Once Upon a Darkened Night: Books 1-3 Review
When I first stumbled upon Once Upon a Darkened Night: Books 1-3 by Nicole Zoltack, I felt an immediate pull—not just as a lover of fairy tales, but as someone who appreciates the shadowy corners of these timeless narratives. Fairy tales have always held a certain allure, but Zoltack’s take promises a journey through darker realms, sparking a curiosity I couldn’t resist.
From the opening pages, it’s clear that Zoltack is not just retelling shadows of familiar stories; she’s reimagining them with profound depth. What if Cinderella’s stepmother had true reasons for her cruelty? What if Sleeping Beauty’s curse wasn’t just fate but a desperate measure to protect her kingdom? Each character is layered and fleshed out, transforming them from caricatures into beings with motives, flaws, and heartbreaking backstories.
One standout is Of Cinder and Madness. As I read, I couldn’t help but feel a connection to the protagonist’s anguish. The exploration of loss and its psychological ramifications went beyond typical fantasy fare. Reviewer Sandra Stephenson captures this poignant experience perfectly, mentioning the “ups and downs” of the narrative that kept her glued to the pages. The emotions resonate profoundly as Zoltack artfully weaves complexity into what we’ve once perceived as simple tales.
What strikes me most about Zoltack’s writing style is her ability to balance lyrical prose with pace. The narrative flows seamlessly, inviting readers into each character’s dilemma while maintaining the cadence of a gripping fairy tale. It’s not just about the plot twists—though there are plenty of those that had me gasping and turning pages—it’s about the emotional journey that feels visceral and real. Each chapter left me with thoughts to ponder, making the reading experience rich and rewarding.
While the boxed set has varying reviews, with an overall rating hovering around 3.2 stars, I found a raw honesty in the characters that well compensated for any narrative sag. Athena Brown’s reflection on the depths of character’s minds really encapsulates the essence of this collection: these are stories that delve into the heart of our fears, losses, and the corruption of innocence.
And let’s not forget the exclusive short story The Cost of Intemperance, a haunting retelling of The Twelve Dancing Princesses that adds another layer to this enchanting collection. The way Zoltack consolidates familiar tales into a larger narrative arc showcases her creative prowess, ensuring readers have not just a series of stories, but a cohesive experience.
If you’re someone who enjoys the darker, twisted sides of beloved tales—where heroes have flaws, and villains have backstories that can evoke sympathy—this collection will absolutely captivate you. It’s perfect for readers looking to dive into a world where nothing is quite as it seems, and every character has a story worth uncovering.
Overall, Once Upon a Darkened Night isn’t just a set of retellings; it’s an invitation to reflect on our own narratives and the shades of grey in our choices. Nicole Zoltack has outdone herself, reminding us that even in darkness, there’s a depth of beauty to be found.