Beyond the Iron Gate - Zara's Journey (A Lost Kingdom of Fallada Novella)

Alicia
Michaels
Genre: 
Young Adult

PARANORMAL:  At one time man could mingle freely with the Elves and Faeries. But now in the hills of Shropshire, England, an Iron Gate separates the village of Ludlow from Fallada, the land of the Fae. Zara Wells, a farmer’s daughter, longs to step through the gate.  Touched by magic she knows nothing of, she is drawn beyond the gate and when an Elf gives her the chance to explore, she takes it. However, in Fallada, darkness has begun to spread and a fallen queen begins to hunt Zara for the magic she holds inside her. The more Zara discovers the more dangerous her adventures become, but will love and good magic prevail over evil?

An interesting mix of multiple Grimm tales such as Snow White and Rapunzel, "Beyond the Iron Gate, Zara's Journey"  offers a different twist to the faery tale romance and adventure. The story is very fast paced and Zara is a very naïve young heroine. Her magical abilities are neither flashy nor really plot moving but rather serve as a prize to be fought over by the other characters. Kai, on the other hand, is a fantastic hero and readers will cheer for him as he strives to protect Zara. Fans of a straightforward happily-ever-after ending might prefer a different romance read as this one begs a sequel.  Michaels does create an easily engaging read and lovers of faery tales will enjoy it.

 

Sarah Bradley