The Sevenfold Spell

title: The Sevenfold Spell
author: Tia Nevitt
series: Accidental Enchantments #1
published: 1 September 2010
publisher: Carina Press
genre(s): fantasy, folklore
pages: 97
source: bought
format: eBook
buy/shelve it: Amazon | B&N | BookBub | Goodreads

rating: | series rating:

the blurb

Have you ever wondered what happens to the other people in the fairy tale?

Things look grim for Talia and her mother. By royal proclamation, the constables and those annoying “good” fairies have taken away their livelihood by confiscating their spinning wheel. Something to do with a curse on the princess, they said.

Not every young lady has a fairy godmother rushing to her rescue.

Without the promise of an income from spinning, Talia’s prospects for marriage disappear, and she and her mother face destitution. Past caring about breaking an arbitrary and cruel law, rebellious Talia determines to build a new spinning wheel, the only one in the nation, which plays right into the evil fairy’s diabolical plan. Talia discovers that finding a happy ending requires sacrifice. But is it a sacrifice she’s willing to make?

my review

Talia and their mother have always made their living by spinning, but with the new laws of the land, they lose their sole source of income.  For Talia, it also meant the loss of her potential husband and children.  Finally, facing absolute poverty, Talia and her mother determine to build a new, illicit spinning wheel, using any means necessary.  Through ups and downs, sacrifice and heartache, Talia has never forgotten her first love and dreams of being with him once again.

Being a fellow veteran, I have been wanting to read this debut fiction novella from Tia Nevitt.  It is a retelling of the classic Sleeping Beauty in a completely non-classic way, which was refreshing!  Instead of focusing on the prince and princess, and the fairy godmothers, it explores the lives of the “little people” whose lives are greatly affected by the royals.  Life isn’t easy for the average peasant.  Having their entire livelihood taken from them in a desperate attempt to thwart a curse changes the future for them.

If you love a great fairytale retelling, this is a fabulous read!