Beguiled

About the Book:

Title: Beguiled
Author: Jody Helund
Publisher: Northern Lights Press 
Release Date: October 20, 2020
Genre: Medieval Historical Romance

In a land where being the fairest maiden is a curse . . .

A princess rejected and hunted by her mother, and a prince who lives as a shunned outcast.

Princess Pearl flees for her life after her mother, Queen Margery, tries to have her killed during a hunting expedition. Pearl finds refuge on the Isle of Outcasts among criminals and misfits, disguising her face with a veil so no one recognizes her. She lives for the day when she can return to Warwick and rescue her sister, Ruby, from the queen’s clutches.

Amidst his royal testing on the Isle of Outcasts, Prince Mikkel of Scania has kept his identity a secret. Captured by a warring band of outcasts and condemned to die, he finds himself making friends with an intriguing but feisty young veiled woman. Intending to win her trust and gain her help to escape, he soon finds himself coerced to wed her.

Mikkel reluctantly agrees to the union to save his life, and Pearl hopes the marriage will provide protection for her and Ruby. But the queen is more determined to kill her daughter than either Pearl or Mikkel realizes and has a sinister reason neither expects—one that could rip their new love apart forever.

Book Review:

I loved this book! Beguiled is the second book in Jody Hedlund’s Fairest Maidens series. I read Beguiled in one day, it was that good! Beguiled is a retelling of Snow White and it follows Mikkel, the oldest prince of Scania, and Pearl, Queen Margery’s daughter. Mikkel is sent on his testing to the Isle of Outcasts but he never imagined what he would find there or that he would fall for someone he believes is blemished. Pearl only wanted to save her sister, but God had other plans. 

Mikkel was a strong man, but he was also kind. However, appearance meant a lot to him. He had been tasked to work among those who had been outcast because of their appearances. I thought it was so cool to see him grow throughout the book. He began to learn to see past appearances and expectations of others. I loved reading about him falling in love with Pearl, I thought they were super sweet! He cared for her even before he loved her and he wanted to keep her safe. 

Pearl was an amazing heroine, I thought that she was really cool. I think that in general Snow White characters are more timid, but Pearl was a warrior. I loved how strong she was, but how she was also vulnerable at times. She was beautiful but she wanted to find someone who would love her for herself and not just her looks. It was so interesting to see Mikkel fall for Pearl but being held back because he thought she was disfigured. 

There were two quotes that I really liked. “Bitterness leads to bondage, but forgiveness sets us free,” This quote reminds us to forgive and that bitterness will only leave you more upset. The second quote is “Love can always grow. ‘Tis a choice we make to respect and cherish someone.” Love is a choice and I think it was so cute to see Pearl and Mikkel chose to love each other. 

The story was riveting and I couldn’t put the book down. I had to know what would happen next. I loved the side characters, especially Irontooth. Pearl’s relationship with her sister was sweet and it reminded me of my own relationship with my sisters. Queen Margery is so evil, but then again she makes a great villain. 🙂

  I don’t usually like Snow White retellings but this one was so sweet! I think I was more excited to read this book because I was already invested in the story. However, it captured me on its own account. You need to read Beholden and Beguiled, they were amazing retellings and I can’t wait to read the next book!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.