I was so hyped to get a copy of this, as I'd loved the first book in the duology. This did not dissapoint at all in terms of a follow up, and I honestly feel like Kathryn Purdie is now on my autobuy list!

First and foremost I’d like thank thank NetGalley and the Publisher for gifting me a copy of this book. I am so thankful to give an honest review of my feelings towards this book.
Return to the Forest and find out the truth about the beginning of the Curse.
I will be 100% I sped through this book and honestly didn’t remember a lot from book 1 of this duology. I did remember enjoying the nostalgia from seeing the grim fairytales sprinkled throughout the book and this sequel was about the same.
Following Clara and Axel on their return to the forest was kind of a mixed bag for me. I honestly feel that this duology could have been just one book in my opinion It was pretty repetitive and outside the references to fairytales was one noted. This could also stem from speeding through it CuaSe it was about to expire.
If this duology interests you in anyway, read it! You could have a completely different opinion from me.

really good mystery. Kept me on my toes and loved all of the characters and what they went through on this journey. Loved that they a happy ending happened.

A fantastical, exhilarating ending to a magical duology. I loved this - was kept on the edge of my seat in my eagerness for answers and mystified by Purdie's imagination and creativity of weaving classic fairy tale characters into a new story. Sometimes the story did feel a little drawn out, but overall, I really enjoyed this one and loved getting answers to the questions I was left with at the end of book 1 and seeing everything wrap up nicely. Thanks Netgalley for the e-ARC!

While I didn't think that The Forest Grimm was a perfect novel, I enjoyed the plot, setting and eerie tone enough that I wanted to finish the duology. Unfortunately, The Deathly Grimm fell short for me. I didn't feel like the plot was as interesting as in book one, and a lot of the novel felt like filler. I almost think that these two books could have been condensed into one standalone. Additionally, I didn't love the love triangle elements, or the new antagonist. I much preferred how book one set up the forest itself as an antagonist, compared to the flesh and blood villain of this book. And finally, the emotional scenes just didn't impact me. While I am glad that I got to see how this series wrapped up, I feel like there was decline in writing quality between books one and two.

The Deathly Grimm was a mostly satisfying conclusion to this duology. While I can't say that this was a favorite of mine, I did have an enjoyable time while reading it. The plot picks up right after the first book's ending, and we don't get much of a recap. Having read the first book last year, a refresher would have been nice, but I remembered enough to be able to dive back in.

As with the first book, my favorite aspect was the fairytales and how they were twisted. I thought that aspect was very well done and interesting, and I really liked how the fairytale that related to each Lost character made sense with who they were on the outside. It never felt like the fairytale was randomly placed or didn't make sense. When Clara thought about the characters and who they were, the fairytale they became was logical. I don't think I've ever read a fairytale retelling that utilized fairytales in this way, and it was delightful.

Unfortunately, the other aspects of the story left me wanting more, especially the conclusion of the murder mystery and the curse. I've seen many reviews say that it felt very convoluted, and I would have to agree. I wouldn't go so far as to say that it didn't make sense, but the explanation ultimately felt silly.

The pacing was slower than expected, especially since I was under the impression we were on a time crunch. The characters felt even more childish than they were in the first book, which was very odd. The relationship between Clara and Axel was constantly strained for no reason other than to have it be strained, and I didn't feel that it was resolved well enough by the time the ending happened.

I don't know. I think this is a solid series, and The Deathly Grimm is a solid conclusion, but there was too much that I didn't love that overshadowed my enjoyment of the fairytale aspects.

I received an advanced copy of The Deathly Grimm from Netgalley and the publisher and am leaving this review voluntarily.

DNF at 50%. I would like to try again someday. As for now, this is a series and its not working . I could not connect to the storyline of to any of the characters.

I dnfed this at 50%, I really am not liking the main character Clara. I don’t like how she treats other people and trying to use Ollie. I just couldn’t continue any longer.

After partially breaking the curse in "The Forest Grimm," Clara Thurn returns to finish what she started and break the curse over Grimm's Hollow completely. But in order to do that, she must solve a years-old murder and face the very real possibility of losing the one boy she cannot live without, and the last living member of her family. In addition, the Lost Ones she faces in the forest will be far more dangerous and treacherous that any she faced last time. Can Clara break the curse, or will she fail to even make it out of the forest alive?

