coming and the little fairies attacking, Janice and her dog and need to stand against the fairies, with the help of her Friend Sandy and Abigail
The language was easy to read, and I loved the girl power in the novel and Nelly the clever dog and that was a fun book to read.
Janice, her husband Simon and their Labrador dog Nelly, moved from the city looking for a new start in a quiet place. They bought a cottage in the forests next to Little Woods.
Janice friend Sandy, told her about many rumors surrounding this woods and about Mr Ballantyne, the previous owner of the cottage. The old man convinced that fairies inhabits these woods, and he was warning everyone he meets, never let them Kiss You. No one believed the old man, even Abigail and Raymond, the new Age couple, who helped him by concoction a spell from an old book Abigail had, to cure Mr Ballantyne from a smitten kiss and protect his house against the little impish creatures
With snow piling, Janice and Simon noticed strange flowers blooming in the middle of winter and then wither and die, infant chanting "La La La" coming from within the forest, Simon got kissed by a little creature, and had a breakdown then got hospitalized. With a vigorous blizzard coming and the little fairies attacking, Janice and her dog and need to stand against the fairies, with the help of her Friend Sandy and Abigail
The language was easy to read, and I loved the girl power in the novel and Nelly the clever dog and that was a fun book to read.
March 28, 2021
A massacre covered in sugar. Intimidating fables of the past; told by desperate parents to glue children to beds; becoming true, and no one's safe of their wraith.
An innocent shrine nearby the homey cottage is hiding the darkest secrets, the eerie chanting is filling the ears, sowing fear into the hearts of trespassers.
With new incomers and ominous snowfall the things getting worst. Yet, fables meet the Londoners and fight for life in peace can begin.
Their most efficient weapon: Local Wiccan buddies Chalk and Cheese.
Their most fascinating skills: Bantering, hard-to-digest humour and unconditional love.
The story starts with a death and ends up with a life/ promise/ hope.
With hope to create a new bond, to respect the childish mischievous neighbours, to avoid the sacred copse of trees where flowers bloom and wither, where the mysterious wind blows La, la, la, la...
Omnipresent fear, sorrow and heartbreak are combined with a strength of spirit and tidbit of lemon balm in the most enticing reading.
5/5 stars and fully recommended for everyone seeking a horror in the reality.
An innocent shrine nearby the homey cottage is hiding the darkest secrets, the eerie chanting is filling the ears, sowing fear into the hearts of trespassers.
With new incomers and ominous snowfall the things getting worst. Yet, fables meet the Londoners and fight for life in peace can begin.
Their most efficient weapon: Local Wiccan buddies Chalk and Cheese.
Their most fascinating skills: Bantering, hard-to-digest humour and unconditional love.
The story starts with a death and ends up with a life/ promise/ hope.
With hope to create a new bond, to respect the childish mischievous neighbours, to avoid the sacred copse of trees where flowers bloom and wither, where the mysterious wind blows La, la, la, la...
Omnipresent fear, sorrow and heartbreak are combined with a strength of spirit and tidbit of lemon balm in the most enticing reading.
5/5 stars and fully recommended for everyone seeking a horror in the reality.
December 19, 2021
A great early morning coffee cup companion. This book sedates you like a drug. From the get go it takes you to another frame of mind of multiple colours and a world of fantasy. It brings a smile to read along, soft fantasy and pure fun with a hint of romance. It’s as if someone was trying to hoodwink you by saying things they suppose you might like to hear, la la la.
Wonderful read. It almost like peeping through a hole curious what these wraith-like fairies are or what they look like, I was driven to read on from the first few chapters asking myself what these impish creatures are as if enjoying a bedtime story with a childlike interest- this book has that lullaby effect. This lulling phenomenon has been in my mind because of little drips of time I had while I started reading this book. Every night It gently excitedly intrigued me every time I sat with it like a little naughty child.
Stars go dull in the midnight skies once you’re kissed by these fairies just like this book does, you are smitten and it leaves you yearning for more, it sounds romantic but far from it. Fun ghost busters type of action - I’d certainly recommend this book to my children.
