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The River Has Roots
The River Has Roots
Amal El-Mohtar | 2025 | Fiction & Poetry, LGBTQ+, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I have deep love for a fairy tale - especially the ones that border on the macabre.
The River Has Roots is a beautiful tale of two sisters who live on the border of Arcadia (Faerie), and sing to the Willow trees twice a day in tribute to the men they once were.

The sisters are very close: Ysabel and Esther, and they always want to be together. But of course, as in all good fairytales, a man throws a spanner in the works.

The River Has Roots is a novella and honestly, if El-Mohtar wrote this as a full length novel or decided to write more such stories, I would be all in. The writing is beautiful - full on fairytale style at its best.

This gave me “The Twa Sisters” vibes, equally as tragic, but not exactly the same - you’re not getting an exact retelling. This is a story in its own right.

The Lino-cut illustrations (Kathleen Neely) throughout the book were perfect for the story, too.

There was a bonus story at the end, “John Hollowback and the Witch”, and it was a rather pleasant surprise - a fabulous cautionary tale.

This is a must-read for my fellow fairytale fans!
  
Gathering Frost (Once Upon a Curse, #1)
Gathering Frost (Once Upon a Curse, #1)
Kaitlyn Davis | 2015 | Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
10
8.0 (4 Ratings)
Book Rating
I've always loved fairy tales so when I was given the opportunity to receive an ARC of Gathering Frost I quickly jumped on it as Sleeping Beauty was one of the movies I remember my mom taking me to see in the theaters when it first came out (that's another shh moment). I love how the author took a classic fairy tale and gave it her own twist as this is definetely not the tale we grew up with.
 

After a catastrophic life altering event, we find ourselves with two worlds that have become one and we find that Jade is a completely different person. Strong, agile and fierce she does what needs to be done to accomplish the task at hand but she doesn't feel emotions. An encounter with Asher is the beginning of changes that she never expected, let alone believe to be possible.
 

I loved how well the blending of the old with the new was done and I certainly loved the scenery and characters but above all else the story. You will find yourself being transported into the story line as Ms. Davis weaves her web and I believe you will find it hard to put this book down. I certainly am looking forward to the next book as the author left us with what I call a tid bit of what's going to be her rendition of Beauty and the Beast.
 

You won't be disappointed!
  
The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom
The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom
Christopher Healy | 2012 | Fiction & Poetry, Humor & Comedy, Science Fiction/Fantasy
10
7.3 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
Join Princes Fredric, Gustav, Liam, and Duncan as they must ban together to stop an evil witch from taking over their kingdoms. Of course, first, they must learn their own strengths and how to get along with each other.

This book was laugh out loud funny from start to finish with wonderful character growth and an engaging plot. My only complaint is that I didn't read it even sooner. With strong male and female characters, I think both boys and girls will equally love it. And adults will delight in this middle grade fractured fairy tale as well.

Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2014/08/book-review-heros-guide-to-saving-your.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
  
TI
This is a Love Story
4
4.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
All this book did was frustrate me! Chick-lit is definitely not my favourite genre, however I can cope with it on occasions. This book is one of those that reminds me why I steer clear of chick-lit!

Lovely little fairy tale story line, boy meets girl, girl meets boy and guess what... that fall in love! But do they admit it? Nope, not until your brain is crying from the nonsense of it all! I wish these books would come up with a different story line of boy and girl love each other but don't tell each other for ages, Pride & Prejudice tells that story perfectly well, we don't need anymore!
  
I received a copy of The Evil Queen from Harlequin TEEN (US Canada) through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I wanted to like this one more than I actually did.

The righting is great and a lot of it is really evocative but the character of Every came off as about 12 or so. Her reactions didn't strike me as realistic for a high schooler at all.

The dialogue is a bit cheesy at points but I'm not gonna complain to much because what's a fairy tale without some cheese?

I did enjoy the story but the sensual parts did come off a bit awkward to me on account of the MC seeming so young.
  
Gretel &amp; Hansel (2020)
Gretel & Hansel (2020)
2020 | Fantasy, Horror, Thriller
Twisted Fairy Tale
Gretel & Hansel - is a decent movie, it has good scaries, good suspense, good thrills, good psychological espects and thats pretty much it. I mean the story is decent, but it could of been better.

The plot: When their mother descends into madness, siblings Gretel and Hansel must fend for themselves in the dark and unforgiving woods. Hungry and scared, they fortuitously stumble upon a bounty of food left outside an isolated home. Invited inside by the seemingly friendly owner, the children soon suspect that her generous but mysterious behaviour is part of a sinister plan to do them harm.

Sophia Liillis was good, the source matteral was decent. I just wish this movie was better.