Spinning Fire

ARC Review
Spinning Fire
✨️7/10✨️

This imaginative, twisted retelling of Rumplestiltskin is a solid read. It kept me guessing in parts, and there are some really strong characters with satisfying arcs.

The world Strom has created is rich and vibrant. She drops casual references and details that make me want to dive further in. Especially with Zora - she seems like such a fantastic character & I'm excited to see more of her in other tales.

I haven't read the novella before this, which I think is why I didn't feel as strongly towards Ansa and Alexei's love story as I expected. Don't get me wrong, I was still invested, but I could feel that I was missing some of the emotion of their backstory.

It also meant that Ansa's reaction to Alexei's tale of bargaining away her daughter seemed very muted. I am assuming that's because of plot that happened in the novella - you get the context, but not the emotions behind it.

There also came a point where the only thing keeping them apart was a frank conversation. As a reader, that situation becomes a little draining to read. But we get out HEA, so I can't complain!

There was a twist that I didn't see coming - which I love! That's when the book really took off for me. I think the story would have benefited from faster pacing to reach that point. I'd also have liked to see the villain be more villainous - he felt quite small, and easily removed - only lack of murderous intent saved him.

Overall, Spinning Fire is a great story. Anda and Alexei are well developed, but I think it would be worth reading their novella before this book to get the full context.

Thank you so much Victory Editing, NetGalley, and the author, Liv Strom for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest and fair review. All opinions are my own.

Book Review: Spinning Fire: A Rumpelstiltskin Retelling by Liv Strom

Spinning Fire, the latest entry in Liv Strom’s Tales of Bones & Roses series, is a captivating reimagining of the classic Rumpelstiltskin tale, blending fantasy, romance, and dark intrigue into a unique retelling. From the first page, readers are drawn into a world brimming with high stakes, complex relationships, and dangerous bargains that push the limits of trust and survival. Strom's world-building, characterized by its mix of steampunk aesthetics and magical elements, immerses the reader in the tension and drama of a city on the verge of destruction.

The plot centers around Ansa, a woman caught in a web of political unrest, familial duty, and dangerous magic. When her supposedly dead husband Alexei reappears and inadvertently bargains away their child, Ansa is left with no choice but to tap into a forbidden power: the ability to spin fire into gold. This deadly talent, which she’s suppressed her whole life, becomes her only hope to save her family from the city's despotic ruler. The concept of spinning fire instead of straw, cleverly paying homage to Rumpelstiltskin, adds a fresh and fiery twist to the retelling.

Ansa's journey is one of self-discovery and empowerment. Her internal conflict over using her dangerous ability parallels her emotional struggle with Alexei, who has returned with his own burdens and secrets. Their relationship is fraught with tension, betrayal, and unresolved feelings, which slowly unravel through dual points-of-view. Strom’s use of a dual narrative allows for deep exploration of both characters’ emotional arcs, giving the reader insight into their motivations and vulnerabilities.

The heart of Spinning Fire is not just the magic or the bargains, but the rich emotional depth that Liv Strom brings to her characters. Ansa and Alexei’s relationship is a second-chance romance at its core, tinged with the kind of slow-burn intensity that makes every interaction between them feel charged. The stakes are personal and political, with the fate of their found family—adoptive and biological—always hanging in the balance.

Another notable strength is Strom's skillful handling of themes like identity, power, and the importance of names. In this world, names carry immense significance, and the concept of naming as a source of power echoes the original Rumpelstiltskin story, while offering deeper layers of meaning. Ansa and Alexei must grapple with their identities in a world where names, loyalty, and trust can be the difference between life and death.

The book is filled with vivid, imaginative descriptions, particularly of the fire-spinning scenes, which feel both magical and perilous. The steampunk influence—seen in mechanical hearts and the industrial backdrop of the city—adds an atmospheric, gritty edge to the story, making it stand out in the crowded fantasy genre.

However, Spinning Fire does take its time building up momentum. Readers expecting a fast-paced adventure might find the slow-burn romance and gradual unfolding of the plot a bit too leisurely. But for those who enjoy character-driven stories with intricate world-building and emotional complexity, this novel is a rewarding journey.

In conclusion, Spinning Fire is a spellbinding mix of dark fantasy, romance, and steampunk with a fresh take on the beloved Rumpelstiltskin story. It’s a tale of sacrifice, redemption, and the unbreakable bonds of family, skillfully crafted to keep readers on the edge of their seats. Liv Strom has woven a narrative full of heart, fire, and intrigue that will resonate with fans of romantic fantasy and retellings alike.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Recommended for: Fans of fairy tale retellings, slow-burn romantasy, and readers who enjoy stories of found family and second chances.

Oh, how I love fairytale retellings! Spinning Fire is well-written and I really liked it. I have to confess though, that I didn't read the previous books, so I'm not sure whether I'm missing some connections that would make it even better.

If this is a bargain, then I am in. Liv is a never to me author but has fast become a must read anything she writes as the stories just like this one are amazing and capture your heart and mind. I feel like I fell for the characters and was left berreft once the book ended and want so much more. Please give me more.