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The Fae of the Forest
Mountain of Mirrors and Starlight
Mirror, Mirror, way down deep
What ancient secrets do you keep?
When Aislinn Ardenthorn, Princess of Faerie, volunteers to track down a mortal prince that's been kidnapped by dwarves, the last thing she expects is for the prince to baulk at the offer of rescue.
Despite his infuriating attitude, Aislinn finds herself drawn to Prince Caerwyn, and when he decides the best way to keep himself safe from his ruthless stepfather is journey to the dwarven stronghold of Avalinth, Aislinn finds herself accompanying him.
But the Deep is far from safe, danger comes at every turn, and old allies are no match for new enemies.
***
Please note, that while the main plot of this book is self-contained/standalone and features a host of new characters at the centre, it does contain some spoilers for the first book, Forest of Dreams and Whispers.
Contains scenes of violence and scenes of a sexual nature. Not suitable for under sixteens.
What ancient secrets do you keep?
When Aislinn Ardenthorn, Princess of Faerie, volunteers to track down a mortal prince that's been kidnapped by dwarves, the last thing she expects is for the prince to baulk at the offer of rescue.
Despite his infuriating attitude, Aislinn finds herself drawn to Prince Caerwyn, and when he decides the best way to keep himself safe from his ruthless stepfather is journey to the dwarven stronghold of Avalinth, Aislinn finds herself accompanying him.
But the Deep is far from safe, danger comes at every turn, and old allies are no match for new enemies.
***
Please note, that while the main plot of this book is self-contained/standalone and features a host of new characters at the centre, it does contain some spoilers for the first book, Forest of Dreams and Whispers.
Contains scenes of violence and scenes of a sexual nature. Not suitable for under sixteens.
506 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 3, 2023
51 people are currently reading
780 people want to read
About the author
Katherine Macdonald
38 books463 followersKatherine "Kate" Macdonald writes the books she wishes she could have read more of as a teen—stories of fierce girls and gentle boys, of romance and adventure, and where the "three Cs" (chemistry, communication and consent) reign supreme. There may still be a little bit of miscommunication along the way as the characters grow as people, but she tries not to rely on that trope too much!
She loves books packed with witty banter, stories where you can feel the love growing between a pair, that include excellent, well-developed side-characters and a few subtly-foreshadowed twists and turns. She despises toxic relationships and tales that rely on old-fashioned notions of male and female stereotypes. She enjoys bending expectations and crafting worlds where sexism is a thing of the past. She considers herself an LGBTQIA+ friendly author, and her stories include a range of characters from within the community and absolutely no discrimination in sight.
She holds a BA in English and Creative Writing from Lancaster University, and a PGCE in teaching English and Drama from the University of Exeter. She's been a writer since she was old enough to hold a crayon, but it was only after surviving a year of parenthood and a full-time job on less than six hours of sleep a night that she finally gained the courage to publish her debut novel, "The Rose and the Thorn." It's a retelling of Beauty and the Beast inspired by a dream of a girl surrounded by snow in a field of flowers.
At her heart, Macdonald is storyteller, and it is her dream to inspire others in the way that she has been inspired.
She lives in Devon with her manic child and well-behaved cats.
She loves books packed with witty banter, stories where you can feel the love growing between a pair, that include excellent, well-developed side-characters and a few subtly-foreshadowed twists and turns. She despises toxic relationships and tales that rely on old-fashioned notions of male and female stereotypes. She enjoys bending expectations and crafting worlds where sexism is a thing of the past. She considers herself an LGBTQIA+ friendly author, and her stories include a range of characters from within the community and absolutely no discrimination in sight.
She holds a BA in English and Creative Writing from Lancaster University, and a PGCE in teaching English and Drama from the University of Exeter. She's been a writer since she was old enough to hold a crayon, but it was only after surviving a year of parenthood and a full-time job on less than six hours of sleep a night that she finally gained the courage to publish her debut novel, "The Rose and the Thorn." It's a retelling of Beauty and the Beast inspired by a dream of a girl surrounded by snow in a field of flowers.
At her heart, Macdonald is storyteller, and it is her dream to inspire others in the way that she has been inspired.
She lives in Devon with her manic child and well-behaved cats.
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October 15, 2022This story features more world-building than ever before, more POVs, a huge party of dwarves, some great sibling banter, Daddy Hawthorn, and a couple that are way too nice to each other, almost from the start. Whoops!
There isn't as much romantic banter as its predecessor, which is a shame, but not every book can be enemies-to-reluctant-allies-to-grudging-friends-to-lovers-to-I-would-die-for-you. I loved Juliana and Hawthorn's slow burn (it was literally YEARS) dynamic in the last book, but that simply wouldn't work here. But the push-and-pull longing and sweetness between Caerwyn and Aislinn is still delightful to witness. There's frustration, pining, affection, touch-starvedness... and some serious chemistry. I hope.
Story also includes:
- Beau, the bestest brother ever
- A badass, one-armed dwarven leader
- neurodivergent mechanic
- sweet-as-pie albino dwarven cook
- actually, all the dwarves are badass
- there's only one bed
- whump. Naturally.
- magic, danger, high stakes.
- parents being disgustingly flirty with one another
There isn't as much romantic banter as its predecessor, which is a shame, but not every book can be enemies-to-reluctant-allies-to-grudging-friends-to-lovers-to-I-would-die-for-you. I loved Juliana and Hawthorn's slow burn (it was literally YEARS) dynamic in the last book, but that simply wouldn't work here. But the push-and-pull longing and sweetness between Caerwyn and Aislinn is still delightful to witness. There's frustration, pining, affection, touch-starvedness... and some serious chemistry. I hope.
Story also includes:
- Beau, the bestest brother ever
- A badass, one-armed dwarven leader
- neurodivergent mechanic
- sweet-as-pie albino dwarven cook
- actually, all the dwarves are badass
- there's only one bed
- whump. Naturally.
- magic, danger, high stakes.
- parents being disgustingly flirty with one another
May 28, 2024
2.5 stars.
I liked the first book and I though that this one will be the same.It was not.
The only feelings this book manages to rise inside me were boredom and annoyance.
The plot was everywhere and nowhere all at the same time.
The characters were so flat that I honestly couldn't tell you a thing about them.
The only character that I liked somewhat was Beau and sadly he had a boring storyline too.
The romance- I don't know what it was about the romance in this book that just give me the ick.It was so bad and so wrong and I can't quite put my finger on why it give me that kinda feeling.
I liked the first book and I though that this one will be the same.It was not.
The only feelings this book manages to rise inside me were boredom and annoyance.
The plot was everywhere and nowhere all at the same time.
The characters were so flat that I honestly couldn't tell you a thing about them.
The only character that I liked somewhat was Beau and sadly he had a boring storyline too.
The romance- I don't know what it was about the romance in this book that just give me the ick.It was so bad and so wrong and I can't quite put my finger on why it give me that kinda feeling.
February 19, 2023
A gorgeous fairytale!
This book is set after A Forest of Dreams and Whispers and I loved every minute of it. This is a wonderful new twist on Snow White, which an abundance of new characters and the inclusion of one's we have met and loved before.
The romance, as always with Kate's book is spot on, full of longing and sweet, tender moments.
The banter...ahh the banter is perfect! Between the siblings, between the dwarves, between father daughter!! *Chefs kiss!
I could fangirl about this book for ages...but really you should just save yourself time and go read it.🖤
This book is set after A Forest of Dreams and Whispers and I loved every minute of it. This is a wonderful new twist on Snow White, which an abundance of new characters and the inclusion of one's we have met and loved before.
The romance, as always with Kate's book is spot on, full of longing and sweet, tender moments.
The banter...ahh the banter is perfect! Between the siblings, between the dwarves, between father daughter!! *Chefs kiss!
I could fangirl about this book for ages...but really you should just save yourself time and go read it.🖤
April 2, 2023
I received an ARC copy of this book and am leaving a review voluntarily.
I knew I’d likely plow through this book. The author told me she thought I’d really love it and she was right. Easily my favorite of her works!
Aislinn is a fun main character though I admit to liking the characters around her a smidge more. That’s no detriment to her…all the characters here are good! I love Caer and it was fun to see a different dynamic between him and Aislinn than what we usually see in Kate’s works but it’s just as romantic.
The worldbuilding is great here! We get to see her interpretation of dwarves which I always love! Minerva and Bell are amazing together and I love the dynamic they have with Caer.
And Hawthorn as a dad is everything. I could read his dialogue with his family all day.
