Wow, I don’t think I ever realized how different the movie was from the book! I definitely still enjoyed the book and all its magical chaos and bizarre sort of silliness, but I think on the whole, I prefer the movie better. Totally recommend this for any fans of the movie though with the understanding that it is an extremely different story with characters that are also quite different but with similar elements. (Also, very light on the romantic arc, so if you’re coming for that, just know it’s incredibly minor here.)

⭐⭐⭐⭐ ¼

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Loved this one. I’m such a huge T. Kingfisher fan. The voice, characters, and world all just seamlessly pop off the page in a way that’s such a joy to read. Though I’m not usually a huge fairytale retelling fan, this one is so original it works super well and the narration was fantastic. There was a moment in the middle where I thought we lagged just a little, but the resolution hit just the right spot. Though Swordheart & A Wizard’s Guide to Defensive Baking are still my top 2 Kingfisher books, I think this one’s swooping in for a solid third. Definitely will be recommending to anyone who loves voicey fantasy with a hint of darkness and the warm fuzzies of a happy ending.

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So this was an interesting find! For reference, I did not read the previous books in this series, so I read the two stories here as stand-alones. These books are well-written, with a classical fantasy feel, a nicely macabre vibe, and an impressive amount of world-building tucked into a small story. The audiobook narrator has pleasant voice that I definitely think adds to the stories, and the narrative takes its time unfolding the adventures. With the larger focus on the world and background in a small tale, I didn’t quite connect with the characters as much as I would’ve liked, but I would recommend this for anyone looking for a couple short grim, monster-y reads told in a descriptive, atmospheric writing style. Thanks so much to the author and publisher for the review copy!

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This was a cute, light read that I enjoyed, it just didn’t go quite as deep into the romance or fae elements as I was hoping, and I think it’s brought me to the realization that probably most regency era books aren’t really my thing. However, if you’re looking for a light, regency-era fae story with a light, sweet romance and solid audiobook narration, this may be for you!

⭐⭐⭐⭐½

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Loved the writing style, loved The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches (the author’s first book that’s unrelated but has similar vibes), and love the cozy magical world, but the premise and characters didn’t grab me here. I wasn’t feeling the chemistry between the characters and though it was well-foreshadowed, I didn’t love the resolution. (no rating)

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It is so very rare that I start a book expecting not to like it and end up loving it. I legitimately cannot remember the last time it happened, but this book completely won me over. The silly enemies-vs-lovers, the witty pitch-perfect banter, an intriguing premise, likable, flawed characters, great writing, and a goofy sort of darkness. I still wish I hadn’t known beforehand that this started as fan fiction because at first I feel like I was trying to guess what everything was originally and it kept me from getting engaged right away, but that aside, I totally think this book stands great on its own, and I can’t wait to read the sequel! Recommended for anyone looking for a goofy enemies-to-lovers vibe in a fantasy setting.

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This was definitely a five-star read for me! I enjoyed the way the world unfolded, the secrets were uncovered, and the characters definitely stood out. Though I definitely predicted a few of the twists, they came off very satisfying. It was grittier than I was expecting, and I wish Kiva had been a little more active in the trial and the climax, but I’m curious (and a little apprehensive) to see where the sequel takes us. Definitely recommended for anyone looking for a fresh, well-written YA fantasy that’s a little on the darker side.

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