'Golden Braids and Dragon Blades: Steampunk Rapunzel' (Steampunk Fairy Tales Book 4) by Melanie Karsak

5 stars

'Golden Braids and Dragon Blades’ Book Blurb:

“Being the heir to Camelot is a tangled mess.

Rapunzel has spent her entire life living in Merlin's cave on the coast of Cornwall. Under the protection of her faerie guardian, Gothel, she’s stayed safe. Safe and bored. Dreaming of a life that looks more like a Jane Austen novel, Rapunzel fears she'll never have the chance to explore Victorian England's modern delights. Or meet a man. Or be kissed. Or anything else remotely resembling normal.

When Red Cape Society Agent Ewan Goodwin's monster-stalking device leads him to Rapunzel—and her unusual pets—the pair’s destinies entwine. Together, they must solve a mystery tied to the very roots of King Arthur's Britannia.

Golden Braids and Dragon Blades is a retelling of the Rapunzel fairy tale set in Melanie Karsak’s bestselling gaslamp London steampunk universe.”

Review:

Author Melanie Karsak has expertly blended a Repunzel re-telling with King Arthur's legend. Hope to see more of this storyline in her Steampunk Fairy Tale series! While the other entries in Karsak's Steampunk Fairy Tales are also fun, Rapunzel's story is easy to follow if you start with this book.

Highly recommended for YA readers and fairy-tale fans.  Currently available as part of the Kindle Unlimited program.

'Golden Curse' (Fantasy and Fairytales #1) by M. Lynn

‘Golden Curse’ - ‘Golden Chains’ - ‘Golden Crown’

Fantasy and Fairytales Series #1-3 by M. Lynn

5 stars

‘Golden Curse’ Book Blurb:

“A curse. A hidden identity. A dangerous love.

Ten year old Persinette Basile was forced to flee the palace of Gaule for her life.

Now at eighteen, she must find a way to return in order to obey a curse on her family line.

The prince won’t know who she is. Not anymore. But she knows him and what he will do if he discovers her true name.

Made to fight for her life to earn her place, she vows to find a way to break the curse no matter the cost.

-------

To. The. Death.

The words describing the tournament turn Prince Alexandre Durand’s blood to ice.

The last warrior standing will win a spot at his side.

As he's thrust onto the throne, forbidden magic, dangerous betrayals, and a complicated love could tear his reign apart.

When the secrets begin to unravel, will Alex stay true to the laws and traditions of Gaule or will he give it all up for a woman who deceived him?

Inspired by the Rapunzel story, this is the golden-haired princess as you’ve never seen her before.”

Review:

The ‘Golden’ trilogy is a beautiful and unique tale drawing inspiration from both Rapunzel and Sleeping Beauty.  It reads like a fairy-tale in its own right and contains magic, dragons, royalty and a strong, skilled leading lady.  Narration switches back and forth between main characters Persinette and Prince Alexandre to give readers a more complete picture of the kingdoms and their thoughts and feelings as surprises unfold.

Highly recommended for YA readers and fairy-tale fans.  Currently available as part of the Kindle Unlimited program.