This was a good debut novel. It gave me How Does it Feel by Jeneane O'Riley vibes. It is a dark fantasy trilogy with humans and seelie/unseelie fae. The pacing was fast, but the writing is simple and the world building was still easy to comprehend.

I do think it focused a lot more on the characters than the plot, but I also don't feel like there were a ton of plot holes. Leading into my biggest negative, I think the ending wrapped up nicely, but was also sort of predictable and a tad bit rushed. It went from the resolution of the main conflict straight into a new conflict without much buildup... which had me like "okay?". The first 25% of the book had me hooked, but the last 25% didn't.

However, the characters did keep me interested and I would be interested in reading the second one when it is released.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this eARC!

THIS WAS SUCH A GOOD DEBUT NOVEL ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?!?! ugh i loved every single moment of this book and was so so so freaking sad/worried/traumatized/scared when it ended, the cliffhanger had me REELING!
This book was deliciously written yet super easy to follow and understand, not to mention just how quick paced it was which really helped with getting into the plot and understanding what was happening and why characters were behaving the way they were and making certain choices too. Honestly i cannot stress enough just how much of a good time i had while reading this one, it was phenomenal! Would be perfect for people who are fans of fairy tale re-imaginings (very heavy on the beauty and the beast/sleeping beauty/Rumpelstiltskin vibes) enemies to lovers and a fantasy fairy realm.

Each of the characters in this seemed like they had something unique to offer to the plot, and they were also fleshed out really well. None of them seemed two dimensional, flat, or annoying. This was especially the case for the fmc Ella who is a 'regular' girl, not over powered/ambitious/annoying or weak like most fmcs are, but she is still strong willed and independent, and extremely curious about the fae realm. She seemed to develop really well throughout the book without changing fundamentally because she fell in love with some guy... again, a thing that usually happens to the fmc in fantasy romance books.
The romance between Ella and Ruskin BLEW ME AWAY!! Honestly, it seemed like it appeared out of nowhere because of how good the slow burn between them was, as well as the banter and teasing, and being slightly mean to each other. It was still freaking amazing, and i was screaming when they first kissed and started to give in to their feelings more and more! I hope that they get a happily ever after (especially with how this book ended) because they just seem like such a good fit for each other, even if Ruskin had been hiding things from her...

I really enjoyed the plot too and was as invested in it as i was the budding relationship between the main characters. In short Ella makes a deal with Ruskin to get away from the human king who wants to wed her because she has found a way of transforming regular metals into gold (earning her the title of Gold Weaver). She follows him to the fae realm and he gives her the task of trying to find a way of reversing this process (making gold turn into regular metal/what it was before) but he wont tell her the reason why. This seemed very straight forward until Ruskin started opening up more about his past and his reasons, and who he actually is, and we realise VERY QUICKLY that this task is a lot more dangerous than he first let on. IT WAS JUST SO FREAKING GOOD!!!
The amount of times i thought i knew what was going to happen/what a plot twist would be and i was wrong was insane! I couldn't guess at all what was going to happen next which was so exciting and made the entire ending of the book that much more intense and devastating. Again, the cliffhanger that it ended on was just so so sad.

I seriously cannot wait for book 2 and to see what direction the author is going to take this in, because i honestly feel like anything could happen at this point because so many things have been left unanswered (in the best way possible). Again, i just HOPE WITH EVERY FIBER OF MY BEING THAT ELLA AND RUSKIN GET TO HAVE A HAPPILY EVER AFTER!!!

I would also like to say a massive thank you to Netgalley and the publisher/author for giving me the chance to read this as an e-arc, because as you can tell i had the time of my life reading it and enjoyed it so much! <3

What a debut novel!
The world building is easy and it is a fast paced book. It has a mixture of different fairytales in it like Beauty and the Beast and Rumpelstiltskin. Both the FMC and the MMC have great character development throughout the book.

In Eleanor we have a strong FMC that always calculates her next moves even though she is young. She’s very compassionate and takes no shit.
Even in the Fae world she stands up for herself and the other humans there.

The MMC comes of as evil in the beginning but let me tell you, you will get to see a different side of him that makes you fall in love.

I highly recommend this book to anyone that likes Acotar and The Goldfinch series!

Thank you Netgalley, publisher, and author for the ARC!

A retelling that keeps you entranced by the drama and mysticism. An enemies to lovers to possible enemies again. Ella is an alchemist who strikes a deal with Ruskin for her freedom. Only to be roped into helping Ruskin lift his life-long curse. There is tension, angst, and betrayal. You don’t want to miss out on this one!

