These Grimm Fates

Finding Ever After #2

by K.E. Barden

HEARTS DEVOURED; FRIENDS TAKEN, & MYSTERIES UNRAVELLED…

War is coming, and the dark queen is growing more powerful by the day… Eveline Rafter has been fighting her destiny from the day her father was taken from her. Her friends are scattered across the realm, darkness continues to spread, and her memories begin to take hold as she fights to fulfil the prophecy. Hansel also in the midst of a brewing rebellion, a drug addict dwarf and the approaching war, will the queen seize their hearts forever? Can the flicker of hope survive as the darkness grows? Will Eve find her happy ever after? Or will destiny doom them all?

Genres: Fantasy

333 pages, Paperback

First published March 15, 2022

About the author

K E Barden is an independent author based in Brisbane. Her first book, The Gilded Mirror was written entirely on a mobile phone and the dent in her pinkie finger proves it. When she isn’t writing, you can usually find her spoiling her high maintenance cat, building fairy castles or comparing her real boyfriend with her book boyfriends.

Her books are a combination of fiction, romance and fantasy with the express intent of stealing you away from reality and creating characters that will become your entire personality.

You can find Kim on social media @ KEBardenAuthor

Reviews

[Nik W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for this advanced copy!
I was so excited to read it, as the first book was an awesome read. (The Gilded Mirror)

Anywhoozle,
I wanna start this review off by saying
••••second book slump WHO••••
Cause this wassssssss sooooooo good! This is HOW you sequel! It surpassed the first book for me: Pacing, character development, memorable quotes, ALL OF IT!
You will want to get into this one. So perfect for the fall season.


This book is for those who love fairy tale reimagining/retellings, mashups of fairy tales/characters, those who love a good BAD character, and or readers who want to just read a good book. The female characters were written well, and the story was awesome to follow. I am impatiently looking forward to the next one!

And for those of you that want some interactive fun:

Favorite character: P
Least Favorite Character: S

Happy Reading, Friends!

[Amber (amberdevouredthis) · Rating 4 out of 5]

These Grimm Fates is book 2 in the Finding Ever After series by KE Barden. I was lucky enough to be on the ARC team for both books, and I loved being able to jump back into this world 😍

It’s difficult to review sequels without spoilers, but the story continues to follow Eve, Hansel and your favourite gang of fairytale creatures from book 1.

TGF has possibly the most POVs of any book I’ve read 👀 We start the book with most of the gang split up on their various quests, and bounce between their stories- often cruelly swapping POVs at a cliff hanger 😭 but it gets you speeding through the book 🏃🏾‍♀️🏃🏾‍♀️💨

We get more lore this time, finding out more about the Sisters Grimm & Queen Myrenna’s backstories. We’re also introduced to a whole range of new characters. Piccadilly was definitely a new favourite for me, and the introduction of Rapunzel was perfect 😩🤌

With so many characters, the POV switching did get a little hard to follow. I did have to flick back to my copy of The Gilded Mirror and try and remember which dwarf was which. I think readers could benefit from a character glossary, or even an insta post introducing the dwarves & their personalities 👀

Barden writes fight scenes so well, and TGF is packed full of them! Again, the Rapunzel chapters 👏🤯 I was in a bit of a reading slump when I started this book, and not feeling like reading fantasy at all. I don’t think that changed until I got to about 30% of the book, and then I was glued to my kindle - so thank you shaking me out of it 😭

Both The Gilded Mirror and These Grimm Fates are available now! 🖤 Thank you to the author for the advanced copies 🫶🏽

🪞 The Gilded Mirror 🪞
🧚‍♀️ Fairytale Retelling
💬 Multiple POVs
🖤 Evil Queen
🔒 Forced Proximity
🌓 Grumpy x Sunshine
❤️‍🔥 Slowburn Romance

⚔️ These Grimm Fates ⚔️
🧚‍♀️ Fairytale Retelling
💘 Star-crossed Lovers
💬 Multiple POVs
🖤 Moreeee Evil Queen
⚔️ Rebellion
🔮 Chosen One / Prophecies
❤️‍🩹 Found Family

[Pastelsparkles · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was provided an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Unfortunately, the author didn’t like my first review and decided to be petty on Instagram about it, so it has shaped part of my review. In future, it might be wise to not shade your readers publicly if you want better reviews 😮‍💨

This book followed right on from the first book, which I really liked because the last book left me with so many questions I wanted answers to.

