I think this wound up being a better story than the first one, but I still struggled to connect to the characters and their cause. The story just didn't flow as well as l'd have liked it to.

I also feel you could see this villain from a mile away, but our FMC was too ignorant in her fate changer mindset to see it.

But I guess anyone going through all that trouble to break a curse- with scoliosis mind you- gets some respect.

Thank you to the publishers for this ALC

After loving book one I was excited for a continuation of the series. This is a true YA story inspired by the Grimm Fairytales. I enjoyed the hunt this time around and all the creepy characters our heroes had to survive in a spooky forest. The downside for me was that it felt much the same as the first and I lost that tension in the romance. I still think it was a nice read, but it just didn’t have the magic of the first. A younger YA audience would eat this up I believe!

I did enjoy the audiobook production!

I liked this sequel. I actually think I liked it more than the first book. I found the characters felt more mature and the story was more interesting here. The author kept the main theme of traversing the forest as the theme for the plot but I liked that the romance was more prominent in this book and I also liked that lesser known fairy tales were featured in this book.

I would definitely read more from this author and I’d recommend this for fans of Marissa Meyer’s writing style.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

DNF I was very on the fence about that last book and leaning towards not liking it very much and this honestly wasn’t much of an improvement for me. The narrator does their best but I just wasn’t very invested

This story picks up where The Forest Grimm leaves off, with the trio having returned from their original attempt to break the curse with only partial success. The town blames them for the curse only being partially broken, so Clara and Axel return to the forest to try again. New macabre versions of fairy tale characters and their story lines appear as they try to get to the root of the curse. Clara's ability to see the past has her piecing together events until she is finally able to free the town.

Again, this is light horror/fantasy with great characters and world-building. There is a bit more romance in this one with very low spice level.

Great audio narration.

A great conclusion to this duology. Really enjoyed the increased stakes, the feeling that the plots build and complicate each other. I’m a tough sell on duologies so the fact this one had me sat is really saying something. Loved the twist, loved seeing the magic expanded. Struggled a little with the romantic plot lines, but they feel age appropriate and considered.

This was a great conclusion to the Forest Grimm duology. I love that Kathryn Purdie puts her own twist on the traditional fairytales and makes us rethink the way we see these characters. I am sad that the duology has ended, but I look forward to reading more of Kathryn's work in the future.

Sarah Ovens did a great job narrating this story. Now I must go and look for more books narrated by Sarah to listen to.

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.

Over all- 4.75 ⭐️s rounded up for Goodreads.
Audiobook- 5 ⭐️s
I was lucky enough to get an eARC and audiobook to read in tandem, via NetGalley.
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!
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.
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!

The Deathly Grimm by Kathryn Purdie is the second installment in The Forest Grimm duology series. Even though Clara and Axel survived the forest the first time, they are back again to fight the cursed forest. Clara and Axel have limited time in solving the madman's riddles, surviving whatever the forest throws at them, and preventing herself from dancing herself to death with the girls and the ghost girls lost to the forest. I enjoyed both the first and second book, and the conclusion to The Forest Grimm.

The Deathly Grimm by Kathryn Purdie seamlessly blends dark fantasy with elements of mystery and eerie fairy tales. The story continues to follow Clara and Axel as they reenter the cursed Forest Grimm, determined to lift the lingering curse threatening their village.

The story is fast-paced and action-packed filled with unexpected twists and turns. The evolving relationship between Clara and Axel adds emotional depth, with their romantic tension enhancing the narrative without overshadowing the central quest.

Purdie’s lyrical prose and vivid descriptions effectively convey the eerie beauty of the Forest Grimm, immersing readers in its haunting ambiance.

The Deathly Grimm is a satisfying and thrilling conclusion to the duology, with its intricate plot, well-developed characters, and evocative setting.

My thanks for the audio arc goes to NetGalley and Macmillan Young Listeners. I'm voluntarily leaving a review.

Genre: Fantasy, Fairy Tale Retelling, Romantasy, Mystery
Audience: Young Adult
Spice Level: Nothing descriptive
Gore Level: There is some violence and death, but not overly descriptive.
Readability: Read these in order for the best experience.

**THE DEATHLY GRIMM** claws its way through the forest, keeping me hooked from beginning to end!

Did you read *The Forest Grimm*? You won't be able to skip this book.

Get ready for more:

- Fairy tales
- Dancing
- Secrets
- Betrayals
- Sisters
- Death
- Love

Seriously, this book is a wild ride. I can't imagine it being any more perfect as a sequel that is as good as the first.

