Spotlighting today is the upcoming beautiful Snow White & Rose Red retelling, Beyond the Border Forest: Into the Prawdziwy Las Series: The Immortal Seasons Cycle Book 1 by Molly Haniszewski. Let us now step beyond the border.
Beyond the Border Forest: Into the Prawdziwy Las Series: The Immortal Seasons Cycle Book 1
Expected Release Date: September 30, 2025
Genre: LGBTQIA+ Snow White & Rose Red Retelling
Features
🍄 Fairytale retelling 🌈 Queer Rep ❤ Plus Size Heroine 🌲 Enchanted Forest 💙 Trans Love Interest 😂 Hilarious Banter 🦌 Slavic Folklore ☕ Studio Ghibli Vibes 💪🏻 Unlikely Heroes 🩷 Sapphic Romance 🌟 Riddles ❄ Seasonal/Elemental Magic
Two kings rule the ancient woods—the Oak King in summer, the Holly King in winter—and no mortal may cross into their realm without leave. But when eighteen-year-old Rowan Gwózdek’s sister vanishes, Rowan defies the old laws and enters the forbidden forest, desperate to find her. She isn’t alone for long. Keziah, a trans (and very handsome) hunter with a shadowy tie to the Oak King, offers his help—and a perilous path to the Bear Maiden, a creature said to grant wishes. Together, Rowan and Keziah face mossmen, a wood dragon, and other servants of the forest kings.
But danger lurks deeper still. Caught between the warring Oak and Holly Kings, Rowan is forced to take sides in a battle far older and fiercer than she ever imagined. Saving her sister could cost her everything—including her way home.
Join the Kickstarter! It is the only place you can buy a hardback of Beyond the Border Forest! And you’ll also be able to get discounted paperbacks, ebooks, and other fun book-related goodies.
Some like it dark, but these authors like it darker. Hitting while the iron is hot, the collective authors of the Dark Macbe are back with Darker Than Dark Fairytales for the Unloved Volume 2,which has been released. Volume 2 features brand new indie authors and some returning favorites with extremely twisted original fairytale retellings.
Darker than Dark Fairytales for the Unloved: Volume 2 (An Indie Author Collective)
Published: April 26, 2025
Genre: Anthologies, Collection/ Fairytales/ Dark fantasy/ Dark fairytale retellings
Featured authors include:
Brooke Eisenhauer (debut)
Isaac Lotharius
Zaryn Finch
S.D. Paine
Ellen Winter
Alex Upchurch
Bille Nicks
Grace Vice
Hannah L, Evens
Memo Rable
S.A. McDaniel (debut)
Emmy Crimson (debut)
Gareth Davies
Selina Shaw (debut)
Synopsis
Once upon a time, the unloved found solace in the dark.
In this collection of original fairytales, fourteen authors weave stories where love is lost, hope is twisted, and happily-ever-afters rot beneath gilded lies. Here, innocence is devoured, monsters wear familiar faces, and the cruelest wishes come true.
These are not tales of warmth. They are whispers from forgotten corridors, nightmares stitched in ink, and warnings etched in shadow.
Turn the page, but tread carefully–some stories never let go.
Darker than Dark Fairytales for the Unloved Volume Two once again mixes classic fairytale retellings, such as the twistedly romantic retelling of Hansel and Gretel in “Blood Maidens” (Billie Nicks) or the beautifully brutal Sleeping Beauty revenge tale “Greenbrier” (Brooke Eisen)
Along with original fairytale-inspired tales, including the succulent “Feed Me Honey” (Ellen Winter) or the fiercely Fem-rage “ Forest Trials” (S.D. Paine). Or the dementedly disturbing pixie popping forever seared in my mind, “Don’t Curse Me This Way” (Isaac Lotharius).
I think the only story with a maybe happily ever after is “Whispers of a Goblin Heart” (Zaryn Finch) that will make me look at Groot in a whole new way. I also have to mention “The Path” because of the ending…I nearly dropped my Kindle with a scoff. It was horrifyingly brilliant, I loved it. So, have I enticed you enough?
Surprisingly, I enjoyed volume two a bit more than the first volume. I can honestly say Volume 2 traumatized me a tad, and I liked it. Darker than Dark Fairytales‘ goal was to go darker, and they did. They did it superbly, too, as these stories will definitely haunt my mind and soul.
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ( 5 out of 5 stars)
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Darker than Dark Fairytales for the Unloved Volume 2 is an Indie author collection. To learn more, follow them on Instagram.
@authorkisarayen_amitygrey
@author.mehdi_fakhrahmad
@authorhannahgardiner
@author.garethiandavies
@gracevicebooks
@authorbillienicks
@opheliasts
@ellenwinter_author
@everafterauthor
@authorfortunalux
This will also be the debut in the author world for:
Welcome to a gender swap and sapphic dark fantasy retelling of what would happen if Princess and the Frog’s Dr. Facilier met Hades from Hercules!
The Other Side
Published: March 21, 2025
Genre: dark fantasy/dark romance/ fairytale retelling/ magical romance
Content Warning: 18+, please check trigger warning as this is a dark romance
Do we have a deal?
We are warned as children not to play with fire for fear of being burned. But what if that very fire belonged to the goddess of the underworld? And what if she, the keeper of souls, offered you everything you desire? All in exchange for a single favor. Would you accept her terms?