Unfortunately, despite setting up some interesting characters in the first book, this second book more so follows the B plot characters and I didn’t really connect with their story as much.

I found Snow to be very grating, which I know is largely on purpose but it did make her character seem unrealistic.

There were pacing issues. A few tense scenes just went on for a little too long (example: Hansel with Lady Nona, Eve and Rapunzel) and it just made the scenes drag instead of feeling exciting or thrilling.

I hope that if you are looking forward to this book that you enjoy it more than I did.

[•mikaela• :) · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ARC Review✨

Loved this even more than the first!

Full of adventures, twists and turns, nail biting scenes and magical mysteries.
Such a great fantasy read for anyone. 🫶🏻

I need more! Can't wait for book three. 😍

[Kelsbookreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was beyond excited to receive an ARC copy of the second book in K.E Bardens Finding Ever After series - These Grimm Fates in exchange for an honest review.

But, where do I even start...

Sometimes I've found the second book in a series will slow down, will be more sedate in its pacing, can stretch too long and leave you pining for more substance, not just a filler waiting for the final instalment. This is not at all what Kim has written.

These Grimm Fates is gritty, tragic and full of mayhem, disaster, fear, trials, desperation and a spark of hope in all the darkness. It sucked me in immediately, and I found each page more engaging than the next, each chapter telling someone's story of which I needed to know the ending... then was left desperate for more.

I won't spoil it for anyone, but Evelines story has gotten real, there is no sweet fairytale journey for her, but a hard road to save a realm she is reluctant to be a part of. Hansel, the dwarves and the people they meet on the way, have stories wrought with difficulties and I am impatiently needing to read what fate has in store for them. Will they prevail triumphant, or will they pay the ultimate price? The beautiful thing about the way Kim has written this is... I'm not entirely sure how a HEA could look for them...

If you love:

🪶 kick ass FMC coming into her own
🪶 darker fairytale retelling
🪶 he fell first and hard
🪶 found family
🪶 an evil queen who is just plain evil
🪶 the chosen one
🪶 twists and turns

you won't be able to put this one down!

If you've not picked up this series, I highly recommend you check out The Gilded Mirror, then grab this bad boy when it's released October 11th this year! You'll be surprised, intrigued and a little bit impatient for the next book (in the best way) ❤️

[Char · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for this ARC and this is my honest review
I will try my best to keep this spoiler free for both book 1 & book 2 (but if you haven’t read book 1 then proceed with caution)
This book picks up right as book 1, ‘The Gilded Mirror’ stopped. We continue our journey alongside Eveline, Hansel, Porchid, Malak, and the rest of the unruly gang of misfits.
These Grimm Fates again is a multiple POV story that melds known fairytales with the brilliant imagination of K E Barden.
I loved that each character was developed fully and you got glimpses to the little things that make them special, you got insight into their flaws, their hopes, their strengths, and also in the most part watched them grow and develop throughout.
This book really emphasised magic and its rules and limitations which I found very interesting.
We got some new characters, some more information on previously introduced characters, and some more backstories !
While some characters still got on my nerves others I really loved and grew to care for. I also found myself missing characters when we shifted from their POV.
There were twists and turns that were unexpected and added to the magic of the story and the journey.
That ending?!!!!!!!!!!