Happy reading!

Clara and Axel Head back into the Grimm forest to break the curse once and for all and to figure out who killed to start the curse to begin with. Though the trying times within the forest, Clara thought she was helping but in turn she betrayed Axel and set the villain free.

This was an adventure that made you want to keep reading and figure out what was happening and who done it. Thought the bread crumbs of clues you would get, you think you figured it out only to be wrong because there was a twist.

This was an amazing read

Deathly Grimm is the second book in the Forest Grimm Duology. While I really liked the first book, this second installment was not as fun for me. There where still a lot of things I enjoyed. The world of the forest is still fascinating and the mash up of familiar fairy tale characters is a creative take well worth your time, especially if you enjoy retellings. This is indeed one of the better retellings I have read. However, unlike the first book that keeps the tension and the character growth throughout, I felt this book stretched things out a bit too much at the expense of that growth. Much of the plot depends on both Clara and Axel making the same mistakes over and over again as each doesn't want to believe their relative may be more evil than they want to accept. Overall the mystery and the way in which Purdie adds layers to the story by giving Clara visons through different POV's is done quite well, But for me, by the last act of the story I felt it went on over too many cycles that simply made the story longer. I also felt some of the twists were easy to see from early on, which made Clara and Axel seem to be less perceptive than they should be by this point.

I did listen to the audio for this one, which I highly recommend. The narrator does a great job with all of the voices and kept me engaged when reading without the audio began to feel slow to me,

The Deathly Grimm does provide a satisfying ending to the story, but for me, it takes a bit too long to get there.

The Deathly Grimm' concludes the duology started in 'The Forest Grimm.' Clara and Axel return to the forest in the hopes of getting rid of the curse, once and for all. Another set of darker fairy tales are found within the forest. Once again, love, trust and loyalty battle evil and win. I enjoyed the narration a lot. 4 stars.

The Deathly Grimm
The Forest Grimm Book Two
by Kathryn Purdie

***Five Stars***

I have waited for this book for so long! It was 100% worth the wait. I love Clara and Axel so much.

Clara made it out of the Forest Grimm once, can she make it out a second time? The curse isn't broken yet and the Forest is luring more people in. Clara and Axel will need to go back in to break the curse once and for all.

I am crying and crying! The first book was so complex but this one was even more so. I love how story and detail oriented this duology has been. It's solidly YA and so so so well written. I highly recommend this duology and for sure the audio version. Sarah Oven was PERFECT for this book.

That epilogue! All the tears!!!

Thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and the author for the opportunity to listen to and review this story.

#TheDeathlyGrimm #KathrynPurdie
#TheForestGrimmDuology #BookTwo
#ALCReview #NetGalley #MacmillanAudio
#ReadThisBook #ReadAllTheBooks
#YAFantasy #FairyTaleRetellings
#Retellings #LittleRedRidinghood

Rating: 5/5
I received the eARC for my honest opinion.

This book picks up where The Forest Grimm left off, you will see that life has gone back to somewhat normal after Clara, Axel, and Ella. However, when it’s Henni’s turn to make her wish, and she wants to wish the curse away forever, but that is when Clara finds out that she is the key to ending the curse or she might be the one that makes it permanent. Determined to make sure that it’s not permanent Clara and Axel gear up to head into the forest and find the murderer who started the curse, but we all know nothing is ever simple, in this fairytale land.

Wow! Just wow, I loved the way that this author ended this book. I loved all the different mashed-up fairy tales that were written in this book and how they all played a part in ending this curse. You will find a lot of twists and turns throughout the plot but in a great way, I loved that I would start to figure out who it was then boom it changed, and I was like, what is that the murderer or is it this person… or this person. You will find answers to questions that you might have had in the first book answered in this one, and I enjoyed all the new questions that were brought up in this book and I liked the fact that we got pieces of the answers then of course at the end you have it wrapped up nicely. I liked the pace of the book; it would pick up fast and then go right back to steady but for the most part it was fast paced.

The characters are what really make this book shine. I love Clara and how determined she is to find out the truth and end the curse. I found her strength to carry on no matter what, even with her scoliosis adding pain to her, she overcame the physical pain, but it was also the mental pain that she would endure while trying to have visions to help all the people in the village and of course her loved ones as well. I loved how Clara and Axel's relationship was put to the test when someone else comes around once they get to the forest, and as they try to uncover the truths. I loved seeing how Axel didn’t push Clara but allowed her time to understand everything that she was feeling.