Wonderful read. It almost like peeping through a hole curious what these wraith-like fairies are or what they look like, I was driven to read on from the first few chapters asking myself what these impish creatures are as if enjoying a bedtime story with a childlike interest- this book has that lullaby effect. This lulling phenomenon has been in my mind because of little drips of time I had while I started reading this book. Every night It gently excitedly intrigued me every time I sat with it like a little naughty child.
Stars go dull in the midnight skies once you’re kissed by these fairies just like this book does, you are smitten and it leaves you yearning for more, it sounds romantic but far from it. Fun ghost busters type of action - I’d certainly recommend this book to my children.
January 28, 2021
Do you think fairies are gentle, sweet, innocent little beings fluttering around the garden? Well, think again! At least, the fairies in "Never Let Them Kiss You," certainly are not. Your mental and physical health are in grave danger when fairies are close by, especially if you find yourself being kissed by one. In that case you'd better hope you have a few bright, caring friends, including those who have at least a passing faith in magical spells and incantations, and, perhaps the most important of all, a wonderful loyal dog, to come to your rescue.
A charming, sometimes humorous, sometimes terrifying story of unexpected supernatural encounters in the New Forest. The characters are all well drawn, engaging, and believable, even the impish ones. A well woven tale that kept me eager to know how everything would turn out until the very last page.
A charming, sometimes humorous, sometimes terrifying story of unexpected supernatural encounters in the New Forest. The characters are all well drawn, engaging, and believable, even the impish ones. A well woven tale that kept me eager to know how everything would turn out until the very last page.
October 8, 2021
Thank you to the author and Book Tasters for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This story is the good blend of supernatural, horror and fantasy genres - a chilling tale perfect to read this Halloween. I really liked the concept and found the story to be really engaging; there were plenty of twists and unexpected parts in the story. The book is a rather easy read as the chapters were short; however the author does a terrific job of keeping you guessing until the very last page. The characters are ok but could have been explored a little more beyond. The writing created a delightfully eerie atmosphere for this dark 'fairy tale' despite it being get repetitive in some places.
Overall a really enjoyable read - perfect for younger adult readers or fans of fairy tales with a twist.
This story is the good blend of supernatural, horror and fantasy genres - a chilling tale perfect to read this Halloween. I really liked the concept and found the story to be really engaging; there were plenty of twists and unexpected parts in the story. The book is a rather easy read as the chapters were short; however the author does a terrific job of keeping you guessing until the very last page. The characters are ok but could have been explored a little more beyond. The writing created a delightfully eerie atmosphere for this dark 'fairy tale' despite it being get repetitive in some places.
Overall a really enjoyable read - perfect for younger adult readers or fans of fairy tales with a twist.
December 10, 2021
I have been too busy with end of the year deliverables, so I only get to read my book when going to bed. I have to say I am going to miss this story, it finished before I even started. The author really did a good job, I found it so easy and fast to read because the chapters are not too long. The storyline is also so refreshingly new to me, it gives you an eerie feeling, coupled with alot of mysteries. This dark fairy tale story took me by suprise, the fairies are not the sweet little creatures you watch in cartoons lol.
I really really enjoyed reading this book, I loved it! Its fantastic. 100% recommended to every reader.
Welldone Powell, your imagination and writing is amazing. Your book is one of the best I read this year. Thank you so much for sharing.
Happy holidays....keep writing.
I really really enjoyed reading this book, I loved it! Its fantastic. 100% recommended to every reader.
Welldone Powell, your imagination and writing is amazing. Your book is one of the best I read this year. Thank you so much for sharing.
Happy holidays....keep writing.
January 20, 2021
For those who dwell in the cottage by the Little Wood, it's a peaceful life, until the whispers from the woods beckon the residents out. Lured by the sound of the magical voices, inhabitants and visitors alike are drawn deeper into the woods, the obsession to find what or who is behind the bewitching lilts...La la la. La la la.
Spritely kisses, flowers blooming through the snow--the faeries are on the move driving some mad and some determined to end their frolicsome quests. Wiccan spells and the resolve of love are in force--will it be enough to end the puckish progression?
Author Powell delivers a chilling winter tale that will keep you guessing and listening for the euphonious whispers. A delightful, eerie read, highly recommended!
