I was really excited to pick this book up based on the blurb — the ability to alter fairytales sounded right up my alley. I did really enjoy that element of the story. It placed interesting twists on the classics we already knew. I also appreciated the academia elements to the story. I enjoyed the FMC as a whole and could easily relate to her love of fairytales and folklore. The main issue I had was struggling to connect with the author’s writing style and overall execution of the plot. I read this via audiobook and thought the narration was good. Hunter was able to keep my focus on the story. I thought there was an appropriate amount of emotion added to the performance.

Kaley is obsessed with folklore and fairy tales, so much so that she is studying this topic for her PhD. She goes on an adventure with lifelong friend, Jobi, who jokes about living on another planet with aliens. She laughs this off and is inspired by the talk of going to a country with kings, royalty, and a totally different way of living.

When they arrive, she finds herself in a mysterious world where the fairy tales she loves seem to come to life. Arriving in Bellis, still thinks herself roaming islands of her world and not a totally different universe. She’s tasked with finding a missing prince hiding away to avoid his arranged marriage. Joining her are some strong side characters, who I really loved, Tanek and Sojer !

She navigates this new world through her journey as she tries to understand more about the people and life her and how she is connected to it all.

This book was very unique and I loved the fairytales embedded into the world and story. Loved adding the sci-fi element to this fantasy and some academia feel as well. The spice was spicing !! This is book 1 of 2, would read the next book also!

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for the ALC in exchange for an honest review. Release date 1/28/25

Scifi with a touch of fairytale stories to it. Quite a unique concept! It's a fantastic romantasy. This is something I would recommend to anyone who liked Star Bringer, Hevenbreaker, or Star Wars.

This was a FANTASTIC start to a new romantasy duology that sees PhD. student, Kayley being taken to an alien planet where she is tasks with helping to figure out a number of fairy tales that are being played out with deadly consequences. Fresh, original and great on audio, this is perfect for fans of of authors like Katee Robert or Karen Robards and romance fantasy books with a fun twist. I can't wait to see how this story concludes! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review!

Audio review: the narrator, Alexandra Hunter did a great job with the narration. The production quality and narration quality together were good.

Book review: This book was unexpected. It starts right out of the gate as sci-fi, and then the fantasy comes in later. I like fantasy and sci-fi, so I was good with that. I liked the MC, although I felt like she wasn't as discerning as I'd expect.

I really enjoyed the twist and different take on fairy tales, and I feel like fairy tale fans and fairy tale retelling fans would definitely like this one. It's a quick read and an intriguing story, and it's got slow burn romance which is my favorite!

Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for the ALC!

3.5 rounded up due to the narration!

As a long-time Devereaux fan, it was nice to see this foray into romantic fantasy. I wish I had realized it was part of a series. I don't like the open-ended titles alluding to another one coming. I enjoyed the story as well as the takes and twists on fairy tales.