I’m always a bit suspicious of retellings of traditional fairy-tales but, from the opening chapter, found this one totally engaging and convincing. The developing relationship between Cas and Erik was beautifully captured and at no point did I feel that its LGBTQ representation was there to tick a ‘diversity box’. The author’s sensitive portrayals of these two main characters evoked powerful feelings of caring about what was happening to them, of wanting their relationship to grow and develop through their shared love of music, rather than be damaged by envy, prejudice and secrecy. The strength of my liking for Cas and Erik was matched equally by my dislike of Silas, Alexander and Jonah, rendered not as ‘pantomime-like’ villains, but all too recognisable as abusive, bullying people who were prepared to exploit someone who threatened their sense of entitlement. Reading about the misery of Cas’s life at home, and the physical and emotional abuse he was experiencing, felt almost unbearable at times because the author so evocatively captured the tension between his fear and despair and his hopes for a better future. A very creative retelling of a familiar story, but with a haunting, emotional depth which left me feeling that this is a story which will linger in my memory. With thanks to the author (via LibraryThing) for my free copy in exchange fro an honest review ... I’m delighted it can be such a positive one!