The bayou witch, Iris-Marie, is no stranger to the mistreatment of others, so when Cypress, the goddess of the underworld, saves her from death and offers to give her the very thing she desires, it’s no wonder she accepts. Even if it means gambling her soul. But when Cypress comes to collect her favor, Iris-Marie’s world is thrown into chaos when she learns the truth of the very deal she struck.
Now, she must choose to save herself or burn in Cypress’ fiery passion that could drag her to the Abyss for all eternity.
The Other Side is a delicious what-if scenario based on the villain Dr. Faciller from Princess and the Frog and Hades from Disney’sHercules. We are introduced to Iris-Marie, a bayou witch who is being hunted and then saved by the goddess of the underworld herself, Cypress. Iris is unwisely drawn to the goddess of death, makes a deal for power with the soul eater, but when the time comes, Cypress will collect her part of the deal, which might be Iris-Marie herself.
Herbert is the queen of dark fantasy and fantasy horror. I loved how she plucked these two familiar characters we know and transformed them into something new and original—a villainess love story, if you will. Herbert’s writing is once again on point, yet I had a hard time falling for Iris-Marie and Cypress because their relationship is so toxic and sinister. We were given the question of, come on, maybe villains are just misunderstood. And taught actions speak louder than sweet nothings in our ears and carnal pleasure. Okay, maybe I delved deeper into this book than most readers, and perhaps even the author herself.
One thing I did like about Iris-Mare and Cypress was Herbert’s description of them. Her imagery of Cypress was divine, right down to her flame-dripped hair. I so got it. And Iris-Marie is fond of her tall top hat. I just loved the little subtleties she includes.
All in all, I enjoyed the book. May rating 4 out of 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
*NOTE The Other Side is an exciting addition to an intriguing Villainous Retelling trilogy featuring contributions from various talented authors. Check out Wicked Depthby Melissa McSherry (Sea witch/ Dragon Queen ) and Off with Her Head by Dana LeeAnn (Evil Queen/Queen of Hearts)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Commonly known as Cyn, C. Hebert is a multi-genre author who loves to paint a pretty yet horrific picture woven together with absolute chaos. These are true graveyard reads.
While most authors like to write happily ever afters, C. Hebert prefers to take her stories in the opposite direction. She delivers darker tales with a hint of madness that tug at your heartstrings.
She is a self-proclaimed manic writer who loves to constantly push herself to do more.
C. Hebert is a published poet and writes darker, more unique works under a secondary pen name, which is an International Best Seller. It is listed on her social media.
Learn more about C. Herbert and her books at cynfulbooks.com
I love fairy tale retelling, so it is no surprise that the Kingdom of Briars and Roses by Heather Hildenbrand is featured in my spotlight today! Kingdom of Briars & Roses is a slow-burn, royal fae romantasy that includes morally gray characters, enemies-to-lovers, political intrigue, who did this to you, and touch her and unalive. It’s ACOTAR meets Reign with a Sleeping Beauty twist.
Kingdom of Briars and Roses (Cursed Fae Courts Book 1)
Publication Date: March 12, 2025
Genre: Fae Fantasy Romance/ Adult Romantasy
FEATURES Slow Burn Touch Her & Die Who Did This? Fae Royalty Forbidden Romance Secret Crush on his Brother Chosen One Dark Prince Enemies to Lovers Possessive Growly Alpha Male
Synopsis Two powerful fae princes. One will be her salvation. The other, her ruin. Cursed and alone in her own castle, Aurelia has spent years watching her kingdom wither. When trespassers finally break the silence, it’s both a dream and a nightmare. Prince Callan is the first outsider she has seen in an age—golden, arrogant, and her only hope. He alone can shatter the curse, but his help comes at a cost: her freedom. Then there’s Rydian. Cold where Callan burns hot, lethal where he is charming, the second fae prince is an enigma—and an attraction she can’t ignore. Too bad he despises her on sight. In a realm where deception reigns, Aurelia must trust one prince to save her. The other will destroy her.If only she knew which.
Heather Hildenbrand writes paranormal and fantasy romance with strong heroines and dark, grumpy heroes who’ll do anything for their mate. Her most frequent hobbies are cuddling with her 100-pound goldendoodle, riding country roads on the back of her husband’s motorcycle, and avoiding killer slugs. You can find out more about Heather and her books at heatherhildenbrand.com
In today’s spotlight is a twisted take on the Little Mermaid tale, with a delicious cover to boot. Let us now fall under theSong of Dark Tides by Beka Westrup.
SONG OF DARK TIDESPublication Date: November 28, 2023
Genre: Very Dark Fantasy Romance / Fairy Tale Retelling
Viola is a sea witch cursed by Triton. Cast aside from the glittering city of Atlantis, she starves for power and a real life above the surface-two hungers her curse will never allow her to satiate. She patrols the sea she’s claimed for her own and the nearby human city, feeding on unjust men and oceanfolk alike.
When she meets Aric, Triton’s firstborn son and heir to the throne, she decides to forge her own future from his suffering. She could finally be free of her curse… if she can only manage to trick the heartless siren out of his soul.
Beka Westrup is a genre-hopping author of fantasy and romance. The Seldom Wings is her second full-length novel. She lives in the PNW with her husband and two children, collecting more books than she’ll ever be able to read and drinking copious amounts of iced coffee.
Freelance Writer Janny(Jan Marie)C 