I cannot say much else out of fear of spoilers but you will see characters from A Forest of Dreams and Whispers and god, it’s so good.
I cannot wait for the next book!
I knew I’d likely plow through this book. The author told me she thought I’d really love it and she was right. Easily my favorite of her works!
Aislinn is a fun main character though I admit to liking the characters around her a smidge more. That’s no detriment to her…all the characters here are good! I love Caer and it was fun to see a different dynamic between him and Aislinn than what we usually see in Kate’s works but it’s just as romantic.
The worldbuilding is great here! We get to see her interpretation of dwarves which I always love! Minerva and Bell are amazing together and I love the dynamic they have with Caer.
And Hawthorn as a dad is everything. I could read his dialogue with his family all day.
I cannot say much else out of fear of spoilers but you will see characters from A Forest of Dreams and Whispers and god, it’s so good.
I cannot wait for the next book!
March 12, 2023
(Actual rating 3.5 stars)
This book is a difficult one for me to review because although it was gorgeously written (as all of Macdonald’s books are) I struggled to fall into it.
There were a lot of things I loved about it. Seeing Juliana and Hawthorn again was wonderful as well as some other characters that I don’t want to mention here because of spoilers. The wargis were adorable and the descriptions of the dwarven city and the overall word in general were so very lovely.
But for me, I wasn’t swept away by Caer and Aislinn’s romance. They fell for each other very quickly (which isn’t a bad thing) but I just wasn’t feeling the chemistry. I also felt like the plot moved along very slowly and then the ending happened in a sudden rush.
I do feel bad for not enjoying this story as much as I wanted to but it was in no way bad. It just wasn’t my favorite of Macdonald’s works. I still recommend it to any fans of Snow White retellings though!
*I received an ARC from Booksprout and this is my honest, voluntary review.*
This book is a difficult one for me to review because although it was gorgeously written (as all of Macdonald’s books are) I struggled to fall into it.
There were a lot of things I loved about it. Seeing Juliana and Hawthorn again was wonderful as well as some other characters that I don’t want to mention here because of spoilers. The wargis were adorable and the descriptions of the dwarven city and the overall word in general were so very lovely.
But for me, I wasn’t swept away by Caer and Aislinn’s romance. They fell for each other very quickly (which isn’t a bad thing) but I just wasn’t feeling the chemistry. I also felt like the plot moved along very slowly and then the ending happened in a sudden rush.
I do feel bad for not enjoying this story as much as I wanted to but it was in no way bad. It just wasn’t my favorite of Macdonald’s works. I still recommend it to any fans of Snow White retellings though!
*I received an ARC from Booksprout and this is my honest, voluntary review.*
March 21, 2023
This book has so much fun and interesting world-building! I enjoyed seeing old characters and getting to know new ones—Aislinn and Beau’s sibling relationship is particularly wonderful. As always, Kate brings lots of witty banter and swoon-worthy lines to the table, and I can’t wait for whatever is next.
Contains:
-Sexual Content
-Language
-Violence
Contains:
-Sexual Content
-Language
-Violence
February 22, 2023
3.5 stars
This was a compelling story, with more worlbuilding than most of this author's books - transporting us to a place that you'll wanto to explore. The characters were very loveable as always and the the romantic plot was different from what we've came to expect from Katherine Macdonald which was great for a change of scene.
My main criticism of this book is that I felt like the book dragged a bit in the middle, being followed by a bit rushed conclusion. I also felt that the book was trying too hard to have a diverse set of characters and make us realise how diverse they were, instead of it being more natural.
Concluding, this was a good read, although not one of my favourites from this author. I'm looking forward to the next one in the series!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a compelling story, with more worlbuilding than most of this author's books - transporting us to a place that you'll wanto to explore. The characters were very loveable as always and the the romantic plot was different from what we've came to expect from Katherine Macdonald which was great for a change of scene.
My main criticism of this book is that I felt like the book dragged a bit in the middle, being followed by a bit rushed conclusion. I also felt that the book was trying too hard to have a diverse set of characters and make us realise how diverse they were, instead of it being more natural.
Concluding, this was a good read, although not one of my favourites from this author. I'm looking forward to the next one in the series!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 25, 2023
A fun and creative retelling of Snow White!
I definitely recommend reading Forest of Dreams and Whispers before reading this. Even though most of the plot of Mountain of Mirrors and Starlight is independent from the first book, there's enough character cameos that it would be better to read this as a sequel, rather than a standalone.
The idea behind this was amazing, and I loved the full cast of characters. All the cameos from book 1 made me so happy, and the new characters were great! (I want Beau to have his own book!)
The beginning was really strong, but the middle did become a bit unfocused. I think the plot felt especially slow in the middle because the romance was simultaneously developing at lightning speed. The speed of the romance was definitely the right choice for the characters and the overall story, but I think the contrast between the romance development and the plot development made the plot feel slower than it actually was. So while I breezed through book 1 in about a day, it took me a couple of days to finish this one.
Because of that, while I still enjoyed reading this a lot and would definitely recommend it for fans of Snow White retellings or Macdonald's other books, I didn't love this quite as much as Forest of Dreams and Whispers.
I'm excited to see what happens next!
3.5
Thanks to the author for a review copy!
I definitely recommend reading Forest of Dreams and Whispers before reading this. Even though most of the plot of Mountain of Mirrors and Starlight is independent from the first book, there's enough character cameos that it would be better to read this as a sequel, rather than a standalone.
The idea behind this was amazing, and I loved the full cast of characters. All the cameos from book 1 made me so happy, and the new characters were great! (I want Beau to have his own book!)
The beginning was really strong, but the middle did become a bit unfocused. I think the plot felt especially slow in the middle because the romance was simultaneously developing at lightning speed. The speed of the romance was definitely the right choice for the characters and the overall story, but I think the contrast between the romance development and the plot development made the plot feel slower than it actually was. So while I breezed through book 1 in about a day, it took me a couple of days to finish this one.
Because of that, while I still enjoyed reading this a lot and would definitely recommend it for fans of Snow White retellings or Macdonald's other books, I didn't love this quite as much as Forest of Dreams and Whispers.
I'm excited to see what happens next!
3.5
Thanks to the author for a review copy!
February 7, 2024
For me it’s more a 3,5 (but rounded up).
So I liked it but definitely not as much as the first. I missed the slow burn and the type of chemistry and back and forth the main characters had in the previous book.
For me these two are a little too sweet. They were cute, I’m sure many people love them, I just have a particular taste apparently. (Still new to romance)
Sometimes the story felt too predictable for me and at times it felt like the stakes weren’t high. (Something happens which I really dislike in any story, it took a lot out of the story for me. I don’t want to include spoilers hence the tip toeing)
Also I wished there was more POV from a character because they seemed more interesting to me and deserved a bit more love. But maybe they’ll get it in the next one? (Fingers crossed)
Still enjoyed the story! Wouldn’t recommend as much as the first. Forest of dreams and whispers I’ll shove in anyone’s face who’ll let me, that is now one of my new faves.
Liked it enough for me to definitely read the next one! Still curious to what will happen next. Also the way it’s written just works for me, I’ll definitely look into more of this authors books.
So I liked it but definitely not as much as the first. I missed the slow burn and the type of chemistry and back and forth the main characters had in the previous book.
For me these two are a little too sweet. They were cute, I’m sure many people love them, I just have a particular taste apparently. (Still new to romance)
Sometimes the story felt too predictable for me and at times it felt like the stakes weren’t high. (Something happens which I really dislike in any story, it took a lot out of the story for me. I don’t want to include spoilers hence the tip toeing)
Also I wished there was more POV from a character because they seemed more interesting to me and deserved a bit more love. But maybe they’ll get it in the next one? (Fingers crossed)
Still enjoyed the story! Wouldn’t recommend as much as the first. Forest of dreams and whispers I’ll shove in anyone’s face who’ll let me, that is now one of my new faves.
Liked it enough for me to definitely read the next one! Still curious to what will happen next. Also the way it’s written just works for me, I’ll definitely look into more of this authors books.
April 8, 2024
I need the next book ASAP!
April 10, 2024
Meh. 2.5 rounded up.
This was such a clumsy retelling and I'm honestly surprised I finished it. After about 64% I just forced myself to sit down and get it over with because I couldn't keep coming back to it. It just didn't hook me the same way the first one did.
