The Deathly Grimm by Kathryn Purdie is the second installment in The Forest Grimm duology series. Even though Clara and Axel survived the forest the first time, they are back again to fight the cursed forest. Clara and Axel have limited time in solving the madman's riddles, surviving whatever the forest throws at them, and preventing herself from dancing herself to death with the girls and the ghost girls lost to the forest. I enjoyed both the first and second book, and the conclusion to The Forest Grimm.

The Deathly Grimm by Kathryn Purdie seamlessly blends dark fantasy with elements of mystery and eerie fairy tales. The story continues to follow Clara and Axel as they reenter the cursed Forest Grimm, determined to lift the lingering curse threatening their village.

The story is fast-paced and action-packed filled with unexpected twists and turns. The evolving relationship between Clara and Axel adds emotional depth, with their romantic tension enhancing the narrative without overshadowing the central quest.

Purdie’s lyrical prose and vivid descriptions effectively convey the eerie beauty of the Forest Grimm, immersing readers in its haunting ambiance.

The Deathly Grimm is a satisfying and thrilling conclusion to the duology, with its intricate plot, well-developed characters, and evocative setting.

My thanks for the audio arc goes to NetGalley and Macmillan Young Listeners. I'm voluntarily leaving a review.

Genre: Fantasy, Fairy Tale Retelling, Romantasy, Mystery
Audience: Young Adult
Spice Level: Nothing descriptive
Gore Level: There is some violence and death, but not overly descriptive.
Readability: Read these in order for the best experience.

**THE DEATHLY GRIMM** claws its way through the forest, keeping me hooked from beginning to end!

Did you read *The Forest Grimm*? You won't be able to skip this book.

Get ready for more:

- Fairy tales
- Dancing
- Secrets
- Betrayals
- Sisters
- Death
- Love

Seriously, this book is a wild ride. I can't imagine it being any more perfect as a sequel that is as good as the first.

Happy reading!

Clara and Axel Head back into the Grimm forest to break the curse once and for all and to figure out who killed to start the curse to begin with. Though the trying times within the forest, Clara thought she was helping but in turn she betrayed Axel and set the villain free.

This was an adventure that made you want to keep reading and figure out what was happening and who done it. Thought the bread crumbs of clues you would get, you think you figured it out only to be wrong because there was a twist.

This was an amazing read

Deathly Grimm is the second book in the Forest Grimm Duology. While I really liked the first book, this second installment was not as fun for me. There where still a lot of things I enjoyed. The world of the forest is still fascinating and the mash up of familiar fairy tale characters is a creative take well worth your time, especially if you enjoy retellings. This is indeed one of the better retellings I have read. However, unlike the first book that keeps the tension and the character growth throughout, I felt this book stretched things out a bit too much at the expense of that growth. Much of the plot depends on both Clara and Axel making the same mistakes over and over again as each doesn't want to believe their relative may be more evil than they want to accept. Overall the mystery and the way in which Purdie adds layers to the story by giving Clara visons through different POV's is done quite well, But for me, by the last act of the story I felt it went on over too many cycles that simply made the story longer. I also felt some of the twists were easy to see from early on, which made Clara and Axel seem to be less perceptive than they should be by this point.

I did listen to the audio for this one, which I highly recommend. The narrator does a great job with all of the voices and kept me engaged when reading without the audio began to feel slow to me,

The Deathly Grimm does provide a satisfying ending to the story, but for me, it takes a bit too long to get there.

The Deathly Grimm' concludes the duology started in 'The Forest Grimm.' Clara and Axel return to the forest in the hopes of getting rid of the curse, once and for all. Another set of darker fairy tales are found within the forest. Once again, love, trust and loyalty battle evil and win. I enjoyed the narration a lot. 4 stars.

The Deathly Grimm
The Forest Grimm Book Two
by Kathryn Purdie

***Five Stars***

I have waited for this book for so long! It was 100% worth the wait. I love Clara and Axel so much.

Clara made it out of the Forest Grimm once, can she make it out a second time? The curse isn't broken yet and the Forest is luring more people in. Clara and Axel will need to go back in to break the curse once and for all.

I am crying and crying! The first book was so complex but this one was even more so. I love how story and detail oriented this duology has been. It's solidly YA and so so so well written. I highly recommend this duology and for sure the audio version. Sarah Oven was PERFECT for this book.

That epilogue! All the tears!!!

Thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and the author for the opportunity to listen to and review this story.

