Review: To Crack a Soldier – A Nutcracker Retelling

A broken soldier. A wooden ballerina. When battle comes, can Alex use his gifts to defeat the Mouse King?

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Author: Sarah Beran

Series: The Shattered Tales

Genre: Christian Fantasy

Length: Novella

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About

A broken soldier. A wooden ballerina. When battle comes, can Alex use his gifts to defeat the Mouse King?

Alexander Monde may have survived the war with Brisia in one piece, but that doesn’t mean he’s not broken. His family, his home, and his friends are all gone, leaving him just a shell of the man he once was. When a mysterious visitor arrives at the army hospital the night of the winter solstice, Alex is given a gift that will change his life a ballerina doll.

When midnight arrives and his ballerina comes to life, a battle ensues between the dancer and Mouse King. The mirror gateway to Faerie is broken, and Alex finds himself stranded in a new and completely unfamiliar world. Worse still, a wound from the recent battle is causing him to slowly become more and more wooden and stiff as time goes on. As the sprightly ballerina slowly begins cracking the shell of his heart, will Alex be able to find the missing pieces of the mirror and restore the gateway? Or will the Mouse King come out victorious against the wooden soldier?

To Crack a Soldier is a retelling of the Nutcracker. It is one of twelve novellas in The Shattered Tales, a collection of twelve fractured retellings of your favorite fairy tales. They can be enjoyed in any order, so fall in love with the swoony sweet romance, magical adventures, and tale-shattering twists one happily-ever-after at a time!

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Review:

Rating: 5 Stars

To Crack a Soldier is a delightful Nutcracker retelling featuring themes of sacrifice, nobility of heart, and fortitude.

Alexander “Alex” Monde is a soldier recovering from a war-sustained injury. Celestia is an energetic half-fae half-pixie who enjoys her sweets…and somehow manages to evade cavities. Alex needs a hug. So does Celestia. While we only see Alex’s POV, both characters undergo well-crafted character arcs.

As usual, Beran knocks the worldbuilding elements out of the park. With music as the primary source of magic, paired with an extremely clever twist on elements of the Nutcracker, I think I paid just as much attention to the worldbuilding as the characters and plot.

This book does include flashbacks from war, PTSD, emotional suffering, and the pain of losing families. To offset the sadness those themes induce, we’re treated to the grumpy/sunshine and protective hero tropes as well as just all-around splendid characters, plot, and worldbuilding.

If you’re looking for a unique, page-turning retelling of a popular fairy tale, read To Crack a Soldier.

**Please note that my recommendation of To Crack a Soldier is not a recommendation of the entire series.

Release Day: A Silent Hope

I am so excited to announce that A Silent Hope is now released. This little faith-filled fairy tale retelling is not only part of a wonderful charity series, but is also near to my heart. Calaine and Renner are the sweetest characters, and Fald and Cenau were so much fun to write as well.

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About the Book

Can hope be found when everything seems hopeless?

When illness threatens her brother’s life, deaf peasant Calaine Kalen vows to do anything to save him—including finding work near a war-torn area overrun with giants and nefarious schemes. When war threatens Prince Renner Leorin’s kingdom, he vows to save it no matter what—even if that means convincing a surly former enemy to help. Neither peasant nor prince ever imagined their efforts would place them in each other’s path.

She needs a cure. He needs a miracle. Can tragedy bring two unlikely hearts together, or will heartbreak shatter any hope of both love and saving those they care about?

A Silent Hope, a New Adult, faith-filled retelling of The Wounded Lion, is a standalone novella, complete with tropes like rags-to-riches, concealed identity, and a deaf heroine. It is part of the Hope Ever After series, a collection of twenty hopeful and uplifting fairy tale retellings. Each book is written by a different author, so it can be enjoyed in any order. The proceeds from this series are donated to the O.U.R. (Operation Underground Rescue) to rescue children from exploitation and trafficking.

