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Hansel and the Gingerbread Queen
No matter how the sugar sparkles, never sample the sweets.
Evony is the daughter of a witch, with all of her reputation but none of her powers. She's spent her whole life in the heart of the forest, safe from outsiders in a wondrous candy cottage as dangerous as it is beautiful. Kept company by a trio of tiny companions—a loyal gingerbread dragon and two mischievous brownies—Evony's one desire is to find a place in the human world. But first, she must find a way to undo her mother's spells and free the poor souls who fell to temptation. Only two obstacles stand in her way. A traveler with distracting molasses-brown eyes, and the one creation the witch left behind with the power to stop her: the gingerbread man.
Hansel and the Gingerbread Queen is one of twelve short novels in A Villain's Ever After, a collection of stand-alone stories featuring villainous twists on some of your favorite classic fairy tales. Read the series in any order for magical adventures . . . and fall in love with villains as you've never seen them before. Who said villains can't have happily-ever-afters?
Evony is the daughter of a witch, with all of her reputation but none of her powers. She's spent her whole life in the heart of the forest, safe from outsiders in a wondrous candy cottage as dangerous as it is beautiful. Kept company by a trio of tiny companions—a loyal gingerbread dragon and two mischievous brownies—Evony's one desire is to find a place in the human world. But first, she must find a way to undo her mother's spells and free the poor souls who fell to temptation. Only two obstacles stand in her way. A traveler with distracting molasses-brown eyes, and the one creation the witch left behind with the power to stop her: the gingerbread man.
Hansel and the Gingerbread Queen is one of twelve short novels in A Villain's Ever After, a collection of stand-alone stories featuring villainous twists on some of your favorite classic fairy tales. Read the series in any order for magical adventures . . . and fall in love with villains as you've never seen them before. Who said villains can't have happily-ever-afters?
132 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 17, 2021
52 people are currently reading
834 people want to read
About the author
Lea Doué
15 books153 followersA native of south Georgia, Lea currently lives in Nova Scotia, Canada with her husband, their two boys, and four cats. But, sadly, no dragons.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
September 21, 2021
This one is so adorably sweet! And I'm not just talking about all the candy and baking featured in this book--one that had me craving something sweet and sugary while reading!
Evony, the gingerbread queen, is a baker who is just trying to undo her mother's mistakes caused by her obsession. Evony has quite the task ahead of her!
Juniper was my favorite! This little adorable gingerbread dragon was one of the BEST parts of the book! Him and the brownies!
Hansel is just the sweetest love interest, and I loved how the character of Gretel was worked into the story.
This story is technically a mash up between the Hansel and Gretel and the Gingerbread Man stories. The author creatively weaves this two stories together to create a sweet concoction that is the perfect way to pass an evening.
Evony, the gingerbread queen, is a baker who is just trying to undo her mother's mistakes caused by her obsession. Evony has quite the task ahead of her!
Juniper was my favorite! This little adorable gingerbread dragon was one of the BEST parts of the book! Him and the brownies!
Hansel is just the sweetest love interest, and I loved how the character of Gretel was worked into the story.
This story is technically a mash up between the Hansel and Gretel and the Gingerbread Man stories. The author creatively weaves this two stories together to create a sweet concoction that is the perfect way to pass an evening.
September 27, 2021
Awww...another nice read in this series which I am definitely not reading in order.
That said, I absolutely loved the book for a Hansel and Gretel retelling. Especially one featuring the gingerbread man story as well. And I must say, the GB lived UP to its otherwise ludicrous emphasis in the blurb. Cause that was one creepy but well done villain.
I will say, though, that with the stories from this author I've read before, I've had a hard time keeping track of all the characters...because new batches of them pop up a few times. And the plot seemed a little too fast paced...but it is a novella. Neither really detracted from my enjoyment of the story, though.
All in all, just another fun addition to the villains series. Or...villain redemption, to be more accurate. XD
Content: Nothing too violent except for cookie people getting eaten, which actually may be violent. Language is clean. Romance wise, um...it's actually very clean but...(slight spoiler alert here...) well, I said the gingerbread man was incredibly creepy, not in a dirty way but enough that I feel it should be sort of warned.
That said, I absolutely loved the book for a Hansel and Gretel retelling. Especially one featuring the gingerbread man story as well. And I must say, the GB lived UP to its otherwise ludicrous emphasis in the blurb. Cause that was one creepy but well done villain.
I will say, though, that with the stories from this author I've read before, I've had a hard time keeping track of all the characters...because new batches of them pop up a few times. And the plot seemed a little too fast paced...but it is a novella. Neither really detracted from my enjoyment of the story, though.
