Books by Katydid

 The Dreaming Beauty Written by: Anneka R. Walker This Sleeping Beauty retelling was a fun read. It was full of mystery, intrigue, and romance. These characters had so much to learn about themselves and each other that drove the story forward. Anneka Walker really kept me guessing throughout the whole story. This was a very poignant book. The idea of dreams being windows to the soul and a source for finding peace pulled the story forward. Some of the elements of the fairytale were obvious but Walker also made fun of them which made me smile. While this may not be my favorite fairytale retelling, it was very well done. 

Cinder-Nanny Written by: Sariah Wilson  Sariah Wilson has done it again. This clean and sweet romance isn't just fluff- it has some depth to it. With a little bit of spice thrown in, my heart swooned and I wished there were more guys like Griffin in the world. I loved that Diana had more to her character than just falling in love. She was so altruistic and then all the people she interacted with (for the most part) in Aspen were fantastic. Diana had so much introspection and growth while still being a fantastic person from the start. There wasn't any point I wanted to wack someone upside the head. Not to say there wasn't conflict because there was but none of it was angsty. I couldn't wait to figure out what happened from the start. Cinderella has always been one of my fairy-tales and this retelling was spot on! Purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Cinder-Nanny-Novel-Sariah-Wilson-ebook/dp/B09GF8YRJL/ref=sr_1_2?crid=30U2T2U97UQKV&keywords=cinder+nanny&qid=...

  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...

Sleep Robin Hood Outlaws: Book Three Written by: M.C. Frank Sleep Robin Hood is a fantastic continuation of the Outlaws series. With action, adventure, romance, suspense, and everything in-between this story hooked me. I can't wait for the next year to pass so I can read the next installation in this retelling. The characters have such passion and feelings that go between hope, despair, and betrayal. I don't want to say too much for fear of giving something away but this series is a well-written depiction of the tale of Robin Hood. 

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.

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.

Hood An Outlaws Novella Written by: M.C. Frank With an exciting twist to the traditional Robin Hood fairy-tale, M.C. Frank starts off the story with  some melodramatic humor, "So what you’re saying is,” Alis hissed behind them, “that you’re used to being about to die.” “More or less,” Will Scarlet replied, rare laughter in his voice. “The excitement is gone.” before the tone is changed to one of resolve and heroism as the ragtag team of outlaws goes to rob the rich and feed the poor. This story takes the tale of Robin Hood and provides depth and meaning for the history of the small group of Robin Hood's Merry Men. With Robin who fights the good fight in ways beyond money, a group of friends whose bonds go deeper than blood, and a community whose hearts are battered by the corrupt royals who lord over them this story takes all of the elements of the original and provides meaning in a novella- quite an impressive feat.

Spindle A Fractured Fairy Tale Written by: J.E. Taylor This fractured fairy-tale takes the story of Sleeping Beauty and flips it on its head. Instead of a witch, there is a dragon with a personal vendetta- wanting revenge for the killing of a dragon king. Instead of a bystander prince, the son of the dragon queen finds his true love in his enemy's daughter. With all the magical elements there, like the magical hedge between kingdoms, this fractured fairy-tale creates a beautiful world of magic and wonder while bringing in diplomacy and peace-keeping. Rory (otherwise known as Rapuzel) is a sweet girl who hates the thought of taking life, even when necessary for hunting. Zachary is the vicious dragon prince who finds sport in killing humans for revenge. Can Rory tame the beast in Zachary and help forge peace between the kingdom of light and the kingdom of dragons? Only J.E. Taylor can weave this story while adding in steamy elements of romance.

Did You Hear About the Prinz Party? Your Favorite Faerie Tales Just Got Real Written by: Eiran Naomi Omid This collection of faerie tales has three short, modern retellings of Cinderella, Snow White, and Sleeping Beauty. The best of three is the retelling of Cinderella. With a realistic plot line and a hint of fantasy in the appearance of her fancy dress from her mother who had passed away, the story moves quickly and tells the tale of gaining independence and freedom from bullies. The Rapuzel retelling starts with a crazy ex-girlfriend placing a curse on the future child of her old boyfriend. After a childhood filled with overprotecitve parents, Rosamond is let loose the moment she turns 18. While the switch from protected child to the freedom of an adult happens overnight is unrealistic, especially when the curse is supposed to take place only a week after her 18th birthday. The romance happens quickly just the way teenage romances do. The retelling of Snow White has some o...