The Court that Bleeds Gold by Zara Storm

This is a fantasy story with some beauty and the beast and other fairy tale inspirations (I think at least). I enjoyed the writing and how easy it was to follow. The story is about Eleanor, a strong persistent woman who is working on metal alchemy - in order to try and make gold, to save her poor village and father. When things finally look promising - she is sold out and left with only one option to buy her freedom - make a deal with Ruskin. The famed fae who makes twisted deals with a usual vicious end. The deal she makes sets her off on a path she would have never imagined. I enjoyed the characters and the world building. Simple - humans, seelie, unseelie. I thought that some of the fae looking like they came from nature is a cool concept - like “bark” skin. Good read, good author. I’ll be honest and say I dont like the MMC name - Ruskin - just makes me think of Rumpelstiltskin
- which might be intentional!

You get a bit thrown into the story in the beginning. As in the first few pages you don’t know yet who’s pov you are reading.

Then the story takes on a faster pace where the surroundings change and it’s get a lot clearer who the main characters are.

The writing is simple but enjoyable. although the banter is sometimes a bit on the nose. And the you are keeping secrets from me so out of frustration I will kiss you happened multiple times.

The first 75% focused more on building relationships then anything other, the last 25% there is a lot happening but felt a bit rushed because of it.

It was an enjoyable fast read for romantasy lovers that like beauty and the beast retellings.

"But what if his version of love is a dangerous one?"

♡ Rumpelstiltskin x Beauty and the Beast Vibes ♡
♡ A Touch of Darkness Vibes ♡

The Court that Bleeds Gold is book one of The Gold Weaver trilogy. This action-packed dark fantasy romance follows our main character, Eleanor Thorn, who makes a deal with the mysterious and dangerous Fae Prince, Ruskin Dawnsong, to escape her marriage with a horrible king.

I love a good enemies to lovers dark romance. This story was magical, and I absolutely adored it. I can't wait to follow along on Ella and Rus' journey once the rest of the trilogy is released.

A fun and action-packed loose retelling of Beauty and the Beast with sprinkles of Rumpelstiltskin in the world of fae. The Court that Bleeds Gold follows Eleanor's story of escaping a corrupted king in the human realm by making a deal with the notorious Ruskin Blackcoat.

The story was fast-paced and had fun banter along with well written intimate scenes that weren't filled with awkward words like "nectar, roaring, pole." All the action scenes were great to read and makes you feel like you're experiencing it with the characters.

With all that being said, the plot does get a little predictable and the ending felt a little rushed at its climax, but it does have a good (cliffhanger) ending for the first book of the series. The worldbuilding is a little light with just enough details for the reader to get a visual and the characters feel a little one dimensional since most characters don't have enough background or personality to really hook the reader in.

Overall, it was an enjoyable read and I'm definitely awaiting the next book of the series.

I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

So I just finished read A Court that Bleeds Gold. First of all I want to say that I got this as an advanced review copy for free through Net Galley.

If you want a book that combines Beauty and the Beast and Rumpelstiltskin with a strong-willed, female character and dark fae Prince, then this is the book for you.

Eleanor is an alchemist who almost marries a cruel king due to her gold weaving abilities. But, Eleanor decides to escape the castle in which she is being kept and ends up making a deal a terrifying fae prince. Eleanor is then given an almost impossible task by the prince. But her wits and thirst for knowledge aid her in her task.

Although at first I felt like it was a little slow, it then picked up pace. I also feel like there were certain spots where an extra paragraph or two would help with transition from one setting to another.
But other than that I truly enjoyed the book.

Tropes: Enemies to Lovers, Forced Proximity, and Morally Grey Male Character
Spice Level: 🌶🌶 (I feel like the spicy scenes are less than in acotar 2. This would be a good beginner book when it comes to smutt.)

Overall: 4 out 5 stars.

Again thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for allowing me to the opportunity to read this book. This is my own honest review.

Holy moly, how in the world is this a debut novel?! This will be a part of a dark romance fantasy trilogy and I will definitely be reading the next two. This book was exceptional.

Imagine a world with aspects of Rumpelstiltskin, Beauty and the Beast with an adult Cruel Prince vibe and add some spice, metallurgy and magic. Ahh I loved it so much and couldn’t put it down. I think my favorite thing about this book was the FMC, Eleanor, and her witty, poignant, question-everything attitude and she wasn’t afraid to say exactly what was on her mind. I also really enjoyed all of the fun and scary creatures in the Emerald Forest. This book had enemies to lovers, forced proximity, age gap and Fae folk.
I received this ARC the night before its release so it’s not available for purchase and is free to read on KU. Huge thanks to @netgalley and Relay Publishing!

### Book Review: The Court that Bleeds Gold by Zara Storm

*The Court that Bleeds Gold* by Zara Storm is a spellbinding fantasy romance filled with intrigue, betrayal, and heart-stopping twists that kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. The story follows Eleanor, a human, and Ruskin, the prince of the Seelie Court, as they navigate a turbulent journey that blurs the lines between love and deception.

