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Romance a Medieval Fairytale #20
Steal: Forty Thieves Retold
A shrewd servant. A penniless young woodcutter. A priceless stolen treasure.
Melisende joins a crusade, her head full of glory and victory, only to flee from her first battle. Forced to hide as a housemaid while the enemy army occupies the city she'd hoped to save, she despairs of ever finding her way home.
Mithra plans to settle down with the girl of his dreams, but when the war spills into his city, all dreams of the future are shattered. When he finds a Crusader maiden in the woods and they stumble across a priceless treasure, he thinks his luck might have turned...until he discovers the penalty of stealing from the Forty Thieves.
Can Melisende and Mithra save his family from the Forty Thieves?
Melisende joins a crusade, her head full of glory and victory, only to flee from her first battle. Forced to hide as a housemaid while the enemy army occupies the city she'd hoped to save, she despairs of ever finding her way home.
Mithra plans to settle down with the girl of his dreams, but when the war spills into his city, all dreams of the future are shattered. When he finds a Crusader maiden in the woods and they stumble across a priceless treasure, he thinks his luck might have turned...until he discovers the penalty of stealing from the Forty Thieves.
Can Melisende and Mithra save his family from the Forty Thieves?
Kindle Edition
Published September 19, 2019
About the author
Demelza Carlton
932 books3,875 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author Demelza Carlton has always loved the ocean, but on her first snorkelling trip she found she was afraid of fish.
She has since swum with sea lions, sharks and sea cucumbers and stood on spray-drenched cliffs over a seething sea as a seven-metre cyclonic swell surged in, shattering a shipwreck below.
Sensationalist spin? No - Demelza tends to take a camera with her so she can capture and share the moment later; shipwrecks, sharks and all.
Demelza now lives in Perth, Western Australia, the shark attack capital of the world.
The Ocean's Gift series was her first foray into fiction, followed by the Nightmares trilogy. She swears the Mel Goes to Hell series ambushed her on a crowded train and wouldn't leave her alone.
She has since swum with sea lions, sharks and sea cucumbers and stood on spray-drenched cliffs over a seething sea as a seven-metre cyclonic swell surged in, shattering a shipwreck below.
Sensationalist spin? No - Demelza tends to take a camera with her so she can capture and share the moment later; shipwrecks, sharks and all.
Demelza now lives in Perth, Western Australia, the shark attack capital of the world.
The Ocean's Gift series was her first foray into fiction, followed by the Nightmares trilogy. She swears the Mel Goes to Hell series ambushed her on a crowded train and wouldn't leave her alone.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 4, 2020
This was such a great tale of the Forty Thieves!
Melisende is a Lady who is like no other. When the Holy War is raging on, all she wants is to join them in their cause. When the opportunity rises, she lives all that she loves in search for her own adventures that she only hears from her brothers tales. But the adventures and glory that is heard in tales is nothing with what happens in reality. Melisende will face dangers like she never imagined, blood, death, gore, and dishonourable men who will not stop if they found out she is a lady in disguise of a squire. She must be careful, but when the war is upon her, she runs and finds a secret cave with a man who is not like any she had seen in the crusade.
Mithra is a woodcutter’s son and his life changes when the crusade comes to defeat their army. But the most troubling of all is when she stumbles upon a woman dressed as a squire and a secret cave.
Together they will face many dangers and look upon scenes of war that they both wouldn’t want to see. But now their lives and their families are in danger by the Forty Thieves, how will they protect everyone against 40 very skilled men? How will they find hope in a world full of war?
This was such a compelling tale about the realities of war and what many men would have had to face to save their countries. Definitely had a good dose of history intertwined in the story and for me that made the tale much more compelling and I was intrigued from the start. Such a great Retelling and highly recommend this to all fairytale lovers to give it a go.
Received a copy from the author herself, for an honest review, thank you!
Melisende is a Lady who is like no other. When the Holy War is raging on, all she wants is to join them in their cause. When the opportunity rises, she lives all that she loves in search for her own adventures that she only hears from her brothers tales. But the adventures and glory that is heard in tales is nothing with what happens in reality. Melisende will face dangers like she never imagined, blood, death, gore, and dishonourable men who will not stop if they found out she is a lady in disguise of a squire. She must be careful, but when the war is upon her, she runs and finds a secret cave with a man who is not like any she had seen in the crusade.
Mithra is a woodcutter’s son and his life changes when the crusade comes to defeat their army. But the most troubling of all is when she stumbles upon a woman dressed as a squire and a secret cave.
Together they will face many dangers and look upon scenes of war that they both wouldn’t want to see. But now their lives and their families are in danger by the Forty Thieves, how will they protect everyone against 40 very skilled men? How will they find hope in a world full of war?