Moments
✨ Some people wielded weapons, others magic, some words.
🧚They were an odd group: a sneezing prince, a violent princess, a wise troll, a sassy fairy, a smartarse elf, and a hopeful huntsman. Not to mention whatever in the cauldron she was.
💫The stars had felt like magic
💜 Because love has no reason – when it is true.
🪞The gilded mirror was the key.
📖 A prophecy, a story, a promise.

[Monica Purser · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was given an ARC of These Grim Fates in exchange for an honest review, and I’m sorry to say this book was a miss for me. I really wanted to love it 😔. I love supporting indie authors, and I applied for this ARC because the idea of a dark, twisted Brothers Grimm fairy tale sounded like a fantastic premise 💀✨.

Unfortunately, while there was definitely promise in the story, I had a few issues that made it a struggle to get through. Firstly, the story is told in third person, and personally, I find it hard to be as engaged with books written this way 😕. I liked that we saw the story from multiple character perspectives, but we weren’t told whose POV we were following at the start of each section 🤔. This meant I had to figure it out from context, which was frustrating. On top of that, I kept confusing the dwarves 😵‍💫 because their names were so similar, and I lost interest trying to sort them out.

The short chapters were a plus for me 📖, but I felt like there was no real buildup in the plot. We kept bouncing between different characters' journeys, and while I don’t usually mind this in books, it typically leads up to one "main event" in the end. I didn’t get that sense here. I’m still not entirely sure what the main objective was or who was looking for what. Every time a section started gaining momentum, we’d switch to someone else, and the drive to keep going was lost 🚶‍♀️➡️.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
These Grimm Fates by K E Barden

These Grimm Fates is the second book in the Finding Ever After series, and it does not disappoint! I thoroughly enjoyed this book, a tiny bit more than the first. The second book has a much more gothic vibe with lots of "Grimm" events taking place throughout. I especially loved Gabby's story. The author continues the multiple POV throughout, which helps blend all the stories together

✨️ Gothic Fairytale Retelling
✨️ Bad Ass FMC
✨️ Vibrant World Building
✨️ Mythical Creatures
✨️ Evil Queen

The FMC Eve is a total bad ass! I loved following her adventures and all the events she overcame. The way K E Barden has turned innocent childhood fairytales into creepy adult nightmares is flawless. It is a fantastic read. The Cliffhanger at the end has definitely left me wanting more, I can't wait for the next book, hopefully being released sometime 2025.

These Grimm Fates is available for pre-order with a release date of October 11th
If you haven't already, add this to your tbr you won't be disappointed!

🌟 Rating 5/5 🌟

[Sarah Mclennan · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ARC REVIEW✨

These Grimm Fates is an enchanting sequel to The Gilded Mirror, picking up right where the first book left off. The story continues to follow Eveline and the rest of their quirky group through a captivating mix of familiar fairytales and original storytelling.
One of the highlights of this book is the rich character development. Each character is well-crafted, showcasing their unique traits, flaws, and growth throughout the story making these characters relatable draws you in and makes you invested in their journeys.
The exploration of magic is another strong point, as you delve into its rules and limitations, adding depth to the plot. New characters and deeper backstories for existing ones keep the narrative engaging and dynamic.
Packed with adventure, including rescues, prophecies, and battles, These Grimm Fates creatively intertwines classic tales like Little Red Riding Hood, Snow White, and Rumpelstiltskin, giving them a fresh twist.
The book ends on a gripping cliffhanger, leaving you eager for the next installment. Overall, These Grimm Fates is a delightful blend of magic, adventure, and emotional depth, making it a must-read for fans of fairytales and fantasy.

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book takes off where book 1 ends and is nonstop action!

You get multiple POVs and get to see what is happening with all the characters and the rebellion as they get closer to taking down the Evil Queen. I like that we even get the Queen's (Myrenna) POV.

As always, Porchid is the best character in this series so far! I'm really intrigued with Princess Snow's character though...I feel like something sketchy is happening there that makes me really desperate for book 3.

