I was honestly a little lost during my reading journey of this book, till about the half way mark.
Zara is a talented author, and the premise was really cool the world building just was a little off for me
3/5 stars

This was such an incredible debut novel. I couldn't put it down the entire time. It very much reminded me of a dark retelling of certain folklore.

The story focuses on Eleanor, a human who has made a deal with a Fae to get out of a predicament that could end in a forced marriage. That Fae is Ruskin, who has been infamous for creating deals with humans that often end in desperate people giving up their health, talents or memories in exchange for something they desire.

This book had fantastic world building with intricate descriptions of beautiful scenery throughout. Eleanor was a strong lead and I liked how she was stubborn, but also made smart choices. I would have loved to see more of Ruskin and I'm excited to see how his character is further fleshed out.

The side characters were also a nice welcome to the story and added an element of humour/found family.

This is a must read if you are a fan of ACOTAR and Gild.

If you’re looking for an easier fantasy book with not a lot of world building then this might be for you.

This is a debut novel and I did enjoy it for the most part. I just felt like it had a lot of unused potential. I can look past the lack of world building. That doesn’t bother me too much for this sort of story. I just felt like there wasn’t enough character development for any relationship in this book like her with her dad, even her mom, her friends, or anyone she meets in the Seelie Court. Then the romance also just lacked build up for me. They didn’t trust each other and then it was like they suddenly did… I just wish there was a little bit more development of all the relationships so I could have felt invested in them.

As for the actual storyline though, I liked it. It was easy to read and comprehend what was going on. And I liked that Eleanor was very curious and smart so that helped her figure things out.
I will be happy to read the next book because I am curious what will happen with the cliffhanger. I did enjoy Ruskin as a MMC as well.
Thank you to Netgalley for the arc. All opinions are my own.

If you're new to fantasy, or are looking for something in the genre that's easy to read, this is a great option. The FMC is bold and compelling, and I found myself really rooting for her. The fairytale elements are fun and the storytelling keeps you engaged the whole way through. This story ends on a cliffhanger and I'll definitely be picking up book 2 whenever it's out.

So why am I only giving this three stars? Because it failed to live up to its potential. This was a good book but it could have been great. What holds it back is the lack of depth in both character and plot development. It feels like the author was afraid of writing a longer book, but we needed more time with these characters and in this world to really get sucked in. I wanted to feel the angst and slow burn between the two leads and it was barely there before they just succumbed and were in love. I wanted to experience more of the FMC's home and family life so I could feel the pain of her separation, but it was over in a flash and we were just told over and over how much she wanted to be home with no real investment from the reader. There was a lot of tell and not much show.

Overall, I do recommend it, but only if you're okay with a shallow, fun, quick read. I'd love it if the next book had more substance, but if not I'll just keep this series categorized in my brain as fluffy fantasy—good for when I don't want to think or feel too much.

This was an ARC Copy I received from NetGalley, thank you to NetGalley & Publisher! This review is my own words.

REVIEW
Score: 3.5/5
POV: 1st, Single (FMC)
Heat Level: 2.5/5
Tropes: High Fae; Enemies to Lovers; Scientist FMC; RumpelStiltskin Retelling

This is this authors debut novel and for a debut it was good. I would recommend it.
However, I did feel the romance was lacking. The romantic plot really didn’t start until around 40%. Even though this definitely was an enemies to lovers I didn’t even get enemy/romantic vibes until 40%.

Also in the beginning of the book we get this short insight into Ruskins POV and then the rest of the book is the FMC. I wasn’t a fan of that. I would’ve loved some of is Ruksins POV. I love that Ruskin is based from RumpelStiltskin.

The action was very well done. Especially what takes place in the last 15% of the book, was unexpected and good!

The FMC was likable, for me, for the first 50-60% and then she became so insufferable (but still a major badass). She was just insufferable when it came to the romance side. Like in the end does she even like Ruskin? lol

Overall giving a 3.5 but rounding up to 4 as I did enjoy the book, I do look forward to the 2nd (ends on a cliffhanger) but I didn’t feel it was a romance. More like a Fantasy with Romance.

3.5/5

This was such an addicting read, I could not put it down and read it in two days. I enjoyed the retelling elements of Beauty and the Beast mixed with Rumpelstiltskin. It was fun to see how those were woven into the story and it certainly made the story compelling. The main character, Eleanor, was probably my favorite part of this story. She had so much agency and was so strong, determined and curious. I loved how she never backed down from anyone or any danger and was always willing to stand up for herself and others. While the romance developed kind of quickly in my opinion, and a little bit without merit really just due to physical attraction, I still found myself rooting for the romance. I am very much looking forward to the next installments to see how everything will play out especially with how this one ended.

