Gold Spun

What I liked:
Gold-Spun is a fun-fast-paced retelling of Rumplestiltskin. I was drawn in by Nor, a swindler who is always trying to find a gift to feed her siblings. One day she is in the town square with a new grift that ends up with her in the palace and desperate to turn straw into gold. The basis in most ways of the original tale, but this one gives the girl a character, a reason, and the whole political battle with the fae that is very intriguing.
Final Verdict:
Novelist Brandie June has created a masterful retelling of Rumple with creative story-telling, matching her strong con artist with complex world-building and perilous adventures into the unknown world of the fae.

GOLD SPUN by Brandie June is the first book in a YA fantasy duology about a young girl trying to keep her family alive, a prince who should never become king, and a fae boy who will unravel it all. I love retellings, especially those that take the darker Grimm tales and put their own spin to it which is exactly what June has done with this one. You’ll never see Rumpelstiltskin the same way!

Elenora Molnar is seventeen when she encounters a fae in the Biawood. The fae in question is trapped by two hunters who plan to kill him or turn him into the king for a reward. Taking pity on the seemingly innocent fae, Nor helps him escape and asks for nothing in return. The fae gives her a golden bracelet weaved from a piece of his own shirt and says that if she ever wants to call in her debt, she can by simply adding her own blood to the bracelet. It isn’t long before Nor, a cunning thief who travels the countryside with her brothers selling a miracle “cure all” potion, finds herself face to face with Prince Casper, the soon-to-be king who doesn’t take kindly to thieves. Trapped and unsure of what to do, Nor finds herself in a tower full of straw and with no choice but to call on her favor.

The world building is vivid, and you don’t even realize it is happening. There are no info-dumps, rather it is built into the story itself, woven into the action and revealed as Nor lives it. Nor is a fun character to follow. It was easy to empathize with her and understand her actions. I felt so bad for her when she was caught, but even more so how and why she’s caught. This girl will do anything for her brothers and that unfortunately comes back to haunt her.

The author sets up a small love triangle between Nor and Pel, the fae, and Nor and Prince Casper. I wasn’t sure how I felt about it at first. I was intrigued by Pel. Nor describes him as beautiful, a god among men, but he frightens her with his blood magic and all the unknowns of the fae. Casper is harder to like. I wanted to love him from the start, however his harsh treatment of Nor and then his sudden reversal of feelings (like he was ready to execute her, then he’s declaring his love for her) was questionable.

Overall, I really enjoyed GOLD SPUN. The twist on the classic tale along with the world June created for it is amazing. I devoured it. Highly recommend for anyone that enjoys YA fantasy with a touch of romance.

WHAT I LOVED: GOLD SPUN is a fairytale reimagining of Rumpelstiltskin. To ensure peace following the war between Faradisia and Reynallis, Prince Casper was a Royal hostage for six years. However, he must return home and become King of Reynallis after the Fay attacked and killed his brother, King Christopher. He meets Elenora in the woods when he becomes lost. Later that afternoon, from that chance encounter, she saves a fay named Pel and is granted a golden thread as a boon and an unbreakable circlet of gold on her wrist to call for his help again.
Elenora has struggled since her parents and older sister were killed in the war to support her three brothers. Rather than starve, she has become a great con artist. The latest stunt is to convince a nearby village that she can turn straw into gold using the gift from Pel. Things don’t go as planned when Prince Casper hears her claims and makes one of his own. She will become his wife if she can prove she can turn straw into gold or face the consequences of being a thief.
With few options, Elenora calls upon Pel to help her make the gold. With this success, she must now pull off her biggest con, acting like she can fit in at court and become Queen.
This retelling of Rumpelstiltskin is richly imagined. Elenora, Prince Casper, and Pel are all well developed.
The book ends on a cliffhanger. We will just have to wait and see as truths are revealed on all sides. Who will move past betrayal for a Happily Ever After?
Final Verdict: GOLD SPUN was a delightful retelling worthy of the genre. It was a quick read that was instantly engaging and kept the reader entertained from start to finish. I hope we don’t have to wait too long for the sequel!