Member Reviews

Unfortunately I didn’t realize this was the second is a series, so my review will not be helpful. However, if I get to the first in the series, I would be happy to return and leave a better review!

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I listened to the first book in this duology and I enjoyed it very much. I was very excited to listen to this, but I dnf at about 30%. I was just annoyed by the main character in this part of the story. I enjoyed the narrator for the first book, so I know she is good. Unfortunately there was something about the way the story was playing out and the way it was narrated here made me lose interest in the characters. I was bored by about 10% in, but gave it to 30% before I just couldn't continue without my mind wandering constantly.

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Ms June finally drops the other shoe is this second installment of the Gold Spun duology. She deftly weaves the tale of the Swan Brothers with that of Rumpelstilzchen. Far more romance blooms in this second installment, though the romance scenes stay very chaste. New drama is exposed as Nor learns more about her family history. Entertaining dialogue throughout with believable character development and further world building. Beautifully narrated.

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The narrator did a good job telling this story and giving enough emotion for its voice. I really enjoyed the swan tale part of this as I’ve always been fascinated with that legend.

However, I didn’t like several things of this story:

1) I get that the is young, but I was peeve with how little she matures through this especially after what happens to her and to Casper. I expected a lot more growth and felt I was shorted.

2) where was Casper and Nor’s wedding???? Yea ok they sort of get a happy ever after but the wedding at the end wasn’t theirs so it felt a bit anticlimactic. And I was VERY disappointed with this.

3) I felt that there wasn’t really a true HEA for our couple either. Lots of unanswered questions for me especially the one about Nor possibly outliving for YEARS if not centuries Casper because she’s part Fae.

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4/5 ⭐️
This was just as entertaining as book one. I would personally recommend listening to it. I think I may not have liked this series as much if I physically read it. However, it was such a good time. I was devouring this. I think I listened to nine hours of it in one day.
I will admit that it started off strong and so good. But then for a while it got a tad mundane. I understand that we were in a new world and the stuff they were doing should’ve been eventful, but it was falling a little short. I also think it could’ve ended sooner.
However, I would still recommend this audiobook to any fan of fairytale retellings or for anyone who want more faerie books. It was a fun, entertaining listen.
Thank you to NetGalley and its publisher for providing an advance reader copy of this audiobook for my honest review.

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I was a little apprehensive starting this audiobook. When I requested it from netgalley I didn't realise it was the second book on the series. I was worried that I wouldn't be able to follow the story having missed out on the first part.

To a certain degree this was true. It lacked a lot of the world and character building that is associated with fantasy but I'm sure if I had read Gold Spun first I would have found it easier to follow.

In this book Nor discovers she is not a human miller's daughter but is half fey. Not only that but that her father, and now she, is the heir to a fairy kingdom. A kingdom which she hates for their treatment of humans.

I really enjoyed this unique retelling of the fairytale Rumplestiltskin. There are so many likeable and relatable characters. Once I was a few chapters in I was completely invested in Nor and her journey. If I was to read it again I would definetly read Gold Spun first though.

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When I saw Curse Undone on netgalley I knew I had to read it. I really enjoyed Gold Spun by Brandie June so I had high expectations for this one. I loved diving back into a familiar world filled with dangerous fae. The plot picked up right where the previous book left off. It was okay paced and full of twists I love the character growth Nor showed in this book. This was just such a satisfying sequel. I highly recommend for fans of Rumpelstiltskin retellings and fae bargains.

Thank you to the author, publishers, and netgalley for this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

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I truly enjoyed Goldspun and was so excited to read the second installment! Being a modern take on Rumpelstiltskin - Curse Undone ends the Goldspun story. There is plenty of action and suspense with bits of a sweet love story mixed in however, this just didn't pull me in like the first installment did.

However, it is a great YA read for those looking for a twist on a classic fairytale.

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This is the perfect ending to a sweet, fairytale duology! I really enjoyed how this book had its own fairytale retellings inside of the original plot from book 1. I thought the romance between Nor and Casper was sweet. I thought the narrator did a great job as well.

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I absolutely loved the first novel in this series, so I couldn't wait to pick up the sequel. I also adore Brandie June!

On this novel, Nor and Casper are finally able to catch a moment to catch up and talk... until their brief moment of respite is taken from them in a hostage situation. They are spirited away to the fae realm and into the custody of the fae queen, Marasina. A series of twists and turns ensue and revelations are made that I didn't see coming. It's really intense and really good, but I don't want to ruin anything with spoilers. If you loved Gold Spun, you'll love this one too!

