An interesting new twist on fairy tale reimaginings.
928661
With magic pens, talking rabbits, and fairy tale characters turned evil, this book provides a unique look at the world of the Grimm fairy tales. While fairy tale reimaginings have become a widespread phenomenon, this book has a fresh take on the subject. Alice is content with her life, her junior year of high school is ending, she's got a perfect boyfriend, and a job volunteering at the public library for the summer. And then she stumbles across a magic pen and an old note seemingly addressed to her. She slowly begins to realize that her life has irrevocably changed and not for the better.

I found Alice a refreshing and feisty heroine. She reluctantly picks up the mantle of hero as she faces a lifetime of hunting fairy tale characters turned evil who do not belong in the human world. I enjoyed the fact that she studies fencing in school, an atypical school subject.  Her rabbit sidekick provides some humor mixed in with the growing tension.  Once the action picks up and Alice must face deadly enemies with little besides her fencing skills, her ingenuity, and the magic pen the book moves rapidly.  Recommended for those who enjoy fairy tales with a dark twist and a feisty heroine. Note there is reference to sex and a good deal of violence.

A complimentary copy received in return for an honest review as part of a blog tour.
3733968
This book is a very interesting take on a few different fairy tales, throw in some supernatural spookiness and youve got your fantastic story. I wish i could have it in paperback because it was a very different tale. I loved it.
3196577
I am a huge fan of fairy tale retellings because I am always incredibly fascinated by the fact that so many people are able to take the same simple story and recreate it in a way that is completely unique. So of course when I heard about this book I couldn't resist it. Going in expecting a retelling of Sleeping Beauty, I was surprised by something I never would have expected in a million years. The story begins with Amelia waking up at Ian's house (the secluded palazzo) and she is hella confused. The book is written in a way at the beginning where you as the reader have no clue  really what is going on, which can be frustrating, but I think it adds a really nice touch because you learn about this new world as Amelia learns about it and her place in it. You figure out quickly that this isn't going to be your typical retelling of Sleeping Beauty with a very intriguing twist on why she is waking up without any memories or any idea of why she is waking up in this random guy's house. Besides the sleeping beauty aspect to it, towards the end I was also getting a Beauty and the Beast feeling, but I can't really tell you why without spoiling the book, so if you do you'll have to let me know if you feel that way too.

The story is set in the near future in a world that is very familiar to today, but also quite different. While it is different though, it definitely isn't a stretch that it is somewhere our current world could be heading. In the story Manhattan, where a majority of the book takes place, has become even more a place of privilege to the point where it is heavily controlled who could get in and out. The difference between social classes is also very stark with everyone who isn't rich having to wear a certain uniform so they can be identified. I really liked reading about this society and comparing it to our own society and how it made our downfalls as a society extreme.

As for the characters, I was a huge fan. Amelia is a headstrong girl who knows what she wants, and what she wants the most is Ian. There is a lot in this book about free will and choice which I really enjoyed because there is nothing I dislike more than a girl who gets with a guy because she feels like she doesn't have a choice. Amelia has a complicated past that may make her drawn to Ian even if she doesn't want to be, so with the help of Ian she ensures that it is her choice to be with him and she constantly is making that clear. She also goes through a journey in the book of figuring out who she is as a person without being influence by others which is something I could really relate to and I think most people can relate to.

Overall, this book definitely has it's erotic moments, but  I found it to be so much more than just another erotic novel. It explored what would happen if science started to question what it means to be human and if the social class gap became even wider. It explored the freedom we have to make our own choices and how important that is. It explored what it means to love someone and find out that your love for them might not be good for them. This book was an amazing read and I can't wait until the next book in the series in march.
3533247
Based on how the fairy tales were written in the modern era, I would say that this is pretty awesome. I like the dark, realistic twist it puts on the fable characters.
3317118
Retellings of well known classic fairytales in a new way, with unexpected twists, and strong characters that are easy to relate to. Thankfully easy to read (good grammar) and very re-readable these are some of my favorite books.
245469
This book is a modern day "fairy tale". It is rather short, but tells a meaningul story. I gave it 5 stars simply because it is unique for me. I think I might have seen a couple of editing errors, but not much.

I notice that a few reviewers had problems with the "weird writting style and no dialog".  I think the story is that way because it is written like a fairy tale, which I thought suited this story perfectly.
906607
This is a nice variation on the famous story, with enough new elements to keep it interesting and surprising. A fairytale for grownups, tastefully done, but with lots of heat too.
4222690
Run Little Wolf is a remake of the children's fairytale story Little Red RidingHood. It is an interesting twist and I liked it. It had love interests and action and was all around an interesting take to the classic fairytale. I liked how it ended, you were definitely able to tell that the next story would be retakes of Goldilocks (Gold and the 3 bears). I am also looking forward to finding out what happens with Snow, Erik, and now the prince. I definitely plan to keep up with this series as it has great potential.

