Braided Silver

Untold Tales #5

by Laura Greenwood

Twenty women. Five tests. One Prince, and a pauper determined to win. When Cosette is taken away from her tower, and sent to the palace for having silver blood, she ends up competing for a chance to win the Prince's hand in marriage. With new friends, rivals, and a kitsune familiar, can she win the Prince's heart? Or will she find herself locked back up in her tower?- Braided Silver is a standalone fantasy romance and part of the Untold Tales series. It has an m/f relationship and is based on Rapunzel.

Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, Humor, Audiobook, Fairy Tale Retellings

188 pages, Paperback

Published March 8, 2021

About the author

Laura is a USA Today Bestselling Author of fantasy romance and urban fantasy. She lives in the UK, where most of her books are set, with her partner. When she's not writing, Laura can be found exploring worldwide cusine with her partner, drinking tea, and reading fantasy books. Laura specialises in quick reads, featuring healthy relationships and consent-positive moments, regardless of whether she's writing light-hearted romance, mythology-inspired modern fantasy, cozy fantasy or anything in between.

Discover one of Laura Greenwood's most popular series:
- The Apprentice of Anubis (mythology inspired modern/urban fantasy)
- Forgotten Gods (mythology inspired fantasy romance)
- Jinx Paranormal Dating Agency (mythology inspired paranormal rom-com)
- House of Blood and Roses (vampire romantasy)
- Amethyst's Wand Shop Mysteries (urban fantasy murder mystery)
- Scales of Justice (mythology inspired modern/urban fantasy)
- Purple Oak Oasis (cozy fantasy romance)
- Falhaven Castle (cozy fantasy romance)

You can find a full book list and more information on her website, or in her Facebook Reader Group.

Happy Reading!

Reviews

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ever since I read the blurb for this one, I felt this urge to read it. The concept sounded really great and it contained all ingredients I love so much in other stories. So, when I didn't feel like reading much last week I bought this book, planning on diving into it after work. I just was way too tired to read another word, so I had to wait until today to finally pick this book up.

And it was exactly the kinda story I had hoped it would be! It carries the same atmosphere as most of Greenwood's fairytale retellings. It keeps this fairytale vibe and as a reader you know there is a happy ending waiting at the end and along the way we see loads of cuteness and a little drama. This story also gave me that happy feeling all her other stories give me. It's not complicated or very layered or very deep. It's just a nice, light hearted read to brighten your day.

Even though the retelling itself carried only a few elements of the original story, the plot was not that surprising. It was however exciting and constantly moving. Greenwood took the time to introduce the characters so we could care for them and their happily ever after and then she introduced some action and some mystery. I also loved the trials, but I most of all loved how secure both Archie and Cosette were in their love for each other.

It's easy to root for two people who are so sure of their love and who both know that the other loves them. It also made room for some female friendships and for girls really helping each other out in circumstances where you wouldn't really expect it. And of course there was a little drama among the contestants, that kept it interesting and gave the story a little edge, but it was never turning this love story into some soap opera drama.

And I just discovered that there are a few more fairytale retellings by Greenwood I haven't read yet. I'm gonna get to them as soon as possible!

[Tash · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun story that is retelling of Rapunzel that the author has made her own with the introduction of the Silver Blood and the mysterious competition.
Whilst the romance was pretty easy to figure out . The fantasy element is what kept me going and intrigued with the story. Stolen away from the tower that she shouldn't be in and thrown into a game that she doesn't know.
Cossette is calm and collected, there is a presence about her that draws everyone in . The hero was right in choosing her and whilst the competition wasn't piece of cake.
It allowed readers to really get to know Cosettte and the ladies of the court. There was some obvious tension and drama with the competition which really heated things up. True love won though and it was a sweet ending. It's an unique retelling of this story.

[Mandie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun twisted retelling of Rapunzel. It had a great storyline. I really enjoyed it

[Jamie Bee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great New Spin on Rapunzel

I absolutely adore retellings of classic fairy tales, and I usually enjoy books by this author. So, when I saw this book on one of my favorite book review sites, I knew I had to snap it up. I am so glad that I did. This is such a great little story. This particular tale is a spin on Rapunzel, called Cosette in this one. I thought her character was well-drawn, and the author created sympathy for her on several levels—because of her treatment by her mother, her treatment because of her silver blood, and her feelings for her young man and what it would take to get him! Even though a competition between women is at the core of this, the author showed the women's relationships in a variety of ways that aren't typically seen in competition stories, including real and true friendship. Very cool. The kitsune familiar was a great character, too. The silver blood was an interesting twist instead of focusing on Rapunzel's hair (which she had cut short recently to just below her knees), though I wish that more was explained about this special blood. I wish the mom had received a comeuppance. All in all, I found this to be a delightful retelling of Rapunzel.