PURCHASE

GOODREADS

INSPIRATION BOARD

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Inspiration + History

As you have by now noticed, ASH is A Wounded Lion retelling, one of my favorite fairy tales. It is considered a rare fairy tale. A Wounded Lion originates from Catalan, Spain, and while Wikipedia is the only information source I can find, it is believed Francisco Maspons y Labrós first collected it in one of his 1870 collections. Andrew Lang followed thereafter with adding into The Pink Fairy Book.

My original retelling for Hope Ever After was a Twelve Dancing Princesses retelling, but it soon became apparent that wasn’t going to happen. For whatever reason, brain block reared its ugly head and decided I should completely disregard the TDP retelling, and instead focus on Calaine and Renner’s story. I don’t quite recall where the initial concept came from for ASH, but as I was rereading A Wounded Lion, the concept of a world with lions, giants, warfare, and danger began to emerge. I can’t find the site where I found Calaine’s name, but I recall choosing it because it means silence or quiet. Renner’s name was originally Hezekiah (and he was blond in the beginning), but that soon changed.

Writing a deaf character was a unique experience, and one I plan to again embark on. I never realized how dependent I was on audio description until I began writing. Calaine couldn’t hear the birds, couldn’t hear danger, and couldn’t hear her loved ones’ voices.

I believe what drew me to The Wounded Lion all those years ago was the loyalty and steadfastness the main female character quietly exhibits. She encounters cruelty, undesirable situations, and heartbreak, but she perseveres. Indeed, fairy tales contain so many admirable elements and themes, but that is a discussion for a different post.

ASH also inspired a series with four more tales (complete with lions and mischief), but more on that in a year or so.

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Have you ever heard of or read The Wounded Lion? If you know of a another retelling of this particular loyalty-filled fairy tale, let me know! I’d like to read it.

Review: Chords of Green and Gold

Rumpelstiltskin meets the Frog Prince…

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Author: Sarah Beran

Genre: Christian Fantasy Fairy Tale Retelling

Reading Age: 14 and up

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About the Book

Rumpelstiltskin meets the Frog Prince…

Prince Dorian of Anura has been looking a little green lately…literally. After an encounter with a disgruntled princess, a curse has left him with a rather frog-like appearance. Desperate to find a woman to break his son’s curse, King Ion decides to host a lavish, golden ball. The only problem? The kingdom is short on funds, and the king’s grand plans could send their small kingdom into bankruptcy.

Lydian Miller has always been her father’s pride and joy. In fact, he is so proud of her skills as an artist that he drunkenly claims one night that she could turn straw into gold if she wanted to. These claims reach the king of Anura, and before she knows what is happening, Lydian finds herself locked in a room full of straw. The king has one turn the straw into golden party decorations or forfeit her life. All seems lost…until a funny, green-looking fellow arrives with just the help she needs.

Who is her mysterious savior? Why is the golden ball so important? And who would even want her firstborn child, anyway?

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Review

Rating: 5 Stars

Only Sarah Beran could make a Rumpelstiltskin x The Frog Prince mashup work.

This book is so cute! I adore the emphasis on falling in love with someone not for their appearance or wealth, but for the inside. Lydian and Dorian are both darling characters and too precious for words and the plot is phenomenal.

The book is short, though, so I’m still sitting here attempting to process that my favorite read so far in 2024 has ended.

The faith element is lighter, but still there, and the romance is so sweet and adorable. 5+ stars to Beran for weaving this fantastic little fairy tale retelling mashup. I’m impatiently awaiting the next book in the series.

Review: The Merchant’s Daughter

An unthinkable danger. An unexpected choice.

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Author: Melanie Dickerson

Series: Hagenheim, #2

Genre: YA Christian Medieval Romance

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About

An unthinkable danger. An unexpected choice.