Spritely kisses, flowers blooming through the snow--the faeries are on the move driving some mad and some determined to end their frolicsome quests. Wiccan spells and the resolve of love are in force--will it be enough to end the puckish progression?
Author Powell delivers a chilling winter tale that will keep you guessing and listening for the euphonious whispers. A delightful, eerie read, highly recommended!
September 14, 2021
This tale gives us an eerie feeling. As the peaceful how the garden looks, it holds a lot of mysteries to uphold. Myths, spells, celestial beings, and incantations are often recalled. This tale should bring hope and respect for what we cannot see. The incantations lured the residents into the woods. This story is really engaging and makes you wonder how the story would really turn out. The author really delivered this well. It also makes us think that we should really have someone who can stay loyal and lovely people beside us that even would something goes wrong, they will still have your back.
This story is really had unexpected parts which are really terrifying. This also has its own charm that you can just be dawned on in its own plot. Delivers a greatly schemed tale.
This story is really had unexpected parts which are really terrifying. This also has its own charm that you can just be dawned on in its own plot. Delivers a greatly schemed tale.
October 31, 2021
I do like fairytales stories and I like when they are set in a more modern/contemporary world. Never Let Them Kiss You is one of those stories, not one you would like to read to your children before going to bed, but for you to enjoy. Good descriprions of the atmosphere you can find in a forest - I feel it is a little bit magic and scary even without magical evil creature. Enjoyable and it is a short book, the story has a big potential but somehow I wish there was something more about the past of the characters (even Mr Ballantyne's). One thing more: too many descriptions of the fairies, repeated over and over.
The author via Booktasters kindly provided a copy of the eBook in exchange for an honest review.
The author via Booktasters kindly provided a copy of the eBook in exchange for an honest review.
October 31, 2021
"Everything her light radiance touches brings life. And when her glow passes by, those living tings wither and die with the sadness of it all"
This is the first time I read about fairies, and I never expected them to be evil!
The overall atmosphere is like a fairy tale at the start of the book, till the two men get enchanted by the fairy-kiss, I enjoyed the writer's description of the effect of the kiss.
The only part I didn't enjoy much was the female war with the fairies in the end (chapter 19), as I felt the details somehow repeated and described in a lot of unnecessary details, also the end wasn't a surprise for me.
But overall, the story is good, and the book feels like a blossoming flower in the winter accompanied by some imp chanting!
Thank you C.A Powell for the winter fairy tale.
This is the first time I read about fairies, and I never expected them to be evil!
The overall atmosphere is like a fairy tale at the start of the book, till the two men get enchanted by the fairy-kiss, I enjoyed the writer's description of the effect of the kiss.
The only part I didn't enjoy much was the female war with the fairies in the end (chapter 19), as I felt the details somehow repeated and described in a lot of unnecessary details, also the end wasn't a surprise for me.
But overall, the story is good, and the book feels like a blossoming flower in the winter accompanied by some imp chanting!
Thank you C.A Powell for the winter fairy tale.
November 7, 2021
I love it! It's fantastical, it's dark, and it has an air of reality to it.
The typically-depicted-as-kind, charming, and playful fairies is shown in an opposite way. The story had an intense start with touches of death and blood, which piques the readers' interest (it piqued mine).
La, la, la...
Eerie yet catchy. The chant that fairies are nearby create an image of stillness that was about to be broken. It felt like the calm before the storm.
Overall, this book is highly recommended to those who enjoy stories that mix past and present elements, with splashes of gore, supernatural beings, and sprinkles of magic.
The typically-depicted-as-kind, charming, and playful fairies is shown in an opposite way. The story had an intense start with touches of death and blood, which piques the readers' interest (it piqued mine).
La, la, la...
Eerie yet catchy. The chant that fairies are nearby create an image of stillness that was about to be broken. It felt like the calm before the storm.
Overall, this book is highly recommended to those who enjoy stories that mix past and present elements, with splashes of gore, supernatural beings, and sprinkles of magic.
