What do you think?
Rate this book
Gravemound
Grimm in spaaaaace!
In this retelling of a classic fairy tale, Phineas Coleman is stranded on a planet far from home and must find a way to support himself in this new land. A selfish local man offers to help him with a livelihood if Phin will promise to protect him from a soul-reaper. Three nights alone while watching over a gravemound sounds like a terrifying chore—until Phin receives some unexpected assistance.
In this retelling of a classic fairy tale, Phineas Coleman is stranded on a planet far from home and must find a way to support himself in this new land. A selfish local man offers to help him with a livelihood if Phin will promise to protect him from a soul-reaper. Three nights alone while watching over a gravemound sounds like a terrifying chore—until Phin receives some unexpected assistance.
55 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 22, 2021
About the author
Kim Fielding
183 books1,308 followersKim Fielding lives in Oregon and travels as often as she can manage. A professor by day, at night she rushes into a phone booth to change into her author costume (which involves comfy clothes instead of Spandex and is, sadly, lacking a cape). Her superpowers include the ability to write nearly anywhere, often while simultaneously doling out assistance to her family. Her favorite word to describe herself is "eclectic" and she finally got that seventh tattoo.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
August 15, 2021
3.5 Stars
Phineas crashlands on a remote planet inhabited by a primitive culture. Not only must he cope with the loss of his spouse, but he must also learn a new language and a new way of life.
Bridging scifi, second chances, and folklore, Phineas is slowly finding a purpose months later. If he finds a connection with a solitary wanderer, then all the better.
This KU novella is for those who’re looking for a melancholy hurt comfort that nicely turns into hope and happiness. Enjoy!
Phineas crashlands on a remote planet inhabited by a primitive culture. Not only must he cope with the loss of his spouse, but he must also learn a new language and a new way of life.
Bridging scifi, second chances, and folklore, Phineas is slowly finding a purpose months later. If he finds a connection with a solitary wanderer, then all the better.
This KU novella is for those who’re looking for a melancholy hurt comfort that nicely turns into hope and happiness. Enjoy!
October 11, 2022
This is a quintessential Fielding story: exquisitely bittersweet; a mere 50 pages, but with the depth and character development of much longer books.
No steam at all, but you won't miss it.
I want to read this story over and over again.
If this is your first Fielding book, please check out Brute, Rattlesnake, and Motel. Pool., and go from there.
No steam at all, but you won't miss it.
I want to read this story over and over again.
If this is your first Fielding book, please check out Brute, Rattlesnake, and Motel. Pool., and go from there.
October 10, 2022
it was such a beautiful short story!
Well written and fabulous. It was really short and could give all the feels. It’s about a man who crashed in an alien world, lost his home and lover and found his new beginning. It was pretty perfect.
Well written and fabulous. It was really short and could give all the feels. It’s about a man who crashed in an alien world, lost his home and lover and found his new beginning. It was pretty perfect.
Read
February 13, 2021I've been in a fairy tale mood. And also a sci fi mood. So here you go.
The Grave-Mound isn't one of Grimms' better known stories, but I like it. And if you read the original, well, it's almost kinda m/m romance already: https://www.worldoftales.com/fairy_ta...
I decided to play with this story by sending it into outer space. If you're in the mood for something short and different, this may hit the spot.
The Grave-Mound isn't one of Grimms' better known stories, but I like it. And if you read the original, well, it's almost kinda m/m romance already: https://www.worldoftales.com/fairy_ta...
I decided to play with this story by sending it into outer space. If you're in the mood for something short and different, this may hit the spot.
March 23, 2021
4.5
If you like retelling of fairytales or just fairytales then you'll enjoy Gravemound. The sci-fi elements are sparse and don't interfere at all with the dreamy sincerity of a fairytale world, they give that tale even a human layer of melancholy and Kim Fieldings voice seems to be made to tell fairytales ... and adding a nice epilog which fairytales always forget to add. A short but delightful read.
If you like retelling of fairytales or just fairytales then you'll enjoy Gravemound. The sci-fi elements are sparse and don't interfere at all with the dreamy sincerity of a fairytale world, they give that tale even a human layer of melancholy and Kim Fieldings voice seems to be made to tell fairytales ... and adding a nice epilog which fairytales always forget to add. A short but delightful read.