Annabel, once the daughter of a wealthy merchant, is trapped in indentured servitude to Lord Ranulf, a recluse who is rumored to be both terrifying and beastly. Her circumstances are made even worse by the proximity of Lord Ranulf s bailiff a revolting man who has made unwelcome advances on Annabel in the past. Believing that life in a nunnery is the best way to escape the escalation of the bailiff’s vile behavior and to preserve the faith that sustains her, Annabel is surprised to discover a sense of security and joy in her encounters with Lord Ranulf. As Annabel struggles to confront her feelings, she is involved in a situation that could place Ranulf in grave danger. Ranulf’s future, and possibly his heart, may rest in her hands, and Annabel must decide whether to follow the plans she has cherished or the calling God has placed on her heart.

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Review

Rating: 5 Stars

We shall.

So ends The Merchant’s Daughter, Melanie Dickerson’s Beauty and the Beast retelling. It was also the second of Dickerson’s books I ever read, the first being a coffee-stained library copy of The Captive Maiden.

PLOT
This book contains the rudimentary elements for every B&B novel: a kind-hearted maiden, some familial issue, a hero bearing some type of scarring, wounds, or dark past, and a conflict between hero and less-than-stellar townsfolk. I liked the medieval twist, and it aligned with what I know of that historical period.

SETTING
Set in a little village nestled in England, we witness the interesting political and judicial elements that make this story unique. Dickerson does well tying in the past with the “present”.

CHARACTERS
Some may call Annabel a Mary Sue, but I don’t see her that way. She is a kind and gracious young woman desiring only to do what is best and to follow God to the utmost of her ability. That effort brings with it trials of its own. What I loved was her longing to read the Bible. It put into perspective how grateful we should be today since Bibles can be purchased with a mere click of the mouse.

Ranulf is a broody type of hero, but still lovable. He’s one of my favorite Dickerson heroes, and I really appreciated his knowledge of the Bible.

The host of secondary characters are well-written as well, from the matchmaking Mistress Eustanacia to the despicable villain.

FAITH
Here is the most important element of any book. I read the negative reviews before rereading The Merchant’s Daughter, and what most of them had in common was a dis of the faith element. I’m here to tell you the faith incorporated into this story is beautiful. Thickly-laid and wonderfully woven in. Truly the best part. I admire Dickerson for being unafraid of presenting the Gospel. The faith element is what gives my rating its fifth star.

CONTENT WARNING
A wolf attack is discussed, a character is maimed from past injuries, a woman is injured by a wretched fiend, a character is shot, and arson causes injuries.

SEXUAL CONTENT
Usually this is placed in the content warning, but I’m taking a different approach for this book.

There are indications a man wants to rape a woman. In fact, he goes so far as to try hauling her off the woods. His foul intentions have been made known to the reader throughout the book, so it doesn’t come as a surprise when this occurs. (Nothing ends up happening as far as that goes.) Though the word “rape” isn’t used, it’s obvious that’s the intent. Everything is tastefully handled.

WHAT I WASN’T FOND OF
It always bugs me when the female character is just drop-dead gorgeous. And while I see why Dickerson made her that way, it did mildly irritate me on a few parts.

There was a time or two when I couldn’t tell if something was a prayer or the Lord’s name in vain. Given what I know of Dickerson, I’d be surprised if it was the latter, but I never like being unable to tell.

The religion is Catholic, which is historically accurate. While the verses and discussions of them are correct, there are some really creepy and strange customs mentioned. One is All Souls’ Day. I quote from page 197:

“All Souls’ Day came almost two months before Christmas, the day when everyone said prayers to help extricate the dead from purgatory.”

This is just creepy. Downright eerie and unsettling and reeking of odd beliefs that are completely and unequivocally unbiblical.

CONCLUSION
The faith gave this book its fifth star, and it’s a good B&B retelling. Due to the content, I’d recommend it for girls sixteen and older. It’s a solid book I’d feel comfortable letting my younger sibling read, and aside from the skewy issue I mentioned above, the faith is solid.