This sequel hits the ground running, with very little backstory, assuming you've already read the first book if you're reading this one. There are hints here and there, but you do need to remember at least parts of the first book for this one to make sense. I actually don't mind when books do this, but I know some like to be caught up since it can be a while between books in a trilogy or even a duology. Fair warning you won't get a recap here.

Clara and Axel have a believable relationship curve thrown at them - since they've decided to be together, now what? They're very young, and marriage might not be a feasible next step. Their choices and their struggles feel real when viewed from the standpoint of their youth.

The new main side characters added were more enjoyable than Henni in book one, and figuring out the mystery with Clara was also quite intriguing. On the other hand, this sequel leans a lot more heavily into the supernatural than the first book. There are less of the fortune telling cards mentioned in the first book, but they do still play a role, and ghosts appear more heavily than in the first book and are more involved in the plot. I'm not a fan of these elements, just like I wasn't a fan in the first book. I do like that Clara can see the past, and her grandmother is bonded with a wolf whose body she can take over, and I feel like the story would have been enough without the added elements of ghosts and tarot cards. I feel like they weren't and aren't necessary.

That said, I did feel like the ending was a satisfactory conclusion to the duology, and most loose ends were tied up. I give it a 3-3.5 out of 5 stars. I would be interested to see Ms. Purdie's work again. Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Wednesday Books, and Netgalley for the advanced reader copy. This is a voluntary review, and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

I enjoyed this final installment in the Forest Grimm duology. I did feel like it was slower than I was anticipating it was going to be which did reduce my rating down a bit.

Clara and her friends have returned to their village with a partially lifted curse and hope for restoring things to how they were. However, people are soon lured into the Forest again, and to fully break the curse the missing page of the Book of Fortunes must be found along with the murderer of Bren Zimmer. Clara and Axel enter the Forest Grimm once again and find new dangers and companions.

This strange world was fun to enter again, I still love the meshing of well-known fairy tales into something dark and unique. The Grimm Wolf is back again and we get a bit more backstory into her, which was great. It was interesting this book to see her relationship with Axel tested to the limits. My favorite aspect was seeing Clara learn how to use her power of visions and come into her own. I really enjoyed the murder-mystery aspect of this book and how there are so many potential suspects throughout the narrative, it keeps you guessing right until the end. There's a lot of heart in this story, especially around Clara's relationship with her grandmother, and Axel's family. I think overall it was a good conclusion to the duology.

I recommend this book to those who enjoy fairy tales and adventures through the woods. It is a well-written YA book that still holds up for adults as well. I would definitely start with book one in the duology, it would be very confusing to jump in at book two. I look forward to reading the next series from Purdie! I received this book as an eARC from NetGalley for my opinions.

This story has everything I love- romance, danger, and a world that feels as alive and dangerous as the characters themselves. It’s the kind of book that makes you want to keep turning pages long after the story ends. I loved this series.

I fell for the first in this duology, and dare I say the second was even better!

More of the Forest Grimm being crazy and dangerous— and showing us our childhood fairytales in nightmarish ways.

More romance, friendship, and family holding to one another tightly.

The story picks up where we left off - Clara and her friends made it out of the forest… but the town has questions.

And Clara has a killer to find.

With a not-so-fun card reading (poor Clara, they never seen to go well for her) and fear for her friends, not to mention new villagers being lured into the forest— Clara and Axel now have to go back.

Their relationship is tested as well as their wits. They have a curse to break, after all!

I couldn’t get enough of this, truly. The plot is sharp as a tack while the writing is lovely and descriptive— even when the visual is a bit macabre.

At a fast clip that will keep even the most ADHD among us (hi, it’s me) tuned in, we start to pick up breadcrumbs like Hansel and Gretel to solve this mystery, and I loved every moment!

This was well balanced with the romance, which always gives me the warm fuzzies.

Axel and Clara are young and flawed, but that’s why their loyalty to each other is so meaningful. I am so here for these two and their relationship!

If you want a YA fantasy romance that has all the fairytale retellings and can absolutely cross over into adult fiction for those inclined, this is for you!