#TheDeathlyGrimm #KathrynPurdie
#TheForestGrimmDuology #BookTwo
#ALCReview #NetGalley #MacmillanAudio
#ReadThisBook #ReadAllTheBooks
#YAFantasy #FairyTaleRetellings
#Retellings #LittleRedRidinghood

Rating: 5/5
I received the eARC for my honest opinion.

This book picks up where The Forest Grimm left off, you will see that life has gone back to somewhat normal after Clara, Axel, and Ella. However, when it’s Henni’s turn to make her wish, and she wants to wish the curse away forever, but that is when Clara finds out that she is the key to ending the curse or she might be the one that makes it permanent. Determined to make sure that it’s not permanent Clara and Axel gear up to head into the forest and find the murderer who started the curse, but we all know nothing is ever simple, in this fairytale land.

Wow! Just wow, I loved the way that this author ended this book. I loved all the different mashed-up fairy tales that were written in this book and how they all played a part in ending this curse. You will find a lot of twists and turns throughout the plot but in a great way, I loved that I would start to figure out who it was then boom it changed, and I was like, what is that the murderer or is it this person… or this person. You will find answers to questions that you might have had in the first book answered in this one, and I enjoyed all the new questions that were brought up in this book and I liked the fact that we got pieces of the answers then of course at the end you have it wrapped up nicely. I liked the pace of the book; it would pick up fast and then go right back to steady but for the most part it was fast paced.

The characters are what really make this book shine. I love Clara and how determined she is to find out the truth and end the curse. I found her strength to carry on no matter what, even with her scoliosis adding pain to her, she overcame the physical pain, but it was also the mental pain that she would endure while trying to have visions to help all the people in the village and of course her loved ones as well. I loved how Clara and Axel's relationship was put to the test when someone else comes around once they get to the forest, and as they try to uncover the truths. I loved seeing how Axel didn’t push Clara but allowed her time to understand everything that she was feeling.

I received the audio for this book as well and let me tell you that the narrator does a fantastic job. I listened to the book as I was reading it and with the mood changing throughout the book Sarah Ovens just knows how to give the readers the right emotions that they should be feeling.

I would like to say more, and I would, but I don’t want to spoil the book for other readers. So, what I will end with is this, the world building is amazing, the author’s style of writing will draw you in, the plot with the twists and turns will keep you on your toes, and the challenges that the characters must overcome will leave you on the edge of your seat.

If you like fairy tales that are mashed up perfectly, suspense, mystery and so much more you need to read these duology books.

I want to thank NetGalley and SMP/Macmillan for the opportunity to review this book.

"I still didn't let you go. All the love you showed a creature, all the vulnerability, you made a mark. Somehow, you became a part of me, Clara. I won't ever let you go. Not unless you want me to, and if you do, I understand.""Don't ever think that. You are my home. You are a part of me too. ...
You're my family, Axel, you're my forever."

The Deathly Grimm by Kathryn Purdie

Wow! This one took me on a ride!
Filled with magic, fortune telling, suspense, mystery, and fairy tales retold, this conclusion to this duology kept me on the edge of my seat.
The author blends a variety of fairy tales together which I loved! This felt like a medieval version of Once Upon a Time, with so many twists and turns that I didn't see coming at all, and I was here for it!
The main character, Clara, can see visions to help her understand the past. This is part of her heritage, since her grandmother is a seer of some kind and can predict people's fates with her cards. I enjoyed seeing Clara's growth throughout both books, as she learned to put aside her debilitating pain for the needs of others. Speaking of, I liked that the author included character with scoliosis in these books.
I loved the closure that the characters receive by the end of this book. The author does a great job wrapping everything up that has gone on throughout the story, including any side stories.
There were some parts that were a bit dark for me-like tasting of blood, character wiping blood into symbols on their face (done by a character who lost his/her mind and is evil). So that part grossed me out and was on the verge of horror. I did appreciate the fact that even though the two love interests talked about having s3x, they decided to respect each other and wait until it was the proper  time.
I liked how the author ends the book. No spoilers here.

Overall, I felt this one was well-written, with the descriptions being beautifully done, painting a vivid picture in my mind of my surroundings within the story. The characters and plot were unique to me.

Audiobook review: The narrator did an amazing job. I definitely recommend this one in audio.
I would probably recommend this one to older teens, ages 17+, maybe even 18 because of the dark themes.

