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The Cursed Girl
Enchanted Locks
Life as a witch is hard. Hell is worse.
Be prepared dear reader, for this is no gentle bedtime story...
Fortuna has led a good life as a demon-slaying witch in the White Land until now...
Kidnapped by a demon and locked into a tower with no way out, she’s devastated to discover her powers disappeared.
However, when a handsome stranger flies past her prison, she must set aside her distrust and ask for help.
With only weapons her deadly hair, she must come to trust this strange man if Fortuna wants any chance at escape. But can she overcome her distrust in time, or will she be tormented in Hell forever?
Enchanted Locks is a dark fantasy paranormal romance story with slow-burn romance that contains mild violence and some steam. If you love witches and dark fairytales, welcome aboard!
Be prepared dear reader, for this is no gentle bedtime story...
Fortuna has led a good life as a demon-slaying witch in the White Land until now...
Kidnapped by a demon and locked into a tower with no way out, she’s devastated to discover her powers disappeared.
However, when a handsome stranger flies past her prison, she must set aside her distrust and ask for help.
With only weapons her deadly hair, she must come to trust this strange man if Fortuna wants any chance at escape. But can she overcome her distrust in time, or will she be tormented in Hell forever?
Enchanted Locks is a dark fantasy paranormal romance story with slow-burn romance that contains mild violence and some steam. If you love witches and dark fairytales, welcome aboard!
98 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 15, 2022
30 people want to read
About the author
Maria Vermisoglou
33 books378 followersLibrarian. Reader. Author. Reviewer. Beta reader. Addicted to stripped socks and anything magical.
Maria Vermisoglou is an International Bestselling author of fantasy and paranormal with an obsession for witches. She loves throwing her heroes into impossible situations. Maria draws inspiration from books, travel, and…the ceiling. (So blame the ceiling!)
Maria started writing when the stories she read became too boring and the voices in her mind too loud.
When she's not writing, she loves a good riding on the fantasy dragon, but a book can also be exciting, along with a cup of tea.
Nowadays, you can find her in Athens, exploring the mysteries of the ancient world.
In July 2018, she was nominated as the second place winner in the First Annual Indie Awards as the Favourite New Female Author.
You can find more about her upcoming books at:
https://maraki2311.wixsite.com/creati...
"You can reach the impossible. You only have to believe it."
Maria Vermisoglou is an International Bestselling author of fantasy and paranormal with an obsession for witches. She loves throwing her heroes into impossible situations. Maria draws inspiration from books, travel, and…the ceiling. (So blame the ceiling!)
Maria started writing when the stories she read became too boring and the voices in her mind too loud.
When she's not writing, she loves a good riding on the fantasy dragon, but a book can also be exciting, along with a cup of tea.
Nowadays, you can find her in Athens, exploring the mysteries of the ancient world.
In July 2018, she was nominated as the second place winner in the First Annual Indie Awards as the Favourite New Female Author.
You can find more about her upcoming books at:
https://maraki2311.wixsite.com/creati...
"You can reach the impossible. You only have to believe it."
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 5, 2022
A Rupunzel retelling, or is it? Starting off very much a Rupunzel like story, Fortuna, a Witch from the White lands, inexplicably finds herself in a tower after a battle with some demons, with no way out, her magic suppressed by a Demoness and that's where the similarities end....there is no Prince on a stead to whisk her away, instead, there is a half witch on a broom, really, I promise! Although, there is that tiny detail about her hair... yes, you've guessed right, it grown exponentially! Fortuna has been tortured for years by the Demoness, no escape, no reprieve until Kete, you know him, the broom flying witch, helps her. And so the fun begins! Trying to find a portal to get back proves incredibly difficult, this is hell afterall! Maria has a talent for the dramatic and unusual, I'm never sure which direction the storyline is going. She explores her characters strengths and weaknesses, using them to craft this dark tale superbly. Unusual, extremely tantalising and completely immersive, with a very different HEA!
May 4, 2022
I already said it often in reviews, but I happily repeat it: I love fairytale retellings. Whenever I spot one, especially if it's a dark one, I already get excited! And in this case the story sounded really original with a touch of fantasy. I was therefore quite curious to dive into it and I was very happy that BookSirens and the author offered me a chance to grab a review copy. And when I had some unexpected free time today I made sure to read this book in one sitting.