With a sweet, admirable heroine and a gruff, but kind, hero, what more could you want in a Beauty and the Beast retelling?

*Please note: Just because I give a particular book five stars does not mean I necessarily recommend everything by that specific author.

Know the Novel: The Introduction

It’s that time of year again. Some embrace pumpkin spice (ad nauseum), while others dive head-first into a writing frenzy. Yours truly is one of the latter. With that writing frenzy comes Know the Novel, mastermined by Christine Smith. I highly recommend Know the Novel because it really helps you get a feel for your world and story and reveals any weak spots in your plot.

Today I am introducing Project: Silence, a Twelve Dancing Princesses retelling coming to bookshelves early next year. Like the rest of my books, Project: Silence will be a New Adult, Christian fantasy. I hope to send out the call for betas in November’s or December’s newsletter, so if this intrigues you, keep an eye out.

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1. What first sparked the idea for this novel?

I don’t remember all the specifics since the original idea came to me in 2020 or so, but I do recall wanting the book to begin with a tragic scene where my hero loses his hearing.

2. Share a blurb (or just an overall summary)!

That would be a spoiler, but I can provide some of the tropes/elements:

• deaf hero
• secrets
• subterfuge
• gifts (not magical)
• Silly siblings
• dragons
• and, most importantly, plenty of faith

3. Where does the story take place? What are some of your favorite aspects of the setting?

The story takes place in a land called Lachnen. One of my favorite aspects is it’s a wooded area, with plenty of deciduous trees. It’s also wild, with cliffs overlooking a massive lake that feels more like a freshwater sea. On stormy days, you can see the foam gather at the water’s surface and see the spray rise above some of the lower cliffs. The sand is black, and there may or may not be a weyr of dragons nearby.

4. Tell us about your protagonist(s).

NVARI LACHNEN is a princess with three sisters. The eldest, she takes her responsibilities seriously. While she presents a calm and rather ordinary demeanor, she’s internally feisty, and a protective spirit drives her to protect her people by night using her land’s gift.

FINN AKKAND is an ordinary man who worked for a furniture maker before being conscripted into the war. He hates heights and prefers to walk the forest instead of be around people, although he’s always willing to lend a hand if someone requires it—unless it’s for training dragons. That he will not do. He also knows nothing about the current fashion trends. so don’t ask him about those, either.

5. Who (or what) is the antagonist?

There are a few antagonists, one of whom I cannot list due to spoilers. One antagonist is Kalicia, Lachnen’s sister kingdom. These two lands have feuded every since they were founded.

The second antagonist is Finn’s deafness. Imagine serving your kingdom one minute, then being caught in an explosion only to awaken and discover you cannot hear the sounds of the battle waging around you.

6. What excites you the most about this novel?

Seeing it come to life. I stopped writing it after giving up on Nvari’s (then called Seraia) character ARC. Now, it’s all plotted out. I’m also eagerly anticipating its release in March 2024.

7. Is this going to be a series? standalone? something else?

The book itself is part of a multi-author collaboration—you’ll learn more in the upcoming months, but the world is shaping up to be a series, because it’s not like I have enough series to write already.

8. Are you plotting? pantsing? plansting?

I am plotting.

9. Name a few unique elements in this story.

I think Nvari’s gift is a unique element—I can’t say more because, again, spoilers, but I can assure my readers this book is nonmagical.

Another unique element, I believe, is the lake. I haven’t read many fairy tale retellings that feature lakes that heavily influence the plot. This may not seem unique, but there’s so much I can’t tell you right now for the sake of spoilers.

10. Share some fun “extras” of the story (a song or full playlist, some aesthetics, a collage, a Pinterest board, a map you’ve made, a special theme you’re going to incorporate, ANYTHING you want to share!).

You can find the inspiration board here. I’m still adding to it, but this is a good start.

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Writers, what is your November project? Tell me a bit about it!