Thanks to Netgalley and publisher for granting me access in exchange of an honest review.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Prepare to be swept away on a whimsical journey through the fantastical realms of Zara Storm's 'The Court that Bleeds Gold'! With prose as rich as the titular court's treasures, Storm weaves a tapestry of intrigue, magic, and unexpected twists. From the quirky characters to the vividly imagined settings, every page drips with golden charm. Reading this book is like stumbling upon a hidden treasure chest in a forgotten corner of the literary world. A must-read for anyone seeking a delightfully unconventional escape from the mundane!📚✨

This book was so so good! It's a Rumpelstiltskin retelling. Elenaor works with gold, and wants to find a way to make it in order to help her family and her village, but she's taken by a human king then makes a del with a fae prince. He's full of secrets and half-truths that leave her always questioning his motives and actions. The characters were great, as was the plot! The pacing was very well done.

Really good and quick read! I was hooked throughout the book. I personally think that there wasn't really any chemistry between the main character and love interest before they got together. Can't wait for the next book!

Fun book, world building was wonderful. Love the relationship of the characters.

Plays on folklore which I found to be so much fun to read. Look forward to book 2.

Normally, this would be right up my alley, but I think I am a bit tired of romantasy with typical tropes. I was hoping this work would subvert some of the usual trope we find on booktok, but that wasn't the case. The book lacked character development. All of the sudden Ella stopped hating Ruskin, but they still hardly knew each other. Why did she stop hating him? The romance was abrupt. I thought the world building left a bit to be desired, especially the connection between fae and mortal worlds. I do not think I would try another work by this author, but if you're looking for a typical romantasy, it may be for you. Thanks to NetGalley and Relay Publishing for this ARC!

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6405011920

A great debut novel! This engaging, fast passed novel had Beauty and the Beast as well as Rumpelstiltskin vibes involving Fae. I would characterize this as a romantasy, slow-burn enemies to lovers. I thought both of the main characters, Eleanor and Ruskin, were likeable and I was entertained by the supporting characters, I am looking forward to more interactions with them in future books, I believe this is intended to be written as a trilogy. There are a few moderately spicy scenes that felt appropriate to the story and not just thrown in to add them. Without giving anything away I will say that this does end on a bit of a cliffhanger so I am eagerly awaiting the sequel!

*I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

‘The Court that Bleeds Gold’ is a promising debut that offers a thrilling dark romance with plenty of surprises along the way.

Embark on a mesmerizing journey alongside Eleanor in ‘The Court that Bleeds Gold’. Despite her initial naivety, Eleanor proves to be an intriguing character, offering readers a captivating perspective to follow. While her innocence may be a point of contention for some, it adds depth to her character arc, setting the stage for compelling development as the story unfolds.

Ruskin, the brooding fae prince, is a standout character who adds depth and complexity to the narrative. Fans of enigmatic protagonists will find themselves drawn to his mysterious allure, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the story. Despite his typical archetype, Ruskin brings a freshness to the tale, offering readers a character worth rooting for.

In addition to the main characters, Destan and Halima add a delightful depth to the story. Their presence brings a sense of fun and companionship, and I immediately fell in love with them as characters.

‘The Court that Bleeds Gold’ explores alchemy instead of traditional magic, which sets it apart in the fantasy genre. However, I wanted more exploration of this unique aspect, as it takes a backseat in this novel. Nonetheless, the infusion of alchemy adds an intriguing layer to the world-building, promising an immersive experience for those willing to delve deeper.

The plot of ‘The Court that Bleeds Gold’ is both interesting and well-thought-out. Eleanor’s journey to help Ruskin and unravel the mysteries of Seelie kept me hooked from start to finish.

Pacing issues occasionally rear their head in the early stages of the book, with events unfolding rapidly and potentially hindering readers’ ability to fully sympathize with Eleanor. However, as the story progresses, Eleanor’s character development shines through, endearing her to readers and highlighting her strength and resilience amidst adversity.

While the novel does occasionally have some typos in it, they are minor in nature and do not detract significantly from the overall reading experience. Additionally, while some plot twists may be predictable, they still manage to deliver a satisfying punch, keeping readers engaged and eager to uncover the next twist and turn. I, for one, did see the huge plot twist coming but not as quickly as I should’ve. Which made for a pleasant surprise.

Would I recommend it?

Yes! ‘The Court that Bleeds Gold’ is a promising debut that delivers an enthralling dark romance experience. With its compelling characters, refreshing twist on magic, and engaging writing style, it is sure to captivate fans of the genre and leave them eagerly anticipating future installments.

I had an absolute blast diving into this debut novel, which takes inspiration from Rumpelstiltskin and Beauty and the Beast.

If you’re a fan of The Cruel Prince and A Court of Thorns and Roses, then trust me, you’re in for a treat with this one!

I loved the portrayal of the Fae as cunning and tricky beings, alongside the fantastic world-building that truly swept me away. The cast of characters felt both fun and relatable which made me feel more for each of them. Well, maybe except for her dad, but hey, nobody’s perfect.

The way the relationships are developed throughout the story adds so much depth and emotion to the narrative. You’ll find yourself rooting for each character.