I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.

My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com

[Denise H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Braids of Silver was a cute twist on Rapunzel’s tale. The characters were charming and the storyline was fun and engaging. I enjoyed the interaction between Cosette and the other young women at the court as well as the relationship between her and Archie (they made a sweet couple) and I loved the little kitsune! Using the silver blood versus Rapunzel’s well-known hair was also an interesting take on the story but I would have liked to have seen a more in-depth background and discussion on this discovery. That part felt rushed and shorted - just the discovery, telling, and done. I would have also liked to have seen more drama played out between Cosette and her mother at the end along with a final confrontation. It seemed like after everything her mother did, Cosette should have had a final word about the wrongdoing and shown how happy she was now. But, all in all, it was a cute, quick read.

*I received an arc via Booksprout and I am voluntarily providing my honest review.

[Jacqueline Chappell · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a quick sweet read retelling the story of Rapunzel with a slight twist. No steam but romantic and HEA as expected.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alejandra Guerrero · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars.
It was bland. Nothing to write home about. And Cosette seemed kind of a vapid pick me, TBH.

[Jessica Robbins · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.

An interesting remake of Rapunzel. We meet Cosette as she is sneaks out of the tower to meet someone when she is captured on her way back. She is tested and found to have Silver Blood which she has no clue about before being sent to compete for the hand of the prince in an upcoming competition. Imagine her surprise when the guy she was secretly meeting is really the prince. A fun tale that readers are sure to enjoy. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.

[Malischa Nijenhuis · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

I love this retelling of Rapunzel
But than a little different.
It hooked me right away at the first chapter a lot and i couldnt put this book down.
I really enjoyed this booK. And will read the rest of the untold tales by Laura Greenwood

[Rachel Joi Maples · Rating 5 out of 5]

great read

[Aimee Bower · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cosette has been stuck in the tower her whole life. Her mother refuses to let her leave. She found out a way to get out by watching her mother. She has been slipping into town. She meets up with Archie. When her mother leaves for a few days, she has the whole day to spend with him. They have a wonderful time. He gives her some news, his parent are expecting him to marry. He wants her to come with him, but he is holding information back. Cosette doesn't know what he is withholding, it causes to have to think about it.
On her way home, Cosette is taken to a holding cell. She doesn't know why, they are talking about silver blood. One of the guys tells her she has this blood, will be taken to the castle for the competition. Cosette doesn't want to, she wants to get back to Archie. When she gets there, she meets a nice girl named Rosemary. She is kind to help her with it going on. Cosette thinks maybe Archie will be at the ball. If he is, he can help her get out of this.
Cosette and the other girls are at the ball, they introduce the royal family. Archie is the prince everyone is competing to be his future wife. Archie and Cosette are able to talk. Cosette is able to tell him that she was hoping to see him, so he could help her. Cosette is determined to win this, to show others she had a right to be there.
Things will not be easy for Cosette with the other girls being they way they are, her mother is in the picture and so much more.

This was a really good story, well written and moved at a good pace. You will finish the book before you know it. I recommend reading this.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Laura Greenwood]

Untold Tales Series (all can be read as standalones)
1. Balanced Scales: books2read.com/balancedscales
2. Golden Wings: books2read.com/goldenwings
3. Poisoned Fate: books2read.com/poisonedfate
4. Tainted Ashes: books2read.com/taintedashes
5. Braids Of Silver: books2read.com/braidsofsilver
6. Fractured Core: books2read.com/fracturedcore

You can also join my Goodreads Reader Group for new release alerts, spoiler threads, and more!
==> https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...

[Fay J · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun retelling and one that I really enjoyed. Cosette has been walled up in the tower with her Mother for many years. She has recently found a way to escape to the outside world and uses it sparingly for fear of being caught. Once when out she met a boy, Archie, and he has always been sweet and kind to her. She now tries to meet him as often as she can. He has been showing her around the village and its environs. By taking picnics near waterfalls and having long walks they have got to know each other quite well although, in the end, not well enough. Archie asks her to marry him but Cosette is worried about leaving behind the only life and family she knows. She asks for a day's grace and she'll meet him to either go with him or say goodbye. He's unhappy but agrees as he doesn't want to pressure her. On the way home she is kidnapped, tested for her eligibility in something she has never heard of before and then taken to compete in a competition. She has no way of leaving and has no idea of where home is, let alone how to get to it if she could. All the while she is trying to find a way to get a message to Archie to ask him to wait for her as she never got the chance to tell him yes. Will she ever get that chance now?