SN: This story is a menage. 2 guys 1 girl.
2039674
An imaginative story with a unique twist on some of the biblical characters many of us grew up reading about.
4961138
This is a unique take on the Story of sleeping beauty it was well done and in some ways i feel more exciting then the original. You got a glimpse into a part of our history in the Industrial Revolution woven up in this story of a magical spindle that can help improve this girls life but it cursed with the spell from Sleeping Beauty. It woven up with fairies, love, and a heroine striving to make something of the life she living. I liked how it not really a retelling but a continuation from the story we all know. Shannon has a great way of weaving a story that you really want to devour
1205101
I really enjoyed reading a new twist on old fairy tales.  I like it when authors dream up new ways to tell well-known stories.

The unnamed Fey takes on a role of protector.  It's a very Edward-from-Twilight role at first, because he just watches from the wings and bears his promise to Cinderella's mother with levity and sympathy, rather than romantic interest.  But duty turns to interest over the years and I believe it was portrayed very well.  Not stalkerish, but merely... how love happens.

I really enjoy the idea that a Rumpelstiltskin-type character could be a hero rather than a villain.  It's much more interesting and makes the story more complex.  Will she choose him or the prince?

The only real distraction with the Fey world--Oberon, Puck, Titania.  They really only served as a weak obstacle and in the end were fairy inconsequential.  The unnamed Fey could've just been an unnamed fairy that hadn't been claimed, giving less power to his lore and more power to the story spun around him and Cinderella.  I am always interested to see more character development in novels.

Overall it was an enjoyable read.
3260331
[NOTE: I received a copy of this book through NetGalley and Edelweiss, in exchange for an honest review.]

An interesting retelling of Cinderella, in that it veers away from the traditional Happy Ever After being brough by Finding True Love. Not that love isn't nice, but Ive always found it a bit lackluster, in that it feels like a deus ex machinawhy would there be any need for resourceful, smart, brave characters, right, since Love is meant to care of everything in the end! So this novel was a definite good change of pace, with Nick/Nicolette/Mechanica basically doing things herself, laying down her own plans and acting on them to get her own workshop. She was determined to reclaim her own life, without waiting on Prince Charming to come to the rescue, and I particularly liked that she realised this and chose her own path when other characters tried to force her into that particular mould.

Last but not least, the story focuses on friendship as a possible form of love, which isn't something that Ive seen that often in YA books, which too often only consider the couple aspect. Yet love has so many variations, offers so many possibilities

The world itself was also intriguing, with its mix of steampunk-ish science and faerie wares, with the Fae getting the short end of the stick after having seen their lands conquered by the humans. It was a shame these two civilisations couldn't coexist peacefully, and it raises the question of whether this couldve been possible or not, or maybe if one of the sides (or both?) deliberately tried to sabotage relationships. Nicks recollection of her childhood, of the familys housekeeper, of her mothers worksmixing technology and possibly a bit of magicgave quite a few insights into how things degraded.

However, while the ideas carried through this retelling are excellent, I couldn't help but be bored at times, as the story progressed rather slowly without exactly more than the basic original plot. Nicolettes thoughts were not always the most interesting, and even though a Cinderella is supposed to be a solitary creature, so to speak, isolated from the world because of her step family, this resulted in maybe just a little too much beating around the bush. I think more interactions with Caro and Fin would have spiced up things a little, especially considering the relationship that developed between these three characters. Genuine female friendship, and none of the insta-dislike of the other girl because heres a rival? Hell yeah. On the other hand, the lack of interactions in general made a certain love story border more on insta-love than anything else (not to mention that it developed in Nicks fantasies more than in real life).

The other major negative point for me was how so many threads were left dangling. Im not sure at all if this book is supposed to be a standalone or not. If it isnt, it wasn't made clear enough. If it is, then these plot points shouldve been resolved. The Ashes, more specifically, remain a mystery. What about the kings latest decision regarding Faerie? And while the latter was a good element to include, somehow more details about the Fey themselves wouldve been a nice addition (and nice opportunities for twists and turns): revolution, trying to break the embargo, whatever Only it didn't happen. Heres to hope it will happen in a next volume

3 stars for the empowering message delivered throughout (make your own life, love yourself, don't wait on a man to save you), and because I like machines and trinkets. Nevertheless, as it was rather uneventful, I didn't enjoy it as much as I wouldve otherwise.
1436900
Ensnared by Rita Stradling is a refreshing tale inspired by the well-known Beauty and the Beast. For starters, I loved seeing the similarities and inspirations from the original story, yet Stradling made it her own so it didn't feel like I was simply reading another persons version of the fairytale: this felt like its own story. Rogue AI (artificial intelligence) brought this classic into the 21st century and created a suspense that I wasn't expecting from this book. The story was fast paced and I found it hard to put down. Alainn and Lorccans relationship evolved beautifully and I really cared about the outcome.