The intricate world-building and captivating characters drew me into the enchanting realm of Faerie, where danger and magic lurk around every corner. Eleanor's resilience and determination, paired with Ruskin's enigmatic allure, created a dynamic and compelling duo that I couldn't help but root for.

As the story unfolds, secrets are revealed, trust is shattered, and the intricate web of lies and motivations leaves both characters and readers questioning everything. The emotional rollercoaster of their relationship, from forbidden love to heartbreaking betrayal, kept me invested in their fates until the very last page.

The shocking cliffhanger ending left me breathless and desperate for more, eager to uncover the truth behind Ruskin's actions and Eleanor's ultimate fate. *The Court that Bleeds Gold* is a five-star read that delivers a captivating blend of fantasy, romance, and suspense that will leave readers clamoring for the next installment. Zara Storm has crafted a mesmerizing tale that lingers long after the final page is turned, making this book an absolute must-read for fans of intricate and gripping fantasy romance.

What a book!!!!!

I loved this so much and for a debut to be this incredible is even more amazing!!

I desperately want to read the next book already!

I love everything about Ruskin and Eleanor, and really enjoyed Dustan and Helima too. It wasn't quite as dark as I was expecting but that didn't take away my enjoyment.

I felt so immersed in the world that was created and I loved the writing style.

I am eagerly awaiting the next book in this series!!!

4.25 stars!!

I love a folklore retelling. I love a Beauty and the Beast retelling. I love a combo folklore/BATB retelling!!!! (In this case- Rumplestiltskin!!) I love seeing when the characters line up!! Rumplestiltskin shortened into Ruskin, genius; Thorn being the Gaston-iest Gaston in a retetlling, inspired; Eleanor as Bell getting her staircase moment, gorgeous; Destan and Halima giving goofy Lumiere and Cogsworth, sign me up!!!!!

This was such a fun journey, and I cannot wait to see how this whole trilogy unfolds- but first, the beginning! Eleanor is a human alchemist who is on the brink of being able to create gold through metallurgy, selling her wares to fae at the market to make trades for faerie metals unavailable in the human realm. Girlfriend is so talented, and the most special Belle, since she gets Beauty and the Beasted not once, but TWICE! She convinces the human King to pardon her Gaston for poaching on his land by creating some gold- calls in a rescue from Rumplestiltskin- and then ends up trapped in faerie working to help relieve him and his kingdom from a gold-related curse (so handy that she has this skill). I absolutely loved seeing Eleanor grow in strength of skills, constantly use her mind to get creative, and show her softer side in forming relationships with the people around her. Ruskin, my sweet little Rumple, is unique in the Seelie Court, given his half-Unseelie heritage- which makes him not a very beloved ruler, except by his besties who decide that Eleanor is also their bestie now too. His journey to releasing control, showing how much he cares, and defending his people is honorable and lovely.

While reading, I was really into trying to figure out what was happening in the world, how folks were connected, what deeper meanings we could find- theory hunting was SO FUN here!! I honestly was surprised by some of the twists, and spot on shouting at my girl to get it together with some of them- the perfect dichotomy of feelings when reading a book like this. I cannot WAIT for book 2 with how this first one ended!!

Thank you so much to Zara Storm and NetGalley for a chance to read this in exchange for an honest review!

I had a lot of fun reading this book. I can't wait to see what is next. I felt the characters were so dynamic and full of life as I was reading it, and it kept me engaged the entire time. I can't wait to see what is next from Storm

This is a debut?!

The description had me at a blend of Beauty and the Beast and Rumpelstiltskin for inspiration. The story follows the typical build up of a human woman being whisked away to the Faerie worlds, but even though that premise has been beaten to death, I still enjoyed this one!

✅ While Eleanor had her stupid girl moments, her POV was easy to follow and get sucked into. It was refreshing to be inside the mind of a girl who knew she was clever and wasn't ashamed of it (even if it did cause her avoidable trouble). She was strong willed, sassy, and compassionate as is expected these days for romantasy.

✅ Ruskin was your classic morally grey, secretly good-hearted, hardass MMC. It was easy to see where his inspiration came from (*cough* Rhysand *cough*). I liked him, but he still needs some fleshing out.

🆗 Overall, I enjoyed their romance, but sometimes it felt a tad rushed. One minute, Eleanor is going on about her hatred and distrust towards him, and then she suddenly feels hot between her legs. C'mon. Been there, done that. It had some good spicy moments, and the chemistry was there. Back in the day, I loved the show Once Upon a Time, and my favorite couple on it was Rumple and Belle. Eleanor and Ruskin's story gave me their vibes, so that made me love it from the get go.