All in all, just another fun addition to the villains series. Or...villain redemption, to be more accurate. XD
Content: Nothing too violent except for cookie people getting eaten, which actually may be violent. Language is clean. Romance wise, um...it's actually very clean but...(slight spoiler alert here...) well, I said the gingerbread man was incredibly creepy, not in a dirty way but enough that I feel it should be sort of warned.
January 26, 2025
What a delightful retelling with such fun characters! I loved the descriptions of all the sweets.
September 19, 2021
Wow! I loved this story. The stakes were high, and the pace kept me interested for the entire book. I thought this was a unique twist on both Hansel and Gretel and the Gingerbread Man stories in characters, plot, and setting. The descriptions of the candy cottage caught my attention with how beautiful they were. The author really made the area come to life as I could almost smell and taste it myself (though that would be a terrible idea)! Juniper the dragon was so much fun. The resolution was satisfying though a bit quick. Completely clean in language and content. Great novella and addition to the series. I highly recommend it.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
April 11, 2022
Why can't I find the word "tablecloth" anywhere??? (For a reading challenge:D)
May 6, 2022
Hansel and the Gingerbread Queen is the sixth installment within the A Villain's Ever After series.
In this, you will meet Evony and Hansel. Evony is the gingerbread queen who is trying to fix her mother's mistake. She doesn't have it easy but at least she has Juniper. Which, yes, was my favorite character of the entire book. I mean, seriously... where can I get a gingerbread dragon?
Then there's Hansel who is basically the sweetest person ever. I liked how we also got to see Gretel, but I did feel like things were pretty rushed throughout this. Maybe if the book was a bit longer then things could have been dragged out a bit. Or maybe that's just me?
Other than that, the candy and food made me hungry. It definitely put me in the baking mood and now I feel like I need to jump into the next book of this series. Just so I can get more fun romance to swoon about.
In this, you will meet Evony and Hansel. Evony is the gingerbread queen who is trying to fix her mother's mistake. She doesn't have it easy but at least she has Juniper. Which, yes, was my favorite character of the entire book. I mean, seriously... where can I get a gingerbread dragon?
Then there's Hansel who is basically the sweetest person ever. I liked how we also got to see Gretel, but I did feel like things were pretty rushed throughout this. Maybe if the book was a bit longer then things could have been dragged out a bit. Or maybe that's just me?
Other than that, the candy and food made me hungry. It definitely put me in the baking mood and now I feel like I need to jump into the next book of this series. Just so I can get more fun romance to swoon about.
September 16, 2023
IDK I feel like if Evony just bit the gingerbread man's head off it would have been a) tasty; b) it would have solved a lot of problems tbh
August 15, 2024
4⭐️
Nice change of pace when the villains get a happy ever after. I love the Dragon cookie! Sooo cute. It's such a great idea for a story!
Nice change of pace when the villains get a happy ever after. I love the Dragon cookie! Sooo cute. It's such a great idea for a story!
June 7, 2022
I liked the concept of traditional villains getting their own story, hence the reason for me picking up this book!
I had to go and read a bit about the original fairytale before delving into this(because yeah I don't know any fairytales tbh) but I enjoyed the book immensely.
It was a bit childish which again was to be expected from this kind of retelling but I loved the story with the "witch" POV. We are so always on the sides of heroes that villains are seldom noticed and this one was a fun break from that.
I still dont know the ending of the original fairytale but I loved this one, the witch and Hansel settling together! Don't want it any other way!
I had to go and read a bit about the original fairytale before delving into this(because yeah I don't know any fairytales tbh) but I enjoyed the book immensely.
It was a bit childish which again was to be expected from this kind of retelling but I loved the story with the "witch" POV. We are so always on the sides of heroes that villains are seldom noticed and this one was a fun break from that.
I still dont know the ending of the original fairytale but I loved this one, the witch and Hansel settling together! Don't want it any other way!
September 17, 2021
AAAAHHHHH THIS MADE ME SO HAPPYYYY and it was totally worth the wait 😍😍😍
The characters are wonderful; I love the unique twist on every aspect of the fairytale(s! Especially Mr. Fox!!) and the description 😭😭😭 It's baking season y'all!
Full review to come soon!
The characters are wonderful; I love the unique twist on every aspect of the fairytale(s! Especially Mr. Fox!!) and the description 😭😭😭 It's baking season y'all!
Full review to come soon!
January 16, 2022
Video Review: https://youtu.be/1VyBzcjC3QY
Eeeee, this was so adorable!!!! 🥰😍🥰😍 I honestly wasn’t expecting it to be this cute, heartwarming, and TENSE but it manages all that and more in flying, colorful sweets! Speaking of colorful sweets, the cover is GORGEOUS! 😍😍Though all of them are in this series, not gonna lie. (Yes I am a shallow book dragon. Shh.)
