Books by Katydid

  Retold: A Regency Fairytale Retellings Collection Written by: M.C. Frank About the stories: Unwanted.  Three boys grew up in an orphanage, abandoned and despised by those who should have taken care of them. They were starved, hit, and abandoned for years. But they are men now. Gentlemen, so to speak. A little broken, a little damaged and a little destroyed by life, but they hide it behind toughness, money, amazingly folded cravats and, in some cases, illegal activities. Their main strength is each other: they are best friends, partners in crime, a found family. And then comes the one battle that every gentleman, no matter how brooding, haughty or handsome, must face alone. These are the stories of how they each fight, and lose, the battle against love. Hooked:  About: Wendy and Lord Darlington  When Wendy Hooke was a little girl, she saved a boy from starvation. The boy, Peter, taught her how to fly. Now the boy is a man, a gorgeous man, and he has forgotten all ab...

Brass Carriages and Glass Hearts A Steampunk Cinderella Written by: Nancy Campbell Allen I was so excited to read this retelling of Cinderella. Set in the steampunk world of Nancy Campbell Allen's fictional creation I loved how she brought it all together. With a human right's advocate for a Cinderella and a police inspector as the prince charming and a fun twist for the fairy godmother, every element tied together in the end to create a meaningful story that pushes for a better world while subtly mimicking the timeless fairy tale. Nancy's characters have strong personalities with flaws that follow their strength. She incorporates characters from previous books in ways that strengthen the story yet maintaining this story's stand alone status. The adventure and mystery drew me in so I wanted to keep reading from the very first page until I uncovered the answer to the plot while adding the perfect amount of romance to make my heart happy.

Dealing with Dragons The Enchanted Forest Chronicles: Book One Written by: Patricia C. Wrede Dealing with Dragons is a childhood favorite of mine. This story has all the stereotypes of the fairy tales- from damsels in distress and knights in shining armor to dragons who takes princess from their homes. Despite all the stereotypes, this story also adds a depth to the princess story. Princess Cimorene is a princess who is anything but the usual lady. She wants to learn how to cook, fence and anything and everything she can. When her parents tell her to become more normal, she runs away to become a dragon's princess. This story is empowering for girls. Just as Cimorene can choose her own destiny, other girls can as well. There are no limits to her future. Patricia Wrede shows readers through a fun fantasy story that prejudices and preconceived notions don't have a place in the world- that people can be anyone they want. 

Every Wrong Right Outlaws: Book Two Written by: M.C. Frank Every Wrong Right continues the Outlaws saga in a meaningful and powerful way. With deadly secrets, intriguing suspense, and heart-wrenching, conflicting decisions, the story of Robin Hood continues. I couldn't wait to turn the pages (metaphorically with the way the digital version has gone) and it placed me in the minds of the characters. Each one has powerful back stories that make their problems more real. This story is well-written with depth and heart-wrenching romance. The mix between suspense and romantic inclinations creates a moving story line. I can't wait to read the next in this series.

Everything I Do Outlaws: Book 1 Written by: M.C. Frank Everything I Do was a book I did not want to put down. Written in the world of Robin Hood with Maid Marian playing a new and intriguing part, I wanted to find out how everything ended. Starting with an archer whose skills exceed the infamous Robin Hood and a new addition to the band of merry men, this story runs the gamut from heartache, heroism, fear, and satisfaction. Seeing as this is book one of the outlaw series it left me wanting more. The characters are real with heartbreaking issues- depression, anxiety, hopelessness while still trying to move forward to help the people who are struggling around them. Each individual has the horrors of war written upon their pasts in unique ways. While M.C. Frank has written these characters and the story in a realistic way, it is still a beautiful story that I enjoyed reading.