Review of Apples Dipped in Gold (Fairy Tale Retelling, 2)
When I first heard that Scarlett St. Clair was back with another gem of a fairy tale retelling, Apples Dipped in Gold, my heart did a little happy dance. After devouring A Touch of Darkness, I knew this would be a ride filled with magic, romance, and the kind of grit that keeps you coming back for more. Plus, who doesn’t love a modern twist on the classics that shaped our childhoods?
From the outset, we meet Samara, a heroine who has endured more than her fair share of hardship under the cruel watch of her brothers. I found her resilience captivating; there’s something deeply relatable in her struggle that stuck with me. Enter Lore, the enigmatic Prince of Nightshade, whose complicated feelings towards Samara and his own curse are as intoxicating as the poisons he commands. Their dynamic brings an electric tension to the narrative that had me flipping pages late into the night.
St. Clair’s writing style shines through in lush, vivid descriptions and a dialogue that breathes life into her characters. The pacing is tight, making this novella the perfect quick escape, yet it’s brimming with depth. The exploration of themes such as love, sacrifice, and the quest for freedom encapsulates the essence of what fairy tales represent while providing a fresh twist. The tension between good and evil, light and dark, is realized beautifully in this world where the characters must grapple with their pasts and the weight of their choices.
One quote that struck me was: “I loved her more than anything in this terrible world, and I hated it.” The emotional rawness of this line resonates on so many levels, capturing Lore’s internal conflict and setting the stage for their mutual journey of healing. It’s these poignant moments amid the whimsical backdrop of elves and fairy magic that truly elevate this story to something more than a simple retelling.
As stand-alone offerings in a series, Apples Dipped in Gold and its predecessor Mountains Made of Glass have a delightful interconnectedness, weaving in elements from various Grimm tales while standing firmly on their own. The heavy themes of familial bonds and betrayal are underscored by a layer of romance that satisfies fans of steamy, character-driven narratives. Yes, the spice level is indeed delectable, but it’s the emotional stakes that linger long after the last page.
In conclusion, if you’re someone who revels in dark fairy tales replete with intricate character arcs and emotional dilemmas, you’ll find yourself enchanted by Apples Dipped in Gold. It’s perfect for readers looking to step into a world where love might just be the most dangerous poison of all. Personally, this book left me pondering the complexities of love and redemption, and I am eagerly awaiting what St. Clair has in store for us with the next installment. Don’t miss this enchanting read!
You can find Apples Dipped in Gold (Fairy Tale Retelling, 2) here >>