It’s SUPER short (it’s barely over 100 pages) and at first I was worried that since this is a romance the whole connection and such would be flat or unbelievable to the extreme but it wasn’t! In fact the romance was so, so CUTE and Evony and Hansel are perfect for each other!!!! I was silently squealing over a few parts, haha! (what can I say, I’m a romantic at heart)
The characters are all amazing and alive and there’s a tiny cookie dragon! Who doesn’t want a cookie dragon friend?!?! And the villain isn’t what you would expect at first but he is SUPER creepy, and I cringed and bit my nails every time he showed up just because I was SO nervous about what he was going to do to Evony and her friends.
I loved this great retelling of Hansel and Gretel and would highly recommend it if you’re looking for a quick, sweet read full of pastries and candy or if you like fairytale retellings.
Content: a “man” is creepily possessive of a woman (nothing happens beyond creepy vibes and one bruise on her arm though he does also invade her space and touch her dress and cheek a couple times); a fight; light magic; magical objects and creatures; a kiss (not detailed)
Eeeee, this was so adorable!!!! 🥰😍🥰😍 I honestly wasn’t expecting it to be this cute, heartwarming, and TENSE but it manages all that and more in flying, colorful sweets! Speaking of colorful sweets, the cover is GORGEOUS! 😍😍Though all of them are in this series, not gonna lie. (Yes I am a shallow book dragon. Shh.)
It’s SUPER short (it’s barely over 100 pages) and at first I was worried that since this is a romance the whole connection and such would be flat or unbelievable to the extreme but it wasn’t! In fact the romance was so, so CUTE and Evony and Hansel are perfect for each other!!!! I was silently squealing over a few parts, haha! (what can I say, I’m a romantic at heart)
The characters are all amazing and alive and there’s a tiny cookie dragon! Who doesn’t want a cookie dragon friend?!?! And the villain isn’t what you would expect at first but he is SUPER creepy, and I cringed and bit my nails every time he showed up just because I was SO nervous about what he was going to do to Evony and her friends.
I loved this great retelling of Hansel and Gretel and would highly recommend it if you’re looking for a quick, sweet read full of pastries and candy or if you like fairytale retellings.
Content: a “man” is creepily possessive of a woman (nothing happens beyond creepy vibes and one bruise on her arm though he does also invade her space and touch her dress and cheek a couple times); a fight; light magic; magical objects and creatures; a kiss (not detailed)
May 7, 2025
✮ ⋆ ˚｡𖦹 ⋆｡°✩✮ ⋆ ˚｡𖦹 ⋆｡°✩✮ ⋆ ˚｡𖦹 ⋆｡°✩✮ ⋆ ˚
🍬~Genres~🍬
Fantasy/Retelling/clean/light romance
No matter how the sugar sparkles, never sample the sweets.
🍪~Characters~🍪
(Evony) FMC she just wants to be loved and she was great I really liked her.
(Hansel)MMC he was so nice to Evony from the start I really liked him.
(Gretel) HANSEL'S PIXIE COMPANION she was so feisty I really liked her.
(Cork) A FIVE INCH TALL BROWNIE omg this little guy is so funny I really liked him.
(Broom) ANOTHER FIVE INCH TALL BROWNIE
He was a little grumpy but I liked him.
(Juniper)A SQUIRREL SIZE COOKIE DRAGON WHO BREATHS CINNAMON FIRE he is just a little grump and I really liked him.
(Magnus AKA The Gingerbread Man) EVONY'S MOMS WORST CREATION I didn't like him he was a creep but I mean he is the villain so I wasn't supposed to like him.
The fiend. Her mother’s creation. The gingerbread man.
🍫~Quotes~🍫
The kindness in his voice unnerved her. What she wouldn’t give to have someone speak that way to the girl inside the disguise.
Most girls her age would be picking bouquets for their hair or receiving them from their sweethearts, and here she was trying to choose a flower for a potion she had no interest in brewing.
A warmth that had nothing to do with the rising sun spread through her at the sight of him.
Magnus lay on his stomach, snoring into her pillow. She would need to burn it when this was all over.
“May I … may I ask you another question?” She chuckled. “Anything but more cakes.”“No cakes. But … if it’s not too much trouble, would you allow me to take your hand? I’m not a woodsman and may get lost.”
“My mother’s greatest creation … gone just like that.” Hansel put an arm around her waist and whispered, “Your mother’s greatest creation is right here.”