Favorite Parts:
Fairytale retellings, mystery and suspense, sweet romance, brave female main character, respecting boundaries

Content Guide:
Language: Mild-d*mn and h*ll used a few times
Romance/Sexual Content: Closed-door-passionate kissing, thoughts and discussion of s3x, mild innuendos, sensuality and seduction including a kiss with tongue
Violence/gore: Moderate: Fantasy violence, Quite a lot of blood, including tasting of blood, murder, physical abuse (nondescriptive, happens in the past)
Substance Use: mild-character drinks and is drunk in the past
Prejudices: none
Religious Content: none
Other: poisoning, mention of cannibalism, magic and spells, fortune telling-visions and tarot cards, infidelity (discussed as something that happened), illegitimate children, death, possible hallucinations

Thank you to the author and publisher on Netgalley for the audiobook review copy. All thoughts are my own.

KATHRYN HOW DARE YOU

This book was amazing. Everything was amazing. I loved the depth of exploration between the characters. The new fairytales we got to see twisted and told. THE NEW VILLAIN?

I am so grateful that this is how the series ends, even though I didn't want it to end. I really loved the way Purdie is able to honor the original Grimm fairytales with the creepy horror aspect, but doing so in a fantasy setting. Seriously, I loved all of it.

No notes.

Thanks St. Martins Press and Macmillian Audio for the ARCS!

A thrilling a wonderful sequel to the epic gothic fairytale of The Forest Grimm. We are once more reunited with Axel and Clara who are looking for the missing page from the magical book of wishes in order to break the town curse, find more missing townsfollk, and solve a murder. In order to do so, they must go back into the forest and confront new challenges anhd obstacles.

I love the unique twists Katryn Purdie weaves into the classic Grimm tales and everytime you think that you are close to knowing the truth, she throws another twist in. This story is truly fascinating and I would highly recommend it to fans of retellings who like their stories a bit on the darker side.

I was provided both an ARC and ALC of this book via Netgalley, all opinions are my own.

This is the second book in the Forest Grimm duology, and don't feel this could be read as a standalone. You really do need to read The Forest Grimm first to understand what is going on and what is going on with the world and the characters. This installment drops you right back into the world where the first book leaves off and the characters pick up where they left off. With the curse on the village only partially broken, Clara and Axel must venture back into the Forest Grimm and Henni must go into hiding until they return with answers and the missing page from the Book of Fortunes. As they venture back into the forest Clara and Axel's relationship will be tested, and Clara will have to face many of her fears as they find more lost villagers and try to break the curse for good. They face

Once again the author does a great job leaning into the darker side of the fairy tales in this book and weaves them into the plot with her own reimagining. This is a bit of retelling and mystery. It has a nice twist when we finally get the full reveal of who the real villain of the story is and how the curse came to be.

Much like with the first book, I felt this read a bit young for my tastes, but the target audience is young adult so take that with a grain of salt. We do get more character development from Clara in this book, which was something I felt was lacking in the first book. In the last book I felt like everything she did was based on what the tarot cards told her was going to happen, where in this book she almost shunned the cards and what they foretold. She was able to think before she acted and solve some of the riddles without acting on impulse all the time. I would have like more character development overall, but I do appreciate the character development we did get.

Overall I felt like this was a satisfying conclusion to the duology.

Oh my goodness! This was one fast-paced, mixed up fairy tale re-telling and I was here for it! The characters were so emotional and thorough! I loved the different stories that played out in this book. I think there were less known fairy tales mixed in as well and I loved that! Such a great story! I am not a huge fan of fantasy - but this author always makes it so fun and exciting! The narrator was awesome - followed the vibe of the story so well and played each character with ease!

Thanks to NetGalley and the author for this book! All thoughts and opinions are my own!

This wrapped up the duology so well! It introduced new characters and reimagined more Grimm’s fairytales in twisted and unexpected ways, and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Clara and Axel have to return to the forest to finish breaking the curse over their village, and this time, they need to solve a murder to do it. Clara has discovered that she has the power to see the past, and she’s beset with visions. She doesn’t know what’s real or who to trust, and the forest is dark, deadly, and full of monsters. I loved the direction that the plot took and the way that Kathryn wrapped up Clara’s story. If you love fairytale retellings with a dark twist, you should definitely read this duology. It’s eerie, romantic, and beautifully written, and I loved it. I was lucky enough to receive an advanced listener’s copy from Macmillan Audio, and I highly recommend the audiobook for this one. Sarah Ovens does an amazing job with the voices and accents, and truly brings the characters to life.
🌲
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌲
Read if you like:
▫️fairytale retellings
▫️YA fantasy
▫️dark enchanted forest and a curse
▫️murder mystery
▫️magic, visions, and prophecy
🌲
Thank you to Wednesday Books, Macmillan Audio, Kathryn Purdie, and NetGalley for the ARC and ALC. I received advanced copies for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.