[Angie Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laura Greenwood has written a 5-star book. Cosette and Archie are seeing each other whenever they can. Archie asks Cosette the last time he sees her "if she would leave with him?" She tells him she will think about it and give him an answer the next day. Something happens to Cosette on her way home. She finds out that she has Silver Blood and she is to be taken to the palace for the competition to become the Crown Prince's wife. She doesn't know that Archie is the Crown Prince and when she finds out, she decides to stay in the competition. There are a lot of women in the competition and there are tests they must win in order to go to the next round. There are a few women who will cheat in order not to get sent home.
Will Cosette and Archie get there HEA or will she get sent home?
This was a wonderful book and I would recommend this book to anyone.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[sherri jones-teachout · Rating 5 out of 5]

Locked in a tower her whole life. Cosette has been locked in a tower by her mother for her entire life. Sometimes her mother leaves for several days at a time and Cosette goes into the local village. There she meets Archie and they fall in love. On the day he asks her to marry him, she is kidnapped on her way home and taken to a palace and forced to be in a competition to the the Prince’s fiancée. And she can’t decline because she has special silver blood. Cosette knows she can’t win against the noble ladies but she hopes maybe Archie is from a noble family and she will see him at the ball. But Cosette in is for several surprises, regarding the prince and the reason why her mother has kept her imprisoned. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cosette has been kept in a tower and finally figures out to get out of it to go to town. She and Archie meet and try to be with each other anytime they can arrange it. On the last time they met, as she walks home, it is discovered that she has Silver Blood and she is taken to the palace to compete for a chance to become the wife of the Crown Prince! She didn’t know that her Archie was actually the Crown Prince! So now she will have to try to win the competition. Will Cosette and Archie get their change for a HEA or will she fail to win the competition against the other women?

This was such a good rendition of the Rapunzel story. It was exciting to find out her love was actually the Prince, and to see her compete for him. The story line was fun and the characters were likable. This author always gives us an excellent story to read! Grab your copy and enjoy!

[Mx Phoebe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Laura Greenwood has this knack for making a known tale into a completely fresh unknown yet familiar story. Did that make any sense? It makes sense in my head so hopefully you understand what I mean.

Braids of Silver reads as a paranormal mystery. I was just as clueless as Cosette in this story. Greenwood provides twist after twist in this remake. I was enthralled. I still have questions and I can totally see this story moving beyond here and into a series. Silver blood beings discovered everywhere and what powers do they wield? Greenwood does love to tease and tantalize.

Braids is a wonderful sweet clean romantic remake of a classic. Greenwood has done it again. If you want to read a fairy-tale retelling done right: read a Greenwood tale.

I received an ARC of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.

[Stan Hutchings · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another variation of Rapunzel, but quite a different variation, a sweet fairy-tale with a happily-ever-after ending. Cosette's Silver Blood is a mark of magic in the family and giving her a chance at marrying the prince. In the competition to become the princess, she must beat out 19 other candidates to win the hand of Prince Archibald, who turns out to be Archie, her true love. Though she did not know he was a prince until she saw him at the ball. She is "adopted" by a kitsune, and is reassured Archie still wants to marry her, despite her lowly status as a peasant. Several unexpected twists keep the suspense up, but you just know Archie will finally marry Cosette. We do find out why Cosette's mother kept her in a tower for 18 years. We have to admire Cosette's good nature and sweet, easy-going personality, which were undoubtedly what attracted Archie in the first place.

[Marjorie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rapunzel, or Cosette in this story is the girl in the tower - cloistered for her protection or imprisoned for her exploitation? That is always the question. This is a short fast read that dives right into the good part of the story, when she sneaks out of the tower to meet her sweetheart. From there is as a whirlwind of adventure. This is a very positive, happy story. Cosette, her friends and her prince are well developed, but the antagonists remain caricatures. The focus is on the happy ending and the angst of betrayals is somewhat brushed away. The challenges were interesting and the kitsune was adorable. If you are looking for a sweet palate cleanser or a light afternoon read this is an excellent choice.