October 27, 2021
I love this book from the beginning. I keep asking my self what is this obsession ,Mr. Ballantyne has with the little folk? It became my mission to find out. Before reading this book I never heard of Wiccans. The only thing I heard about witchcraft was Harry Potter. This book reminds of the science fiction/ mystery books of old. I have to say,I would recommend this book to anyone who loves fairy tales. It reminds of Aesop.
October 16, 2021
This book will change your mind “Fairytales” it’s not what you might be used too. I love the way the author brought these characters to life; believable, humorous.
Very well written, and organised .
Very well written, and organised .
October 14, 2021
Never Let Them Kiss You - A Dark Fairy Tale by C. A. Powell
‘How can a person be happy and cry at the same time?’
Arthur Ballantyne had a sixth sense, he know that today is his last day. He choose to sit at the “Little Wood” and wondering if that little things will show up before he leave.
‘They used to come as far as here,’ he whispered to his late wife. ‘Up until Abigail’s spells stopped the little things becoming too adventurous. Now they stay at the Little Wood all of the time. Their little island in the heathland.’
But …. Abigail Chalkley and Raymond Cheeseman never believed Mr Ballantyne and his fairy stories.
Will they believe Mr Ballantyne at last?
Will they put aside the logic and go deeper on this fairy tale story?
Well. I love the plot. How the story started and ended, all the characters.
It’s just I found that there’s too much repeated on same thing. I found word raspberry jam four times at first six pages. And too much dumping information make me can predicted what happened next.
But I do love this book. There’s a lot of Dark Fairy Tale books but I really enjoy read this one.
‘How can a person be happy and cry at the same time?’
Arthur Ballantyne had a sixth sense, he know that today is his last day. He choose to sit at the “Little Wood” and wondering if that little things will show up before he leave.
‘They used to come as far as here,’ he whispered to his late wife. ‘Up until Abigail’s spells stopped the little things becoming too adventurous. Now they stay at the Little Wood all of the time. Their little island in the heathland.’
But …. Abigail Chalkley and Raymond Cheeseman never believed Mr Ballantyne and his fairy stories.
Will they believe Mr Ballantyne at last?
Will they put aside the logic and go deeper on this fairy tale story?
Well. I love the plot. How the story started and ended, all the characters.
It’s just I found that there’s too much repeated on same thing. I found word raspberry jam four times at first six pages. And too much dumping information make me can predicted what happened next.
But I do love this book. There’s a lot of Dark Fairy Tale books but I really enjoy read this one.
March 23, 2021
Fun read good for all ages 😊
November 18, 2021
What I liked: The setting was awesome. There was a cold blue winter vibe and I really liked it. The first scene with the old man is very quiet and comforting. The little bits about the characters, their lives, and their relationships to each other is also cute.
What I would change: The character dialouge was redundant. Everyone seemed to describe the same things with the same words (Latter day hippie was used very often). There is mention of witchcraft, but nobody takes it seriously. It's more of a running joke. There isn't much scare or horror. Most of the scenes are told as stories from one character to another, which takes away from the suspense.
What I would change: The character dialouge was redundant. Everyone seemed to describe the same things with the same words (Latter day hippie was used very often). There is mention of witchcraft, but nobody takes it seriously. It's more of a running joke. There isn't much scare or horror. Most of the scenes are told as stories from one character to another, which takes away from the suspense.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 24, 2021
The book opens with an abundance of exposition and adjectives, everything is explained in a little too much deta making the story seem oversimplified rather than being allowed to breathe. The characters come across as one-note with dialogue that feels at once over-embellished and old fashioned.
I loved the concept of the story and would have liked to explore it futher but alas I couldn't get into it, the repetition and narration just doesn't suit my tastes.
However this could be a great book for younger readers.
I loved the concept of the story and would have liked to explore it futher but alas I couldn't get into it, the repetition and narration just doesn't suit my tastes.
However this could be a great book for younger readers.
May 18, 2022
Story ok
Enjoyed this book, and just the right size for an afternoon read in the garden. Good if you like fairytales. Could be adapted for children, would make a nice TV film for that age group
Enjoyed this book, and just the right size for an afternoon read in the garden. Good if you like fairytales. Could be adapted for children, would make a nice TV film for that age group
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