Putting the Grimm back in fairy tales: sharp-edged & not too gory. Reminded me of [b:Indexing|17907054|Indexing|Seanan McGuire|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1369528556s/17907054.jpg|25089153]. ( )

I really enjoyed this - an odd combination of light and fun while also being kind of dark and violent. I definitely enjoy this perspective of fairy tales. It reminds me a bit of Mercedes Lackey's godmother series which I enjoyed so much. ( )

I really enjoyed this - an odd combination of light and fun while also being kind of dark and violent. I definitely enjoy this perspective of fairy tales. It reminds me a bit of Mercedes Lackey's godmother series which I enjoyed so much. ( )

likable characters - author does push in too deep to quickly leaving not enough room for proper escalation in future titles. good world building - still some potential for further development
will probably read more by author ( )

This book inadvertently crystallized a truism in my life that has been bothering me lately.

"It always falls to us when trouble comes. A man may make money, and earn glitter, and make a thousand decisions. When trouble comes, it is a woman who deals with it."

And later, from a male person:

"If you need something broken, or burned or bashed, a man will do just fine. I have nothing against them, and they do hose tasks well. If you need a problem handled, you need a woman."

This is so true sometimes with the men in my life (no matter how brilliant and typically competent they are), especially lately, that it was nice to have someone put it so perfectly. It's not always true, but sometimes it feels true.

The book is a fun popcorn escape novel of the sort that everyone needs from time to time. This one has character growth, interesting ideas, and a lot of promise. I look forward to rereading this book, and to the next one. The series has some great potential. ( )