Read if you love
-Fairytale twists
-Multi POV
-Political uprisings

Thank you to the author for an eARC of this book. My thoughts are entirely my own.
Finish date: 9/25/24, Release date: 10/11/24

[Agnes Varona Oquendo, Author · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read that does not disappoint

“These Grimm Fates,” is the second installment of the “Finding Ever Series. A brilliant retelling of our most beloved classic fairytales with a darker twist. I immediately fell in love with the main characters of Eve, Hansel and Porchid from “The Gilded Mirror,” and I could not wait to follow them on their journey to defeating the evil Queen.
This series is full of action, magic and heart stopping drama throughout. The storyline is well written and I love how the author cleverly introduces new characters into to the mix, such as Piccadilly and Nona. I am hoping there will be a third book to the series.

[Arden Sloane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Be prepared for an adventures. Magic, witches, fairies, trolls, Eve and a Huntsman. I love this take on the fairytales I tell my kids now mixed with forgotten. This is a great book! I found it hard to put down (missed a lot of sleep). Fairytales mixed together with a gothic flare.

[Lyndsey Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great retelling of many fairytales all mixed into one by K.E Barden.

Lots of adventure, rescues, prophecies, fights, magic and more.

We see fairytales such as little red riding hood, Snow White, Rumpelstiltskin, a little of Hansel, the Grimms, Rapunzel and many more all put together.

This ends on a cliff hanger so be prepared to wanting the next book in the series.

But another great fantasy story.

[H.M. Bloom · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

These Grimm Fates
Rating: 🌟⭐️⭐️🌟
Clean read with minor language


Snow White has been found but soon the companions will need to separate that each might seek their specific roles in the rebellion as well as the unfolding prophecy. Eve has been reluctant to believe all along that she has any role in the prophecy, but she will soon discover how vital her role is. Hansel has been heralded as a hero, but he himself views his actions as those of a coward. His road will lead him to understand that there are no heroes or cowards, only men who can choose to stand despite their fear or cower in its face.

The second installment in this series and despite it being a retelling of known stories, there is so much new lore here. Everything is written so well that these well known faerie tales are recognizable but so completely altered that they have every bit of their own life and vitality. I love the craftsmanship of the author and the way she has woven all together. Great 2nd book in a strong series. Definitely recommend.

[shyandlonelywriter · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW


In "These Grimm Fates" we follow Eveline, Hansel, Porchid, Malak, and the rest of the characters as they continue their journey. This book, like the first, is a multiple POV story, so we have the opportunity to read the story from everyone's point of view.
We meet some new really interesting characters, and we learn some backstories about the characters that we already know. There was a new character that I loved.

The ending?!!

These Grimm Fates is a dark fairytale retelling that has magic, fights, rebellions, and a prophecy. I recommend it.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lauren Ball · Rating 4 out of 5]

These Grimm Fates takes us back to Eveline Rafter's adventurous story, right where "The Gilded Mirror" leaves off. The cast of fairy tale characters grow in number and move onto some new settings as the adventurers get split up. We get more insight into our heroine, Eveline, as she chases her vengeance, answers, and a happily ever after. There's also some characters from Eveline's past who both drive the story forward, helping the reader and the supporting characters understand Eveline's destiny and motivation.
I particularly enjoyed getting more insight into the evil queen's back-story.
Can't wait for book 3!!!

[Ashley’s Book Nooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Magnificent! The characters have grown and developed in such a brilliant way that I want to know what happens next. The story gets better and better. It hooks you from the first chapter and is a must read for anyone who loves retellings or fantasy

[Nyika Van Eeden · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely incredible follow up to the first book. The suspense, intrigue, fight scenes and overall atmosphere of this book were incredible. I absolutely loved the characters in book one and this book just reinforced how much I love them. This is such a profoundly good book with an amazing story and I hope that everyone picks it up and gives it a read, you won’t regret it.

