Name: Once Upon A [Stolen] Time
ISBN: 9781999264444

Samreen Ahsan

From the twenty-first century to the fifteenth century, past and future collide in a tale of love, obsession, betrayal, and the hope for redemption.

[Stolen] Series I

Once Upon A [Stolen] Time

Jessica 

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  As a note, a copy of this novel was sent to me by the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions in any way. 
You can find this review here on Booked J. 

I'm feeling incredibly spoiled with beautifully crafted fantasy novels this year. During my readathon (thanks to "Deep Freeze" 2019 and being stuck indoors due to freezing temperatures) I've found my TBR shrinking in size, thanks to many deeply engrossing novels. Samreen Ahsan is one of the leaders of the pack when it comes to these gorgeous tales and Once Upon A [Stolen] Time is, frankly, already one of my favourites of the year. 

I can't believe I've only just now read it, as it's been out since 2015, but... better late than never? First of all, my head is still reeling from this book. Because, this BOOK YOU GUYS. I'm not the only one who is at a loss for words (in a REALLY good way) but... wow. I made the mistake of assuming at first that it was bound to be a lighter read, heavy on historical romance but there was so much more to it than that. It's a perfect concoction of mystery, fantasy, romance, action and the finished product is something highly indulgent. 

First of all: the formatting in how this story is told! I adore it. It's so unique and really adds a layer of fantastical goodness to the story that I'm ALWAYS keen on. Always. I completely adore when stories have this unique and borderline bizarre tone to it (one of my favourite shows is Twin Peaks, after all) because it gives an extra kick to everything. When a story keeps me guessing or even questioning my own perception of things, I'm all the more enthralled.

Once Upon A [Stolen] Time is nothing if not enthralling and intricate and a little off the path of ordinary. What makes it work is the high stakes tone virtually everything takes. Samreen Ahsan will leave you breathless and that's a fact. It's all a matter of when. I was drawn in from the start, but around 30%... I was ALL IN and completely out of breath.

Further, Ahsan builds something truly special in not only her characters and plotlines but in the worldbuilding. She showcases her talent in her vivid prose and it really, really works to captivate readers until the final chapter. Some may find the way the story unfolds (its timelines) to be a bit confusing, but it all depends on the person.

In short, you're going to consume this novel just as much as it consumes you. What more could you want from a book?

Once Upon A [Stolen] Time [Stolen] Series I

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