March 29, 2021
2.75 stars
A favorite author but sadly not a favorite book.
A favorite author but sadly not a favorite book.
April 10, 2022
Gentle and touching. A soothing Fielding favorite.
May 1, 2021
This was such a lovely short fairytale retelling.
Fielding has been rather hit and miss for me but this was wonderful. I liked the interactions between all the characters, the premise was sad but moving, the village, the lore, the gravemound scenes/ideas...
Truly lovely.
Fielding has been rather hit and miss for me but this was wonderful. I liked the interactions between all the characters, the premise was sad but moving, the village, the lore, the gravemound scenes/ideas...
Truly lovely.
Want to Read
November 1, 2022Thank you for the gift, Impatient Elf!
March 24, 2021
What a good science fiction story. Survivor of a crash, stranded, makes a home, adapts to local custom, and finds affection. It's sweet and clever and poignant and good, and satisfyingly short, too.
August 4, 2023
Beautiful Story
I really enjoyed the simplicity of the story and the raw emotions. I also liked the sense of healing the characters experience. Very sweet.
I really enjoyed the simplicity of the story and the raw emotions. I also liked the sense of healing the characters experience. Very sweet.
February 5, 2025
4⭐
This is a medieval-village-scifi and a fairytale. Which is sort of ridiculous but it was also very interesting. I have to admit I never got bored with all those silly English speaking villages in scifi shows.
This is not heavily focused on the romance, but still manages to have two quiet love stories in these few pages.
This is a medieval-village-scifi and a fairytale. Which is sort of ridiculous but it was also very interesting. I have to admit I never got bored with all those silly English speaking villages in scifi shows.
This is not heavily focused on the romance, but still manages to have two quiet love stories in these few pages.
September 3, 2021
An Absolutely Must Read Story
Rating: 5🌈
The blurb doesn’t begin to tell a reader exactly how unusual and amazing a story Gravemound is.
Much like Grimm’s tales but containing far more hope and light at the end then Grimm ever included, this novella takes on such large themes as grief, abandonment, deep loss, alienation, and fear.
And through a gentle, broken man in recovery, we watch as ,one by one , step by hesitant step, Phineas moves through the stages of grief, accepts the loss of the husband who died, and the world, home, they left behind but meant to return to.
Fielding creates an alien village and culture that slowly welcomes the unassuming Star Demon, we watch as bonds form between villagers and Phineas. And our hearts ache and rejoice as Phineas recovers and finds peace and something more.
Yes, there’s another soul reaper element here , just as unusual and extremely well written as the rest of this incredible tale. The twist when it arises is both unexpected and perfect.
So is the epilogue.
Gravemound is a great example why Kim Fielding is a must read author. Her characters are unusual, feel real, have enormous depth of personality, and frankly always intrigue me.
And her tales? Such plots! I grab them up as soon as she finishes them.
Gravemound ticks all the boxes. I highly recommend it and Fielding.
Grab it up immediately.
An d what a gorgeous cover. Love it.
Synopsis:
Grimm in spaaaaace!
In this retelling of a classic fairy tale, Phineas Coleman is stranded on a planet far from home and must find a way to support himself in this new land. A selfish local man offers to help him with a livelihood if Phin will promise to protect him from a soul-reaper. Three nights alone while watching over a gravemound sounds like a terrifying chore—until Phin receives some unexpected assistance
Rating: 5🌈
The blurb doesn’t begin to tell a reader exactly how unusual and amazing a story Gravemound is.
Much like Grimm’s tales but containing far more hope and light at the end then Grimm ever included, this novella takes on such large themes as grief, abandonment, deep loss, alienation, and fear.
And through a gentle, broken man in recovery, we watch as ,one by one , step by hesitant step, Phineas moves through the stages of grief, accepts the loss of the husband who died, and the world, home, they left behind but meant to return to.
Fielding creates an alien village and culture that slowly welcomes the unassuming Star Demon, we watch as bonds form between villagers and Phineas. And our hearts ache and rejoice as Phineas recovers and finds peace and something more.
