
Member Reviews

A fantastic conclusion to the story of The Forest Grimm. This narrative incorporates elements from Grimm's Fairy Tales with interesting twists and explanations of their origin, while in no way contradicting the historical tales. Clara's visions introduced details of events that would not have been able to be woven into the story otherwise, as they involved points of view from characters central to the story but not active participants. The author expertly portrayed Clara's and Axel's emotions as they traversed the magical forest and as Clara came into her powers. So many strands of the tale are inventive and memorable, but I cannot list them without spoiling the conclusion. The research put into this fantastical novel is evident and much appreciated. There is nothing about this book, or the series, that I didn't find exciting and entertaining - honestly, once I started the book, I didn't want to put it down!

Thank you for this ARC! The sequel to Forest Grimm is a captivating continuation that draws readers back into its enchanting, yet eerie world. Clara and Axel return to the forest, on a mission to uncover a way to break the dark enchantment that holds the village in its grip. Their journey is filled with mystery, danger, and a sense of urgency that keeps the tension high throughout.
While there’s a slight lull in the middle of the book, as Clara struggles to harness her ability to see visions, it is clear that this slower section is a necessary step in the larger narrative. It allows for the deeper unraveling of both the characters and the curse itself. And just when you think things might plateau, the story comes together in a satisfying, poignant conclusion that ties up the threads beautifully.
What truly sets this duology apart is how the author weaves in elements of Grimm’s fairy tales. These stories—both familiar and twisted—are seamlessly integrated into the plot, enhancing the eerie atmosphere while giving fresh life to classic folklore. It’s a masterful blend of the old and the new, and it’s clear that the author has a deep love for the myths and legends that inspired this world.
All in all, this is a fantastic conclusion to a gripping duology. If you enjoyed the first book, the sequel won’t disappoint. It’s a beautifully written, immersive story full of heart, mystery, and a touch of magic. Highly recommended!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC to review!
Rating (on a scale of 1 to 5, 5 being excellent)
Quality of writing: 5
Pace: 4
Plot development: 4
Characters: 4
Enjoyability: 4
Ease of Reading: 5
Overall rating: 4 out of 5

In The Deathly Grimm, Ms. Purdie returns us to the eerie, enchanted world of The Forest Grimm, where familiar fairy tales turn deadly and twisted. As the story picks up, Clara and Axel’s journey pulls readers through high-stakes encounters, keeping the tension palpable and the pages turning. This darkly imaginative series is one I’d readily recommend for young readers looking for an immersive, thrilling escape.

The strongest aspects for me were Clara and Axel, and the atmosphere of the town and the wood. The plot itself became convoluted, and it felt like the story was trying to do too much. The pacing also slowed in parts. However, the characters and world make this worthwhile. If you liked The Forest Grimm, you'll enjoy this.

Big thank you NetGalley and to the publisher for the chance to review this book pre-release. Omg this was SUCH a beautiful follow up to The Forest Grimm. It was dark, atmospheric, and honestly fit perfect as a mid-fall early-winter read. I loved that we got to pick right back up from where we left off and introduce our characters to more creatures and tales, some which I wasn't even familiar with myself! This was a great conclusion to the duology, and I can't wait to get my hands on a physical copy!

Another treck through the Grimm Forest, count me in! I absolutely love the way the classic tales are twisted to curse individuals in the town. Creepy and enchanting.

In this thrilling conclusion to The Forest Grimm filled with more fractured fairytales, Clara and Axel must venture back into the forest to try to break the curse on their village while solving a three year old murder in the process. They come up against various villagers turned into fairtale characters including Rumplestiltskin, the frog prince, and more. Will they be able to find the missing page for the magic book and bring it home along with the murderer to break the curse? Which villager is responsible for the chaos that has engulfed the village for three years?
Both books in this duology would be great for a middle or high school. While there is romance, nothing goes past kissing and cuddling. I absolutely loved both books and devoured each one.

Thanks to Netgalley and Wednesday Books for an eARC. I was excited to read this sequel but it didn’t hold up to the first book. Again we enter Forest Grimm with Clara and Axel. They are trying to find someone and something to break the curse. It seemed to drag in the middle with them wandering and Clara trying to have visions. I struggled to stay engaged. Towards the end it picked up and had a good ending. Overall an okay story but did drag and was confusing at times.