[Blair · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with the first book in this series, I am left desperately wanting a Porchid.
K E Barden has done it again. A retelling of sorts but one that follows the tale by names only. An original story & a thrilling plot line, characters that you can easily immerse yourself in & a story woven so well you can imagine the scene before you without so much detail that there's no room for your imagination to flex its muscles.

I am now left impatiently awaiting book 3.

[Candice · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Because love has no reason – when it is true.’

I had the privilege of reading These Grimm Fates early and I can assure you this book did not come to play! The Finding Ever After sequel is ACTION PACKED and we pick up right where The Gilded Mirror ends (continues to side eye Barden about THAT ending 🤨)

Grimm Fates is gritty and fast paced, the world is rich and complicated where you question everything and find yourself rooting for the ‘villain’ (IYKYK 🩶) and questioning your own morals.

Barden has a skill for weaving layered stories that are pure and important. Her characters are devilish and wholesome, brave and flawed. There’s slow burn tension, conflict, found family and unlikely allies coming together to save the realm ⚔️♥️✨

Themes are: gothic fairytale, strong females, morally grey, evil queen and rebels in arms

Because no spoilers, character call outs are:

⚔️ Eve is the surly sister from another mister
⚔️ Hansel is a conflicted cinnamon roll
⚔️ Piccadilly is a blade wielding boss
⚔️ I want to adopt spunky Porchid & salty Pip
⚔️ Bryn must be protected at all costs

Grimm Fates blends the fairytales of old with sharp storytelling and complicated characters where you want to shake them and immediately know more!

PS. The epilogue is everything!!

[Jacq.and.the.readstalk · Rating 4 out of 5]

These Grimm Fates was better than book 1! It is dripping in danger, adventure and magic!

I really like the inclusion of the new characters, they really added to story's layers and new perspectives. My particular favourite was Picadilly! (Although Porchid will always be my main fave!) Rapunzel truly freaked me out, she was terrifying! Everything is connected and interwoven with characters and their histories.

The author takes well-known fairytales and gives them a good douse in gothic influences to makes this a darker and grittier retelling.

My only complaint was that I kept getting the Dwarfs mixed up due to their names all starting with the same letter, so they sorted blended into one, but then again, that's just a me thing, it happens with any characters that have similar names or start with the same letter.

Barden is a truly talented author in the way she has crafted familiar tales and made them into her own, using rich language and evocative imagery. As the title suggests, it's all Grimm but there are underlying themes of hope.

IG Post: https://www.instagram.com/p/Ct7gL5JyyWH/

[K.E. Barden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though this is a new edition, it’s always so heartwarming to be able to upload another book to GR.

Like The Gilded Mirror, These Grimm Fates has also undergone a makeover. It has a new cover, new layout, new editor and has been refined and rewritten. The result is a book I’m proud of and excited to share.

While book one was more character driven, this one builds more on the fairytale world and the relationships. We dig deeper into the past and touch on some of the wider world’s myths (some fairytales you might recognise and others are new).

The beauty of this series is that while it’s a cross between Once Upon a Time and the original Grimm’s Fairytales, it’s also its own fairytale. It’s its own fantasy where we follow a girl chosen for a destiny she never wanted.

This book has star crossed lovers, undercover heists, found family, lost royals and an evil queen with a penchant for blood and style. And yes, it remains just as dark, just as gritty and just as action packed as TGM.

I hope you enjoy this series and I hope it brings you a little bit of magic. ♥️

[Maeghan Bonner · Rating 4 out of 5]

These Grimm Fates is book 2 of the Finding Ever After series by K.E. Barden. We get to meet some new fairy tale characters and these characters have been altered and twisted in a brilliant way.

As with book 1, Barden has woven Grimms fairytales into her world with brilliance and grace. Book 2 has multiple POVs so we can keep up to date with most (but not all) of the characters from book 1.

The story picks up with the group ultimately having to go their separate ways and we get to focus more on Eve and her destiny that she is trying to avoid, Hansel and his actions in the rebellion and the Queen and her deep dark secrets.