It's a shame, because Forest of Dreams & Whispers was a 4+ star read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Maybe my expectations were too high, but given some of the errors in execution I found, I don't think the author cared as much for the story of Juliana and Hawthorn's children. And because of that, neither did I.
Biggest issues:
1. Way, way too many characters. Like I get that you need 7 dwarves for a Snow White retelling, but when you add 2 fae, a human prince, an undead knight, a named cat that serves no purpose, plus your animal companions, it's too much. And that's just the main party. You also have the fae king and queen, the main knight from the last book, the dead knight from the last book's father, the fae queen's dead mother, the human king, the dwarven queen and her son and her fae advisor, two visits from a witch who pops in like an intrusive narrator, and more.
2. Characterisation. The dwarves fell into archetypes (the leader, the plant one, the nice one, the explosives one, etc) but they were all poorly developed. I really did try to keep up with who was who, but it didn't really matter at a certain point. Aside from Minerva and Luna (whose names I only remembered because I inadvertently associated them with Harry Potter) they were all interchangeable. As for Caer, what was the point of trying to flesh him out as someone who could make a life for himself in the dwarf kingdom as a blacksmith if his only actual role in the story was the have a death link to a magic mirror and fall in love with a princess? Pointless use of pages. This might be a hot take, but I don't think Beau should have existed at all. All of his actions could have just been taken up by a stronger character in Ais. He didn't really serve any great plot purpose or drive character development. He just seemed to be another diversity checkbox, but why should he even be that if he's 17? His existence perplexed me the whole book. And of course, worst of all, what the fuck was the point of Cass???? Her mention and her death, which all happened off page, did not have nearly enough baring on Ais's character and development. Cass seemed fundamental in the beginning but was forgotten very early on.
3. The writing was a pretty even split between purple prose (that the characters themselves refer to as "poetic") and millennial humour. Neither of these styles is my cup of tea, so I really didn't enjoy it. The quality of the writing just wasn't there—there was a lot of repetition, some awkward phrasing, a few tongue twisters that I had to keep rereading because they made my brain stammer, and a surprising amount of typos.
4. I was not at all fond the romance. It wasn't insta love, but something about it just felt really juvenile to me. The desperation in both of the characters and the way they waxed poetic and then teased each other about it was a bit cringe. This lacked all of the charm of the romance in the first book, which was sweet and earnest. By comparison, these two had all the chemistry of horny teenagers dry-humping in the back seat of your mum's SUV.
5. The plot was a mess. So much happened and yet the tension didn't pick up until about the 70% mark. The stakes were non-existent for pretty much the entire book. Things that were established in the first act were forgotten by the time they served their purpose in the fourth act. It just had no flow. There was so much wasted time in the tunnel, and the one interesting scene with the manticore ended up being a waste because it didn't come back. You're telling me that we finally have the potential to face a formidable foe, that being a manticore Caer was forced to kill to save Ais despite knowing it would make things worse by rendering it undead (and therefore immune to pain and injury), and whose head would be very difficult to cut off, and suddenly Caer can control his power and it stays dead? I was so excited for some repercussions and was so disappointed when it was immediately hand-waved away in the next scene. I gave up on any expectation of tension after this.
6. ***SPOILER*** I hated that Dillon came back. He served no purpose in this story, weakened the other characters and their abilities to showcase their strategic and problem solving skills, lowered the stakes because he was essentially immortal, and erased the mourning we experienced in Juliana's story. I now retroactively dislike him, and I don't care for his relationship with Luna.
I would argue that you do have to read the first book to understand this one, because you'll be confused by some of the characters and plot points otherwise, especially the post-epilogue. Based on this book, I won't be continuing this series. I will probably check out other books from Katherine, but no more fairytale retellings.
This was such a clumsy retelling and I'm honestly surprised I finished it. After about 64% I just forced myself to sit down and get it over with because I couldn't keep coming back to it. It just didn't hook me the same way the first one did.
It's a shame, because Forest of Dreams & Whispers was a 4+ star read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Maybe my expectations were too high, but given some of the errors in execution I found, I don't think the author cared as much for the story of Juliana and Hawthorn's children. And because of that, neither did I.
Biggest issues:
1. Way, way too many characters. Like I get that you need 7 dwarves for a Snow White retelling, but when you add 2 fae, a human prince, an undead knight, a named cat that serves no purpose, plus your animal companions, it's too much. And that's just the main party. You also have the fae king and queen, the main knight from the last book, the dead knight from the last book's father, the fae queen's dead mother, the human king, the dwarven queen and her son and her fae advisor, two visits from a witch who pops in like an intrusive narrator, and more.
2. Characterisation. The dwarves fell into archetypes (the leader, the plant one, the nice one, the explosives one, etc) but they were all poorly developed. I really did try to keep up with who was who, but it didn't really matter at a certain point. Aside from Minerva and Luna (whose names I only remembered because I inadvertently associated them with Harry Potter) they were all interchangeable. As for Caer, what was the point of trying to flesh him out as someone who could make a life for himself in the dwarf kingdom as a blacksmith if his only actual role in the story was the have a death link to a magic mirror and fall in love with a princess? Pointless use of pages. This might be a hot take, but I don't think Beau should have existed at all. All of his actions could have just been taken up by a stronger character in Ais. He didn't really serve any great plot purpose or drive character development. He just seemed to be another diversity checkbox, but why should he even be that if he's 17? His existence perplexed me the whole book. And of course, worst of all, what the fuck was the point of Cass???? Her mention and her death, which all happened off page, did not have nearly enough baring on Ais's character and development. Cass seemed fundamental in the beginning but was forgotten very early on.
3. The writing was a pretty even split between purple prose (that the characters themselves refer to as "poetic") and millennial humour. Neither of these styles is my cup of tea, so I really didn't enjoy it. The quality of the writing just wasn't there—there was a lot of repetition, some awkward phrasing, a few tongue twisters that I had to keep rereading because they made my brain stammer, and a surprising amount of typos.
4. I was not at all fond the romance. It wasn't insta love, but something about it just felt really juvenile to me. The desperation in both of the characters and the way they waxed poetic and then teased each other about it was a bit cringe. This lacked all of the charm of the romance in the first book, which was sweet and earnest. By comparison, these two had all the chemistry of horny teenagers dry-humping in the back seat of your mum's SUV.
5. The plot was a mess. So much happened and yet the tension didn't pick up until about the 70% mark. The stakes were non-existent for pretty much the entire book. Things that were established in the first act were forgotten by the time they served their purpose in the fourth act. It just had no flow. There was so much wasted time in the tunnel, and the one interesting scene with the manticore ended up being a waste because it didn't come back. You're telling me that we finally have the potential to face a formidable foe, that being a manticore Caer was forced to kill to save Ais despite knowing it would make things worse by rendering it undead (and therefore immune to pain and injury), and whose head would be very difficult to cut off, and suddenly Caer can control his power and it stays dead? I was so excited for some repercussions and was so disappointed when it was immediately hand-waved away in the next scene. I gave up on any expectation of tension after this.
6. ***SPOILER*** I hated that Dillon came back. He served no purpose in this story, weakened the other characters and their abilities to showcase their strategic and problem solving skills, lowered the stakes because he was essentially immortal, and erased the mourning we experienced in Juliana's story. I now retroactively dislike him, and I don't care for his relationship with Luna.
I would argue that you do have to read the first book to understand this one, because you'll be confused by some of the characters and plot points otherwise, especially the post-epilogue. Based on this book, I won't be continuing this series. I will probably check out other books from Katherine, but no more fairytale retellings.
April 19, 2025
Guys, I could say 4.5. But I'd be lying if I wasn't dying to get back to this book for the mere moments I just had to put it down throughout the day. I was literally compelled to keep reading. Of course it's a five star!
This is not my first rodeo with Ms. Macdonald's retellings. She's got a way of making her stories her own while keeping OG elements:
-Here, Caer is our Snow and Aislinn is our Prince stand-in.
-There's the imagery of obtaining a heart (in the OG story, Snow's heart was supposed to be gathered by the Huntsman so the Queen knew she was dead; here, it's a shared heart that brings Caer back to life. Nice little switcheroo, there).
-Caer lies near death in a glass coffin and is awakened following Aislinn's kiss.
-The dwarves are just a protective of their Snow as the OG ones.
These and many other examples are all well and good. But the five stars really stem from the original aspects:
-Dealing with grief and allowing death to take its natural course.