🧁~What I liked~🧁
The cover, the fact that the brownies drink tea out of thimbles, The Hansel and Gretel elements, The magic system, the scenery, the writing style, The Gingerbread Man elements, how cozy it was, how freaking cute it was,
“It’s not pixie dust. It’s pixie glitter. ‘Dust’ makes it sound dirty.”
🍭~What I disliked~🍭
It took a little while to get going, the fact that she doesn't find out the MMC's name until 41%,
“I do wish the crows would stop stealing my trail of breadcrumbs.”
~Trigger/content warnings~
Death of a parent, cannibalism (a cookie man eats cookies), attempted murder,
She’d forgotten to let go of his hand.
🥧~Language~🥧
None
🍬~Genres~🍬
Fantasy/Retelling/clean/light romance
No matter how the sugar sparkles, never sample the sweets.
🍪~Characters~🍪
(Evony) FMC she just wants to be loved and she was great I really liked her.
(Hansel)MMC he was so nice to Evony from the start I really liked him.
(Gretel) HANSEL'S PIXIE COMPANION she was so feisty I really liked her.
(Cork) A FIVE INCH TALL BROWNIE omg this little guy is so funny I really liked him.
(Broom) ANOTHER FIVE INCH TALL BROWNIE
He was a little grumpy but I liked him.
(Juniper)A SQUIRREL SIZE COOKIE DRAGON WHO BREATHS CINNAMON FIRE he is just a little grump and I really liked him.
(Magnus AKA The Gingerbread Man) EVONY'S MOMS WORST CREATION I didn't like him he was a creep but I mean he is the villain so I wasn't supposed to like him.
The fiend. Her mother’s creation. The gingerbread man.
🍫~Quotes~🍫
The kindness in his voice unnerved her. What she wouldn’t give to have someone speak that way to the girl inside the disguise.
Most girls her age would be picking bouquets for their hair or receiving them from their sweethearts, and here she was trying to choose a flower for a potion she had no interest in brewing.
A warmth that had nothing to do with the rising sun spread through her at the sight of him.
Magnus lay on his stomach, snoring into her pillow. She would need to burn it when this was all over.
“May I … may I ask you another question?” She chuckled. “Anything but more cakes.”“No cakes. But … if it’s not too much trouble, would you allow me to take your hand? I’m not a woodsman and may get lost.”
“My mother’s greatest creation … gone just like that.” Hansel put an arm around her waist and whispered, “Your mother’s greatest creation is right here.”
🧁~What I liked~🧁
The cover, the fact that the brownies drink tea out of thimbles, The Hansel and Gretel elements, The magic system, the scenery, the writing style, The Gingerbread Man elements, how cozy it was, how freaking cute it was,
“It’s not pixie dust. It’s pixie glitter. ‘Dust’ makes it sound dirty.”
🍭~What I disliked~🍭
It took a little while to get going, the fact that she doesn't find out the MMC's name until 41%,
“I do wish the crows would stop stealing my trail of breadcrumbs.”
~Trigger/content warnings~
Death of a parent, cannibalism (a cookie man eats cookies), attempted murder,
She’d forgotten to let go of his hand.
🥧~Language~🥧
None
September 19, 2021
Sweet!
I loved this mish-mash of Hansel and Gretel and The Gingerbread Man. Evony is the daughter of the gingerbread house witch. The house was a gift to her as a girl, but her mother cursed it as well. Anyone who eats from the house is turned into a gingerbread man. Evony is not a witch, but 6 months after her mother’s death she’s still trying to break her spells.
I loved the concept, Evony’s goodness, the romance, and the magic. This story was magical!
I loved this mish-mash of Hansel and Gretel and The Gingerbread Man. Evony is the daughter of the gingerbread house witch. The house was a gift to her as a girl, but her mother cursed it as well. Anyone who eats from the house is turned into a gingerbread man. Evony is not a witch, but 6 months after her mother’s death she’s still trying to break her spells.
I loved the concept, Evony’s goodness, the romance, and the magic. This story was magical!
April 22, 2022
#2. This is #2 on my list of favorites from this series. The romance may have moved a little fast, but hey, it's a novella. The sidekicks were hilarious and cute, the fiend was very, very creepy (I might be a little too happy to have guessed what was going to happen to him in end with the fox), and Evony and Hansel were sweet together. That ending... 😍
January 3, 2022
So sweet! ;)
I loved this clever and unique spin on Hansel & Gretel! The villian was especially clever and different. O.O -also mildly disturbing-
Hansel and Evony's romance is sweet and uncomplicated which Is rather refreshing.
All the side characters are great and of course...the Fox.. XD
I loved this clever and unique spin on Hansel & Gretel! The villian was especially clever and different. O.O -also mildly disturbing-
Hansel and Evony's romance is sweet and uncomplicated which Is rather refreshing.