Lets start with Eve. She has been fighting the prophecy and her destiny since book 1. However, fate has different ideas and pulls her away from everyone else and ultimately forces her to face what's been in front of her the whole time. Now she is on her own path and hopefully she can complete what needs to be done before it is too late.

Moving to Hansel, he tries to follow Eve but gets pulled to a very unlikely group of people. Here, he meets the Viper and Nona. Nona basically tells him about the prophecy and why Eve is on her own. He and the Viper venture to the Silver City to find the Rebellion. There, they find trouble.

The Queen. Oh, how lovely our twisted ruthless Queen is. Readers get to learn so much more about her. How she became the Queen, what she sacrificed and why she's doing what she's doing. It is about so much more than just hearts.

This book is full of fight scenes that are not only descriptive but pull you in so you feel like you're right there with the characters. I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see how things continued.

As with book 1, the multiple POVs took a moment to recall who was speaking and what was happening with them. The dwarves I have them all mixed up, I'm not sure who is who anymore. Their names all start with B, except one.

I'm excited for the story to continue. I want to know what happens with all of these characters!

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

These Grimm Fates by K E Barden has been calling to me ever since I read the previous book in the series, The Gilded Mirror! When a story like this one comes along, featuring fairytale goodness & a suffocatingly dark, insidious power? You can bet I’m going to read it asap, especially as this indie author is quickly becoming a favourite of mine!

In this second instalment of Finding Ever After, Eve doesn’t know what her next step should be. Does she follow Hansel into the heart of the rebellion against the Queen? Or is she destined for another path, far removed from any outside help? The group which came together in The Gilded Mirror has now shattered, with everyone scattering to different parts of the realm to bring about Queen Myrenna’s downfall. But a prophecy could be the answer to everything, & Eve is the key…

In These Grimm Fates, there’s a number of moments which flip the fairytales on their head. And Eve’s journey highlights that even the heroes aren’t always ‘good’… Snow actually proves my point on this, but not in the way you might think. We’re used to Snow White being a sweet, thoughtful young woman, right? We don’t get that here. Instead, this Snow is used to being the focal point wherever she goes, but particularly with Hansel’s attention. Now with Eve taking that place, Barden highlights that even these good characters can become like a bear with a sore head! I’m actually really glad that we get these differences, & given a depth to characters who often risk being two-dimensional.

Honestly, These Grimm Fates by indie author K. E. Barden is a fascinating & perilous YA fantasy journey into faerie. With changelings, dwarves & fairytale heroines all making an appearance in this second instalment of Finding Ever After, there’s so much to love!

* You can read my full review on my blog via this link: https://www.immersedinbooks.com/these... *

[Nadine · Rating 4 out of 5]

These Grimm Fates
K.E Barden

“But you have this… this hero complex, and you think that everybody can be saved. You have this great big heart and even though only eighteen inches separates the heart and head, I wonder if you can’t divide the two.”

We set off on a suicide mission to save the realm, find their revenge and take down the Queen and The Sisters Grimm.
Princess Snow may have been saved but war is inevitable. Lost and alone, Eveline traverses a new path, carving out memories as she unravels secrets of the realm. Separated also Hansel ends up in the middle of a brewing rebellion and tasked to go undercover.

“Because love has no reason - when it is true. Even the sanest of us can be driven wild by it.”

It’s almost like falling down the rabbit hole in Alice in Wonderland - there’s adventure, mystery and quirky characters at every turn and they all weave back to well known and loved fairy tales.

“The theft of a gem and its keepers’ revenge, an obsidian cauldron and the price to avenge. Shadows of memory, death will reap, but an act of love will wake her from sleep.”

Curse the Cauldron.
The riddles abound in this Once Upon a Time cross with Grimm fairytales YA retelling.

“We both know that secrets are a far more valuable currency than coins,” Eve replied.
“And hearts more valuable still,” said the Queen, her voice humorous.