Readers, what book(s) are you planning to read this November? Have you read any Twelve Dancing Princesses retellings? If so, which is your favorite?

Also, be on the lookout for my newsletter, coming 10/31, because I’ll be requesting reader input. Certain characters in Project: Silence require animal companions, and those animals will need names.

IRON: One Year + Sale

Today is IRON’s one year anniversary! It’s difficult to comprehend that, only a year ago, this book was published.

In honor of this occasion, IRON’s ebook is on sale for $0.99. You can find that here. If you’d like to see some lovely fan art by two incredibly talented artists, you can find that here.

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IRON: Fun Facts

• IRON is my first completed fairy tale retelling.
  
• While there are some little nods to the Disney animated version, the majority was inspired by the two original versions. In one of these versions, there are three doves who help the Cinderella character. You could say they’re her fowl godmothers. In IRON, these doves are represented by Madam Teal, Pipit, and Birdie…all of whom bear bird types for names.
  
• IRON was originally intended to be part of a two-story book, meaning it and KEY’s original story were supposed to be published together in the same book.
  
• IRON’s inspiration came from a picture on Pinterest talking about a detective investigating every fairy tale. A few different plots were bounced around before the story as you know it came into being and went its merry way.
  
• I wanted to illustrate two different types of strong heroines. Today, we’re bombarded with two different “heroine” versions: 1) where the women can beat a man at anything, whether it’s arm-wrestling, hand-to-hand, etc. 2) where all they do is scream. I wanted to show women that, whether you’re a fighter like Red or a quieter soul like Chamonix, you can be a strong heroine no matter what.

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IRON Warnings

As I’ve said from the beginning, IRON is a New Adult Christian fantasy fairy tale retelling. YA can read it, but my target audience is new adults/adults.

IRON also addresses the topic of human trafficking. There is nothing gratuitous or explicit.

Also, if you dislike heavy Christian content, clean romance, flawed characters, and lots of action and adventure, this book isn’t for you.

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About IRON

GOODREADS

AMAZON

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Do you prefer more traditional retellings or retellings that “go beyond” the fairy tale being retold? If you could choose between being a sarcastic detective with terrible hair, a princess with breathing issues, or a smithy with confidence problems, who would you rather be?

Caution Review: Fairest of Heart

Inappropriate scenes taint this otherwise-sweet fairy tale retelling.

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Title: Fairest of Heart (Texas Ever After, 1)

Author: Karen Witemeyer

Publisher: Bethany

Genre: Christian Historical Romance/ Fairy Tale Retelling

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About the Book

Beauty has been nothing but a curse to Penelope Snow. When she becomes a personal maid for a famous actress whose troupe is leaving Chicago to tour the West, she hides her figure beneath shapeless dresses and keeps her head down. But she still manages to attract the wrong attention, leaving her prospects in tatters–and her jealous mistress plotting her demise.

After his brother lost his life over a woman, Texas ranger Titus Kingsley has learned to expect the worst from women and is rarely disappointed. So when a young woman found in suspicious circumstances takes up residence with the seven old drovers living at his grandfather’s ranch, Titus is determined to keep a close eye on her.

With a promotion hanging in the balance, Titus is assigned to investigate a robbery case tied to Penelope’s acting troupe. The evidence points to her guilt, but Titus’s heart divines a different truth–one that might just get Penelope killed.

An enchanting Western take on the classic Snow White fairy tale, Fairest of Heart will sweep you away from once upon a time to happily ever after.

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Rating

3 Stars

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Review

I adore fairy tale retellings, so when I heard Karen Witemeyer released one of Snow White, I was thrilled. While I did like the book, there were some concerning elements detracting from full enjoyment.

WHAT I LIKED

The Faith
Oh, I loved the faith element. Definitely this book’s strongest element. So wonderfully and naturally incorporated, it forces the reader to contemplate how we would respond to hardship–would our faith wither or would we grow? I know Witemeyer was wrongfully dissed for “such preachiness”, but I found the faith edifying and absolutely the best part of this book.

