Genres: Fantasy, Fantasy Romance, Fairytale | Release Date: 15 August 2023 | Standalone | Pages: 384 | Indie Author | Review
“There is more than one kind of magic here.”
Kathryn Trattner
Overview:
A huge thank you goes to Book Sirens and the author for letting me read a copy of The Glass Palace, a beautiful fairytale fantasy romance! This standalone tale is a retelling of East of the Sun, West of the Moon and it is a story bookworms are going to absolutely love. Don’t believe me? Let me give you an overview!
Astrid has been betrothed to a stranger for years, but never actually met her fiancé until a devastating tragedy occurs. Travelling to meet Tyhr, Astrid didn’t expect to be confronted by a man wearing a silver tiger mask. But Tyhr has been been cursed for an age, and the mask won’t come off unless Astrid can find a way to break the spell. Is it possible for Astrid to trust Tyhr’s heart and break a curse? Or will she fail this task and doom the both of them forever? Unlikely friendships will be forged, even as ancient magic stirs…
Happiness Boost:
The Glass Palace is fairytale storytelling at its best. Honestly, it felt like I was being embraced in a warm hug with this fantasy romance. But not only does Kathryn Trattner gives us an exhilarating adventure, she also evokes strong images as she sets the scene. Can I give you an example? At one point the snow is falling, muffling the sound of everything else. It felt like I was back in Narnia, because Kathryn has the same kind of magical touch with her writing as C. S. Lewis. And that is a *huge* happiness boost for me!
Within this fantasy romance, we get a sarcastic and rather sassy sidekick in our feathered friend, Chinook. You have no idea how much I was living for the moments when he makes his observations! I love him, and his rather uppity ways. In fact at one point, he berates Astrid that he is not a handkerchief, so please don’t cry on him. My heart felt *so* full reading this passage; it’s such a gift when authors bring out all the emotions! And let me tell you, The Glass Palace will both tear apart *and* mend your heart as you read this book.
When Astrid must go on a journey to help break the curse, I couldn’t put this tale down. I needed to know everything, including how the gifts she collected would be used along the way! You need a plucky heroine, to go on a quest. And Kathryn makes sure that Astrid is one of those for us! Is she perfect? Not at all. But Astrid is a strong-willed woman, who knows how to fight for good. I’m telling you, this fairytale retelling is perfection.
Downside:
Did I get a little annoyed about Astrid’s selfishness in the beginning? Yes, yes I did. But keep reading glitterbugs, because her character arc is *brilliant* and you’re going to love this heroine.
Final Thoughts:
The Glass Palace by indie author Kathryn Trattner is a fairytale fantasy romance of heartache, cursed magic and a deadly quest. I adore the world building, the characters, the plot. If you want a sweet fantasy romance? A beautiful fairytale retelling? You *need* this book. Trust me. Love what you’ve heard from my review? Just click on any of the links below to order a copy of The Glass Palace! Happy reading, glitterbugs!
You can order The Glass Palace via these links:
Amazon | Blackwell’s | Booktopia | Fishpond