I received the audio for this book as well and let me tell you that the narrator does a fantastic job. I listened to the book as I was reading it and with the mood changing throughout the book Sarah Ovens just knows how to give the readers the right emotions that they should be feeling.

I would like to say more, and I would, but I don’t want to spoil the book for other readers. So, what I will end with is this, the world building is amazing, the author’s style of writing will draw you in, the plot with the twists and turns will keep you on your toes, and the challenges that the characters must overcome will leave you on the edge of your seat.

If you like fairy tales that are mashed up perfectly, suspense, mystery and so much more you need to read these duology books.

I want to thank NetGalley and SMP/Macmillan for the opportunity to review this book.

"I still didn't let you go. All the love you showed a creature, all the vulnerability, you made a mark. Somehow, you became a part of me, Clara. I won't ever let you go. Not unless you want me to, and if you do, I understand.""Don't ever think that. You are my home. You are a part of me too. ...
You're my family, Axel, you're my forever."

The Deathly Grimm by Kathryn Purdie

Wow! This one took me on a ride!
Filled with magic, fortune telling, suspense, mystery, and fairy tales retold, this conclusion to this duology kept me on the edge of my seat.
The author blends a variety of fairy tales together which I loved! This felt like a medieval version of Once Upon a Time, with so many twists and turns that I didn't see coming at all, and I was here for it!
The main character, Clara, can see visions to help her understand the past. This is part of her heritage, since her grandmother is a seer of some kind and can predict people's fates with her cards. I enjoyed seeing Clara's growth throughout both books, as she learned to put aside her debilitating pain for the needs of others. Speaking of, I liked that the author included character with scoliosis in these books.
I loved the closure that the characters receive by the end of this book. The author does a great job wrapping everything up that has gone on throughout the story, including any side stories.
There were some parts that were a bit dark for me-like tasting of blood, character wiping blood into symbols on their face (done by a character who lost his/her mind and is evil). So that part grossed me out and was on the verge of horror. I did appreciate the fact that even though the two love interests talked about having s3x, they decided to respect each other and wait until it was the proper  time.
I liked how the author ends the book. No spoilers here.

Overall, I felt this one was well-written, with the descriptions being beautifully done, painting a vivid picture in my mind of my surroundings within the story. The characters and plot were unique to me.

Audiobook review: The narrator did an amazing job. I definitely recommend this one in audio.
I would probably recommend this one to older teens, ages 17+, maybe even 18 because of the dark themes.

Favorite Parts:
Fairytale retellings, mystery and suspense, sweet romance, brave female main character, respecting boundaries

Content Guide:
Language: Mild-d*mn and h*ll used a few times
Romance/Sexual Content: Closed-door-passionate kissing, thoughts and discussion of s3x, mild innuendos, sensuality and seduction including a kiss with tongue
Violence/gore: Moderate: Fantasy violence, Quite a lot of blood, including tasting of blood, murder, physical abuse (nondescriptive, happens in the past)
Substance Use: mild-character drinks and is drunk in the past
Prejudices: none
Religious Content: none
Other: poisoning, mention of cannibalism, magic and spells, fortune telling-visions and tarot cards, infidelity (discussed as something that happened), illegitimate children, death, possible hallucinations

Thank you to the author and publisher on Netgalley for the audiobook review copy. All thoughts are my own.

KATHRYN HOW DARE YOU

This book was amazing. Everything was amazing. I loved the depth of exploration between the characters. The new fairytales we got to see twisted and told. THE NEW VILLAIN?

I am so grateful that this is how the series ends, even though I didn't want it to end. I really loved the way Purdie is able to honor the original Grimm fairytales with the creepy horror aspect, but doing so in a fantasy setting. Seriously, I loved all of it.

No notes.

Thanks St. Martins Press and Macmillian Audio for the ARCS!

A thrilling a wonderful sequel to the epic gothic fairytale of The Forest Grimm. We are once more reunited with Axel and Clara who are looking for the missing page from the magical book of wishes in order to break the town curse, find more missing townsfollk, and solve a murder. In order to do so, they must go back into the forest and confront new challenges anhd obstacles.

I love the unique twists Katryn Purdie weaves into the classic Grimm tales and everytime you think that you are close to knowing the truth, she throws another twist in. This story is truly fascinating and I would highly recommend it to fans of retellings who like their stories a bit on the darker side.