All the side characters are great and of course...the Fox.. XD
September 17, 2021
This is the first release from Ms. Doué in some time, so when I first read the news back in June about its upcoming release I immediately pre-ordered it. I’ll admit that I did have some reservations since I’m not much of a Hansel and Gretel fan, but since it was a new book from Ms. Doué I decided it was worth a shot.
Having said that, once I began reading I was quickly drawn into the story and began to like Evony (the main character) nearly instantaneously. To say nothing of Cork and Broom—the mischievous household brownies; or Juniper—the dragon who is also a cookie. I also found myself wondering what Hansel’s story was and exactly how and when he would become involved.
This story was a sweet (no pun intended) mash-up retelling of the classic Hansel and Gretel and Gingerbread Man stories. It was a clean and enjoyable read (as are ALL of Ms. Doué’s stories—which I highly recommend) with just the right amount of humor sprinkled throughout the story to make it a fun and satisfying way to spend an evening.
I definitely recommend this story whole-heartedly!
Having said that, once I began reading I was quickly drawn into the story and began to like Evony (the main character) nearly instantaneously. To say nothing of Cork and Broom—the mischievous household brownies; or Juniper—the dragon who is also a cookie. I also found myself wondering what Hansel’s story was and exactly how and when he would become involved.
This story was a sweet (no pun intended) mash-up retelling of the classic Hansel and Gretel and Gingerbread Man stories. It was a clean and enjoyable read (as are ALL of Ms. Doué’s stories—which I highly recommend) with just the right amount of humor sprinkled throughout the story to make it a fun and satisfying way to spend an evening.
I definitely recommend this story whole-heartedly!
September 17, 2021
A retelling of Hansel and Gretel (with other influences as well!), Hansel and the Gingerbread Queen is sweet, exciting, and fun! I was very excited to have the opportunity to read and review this book! Ever since I saw the announcement about this villains series, I have been so excited to read them all! Many of the authors have books that we have enjoyed and it has been fun to read them as they come out!
The story of Hansel and Gretel seems pretty straightforward right? Wrong! This was so creative and such an interesting take on the story. I liked how the author also incorporated some other fairytale elements with the gingerbread man! I was really invested from the first chapter, and throughout the book, I was surprised by different twists and turns in the plot. Evony was such a sweet character. Although she didn’t have magic, like her witch mother, she was really trying her best to undo the spells left behind by her mother’s magic. She was hoping for her own place in the world of humans, but she had to finish her work, especially regarding her mother’s last and most dangerous creation, the gingerbread man. Her companions were also so fun! The brownies were hilarious! I loved reading their scenes and Juniper, Evony’s gingerbread dragon was also amazing. I loved that idea too, the magic was so inventive! Hansel and Gretel were also great. Hansel was really sweet and I loved the twist on Gretel.
Overall, this was a very inventive take on Hansel and Gretel, with characters I really enjoyed and fun magic. It is a clean fantasy novella, with some romance in it. I would totally recommend it to fairy-tale lovers!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.
The story of Hansel and Gretel seems pretty straightforward right? Wrong! This was so creative and such an interesting take on the story. I liked how the author also incorporated some other fairytale elements with the gingerbread man! I was really invested from the first chapter, and throughout the book, I was surprised by different twists and turns in the plot. Evony was such a sweet character. Although she didn’t have magic, like her witch mother, she was really trying her best to undo the spells left behind by her mother’s magic. She was hoping for her own place in the world of humans, but she had to finish her work, especially regarding her mother’s last and most dangerous creation, the gingerbread man. Her companions were also so fun! The brownies were hilarious! I loved reading their scenes and Juniper, Evony’s gingerbread dragon was also amazing. I loved that idea too, the magic was so inventive! Hansel and Gretel were also great. Hansel was really sweet and I loved the twist on Gretel.
Overall, this was a very inventive take on Hansel and Gretel, with characters I really enjoyed and fun magic. It is a clean fantasy novella, with some romance in it. I would totally recommend it to fairy-tale lovers!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.
August 18, 2024
I fell in love with this
Okay, first off, can we talk about the awesomeness that is this cover? The colors! The colors, people! I will need to add this to my shelf!
And let’s talk about the story! What if you slammed Hansel and Gretel together with the Gingerbread Man and added a sweet love story? With brownies and pixies and a gingerbread cookie dragon? That breathes cinnamon?
Yep. That’s all in here and it’s about as amazing as it sounds. Our gingerbread man is…well, not a nice person and our main character—the daughter of the witch—is attempting to save people made into gingerbread while having to protect her two new guests, Hansel and Gretel.
