These reviews were written for the two novellas that comprise this First Book:
4 1/2 stars
"Candy Houses" by Shiloh Walker is the first novella in her Grimm series, a very different take on familiar fairy tales and fables. Forget everything you remember about the story of Hansel and Gretel and allow yourself to be drawn into this mesmerizing tale of Greta, a woman who survived the torture inflicted upon her by her evil stepmother and stepbrother and became a Grimm. Those who become Grimm have their work cut out for them, to protect the mortals on earth from the monsters who seek to destroy them. As each joins the hunt, they are granted increased fighting and survival skills but they are also given individual special gifts that are unique to them as well as a silver medallion that has wings and letters engraved upon it. Traditionally, they tend to hunt alone but also have resources they can call upon when needed and they all have interacted with the mysterious Will who has guided them on their journey and who interferes as he deems necessary. Greta discovers a new potential victim who inexplicably has access to a demon tome which is full of invocations for summoning all sorts of demons. Unfortunately, destruction of the book is not going to solve the problems that have arisen and Greta inadvertently requires the assistance of her Grimm colleague, Rip, whether either is happy with the arrangement or not. The two must learn to work together and deal with their past and present attraction to one another while they each fulfill the task before them or each will fail.
A imaginative twist on a traditional tale that reimagines familiar characters with a sensual and intriguing flair. The contrast between the action-packed fight scenes and the flowering relationships plus the mystique behind the Grimm make this an enthralling read. The gradual introduction of tidbits about the various characters and the reinterpretation of traditional tales makes this an intriguing start to the series and whets one's appetite for more.
"No Prince Charming" by Shiloh Walker is Book 2 in her `Grimm's Circle' series of erotic fairy tales. Elle and her partner Ren are long time partners whose function is to act as guardian angels for the unsuspecting humans being preyed upon by demons. Elle has a slightly different history than the traditional fairy tale about Cinderella indicates but the most significant aspect is her failure to end up with Prince Charming and the horrors that befell her immediately after rejecting him from her life. Michael is one of the few Grimm who deliberately chose his new role and has spent more than three hundred years waiting to earn Elle's forgiveness. Their inescapable carnal attraction reminds them of all that they have lost but they need to address their unhealed wounds if they are to have a future together.
Another intense and sensual novella from an author who excels at penning flawed characters with fascinating stories. The imaginative reworking of a traditional fairy tales into a dark and erotic story conjures up some of the scarier elements of the tales from the brothers Grimm yet provides easily identifiable relevancy to the current world. Ms Walker's ability to create tortured souls that the reader really wants to have a happy ending is part of her allure for me and I look forward to reading more of this intriguing series.
© Night Owl Reviews
A copy of this title was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
