Mique Reads

I received a free copy of this book, and I am voluntarily posting my review. Wow! This book dragged my emotions in so many directions (in a good way). One of my pet peeves is when I can tell that an author is deliberately playing with my emotions just to get a reaction. Fichter excels at writing organic drama. It's not contrived, and I appreciate that so much. This book has everything: adventure, drama, horror, humor, romance, good vs evil, etc., And these elements are so well rendered. The horror scenes are frightening, but not graphic. While the romance takes place over a short period of time, it's a slow burn, and the relationship between Lucas and Jaelle is one of the most unique I've encountered. This book took twists and turns that I did not see coming, and I love it when a book surprises me like that.

https://www.jmstengl.com/books I received a free ARC of this book, and I am voluntarily posting my review. I was excited to read about "mean girl" Gillian, but what I didn't realize until I started reading is that Gillian's story is based on King Thrushbeard. Retelling King Thrushbeard is risky, but Stengl excells at this sweet reimagining of a rather cringeworthy tale. She handles it with plenty of class, magic, humor, character growth, and romance.

I received a free ARC of this book, and I am voluntarily posting my review. This is a cute series, and this latest installment is my favorite so far. It's really more of a reimagining than a retelling, and the writing is more complex than the first two in the series. I think it's geared more towards middle graders and teens, but it can be enjoyed by adults as well.

I received an ARC of this book, and I am voluntarily posting my review. I love all of Brittany Fichter's books, but this is probably my favorite one so far! This is a big deal because usually the second book in a trilogy is not my favorite, usually due to pacing. This story has good pacing, a fascinating setting, compelling characters, and plenty of intrigue. I seriously can't wait until the next book!

I received a free ARC of this book, and I am voluntarily posting my review. I loved this original fairytale! I quickly became invested in the characters, especially Katy, and her journey. It's a unique story, and I loved the setting as well. This book is long, but it doesn't feel long. I read it in less than a week. Sometimes, long books can have parts that just seem to drag, or not add to the story, but this book doesn't drag at all. I really can't wait for the next book in the series!

I received a free ARC of this book, and I am voluntarily posting my review. A cute twist on the Goose Girl. It's kind of like Goose Girl in reverse because the Princess tricks the Maid. I enjoyed it. I think Falada was my favorite part of the book. Mortimer is terrible, but hilarious! I kind of wish it was a bit longer, but I just happen to prefer novels to novellas. The story is well done.

I received a free ARC of this book, and I am voluntarily posting my review. Jack and the Beanstalk has never been one of my favorites as far as fairy tales go, so I wasn't sure how much I would like this. It turns out that I really liked this retelling. It's a very interesting take on the story, and it's humorous too! I laughed a lot. Mortimer is so terrible! He's a hoot! I think he should get his own book, and I am excited to read the rest of the Entwined Tales!

I received an ARC of this book, and I am voluntarily posting my review. I wasn't sure if I would like this one that much, only because many novellas leave me unsatisfied. Often they are too rushed. This, however, did not feel rushed. This is a refreshingly unique retelling of the Frog Prince. I loved the setting, and the story was compelling. The Frog Prince has never been one of my favorite fairy tales, but this retelling made it thoroughly enjoyable!

I received an ARC of this book, and I am voluntarily posting my review. I just love Brittany Fichter's fairy tale retellings. They make me feel all gooey-chocolate-chip-cookie inside. This is one of my favorites. This is a very unique take on Cinderella, and well worth reading. It only took me a few days to read. I didn't want to put it down.

I received an ARC of this book, and I am voluntarily posting a review.  Like the other books in this series, Girl in the Red Hood is a very creative retelling of a classic fairy tale. It's not my favorite book in the series, but that is just my personal preference. It is still enjoyable, very well-written, and worth the read.

I received an ARC of this book, and I am voluntarily posting my review. I really enjoyed this trilogy. All three books are very creative takes on the the original fairytales. The characters are dynamic and well-developed. I especially loved that the second and third books are based on fairytales that have not been been retold nearly as often as beauty and the beast. These are definitely worth the read! I'm sure I will read them again.

I love Lisa See's writing. It's beautiful (sometimes terrifying) and well-researched. This book is especially good when read with it's prequel, Shanghai Girls. (I received a free ARC of this book from a Goodreads Giveaway)

I received a free ARC of this book, and I am voluntarily posting my review. This stunning conclusion to the Autumn Fairy trilogy is both emotional and action-packed! Katy and Peter face their biggest challenges yet, both from within and without. The drama is organic. I laughed and cried, but I didn't feel like the author was contriving to make me cry. The world-building is fantastic! The denouement is very satisfying. I'd love for Christopher to have his own trilogy!