The Bibliophile's Bookshelf

Title: Golden Tangle

Series: Everrgold #2

Author: Suzanna Fowers

Genre: Young Adult, Retelling, Fantasy, Clean Romance

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Rapunzel is a monster. She has to be.Why else would her parents have wanted her dead? Why else would Circe—her rescuer—imprison her for a decade? Because Rapunzel is a sucti, and her very presence drains magic from anyone nearby. The tower isn’t punishment. It’s protection.

Valen Sharp knows monsters. He’s been one since age thirteen, when he became a weapon in Circe’s arsenal—a Soul Leasher who bends minds with a word. Now he’s sent to use Rapunzel to infiltrate the Sylphorian royal family and finally claim his revenge.

Their pose as newlyweds, drain the royals’ powers, and pave the way for Circe’s triumphant return.
But when Rapunzel reunites with the brothers she thought lost, the truth she’s clung to begins to crack. Their embrace feels too warm. Their protection too fierce. And the shadows haunting them? They whisper secrets she’s not sure she wants to hear.

With every lie that shatters, Rapunzel and Valen face an impossible choice. A love so forbidden, so unexpected—or to stay the monsters they were made to be.
Because sometimes the hardest prison to escape isn’t a tower made of stone.

*Golden Tangle is a no-spice Rapunzel retelling packed with morally grey characters, forbidden romance, and secrets that will keep you guessing until the last page. Can be read on its own or as a return to the enchanting world of Siren’s Treasure. -summary from Goodreads

*I received an ARC from the author, and all opinions are my own.

Golden Tangle is an amazing retelling of Rapunzel that I really enjoyed!

This is part of the Everrgold series by Suzanna Fowers. The first book in this series is Siren’s Treasure, which I read last year. I did enjoy Siren’s Treasure, but I got a little hung up on the love at first sight part of the story. That is not my favorite storyline in the world. Because of this I was a little hesitant going into this book, and I am so glad I read it!

I did not reread the first before I started this one and I wish I had. Usually I would, but for whatever reason this time I did not. I do think it’s beneficial to read the first book before this one. It gives so much context to the story and helps set up the world. Also, the main characters in the first book are prominent characters in this book.

There was love at first sight in this book, but it was nicely done. The characters still took the time to get to know each other, which I appreciated. I actually really loved the romance- it was sweet and wholesome. Rapunzel and Valen were adorable together and I loved the way they cared for each other.

Rapunzel was an interesting character. When I first heard about this book, I was expecting her to be bitter. That was not the case. She was so kind and loving! She reminded me of the Disney Rapunzel with how much she loved life. She went through a lot of challenges. I kept wanting to tell her Circe isn’t who she thought she was. I also loved how much she cared for those around her! She had every right to be mad at her family, but she just genuinely cared for them.

I also loved how her hair was magic in a new and different way. Her hair was the curse, which I found fascinating! It also had a mind of its own and it reminded me of Entrapta from the new She-Ra.

Valen was an amazing character! I loved his magic and how it was used against him (some of the best parts of the book). His magic was super unique and not something I necessarily see in a lot of books. It shaped the story in unique ways and allowed for Valen to acknowledge his true feelings. He started as a very gruff character but quickly became a protective character that I just adored. I loved his character growth and how he comes to care for and protect Rapunzel.

There was a dog! I love dogs so much, and I wish they were in more books. I loved Ripper so much! He was an adopted street fighter, and I loved how much Rapunzel and Valen care for him. He was a central part of the story, and I am very glad that he wasn’t forgotten.

Raggon, Thessa, and Tobias are central parts of the story. I loved Thessa and Valen’s interactions. I don’t quite know why, but I liked how they fit into the family and were fighting to save the family. Raggon went through some things this book let me tell you! I hope in the next book we get Raggon a little saner. Tobias is an amazing character, and I love him so much! He is just so accepting and welcomes Rapunzel home with open arms. I was so sad with how the book ended for him, and I can’t wait for his story to be released.

Speaking of Tobias, there is this giant monster living in the moat, whose name is Thassalor, but Tobias calls him Puppy! I love it so much, because I am also that person who sees some massive animal and goes “Puppy!”

There was a fake marriage storyline, with a fake baby! I am a sucker for fake dating/marriage, so I loved seeing this trope make an appearance. The fake baby was just a cherry on top!

The magic in this book was fascinating and well developed. It was really well done and nicely built into the culture and world.

There was a revenge storyline, though that felt a little flimsy to me. This storyline was strongest for Valen, but even then, it was in the background. I think it was supposed to be strong motivator for Rapunzel, but it fell flat for me.

Golden Tangle was a unique Rapunzel retelling with fake marriage, magic, and an adorable romance!

Quotes:

“‘When you’re ready, I’ll call you by the name that was given to you out of love.’”