A fitting conclusion to the Forest Grimm duology. Once again, Axel and Clara find themselves having to plummet back into the Forest Grimm in order to break the curse fully on the village. A perfect mix of using old Grimm fairytales to move this story along. Perfect for fans of the original Grimm stories.

*Special thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for this digital audio e-arc.*

This young adult fantasy was a strong conclusion to a very fun duology!

The audiobook was well done and the narrator was very easy to listen to. She varied her voice as needed for different characters.

The Deathly Grimm follows up The Forest Grimm by bringing the same type of vibes and premise but diving farther into the unanswered parts of the mystery from the first book. There is more exploration of the creepy forest, introduction of more cursed characters, new answers, and furthering of character development.

With a cursed town, a magical book, and fairytale characters come to life, this series would be perfect for fans of the show Once Upon a Time (but with a little darker undertones and less Disney vibes).

I loved the way the fairytale characters were woven in throughout the series. Sometimes it was very clear who someone would be and sometimes it was a delightful surprise. It is a very creative series that is a great tribute to the original Grimm tales!

Trigger/content notes: Some darker elements but it was never graphic or super intense/creepy. Spice level is passionate kissing.

What a great conclusion to this duology. I definitely liked this one better than the first. There was a lot more action and the story and plot line were already well developed. The pacing was a little off at times, but other than that, I really enjoyed the conclusion of the story. And as always I love Macmillan audio so it was great to listen to on my commute.

Note: This is a YA story and it reads like a YA story, if you don’t really like YA this may not be the book for you.

Thank you NetGalley & Macmillan Audio for the ALC in exchange for my honest review.

The Deathly Grimm expands on the eerie, fairy tale-infused world of The Forest Grimm with even higher stakes, darker magic, and a relentless sense of urgency. Kathryn Purdie crafts a sequel that feels even more sinister and atmospheric, as Clara and Axel are once again forced to face the cursed woods that haunt their past. The blend of riddles, spectral threats, and a love story entwined with danger makes for a gripping listen.

Sarah Ovens’ narration enhances the novel’s haunting tone, perfectly capturing the tension and emotion of Clara’s journey. Her ability to shift between eerie whispers, ominous warnings, and heartfelt moments adds an extra layer of immersion, making the audiobook a compelling experience.

While the pacing slows in some areas, the rich descriptions and high-stakes twists keep the story engaging. Fans of dark fairy tales and cursed forests will find plenty to love here. With its blend of eerie storytelling and a strong performance by Ovens, this audiobook is a spellbinding continuation of Clara and Axel’s tale.

What a great second book in this Grimm fairytale retelling duology! This book immediately take place after book one, where our main characters are trying to break the curse of the forest Grimm. The plot very quickly takes off and Clara and Axel return back to the cursed forest, hoping to figure out what went wrong at the end of book one and why things didn't go quite according to plan.

I absolutely enjoyed reading this book, and found it was such a great follow up to the first book, The Forest Grimm. I thought the author put such a unique twist on the classic fairytales that we know and love, and I loved that she kept them spooky and suspenseful, which kept me guessing as to which fairytale I'd encounter next. Just like in book one, I loved the darker twist of each fairytale and character we meet in the forest; the overall spooky mood and tone of this reminded me a lot of House of Salt and Sorrows by Erin Craig.

I listened to the audiobook of this, and loved the way that the story was read by the same narrator as book one, Sarah Ovens--she did a fantastic job of separating character voices and heightening the suspenseful plot with her reading. Overall, this was an excellent read, and one I will be talking about with my students!

3.5 stars - I really enjoyed the first book in this duopoly; however, the second fell a little short for me.

Book 1 was action packed and so fast paced - I ate it up! I immediately started Book 2. The Deathly Grimm started off a bit slower and I felt myself getting a little confused as to where we were in the story but that could just be a me thing as I was listening to it. There were also some elements from The Forest Grimm that I really loved that didn’t carry over into The Deathly Grimm. The forest felt more mellow/calm in Book 2 vs Book 1.

Overall, I enjoyed this duology as a whole. I enjoyed the author’s world building and overall writing style. I think everything wrapped up nicely with this story.