(Cover picture courtesy of Goodreads.)

Kayla’s world has been turned upside-down . . .

Her father has made her the prize in a deadly, impossible tournament, and Kayla has retaliated in the only way she knows how; by choosing her champion beforehand. But taking control of the outcome changes the game completely, and when the real reason behind the strange test becomes apparent, Kayla realizes not just her life, but her entire kingdom is at stake.

Rane’s honor is torn in two…

In order to save his brother, Rane will do whatever he has to–including deceive and betray a princess. He knew nothing about this tournament would be easy, but when it turns into a deeper, far more sinister game, Rane is forced to see it through to the end, or leave his brother at the mercy of their enemy.

Now their fates are entwined, and they must venture into the deep, dark forest together . . .

Kayla and Rane are bound to one another by an enchantment and Kayla’s actions. But the sorcerer forcing them to do his will may have miscalculated, because no-one comes out of the Great Forest unchanged. No-one.

The Golden Apple is loosely based on the fairy tale The Princess on the Glass Hill.

[Full disclosure: I asked for and received a free ebook copy from Michelle Diener in exchange for an honest review.]

As you guys probably know by now, I’m not the biggest fan of fairytale retellings.  Usually they’re simplistic, boring and utterly predictable.  Usually.

The Golden Apple is anything but usual, however.

The thing I found most striking about this book is the complexity of the plot.  This isn’t your typical straightforward quest where the heroes venture together, defeat the villain and come home to live their happily ever after.  No, in this one Rane and Kayla are forced to confront their deepest fears, do things they never thought they would and work together to try to save their entire way of life as well as their lives.  Just when you think Michelle Diener is going to wind things down for the conclusion she throws another wrench in the works.  It’s definitely the kind of book that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

I found the complexity of the plot surprising, but my favourite element of this book was the characters.  Kayla isn’t your typical pampered princess but neither is she a kick-butt action hero.  She is not always able to defend herself but she does try and eventually succeeds as her abilities grow.  It’s nice to see a female character who learns she has an ability and seeks to control and manage it rather than deny its existence and whine about it.  Rane is also interesting.  He loves his brother Soren and he’s willing to manipulate Kayla to free him but then he begins to fall in love with her.  It’s not an easy journey for both him and Kayla but I like how the viewpoints alternated to show their different perceptions of the world around them.

Finally, the world-building was some of the best I’ve ever seen in a fairytale retelling.  I loved learning about the history of the kingdom of Gaynor in small chunks as well as learning about the powerful sorcerers that live in Michelle Diener’s world.  How wild magic is actually created was fascinating, but it makes sense.  How the sorcerers deal with wild magic is just so in line with human nature that I had to laugh when I learned how they contained it.  I don’t want to give too much away, but I guarantee that once you learn who created wild magic and why it seems confined to the Great Forest you’ll laugh too.

Basically, this is a great book.  It’s one of the best fairytale retellings I’ve ever read and although it doesn’t come out until March 24 I can’t wait for the sequel The Silver Pear already.

I give this book 5/5 stars.

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