Myrenna, Queen of Hearts indeed.

“Pray the Fairy Godmother forgives me and that the stars guide me.”

Ok that ending sets up book three very nicely but I’m disappointed, I only really care for Hansel and Eveline 🤣. And these separate paths do not give me enough Hansel and Eveline!! But no fear, there is book three to surely correct this oversight 😂. Everyone knows middle riddle book is the trenches.

‘The mirror smiled, though it was cold. “The Queen will return when she is ready. When the darkness has consumed her, and she is once again steady.”

‘Hope was a fickle thing left for dreamers.’

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

TW: Dark themes, violence, manipulation

Well, this was a roller-coaster of read. There are so many moments in this book where the only correct response/reaction is "Well that escalated quickly!" 😅

The gang is all together for the first few chapters before inevitably being split up to complete their own quests. Also, don't go in thinking Princess Snowfall is going to be the typical strong headed princess who wants everything to work out (in a typical Disney fashion). It's very clear from the start she doesn't like our girl Eve & goes out of her way to make Eve feel excluded/be the "she's just a friend" girl that shouldn't worry about - you definitely need to worry about her!

Continuing on from where book 1 ended, Princess Snowfall has been awoken from her sleeping curse thanks to Malak but the gang argues over what their next move is - join the rebellion / let Eve continue her quest for revenge.

But fate has other plans when Eve, Hansel & Porchid fall through portals in the mine effectively splitting up the gang.

Eve ends up back in a tower she escaped once with its occupant (Rapunzel), who seems more insane than the last time Eve crossed paths with her.

Hansel & Porchid end up in the wagon of Madame Viper & Nona, where the true story of the Sisters Grimm is told. Afterwards, Hansel, Porchid & Viper make their way to the Silver City, where they get recruited into the rebellion against the Queen.

Eve travels back to her old hometown where some folks aren't what they seem & has an unexpected run in with Queen Myrenna herself when seeking Nona's grimoire.

No longer running from her destiny, Eve starts her true quest to tracking down the remaining mirrors to destroy them.

[Magdalena 'Madzia' Metzger · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨These Grimm Fates is the amazing sequel to 🪞The Gilded Mirror by K.E. Barden! Both of these books deserve to be added to your bookshelf, especially if you love the classic dark Grimm Fairytales and the show Once Upon A Time, as this series is a perfect blend of both!

🍂🎃This is the perfect series to binge during Spooky, Not Spicy Season!

✨🪞The Finding Ever After Series has been absolutely amazing so far, with ✨These Grimm Fates being surprisingly better than 🪞The Gilded Mirror which I didn't think was possible!! I loved Rapunzel's character in ✨These Grimm Fates, and experiencing the multiple POV's from the ragtag group of characters was really interesting!

🖤 If you loved to hate Regina from OUAT, then you'll love the immaculately beautiful, heart-ripping Queen Myrenna, the Reigning Villainous Queen of K.E Barden's Fairytale world. I love that in ✨These Grimm Fates we learn more about her backstory, what truly motivates her and why she's the way she is.

✨🪞This series has been full of action-packed adventure, epic quests, humor, and so much heart!! The twists and turns are sure to give you whiplash..and the wide cast of characters have all been wonderful, loveable and unique!

💖 Thank you @kebardenauthor for the honor of arc reading your book, I absolutely love your Finding Ever After Series and am SO excited for the next book!!

✨🪞I would rate this series:

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

and highly recommend it for anyone who loves dark & gritty fairytale retellings! 