The chemistry here, between everyone, is just spot on gold. Juniper the dragon is the best of friends with a slight arrogance appropriate to his species, the brownies Cork and Broom are hilariously full of mischief and heart, Hansel is more heart than brain and Gretel has to intervene several times to assist!
Oh and there’s a crafty fox in here too that I absolutely adored
This definitely goes on my “must have a physical copy” shopping list.
Okay, first off, can we talk about the awesomeness that is this cover? The colors! The colors, people! I will need to add this to my shelf!
And let’s talk about the story! What if you slammed Hansel and Gretel together with the Gingerbread Man and added a sweet love story? With brownies and pixies and a gingerbread cookie dragon? That breathes cinnamon?
Yep. That’s all in here and it’s about as amazing as it sounds. Our gingerbread man is…well, not a nice person and our main character—the daughter of the witch—is attempting to save people made into gingerbread while having to protect her two new guests, Hansel and Gretel.
The chemistry here, between everyone, is just spot on gold. Juniper the dragon is the best of friends with a slight arrogance appropriate to his species, the brownies Cork and Broom are hilariously full of mischief and heart, Hansel is more heart than brain and Gretel has to intervene several times to assist!
Oh and there’s a crafty fox in here too that I absolutely adored
This definitely goes on my “must have a physical copy” shopping list.
March 8, 2022
This was such a cute, whimsical, fun story!! I loved it! I loved all the candy goodness and the descriptions were delicious! 😋 It was intriguing and engaging while providing some laughs due to the antics of the brownies (the creatures, not the dessert 😂). My only complaint is that I wished there was more to the romance. They met and then they were in love. But it is a novella so I understand not being able to fit much in it. All in all I loved this little book and now want to go see what else this author has written!! 😆
September 18, 2021
felt far too short
There was hardly any character development and the little that did happen felt like it was in the last five seconds of the book. Honestly, it really didn’t feel any more substantial than fairy floss. But if you like a light read, it works. The dragon was my favourite character all in all, everyone needed more spice.
There was hardly any character development and the little that did happen felt like it was in the last five seconds of the book. Honestly, it really didn’t feel any more substantial than fairy floss. But if you like a light read, it works. The dragon was my favourite character all in all, everyone needed more spice.
October 10, 2021
Sweet Tale
I never thought a gingerbread man could be such an unsettling villain, but here we are. I suddenly find myself wanting to bake cookies.
I never thought a gingerbread man could be such an unsettling villain, but here we are. I suddenly find myself wanting to bake cookies.
August 16, 2025
I loved the sweets and all the baking! The brownies were my favorite! They were hilarious and so cute! The gingerbread man was creepy but that’s how he was supposed to be. All in all, a good book.
October 29, 2022
Though this story has some really fun elements, it gets bogged down in its own plot devices towards the end.
January 6, 2023
*Source* Kindle Unlimited
*Genre* Young Adult / Fairy Tales
*Rating* 3.5
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
*Genre* Young Adult / Fairy Tales
*Rating* 3.5
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
August 14, 2024
Who knew that a short novel could be so good in writing and in taste.
A very imaginative retelling with the bad guy being a giant gingerbread man, and Hansel the hero.
This story included magical creatures galore, and a gingerbread curse that had to be broken.
It takes a lot of talent to change a fairytale into something new while keeping some of the original magic to the tale. This author did that and much more. Evony’s happy ending was just perfect. And the descriptions of her daily magical dresses and the gingerbread house were beautiful and mouthwatering.
A very imaginative retelling with the bad guy being a giant gingerbread man, and Hansel the hero.
This story included magical creatures galore, and a gingerbread curse that had to be broken.
It takes a lot of talent to change a fairytale into something new while keeping some of the original magic to the tale. This author did that and much more. Evony’s happy ending was just perfect. And the descriptions of her daily magical dresses and the gingerbread house were beautiful and mouthwatering.
September 4, 2021
Deliciously enchanting! Lea immediately pulled me into her charmingly magical world with endearing characters and exciting turns. I didn’t want the magic to end.
November 23, 2021
I've always loved fairytales. My mother used to read them to me when I was little and even then they already spoke to me. Of course I also grew up with the Disney versions of those tales, loving them incredibly much too and the older I got the more I started to see all the hidden messages in those tales, all the lessons they teach us and how many of my own values are based on the ones I got fed as a child. However, I quite enjoy those twisted, new, original and fresh takes on those tales nowadays.
The true star in this book is the magical world the author created. I think we all dreamed of a gingerbread house and a garden with sweet trees, but in this book the magic of a house and garden made of sweets really comes to life. I could smell the fresh baked cookies. I could see the vibrant colors of the house and everything else. I never wanted to see and experience something myself as badly as the view of this house at sunrise.
