Review: Blacksmith Rapunzel

Blacksmith Rapunzel

Twisted Fairytales #8

by KuroKoneko Kamen

A genderbent retelling of the classic fairytale Rapunzel…

When Rapunzel finally gathers the courage to leave his tower he triggers a booby trap spell that transports him to the Heroes’ Labyrinth. Armed only with his magic hair he’s thrown into a dangerous, subterranean world where undead monsters are constantly trying to eat or kill him. Rapunzel discovers that the only way to leave the Labyrinth is to beat it.

Necromancer Gothel created the Labyrinth as a test to find a ‘true hero’. Each level has a Boss Monster, which must be defeated before a hero can proceed to the next level. Rapunzel has to make it past Zombie Frankie Stein, Insectoid Queen Khepera, Dark Elf Queen Norebo, and Vampire Queen Draculara before he can reach the final level where Gothel resides.

During his quest to forge an enchanted sword powerful enough to defeat Demon King Gothel, Rapunzel encounters the volatile alter ego of Dr. Henrietta Jekyll – Edwina Hyde. ‘Hydie’ is a powerful witch with an affinity for wind elemental magic. She tries to capture Rapunzel and return him to his tower. After saving Hydie’s life, however, Rapunzel is able to convince Hydie to make a temporary truce so that they can team up and increase their chances of survival.

As Rapunzel and his new ally fight side by side the blacksmith starts to admire Hydie for her strength and bravery while he begins to appreciate Henrietta for her brilliant, scientific mind that gets them out of several predicaments without the use of brute force. Rapunzel ends up falling in love with both women even though they couldn’t be more different from one another.

Unfortunately, in Fantasia a hero is destined to kill the villain and save the woman he loves. Does this mean Rapunzel is destined to kill Hydie in order to save Henrietta? Rapunzel is determined to protect both women, but…

Who will survive the Heroes’ Labyrinth?

REVIEW

5 out of 5

This was a fun mash-up of different characters, stories, and myths, and a great adventure too! We met Rapunzel in Ashe’s story, and I was excited to see what Rapunzel’s would bring. (You don’t have to read Ashe’s story to enjoy this, but you’d be missing out if you didn’t). I wasn’t disappointed. I love the idea of Gothel being an evil necromancer, and Rapunzel being tossed into a labyrinth, with bosses like in a video game. Kamen does a great job of once again drawing you into this twisted fairy tale world, where the characters you think you know have been turned on their heads. The characters were well done, and the descriptions really take you into the midst of everything. The story itself moves along at a good pace, and it was fun getting to know everyone and cheering Rapunzel on as he navigates everything. If you enjoy fairy tales that have been twisted up a bit, you’ll want to read this.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

KuroKoneko Kamen is the bestselling author of the scintillating Demons and Judges paranormal romance series – Wicked Bartender, Incubus Chocolatier, Hollywood Merman, Druid Vampire, Highlander Hellcat, Vampire Punk and Galactic Goth – where the true love of a Judge has the power to redeem a Demon or Vampire of their sins. With a degree in English literature and experiences gained through worldwide travel under her belt, she excels in world building and creating unforgettable characters. Due to her Japanese heritage she’s always possessed an interest in Japanese culture from ancient folktales about yokai, demons, to modern fantasy anime and manga. Even when in the midst of a swashbuckling pirate novel expect a samurai warrior to be thrown into the mix. Keeping her company as she writes are her several dogs and cats, some of which are rescues.

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