Although the book is quite action packed, the characters barely have any time to breath and they rush from one horrible situation into the other one, I never really connected with the story and characters like I had hoped. I think for me the story was a little too action packed, too focussed on showing us how horrible the demon realm is, how many sickening things are happening here and how hard it is to escape from this realm.
Because of the focus being on the action and exploring the realm there is little room to show us the emotions of the characters or their romance. Although we of course saw the characters panicking and noticed they were growing closer together, I didn't feel like I really got to know them in this story. I think life and death situations, especially ones as complicated and permanent as this one, makes it hard for characters to stand still and feel.
And since this story is relatively short I also see a lot of potential if the story had been longer, if there had been moments where the characters could realize what they were going through, if there were moments they could have some meaningful conversations, really connect. Now I enjoyed exploring the demon realm, but didn't really feel like I made new friends or fell in love. However, if you're not here to make friends or fall in love but enjoy loads of action and danger, this book is perfect for you.
Although the book is quite action packed, the characters barely have any time to breath and they rush from one horrible situation into the other one, I never really connected with the story and characters like I had hoped. I think for me the story was a little too action packed, too focussed on showing us how horrible the demon realm is, how many sickening things are happening here and how hard it is to escape from this realm.
Because of the focus being on the action and exploring the realm there is little room to show us the emotions of the characters or their romance. Although we of course saw the characters panicking and noticed they were growing closer together, I didn't feel like I really got to know them in this story. I think life and death situations, especially ones as complicated and permanent as this one, makes it hard for characters to stand still and feel.
And since this story is relatively short I also see a lot of potential if the story had been longer, if there had been moments where the characters could realize what they were going through, if there were moments they could have some meaningful conversations, really connect. Now I enjoyed exploring the demon realm, but didn't really feel like I made new friends or fell in love. However, if you're not here to make friends or fall in love but enjoy loads of action and danger, this book is perfect for you.
April 4, 2022
I received a free ARC copy of this book and am leaving a review voluntarily.
What a fun twist on the Rapunzel story. I was really surprised how the author tied that in and made it work but in the universe they created, it make perfect sense and a lot of things people might ask about the original story (why doesn’t she try to leave, etc) are given very plausible explanations.
Speaking of the universe…what a delightful blend of fantasy and sci fi! It’s mostly fantasy with strict rules that keep the story grounded but there’s a hint of sci fi that let’s you imagine a world much broader.
Characters are a delight. You’ll feel connected quite easily and while I certainly endured some “I want to shake this character for this decision” those are the best kind of feelings!
It’s a captivating read, keeps you engaged and won’t take you long to plow through. Add it to your list!
What a fun twist on the Rapunzel story. I was really surprised how the author tied that in and made it work but in the universe they created, it make perfect sense and a lot of things people might ask about the original story (why doesn’t she try to leave, etc) are given very plausible explanations.
Speaking of the universe…what a delightful blend of fantasy and sci fi! It’s mostly fantasy with strict rules that keep the story grounded but there’s a hint of sci fi that let’s you imagine a world much broader.
Characters are a delight. You’ll feel connected quite easily and while I certainly endured some “I want to shake this character for this decision” those are the best kind of feelings!
It’s a captivating read, keeps you engaged and won’t take you long to plow through. Add it to your list!
March 15, 2022
YA fantasy with a dash of romance and make it novella length. While marketed as paranormal romance, it definitely reads as younger YA. The prose was great and the writing style was unique.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 17, 2022
This was not at all what I was expecting. A fairy tale retelling brings to my mind a historical fiction style setting and old fashion magic. Enchanted Locks has magic, but the setting has a more modern feel, with planets where witches live and portals to hell. (Though there is a broom-riding half-witch.) It was unique and exciting.
The shorter format was jammed-pack with action and adventure. Fortuna, a witch from the White Land – The Silver Planet and Kete (Orion) a half-witch/sea-monster literally fight their way through the various parts of hell to escape the especially evil guardian demon who captured Fortuna.
Fortuna is the capable, strong, demon vanquishing main character and Kete (Orion) is not exactly the handsome prince hero who saves the damsel in distress type, but he is handsome and even helpful in the quest to escape hell.