On top of that the author comes up with an interesting new plot for this story. I have to admit that the entire "villains ever after" doesn't really seem to fit this story, since there's no way our Queen is ever a villain to begin with in this tale, but I did really enjoy the original story, the challenges our Queen, and Hansel, were facing and most of all the magical creatures to help her through this amazingly hard time. I don't want to give too much away, but I especially loved the ending.
Since our heroine isn't much of a villain to begin with, it's quite easy to connect with her and to understand her. She had quite a tragic life, although I like how the narrative understands that expressions of love can have bad outcomes, but they are still expressions of love. I also quite liked how Hansel is introduced and how, even though in a very different way, the original elements of his story and journey are still happening.
The true star in this book is the magical world the author created. I think we all dreamed of a gingerbread house and a garden with sweet trees, but in this book the magic of a house and garden made of sweets really comes to life. I could smell the fresh baked cookies. I could see the vibrant colors of the house and everything else. I never wanted to see and experience something myself as badly as the view of this house at sunrise.
On top of that the author comes up with an interesting new plot for this story. I have to admit that the entire "villains ever after" doesn't really seem to fit this story, since there's no way our Queen is ever a villain to begin with in this tale, but I did really enjoy the original story, the challenges our Queen, and Hansel, were facing and most of all the magical creatures to help her through this amazingly hard time. I don't want to give too much away, but I especially loved the ending.
Since our heroine isn't much of a villain to begin with, it's quite easy to connect with her and to understand her. She had quite a tragic life, although I like how the narrative understands that expressions of love can have bad outcomes, but they are still expressions of love. I also quite liked how Hansel is introduced and how, even though in a very different way, the original elements of his story and journey are still happening.
January 7, 2023
Okay, I thought I'd reviewed this one already, but guess not. Hmm...
I've been meandering through the Villain's Ever After series for a while now and I kind of came to a pause here because I've never loved Hansel and Gretel. I always groan inwardly when that tale comes up. I've seen it retold a few times, and generally I like the retellings better than the original, but it's just simply not one of my favorite fairy tales. So, I kind of procrastinated on progressing through the series cause I wasn't really in the mood to read this retelling.
But honestly? This may be my favorite in the series so far. It genuinely surprised me. It was well-written. I have nothing to say in regards to the quality of the writing--though I'm not exactly surprised. I've read and enjoyed Doue's work before. But she actually really impressed me with this one. It's hard to pace a novella well, to flesh out the world enough and build a plot and complete character arcs in such a small wordcount. But this didn't have any hiccups that most novella length stories do, particularly in pacing.
Furthermore, the story itself was a delight. It was really sweet, pun intended! I actually liked some of the twists on classic elements, like the unique manifestation of the candy house (and the magic surrounding it) and the characters themselves. The classic witch and children and Hansel and Gretel characters mixed with unique, new characters of Doue's world seamlessly. One original character I didn't think we'd see made an appearance and I just loved that particular character (no spoilers!).
Doue wove the plot elements in such a way that the story kept moving forward. Her pacing and reveals were fantastic, as I've already mentioned. But there were actually a few twists I didn't see coming and plot points that took me by surprise. And as a reader, that was a true treat. I loved the suspense she built around the stakes of freeing these trapped cookie people and the courage and honor of the main character. Even the romance felt natural to me, though I did find it a little odd they were both bakers (fun, but interesting).
This was an adorable novella with heart and creativity. One I'd be proud to own. I'm excited to see where else the series leads and definitely considering rereading some of Doue's books!
Content: the romance is clean, sweet, and subtle for the most part. There's no foul language. And some mild fairytale violence. I'd feel fine giving it to a preteen.
I've been meandering through the Villain's Ever After series for a while now and I kind of came to a pause here because I've never loved Hansel and Gretel. I always groan inwardly when that tale comes up. I've seen it retold a few times, and generally I like the retellings better than the original, but it's just simply not one of my favorite fairy tales. So, I kind of procrastinated on progressing through the series cause I wasn't really in the mood to read this retelling.
But honestly? This may be my favorite in the series so far. It genuinely surprised me. It was well-written. I have nothing to say in regards to the quality of the writing--though I'm not exactly surprised. I've read and enjoyed Doue's work before. But she actually really impressed me with this one. It's hard to pace a novella well, to flesh out the world enough and build a plot and complete character arcs in such a small wordcount. But this didn't have any hiccups that most novella length stories do, particularly in pacing.