I’m willing to bet this will surprise you in the best way, just like it did for me!

This is a fine follow-up to the first book. I think my biggest problem with this book is the fact that the first book would have been better as a stand-a-lone. There just wasn't really material for a second book. This felt very similar to the first book so it had a hard time keeping my attention throughout. All of the characters don't really change much throughout the book and I didn't find the mystery to be compelling. I think the duology was a good idea, but it could have and should have been condensed down to a singular book.

Firstly, this is the sequel for a duology. The first book is The Forrest Grimm. If you haven't read it, you definitely should!!

I loved this duology. I had such a fun time with the Grimm fairytale elements that were twisted in such a way as to become new to me again. The idea of a magical forest which turns people into the Grimm fairytales was so clever to me!

My one issue (which admittedly is a big one), is that a magical book/forest that curses the whole town due to the whims of one individual doesn't seem right to me. This may be the teacher in me talking, but group punishment just makes the good kiddos feel alienated. This felt the same way to me (especially since a lot of people died!! Not a spoiler if you've read the first book already).

But the friendships of the characters in this book is beyond amazing so I can look past my one complaint in this case. 😅 I'm a sucker for an adorable relationship/friendship.

Thanks @netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!

4.75 ⭐️s rounded up for Goodreads.
I was lucky enough to get an eARC and audiobook to read in tandem, via NetGalley.
This was such a fun fairytale mash-up Duology. Emphasis on "mash-up" because these tales don't always follow the originals, which I enjoyed. It felt original, regardless of enlisting well known characters and stories.
In The Deathly Grimm, we meet new characters and find our MCs in the middle of more mysteries/adventures that weave seemlessly within the overall plot of The Forest Grimm. Clara and Axel's relationship is expanded on throughout another bout of drama, AND we get to see some favorites from TFG.
The audiobook, narrated by Sarah Ovens, is perfection. Her voice lends to the whimsy of the tales, setting, and is my preferred medium of consumption.
My one criticism is that Purdie used "my S-curve" toooo many times. Like 12 times! 🙈 I don't recall this being such a distracting substitute for back (part of a back) in the first book? Anyhoo, thats legitimately why TDG wasnt a full 5 star read for me. Still loved it and will be adding to my shelf.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Wednesday Books for the eARC and Macmillan Audio | Macmillan Young Listeners for the advanced audiobook!

My favorite part of this was that the romance wasn't really there and instead focused more on Clara's relationship with her grandmother. The first book pushed Clara and Axel too much and it felt forced and awkward. There was a bit of jealousy and some manipulation, but it was hardly there.

The pacing is slow and a lot of the plot felt like filler to me. I think the two books could have easily just been one standalone that I might have enjoyed more. It also seems like these should have been middle-grade instead of YA, as they read super young and the characters can be too childish even for sixteen year-olds.

Maybe the next Purdie book will land better for me.

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All opinions are my own. Thank you to Wednesday Books and NetGalley for the copy.

4.5/5
Absolutely loved the conclusion of the series. It built on Axels and Clara relationship. I do wish that her friends were in it more but the 2 of them are so sweet. The mystery of the forest and the book. The inclusion of so many fairy tales into one story was splendid. It made for an epic conclusion that kept you guessing on why the forest was the way to was. The magic and world are amazing and great ending.
I received an E-arc and thank you NetGalley and Wednesday Books for the opportunity to read and review.

The Deathly Grimm is just as atmospheric as its predecessor! I love when an author can execute a setting - it really immerses you in the plot and gives you a connection to the story. While I love the style and elements (especially folklore twists!) in this writing, the plot itself felt slow, and I found myself skipping ahead. Meanwhile the last 10% of the book felt like it held the majority of the content and plot heavy moments.
A good conclusion to this duology, and a solid read if you enjoyed The Forest Grimm!

I really enjoyed the conclusion to this duology! I enjoyed this book more than the first one, I thought the charcaters were more developed in this one and the conclusion felt satisfying for this story. I also really love the spooky fairytale atmosphere that this book had. I did feel like the pacing was a bit off for me throughout the book, but overall a fun read that ended an enjoyable duology well!