There is magic, illusions, evil creatures, trails and even romance in this novella. The shorter format, just 92 pages, made it a great book read in just a few hours. I began expecting Rapunzel, a romantic story about a girl stuck in a tower and got an adventure story with a touch of romance. Though the Rapunzel theme continues throughout the adventure, you will just have to read it to see how.
If you like a retelling that is far from traditional, full of action, battles for survival, magic and witches, all in an easy to read shorter format, this is the book for you. Enchanted Locks is a spin-off of the Cursed Girl series and if this story is anything to go by, it would be full of excitement and surprises.
The shorter format was jammed-pack with action and adventure. Fortuna, a witch from the White Land – The Silver Planet and Kete (Orion) a half-witch/sea-monster literally fight their way through the various parts of hell to escape the especially evil guardian demon who captured Fortuna.
Fortuna is the capable, strong, demon vanquishing main character and Kete (Orion) is not exactly the handsome prince hero who saves the damsel in distress type, but he is handsome and even helpful in the quest to escape hell.
There is magic, illusions, evil creatures, trails and even romance in this novella. The shorter format, just 92 pages, made it a great book read in just a few hours. I began expecting Rapunzel, a romantic story about a girl stuck in a tower and got an adventure story with a touch of romance. Though the Rapunzel theme continues throughout the adventure, you will just have to read it to see how.
If you like a retelling that is far from traditional, full of action, battles for survival, magic and witches, all in an easy to read shorter format, this is the book for you. Enchanted Locks is a spin-off of the Cursed Girl series and if this story is anything to go by, it would be full of excitement and surprises.
May 13, 2022
Most Rapunzel tales focus on the tower and the mother Gothel character. Not this one, that conflict is just the beginning of the adrenaline fueled epic escape and flight across a demon infested hell. Somewhere in there Fortuna and Kete manage to forge a relationship that blossoms into trust, the revelation of a bit of their past, and a little romance. I did really like the twist on Rapunzel's hair.
This book jumps right into the action and doesn't let up for a second! I was a bit lost in the beginning as this is a portal fantasy that feels like it is part of a well developed universe but things do come together. It is shorter (just under 100 pages) and I think it would have benefited form being fleshed out just a touch more as it did seem choppy in parts, but overall I enjoyed it enough I looked up other books by Vermisgou and will probably read the Cursed Girl to see more of this universe. It is dark, and gets gruesome and cruel at times, but stops shy of being graphic. The worst is implied or happens off the page.
This book jumps right into the action and doesn't let up for a second! I was a bit lost in the beginning as this is a portal fantasy that feels like it is part of a well developed universe but things do come together. It is shorter (just under 100 pages) and I think it would have benefited form being fleshed out just a touch more as it did seem choppy in parts, but overall I enjoyed it enough I looked up other books by Vermisgou and will probably read the Cursed Girl to see more of this universe. It is dark, and gets gruesome and cruel at times, but stops shy of being graphic. The worst is implied or happens off the page.
April 9, 2022
** Free copy of ARC received in exchange for honest review
Not only is this the first book I have read from Maria Vermisoglou, but it was also the first retelling I have read, and I have to say, I am genuinely surprised.
It was a great twist to Rapunzel and the author did a great job at adding her own twist into the story.
The book opens up with our FMC Fortune being stuck in a tower, briefly recapping exactly how she ended up in that situation. Her magic is barely there and she feels as though she’s lost herself because of the feeling of having lost her magic.
Fortune is definitely a strong FMC and she doesn’t take crap from people which I absolutely loved about her.
The character development in this book was great, especially since it was a novella, it showed amazing development and depth I ate this one up in one sitting, and hello, demons? Magic? Not to mention Kete, our half sea monster and half witch? Y’all are gonna wanna read this one.
Not only is this the first book I have read from Maria Vermisoglou, but it was also the first retelling I have read, and I have to say, I am genuinely surprised.
It was a great twist to Rapunzel and the author did a great job at adding her own twist into the story.
The book opens up with our FMC Fortune being stuck in a tower, briefly recapping exactly how she ended up in that situation. Her magic is barely there and she feels as though she’s lost herself because of the feeling of having lost her magic.
Fortune is definitely a strong FMC and she doesn’t take crap from people which I absolutely loved about her.
