Scarlett St. Clair‘s Apples Dipped in Gold, the second book in her Fairy Tale Retelling series, is a spellbinding blend of dark fantasy, romance, and fairy tale enchantment. This book, with its lyrical prose, morally complicated characters, and compelling slow-burn romance, is a must-read for fans of enemies-to-lovers stories with a twist of peril. St. Clair spins a tale that enchants and scares in equal measure, it kept me breathless until the last page.
Orphaned at a young age, Samara is left under the care of her three horrible brothers. Just when she thinks she cannot take another day of their abuse, a handsome prince offers for her hand in marriage.
Samara's brothers agree in exchange for a large dowry, but on her way to her new kingdom, her carriage is ambushed by Lore, the wicked Prince of Nightshade.
Samara believes that the fae has snatched away her chance at freedom to punish her for her crimes against his kind, but punishment is only half of Lore's plan.
The truth is that the Elven Prince has pined after Samara for seven long years. She is all he can think about--a toxin in his blood. Can the Prince of Nightshade, whose power over poisons rivals none in the Enchanted Forest, manage to find a remedy, or will he succumb to her love?
The plot follows Samara, a young woman enslaved under the tyranny of her harsh brothers, who sees a way out through marriage to a prince. Her fate, however, changes dramatically when Lore, the fascinating and terrifying Prince of Nightshade, kidnaps her. The story that follows is full of surprising twists and turns, with love and vengeance dancing in a fine, toxic equilibrium.
Character development is one of the book’s most engaging characteristics. Samara is a protagonist who inspires both sympathy and adoration. She is strong-willed and resilient, but yet vulnerable, bearing the scars of her past. St. Clair does a wonderful job depicting Samara‘s transformation from a young woman desperate for independence to a woman in charge of her own fate. Lore, on the other hand, is an ideal counterpoint. As the Prince of Nightshade, he is deadly and unpredictable, yet beyond his harsh appearance is a man obsessed by a love that borders on obsession. His ability to control poisons matches his internal conflict, making him an intriguing and multifaceted figure.
The plot revolves around Samara and Lore‘s romance. It’s a gradual burn, simmering with tension and punctuated by compassion and intense desire. St. Clair expertly balances their push-and-pull dynamic, rendering their final union both satisfying and unavoidable. The chemistry between them is electrifying, and the stakes are always high, providing a sense of urgency to their relationship.
The world-building is another highlight of the novel. The Enchanted Forest, with its dark powers and hidden dangers, is vibrant and engrossing. St. Clair‘s words are evocative, conjuring a world that is both beautiful and dangerous. The political intrigue and history of the fairies lend complexity to the story, making the stakes feel more genuine and serious.
On the other hand, the novel is not without flaws. Some plot moments, particularly in the middle, seem hurried, and a few supporting characters could have been developed further. Despite these minor faults, the pacing is typically effective, and the climax provides a great emotional payoff.
Conclusion
★★★★★
In the end, Apples Dipped in Gold is a darkly beautiful story that fantasy romance enthusiasts will like. Scarlett St. Clair tells a story that is both romantic and suspenseful, with plenty of twists to keep readers interested. It’s a story of love, power, and redemption that remains long beyond the last page.
I feel like I'm a million pages old. I've lived thousands of lives, loved, grieved and died many deaths. I've had a home in almost every corner of the earth and in many new worlds. I've made many friends and fought many enemies. ─ Good books aren't read, they're lived and at the end of each book we're left changed. In comparison, reality sometimes just seems grey. ─ They say we're the heroes of our own stories, or the villains. But it often seems very realistic, as if we readers are more like the tragic-comic supporting characters. ─ Goodreads Librarian | My book wish list. ;)
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Apples Dipped in Gold by Scarlett St. Clair