[Elizabeth McDaniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cossette was kept in a tower by Mother and wasn’t supposed to leave. But Cossette learned to sneak out and go to the next town where she met Archie and fell in love. But one day on her way back home from town, she was kidnapped. She was tested for silver blood which carried magical powers and was proven to have it, immediately placing her in a competition with royals and a few commoners to wed the prince. The girls were given a set of tests and through being ridiculed, helped by another silver blood and a kitsune, then being kidnapped once more, Cossette knew where her true place was and found her HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Adena Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always wondered why Rapunzel (herein named Cosette) would have been imprisoned in a tower. What made her so special that people would want to do that? Laura Greenwood and Mercedes Lackey were the only ones who created magical worlds which created a logical and wonderous reason for that act, and both built on that reason to put Rapunzel/Cosette into situations that catapulted her into adventure, whether Rapunzel/Cosette was ready for it or not. I am so glad that Cosette found her beloved Archie before she found out he was a prince.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anne Dwyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cosette had been kept locked in a tower, by her mother, all of her life - and she never knew why. She had found a way to get out, and go and explore the village where she met and fell in love with Archie. He wants to marry her - but on her way back to the tower to gather a few things, she was kidnapped.
They found that she had "silver blood". She had no idea what that meant, but she was taken to the palace to take part in a competition to become the bride of the prince. But Cosette is in love with Archie!
What secrets has her mother been keeping? Will Cosette's dreams come true? I loved it!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick and sweet read retelling.
If you are in for a fairy tale I hope you check this one out it was outstanding. It is a different look at the tale of Rapunzel. Cosette had been kept in a tower but like any captive, she finds a way to leave and go to the nearby village. Here she has friends and one handsome stranger but fate will have its way and she is captured and sent to court. Archie and Cosette were great characters and written so well by Ms.Greenwood. This quick and sweet read retelling of Rapunzel with some interesting twists is the great read I highly recommend. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Sassy Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic story! I love reading fairy tales retelling. I can't wait to read more in this series.

Cosette has been locked in a tower her whole life. She hasn't told her mother that she has found a way of it when she is gone. She meets Archie in the village when she can every month. He asks her to come back with him to his home but she asks for the night. She is taken to the palace to participate in a competition for the prince's hand. She wants to get back to Archie. Will she find her way back to him?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Judy Gittleson Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of Rapunzel works around her long hair, but in this retelling she has silver blood that gets her into the competition for the prince. Cosette has been locked in a high tower by her mother but had gotten out numerous times and met Archie in the village. Now in the palace and in a competition, she finds out that Archie is the prince, making her desperately want to win. The characters are nicely done. The storyline has some really good surprises and twists to the original story. Loved that the two had a connection before the palace. Great ending.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Darcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this story as a retelling of Rapunzel. It is well written and the characters are stunningly developed. They have amazing personalities that are felt throughout the story. I do wish we learned more about Cosette and her mother but otherwise this quick read is really good. Archie has a sweet and kind personality that is such a wonderful character. I so enjoyed how the story was told and how well it flows. It is definitely a must read and doesn’t disappoint!!!!!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rhonda Hicks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Laura Greenwood gave us a quick, easy read in this retelling of Rapunzel. Cosette is the daughter that lives in the tower where her mother has her locked. Once a month, her mother leaves and Cosette has watched her mother enough to know the way to sneak out while she's gone. She doesn't go far, only into town and, if he's there, she meets her friend Archie. The story was cute, there's a bit of drama and intrigue, even a little kitsune, who is so easy to fall in love with, and of course a happily ever after at the end. It was a great read before bed.

[Kristine L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is part of the Once Upon A Fairy Tale Night Series, this one is about Rapunzel who's name in this book is Cosette. It seems that she has silver blood. From the first we are introduced to the characters and get a chance to know about them. This was a sweet journey of competition for the princes hand in marriage, mystery, very charming prince, some danger, and jealousy. A quick sweet, cute, fun read with a happy ever after. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Douglas Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a retelling of the classic Rapunzel fairy tale story with some fun and intriguing twists. As I expect from this author, the story is well written and easy to read. Both the setting and characters are vaguely familiar, and yet they have their own unique twist, making them fresh as well. I had a lot of fun watching the story unfold in some unexpected directions. As a fan of new takes on old stories, I had a lot of fun with this one.

Highly recommended

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes. -

[Indie · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it !!! love this series !!! love Cosette... this is her story... a fast paced drama... a new take on Rapunzel... Cosette is locked in the tower... has always been... she learns to escape for a few hours then goes back... she meets Archie... she has silver blood.. and is forced into a competition for the hand of the prince... what happens when she finds out that the prince is Archie ? she will do anything to win... a good twist...

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.