The character development in this book was great, especially since it was a novella, it showed amazing development and depth I ate this one up in one sitting, and hello, demons? Magic? Not to mention Kete, our half sea monster and half witch? Y’all are gonna wanna read this one.
March 15, 2022
I'll have to give this book a mixed review. I'm sorry for that, because it has a fascinating world, and a number of clever ideas.
Fortuna lives in a world of magic and danger, where any moment can bring a major surprise--some lovely, some deadly. It is indeed a fairy tale retelling; characters appear and act quickly and for reasons that aren't always shared with the reader. and it does get dark in places, though I certainly didn't see anything extreme.
My quarrel is more with the mechanics. There are plot inconsistencies. I hate spoilers in a review, so that's all I'll say about that.
I wish the author had run this by a copy editor. There are enough major grammar errors to bounce me right out of the story on occasion, but then, I am kind of a grammar geek. Your mileage may vary, and probably will.
Fortuna lives in a world of magic and danger, where any moment can bring a major surprise--some lovely, some deadly. It is indeed a fairy tale retelling; characters appear and act quickly and for reasons that aren't always shared with the reader. and it does get dark in places, though I certainly didn't see anything extreme.
My quarrel is more with the mechanics. There are plot inconsistencies. I hate spoilers in a review, so that's all I'll say about that.
I wish the author had run this by a copy editor. There are enough major grammar errors to bounce me right out of the story on occasion, but then, I am kind of a grammar geek. Your mileage may vary, and probably will.
April 3, 2022
Enchanted Locks was a good read. It was a retelling of Rapunzel set in a world where witches and demons exist. And obviously, the witches exist to keep said demons at bay.
I liked the main characters and how they interacted.
I enjoyed the novella but regretted the pace of it. I felt that details were skimmed over and I would have liked more world building.
Then I found out that this story was developed in the world of an already existing series. I think I would have enjoyed it more, had I read the series previously.
If you are familiar with the author's works, I think this is an addition that you will like. If it's not the case, it is bound to make you curious about the other works, as it did me.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I liked the main characters and how they interacted.
I enjoyed the novella but regretted the pace of it. I felt that details were skimmed over and I would have liked more world building.
Then I found out that this story was developed in the world of an already existing series. I think I would have enjoyed it more, had I read the series previously.
If you are familiar with the author's works, I think this is an addition that you will like. If it's not the case, it is bound to make you curious about the other works, as it did me.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 24, 2022
This was my first book by Maria Vermisoglou and I have to say the storyline is unique. It is an adventure in of itself. Fortuna is strong and feisty. She endured so much in a period of the was the darkest for her. She has to continue to endure throughout the story. Then we have the male witch, who goes by the name Kete. He doesn’t think to highly of himself but we see him growing as the story progresses. I enjoyed the interactions between the two of them. The descriptions added so much to the story as they are very vivid. The story is well written and developed. I really enjoyed it and think it is an absolute must read
March 12, 2022
This is Maria's first book in the PNR genre, but you couldn't tell from reading it. We have a Rapunzel retelling vibe going on with Fortuna who is a witch. It is up to her and her fellow witches to keep Earth and humans safe from demons. Well things go sideways one time and all she wants to do is get back home.
As the story goes, girl meets boy, boy saves girl, and so on. This story isn't super long, little under 100 pages, but it does some great world building for the upcoming series.
This wasn't my 1st book by Maria and it definitely won't be my last. If you enjoy a witches, demons, and some adventure, get reading!
As the story goes, girl meets boy, boy saves girl, and so on. This story isn't super long, little under 100 pages, but it does some great world building for the upcoming series.
This wasn't my 1st book by Maria and it definitely won't be my last. If you enjoy a witches, demons, and some adventure, get reading!
March 15, 2022
Fun Story
Fortuna is a witch used to fighting demons. Until she's overtaken and held prisoner by one, unable to get home or even out of her magical tower.
This was a fun read and despite the shortness, you get a full story instead of snippets of one. I loved Kete (Orion) and Fortuna together, even when they both fought so hard against it throughout most of the book. The plot was interesting and you know right away it's a Rapunzel retelling. I loved how Fortuna's hair was used in this version.
