#fantasy retelling

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“Anastasia”, by Sophie Lark

STANDALONE

Historical fantasy

5 Stars

“Nobody wanted us to dance together. Nobody but me”

If you are looking for a biography of Anastasia or a recount of the last years of the Romanovs in a photographic kind of way, this is not the book for you. Anastasia and the last Romanov Tsar’s family, as well as some other historical figures like the courtiers and, most especially, Rasputin, are the characters in an alternative coming of age fantasy story where some people develop magic powers. Anastasia inherited her powers from the Tsar, she can slow time for everyone except for herself. That is a very powerful magic talent and it was expected that the tsarevitch, prince Alexei would inherit that, but he didn’t.

History is what it is,There’s only so much Sophie Lark can change to keep the story still recognizable, and she does a perfect job of it. In the same manner of other favorite writers of mine who also do fairy stories, folklore and history retellings like Juliet Marillier or Katherine Arden, she doesn’t recreate history but the legend of Anastasia, which says that she was the only one of the Romanovs who survived the Russian Revolution. Being second to last amongst the Tsar’s children is hard, seeking for her parents’ attention and approval Anastasia isn’t the demure ladylike princess that the photos seem to portray. She loves being outdoors, wearing men’s clothes, flying her gyrfalcon with which she can communicate and she’s in love with a Cossack prince named Damien who is her uncle’s ward.

We also have Damian’s side of the story to complete the full picture of what is to come and why. Damien is the son of the king of the Cossacks, his father was at war with Rusya (alternate name for Russia) and then signed a peace treaty with the Tsar. One of the conditions of the treaty was that Damien became a ward under the Tsar’s cousin’s supervision but no matter how long Damien spends being educated and having a military career amongst the Rusyans, he will always be considered a filthy barbarian. Except by Anastasia, of course. So we get to know his thoughts and his feelings about himself, his life and the people around him.

Anastasia and Damien speak for themselves. Sophie Lark writes in the first person for both characters therefore she gives different approaches to the same story given that Anastasia is a Rusyan princess and Damien a captive, with privileges but a captive all the same. And then there’s this dark mysterious figure that is Rasputin. Rasputin introduces himself as a monk and a humble servant. He is a fortune teller of sorts but he also has some talent for curing people of their ailments and that is the key to his closeness to the Tsar and the empress; Alexei ails from t hemophilia. He has very painful episodes of bleeding or swelling in different limbs, and Rasputin somehow makes the illness retreat from his young patient. But to Anastasia something doesn’t add up in the man and she doesn’t trust him.

I’m pleasantly surprised by Sophie Lark’s fantasy writing because it is so unique to her, usually her books tend to be more plot driven but in this case the book is more character driven. Also despite the liberties she has taken, it is palpable that the research of the History, folklore and customs of Russia and of Europe during the first half of the 20th century has been exhaustive and probably exhausting too. The writing style is very lyrical in a way, it helped that the two narrators speak of their hopes, dreams, memories and ambitions. Of the five books I’ve read this is her only fantasy-retelling and her most recent work, the others were dark mafia romances that I liked a lot, even though the subgenre isn’t exactly my favorite. Fantasy however is my first love in literature. I’m impressed to say the least, that she wrote a book like this, and I’m sure she’s capable of writing whatever she wants and succeed.

What I loved the most is the complexity of her characters, They’re not just black or white, but multicolored, an aspect that makes them more real and believable, and that is quite an achievement especially in a fantasy novel. The plot and subplots are subtle but as complex as the characters, political struggles, intrigue at court, treason, uprising, war, revolution and the change of the times, which is the hardest of subplots humans have to face in order to grow. But the most important aspect to differentiate the genres is that Romance, especially mafia/contemporary doesn’t need a lot of world building since it’s based in reality while fantasy whenever involves magic, folklore and magical creature, needs to have a well crafted scenery to wrap and surround the characters and it needs a credible magic system. And boy does Sophie Lark’s writing achieve that and more. Her imagination and fearlessness is what sustains this book.

[bookishlyvintage]

currently reading: Wendy, Darling by AC Wise

[wayfaringauthorofficial]

WIP EXCERPT!

