“The Deathly Grimm” is the must-read conclusion for anyone who enjoyed the first book in this haunting duology. I was immediately drawn back into the world of the cursed village bordering the dark Forest Grimm, which has been luring villagers into its mysterious depths. Clara and Axel must again enter the forest to solve a long-lost mystery and break the curse for good. Will their love survive this second journey through the forest? This time, Clara has received a new disturbing fortune. Just like the first book, this story was an easy read for me. It continuously peaked my curiosity and the darker fairytale elements were fascinating to me, just as they were to our main characters.

For those who enjoy:
🌲A Dark Forest
🌲Cursed Village
🌲Fairytales
🌲Quest
🌲Visions of the past
🌲Romance

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

What a ride! Clara and Axel are back in the forest trying to save their town from a curse. In this sequel, they must find a stolen page from the magical book the town uses for wishes. They also want to solve a murder and find still more missing townspeople who have gone into the magical forest.

I appreciate how deeply Kathryn Purdie dug into Grimm's fairy tales to come up with characters and challenges for our characters in this sequel. There were times when you just didn't know when Clara would be "done-done" with the trials. Even when she was home, it felt like her happily ever after was far from her grasp.

The angst between Clara and Axel was well done and I think it was refreshingly appropriate at time when some are pushing for YA literature to be more adult. They're young and inexperienced, but committed to each other for the long haul.

"The Deathly Grimm" was a fitting end to the duopoly. Clara will learn how and why her father died. Axel will learn many secrets about his family, including the fate of his father. Ollie's missing pennies will be found. A frog will be kissed but definitely not turn into a prince. The reader will meet Rumpelstiltskin, Jack (and the Beanstalk), and the Pied Piper. The murderer of Bren Zimmer will be uncovered. The origin of the curse will be revealed; and it is much more sinister than expected, but also fitting considering the darkness of the original Grimm tales. The curse will be broken, but at great cost.

My new favorite gothic fairytale! I grew up reading the stories collected by The Brothers Grimm and this reimagining combines them in the best way.

The story picks up right where The Forest Grimm leaves off with bone tingling suspense and a sentient forest bent on justice. I loved all the characters - from Clara’s and Axel’s internal and relationship struggles, to the dancing princesses, to the evil and misunderstood huntsman.

There’s so many secrets and plots to uncover and each twist and reveal kept me on the edge of my seat. This duology is perfect for lovers of dark fairytales and murder mysteries. Highly recommend!

Thank you to Netgalley, Wednesday Books, and St. Martin’s Press for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

What a perfect ending to this very enjoyable duology. I absolutely love retellings, and the way Purdie weaves so many Grimm tales into an entirely original mystery about a cursed village with a magical book is incredible. I love the way she provides a very satisfying ending without pulling any punches. This isn't the first series I've read from Kathryn Purdie and it definitely won't be the last. She is quickly becoming a favorite author!

Follows well book one but one can read this one without having read the first and would not feel lost. I love the fairy tale vibes and darkness mood. Takes a moment to start but once the nrw prophecy (vision) is revealed we can't turn our backs to the main character's new quest. Has a great focus on a murder mystery plot. Solving the crime may break the forest curse.

This was a mesmerizing dive back into the eerie, enchanting world of the Forest Grimm! The imagery of spectral maidens and murderous woodsmen gives off that spine-tingling, gothic fairy tale vibe that’s both sharp and beautiful. The stakes are soaring higher, and the suspense is enough to have you on the edge of your seat. If you love dark tales with heart, this sequel promises to keep you captivated until the very last page.