There was a lot of plot points that didn't flow cohesively. We jump from one point to another instead of having a flow for the story.
Fortuna is a witch used to fighting demons. Until she's overtaken and held prisoner by one, unable to get home or even out of her magical tower.
This was a fun read and despite the shortness, you get a full story instead of snippets of one. I loved Kete (Orion) and Fortuna together, even when they both fought so hard against it throughout most of the book. The plot was interesting and you know right away it's a Rapunzel retelling. I loved how Fortuna's hair was used in this version.
There was a lot of plot points that didn't flow cohesively. We jump from one point to another instead of having a flow for the story.
March 15, 2022
Rapunzel, Rapunzel let down your hair, but this is no Disney fairytale!! A dark and twisted short tale where Rapunzel is actually Fortuna who is in fact a witch who fights demons. Kidnapped she finds herself locked away into a magical tower. An exciting dark and enthralling read, a fantastic slow burn romance, there’s some steam and a little violence and some twists and you will not be able to put this down it’s so good!
March 21, 2022
loved it !!! love Fortuna and Kete.. this is their story... a fast paced shorter story.. a re-telling ? Fortuna is a demon slayer... but, caught and taken prisoner and thrown into a tower.. in hell... no escape... until... she sees a witch flying by.. can she trust him ? she must take a chance ... she wants to go home... love Kete !!!. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 21, 2022
A Clever---and darker--retelling of the Rapunzel. At the length that it is this a novella but I think a longer length would have been helpful as I felt smooth transitions and side characters were lacking. It even pulled me out of the story at times. I did love that Fortuna and Kete evolved their relationship and how they needed each other to reach their end goals instead of an instant Hero-to-the-rescue fairytale.
April 23, 2022
I liked the book, but I recommend you read The Curse Girl first if you have a chance, I guess if I did it I could improve my reading with some references in this book.
Spend a good time reading it, it was a surprising revamp of a old tale. ;) I won't tell more about plot, if you are curious go ahead and read this book, hope you have fun like me. :D
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Spend a good time reading it, it was a surprising revamp of a old tale. ;) I won't tell more about plot, if you are curious go ahead and read this book, hope you have fun like me. :D
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 24, 2022
This is a unique tale with lots of twists and turns. While there are Rapunzel and other fairy tale vibes it is much darker- which I like. Magic with a bit of romance. Not a long read but the world is definitely something I would like to see more stories from.
I received this book as an ARC and I am leaving an honest review.
I received this book as an ARC and I am leaving an honest review.
May 6, 2022
Wow…..what an adventure and action filled story! I wonderfully different plot for a witchy paranormal. Thoroughly enjoyed from start to finish and hoping for a continuation of the story of Fortuna and Orion. Will be watching for more!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 18, 2022
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I loved this book with rapunzel locked in the tower vibe.
It has wonderful characters, great world building, easy to read and I highly recommend this book to be on your tbr pile!!
I loved this book with rapunzel locked in the tower vibe.
It has wonderful characters, great world building, easy to read and I highly recommend this book to be on your tbr pile!!
March 16, 2022
At first you think you are reading a re-telling of Rupenzel, but then it gets very different and interesting.
Such a fun story
First time reading anything from this author
YA fantasy genre
I received this book as an ARC and I am reading it and leaving an honest review
Such a fun story
First time reading anything from this author
YA fantasy genre
I received this book as an ARC and I am reading it and leaving an honest review
March 20, 2022
Loved this darker take on a Rapunzel retelling with our lead Fortuna as a demon slaying witch. Enjoyable tale, looks forward to more by this author.
March 20, 2022
An easy relaxed read in the young adult fantasy book category that is based on a witch and her encounters . Vivid story telling and very creative ideas
April 5, 2022
This was a very good book that was a mix of magic, a mad dash of Rapunzel retelling, and and a lot of adventure. There is never a dull moment and you'll want to read it from cover to cover.
May 6, 2022
Enjoyable but felt a bit jumpy. Didn't quite flow as much as I would have liked. But still a fantastic story with really likable characters.
May 1, 2022
An amazing story as always. Fortuna has had a great life until she’s stuck in a tower. How will she manage to get out. Is there a Prince or someone else to help. Reminded me a bit of Rapunzel but had its own version. No disappointment here.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews