September 22, 2020

Beholden


 










Beholden, by Jody Hedlund, tells the classic story of Cinderella in a brand new way.  You meet Vilmar, the second son of King Christian, on the opening pages of this tale.  The King has decided that it is time for Vilmar and his two brothers to undergo the Royal Testing: to determine which son will be the next King.  Vilmar is sent to the mine pits of Warwick to seek his Testing and live out the ancient wisdom Be slave to all!

Shortly after arriving at the gem mine, Vilmar meets a beautiful young woman named Gabriella.  He soon sees the kindness of this woman.  It is a difficult life in the mine; however, Gabriella takes the time to help anyone in need.  You soon learn that Gabriella left a life of filled with riches before ending up at the mine.  Following the death of Lady Gabriella's father, the Duchess of Burgundy and her two daughters move into Gabriella's family home.  Shortly thereafter, Gabriella's is unjustly accused of a crime against the Duchess and is sent to work in Warwick's gem mine as punishment!  

When a friendship begins to grow between Gabriella and Vilmar, Gabriella decides to ask Vilmar to train her to fight against an unknown foe.  After the training is finally completed, Vilmar learns that the foe is a monster, no young woman would have a chance against!

Hold on to the final page of this tale to see how Gabriella fights when she finally comes face-to-face with her foe!

I received a copy of this book from the author, in exchange for my honest review.