Characters pray, read the Bible, and reminisce about attending church.

The Characters
Titus and Penelope were lovely main characters (although Titus’ mustache was ad nauseum…but that’s personal preference), and I adored this book’s version of the seven dwarfs. Doc was a big sweetie, but I must admit Jeb was my favorite. The cantankerous curmudgeon kept me laughing.

The villains were good too. The Good Book warns about the dangers of pride, and we see what happens when pride encroaches upon one’s heart and soul.

And I don’t know if this will ever come about, but I really would like a story for Penelope’s seamstress friend (I just can’t recall her name right now).

The Plot

Overall, I liked the plot. This was my first time reading a historical fairy tale retelling. I always laud authors who can write nonmagical retellings, and Witemeyer really did well using natural and historical elements to replace the original’s magic.

The Fairy Tale Integrations

Herein is where Witemeyer’s cleverness shone. As a fairy tale reteller myself, I deeply appreciate a more unusual approach to incorporating fairy tale elements, and Witemeyer did so well in this. Titus Kingsly and we finally have a SW retelling without the MFC having an S first name. Penelope Snow is a clever name and the appreciated deviation from the usual tactic used for the main female character in Snow White retellings.

I don’t know if anyone else caught this, or if it’s mere coincidence, but the name Narcissa was perfect for the villainous. In this name, Witemeyer captured the very essence of the villain: pride. The name derives from the Greek mythological character, Narcissus, who was known for his beauty–and who appreciated his own appearance far too much. I found this quite fitting.


WHAT I DISLIKED

There were several fade-to-black scenes and far too many scenes where physical intimacy went too far. Way too far. This crossed the line and was both inappropriate and unnecessary for a book firmly in the Christian fiction category. I almost had to stop reading because it was just too much. One paragraph the villainous is enticing a man into bed, and in the next paragraph, “half an hour later, she sat up in the bed”. Lust and physical passion, as well as intimacy outside of marriage, are heavily alluded to on numerous occasions.

Women’s physical traits, particularly the ones in the chest area, were focused on far too often. That, too, was inappropriate and uncalled for. You can allude to a woman using her “assets” in a displeasing way without including the displeasing details.

The initial attraction between Penelope and Titus felt too based on appearances at first, and it felt like a bit of insta-love on Penelope’s part. On the second time they meet, Titus definitely notices how it feels to have his hand on her slim waist (they were forced to ride the same horse).

CONTENT

Romance
The romance between Penelope and Titus was, mostly, quite cute and sweet.

Characters kiss, it is heavily implied bedroom relations occurred, a woman nibbles on a man’s earlobe, a man “makes quick work” of a woman’s bodice buttons, a woman is almost physically molested, it is said a man will be lured into thinking the clothing strewn across the floor preceded a “good time” (my words), affairs are hinted at, and readers easily understand a man and woman have been intimate with each other many times.

Violence
Characters are shot, a dog is harmed, there’s poison, an attempted physical attack, some horse/cattle-inflicted injuries, and a nasty con woman.

CONCLUSION
Normally I state my opinion on whether or not I recommend a book. This time, I’m merely presenting the facts so you can make your decision. An abundance of faith and humor align with Witemeyer’s trademark, engaging stories, but the lust and fade-to-blacks extremely diminished my enjoyment of this book. I am looking forward to the next tale in the series, so hopefully we won’t have the same lusty-romance issue.

If you’re searching for some stellar Witemeyer books, I highly recommend Hanger’s Horsemen and A Worthy Pursuit.

*I was provided a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review.

Cover Reveal: Shattered Reaction

I am so excited to share the cover for the second book in my series, The Shattered Lands. First, about the book and then we’ll get to the best part.