*Aislinn and Caer harbor guilt for causing the death of their loved ones (Aislinn's was indirectly meanwhile Caer's was more akin to a mercy killing). Caer thinking he's a monster/unworthy for how he ended his mother's suffering was a brutal read. Owen loved Gwyn in his own selfish way. But his hiring a magical being to prolong Gwyn's life did just that... and her suffering. Caer had to watch his mom stuck in state of never getting better or worse. Just a sickly stand still. Do not get me started on her "waking up" post death and needing her head chopped off 😲!! Meanwhile, Caer watches helplessly as it rolls into the tapestry near her bed... the same tapestry where he learned animals as a child and counted each one to her delight.
*Side note, that last bit of the tapestry ending the roll was a great example of how the dominant tones of this book: lulling horror and romance. That, and the dream sequence. "Haven't you always had my heart, Caer?" indeed.
*Venus and her dead husband... how she misses him so much, she keeps his body encased in a glass coffin itself and is laid to rest beside him in the end. Just reading how in life, Venus kinda viewed his mortal departures as happy events because they meant he'll return and the missing is like anticipation.
-Call backs to FODAW
*Juliana and Hawthorne as parents was too sweet! Beau needs his own book, btw.
*Dillion who's been dead/thinking he's been alone/missing life all this time, when really, he's seen it all from the vines. I could quote it directly, but that cheapens it to me. I was sobbing, ugly crying when I got there.
*Juliana is briefly reunited with her thought to be deceased mother.
*Call back to the bargain of sharing a heart in order to live again/gain a semblance of immortality.
The romance was top tier (love how there's the same but different internal "I want you to stay" from FODAW), what with the smutty delights (I'm blushing at Caer's "You gotta tell me if I'm doing something wrong" and Aislinn's "Well, I cannot tell a lie" 😜. And that dance under the full moon👀👀👀). Another sidenote, contraception is talked about! Pretty openly in fact, without being preachy (Bonus kudos to Beau for bringing the period care package for his big sister. Sweets solve everything) and the fluidity of Beau's sexuality/inclusion of LGBTQ+ couples felt organic to me. I also liked the idea presented that the ritual of sharing a heart cannot be performed at first because Aislinn had already done so with Caer before they even met. Gives a whole new meaning to the term soul mate.
My one qualm? I kinda wanted a prologue of Juliana and Hawthorn interacting with Aislinn as a newborn. Perhaps because we skipped both Beau and Aislinn's births entirely in FOWAD and I just think seeing princely Hawthorn and badass Juliana falling to bits over this new person they've create would've been *chef's kiss*.
Bonus: Katherine Macdonald wrote a separate retelling of Snow White and you know I'm gonna read it! A no brainer, really.
This is not my first rodeo with Ms. Macdonald's retellings. She's got a way of making her stories her own while keeping OG elements:
-Here, Caer is our Snow and Aislinn is our Prince stand-in.
-There's the imagery of obtaining a heart (in the OG story, Snow's heart was supposed to be gathered by the Huntsman so the Queen knew she was dead; here, it's a shared heart that brings Caer back to life. Nice little switcheroo, there).
-Caer lies near death in a glass coffin and is awakened following Aislinn's kiss.
-The dwarves are just a protective of their Snow as the OG ones.
These and many other examples are all well and good. But the five stars really stem from the original aspects:
-Dealing with grief and allowing death to take its natural course.
*Aislinn and Caer harbor guilt for causing the death of their loved ones (Aislinn's was indirectly meanwhile Caer's was more akin to a mercy killing). Caer thinking he's a monster/unworthy for how he ended his mother's suffering was a brutal read. Owen loved Gwyn in his own selfish way. But his hiring a magical being to prolong Gwyn's life did just that... and her suffering. Caer had to watch his mom stuck in state of never getting better or worse. Just a sickly stand still. Do not get me started on her "waking up" post death and needing her head chopped off 😲!! Meanwhile, Caer watches helplessly as it rolls into the tapestry near her bed... the same tapestry where he learned animals as a child and counted each one to her delight.
*Side note, that last bit of the tapestry ending the roll was a great example of how the dominant tones of this book: lulling horror and romance. That, and the dream sequence. "Haven't you always had my heart, Caer?" indeed.
*Venus and her dead husband... how she misses him so much, she keeps his body encased in a glass coffin itself and is laid to rest beside him in the end. Just reading how in life, Venus kinda viewed his mortal departures as happy events because they meant he'll return and the missing is like anticipation.
-Call backs to FODAW
*Juliana and Hawthorne as parents was too sweet! Beau needs his own book, btw.
*Dillion who's been dead/thinking he's been alone/missing life all this time, when really, he's seen it all from the vines. I could quote it directly, but that cheapens it to me. I was sobbing, ugly crying when I got there.
*Juliana is briefly reunited with her thought to be deceased mother.
*Call back to the bargain of sharing a heart in order to live again/gain a semblance of immortality.
The romance was top tier (love how there's the same but different internal "I want you to stay" from FODAW), what with the smutty delights (I'm blushing at Caer's "You gotta tell me if I'm doing something wrong" and Aislinn's "Well, I cannot tell a lie" 😜. And that dance under the full moon👀👀👀). Another sidenote, contraception is talked about! Pretty openly in fact, without being preachy (Bonus kudos to Beau for bringing the period care package for his big sister. Sweets solve everything) and the fluidity of Beau's sexuality/inclusion of LGBTQ+ couples felt organic to me. I also liked the idea presented that the ritual of sharing a heart cannot be performed at first because Aislinn had already done so with Caer before they even met. Gives a whole new meaning to the term soul mate.
My one qualm? I kinda wanted a prologue of Juliana and Hawthorn interacting with Aislinn as a newborn. Perhaps because we skipped both Beau and Aislinn's births entirely in FOWAD and I just think seeing princely Hawthorn and badass Juliana falling to bits over this new person they've create would've been *chef's kiss*.
Bonus: Katherine Macdonald wrote a separate retelling of Snow White and you know I'm gonna read it! A no brainer, really.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 3, 2023
What a gorgeous set of characters and stunning landscape for this winding story. A wonderful addition to the series! While the first book of the series is the parents’ story, this is their daughter Aislinn’s journey.
Aislinn is very much like her mother Juliana - a true warrior in all ways. Here she sets out in a journey to find a missing mortal prince, meeting a band of dwarves, battling monsters and villains, and finding love along the way.
Caerwyn is the missing prince Aislinn sets out to rescue. There is something secret happening with him though - for some reason he avoids touching others. This secret is revealed pretty quickly, and the group of found family that surrounds Caer is determined to help him overcome what’s ailing him. Aislinn quickly finds herself wanting to do the same - for more reasons than the others. These two MCs are absolutely drawn like magnets to one another - but cannot touch each other. It is torturously delicious to watch them dance around each other, fighting this magnetism! They have chemistry off the charts!
Overall, this story flies along. I reluctantly put the book down to go to bed or work, counting the time until I could resume their journey! Aislinn is a more wonderful character than her mother imo. She is less combative and stubborn, allowing herself to be vulnerable and open with Caer. And Caer - talk about a heart throb! He is a kind, beautiful soul who is frustrated that so many of his friends are willing to sacrifice for him. It’s hard for him to accept.
I adored this story and so many of the characters. Beau is absolutely the best brother ever written, while Hawthorne, Aislinn and Beau’s father, is as fun and silly as ever. He loves his children fiercely and we get many glimpses of him thankfully!
I highly recommend if you enjoy fantasy, fairy tales, and romance. 5/5 stars! Be aware though that this story does continue. It does wrap up and not technically end on a cliffhanger, but the epilogue does let us know the story is not finished. Happy reading!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Aislinn is very much like her mother Juliana - a true warrior in all ways. Here she sets out in a journey to find a missing mortal prince, meeting a band of dwarves, battling monsters and villains, and finding love along the way.
Caerwyn is the missing prince Aislinn sets out to rescue. There is something secret happening with him though - for some reason he avoids touching others. This secret is revealed pretty quickly, and the group of found family that surrounds Caer is determined to help him overcome what’s ailing him. Aislinn quickly finds herself wanting to do the same - for more reasons than the others. These two MCs are absolutely drawn like magnets to one another - but cannot touch each other. It is torturously delicious to watch them dance around each other, fighting this magnetism! They have chemistry off the charts!
Overall, this story flies along. I reluctantly put the book down to go to bed or work, counting the time until I could resume their journey! Aislinn is a more wonderful character than her mother imo. She is less combative and stubborn, allowing herself to be vulnerable and open with Caer. And Caer - talk about a heart throb! He is a kind, beautiful soul who is frustrated that so many of his friends are willing to sacrifice for him. It’s hard for him to accept.
I adored this story and so many of the characters. Beau is absolutely the best brother ever written, while Hawthorne, Aislinn and Beau’s father, is as fun and silly as ever. He loves his children fiercely and we get many glimpses of him thankfully!
I highly recommend if you enjoy fantasy, fairy tales, and romance. 5/5 stars! Be aware though that this story does continue. It does wrap up and not technically end on a cliffhanger, but the epilogue does let us know the story is not finished. Happy reading!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 4, 2024
This read was quite satisfying and is gave me a little book hangover…as do all the good ones. I love how they continued the Ardencourt and Thorn family! (Or Ardenthorn)
The Ardenthorn children are fantastic. Both resemble their parents so well in their one way, but are also entirely their own person as well. They are both so lovely.
I loved Prince Caerwyn so much. He’s so strong and everything a heroic man should be, but not too much of it. He’s also so sensitive, tender, considerate and kind and it makes my heart melt. The whole thing with him and his powers and that conflict I just loved. Caerwyn is just so good.
I also love his relationship with Aislynn. I loved the conflicts they put in the story to make their relationship interesting and try to separate them, it was interesting to see how it would work out. However, there were parts that were very steamy and felt more like lust than love, but other than that their relationship with each other was very sweet.
There were a couple parts at the end that were very predictable, which I liked but didn’t like at the same time.
The world was very cool. Nothing to add. It just is.
The whole dwarf thing was new and interesting, but not my favorite for some reason. I guess it just got kinda boring at times but It was creative and intriguing to read about, especially considering they are a species of fae and it was a way to make the world so much more diverse and bigger. It also helped that it don’t at all feel like the dwarves were just there because it is part of the Snow White take.
I also love the twist at the very end. I wasn’t super surprised to be honest, but it was very cool and it connected both books. (Want to know what it is? Read it to find out!)
Solid read, though in my opinion the first was a tiny bit better. It did still gave me a bit of a book hangover though, (yes, I know I already mentioned it but doing so again was relevant). I definitely recommend!
The Ardenthorn children are fantastic. Both resemble their parents so well in their one way, but are also entirely their own person as well. They are both so lovely.
I loved Prince Caerwyn so much. He’s so strong and everything a heroic man should be, but not too much of it. He’s also so sensitive, tender, considerate and kind and it makes my heart melt. The whole thing with him and his powers and that conflict I just loved. Caerwyn is just so good.
I also love his relationship with Aislynn. I loved the conflicts they put in the story to make their relationship interesting and try to separate them, it was interesting to see how it would work out. However, there were parts that were very steamy and felt more like lust than love, but other than that their relationship with each other was very sweet.
There were a couple parts at the end that were very predictable, which I liked but didn’t like at the same time.
The world was very cool. Nothing to add. It just is.
The whole dwarf thing was new and interesting, but not my favorite for some reason. I guess it just got kinda boring at times but It was creative and intriguing to read about, especially considering they are a species of fae and it was a way to make the world so much more diverse and bigger. It also helped that it don’t at all feel like the dwarves were just there because it is part of the Snow White take.
I also love the twist at the very end. I wasn’t super surprised to be honest, but it was very cool and it connected both books. (Want to know what it is? Read it to find out!)
Solid read, though in my opinion the first was a tiny bit better. It did still gave me a bit of a book hangover though, (yes, I know I already mentioned it but doing so again was relevant). I definitely recommend!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 2, 2023
I knew the second book in this series, which can be read as a stand-alone but is way more fun if you do recognize the familiar characters from the previous book, was coming when I saw the author made her first book available for reviews again via BookSprout. And I was looking forward to it. Macdonald writes amazing romances with the right amount of tension and with the right amount of danger. When the second book was available for reviews via BookSprout I therefore didn't hesitate.
Since it's been a while since I read the first book in the series I needed a little time to connect this story to the previous one. Not that it took anything away from this story. The story has a clear beginning, a middle and an end and even though there are some familiar faces and even though the last sentence of the book made me quite excited for the next book you can without many issues enjoy this book on its own.
However, it might be a good idea to keep in mind that this is not entirely a fairytale retelling. Macdonald uses the elements of the Snow White tale, the magic mirror, the glass casket and the power of love, but the story itself is not really recognizable. Not that it's much of a problem. Although the book is quite big it's never boring and there is constantly something happening. The balance between action and emotions is also very well done.
And although we get to see quite a lot of the world and meet quite a lof of amazing characters and dangerous magic the book is mainly about the romance. At first I thought that the strong feelings the main characters were developing for each other seemed to develop a little fast but during the finale the author threw in this amazing plot twist that explained everything and even made me tear up a little bit because it was so well planned.
I'm really curious what's waiting for us in the next book!
Since it's been a while since I read the first book in the series I needed a little time to connect this story to the previous one. Not that it took anything away from this story. The story has a clear beginning, a middle and an end and even though there are some familiar faces and even though the last sentence of the book made me quite excited for the next book you can without many issues enjoy this book on its own.
However, it might be a good idea to keep in mind that this is not entirely a fairytale retelling. Macdonald uses the elements of the Snow White tale, the magic mirror, the glass casket and the power of love, but the story itself is not really recognizable. Not that it's much of a problem. Although the book is quite big it's never boring and there is constantly something happening. The balance between action and emotions is also very well done.
And although we get to see quite a lot of the world and meet quite a lof of amazing characters and dangerous magic the book is mainly about the romance. At first I thought that the strong feelings the main characters were developing for each other seemed to develop a little fast but during the finale the author threw in this amazing plot twist that explained everything and even made me tear up a little bit because it was so well planned.
I'm really curious what's waiting for us in the next book!
August 23, 2024
(2.5) this book’s only saving grace is juliana and hawthorn. for everything else? i don’t think i liked it as much as Forest of Dreams and Whispers.
there was potential. the first half of the book was really interesting to me. but by the time i was halfway through, we have truly and completely lost the plot. the middle part was a drag to get through and i wasn’t completely convinced of aislinn & caer’s relationship. they barely knew each other and it felt like they were just falling too fast and too quick. it made sense for why they would like each other but it lacked development. it just wasn’t convincing or compelling enough for me and there was too much emphasis on them having sex that it turned me off their relationship very quickly. i was getting the ick every time one of them mentioned fucking the other until they got dizzy like… yes, okay, we get it!
other than that, the 7 dwarves (because this is still a Snow White retelling) were pretty boring to me — except maybe for minerva. but for the rest, i could barely remember their names and they didn’t feel distinct enough for me to care a out them. they sort of became interchangeable in my head as i kept reading.
the ending of the last book had me thinking that there would be a different way that this story would go and i was about to be unsatisfied with the villain. but the big reveal at the end ebbed away that doubt just a little bit.
speaking of villains, i wasn’t really convinced of the motivations of the supposed antagonists. i get it but it didn’t FEEL like it was really fleshed out. i mean, caer’s stepfather was supposedly one of the villains and he was gone for most of the second half of the book. his character wasn’t even consistent and the ending he had didn’t feel earned. i keep expecting that there had to be more to king owen but…. nope! and i was disappointed by that.
so, overall, i don’t think i’ll read the next one (if there is a next one??) and the only thing i liked about this was juliana and hawthorn — they were adorable as parents and even more horridly in love.
there was potential. the first half of the book was really interesting to me. but by the time i was halfway through, we have truly and completely lost the plot. the middle part was a drag to get through and i wasn’t completely convinced of aislinn & caer’s relationship. they barely knew each other and it felt like they were just falling too fast and too quick. it made sense for why they would like each other but it lacked development. it just wasn’t convincing or compelling enough for me and there was too much emphasis on them having sex that it turned me off their relationship very quickly. i was getting the ick every time one of them mentioned fucking the other until they got dizzy like… yes, okay, we get it!
other than that, the 7 dwarves (because this is still a Snow White retelling) were pretty boring to me — except maybe for minerva. but for the rest, i could barely remember their names and they didn’t feel distinct enough for me to care a out them. they sort of became interchangeable in my head as i kept reading.
the ending of the last book had me thinking that there would be a different way that this story would go and i was about to be unsatisfied with the villain. but the big reveal at the end ebbed away that doubt just a little bit.
speaking of villains, i wasn’t really convinced of the motivations of the supposed antagonists. i get it but it didn’t FEEL like it was really fleshed out. i mean, caer’s stepfather was supposedly one of the villains and he was gone for most of the second half of the book. his character wasn’t even consistent and the ending he had didn’t feel earned. i keep expecting that there had to be more to king owen but…. nope! and i was disappointed by that.
so, overall, i don’t think i’ll read the next one (if there is a next one??) and the only thing i liked about this was juliana and hawthorn — they were adorable as parents and even more horridly in love.
September 26, 2024
3.75⭐
"I know you in the way one knows the shape of their limbs though they've never thought to memorise them, in the way they recognise a scent and the stars above them-changing and constant, endless and immortal. I know you, Aislinn Ardenthorn"
Overall I really liked it, but some stuff about the ending and lore was a bit lacking to my liking.
I really liked the characters, though at times it felt like there was too many (Probably because of the 7 dwarfs tbh).
There was some elements that I really didn't care much for like Fae Heat. It felt very out of nowhere and like an afterthought, since it was never mentioned in Book 1. I do wish there was some things that had been elaborated on more. I'm sure it will come up in the next book in the series, but it felt a little disappointing to get so little info on things like the mirror. The concept of it was so awesome so it sucked that we get no explanation or Lore about it. It would have been nice to know what the mirror was made for?
The spoilery bits:
.
.
.
.
Being both a gateway and a way to necromancy seem like two wildly different things, so an explanation or even just a hint would have been cool.
I really liked some of the themes the book explored!
A point of contention for me was the pacing, because it felt kind of all over the place, as well as the ending because I feel likethe switcheroo with the mirror doesn't make any sense?
When was aeron supposed to have switched the mirrors? If after the battle, how was he able to switch them without notice before it would have been sealed away? How would he have transported it? Because it couldn't have been before the battle story wise. would no one have felt the magic power from the mirror if it was transported? and the after chapter mentions it but doesn't actually explain how he made it work.
I also don't know how I feel about the quasi time travelling aspect of the story with the mirror because I feel like it's easy to poke holes in.
Overall enjoyable and I'll definitely pick up Katherine's next book in the series, but I definitely like Book 1 better. It felt more polished.
"I know you in the way one knows the shape of their limbs though they've never thought to memorise them, in the way they recognise a scent and the stars above them-changing and constant, endless and immortal. I know you, Aislinn Ardenthorn"
Overall I really liked it, but some stuff about the ending and lore was a bit lacking to my liking.
I really liked the characters, though at times it felt like there was too many (Probably because of the 7 dwarfs tbh).
There was some elements that I really didn't care much for like Fae Heat. It felt very out of nowhere and like an afterthought, since it was never mentioned in Book 1. I do wish there was some things that had been elaborated on more. I'm sure it will come up in the next book in the series, but it felt a little disappointing to get so little info on things like the mirror. The concept of it was so awesome so it sucked that we get no explanation or Lore about it. It would have been nice to know what the mirror was made for?
The spoilery bits:
.
.
.
.
Being both a gateway and a way to necromancy seem like two wildly different things, so an explanation or even just a hint would have been cool.
I really liked some of the themes the book explored!
A point of contention for me was the pacing, because it felt kind of all over the place, as well as the ending because I feel likethe switcheroo with the mirror doesn't make any sense?
When was aeron supposed to have switched the mirrors? If after the battle, how was he able to switch them without notice before it would have been sealed away? How would he have transported it? Because it couldn't have been before the battle story wise. would no one have felt the magic power from the mirror if it was transported? and the after chapter mentions it but doesn't actually explain how he made it work.
I also don't know how I feel about the quasi time travelling aspect of the story with the mirror because I feel like it's easy to poke holes in.
Overall enjoyable and I'll definitely pick up Katherine's next book in the series, but I definitely like Book 1 better. It felt more polished.
March 4, 2023
an enthralling adventure
Having read Forest of Dreams and Whispers, I was very excited for this sequel to Juliana’s and Hawthorne’s story to come out, and I have to say it was as thrilling as the first. Although I wasn’t as fond of the romance — it didn’t click for me the way the first book’s did — I loved the grand imagery (those caverns sound so beautiful!) and the author’s ingenuity in integrating technology into a world of magic. And the descriptions of the magic themselves were breath-taking, so well done that I could really imagine both Aislinn’s and Caer’s magic. The characters are also really well developed, with each of the key characters having their own personality and their own friendships which make *sense*. Beau was my particular favorite, and I enjoyed his interactions with Aislinn. The references to the first book, every single one of them, especially the cameos, were awesome, and I am so, so happy the author worked them all in there! Also— I really enjoyed that the dwarves were all women!
So, now, what I didn’t like: as much as I enjoyed the grandeur of the adventure, the plot felt a little loose in the middle of the book. The characters were having fun or fretting or grieving together, and the threads of the plot were definitely getting weaved in the background, but the urgency of the initial portion and the suspense of the last wasn’t there. It was nice as a slice of life section, and I had all sorts of guesses for the real villainy going on… but it didn’t have the same “I-need-to-read-to-figure-out-the-ending” of the first book. For that reason, I’m dropping a star.
Overall, I definitely recommend, and I hope there will be more to this series!
Having read Forest of Dreams and Whispers, I was very excited for this sequel to Juliana’s and Hawthorne’s story to come out, and I have to say it was as thrilling as the first. Although I wasn’t as fond of the romance — it didn’t click for me the way the first book’s did — I loved the grand imagery (those caverns sound so beautiful!) and the author’s ingenuity in integrating technology into a world of magic. And the descriptions of the magic themselves were breath-taking, so well done that I could really imagine both Aislinn’s and Caer’s magic. The characters are also really well developed, with each of the key characters having their own personality and their own friendships which make *sense*. Beau was my particular favorite, and I enjoyed his interactions with Aislinn. The references to the first book, every single one of them, especially the cameos, were awesome, and I am so, so happy the author worked them all in there! Also— I really enjoyed that the dwarves were all women!
So, now, what I didn’t like: as much as I enjoyed the grandeur of the adventure, the plot felt a little loose in the middle of the book. The characters were having fun or fretting or grieving together, and the threads of the plot were definitely getting weaved in the background, but the urgency of the initial portion and the suspense of the last wasn’t there. It was nice as a slice of life section, and I had all sorts of guesses for the real villainy going on… but it didn’t have the same “I-need-to-read-to-figure-out-the-ending” of the first book. For that reason, I’m dropping a star.
Overall, I definitely recommend, and I hope there will be more to this series!
July 8, 2024
3.5 stars
This is the sequel to Forest of Dreams and Whispers that focusses on (trying to not be too spoilery) the next generation and in particular Aislinn's romance. Again, it is a gender-swapped fairy tale retelling, of Snow White this time, but like the first it is still very much its own story.
We see a little of the mortal realm and then we're back to the Winter Court in Faerie, but under the mountain in the kingdom of the dwarves. MacDonald's vision of the scientific, mechanical dwarven kingdom really comes to life and differentiates itself from the magical Fae world.
At first I thought the antagonist of the story was the same as the first, but the reveal at the end was certainly interesting and a bit of a cliffhanger for the next story.
I loved the dynamic between the siblings Beau and Aislinn and the qualities that they had of their parents. But I was less enamoured with the MMC and the romance than I was with the first book. Somehow it just didn't ring true to me but I can't quite put my finger on it. Perhaps in part because the book covers weeks whereas the first covers 3 years and also speaks of their early childhood together so there was more depth to it.
The nature of he hero's magic did try to capture that level of tension between the pair, but it did not quite get there for me.
That aside it was an enjoyable read and I will be intrigued to see what the next one has in store for me.
This is the sequel to Forest of Dreams and Whispers that focusses on (trying to not be too spoilery) the next generation and in particular Aislinn's romance. Again, it is a gender-swapped fairy tale retelling, of Snow White this time, but like the first it is still very much its own story.
We see a little of the mortal realm and then we're back to the Winter Court in Faerie, but under the mountain in the kingdom of the dwarves. MacDonald's vision of the scientific, mechanical dwarven kingdom really comes to life and differentiates itself from the magical Fae world.
At first I thought the antagonist of the story was the same as the first, but the reveal at the end was certainly interesting and a bit of a cliffhanger for the next story.
I loved the dynamic between the siblings Beau and Aislinn and the qualities that they had of their parents. But I was less enamoured with the MMC and the romance than I was with the first book. Somehow it just didn't ring true to me but I can't quite put my finger on it. Perhaps in part because the book covers weeks whereas the first covers 3 years and also speaks of their early childhood together so there was more depth to it.
The nature of he hero's magic did try to capture that level of tension between the pair, but it did not quite get there for me.
That aside it was an enjoyable read and I will be intrigued to see what the next one has in store for me.
March 3, 2023
Once again, I start out thinking I know how the story will play out, but Kate weaves such an enticing and unique tale that as the plot unfolds and more information is thrown into the mix, I'm left unable to predict the future. It's thrilling! I read this while traveling across the country and it helped make the time fly by.
The characters are well drawn out and you feel connected to them. Though the 7 dwarves names got mixed up in my head a couple times, I really liked the range of personality types and I think each reader will bond with a different dwarf. Mine was Luna :)
The stakes were high in this book and it had a good balance of action and progressing the story forward along with slower, tender, softer moments where we focus on the characters emotions and feelings.
This book is a sequel and if you don't recall much of the first book, I recommend going back and refreshing your memory. I know I read the first one, but I was fuzzy on the details and names, so as things would come up in this book my brain would hazily know I was supposed to be connecting the dots. It happened enough times that I wished I had re-read the first and could appreciate the nostalgic bits from the first one more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The characters are well drawn out and you feel connected to them. Though the 7 dwarves names got mixed up in my head a couple times, I really liked the range of personality types and I think each reader will bond with a different dwarf. Mine was Luna :)
The stakes were high in this book and it had a good balance of action and progressing the story forward along with slower, tender, softer moments where we focus on the characters emotions and feelings.
This book is a sequel and if you don't recall much of the first book, I recommend going back and refreshing your memory. I know I read the first one, but I was fuzzy on the details and names, so as things would come up in this book my brain would hazily know I was supposed to be connecting the dots. It happened enough times that I wished I had re-read the first and could appreciate the nostalgic bits from the first one more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 20, 2023
I can't say enough good things about this book. It was beautiful, fun, exciting, romantic, and above all entertaining. After reading Forest of Dreams and Whispers I didn't know if the second book would be as good. I loved the first book so much that I didn't know if I could give this one a real shot. But once I got past that first chapter I knew it would be just as great as the first book. And we still get Hawthorn and Julianna, along with a few others from the first story ;)
This was certainly a different take on Snow White I loved the dwarfs. The mirror I would have loved to explore more it was fascinating. I still don't know if I fully understand Caerwyn's curse. I feel like I really lose some of the story with so much of a final battle going on. I may need to go back and re-read.
This is a kind of insta-love story but with a twist as it's difficult for the couple to be together. I also loved Beau. Aislinn's brother and the son of Hawthorn and Julianna. He brought support to Aislinn as well as comic relief.
I wish I wrote down more while I was reading it seems to evade me know. But I would highly recommend this book to anyone that loves a good fairytale re-telling, plus a love of the Fae. There is also enough romance to satisfy even if it doesn't have a wildly hot chili pepper rating.
This was certainly a different take on Snow White I loved the dwarfs. The mirror I would have loved to explore more it was fascinating. I still don't know if I fully understand Caerwyn's curse. I feel like I really lose some of the story with so much of a final battle going on. I may need to go back and re-read.
This is a kind of insta-love story but with a twist as it's difficult for the couple to be together. I also loved Beau. Aislinn's brother and the son of Hawthorn and Julianna. He brought support to Aislinn as well as comic relief.
I wish I wrote down more while I was reading it seems to evade me know. But I would highly recommend this book to anyone that loves a good fairytale re-telling, plus a love of the Fae. There is also enough romance to satisfy even if it doesn't have a wildly hot chili pepper rating.
March 2, 2023
‘All journeys can be dangerous’
But those dwarves sure know how to have a good time! Bagpipes of Invisibility, Catnip Grenade, Ladle of Doom, Spurs of Inevitable Swagger, Towel of Galactic Protection (perhaps have 42 of these).
While this is a fantasy, a retelling, a quest, a romance, and a folk tale…it’s also about family. Aislinn and Beau are pretty lucky in their relationship with each other and in their homelife:
‘ Their parents exchanged a worried look, the same one that came with a side of, “she gets it from your side of the family.” ‘
It’s wonderful when children see that their parents have a loving marriage. It’s hilarious when adult children get embarrassed by their parents’ affection for each other:
‘I may never use rope again.’
‘Wait, has Ma ever hunted a prince? Never mind, I don’t want to know the answer to that.’
In contrast to one of the other characters:
‘Loneliness was the price of the greatness he was told would be his one day.’
Some sage advice from the author:
Be suspicious of people who don’t respect animals.
Fave quote:
‘If it were poison, I’d have dressed it up prettier.’
Stay tuned to find out if we receive an answer to the below:
‘Mirror, Mirror, way down deep
What ancient secrets do you keep?’
But those dwarves sure know how to have a good time! Bagpipes of Invisibility, Catnip Grenade, Ladle of Doom, Spurs of Inevitable Swagger, Towel of Galactic Protection (perhaps have 42 of these).
While this is a fantasy, a retelling, a quest, a romance, and a folk tale…it’s also about family. Aislinn and Beau are pretty lucky in their relationship with each other and in their homelife:
‘ Their parents exchanged a worried look, the same one that came with a side of, “she gets it from your side of the family.” ‘
It’s wonderful when children see that their parents have a loving marriage. It’s hilarious when adult children get embarrassed by their parents’ affection for each other:
‘I may never use rope again.’
‘Wait, has Ma ever hunted a prince? Never mind, I don’t want to know the answer to that.’
In contrast to one of the other characters:
‘Loneliness was the price of the greatness he was told would be his one day.’
Some sage advice from the author:
Be suspicious of people who don’t respect animals.
Fave quote:
‘If it were poison, I’d have dressed it up prettier.’
Stay tuned to find out if we receive an answer to the below:
‘Mirror, Mirror, way down deep
What ancient secrets do you keep?’
August 31, 2024
3.5 stars
I thought this was a duology and now I’m mad that I have to wait for a book that doesn’t seem to exist at all, not even a title, despite the fact that this came out 18 months ago. Crying. (And if that book is not about Beau I will be crying some more).
Anyway, in a world overrun with (often badly done) enemies to lovers, give me more of whatever you call this. I liked Aislinn and Caer, even if it felt a little like YA. On second thought, it’s possibly called people being nice to each other. Hawthorn as a parent was everything you’d want it to be.
It did take me a while to get through, though. There are a lot of new characters and a lot of different locations. It built up so slowly and then the actual action was over in a rush with very little explanation for how a lot of things happened. I’m now thinking maybe some stuff is being saved for the next book but still. Also there were a couple of weird blatant Harry Potter references (lake, coins), which was odd but idk.
Anyway this was fun and the word-building was cool and I want a wargi. If book three does come to exist I’ll be reading it.
I thought this was a duology and now I’m mad that I have to wait for a book that doesn’t seem to exist at all, not even a title, despite the fact that this came out 18 months ago. Crying. (And if that book is not about Beau I will be crying some more).
Anyway, in a world overrun with (often badly done) enemies to lovers, give me more of whatever you call this. I liked Aislinn and Caer, even if it felt a little like YA. On second thought, it’s possibly called people being nice to each other. Hawthorn as a parent was everything you’d want it to be.
It did take me a while to get through, though. There are a lot of new characters and a lot of different locations. It built up so slowly and then the actual action was over in a rush with very little explanation for how a lot of things happened. I’m now thinking maybe some stuff is being saved for the next book but still. Also there were a couple of weird blatant Harry Potter references (lake, coins), which was odd but idk.
Anyway this was fun and the word-building was cool and I want a wargi. If book three does come to exist I’ll be reading it.
February 28, 2023
If you enjoy a book full of adventure, mystery, romance, dwarves, faeries and mystical creatures; then this is the book for you!
Even though this is the second book in the series. It can be read as a standalone. I haven’t read the first book and I followed along quite well. The ending of this one suggests a third book is in the making. Yay!
Aislinn is the Princess of Faerie’s and their future Queen. Her and her family are visiting a mortal kingdom, when they learn that their Prince has been kidnapped by dwarves. Ever the adventure loving seeker she is, Aislinn offers her talented services to bring Prince Caerwyn home. This turns out to be an adventure of a lifetime for all involved.
This was quite the page-turner for me. It was full of humor, suspense, great fighting scenes and of course, romance! Even though, Aislinn and Caerwyn are the main characters, all the supporting characters were just as complex and heroic.
If you’re looking for your next 18+ story of adventure. You’ve just found it!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Even though this is the second book in the series. It can be read as a standalone. I haven’t read the first book and I followed along quite well. The ending of this one suggests a third book is in the making. Yay!