The cavalry thundered towards him, but his own horse couldn’t carry him fast enough. On they charged, swords at the ready. Fumbling for his own, the boy wondered what good it would do. He was one against hundreds. They were faster, stronger, enhanced. What was he? Cold and alone, stranded in a strange land so unlike the place he had been raised in. In the distance, a woman dressed in gold prayed for his untimely demise.

This was war. All around him, buildings burned. Children and adults alike screamed, doing their best to run for cover before the next bomb was dropped. But she was the only one he was afraid of. Her eyes glowed through the darkness and flames, her powers growing by the second. With one strike, he spun down, down, down.

That was when he woke up. That was when he always woke up. Cold sweat soaked his shirt and sheets, causing them to cling to his body. As his eyes sprung opened, there was a small bustle of servants lingering in his corridor, but the only one he really wanted to see was leaning against his bed. Her long, jet black hair looked identical to his short do, but the rough fabric of her grey dress was so different from the prince’s wardrobe. Prince Christian sat up, one hand on his chest. Sunlight poured through his windows as she took a seat beside him.

Astrid Kaiser laid her head on the prince’s shoulder, doing her best to comfort him. “Was it the same dream,” she asked, somehow knowing exactly what he was thinking of. When he nodded, the servant girl pulled the young royal into a tight hug. He didn’t have to explain the way enemies charged after him, destroying the kingdom. She already knew. He’d been having the nightmare ever since his father died when he was a child. Taking a deep breath, the teen girl laid a head on the prince’s shoulder.

Sunlight shone through the distinguished curtains, burning Christian’s eyes. He wished he didn’t have to get up. He just wanted to stay in bed with his friend by his side. But there were duties to attend to, preparations to oversee. As the prince of Rumehra, it was his job to oversee certain preparations, to make sure everything was to the queen’s liking. The only problem was that sometimes, he had no idea what that was.

Wriggling into a pair of tan pants, he thanked the servant who had come in to assist him as he handed the prince a crisp white button down and blue suit jacket so much like the one his father had worn in the portrait that hung in the hall just outside Christian’s room. Some nights, he liked to sit in front of it with a flashlight, just gazing up into the late king’s eyes. Would his father be proud of him now? Would his mother like the man he was trying to become? He hoped so… otherwise, all of his efforts and training would have been for nothing.

Breakfast would no doubt be just about ready in the kitchen. The prince ran a hand over his face and tousled his hair before heading down to eat with the queen. Astrid fell into step beside him, taking his hand. He offered hers a tight squeeze, glad she was by his side to keep him company. She seemed nervous about seeing his stepmother. He couldn’t blame her, given their past. He was, too. Shouldn’t he be?

His shoes clicked on the tile flooring, his heart beating in time. He could see his stepmother rounding a corner, followed by a long line of servants ready to bring in the morning meal. Clearing his throat, Christian did his best to keep his hands from shaking. The queen’s huntsman stood at the door, either standing guard or watching his every move. The prince wasn’t sure which, but the latter seemed like a better bet. He swallowed hard, the scars on his back itchy. He didn’t want to think about the weapon that hung on the wall downstairs, but looking into that man’s eyes, that was all he could think of. He had been on the receiving end of that menacing nylon cord too many times to count. If Christian had any say in it, he wasn’t going to do anything to anger his stepmother that much again.

-Cherished opening!!

[quirkycatsfatstacks]

WOTN: The Girl in Red by Christina Henry

The Girl in Red is the latest twisted fairy tale from the mind of Christina Henry. If you’ve never heard of her before, Christina Henry is best known for taking tales and twisting them into something new and original. She’s altered works such as Peter Pan (Lost Boy: The True Story of Captain Hook) and other stories. This time around, she’s focusing on Little Red Riding Hood. You’re familiar with…

[foxyfablesblog]

Want to know my favorite book of 2023! Check out my book review on it!