Honestly, I have very few issues with this book, though there are a few instances in which I believe improvement could be made. First, the character of Connor, Alainns father, was a little flat. He is really the mastermind and reason for the entire circumstance, so I was hoping that he would be a little more dynamic. There was also a backstory involving Alainns friend Cara that I didn't feel fit, or was possibly underdeveloped. Lastly, while the ending was good, I was hoping for something a little more impactful. It ended a little quietly for my taste, though other readers might prefer this style.

A am a little surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. I did not expect it to be bad by any means, though I was expecting just an average read since the Beauty and the Beast retelling is a little overdone at this point. I am happy to say that Ensnared is anything but average. Science fiction meets romance; fairytale meets [mild] erotica; this New Adult title is definitely one to look out for in December 2017.

*I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.*
3523988
Sleeping Beauty has always been my favorite fairy tale. This is the first book in a very different retelling of that fairy tale. I really enjoyed reading. The character of Aurora/Rose is a strong, take charge person. I was drawn in from the get go and am looking forward to continue the series.
4913603
I LOVED this book. It brought to light a new side to fairy tales. In this case Hook and Peter Pan. What if Hook wasn't such a villain and what if Peter Pan was really the bad guy? Well played Ms. Hall. This is a must read for fairy tale lovers.

In this book we have Trish who is to play Peter Pan in a play when she is transported to Neverland by a fairy godmother. She ends up at James Hook's feet. Hook thinks that she is the real Peter Pan until he discovers she is a woman. Danika the fairy godmother tells Hook and Trish that they are soul mates. Trish must stay in Neverland for 3 days. Trish doesn't believe in love and Hook must convince her that they are meant for each other.
2625830
This is a retelling of the Cinderella story or in this case Cendrilla (Rilla). There are many references to other fairy tales also. We meet Jack from Jack and the Beanstalk, Puss- Puss in Boots, Catherine the Millers Daughter all with a twist from the traditional fairy tale.  That is what makes this story so interesting. You are not sure who Rilla is going to meet on her travels.  Yes her stepmother and stepsisters are there too.  Yes Rilla is a servant in her own home in the beginning of the book.  That is where the similarity ends. Rilla is not a week Character that needs someone to take care of her.  Instead she is the one taking care of others.  I like the growth Rilla goes through on her journey and the discoveries she makes about herself. She is only 16 and has plenty more growing up to do. I can't wait to see what further adventures she has.

The other characters that Rilla encounters are colorful and I am certainly interested in the back story of some of them. I hope this comes out in the series as it progresses.  Some characters you can't help but love and others you strongly dislike.  The author does a great job in describing this world so you feel like you are fully immersed in it and on the journey with Rilla and Jack. Definitely recommended!
4274812
I really liked this new kind of fairy tale! For once in these new books, the plot is nice and simple, but still holds your interest. You find yourself rooting for the likeable characters, and in some cases, even the unlikeable ones.

 The story begins with the childhood of princess Anidori of Kildenree. She has the gift of speaking to animals, especially birds. But she is misunderstood and awkward among people as a result. When she turns 16 she is betrothed to the prince of the neighboring country and journeys to marry him. However, her handmaiden Selia, betrays Ani and there is a revolt among the soldiers. The ones loyal to Ani are defeated and she is forced to flee for her life.

 She winds up at a cottage in the woods which belongs to a friendly woman and her son. She pretends that she is a native of the country by covering her give-away yellow hair and changes her name to Isi. Afterwards, her new friends give her a ride to the capitol so she can find work.

 A bit later she becomes a goose girl and makes friends with some of the other children there. She also sees a lone soldier get bucked off his horse one day and helps him. His name is Geric, as she soon discovers and they quickly become good friends, or maybe something more?

 Before she has the chance to find out, he tells her that he "can never love her as a man loves a woman" and that they shouldn't see eachother anymore. Naturally, she is heartbroken. Still, in the back of her mind is her plan to tell the king the truth about his sons fiancee. Selia's men are still chasing Ani and she is forced to run into the woods to escape them. After that, she comes clean with her friends and tells them the truth about who she is. To her vast surprise, they agree to help her.

 So they march toward the bridal estate. The prince's wedding is only days away. When they arrive there, Ani pretends to be Selia's sister to get into the palace. Then, she presents her case to the king. She also sees the prince for the first time, and is shocked as to his identity. I'm not going to tell you who he is though. :) Needless to say, her case is not strong, and the king decides to leave her with the much more persuasive Selia (+ entourage) to sort things out. Selia tries to murder Ani, who desperately cries out for help.

 Unbeknownst to them both, the kings men have listened in on their conversation, and now know the truth. However, Selia will not give up so easily. How will they defeat her and will Ani get her happy ever after? Read to find out!