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About the Book

War darkens the horizon…

In the wake of destruction, revenge drives Arioch en Kyrida to hunt down the man responsible for destroying half his village. His search leads him to a town where truth is hoarded and secrets lurk in every corner. Solely focused on making his target pay, Arioch cares little for the whispers of approaching evil until he is strongarmed into helping protect one of his most recent nemeses. If Anthi Klarkson doesn’t drive him insane—and if he manages to keep her alive long enough—they may be able to help stop the incoming war in its tracks. But someone wants Anthi dead, and they’ll do anything to achieve that mission.

Zinnia Klarkson wants nothing more than peace for her mourning family, but nearby attacks, kidnappings, and rumors of impending war steal all hope of a quiet life. When a mostly-dead man lands on her doorstep, hunted and without strong chance of survival, she is thrust into a covert operation that threatens her family’s safety. As secrets grow and answers remain veiled, Zinnia must choose between helping a ragtag group of reluctant allies or keeping her family out of harm’s path.

Trust must mend what was once shattered and courage must be sought as a second All Lands War threatens to decimate the six lands.

Shattered Reaction is a New Adult Christian fantasy fairy tale retelling.

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Extra Info

Series: The Shattered Lands

Genre: Christian Fantasy/Fairy Tale Retelling

Fairy Tale: Snow White and Rose Red (this is one fairy tale; Snow White is completely different)

Content Warnings: The same for SR1 apply to SR2.

Add to Goodreads

Inspiration Board

Preorder

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Cover Reveal

Shattered Reaction‘s ebook is on a special preorder sale for $0.99, so don’t miss out before the price raises to $3.99.

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The launch team form is still open, so if you’d like to help spread the word about SR2’s release day, you can go here.

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Between Shattered Reflection, Shattered Revelation, and Shattered Reaction, which cover is your favorite? I don’t know if I can choose–they all are amazing.

Cover Design by Crystal designed SR1 and SR2, and I designed SR1.5.

Which character are you most looking forward to reading about?

Shattered Reaction Cover Reveal + Launch Team Signups

Many readers mentioned Shattered Reflection ended like there was a possibility more of Marcus’ story was in the writing–or so they hoped. I am pleased to announce that, yes, there is more of his story in the works, and part of that story will be told in Shattered Reaction.

His is not the only story, though. You’ll find the POVs of two characters you met in SR1 and one you kind of were introduced to. The other POV is for a man driven by revenge…and his intense dislike for a certain goose. But more on that later.

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ABOUT SR2

War darkens the horizon…

In the wake of destruction, revenge drives Arioch en Kyrida to hunt down the man responsible for destroying half his village. His search leads him to a town where truth is hoarded and secrets lurk in every corner. Solely focused on making his target pay, Arioch cares little for the whispers of approaching evil until he is strongarmed into helping protect one of his most recent nemeses. If Anthi Klarkson doesn’t drive him insane—and if he manages to keep her alive long enough—they may be able to help stop the incoming war in its tracks. But someone wants Anthi dead, and they’ll do anything to achieve that mission.

Zinnia Klarkson wants nothing more than peace for her mourning family, but nearby attacks, kidnappings, and rumors of impending war steal all hope of a quiet life. When a mostly-dead man lands on her doorstep, hunted and without strong chance of survival, she is thrust into a covert operation that threatens her family’s safety. As secrets grow and answers remain veiled, Zinnia must choose between helping a ragtag group of reluctant allies or keeping her family out of harm’s path.

Trust must mend what was once shattered and courage must be sought as a second All Lands War threatens to decimate the six lands.

First Line:

The Bible said revenge was the Lord’s.

Genre: Christian Fantasy fairy tale retelling

Target Age: New Adult (although older YAs can read it too)

Fairy tale retold: Snow White and Rose Red

Fun and Aesthetics

Inspiration Board

Goodreads

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I would be so appreciative if you joined me in helping spread the cover and/or Release Day graphics or ARCs. Readers and their encouragement are part of what make books and their launches successful.

Cover Reveal

Launch Team + Arcs