Overall, I have to say, this book is a winner! I’m itching to discover what unfolds next for Ella and Rus after that cliffhanger. Hopefully we’ll discover the mysteries of the unseelie court - I’m ready for the adventure!

I received this book from NetGalley

wow what a fantastic debut novel! I have read my fair share of romatasy so i feel like I know what to expect when going into them. I always feel like more often than not they don’t get the plot and romance to equal out and it usually ends up that one or the other is sacrificed. Thankfully this isn’t what happens in this book and we get a brilliant plot that keeps you on edge along with a flawed fmc and mmc that end up being pulled towards each other.

The world building in this book is also beautiful. It’s obvious that the author has taken time to explore the world she wants to build and add a uniqueness to it that pulls in the reader.

this book is definitely for my acotar/beauty and the beast girlies but also offers a unique story and elements that are completely it’s own. I can’t wait for the second book!

I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

The Court That Bleeds Gold by Zara Storm
⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book is my first venture into dark fantasy romance. I was a little apprehensive to start this, but I was quite surprised how this book managed to grab my attention straight away. I read this book in a day! I found the style of writing very easy and simple to read, which helped. Some parts of this story I did feel like I was reading a Ya book.

The enemies to lovers side was a slow burn. It wasn't the main focus of the book, which I do prefer. Zara Storm's description of the Fae world she has created is beautifully detailed, I was able to immerse myself into it.
This story is told from the pov of Eleanor. She is strong, smart, and confident, but she has a naivety about her and can be too trusting.
The other main characters are just as likeable, and I loved the way they developed throughout the story. Overall, the story had places where it was fast-paced. The ending felt a little rushed, and I did work out the plot twists quite early on.

For my first time delving into a Fae world, I did enjoy it, but I didn't love it. It was a good book to start off my journey into this genre.

Thank you, netgalley and Relay Publishing.
My opinions are my own.

4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I had such a fun time consuming this Rumplstiltskin/Beauty and the Beast Retelling in a faerie world. While you come into this world with a bit of an idea how these classic tales will manifest, you are constantly surprised by this retelling in a completely new way. I was always on my toes from page to page and did not feel the same level of comfort in the narrative that you can feel with some retellings.

The alchemy and metallurgy aspects of this tale were immersive and entertaining as Ella discovered more about the properties of gold and her ability to harness the element in scientific and magical means. Right from the first scene, I was shocked by the cruelty of the fae in this world. Navigating this world from Ella’s perspective as she transitioned from a human other to a human inside of the Far realm was enthralling and frustrating. I enjoyed having a FMC whose power was held in her intellect and passion for science rather than her powers/strength off the bat. Of course, our MMC was a total heartthrob and misunderstood grump whose heart was golden when our FMC came into the picture. I can’t wait to see how these two come together in the next chapter of their stories.

What an incredible debut novel by Zara Storm and I can’t wait to read the rest of these characters stories.

I received this book from Net Galley/publisher in exchange for an honest review of my opinion.

The Court That Bleeds Gold by Zara Storm deserves a glowing 4 star review for its imaginative world-building, captivating character dynamics, and emotionally satisfying romantic arc. The author crafts a vivid portrayal of the mystical fae realm, bringing its enchanting forests and ethereal inhabitants to life through rich sensory details and magical elements. The complex relationship between the mortal female protagonist and brooding fae prince unfolds slowly. Surely pulled together by an undeniable attraction yet tested by their differences. While the plot pacing falters at times, the depth of characters and their bittersweet but beautiful romantic journey ultimately play out. With just the right blend of fantasy, adventure and passionate romance, this book weaves an alluring escape into a magical realm that romance readers will adore losing themselves in.Overall though,I found it an enjoyable escapist fantasy with lush descriptions and creative twists on well-known folklore about the fickle, cunning fae.
Thanks to Net Galley for allowing me to be an ARC reader in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to the publisher and net galley for this ARC**

This was a GREAT debut novel that left me excited for the next book in the series. Ella is a gold weaver, she can turn regular metals into gold, and this makes the king want her as his wife. In order to save herself she makes a deal with the Fae king Ruskin. Ruskin needs her to learn how to turn gold into other metals but he won't reveal why. Ella was a great FMC and I felt like the story was fast paced but the love story was a slow burn. So much happening but it all makes sense at the end.

Loved the story and the themes from Rumpelstiltskin and Beauty and the Beast! It made for a very unique twist to both stories in the world of the Fae!

Never thought I'd laugh when a character would throw the FMC under the bus, but Thatch roping Eleanor into his crime was hilarious.
I enjoyed reading the banter and relationship development between Eleanor and Ruskin.

The story was fast paced, especially the last 15-10%.

There is so much potential here for an incredible series! The elements, characters and story is all there! I think that the fast paced/ rushed ending was the only issue I had. I feel like some things in the past few chapters were just thrown in, for example the the river Nixie.

Overall I will definitely be reading the second book to see where this story goes! Hopefully I'm right in my gut and this series will be addicting and amazing!