#findingeverafter #findingeverafterseries #kebarden #kebardenauthor #thesegrimmfates #thegildedmirror #thegildedmirrorouat

[Anna Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an engrossing sequel! Full of adventure, dark villains, conflicted heroes and fantastical creatures and places. It picks up from The Gilded Mirror following the reluctant heroine Eve on the path to fulfilling her destiny, separated from her friends. The challenges, both external and internal, she faces are varied, but she has assistance from unexpected places. The growth Barden has developed in Eve’s character is beautifully done; her reluctant acceptance of the role destiny has given her, combined with a softening of some of her spiky edges, whilst maintaining her lethality, make for an intriguing heroine. Meanwhile, we follow her companions as they seperate to different adventures. New characters come into their journeys, such as Piccadilly who I look forward to hearing more about.
Porchid remains her sassy, sweet, loyal twinkling self - we would all love a Porchid in our lives!!
Myrenna is her evil self; plotting and scheming, a villainous Evil Queen indeed.

In short, it’s a brilliant sequel and continuation of TGM. Barden has woven so many fairytale characters unto this saga, seamlessly combining the many tales we’ve grown up with. It’s a dark, gritty, action and magic packed story. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and I look forward to seeing what is to come next.

This work does contain some darker elements so would advise caution for younger readers, or parents reading first to check suitability.

I was fortunate to receive this as an ARC, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Kassandra Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

BOOK REVIEW ✨

These Grim Fates — by the talented @kebardenauthor

If you LOVED the🎥 TV show Once Upon a Time, and also enjoy fairytale retellings then this book is for you!!!!!! ✨💜✨💜✨

I first read TGM for a tour with @mtmctours and book 1 was INCREDIBLE!!!!!!! But OMG These Grimm Fates was easily my favorite read of 2025!!! 🫨🫨

The multi POV adventures through different quests was an absolute favorite of mine!!!! and how dare POVs get swapppedddd just at the cliffhanger!!!! Totally not expecting that!!!!🤣🤣🤣

@kebardenauthor writes the MOST amazing epic fight scenes that had me LATCHED on from the very beginning!!!!

The FMC Eve is just CHEFS KISS and a total badass😈🔥I really enjoyed her character!! Getting to follow her adventures and seeing her development was such a treat!! I love everything she overcame! it was so special to read!!!!!

This book had some gothic vibes which i loveddd and the “Grimm” was deff “Grimming” 🤣🤣 It was such a great touch to the overall story!!!!!

I never thought i’d read a version of a childhood retelling TOLD in the way the @kebardenauthor writes! There was so much detailing and effort put into this story. I can’t wait for the 3rd Book!!!!! 🤭✨🤭🌿💜❄️

🪞Book 1 — The Guilded Mirror🌿✨

🧚🏼Fairytale retelling
🗣️Multi POV
🖤Evil Queen
👥Forced Prox
🌓Grumpy Sunshine
❤️‍🔥Slow Burn Romance

⚔️Book 2– These Grimm Fates⚔️

🧚🏼Fairytale Retelling
💕Star crossed lovers
🗣️Multi POV
🖤Moreee of the Evil Queen
⚔️Rebellion
📜Chosen one and prophecies
❣️Found Family

[Lady Readalot · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love a Fairy tale retelling then you are in for a treat with this series. KE Barden has taken well known characters and blended her own colourful story, based around Eve, a seeker, who has talent for finding lost things, the Huntsman, Princess Snow and the dastardly Queen Myrenna.

I must admit to being a book series lover. Its a thrill to re-visit worlds, to learn the characters more, and follow the emerging plot. These Grimm Fates intensifies the character development, especially around Eve- she is a lot more than what we were led to believe in Book 1. The biggest surprise of this book was the fleshing out of Queen Myrenna’s character, could I be finding myself empathising with the villain?

Book 2 has a richer, more vibrant palette with some epic scenes I’m busting to tell you about, but wont spoil it. Whilst some of the characters were noticably absent, we get to know many of the fascinating support characters who are on their own quests.

The pacing in the second half of the book took off as the plot intensified and I was glued to the pages. I am now hanging out for Book 3.

For lovers of fantasy fiction, this story would suit a wide age range. A caution for younger ages due to some violence, though its smut free, with a sprinkle of romance.