[fantasticbookdragon]

Mini Review: Ensnared by Rita Stradling

Author: Rita Stradling Genre: Adult SciFi/Fantasy Published by: Rita Stradling Books Publication date: 06/06/18 Pages: 414 My rating: ★★★★★ (more…) “”

[ekbelsher]

How many ways can I draw this couple kissing? I found a ton of these while putting together my 2023 artvsartist grid. Way more than what's here, but these are the ones that I like, that have no background, and won't get me banned on social media haha

[periodcostumefantasylover]

Morgan Le Fay's black net dress in Excalibur

[rs-hawk]

Icarus making sure to always save the best of anything he has to give as an offering to Apollo. He burns everything in a golden bowl. Icarus begging Daedalus to craft him a lyre so he can learn to play it because it makes him feel closer to Apollo. Icarus trying to raise bees so he always has fresh honey to offer Apollo.

Apollo receiving all these offerings and getting bullied by Artemis because he can’t stop blushing because what is this human boy doing?? Fuck it’s so cute though and he starts lingering above where they’re being held bc he wants to be closer to him for a second.

[catgirl-kaiju]

version of Pinocchio where he's told what to do to become a real boy, but constantly struggles to do it until he realizes that he never wanted to be a real boy. he was only trying to be a real boy because it's what she was told by everyone that she needed to do. this whole time, she was actually a real girl acting like a puppet trying to be a real boy. she only stops having a puppet body once she accepts her true nature and asserts her girlhood in defiance of the destiny laid out for her. trans Pinocchio when

[ex0skeletal-undead]

Cover art for the novel What Moves the Dead Art by Christina Mrozik Novel by T. Kingfisher

[lou-wilham]

There is nothing better than a cheese tour through time and space except. . .

It's cover reveal day for @ellebeaumontbooks & I's first co-author project Benvolio & Mercutio Turn Back time!

BLURB:

Verona has 99 problems—including a time machine.

All Benvolio has ever desired is a peaceful life alongside his spirited—albeit quarrelsome—roommate, Mercutio. But as the story goes, the course of true love never did run smooth, and when tensions between the Montagues and the Capulets reach a boiling point, Benvolio and Mercutio are dragged into the mess Romeo makes of all their lives.

Then an older version of Benvolio crashes into their lives, offering the opportunity to change fate, Mercutio does as he always does—seizes the chance. There's just one problem: no deal is without strings, and this one involves a deadly secret that Mercutio is determined to take to the grave.

What follows is a lively adventure through the ages, replete with love and heartache. Amidst the chaos, this inseparable duo will unravel the true depth of their friendship.

A riotous romp of a retelling of Romeo & Juliet. Side effects of reading may contain laughter, heartache, and a need for more. This light, sci-fi fantasy is the perfect shelf companion to The Queer Principles of Kit Webb by Cat Sebastian, Something Fabulous by Alexis Hall, and The Gentle Art of Fortune Hunting by KJ Charles.

Publication day: July 31, 2024

Genre: Adult Sci-fi Fantasy Romcom

Tropes: Friends to Lovers, time travel, retelling, and they were roommates, deal with the devil

Purchase Link: https://books2read.com/bmturnbacktime

Pre-order a Copy w/ a signed bookplate: https://forms.gle/qtTcP2Tgh6Vfbw3u8

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/193907562-benvolio-and-mercutio-turn-back-time

Cover Artist Credit: @oblivionsdream

Tag for: @jokeringcutio

[wayfaringauthorofficial]

WIP UPDATE!!

Title: Cherished

Summary: In the world of Rumehra, one prince is destined to rule his kingdom. What will his evil stepmother do to keep him from following the path that has been set for him?

In this inverted fairy tale, follow Christian as he delves into a world of strangers, double agents, and the question of trust.

Chapters planned: 36

Chapter written: 4

Total page count: 30

Page count goal: I don't have one yet

[quirkycatsfatstacks]

WOTN: House of Salt and Sorrows by Erin A. Craig

House of Salt and Sorrows is the debut novel of Erin A. Craig, but don’t let that reduce your expectations. This novel is as intricate as it is disturbing – in all good ways. It’s a blend of fantasy and thriller in all the right proportions. The novel follows Annaleigh, one of the Thaumas dozen. Or one of the remaining, we should say. These sisters are cursed, or at least that is what the…

[reverie-quotes]

Love wasn’t enough and trying wasn’t enough and nothing we did changed anything! It should have mattered. All that love and all that trying should have changed … something…

— T. Kingfisher, Thornhedge