Tag: Of Thorns and Beauty

Of Thorns and Beauty review

Of Thorns and Beauty review graphic

Of Thorns and Beauty (Twisted Pages #1), by Elle Madison and Robin D. Mahle (fantasy retelling, romantic fantasy; September 14, 2020)

Note: I received a copy and this is an honest, voluntary review.

If you love mystery, a snowy setting and a big brooding love interest in your romantic fantasy, Of Thorns and Beauty is for you. Besides being a Beauty and the Beast retelling, this engaging story has all the elements to keep the pages turning well into the night, which is exactly what I did.

Of Thorns and Beauty Cover

Zaina, the narrator, uses contemporary language, in contrast to the king she marries through a mysterious scheme by her conniving mother-figure. His more old-fashioned language gives the whole kingdom a traditional feel, like she’s stepped back into another era. The atmosphere at the castle, where servants are masked at all times, was one of the best parts for me.

Though this ends on a cliffhanger, I enjoyed reading it all the way through and seeing the slow-burn romance. The push and pull between Einar and Zaina was wonderfully executed, too. I look forward to reading more of this series.

My rating:
5/5

To learn more about these authors, visit mahleandmadison.com.

Of Thieves and Shadows cover reveal!

Authors Robin D. Mahle and Elle Madison (aka Elbin to their fans) were not on my radar until recently, and I’m kicking myself! I’m currently reading Of Thorns and Beauty, and absolutely loving it (especially Einar…lol). If you’re partial to a good fairy tale retelling, too, you’ll be interested in this series.

If this sounds like something you’d love, you can preorder from Amazon here.

For Instagram users, head over to my account (@ckbeggan) to learn how to enter an international giveaway run by Book of Matches Media! (Open through August 29th–see details on IG.)

About this Cinderella retelling, the fourth in the Twisted Pages series (and yes, you do need to read them in order!):

They say a dream is a wish your heart makes, but what happens when you’re trapped in nightmares?

Aika is playing a dangerous game.

Torn between the loyalties she thought she had and revelations she wishes she didn’t, she will burn the city down to get the answers she needs.

To get the vengeance she craves.

But when the boy from her past starts asking questions that could get them both killed, she is forced to choose between the people she needs to die and those she wants to save.

Even if it costs her the only thing true in a lifetime of lies.

Even if it costs her him.

A Cinderella retelling unlike any you’ve read before, where the stroke of midnight is just the beginning.

Of Thieves and Shadows Invite
You're invited: Of Thieves and Shadows releases September 23, 2022
Of Thieves and Shadows Cover Reveal
Of Thieves and Shadows book cover

What do you think? Isn’t it so eye catching? So far, each book in this series has a simple but impactful cover that makes me want to grab it off the shelf (or my Kindle TBR, if you will).

That’s all for now! Your regularly scheduled review will be here on Friday. And don’t forget to head over to Instagram for that giveaway!

Cheers,

CKB