Yes, there’s another soul reaper element here , just as unusual and extremely well written as the rest of this incredible tale. The twist when it arises is both unexpected and perfect.
So is the epilogue.
Gravemound is a great example why Kim Fielding is a must read author. Her characters are unusual, feel real, have enormous depth of personality, and frankly always intrigue me.
And her tales? Such plots! I grab them up as soon as she finishes them.
Gravemound ticks all the boxes. I highly recommend it and Fielding.
Grab it up immediately.
An d what a gorgeous cover. Love it.
Synopsis:
Grimm in spaaaaace!
In this retelling of a classic fairy tale, Phineas Coleman is stranded on a planet far from home and must find a way to support himself in this new land. A selfish local man offers to help him with a livelihood if Phin will promise to protect him from a soul-reaper. Three nights alone while watching over a gravemound sounds like a terrifying chore—until Phin receives some unexpected assistance
June 30, 2021
Greta book
Went places I didn't expect but that's the way with Kim fielding, will catch up on the rest of her books
Went places I didn't expect but that's the way with Kim fielding, will catch up on the rest of her books
April 19, 2021
I’m always generous with my 4-5 stars, no matter how long or short a book is, or how simple or complicated the plot is. As long as it makes me feel happy at the end of the book, it’s a pretty quick 5-stars for me!
This was a very short story, a fairytale. The prose was simple and very easy to read. And the characters were lovable, even in the span of 50 odd pages! I’d say that’s the mark of a great story. It involves a man far away from home after his spaceship crashes, and his attempt to make a new home. An old lady with the Sight. A Soul Reaper. And a nice friendship that came out of a barter exchange with a rich man.
Don’t expect a fully fleshed out plot with a backstory and sequels. But expect a sweet and gentle read that you can finish in 30 minutes if you’re a fast reader. Very lovely!
This was a very short story, a fairytale. The prose was simple and very easy to read. And the characters were lovable, even in the span of 50 odd pages! I’d say that’s the mark of a great story. It involves a man far away from home after his spaceship crashes, and his attempt to make a new home. An old lady with the Sight. A Soul Reaper. And a nice friendship that came out of a barter exchange with a rich man.
Don’t expect a fully fleshed out plot with a backstory and sequels. But expect a sweet and gentle read that you can finish in 30 minutes if you’re a fast reader. Very lovely!
June 18, 2021
Phineas' spaceship crashed on a strange planet. He's lost his husband and is not able to return back home. The people on the planet live simple lives, don't know technology, but rather believe in magic and generosity. As Phineas tries to find a way to contribute to his new society, he promises the most grumpy person to protect his soul for 3 nights, not knowing yet that this will change his life once again.
I'm German, but I don't know the Original Grimm fairytale, so this one is completely new to me. There were just very little sci-fi elements, but it's really short, so that was okay. I enjoyed it.
I'm German, but I don't know the Original Grimm fairytale, so this one is completely new to me. There were just very little sci-fi elements, but it's really short, so that was okay. I enjoyed it.
May 22, 2021
This is a reworked fairytale in a sci-fi, magical setting, which sounds odd until you read it. A space-crash survivor comes to terms with the loss of his partner and is welcomed by the low-tech society he finds himself marooned in. It's a story of loss and renewal and finding your family and your place in the world after displacement. It's a lovely little novella. I really liked the blending of high-tech and magical/paranormal elements. As is often the case with Kim Fielding, there's a bittersweet coming-to-terms element to the happy ending.
March 23, 2021
I really enjoy reading Kim Fielding's books especially her sci-fi/paranormal romances because she writes those stories with a great plot twist :) Gravemound is a short sci-fi romance novella that finds Phin (Phineas) stranded on a planet far from his home. He has to make a new home for himself on a strange planet with friendly and kind inhabitents. The world building was nice and I enjoyed Phin's story of finding a new home and HEA.
May 2, 2021
I really enjoyed this story but I really liked it more when I also read the story this was based on immediately right after just to compare (the original Grimm story that was linked by the author). I had never heard of that fairy tale before so I was super curious!
It was awesome how the author made it her own story and to use space as the setting was amazing so two very enthusiastic thumbs up!