Had a tough time staying engaged with this one but it was an ok story. While at first I seemed to connect with the story … as it got further in I found myself less invested in the characters.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc!
This series is the first fairytale retelling of sorts that I’ve actually liked! The sequel holds up to the first book and completes a great story arc full of twists and turns and darkness.

I really enjoyed this Brothers Grimm remake, it was a fun, dark way to tell the stories. I will definitely share it in our store with our readers.

The Deadly Grimm is like a long winded Grimm Fairy tale for the older reader. I'm a huge fan of Grimm Fairy Tales and love dark fairy tales so I couldn't wait to read the final book in the duology. I should have reread book 1 but I still enjoyed it. I will be getting book 2 when I come out and do a reread for my blog. I absolutely love this cover so much! Glad they went with this design over one similar to The Forest Grimm.

The Deathly Grimm
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A spellbinding fantasy that beautifully weaves the different tales of the Brother’s Grimm into a gripping murder mystery filled with magic and unexpected twists. Clara is still reeling from what happened in book 1, but since she drew the card The Fate Changer, she has to solve the mystery so her friend Henni can break the curse on their village. Can Clara and Axel’s love survive the Forest Grimm a second time? Or will they become lost, like Axel’s father?
A fantastic fractured fairy tale!

Reviewed for NetGalley:
Having made a harrowing escape from the Forest Grimm, saving many of the townspeople (but not all) they intended to save, Clara and Axel have to account for their actions in the forest.
But when more townsfolk start heading back into the woods, Clara and Axel have to return again to stop the curse, before it overtakes the town.
Lots of action, romance, and twisting and turning fairytales again, that served a great conclusion to the Forest Grimm saga.

This book is incredible. It took me less than 24 hours to absorb it and I’m so upset the story is over. Clara and Axel are so real and such great characters. Poor Ollie!
The way classic Grimm characters are rethought and woven into a brand new story - there are no words. Highly, highly recommended. You won’t be able to put it down!

The Deathly Grimm, sequel to the Forest Grimm, did not disappoint! Clara and Axel finished their story in a tale that was every bit as exciting and nail-bitingly tense as the first book. This is definitely a series that will be going on our library shelves! The Forest Grimm is a cursed land filled with mixed-up, deadly fairy tales. The characters jump right out of the book and grab your heart. I laughed and cried my way through the book. Well done, Ms Purdie!
The Deathly Grimm is appropriate for middle grades on up. There are scenes of extreme peril, death and sweet romance.

“The Deathly Grimm” is the must-read conclusion for anyone who enjoyed the first book in this haunting duology. I was immediately drawn back into the world of the cursed village bordering the dark Forest Grimm, which has been luring villagers into its mysterious depths. Clara and Axel must again enter the forest to solve a long-lost mystery and break the curse for good. Will their love survive this second journey through the forest? This time, Clara has received a new disturbing fortune. Just like the first book, this story was an easy read for me. It continuously peaked my curiosity and the darker fairytale elements were fascinating to me, just as they were to our main characters.
For those who enjoy:
🌲A Dark Forest
🌲Cursed Village
🌲Fairytales
🌲Quest
🌲Visions of the past
🌲Romance
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

What a ride! Clara and Axel are back in the forest trying to save their town from a curse. In this sequel, they must find a stolen page from the magical book the town uses for wishes. They also want to solve a murder and find still more missing townspeople who have gone into the magical forest.
I appreciate how deeply Kathryn Purdie dug into Grimm's fairy tales to come up with characters and challenges for our characters in this sequel. There were times when you just didn't know when Clara would be "done-done" with the trials. Even when she was home, it felt like her happily ever after was far from her grasp.
The angst between Clara and Axel was well done and I think it was refreshingly appropriate at time when some are pushing for YA literature to be more adult. They're young and inexperienced, but committed to each other for the long haul.

"The Deathly Grimm" was a fitting end to the duopoly. Clara will learn how and why her father died. Axel will learn many secrets about his family, including the fate of his father. Ollie's missing pennies will be found. A frog will be kissed but definitely not turn into a prince. The reader will meet Rumpelstiltskin, Jack (and the Beanstalk), and the Pied Piper. The murderer of Bren Zimmer will be uncovered. The origin of the curse will be revealed; and it is much more sinister than expected, but also fitting considering the darkness of the original Grimm tales. The curse will be broken, but at great cost.