Rumpelstiltskin: A Timeless Fairy Tale (Timeless Fairy Tales)

Review:Since I thought the retelling of Cinderella by the same author was wonderful and the synopsis for the current book was intriguing, I bought the latter as soon as I discovered it and started reading immediately. I wasn’t disappointed and the first book wasn’t a fluke by a mile, on the contrary. I was again swept away to this fantasy world, where new life has been blown into dusty fairy tales, characters were exciting and 3D and a clearer, coherent and whole picture started to form in my mind in regards to what is going on and how all the books are connected in the series.I loved the smaller yet profound changes from the original fairy tale, particularly the fact that the villain is now the hero and what a charming hero he was. Otherwise, nothing overly major was changed, but despite this, the story felt fresh and new and this is, I gather, mostly due to the well-executed characterization, dialogue and general plot and background of the series. The latter makes me quite excited, because it’s imminent that something huge is coming from the villainous side and I can’t wait to see everything unravel and witness the big bang. I really appreciate where the author is going with this series in regards to that. I also liked that the series feels connected via references to characters, places and events from other books.My favourite aspect of the book was, however, the main couple. I really loved the subtle clash of the characters of Stil and Gemma. The first being sneaky, charming, slightly vain in an adorable boyish and sweet way and the latter having her feet completely on the ground, being practical, realistic and with no time for nonsense. Moreover, I appreciated that neither was too overbearing, suffocating, clingy, oh-so-tortured or any other extreme that most YA and NA main characters nowadays tend to be. With differences, came similarities, both were exceptionally talented in diverse areas, Stil in craft magic and Gemma in making clothes. It was nice to see that both had something they were passionate about and it wasn’t only each other. I also thoroughly enjoyed the dialogue between them which was bantery, smart, funny and sweet. I will, however, never forget how Stil twisted the original meaning behind the Rumpelstiltskin quite “I want your firstborn” into something that was utterly swoon worthy. I honestly thought they were a lovable couple and despite me still only slightly favouring Cinderella and Friedrich from the previous book, Gemma and Stil managed to upstage a huge portion of YA and NA main couple I read about. Also, a fairy tale without either of the main couple being royal is always a welcome change for me.I didn’t so much enjoy the secondary romance. The idea was intriguing and quite unexpected, and there was also a definite usefulness in regards to the plot, but they simply didn’t catch my fancy compared to the main couple. I would even say that I would have preferred more time dedicated to Stil and Gemma on the expenses of the secondary couple.Overall:This series has turned out to be a real gem! Good storytelling on the basis of beloved fairy tales, extremely easy to like characters with distinct personalities, noteworthy dialogue and plotting… I’m definitely sticking to this series! Now I simply have to find the time to read the first two books. Why is time my enemy in regards to reading? Also, can I ask for a Puss in Boots version and some other lesser known fairy tale books?

Wow- I didn’t know quite what I was getting myself into when I started this book, but I’m so glad I did! I remember really liking this author’s fairytale retellings, although I had only read the first three books in this series and it’s been a couple years since I last read one. I don’t know why I didn’t keep reading them- they are masterfully crafted stories and I absolutely LOVED this one!Gemma is such a strong character. I admired and loved her sense of honor and integrity. She demonstrated over and over her kindness and selflessness by sacrificing herself for others’ sakes. The relationships she developed as a result were so satisfying and endearing. I loved the way Rumpelstiltskin was a part of this story. I don’t want to give anything away, but his character was a perfect touch to this fairy tale.The romance was sweet. I truly loved it and the bit of humor that these two had in their interactions. A great book, and now I need to go read more in the series!!

I've never really liked Rumpelstiltskin. In the traditional tale the maid seems rather pathetic and Rumpelstiltskin, a manipulative creep. K.M. Shea has crafted an amusing tale that has forever replaced the original in my mind. Definitely worth reading. Well crafted and entertaining.Only reason I didn't give 5 stars was because I didn't understand how Gemma, a practical and fairly intelligent woman could constantly protest her beloved feelings. I mean, seriously, she doth protest WAY TOO Much. I liked her but part of me started to want to smack her especially after he and his friend explained that they were only friends AND yes, He was very interested in her. It was like her own feelings were tepid until the end. BUT that is my own opinion.Despite that 1 flaw, I was enchanted and will no doubt read it again and maybe add a few others from the Timeless Fairytale Series.

You cannot fathom how eager I was to devour Rumpelstiltskin. I'd heard all these rave reviews on how fantastic the story was, how it was the best they've ever read. Well... I'm afraid this story didn't resonate with me all that much. I love the fairytale of "Rumpelstiltskin," absolutely love it. Yet I just can't bring myself to love any of its retellings that I've ever read. Kitty's was no exception. Stil wasn't at all as wonderful as everyone is always saying. Pretty much his only attractive qualities were his charms and his looks (and even those were confusing!). Prickly Patch has more character than he does. And Gemma was... well. I just... well. Not a huge fan of this one. Disappointed.

This is a fantastic book! It's well written and I loved the spin on the Rumplestiltskin story, especially how the magic works. The fight scenes were fast flowing and easy to picture, I found myself really getting drawn into the book and being unable to put it down. It fits in so perfectly with the rest of the series as well as a stand alone novel, it links back to the previous 3 books and also gives hints to the other curses going on in the neighbouring countries. I'm absolutely hooked on the series, more books soon please!!

At the moment I am slowly reading my way through all of KM Shea's kindle books. I decided to start with this one in the Timeless Fairy Tales series and I wasn't disappointed. It's a great twist on the story of Rumpelstiltskin with fun characters and humour. I recommend it!

maybe too much love and sweetness? nah, we need more...and a good idea to make the spinner of gold into a handsome mage...i have always pitied rumplestiltskin for doing all the work, and not getting the promised reward...but here he can...good job! a fun read!

I love everything K M shea writes, and this is no exception

The best ever retelling of rumpkestiltskin I've ever read. Seamlessly fitting in with the three books going before it. I absolutely can't wait for the next book in this series.