What I loved most: Finn, he is the favorite of Nor's brothers because he's impish, clever, loyal AND he has a healthy LOVE of libraries and books; I loved the swan princess twist; we find out more about Nor's family; and the political intrigue between the two courts!

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I loved reading this Rumpelstiltskin retelling!

I loved the twists and magic system in this book. Made me feel like I was with Nor on her adventures! I will definitely be picking up this duology for a reread!

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A modern take on Rumpelstiltskin - Curse Undone concludes the Gold spun story. Plenty of action, detail and twists in the story but alas I didn’t feel fully invested in the characters or the world itself.

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A nice addition to the genre of revisioned fairytales with female lead characters.. I would recommend for fans of Holly Black.. - just not a gritty. it’s a good recommendation for readers looking for moderate romantic themes.

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Curse Undone by Brandie June, was a spellbinding sequel to Gold Spun, providing a fun escapist moment for me. Narrated by Kathleen McInernery, takes you on an exciting journey of magic, intrigue, and self-discovery, bringing the characters to life, and infusing each moment with emotion and depth.

The story plunges us back into a world of spun gold and tangled fates, weaving a tapestry of adventure and romance. The chemistry between characters was subtle, but there were some unexpected twists in this re-imagined fairy tale, that I didn't see coming. Curse Undone is an audiobook that wraps you in its golden threads, leaving you captivated by sweetness and strong women, wrapped up in a happily ever after.

Thank you to CamCat Books, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Audiobooks via NetGalley for the advanced audio copy for a fair and honest review. Bring on the re-told fairy tales.

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Curse Undone by Brandie June
4/5 Stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

•••Spoiler free review below•••

I really enjoyed book 1 in this Rumpelstiltskin retelling duology and was very excited to pick up book 2! Curse Undone starts right where Gold Spun left off and has even more adventure, magic, and twists than book 1! I loved learning more about this faerie world and the magic system. Nor still remains our stubborn, con-artist - just in a new land - and I love Casper. I definitely recommend this fantasy duology for fans of retellings and those looking for an easy fantasy world to be absorbed into.

Read this book if you like:
- unconventional fairytale retellings
- secret powers
- storybook happily ever afters

Curse Undone is OUT NOW and if it's not already on your tbr, it should be!
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Special thanks to CamCat Books for sharing a free copy with me in exchange for my honest opinions.

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When I saw 'Curse Undone' was available, I was extremely excited because I adored Gold Spun when it came out. However, I didn't find myself as invested in this story as I did book 1.

I'm not sure if it's because of the gap between books one and two, but I just didn't enjoy this book as much. I just wasn't as interested in the story as I wanted to be.

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The narrator did a fabulous job with this book and really enhanced the great story through her voicing. Because of her excellent work, the story came alive and flowed beautifully. The story line was intense with lots of action and adventure. . Though the story itself was loosely based (in my opinion ) on several fairytales, it was a unique and intricately detailed story by itself. The characters were deep and real with strong relationships that plsyed well with the storyline. This was one of those stories where I wanted to hop into the pages and view the world described while meeting the characters and participating in their lives!!

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I really enjoyed this book. It was fast pace. I was eager to listen to this audiobook. The narration was good. I liked the way she gave the characters. “Character”. I love the twist with the main two characters. The main character is brave and cunning. I would love to see a third book in this series.

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I listened to the audio of Gold Spun last year and loved it. The narrator captured Nor perfectly. I was very excited to check out the audiobook of the sequel, Curse Undone.

Curse Undone picks up where Gold Spun left off, with Casper and Nor in the woods, trying to escape the fairy realm. After an unsuccessful attempt at escape, Nor tries to free Casper from the prison, making unexpected alliances and learning more about herself in the process.

I really enjoyed this book. The author writes the Fae and fantasy in such a whimsical way that is enrapturing. This story just flows on and before you realize it, it’s over. There were so many twists and turns as Nor navigates her new life and still tries to escape, then to help Casper. Every time I thought it was over, more dropped in my lap.

I really loved Gold Spun and I think if you are looking for a YA fantasy retelling of Rumplestiltskin and a princess who can save herself, you should check out this duology.

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I was so enamored with Nor after listening to Gold Spun, I knew I had to have Curse Undone, too. Brandie June wrote a fantastic duology and listening to the narrator is a pleasure. The narrator did such a fantastic job with the voices, I was so sad when it was over. This is one of the few series I am sad was not a trilogy.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the Audio ARC.

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