I do really enjoy this author's writings!
It was awesome how the author made it her own story and to use space as the setting was amazing so two very enthusiastic thumbs up!
I do really enjoy this author's writings!
August 16, 2021
This was a short retelling of a Grimm fairytale I wasn't familiar with, with a slightly sci-fi twist to it. I enjoyed the telling of the story, I felt like it maintained that fairytale feel, even with the changed elements. I liked that the past and present were interwoven seamlessly, and just enough information to set the scenes and help us understand the characters. All around a great retelling.
March 22, 2021
Home is where you plant your heart
Such a lovely short story! I really enjoyed this tale of making home where you are. It had just enough world building to feel complete and the storyline was quite unique and engaging. I love Kim Fielding's work and this was a great quick read. Totally recommend!
Such a lovely short story! I really enjoyed this tale of making home where you are. It had just enough world building to feel complete and the storyline was quite unique and engaging. I love Kim Fielding's work and this was a great quick read. Totally recommend!
April 15, 2021
I read the original fairy tale The Grave-Mound by The Brothers Grimm before reading this one, just because I never read it or maybe simply forgot all about it. This story is a sci-fi fantasy m/m romance version of it and I liked it very much. It's about making the best out of your circumstances and building a new home when the old one is no more.
February 21, 2022
Loss and hope
This was a really beautiful short! A rumination on grief, both from the loss of a person and from the loss of a life plan. It was also a story of hope and excitement for a new life and the courage to face that. Though short it builds an amazing world and tells a full story of this lost man and the new life thrust upon him. Excellent!
This was a really beautiful short! A rumination on grief, both from the loss of a person and from the loss of a life plan. It was also a story of hope and excitement for a new life and the courage to face that. Though short it builds an amazing world and tells a full story of this lost man and the new life thrust upon him. Excellent!
April 1, 2021
Surprisingly Hopeful
Despite the title, and cover art being on the more gruesome side, this is a love story. Or maybe two love stories. I'm left wanting a starstick and a sequel. Or maybe just the starstick because this is a complete story all on its own.
Despite the title, and cover art being on the more gruesome side, this is a love story. Or maybe two love stories. I'm left wanting a starstick and a sequel. Or maybe just the starstick because this is a complete story all on its own.
May 22, 2021
This is very short but oh so sweet. The cover is rather grim but the story is full of hope. Phin is stranded on a far away planet after a crash which killed his husband. Instead of despairing about never getting to go home he makes a life where he is and gets his reward in the end.
March 23, 2021
Beautiful
Omg, I enjoyed this story!! It's so simple and beautifully written . Kim this book left me feeling lighter. Thank you
Omg, I enjoyed this story!! It's so simple and beautifully written . Kim this book left me feeling lighter. Thank you
April 19, 2021
Fairytale Retelling
This was not a fairy tale I had ever heard of, but I still thoroughly enjoyed it. Any story that leaves me smiling is always a plus.
This was not a fairy tale I had ever heard of, but I still thoroughly enjoyed it. Any story that leaves me smiling is always a plus.
May 3, 2021
Sweet
An absolutely sweet and heartwarming story. A perfectly told short story. Great characters, a good vibe and I highly recommend it.
An absolutely sweet and heartwarming story. A perfectly told short story. Great characters, a good vibe and I highly recommend it.
May 27, 2023
The story of Phin who is left on a foreign planet. In order to try to fit in, he offers to make a form of beer, but needs equipment from a villager who only agrees to help him if he sits vigil after he dies to keep the soul reaper away.
Phin does so and in the process of sitting vigil meets his future lover.
Phin does so and in the process of sitting vigil meets his future lover.
May 20, 2025
Lovely
A lovely short relaxing read. A book about hope and finding slow growing beauty where most people don't take the time to understand it and let it in. Lots of lessons in this story. It became obvious where it was going, but nice to go along with the journey till the end. My day is better for reading it!
A lovely short relaxing read. A book about hope and finding slow growing beauty where most people don't take the time to understand it and let it in. Lots of lessons in this story. It became obvious where it was going, but nice to go along with the journey till the end. My day is better for reading it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews