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The Gingerbread Legacy #1
The Gingerbread Queen
The tale of Hansel and Gretel continues...
Thirteen years after fleeing the witch’s gingerbread cottage, Gretel must return to hide from townsfolk who accuse her of being the evil crone’s successor. When the walls start to crumble, Gretel seeks the aid of handsome baker Lukas, the only one who can repair the damage before winter—and the only one who’s ever tempted her heart.
Within the enchanted forest, Gretel’s innate powers ignite, as does the spark between her and Lukas. Is it truly her fate to become the next cruel witch queen of the forest—and to lose any chance of a happily-ever-after with Lukas?
Thirteen years after fleeing the witch’s gingerbread cottage, Gretel must return to hide from townsfolk who accuse her of being the evil crone’s successor. When the walls start to crumble, Gretel seeks the aid of handsome baker Lukas, the only one who can repair the damage before winter—and the only one who’s ever tempted her heart.
Within the enchanted forest, Gretel’s innate powers ignite, as does the spark between her and Lukas. Is it truly her fate to become the next cruel witch queen of the forest—and to lose any chance of a happily-ever-after with Lukas?
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Published November 15, 2022
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About the author
Carrie Anne Noble
14 books390 followersCarrie Anne Noble is the author of fantasy fiction infused with fairy tales, folklore, and wonder. She lives in the woods of Pennsylvania but can be lured out with cheese or chocolate. You can read more about her at http://www.carrienoble.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
May 29, 2024
This is such a lovely, whimsical twist on a classic fairytale, and I was glad to be along for the ride. Fair warning there are some characters in here that you will want to smack, repeatedly. If I could have reached through my kindle to smack them myself, I might have.
Carrie Anne Noble takes us back to the land where Hansel and Gretel live, only it’s thirteen years after Gretel pushed the witch in her own oven. Initially rich from the gems they took from the witch’s cottage, the money is almost all gone, and, unfortunately for Gretel (who now goes by Margarethe, or Marga), Hansel is addicted to both gambling and the brothel. The two are forced to flee back into the wild forest they left behind, back to the very place Marga hoped to never see again.
There’s a duck in here. He’s no ordinary duck. (Cue Monty Python reference: “LOOK AT THE BONES!! 🤣 There’s no bones here…I just have a pop culture reference kind of mind)
I digress.
This is a very cute and sweet story, with magic, fear, longing, danger, intrigue and hints of (clean) romance. 4.5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Oliver Heber books for the advance copy in exchange for my honest feedback. I am writing this review voluntarily.
Carrie Anne Noble takes us back to the land where Hansel and Gretel live, only it’s thirteen years after Gretel pushed the witch in her own oven. Initially rich from the gems they took from the witch’s cottage, the money is almost all gone, and, unfortunately for Gretel (who now goes by Margarethe, or Marga), Hansel is addicted to both gambling and the brothel. The two are forced to flee back into the wild forest they left behind, back to the very place Marga hoped to never see again.
There’s a duck in here. He’s no ordinary duck. (Cue Monty Python reference: “LOOK AT THE BONES!! 🤣 There’s no bones here…I just have a pop culture reference kind of mind)
I digress.
This is a very cute and sweet story, with magic, fear, longing, danger, intrigue and hints of (clean) romance. 4.5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Oliver Heber books for the advance copy in exchange for my honest feedback. I am writing this review voluntarily.
May 22, 2024
I have long been a fan of Carrie Anne Noble's writing and The Gingerbread Queen is no exception. Delightful tale imagining what a grownup Hansel and Gretel might face after their harrowing and traumatic ordeal with the wicked witch. Add in a fantastical, magical duck and what's not to love? If you love fantasy and fairytale inspired tales, you need to check out this latest from Noble.
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.
November 11, 2022
A delightful tale about the future fate of Hansel and Gretel after their fateful run in with the witch of the woods. This story is packed with unexpected adventure, young romance, and the power we each hold to choose good over evil, once we accepted who we were meant to be. Recommended for readers of all ages. A perfect holiday read!
December 30, 2024
This was a quick and fun take on Hansel and Gretel. No crazy plot twists, but I enjoyed it and will definitely be keeping this author on my radar. Here’s to waiting on the sequel!
July 2, 2024
This was magical. A twist on the classic fairy tale Hansel and Gretel which I didn't know much about. I love fairy-tale retellings, they make me reimagine my favourite childhood stories. This brought a new twist to it.
The Gingerbread Queen is set 13 years after the original story where Gretel pushes the witch into the oven. Gretel (Marga) and Hansel have to return to the gingerbread cottage from the past. Hansel turns his back on his sister as he is addicted to gambling and brothels. Gretel has to survive alone with the help of a magical duck.
I don't want to ruin this book but it is full of magic, suspense, longing, fear, and danger. I loved reading this. It was my favourite book of June.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for a review.
The Gingerbread Queen is set 13 years after the original story where Gretel pushes the witch into the oven. Gretel (Marga) and Hansel have to return to the gingerbread cottage from the past. Hansel turns his back on his sister as he is addicted to gambling and brothels. Gretel has to survive alone with the help of a magical duck.
I don't want to ruin this book but it is full of magic, suspense, longing, fear, and danger. I loved reading this. It was my favourite book of June.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for a review.
June 4, 2024
This was a lot better than expected! This was so good! I like that in this novel the female lead is independent and learns how to stay independent. She does end up with someone at the end, but it is because she wants to and doesn't need to (again is a refreshing concept). I ugly cried at the ending with Truda and the duck! It really was a nice touch in the book. The ending was great, there wasn't unnecessary pages with constant issues. It was a solid story, with a good solution, and a great ending.
June 11, 2024
4.5 stars. I truly enjoyed this and ate it up in 2 days. I loved everything from how original the plot was. Having a duck as the villain, the sweetest romance between Marga and Lukas, irresponsible Hansel and also the sentimentality of the villain for his wife. It's perfect in its story and twist of the Hansel and Gretel's tale.
Received this ARC from Netgalley. Thank you!
Received this ARC from Netgalley. Thank you!
March 25, 2025
This is what I would call a very safe take on a traditional fairytale.
It’s more of a sequel than a retelling, and gives us an idea of what may have befallen Hansel and Gretel after they escaped the witch and returned to their village.
I say “safe” here mostly as an observation, but also as a slight critique. This is stylistically very close to traditional fairy tales, which is fine, but the plot doesn’t really offer anything original, which was a bit disappointing.
Still, the read is enjoyable and a good pick for when you’re looking more for immersion and a pleasant reader experience than for something challenging.
Atmospherically this book missed a lot of opportunities to really build out the visual majesty of the witch’s house made of sweets, but otherwise does a solid job on sense of place.
It’s more of a sequel than a retelling, and gives us an idea of what may have befallen Hansel and Gretel after they escaped the witch and returned to their village.
I say “safe” here mostly as an observation, but also as a slight critique. This is stylistically very close to traditional fairy tales, which is fine, but the plot doesn’t really offer anything original, which was a bit disappointing.
Still, the read is enjoyable and a good pick for when you’re looking more for immersion and a pleasant reader experience than for something challenging.
Atmospherically this book missed a lot of opportunities to really build out the visual majesty of the witch’s house made of sweets, but otherwise does a solid job on sense of place.
June 11, 2024
Fantastic retelling!
Wow this retelling was fascinating. It had me hooked from the beginning. The storytelling was beautiful and the prose was fantastic.
I loved the magic system, the lore of the forest and the romance.
I really enjoyed our villains. Which is an odd thing to say, but they were so unbelievably well written that you couldn't help but feel for them.
Fantastic book. Very excited to read more!
💋Kissing only, villian mentions their infidelity.
⚠️Death is mentioned, verbal abuse from side character who is a punk, and threats to people's lives.
Wow this retelling was fascinating. It had me hooked from the beginning. The storytelling was beautiful and the prose was fantastic.
I loved the magic system, the lore of the forest and the romance.
I really enjoyed our villains. Which is an odd thing to say, but they were so unbelievably well written that you couldn't help but feel for them.
Fantastic book. Very excited to read more!
💋Kissing only, villian mentions their infidelity.
⚠️Death is mentioned, verbal abuse from side character who is a punk, and threats to people's lives.
June 21, 2024
As sweet as sugar and spice, a darling retelling of the classical fairy tale “Hansel and Gretel” with a twist. An overall, entertaining read.
May 28, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read this book before publication on Jun 11 2024. The Gingerbread Queen by Carrie Anne Noble.
Following the story of Hansel and Gretel 13 years after they killed the witch who tried to eat them! They are older and wiser than when they were children (well Gretel is!) Hansel has turned into a greedy gambling oaf and because of this, the pair have to flee into the woods back to the old witch's gingerbread cottage. Her brother who has been cursed by another witch due to his debts, has to take some of the old witch's jewels to pay off his debt but does not come back to save his sister! She stays in the old broken-down gingerbread house and tries to survive with the help of a magical duck she starts to feel magic in herself! What has the old witch done? Cursed her!?
Definitely a good read, was very well written and I'd recommend this extended German fairy tale of the original Brothers Grimm.
Following the story of Hansel and Gretel 13 years after they killed the witch who tried to eat them! They are older and wiser than when they were children (well Gretel is!) Hansel has turned into a greedy gambling oaf and because of this, the pair have to flee into the woods back to the old witch's gingerbread cottage. Her brother who has been cursed by another witch due to his debts, has to take some of the old witch's jewels to pay off his debt but does not come back to save his sister! She stays in the old broken-down gingerbread house and tries to survive with the help of a magical duck she starts to feel magic in herself! What has the old witch done? Cursed her!?
Definitely a good read, was very well written and I'd recommend this extended German fairy tale of the original Brothers Grimm.
June 6, 2024
The Gingerbread Queen takes place 13 years after Hansel and Gretel first came to the gingerbread house. I thoroughly enjoyed this cozy story with all the perfect storytelling elements to give it that classic Brothers Grimm feel. I will definitely read other books by this author.
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.
June 11, 2024
The Gingerbread Queen was the sweetest fairy tale story! Thanks to NetGalley and Xpresso Book Tours for this eARC. The Gingerbread Queen takes place in Germany in 1825. It tells the story of Gretel and what has happened to her after she escapes the evil witch's house. This book is full of heartache, whimsy, and overall coziness. I absolutely loved Carrie Noble's writing. This book would make a great movie as well. I highly recommend if you're in the mood for a fairy tale!
November 17, 2025
I didn't enjoy this at all. Found it extremely boring, and I could never get into it. I started to dnf several times but struggled on, hoping for something to change. By the end of the story, I was just glad that it was finally over, a chore that I could check off as completed .
August 9, 2024
A Hansel and Gretel retelling. This book gives off cozy fairytale vibes. A perfect read for autumn or winter. There’s enchantments, witches, a magical duck, faeries, nixies and much more. The writing style is very nice. There isn’t really one big plot but rather a bunch of mini-plots that contribute to an all-over cozy vibe. 4.25 stars!
June 6, 2024
***NetGalley sent me this ARC electronically in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.***
I’m gonna be honest, I had to look up a summary of the original Hansel and Gretel story because I couldn’t remember. I think the author did a great job at sticking with the German culture and heritage and timeline for the 1800s. I loved Lukas, I’m really glad he stuck around. I for sure thought she’d end up falling in love with Ansgar but I don’t really like him. Or Hansel for that matter, what a piece of work. The story wasn’t anything over the top for me and the ending was a bit anti-climactic but a fun story overall.
I’m gonna be honest, I had to look up a summary of the original Hansel and Gretel story because I couldn’t remember. I think the author did a great job at sticking with the German culture and heritage and timeline for the 1800s. I loved Lukas, I’m really glad he stuck around. I for sure thought she’d end up falling in love with Ansgar but I don’t really like him. Or Hansel for that matter, what a piece of work. The story wasn’t anything over the top for me and the ending was a bit anti-climactic but a fun story overall.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 29, 2024
I was really excited for this one since I hadn't read many Hansel and Gretal retellings, but it fell flat for me. I just wasn't engaged in the story or the characters. I wish there was more magic and more darkness in it. It all just felt very safe, which is not what I was expecting.
October 15, 2025
I wasn’t real crazy about this book as I don’t like assumptions of what happened to the characters in another author’s story. I give it a 2.75 and I won’tread another of this author’s books.
June 20, 2024
** 3.5 Stars **
This is my first Carrie Anne Noble book, and I quite liked it!
The Gingerbread Queen is a unique twist on the Hansel & Gretal fairytale, although it’s more of a sequel than a direct retelling. This story follows Gretal about 13 years after the initial fairytale takes place. Gretal, who now goes by Margarethe, is a young woman at 19. She suffers from PTSD from her time in the Witch Queen’s gingerbread house, and is just trying to live what normal life she can while the townsfolk think she is now a witch. They run her out of town, and Gretal is now faced with a new problem: is she to ascend the old Witch Queen’s title?
This is a fun and quick YA fantasy read, filled with romance and suspense. A great story for all ages to enjoy. I like how it’s also more of a sequel to Hansel & Gretal’s original story, and not a direct retelling of their capture and escape. We also get a little background on the old Witch Queen, which I thought was a nice touch to give that character more dimension than just the big, bad, evil character of a fairytale.
My one complaint is there seemed to be some inconsistencies, nothing major like the plot but more situational to the point where it took me out of reading to double check it. ** Minor spoiler warnings: There were a couple more that I noticed but this is just an example. Again, not enough inconsistency to alter the plot but just minor annoyances that took me out of the story when I stumbled across them.
Would I reread? Probably not, I’m not a big fan of rereading and save that for my favorite novels / series
Would I read more from this author? Yea! It was a cute, quick read and I enjoyed it.
Thank you to Booksprout, Oliver Heber Books, and to Carrie herself for the eARC!
This is my first Carrie Anne Noble book, and I quite liked it!
The Gingerbread Queen is a unique twist on the Hansel & Gretal fairytale, although it’s more of a sequel than a direct retelling. This story follows Gretal about 13 years after the initial fairytale takes place. Gretal, who now goes by Margarethe, is a young woman at 19. She suffers from PTSD from her time in the Witch Queen’s gingerbread house, and is just trying to live what normal life she can while the townsfolk think she is now a witch. They run her out of town, and Gretal is now faced with a new problem: is she to ascend the old Witch Queen’s title?
This is a fun and quick YA fantasy read, filled with romance and suspense. A great story for all ages to enjoy. I like how it’s also more of a sequel to Hansel & Gretal’s original story, and not a direct retelling of their capture and escape. We also get a little background on the old Witch Queen, which I thought was a nice touch to give that character more dimension than just the big, bad, evil character of a fairytale.
My one complaint is there seemed to be some inconsistencies, nothing major like the plot but more situational to the point where it took me out of reading to double check it. ** Minor spoiler warnings: There were a couple more that I noticed but this is just an example. Again, not enough inconsistency to alter the plot but just minor annoyances that took me out of the story when I stumbled across them.
Would I reread? Probably not, I’m not a big fan of rereading and save that for my favorite novels / series
Would I read more from this author? Yea! It was a cute, quick read and I enjoyed it.
Thank you to Booksprout, Oliver Heber Books, and to Carrie herself for the eARC!
July 10, 2024
Thank you Netgalley and Oliver Heber Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Carrie Anne Noble's "The Gingerbread Queen" offers a dark, imaginative continuation of the classic Hansel and Gretel fairy tale, set thirteen years after their escape from the wicked witch's gingerbread house. I definitely recommend this book for fans of Grimm retellings, especially ones with unique twists. I don’t think I’ve read a Grimm remix that actually “extended” the story like this one did.
The story follows Gretel, now known as Margarethe, who is 19 and struggling with the traumatic memories of her childhood ordeal. Unlike her brother Hansel, who has succumbed to greed and gambling, Gretel is wiser and more resilient. Forced to flee into the woods and return to the old witch's gingerbread cottage, Gretel faces new challenges and mysteries. Hansel's betrayal and subsequent abandonment leave her to fend for herself, but she finds an unlikely ally in a magical duck and begins to discover latent magical abilities within herself.
The book's setting, Germany in 1825, is vividly brought to life with Noble's descriptive storytelling. The quaint village and eerie forest surrounding the gingerbread cottage evoke a sense of both wonder and menace. The forest, in particular, feels like a living entity, adding layers of mystery and magical realism that enhance the dark fantasy vibe. I absolutely loved the world that Noble created, and I couldn’t pull myself away as I was reading. The setting is incredibly important with atmospheric books like this, and Noble definitely nailed it. I also really enjoyed the duck character in this book. The duck was so unique and fun! I would recommend this book solely just for the duck.
Gretel's character is well-developed, with her internal struggles driving much of the story. Her fear of becoming the next witch-queen and her desire for a normal life create a tension throughout the book. There were some plot points that felt a bit rushed and underdeveloped, making the pacing a bit uneven at times. Yet the characters (especially the duck) kept me engaged throughout.
Overall, "The Gingerbread Queen" is a captivating read that will appeal to fans of dark fairy tales and fantasy. Its rich atmosphere, complex protagonist, and intriguing plot twists make it a highly recommended addition to any fantasy lover's bookshelf.
Carrie Anne Noble's "The Gingerbread Queen" offers a dark, imaginative continuation of the classic Hansel and Gretel fairy tale, set thirteen years after their escape from the wicked witch's gingerbread house. I definitely recommend this book for fans of Grimm retellings, especially ones with unique twists. I don’t think I’ve read a Grimm remix that actually “extended” the story like this one did.
The story follows Gretel, now known as Margarethe, who is 19 and struggling with the traumatic memories of her childhood ordeal. Unlike her brother Hansel, who has succumbed to greed and gambling, Gretel is wiser and more resilient. Forced to flee into the woods and return to the old witch's gingerbread cottage, Gretel faces new challenges and mysteries. Hansel's betrayal and subsequent abandonment leave her to fend for herself, but she finds an unlikely ally in a magical duck and begins to discover latent magical abilities within herself.
The book's setting, Germany in 1825, is vividly brought to life with Noble's descriptive storytelling. The quaint village and eerie forest surrounding the gingerbread cottage evoke a sense of both wonder and menace. The forest, in particular, feels like a living entity, adding layers of mystery and magical realism that enhance the dark fantasy vibe. I absolutely loved the world that Noble created, and I couldn’t pull myself away as I was reading. The setting is incredibly important with atmospheric books like this, and Noble definitely nailed it. I also really enjoyed the duck character in this book. The duck was so unique and fun! I would recommend this book solely just for the duck.
Gretel's character is well-developed, with her internal struggles driving much of the story. Her fear of becoming the next witch-queen and her desire for a normal life create a tension throughout the book. There were some plot points that felt a bit rushed and underdeveloped, making the pacing a bit uneven at times. Yet the characters (especially the duck) kept me engaged throughout.
Overall, "The Gingerbread Queen" is a captivating read that will appeal to fans of dark fairy tales and fantasy. Its rich atmosphere, complex protagonist, and intriguing plot twists make it a highly recommended addition to any fantasy lover's bookshelf.
July 26, 2024
I loved previous books by Carrie Anne Noble, as well as fairy tale retellings in general, so I eagerly awaited the release of this one. I almost gave up on it the first time around--I did, in fact, until I saw that Jeff Wheeler recommended it. He's also one of my favorites, so I decided to give it another go. I'm not sorry I finished it, but my opinion of it really never changed, though.
The story follows Marga (the grown-up Gretel of 'Hansel and Gretel'--she changed her name due to the trauma of her childhood). Once she and Hansel returned to their village after she'd successfully offed the witch, their parents died, and they had only each other. The stigma of their experience followed them--or her, anyway, because for whatever reason, the townspeople began to whisper that Marga herself was a witch and shunned her. Hansel, meanwhile, grew up to be a dissipated and selfish gambler, which basically just serves as an impetus for the story's action. His debts force the siblings to flee back into the forest, and take refuge in, of all places, the Gingerbread cottage once more. In order to get to it, they have to hitch a ride on the back of an enchanted duck, who turns out to be the witch's cursed husband. As the time approaches for the curse to be undone, his human understanding begins to return., and he recalls the prophecy of what has to happen in order for him to become a man again. He knows it involves helping Marga to take her rightful place as the witch's successor.
But Marga, despite the townspeople's beliefs, is innocence personified. The last thing she wants is to display any kind of magic, or to be anything like the witch. She's had a crush on a village baker for years, and it turns out he has had one on her as well (this part reminds me a bit of Peeta from "The Hunger Games,") and when Hansel abandons Marga to her own fate, he comes to her rescue. But the duck (increasingly less duck-like) conspires to force the prophecy that will finally set him free...
I can't entirely say what it was about this book that didn't do it for me. It's whimsical, it's clean, and it's imaginative. I guess mostly the issue is that I didn't find the characters believable enough to be sympathetic, and I had a hard time suspending my disbelief in some very absurd scenarios. But it's good for light pre-bedtime reading.
The story follows Marga (the grown-up Gretel of 'Hansel and Gretel'--she changed her name due to the trauma of her childhood). Once she and Hansel returned to their village after she'd successfully offed the witch, their parents died, and they had only each other. The stigma of their experience followed them--or her, anyway, because for whatever reason, the townspeople began to whisper that Marga herself was a witch and shunned her. Hansel, meanwhile, grew up to be a dissipated and selfish gambler, which basically just serves as an impetus for the story's action. His debts force the siblings to flee back into the forest, and take refuge in, of all places, the Gingerbread cottage once more. In order to get to it, they have to hitch a ride on the back of an enchanted duck, who turns out to be the witch's cursed husband. As the time approaches for the curse to be undone, his human understanding begins to return., and he recalls the prophecy of what has to happen in order for him to become a man again. He knows it involves helping Marga to take her rightful place as the witch's successor.
But Marga, despite the townspeople's beliefs, is innocence personified. The last thing she wants is to display any kind of magic, or to be anything like the witch. She's had a crush on a village baker for years, and it turns out he has had one on her as well (this part reminds me a bit of Peeta from "The Hunger Games,") and when Hansel abandons Marga to her own fate, he comes to her rescue. But the duck (increasingly less duck-like) conspires to force the prophecy that will finally set him free...
I can't entirely say what it was about this book that didn't do it for me. It's whimsical, it's clean, and it's imaginative. I guess mostly the issue is that I didn't find the characters believable enough to be sympathetic, and I had a hard time suspending my disbelief in some very absurd scenarios. But it's good for light pre-bedtime reading.
November 19, 2024
The Gingerbread Queen is a sweet indie story that contains a good witch, and a bad witch. The bad witch has a small role, as this is a continuation of the Grimm fairy tale in which the witch is burned in an oven. This is not so dark as the original, and it does a lovely job of building up the characters in the story. The story is set as the kids are in their late teens and their father has died. Noble does a good job of imagining the effects of such trauma on their character as well as the effects of such a tale on the townsfolk.
The story has wonderful prose & I underlined many beautiful sentences & thoughts. I’m not sure I’ve ever loved so many lines in a piece of fiction. There is some innocent romance, as well. It’s hard to not like the characters, except for Hansel. But then, who wouldn’t be scarred after being caged up by a witch for tomorrow night’s supper?
The duck has a much larger part than in the fairy tale, he adds much amusement as well as depth of story.
There is a character that reminisces about adultery. There is some lusty description, though it does not glorify adultery in any way.
“If she’d learned one thing over the years, it was this: sometimes one had no choice but to act bravely and hope for the impossible.”
“I have no doubt that you can take care of yourself, and have done so many times. But to ask for help is an act of courage, and to accept help is braver still.” Lukas
“The possession of such power rankled him far more than being reduced to eating spiders. He’d wieleded such magic once! Somehow, someday, he vowed with a dismal quack, he would be formidable again. He’d move more than spiders and storm clouds. Someday, he’d feast on the finest foods. He’d wear fine silk and soft leather, jeweled rings and gold pocket watches. His servants would bow and grovel and treat him like royalty. In his future mansion, feathers would be forbidden.” Ansgar- in duck form
“With all his being [Ansgar- in duck form] he willed the girl Gretel to come back to break the spell that bound him. The concentrated effort made his head hurt-and likely affected nothing else in the universe”
The story has wonderful prose & I underlined many beautiful sentences & thoughts. I’m not sure I’ve ever loved so many lines in a piece of fiction. There is some innocent romance, as well. It’s hard to not like the characters, except for Hansel. But then, who wouldn’t be scarred after being caged up by a witch for tomorrow night’s supper?
The duck has a much larger part than in the fairy tale, he adds much amusement as well as depth of story.
There is a character that reminisces about adultery. There is some lusty description, though it does not glorify adultery in any way.
“If she’d learned one thing over the years, it was this: sometimes one had no choice but to act bravely and hope for the impossible.”
“I have no doubt that you can take care of yourself, and have done so many times. But to ask for help is an act of courage, and to accept help is braver still.” Lukas
“The possession of such power rankled him far more than being reduced to eating spiders. He’d wieleded such magic once! Somehow, someday, he vowed with a dismal quack, he would be formidable again. He’d move more than spiders and storm clouds. Someday, he’d feast on the finest foods. He’d wear fine silk and soft leather, jeweled rings and gold pocket watches. His servants would bow and grovel and treat him like royalty. In his future mansion, feathers would be forbidden.” Ansgar- in duck form
“With all his being [Ansgar- in duck form] he willed the girl Gretel to come back to break the spell that bound him. The concentrated effort made his head hurt-and likely affected nothing else in the universe”
May 29, 2024
Carrie Anne Noble’s The Gingerbread Queen offers a haunting and imaginative continuation of the classic Hansel and Gretel fairy tale. Set in Germany in 1825, the story picks up thirteen years after Gretel and her brother Hansel’s escape from the infamous gingerbread cottage. Now living under an assumed name, Gretel tries to distance herself from her past, but fate has other plans.
The novel is steeped in a rich, dark atmosphere that captures the essence of a fairytale gone awry. Noble’s descriptive writing vividly brings to life both the quaint village and the eerie forest that surrounds it. The return to the gingerbread cottage, now a place of both dread and dark magic, is particularly well-crafted, evoking a sense of inevitable doom and curiosity.
Gretel is a well-developed protagonist whose internal struggles drive the narrative. Her fear of becoming the next witch-queen and her desire for a normal life create a poignant tension. The complexity of her character is one of the book’s strengths, making her journey through the forest and her encounters with the white duck compelling and emotionally resonant.
The white duck and the enchanted forest add layers of mystery and magical realism to the story. These elements enhance the dark fantasy vibe and keep the reader engaged with their unpredictable nature and hidden motives. The forest itself feels like a living, breathing entity, guiding and manipulating Gretel towards her fate.
In summary, The Gingerbread Queen is a captivating read that will appeal to fans of dark fairy tales and fantasy. While it struggles with pacing and character development in places, the novel excels in its atmospheric setting, intricate plot, and the depth of its protagonist. Noble’s continuation of the Hansel and Gretel tale is both familiar and refreshingly original, inviting readers to explore the shadows that linger long after the last breadcrumb has been left behind.
The novel is steeped in a rich, dark atmosphere that captures the essence of a fairytale gone awry. Noble’s descriptive writing vividly brings to life both the quaint village and the eerie forest that surrounds it. The return to the gingerbread cottage, now a place of both dread and dark magic, is particularly well-crafted, evoking a sense of inevitable doom and curiosity.
Gretel is a well-developed protagonist whose internal struggles drive the narrative. Her fear of becoming the next witch-queen and her desire for a normal life create a poignant tension. The complexity of her character is one of the book’s strengths, making her journey through the forest and her encounters with the white duck compelling and emotionally resonant.
The white duck and the enchanted forest add layers of mystery and magical realism to the story. These elements enhance the dark fantasy vibe and keep the reader engaged with their unpredictable nature and hidden motives. The forest itself feels like a living, breathing entity, guiding and manipulating Gretel towards her fate.
In summary, The Gingerbread Queen is a captivating read that will appeal to fans of dark fairy tales and fantasy. While it struggles with pacing and character development in places, the novel excels in its atmospheric setting, intricate plot, and the depth of its protagonist. Noble’s continuation of the Hansel and Gretel tale is both familiar and refreshingly original, inviting readers to explore the shadows that linger long after the last breadcrumb has been left behind.
June 6, 2024
The Gingerbread Queen by Carrie Anne Noble is a historical fantasy dual-POV reimagining of Hansel and Gretel. When Marga, once known as Gretel, and her brother, Hansel, get run out of town, Marga is put face-to-face with her destiny to take the place of the same witch that held her and her brother prisoner. Meanwhile, she is assisted by a duck named Ansgar, who was once the husband of the same Marga is replacing.
What I liked about this was how Hansel and Gretel deal with their trauma in very different ways. Hansel is a gambler who has grown exceptionally tall, most likely from the candy the witch fed him, while Gretel is short for a woman in her twenties and tries to keep her head down as the town looks at her in distrust for her association with the witch. Marga has also forsaken the name Gretel to put distance between her current self and the little girl that pushed the witch into an oven to save her brother.
This was the first reimagining I've read of Hansel and Gretel that introduces a family member or partner of the witch. I appreciated Ansgar’s complex feelings for his wife, from how he loved her to how her physical form became twisted to all the magic to his resentment for her cursing him to be a duck. We see a lot of the story through Ansgar's eyes and the tidbits we get of the witch help flesh her out and how we got to this point.
One thing that stood out to me was that Lukas, Marga’s love interest and a baker, is the descendant of the baker who made the gingerbread house. It adds a fun element of worldbuilding that brings a more adult element to the fairy tale.
I would recommend this to fans of Hansel and Gretel and readers looking for historical fantasy retellings of classic fairy tales.
What I liked about this was how Hansel and Gretel deal with their trauma in very different ways. Hansel is a gambler who has grown exceptionally tall, most likely from the candy the witch fed him, while Gretel is short for a woman in her twenties and tries to keep her head down as the town looks at her in distrust for her association with the witch. Marga has also forsaken the name Gretel to put distance between her current self and the little girl that pushed the witch into an oven to save her brother.
This was the first reimagining I've read of Hansel and Gretel that introduces a family member or partner of the witch. I appreciated Ansgar’s complex feelings for his wife, from how he loved her to how her physical form became twisted to all the magic to his resentment for her cursing him to be a duck. We see a lot of the story through Ansgar's eyes and the tidbits we get of the witch help flesh her out and how we got to this point.
One thing that stood out to me was that Lukas, Marga’s love interest and a baker, is the descendant of the baker who made the gingerbread house. It adds a fun element of worldbuilding that brings a more adult element to the fairy tale.
I would recommend this to fans of Hansel and Gretel and readers looking for historical fantasy retellings of classic fairy tales.
June 8, 2024
I don't read much fantasy but when I do, a fairy tale retelling or sequel that expands on the original fairy tale is what I am drawn to the most. When I found out about the book through a local book launch/book signing ad, I looked up the synopsis and was intrigued.
Happily I was able to go to the book launch and signing and picked up two copies: one for me and another as a gift for a relative. I started the book yesterday evening and finished it this afternoon. I enjoyed the book very much.
Gretel (going by a different name after her traumatic ordeal in the original fairy tale) starts the story in a lonely and isolated space. I rooted for her as she gained independence and a better life by the end. I found the her fears and anxiety very realistic and I could imagine feeling the same if I were in her circumstances.
Hansel is in the story but is more a minor character and all I will say regarding his character is good riddance to bad rubbish. It was interesting to see how two people's life-paths diverge so drastically after a shared past.
Ansgar the duck provided a different voice and flavor to the story. He was sarcastic and charming but the story always made it clear that we should not trust the duck's motives or actions. I have the bad habit of trying to guess how things will end and I did not guess correctly as to Ansgar's resolution. It surprised me (in a good way).
Lukas Beckmann was a ray of sunshine. He was so steady, reliable and sweet. I enjoyed his earnest nature.
I recommend checking the book out.
Happily I was able to go to the book launch and signing and picked up two copies: one for me and another as a gift for a relative. I started the book yesterday evening and finished it this afternoon. I enjoyed the book very much.
Gretel (going by a different name after her traumatic ordeal in the original fairy tale) starts the story in a lonely and isolated space. I rooted for her as she gained independence and a better life by the end. I found the her fears and anxiety very realistic and I could imagine feeling the same if I were in her circumstances.
Hansel is in the story but is more a minor character and all I will say regarding his character is good riddance to bad rubbish. It was interesting to see how two people's life-paths diverge so drastically after a shared past.
Ansgar the duck provided a different voice and flavor to the story. He was sarcastic and charming but the story always made it clear that we should not trust the duck's motives or actions. I have the bad habit of trying to guess how things will end and I did not guess correctly as to Ansgar's resolution. It surprised me (in a good way).
Lukas Beckmann was a ray of sunshine. He was so steady, reliable and sweet. I enjoyed his earnest nature.
I recommend checking the book out.
June 12, 2024
What happened to Hansel and Gretel after she killed the witch? Well, Hansel has a gambling problem. Gretel has PTSD. She lives with her brother Hansel in a town where all of the townsfolk- but one- believe her to be a wicked witch. And there is a vacuum of magical power in the forest where the witch’s gingerbread cottage still stands.
The main character, Margarethe, also called Marga is the now-adult Gretel. Her love interest is Lukas, a baker, who doesn’t believe the bad things he has heard about Marga. When she and Hansel flee to avoid his debtors, they must return to the witch’s cottage, where the magic is waiting for Marga, along with the machinations of a mysterious man who has a history with the old witch. He wants her to become the new witch, but Marga wants a life with Lukas.
Marga is a strong character, and very likable. It’s easy to want to root for her and for a HEA with the kind and sweet Lukas. Hansel, sadly, is not very likable, but he’s not the bad guy. The villagers, in their ignorance and superstition, are the scariest problem of the book. It is really tempting to hate them.
This is a love story, but not only a love story. It is really a hero’s tale, with Marga being that hero. She must conquer her fears as well as make choices that cost her personally a good deal, but would cost others more were she not to make them.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The main character, Margarethe, also called Marga is the now-adult Gretel. Her love interest is Lukas, a baker, who doesn’t believe the bad things he has heard about Marga. When she and Hansel flee to avoid his debtors, they must return to the witch’s cottage, where the magic is waiting for Marga, along with the machinations of a mysterious man who has a history with the old witch. He wants her to become the new witch, but Marga wants a life with Lukas.
Marga is a strong character, and very likable. It’s easy to want to root for her and for a HEA with the kind and sweet Lukas. Hansel, sadly, is not very likable, but he’s not the bad guy. The villagers, in their ignorance and superstition, are the scariest problem of the book. It is really tempting to hate them.
This is a love story, but not only a love story. It is really a hero’s tale, with Marga being that hero. She must conquer her fears as well as make choices that cost her personally a good deal, but would cost others more were she not to make them.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 31, 2024
Thank you, Carrie Anne Noble and NetGalley, for the ARC. I leave this review voluntarily and happily. Also, thank you publishers for your hard work!
This is definitely different, and I love different things. It's part of a duology that's to come. What do you think would happen to Hansel and Gretel after hilling the witch? Read this book, and you'll find out. Of course, their lives could have gone many different ways. In my opinion, I thought for sure Hansel would have diabetes but alas not in this tale. There is romance, magic, betrayal, and so much in this twisted tale, but it certainly keeps you interested till the very end. You can only hope so much for your favorite characters.
Even if you don't get to meet many magical creatures, you certainly feel the magic and their presence throughout the book. The times you meet any, it's certainly fun and entertaining. Even those who seem like magical creature might turn out to be more than they appear.
Years after the death of the witch, Hansel and Gretel are living strange lives. They are completely different from one another, and one can say Gretel is the only one who seems to remember what happened to them in those woods. Things are changing, magic is stirring, and a new witch might be rising. What's going to happen? Read and find out.
This is definitely different, and I love different things. It's part of a duology that's to come. What do you think would happen to Hansel and Gretel after hilling the witch? Read this book, and you'll find out. Of course, their lives could have gone many different ways. In my opinion, I thought for sure Hansel would have diabetes but alas not in this tale. There is romance, magic, betrayal, and so much in this twisted tale, but it certainly keeps you interested till the very end. You can only hope so much for your favorite characters.
Even if you don't get to meet many magical creatures, you certainly feel the magic and their presence throughout the book. The times you meet any, it's certainly fun and entertaining. Even those who seem like magical creature might turn out to be more than they appear.
Years after the death of the witch, Hansel and Gretel are living strange lives. They are completely different from one another, and one can say Gretel is the only one who seems to remember what happened to them in those woods. Things are changing, magic is stirring, and a new witch might be rising. What's going to happen? Read and find out.
June 11, 2024
I am always on the hunt for a fairy tale retelling and reimagining and With The Gingerbread Queen, we revisit Hansel and Gretel nearly 13 years after their ordeal with the witch in the woods. The beginning of this book reminded me of After the Forest by Kell Woods, where we also revisit Hansel and Greta (I believe we call her) after they've grown. I was actually surprised I didn't see more people comparing the two as the other only came out about a year ago.
However, this book does take a bit of a darker path as we see Gretel ( now going by Marga) trying to distance herself from her past and her brother throwing their family into poverty because of his gambling issue. I love the dark atmosphere of the book, the magic which still permeates everything, and the gothic eerie forest which becomes almost a character in itself.
I think I noticed someone say this would be part of a duology and I hope that is true. I would love to continue to explore the story and the world she is weaving. I also want to pick up more of her works as it seems she has quite a way with fairy tale retellings.
I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher for providing me an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review. I am so glad this came along and I was granted the opportunity to read it and provide my thoughts, I cannot wait to read more,
However, this book does take a bit of a darker path as we see Gretel ( now going by Marga) trying to distance herself from her past and her brother throwing their family into poverty because of his gambling issue. I love the dark atmosphere of the book, the magic which still permeates everything, and the gothic eerie forest which becomes almost a character in itself.
I think I noticed someone say this would be part of a duology and I hope that is true. I would love to continue to explore the story and the world she is weaving. I also want to pick up more of her works as it seems she has quite a way with fairy tale retellings.
I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher for providing me an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review. I am so glad this came along and I was granted the opportunity to read it and provide my thoughts, I cannot wait to read more,
November 12, 2024
This book took me by surprise. I have always been a big fan of fairytales, especially retelling of the Grimms fairytales.
I have a really hard time getting hooked to stories as I have ADHD, but this book grabbed me really quickly. The story was a fresh, new and wonderful take on an age old story. Something that isn’t always that easy to come by these days. It has a really good story arc and I became invested in her characters. I also enjoyed the focus on the story itself instead of feeling obligated to add any sort of “spice” in there. I am not a prude, don’t get me wrong but if I’m reading fantasy, I want the story. I want world building. This book is exactly that.
The author is a really impressive writer. The writing was smooth, well versed and had a vast vocabulary without feeling like I needed a PhD to read it - or more specifically, being well versed in “fantasy knowledge”. I’m sorry, “when the moon hatched” but I’m looking at you here.
What surprises me most of all is that this wonderful author is not as popular as Sarah J Maas and Rebecca Yarros. She has the skill as a writer and story teller as much as they do. Her writing abilities are really up there.
This was a really great read and I look forward to reading all of her books.
I have a really hard time getting hooked to stories as I have ADHD, but this book grabbed me really quickly. The story was a fresh, new and wonderful take on an age old story. Something that isn’t always that easy to come by these days. It has a really good story arc and I became invested in her characters. I also enjoyed the focus on the story itself instead of feeling obligated to add any sort of “spice” in there. I am not a prude, don’t get me wrong but if I’m reading fantasy, I want the story. I want world building. This book is exactly that.
The author is a really impressive writer. The writing was smooth, well versed and had a vast vocabulary without feeling like I needed a PhD to read it - or more specifically, being well versed in “fantasy knowledge”. I’m sorry, “when the moon hatched” but I’m looking at you here.
What surprises me most of all is that this wonderful author is not as popular as Sarah J Maas and Rebecca Yarros. She has the skill as a writer and story teller as much as they do. Her writing abilities are really up there.
This was a really great read and I look forward to reading all of her books.
December 30, 2024
This was delightful, fantasy retelling of the Brother's Grimm story, Hansel and Gretl. Gretl and Hansel are now adults and have escaped the evil witch.
Gretl (now called Marga) and Hansel return to the house built of gingerbread and candy in an effort to get jewels that will pay off Hansel's debts.
I enjoyed the moments where we get fantastical back stories for several characters. The duck that brought Hansel and Gretl across the lake after escaping the witch. The nixes (mermaids) that trick anyone who attempts to cross the sea. The baker's son.
In between those moments though it didn't feel like a lot of things were happening. I could write about 5 sentences and it would summarize what happened in the book. The first third and the last third were eventful and concise. The middle portion of the book just felt like filler. Characters waited for someone to return to the gingerbread house. A character pondering what to do and the choices that they might make. I wasn't bored but I wanted the progression of the plot to move along at a faster pace if you weren't giving me a plot point that escalated the story. It's because of that they book landed at a 3.75 for me.
Read this book if you like classic fairytale retellings and a good, solid happy ending.
Gretl (now called Marga) and Hansel return to the house built of gingerbread and candy in an effort to get jewels that will pay off Hansel's debts.
I enjoyed the moments where we get fantastical back stories for several characters. The duck that brought Hansel and Gretl across the lake after escaping the witch. The nixes (mermaids) that trick anyone who attempts to cross the sea. The baker's son.
In between those moments though it didn't feel like a lot of things were happening. I could write about 5 sentences and it would summarize what happened in the book. The first third and the last third were eventful and concise. The middle portion of the book just felt like filler. Characters waited for someone to return to the gingerbread house. A character pondering what to do and the choices that they might make. I wasn't bored but I wanted the progression of the plot to move along at a faster pace if you weren't giving me a plot point that escalated the story. It's because of that they book landed at a 3.75 for me.
Read this book if you like classic fairytale retellings and a good, solid happy ending.
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