Kendra E. Ardnek

I was honestly but definitely pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this fairytale mashup after finishing it.

I have to admit I was a bit sceptical after the start and especially by how our main characters meet. Like where is the tension when the connection, the bond is just literally magically there? And where is the point when you’re just hanging around in your coffin waiting for your not so princely prince?

But my scepticism wasn’t warranted because this is a delightful and very unique love story and how Tiegan and Herron slowly grow fond of each other is so sweet, I loved how their relationship grew over the book!
Herron is first rather reluctant but when he accepts that he isn’t hallucinating a princess no one else can see or hear he is more than willing to help, risking not only to disappoint his family and to make a fool of himself, but risking his own life to save not only a princess but a whole kingdom he had never even heard of.

Tiegan’s helplessness is deeply frustrating but she learns to depend on and trust others, to ultimately trust that God is in control.

Her guardians were a wonderfully fun addition to the characters and I really really want to keep reading about them! Does the story continue?? I need more about these seven special guys with their unique personalities!

I have never heard of The Crystal Coffin, so I don’t really know which elements came from this fairy tale, but I definitely loved this twist on Snow White!

This was my first book by Kendra Ardnek and I will definitely check out her other works!

* Thank you to the author for letting me read an advanced copy of this book. I leave this review voluntarily and the expressed opinions are my own.… (more)

This reversal of the original twelve dancing princesses tale was skillfully done, and I really appreciated the Russian influence, from the names to a familiar Russian fairytale character to the house standing on chicken legs. It meshed beautifully with the story.
I liked how the author showed Katrine's struggle to make sense of her situation and her understandable reactions and responses. I found myself snickering at how adorably awkward the main couple were around each other. It's hard to create depth and growth in a relationship in a short amount of pages, but I love how it was done here. And the brothers, although they didn't get much screentime, won me over immediately. Now, if only someone would write a series about them...


I received a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes. A positive review was not required.… (more)