I don’t recall how I discovered author MK Felix, but I connected with her earlier this year when I volunteered to be an early reader for her latest release, Charmed Beast.
Then life happened.
Her delightful emails arrived with updates on the book, then came the email with a link to download the advanced copy. But when the book finally released last week, I still hadn’t read it. My problem? Apart from that thing called “time to read”, I’d read the blurb for the first book in The Favored’s Curse series, Fairest Hunter, and really wanted to read it… first!
When I was blessed with a Kindle Unlimited subscription for my birthday, I decided it was time. I read Fairest Hunter last week, followed by the companion novella Lady Scarlett and finally finished Charmed Beast this week.
So far, The Favored’s Curse fairy tale retellings have kept me riveted. Set in the Kingdoms of Miraveil, this fantastical destination has an old-world feel. However, they aren’t quite like the many (many!) fairy tale retellings I’ve read.
For starters, this was the first time I’ve encountered Robin Hood as a female huntress and the Beast as a princess. Throw in cursed kingdoms, greedy rulers, magical objects and a definite good-versus-evil battle, and the familiar stories I’ve grown up reading and watching take on some fun twists.
Then there’s the Christian allegory woven throughout each tale. I’ve enjoyed looking beyond the fairy tale elements to discover the symbolism and parallels with my Christian faith.
Fairest Hunter introduces Rowena, a female huntress whose magic protects her from the curse surrounding the kingdom of Lyriva, and Prince Alvor, who’s trapped by the curse his father holds over the kingdom. I loved the combination of Robin Hood and Snow White elements, with Robin Hood’s Merry Men sharing traits with the seven dwarves, along with the creepy cursed mirror and the mix of characters. Alvor and Rowena’s resilience, determination and courage anchored the story.
Lady Scarlett is a companion novella to Fairest Hunter, giving us another perspective on events happening during the first book. I loved getting a glimpse into William and Marian’s side of the story, especially their banter and the moments we didn’t get to see in the original novel. It’s short but adds another layer to their romance.
Charmed Beast, a Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast retelling, graced us with more delightful gender-swap fun. Princess Adara, aka The Beast, and Evander, aka Cinderella, live in Rovia, where another curse needs breaking. While I enjoyed the new setting with its lush scenery, crumbling castle and scary mountain lion, the interactions between the characters were my favourite. I also had fun spotting all the familiar fairy tale parallels.
I even appreciated the evilness of several characters, although Evander’s uncle and stepbrothers earned a big “ugh!” from me. I was so glad when their just deserts where finally served. 😂
I’m now officially invested in The Favored’s Curse and glad I finally made time to read these stories. I’m looking forward to the next instalment, due to be leased in 2027.
If you enjoy fairy tale retellings with a twist, clean romance, adventure, magic and Christian allegory, this series might be worth adding to your TBR.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have another book to read…
Until next time,
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