✅ The side characters were great. As I was reading, I kept comparing it to A Court of Thorns and Roses, so Destan gave me Lucien vibes, naturally.

🆗 Did we ever get fully fleshed out character descriptions, though? I honestly went through the whole book never knowing how Eleanor was supposed to look outside of being significantly shorter than Ruskin. I would just picture her as Feyre from ACOTAR since she's become the face of romantasy for me. Does she have long hair or short hair? What color is her hair, and what color are her eyes? I don't know! Ruskin was a little better, but my mental visual for him is blurry too.

✅ I saw some twists coming, but I was not expecting that ending. SPOILER: For the first book, I knew we'd probably get a cliffhanger, but I didn't think it would be a negative one for the romance. I thought it would be something like Eleanor discovering her mother was actually Fae, had lost touch with her magic due to being out of Faerie for so long, and that was why Eleanor had magical abilities. I'm still curious if that's at least partly true, so that theory makes me excited for the next book. Storm really kept us on the edge of our seats until the final page.

✅ Fast paced, easy to follow writing, and excellent world building. Faerie reminded me of the Shire.

I'm wonderfully impressed this was a debut, and it's kinda cool that I came in to a new series right as it released. I hope the rest of the romantasy fans flock to this novel, hype it up, and start creating fanart (because I need some). I devoured this book in two days, and that only happens when I'm truly enthralled. I can't wait to see what's next for Eleanor and Ruskin.

I really, really liked this book! I’m super impressed this is an indie author and self-published.

The fae world resembles The Folk of the Air series, but the story is closer to Beauty & the Beast. Despite knowing the general story, it’s still interesting, likeable characters, and a unique enough plot to keep me reading. I really want to know what happens in part two. If you enjoyed The Cruel Prince, you’ll enjoy this new adult (aka spicier) version, too.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Four and a half
This debut is a fabulous start to what I believe is going to be a trilogy. I am so loving the recent spate of romance involving the Fae and this Fae Prince is everything I wanted powerful, cunning and of course besotted by the heroine. Eleanor is a human with an affinity for metals that sadly sees her making a bargain with a terrifying Fae . Of course he turns out to be so much more than she expected with secrets that bring shocks and surprises along the way. They might start out as enemies but both see a different side to the other although if it's a happy ever after you desire well it's not exactly on the cards yet because of those pesky secrets !
Eleanor is such an impulsive, curious character that it's easy to get behind her. Ruskin is a character with many facets and it's going to be a fun ride I think as their journey progresses. Expect thoroughly nasty, twisted Fae , a sassy heroine and of course passion but I've a feeling we are going to learn a whole lot more about the two Courts of Faeries !
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair

The Court that Bleeds Gold is an epic fantasy romance debut novel that is a fun retelling and twist of both Beauty and the Beast and Rumpelstiltskin. Zara Storm is able to write a truly engaging story that is fast paces and kept me wanting one more chapter late into the night. I was able to read through this book so quickly as I felt fully immersed in this world and attached to the characters and their story.

Eleanor and Ruskin are our main characters and I found them both flawed but likeable in spite of theirs flaws. Zara was also able to beautifully execute their slow-burn enemies to lovers romance and the tension was definitely there during all of their interactions. There are some low spice and dark scenes but do not detract from the story and are written well that they left me with so many emotions.

The book does end in a cliffhanger and now I am stuck here wondering when we will get the second installment because I need to know what happens next! Overall a very fun and enjoyable book and will be highly recommending to others. Thank you NetGalley and Relay Publishing for the ARC!

This is a reimagined Beauty and the Beast retelling set in the land Faerie. It has a strong female lead. I really enjoyed this book. It was well written, the set up is fantastic and has great world building. It has a bit of spice but not too much where it takes away from the story. The plot twists and turns were well executed and had purpose as opposed to just being there to shock the reader.
The only downside: IT IS ONLY THE FIRST BOOK IN THE SERIES. And i already want more. I would recommend this to anyone that likes Tropes: Enemies to Lovers, Forced Proximity, and a wonderfully morally grey male lead. If you like ACOTAR or similar you will enjoy this read! It is a slow burn but keeps you engaged

I received this book from NetGalley/the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this book! The world building is amazing and it’s so well written! I was a little iffy during the prologue, but then it picked up and I couldn’t put it down. There’s obviously inspiration taken from beauty and the beast and other grim fairytales, rumple stilskin comes to mind too and I Loved all the characters. This is not a Disney retelling lol it’s darker but also not terribly graphic. The spice level was just right and I enjoyed the plot as well.

The only thing I didn’t like was the ending leaves you hanging, so I imagine there will be more to come in the series. I’m not really a fan of ending that don’t wrap up things but that’s a me issue.

Overall it was a really enjoyable read and a wonderful debut novel from the author. Absolutley recommended!