Furthermore, the story itself was a delight. It was really sweet, pun intended! I actually liked some of the twists on classic elements, like the unique manifestation of the candy house (and the magic surrounding it) and the characters themselves. The classic witch and children and Hansel and Gretel characters mixed with unique, new characters of Doue's world seamlessly. One original character I didn't think we'd see made an appearance and I just loved that particular character (no spoilers!).
Doue wove the plot elements in such a way that the story kept moving forward. Her pacing and reveals were fantastic, as I've already mentioned. But there were actually a few twists I didn't see coming and plot points that took me by surprise. And as a reader, that was a true treat. I loved the suspense she built around the stakes of freeing these trapped cookie people and the courage and honor of the main character. Even the romance felt natural to me, though I did find it a little odd they were both bakers (fun, but interesting).
This was an adorable novella with heart and creativity. One I'd be proud to own. I'm excited to see where else the series leads and definitely considering rereading some of Doue's books!
Content: the romance is clean, sweet, and subtle for the most part. There's no foul language. And some mild fairytale violence. I'd feel fine giving it to a preteen.
October 18, 2021
This was a great retelling of Hansel & Gretel.
I'm not sure I've ever read a retelling of this story before this one. I know the general gist of the original. It has been years since I've read the original version. Moving onto this one...
There's a witch with a cursed or magical home, depending on what side you favor. She lives in the forest. Many are said to have journeyed into the unknown only to be never heard from again. What happens to them? Well, no one ever knows-unless you come back...
Hansel is passing through town looking for someone who needs a man for hire. He runs into the witch. She provides him with a couple of menial tasks and then provides him with enough funds to leave the area for good. She warns him to get as far away from the town as he can.
Unfortunately, Hansel doesn't listen. And he has ventured into the forest.
I like Gretel! I love her and Hansel's relationship. I also love the twist that is the "witch."
I won't go into a lot of details for fear of giving it away. It was a quick & short read but very enjoyable.
No profanities, sex, sensuality, or gore. There was a touch creepiness but nothing a young reader should be concerned about.
I really like Lea's books. This was no exception. On to the next in the series!
I'm not sure I've ever read a retelling of this story before this one. I know the general gist of the original. It has been years since I've read the original version. Moving onto this one...
There's a witch with a cursed or magical home, depending on what side you favor. She lives in the forest. Many are said to have journeyed into the unknown only to be never heard from again. What happens to them? Well, no one ever knows-unless you come back...
Hansel is passing through town looking for someone who needs a man for hire. He runs into the witch. She provides him with a couple of menial tasks and then provides him with enough funds to leave the area for good. She warns him to get as far away from the town as he can.
Unfortunately, Hansel doesn't listen. And he has ventured into the forest.
I like Gretel! I love her and Hansel's relationship. I also love the twist that is the "witch."
I won't go into a lot of details for fear of giving it away. It was a quick & short read but very enjoyable.
No profanities, sex, sensuality, or gore. There was a touch creepiness but nothing a young reader should be concerned about.
I really like Lea's books. This was no exception. On to the next in the series!
April 27, 2022
3.5 stars.
One of the better books of the series. Very nice descriptions. I thought the house changing appearances was unique and let Doue's ability to bring a world to life shine.
The story covered about 3-4 days and I get that it's a short story but I really hate romances in short stories. I understand they need to develop fast because there isn't a lot of pages but having two people be starry-eyed in love with that few days isn't something I enjoy no matter how much of a page crunch the author is in.
I had questions that made me wish there was more to this story. Why risk her daughter's safety by making the magical house poisonous to all who eat it? Did the mother ever have doubts about the evil man she was making for her daughter? He hardly seems smart enough to hide his personality. If he was created to be for Evony why did he loathe her so much? Did the witch have ANY say in her creation's personality?
This book had a good plot, lovely descriptors, detailed cast of characters, and a detestable villain. The set up of everything was so lush and vivid. I was sad about some of the items that were lost in the end but perhaps it was for the best.
One of the better books of the series. Very nice descriptions. I thought the house changing appearances was unique and let Doue's ability to bring a world to life shine.
The story covered about 3-4 days and I get that it's a short story but I really hate romances in short stories. I understand they need to develop fast because there isn't a lot of pages but having two people be starry-eyed in love with that few days isn't something I enjoy no matter how much of a page crunch the author is in.
I had questions that made me wish there was more to this story. Why risk her daughter's safety by making the magical house poisonous to all who eat it? Did the mother ever have doubts about the evil man she was making for her daughter? He hardly seems smart enough to hide his personality. If he was created to be for Evony why did he loathe her so much? Did the witch have ANY say in her creation's personality?
This book had a good plot, lovely descriptors, detailed cast of characters, and a detestable villain. The set up of everything was so lush and vivid. I was sad about some of the items that were lost in the end but perhaps it was for the best.
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