Aislinn is the Princess of Faerie’s and their future Queen. Her and her family are visiting a mortal kingdom, when they learn that their Prince has been kidnapped by dwarves. Ever the adventure loving seeker she is, Aislinn offers her talented services to bring Prince Caerwyn home. This turns out to be an adventure of a lifetime for all involved.
This was quite the page-turner for me. It was full of humor, suspense, great fighting scenes and of course, romance! Even though, Aislinn and Caerwyn are the main characters, all the supporting characters were just as complex and heroic.
If you’re looking for your next 18+ story of adventure. You’ve just found it!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 9, 2023
A wonderful to return to Faerie, now under the rule of familiar faces Queen Juliana & King Hawthorne! This trip we get to meet their children, Crown Princess Aislinn and her brother Beau. Aislinn, after spending half a day in the mortal world is already tired of it and would rather go off on an adventure, anything to keep her mind busy. And that’s just what she does. Mortal Prince Caerwyn has been missing for months and despite the possibility of their being no trail left to follow, let alone a person to find, Aislinn sets off alone to find more than she bargained for. A Prince with a dark secret, a horse of female dwarves, and shortly after her brother tracks her down, an adventure into the Dwarven Stronghold and the Deep. Not to mention the adventure of falling in love with someone she cannot touch.
This was such a fun read with new characters and a whole new setting that was a lot of fun to discover. I loved the family of dwarves and especially their game of Wyverns & Wastelands. Each dwarf was so special and likable. Aislynn and Caerwyn had a really unique relationship, who knew handholding could be so attractive? And I loved the banter between both Aislynn and her Beau and the dwarves. Without giving anything away, I think one of my most favorite parts was what arose from the snowy pass right before entering the tunnels to the Dwarven kingdom.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review
This was such a fun read with new characters and a whole new setting that was a lot of fun to discover. I loved the family of dwarves and especially their game of Wyverns & Wastelands. Each dwarf was so special and likable. Aislynn and Caerwyn had a really unique relationship, who knew handholding could be so attractive? And I loved the banter between both Aislynn and her Beau and the dwarves. Without giving anything away, I think one of my most favorite parts was what arose from the snowy pass right before entering the tunnels to the Dwarven kingdom.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review
February 25, 2023
*Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️
* Spice Level: 🌶️
* Trigger Warnings? Body horror, torture, death.
* Stand-alone? No, I recommend reading Forest of Whispers & Dreams to have full context.
My thoughts:
The second book in this Faerie universe series is here! While the plot didn’t quite grip me as much as the first, the atmosphere alone is worth the read. The world is expanded more here and the sheer imaginary of the dwarf underworld is stunning!
I loved the cast of characters in Caer’s (Snow White’s) company, Aislinn and Beau, and all the other surprising additions along the way. While Aislinn isn’t quite as cool as her mom, the love story between her and Caer is swoon worthy.
I will definitely keep reading to figure out what the meta plot is that is clearly going to continue for another book.
I received an ARC for my honest thoughts.
* Spice Level: 🌶️
* Trigger Warnings? Body horror, torture, death.
* Stand-alone? No, I recommend reading Forest of Whispers & Dreams to have full context.
My thoughts:
The second book in this Faerie universe series is here! While the plot didn’t quite grip me as much as the first, the atmosphere alone is worth the read. The world is expanded more here and the sheer imaginary of the dwarf underworld is stunning!
I loved the cast of characters in Caer’s (Snow White’s) company, Aislinn and Beau, and all the other surprising additions along the way. While Aislinn isn’t quite as cool as her mom, the love story between her and Caer is swoon worthy.
I will definitely keep reading to figure out what the meta plot is that is clearly going to continue for another book.
I received an ARC for my honest thoughts.
March 3, 2023
3.5/5 stars
Last year I read Forest of Dreams and Whispers and absolutely loved it and fell in love with Juliana and Hawthorn. So, when I found out there was another book set in the same world, I was ecstatic and it did not disappoint.
Mountain of Mirrors and Starlight is a very loose retelling of Snow White and I loved every minute of it. Although, I am always a sucker for any kind of fairytale retelling.
The banter between the characters was amazing (especially between the siblings, dwarves and parents.) The romance was sweet. We get even more world building and we get to see/hear about characters we loved from the first book.
Overall, I just really enjoyed this book and I can’t wait to read more books set in this world.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Last year I read Forest of Dreams and Whispers and absolutely loved it and fell in love with Juliana and Hawthorn. So, when I found out there was another book set in the same world, I was ecstatic and it did not disappoint.
Mountain of Mirrors and Starlight is a very loose retelling of Snow White and I loved every minute of it. Although, I am always a sucker for any kind of fairytale retelling.
The banter between the characters was amazing (especially between the siblings, dwarves and parents.) The romance was sweet. We get even more world building and we get to see/hear about characters we loved from the first book.
Overall, I just really enjoyed this book and I can’t wait to read more books set in this world.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
paused
May 23, 2025This is really cute. We see a lot of the main characters from the 1st book in this, which I enjoyed. It’s sweet to see them all together like this.
Still, I’m DNFing this at 21%. I enjoy the world and the characters, and I do really like the writing, I’m just not invested. This is a really long book, I’m over 120 pages into it, and while it’s cute, it won’t be more than a 3/ 3.5⭐️ rating. I just don’t 100% care about the tropes in this.
I really loved the first book, it just worked for me in every way, and I definitely think you should give this sequel a try if you liked book one. But, sadly, I’m personally looking for things this book won’t give me. It doesn’t have the pull I felt with the 1st one, where I didn’t want to put it down.
Maybe a soft DNF? Might pick this up again in the future.
Still, I’m DNFing this at 21%. I enjoy the world and the characters, and I do really like the writing, I’m just not invested. This is a really long book, I’m over 120 pages into it, and while it’s cute, it won’t be more than a 3/ 3.5⭐️ rating. I just don’t 100% care about the tropes in this.
I really loved the first book, it just worked for me in every way, and I definitely think you should give this sequel a try if you liked book one. But, sadly, I’m personally looking for things this book won’t give me. It doesn’t have the pull I felt with the 1st one, where I didn’t want to put it down.
Maybe a soft DNF? Might pick this up again in the future.
June 13, 2025
The delusion I was under thinking this was going to be fire is so funny. This was the mountain of boredom and did not need to be 500 pages with how much it suffered because of the padded out writing.
The characters, apart from Hawthorn and Julianna from book 1 who weren’t around long enough to get sabotaged, fell flat and annoyed me at times (mainly Caer and Aislinn, the dwarves were fine). The resurrections of previous characters held no significance other than to tie up irrelevant plot threads made in this book but its sullied the impact of book 1. The insta love also didn’t hit (when does it though?) and my interest/investment disappeared when I realised the plot was meandering or when several chapters didn’t further the plot whatsoever and I couldn’t wait for the book to be over. Also that cliffhanger? Snooze.
The characters, apart from Hawthorn and Julianna from book 1 who weren’t around long enough to get sabotaged, fell flat and annoyed me at times (mainly Caer and Aislinn, the dwarves were fine). The resurrections of previous characters held no significance other than to tie up irrelevant plot threads made in this book but its sullied the impact of book 1. The insta love also didn’t hit (when does it though?) and my interest/investment disappeared when I realised the plot was meandering or when several chapters didn’t further the plot whatsoever and I couldn’t wait for the book to be over. Also that cliffhanger? Snooze.
February 14, 2023
Macdonald turns one of the oldest stories of all time into a high stakes epic fantasy as Princess Aislinn Ardenthorn sets off with Prince Caerwyn to the dwarven stronghold and protect him from the clutches of his stepfather.
Charming, action packed, and passionate, this novel takes you the world below the ground and keeps you in its claws until it’s over. You also stay in the company of likable new characters, but also find some familiar faces that readers of “Forest of Dreams and Whispers” will be delighted to see again.
(Disclaimer: This book contains content that may not be appropriate for young readers, including violence, brief strong language, and sexual content. Reader discretion is advised.)
Charming, action packed, and passionate, this novel takes you the world below the ground and keeps you in its claws until it’s over. You also stay in the company of likable new characters, but also find some familiar faces that readers of “Forest of Dreams and Whispers” will be delighted to see again.
(Disclaimer: This book contains content that may not be appropriate for young readers, including violence, brief strong language, and sexual content. Reader discretion is advised.)
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