This was such a compelling tale about the realities of war and what many men would have had to face to save their countries. Definitely had a good dose of history intertwined in the story and for me that made the tale much more compelling and I was intrigued from the start. Such a great Retelling and highly recommend this to all fairytale lovers to give it a go.
Received a copy from the author herself, for an honest review, thank you!
April 16, 2021
Another fairy tale & sweet story
This one has Mel (cannot spell her name so leaving it as Mel 😁) who in Float, her brother Godfrey believed dead because she gave her cloak to a village girl who was apparently assaulted and killed...now we learn what REALLY happened...And we revist previous people and places...Onwards to the next one....
This one has Mel (cannot spell her name so leaving it as Mel 😁) who in Float, her brother Godfrey believed dead because she gave her cloak to a village girl who was apparently assaulted and killed...now we learn what REALLY happened...And we revist previous people and places...Onwards to the next one....
September 17, 2021
Another great retelling. This one is set during the crusades and has a strong willed heroine who disguised herself as a man for the glory. I love seeing the connections between the characters in the different books.
October 8, 2021
I hope Melisende remembers to tell her family she's alive soon. I liked how sensible both of them were, though we still had some unpleasant politics to deal with.
December 8, 2019
Melisende is a sister of Sir Godfrey from Float, he decided t disguise herself as a man, and join crusade, fine idea for a young lady, right? While being on one she was made to run away and hide. Just to survive and pose as a maid/slave.
Mithra is a woodcutter that doesn't have any big perspectives in his life, especially, fighting with forty thieves is not his idea of dealing with ANY problems.
When those two will be tangled alongside, some things will happen and nothing will be able to stop them!
Mithra is a woodcutter that doesn't have any big perspectives in his life, especially, fighting with forty thieves is not his idea of dealing with ANY problems.
When those two will be tangled alongside, some things will happen and nothing will be able to stop them!
November 28, 2019
3.5 stars
This was an original reimagining of the tale of the Forty Thieves. The characters and setting were interesting. I wish there had been more resolution to the connections between Godfrey’s and Melisende’s stories. I felt the ending was rushed. Overall, I liked the story but just felt like it needed more development and depth. As a caution, there was some language and an intimate scene.
This was an original reimagining of the tale of the Forty Thieves. The characters and setting were interesting. I wish there had been more resolution to the connections between Godfrey’s and Melisende’s stories. I felt the ending was rushed. Overall, I liked the story but just felt like it needed more development and depth. As a caution, there was some language and an intimate scene.
October 6, 2019
Once again, Demelza Carlton retells a familiar story in a thoroughly unfamiliar way. And once again, there is character overlap from another of her stories, Float. In that book, Sir Godfrey was convinced that his sister had been killed by soldiers so it was nice to see that she actually survived to tell a story of her own.
Melisende leaves her family to join the crusades. Mithra is a woodcutter in the city close to where the crusaders are defeated by the Seljuks, though Melisende is fortunate enough to escape the carnage. Mithra discovers her hiding in the woods, and together, they discover the treasure of the forty thieves. Mithra's father is named Ali Baba. Melisende thinks the password is "Open simsi" because simsi is the old word for mountain in her land. Clever details like this tie this new story to the classic while yet weaving a completely new tale.
The characters and the plot are well-developed, but the characters are not so real that you will feel their emotions. For me, there was always the sense that this was a skillful retelling of a famous fictional story. It's more about the adventure, the descriptions of the culture, and the locations. The original tale did not explore the motivations or the emotions of the characters. The action was, and is, paramount. There is romance mixed into this version so it's important to show the depth of feeling that grows between Melisende and Mithra, but there's no need to get overly maudlin or fabricate a conflict between them. The action is entertaining enough to carry this story. The fact that there is a HEA for the two protagonists is just icing on the cake.
Melisende leaves her family to join the crusades. Mithra is a woodcutter in the city close to where the crusaders are defeated by the Seljuks, though Melisende is fortunate enough to escape the carnage. Mithra discovers her hiding in the woods, and together, they discover the treasure of the forty thieves. Mithra's father is named Ali Baba. Melisende thinks the password is "Open simsi" because simsi is the old word for mountain in her land. Clever details like this tie this new story to the classic while yet weaving a completely new tale.
The characters and the plot are well-developed, but the characters are not so real that you will feel their emotions. For me, there was always the sense that this was a skillful retelling of a famous fictional story. It's more about the adventure, the descriptions of the culture, and the locations. The original tale did not explore the motivations or the emotions of the characters. The action was, and is, paramount. There is romance mixed into this version so it's important to show the depth of feeling that grows between Melisende and Mithra, but there's no need to get overly maudlin or fabricate a conflict between them. The action is entertaining enough to carry this story. The fact that there is a HEA for the two protagonists is just icing on the cake.
September 27, 2019
🏰 Holy Wars and thieves: adventure galore for a Lady and a humble woodcutter 😊
👍👍 4 🌟stars plus 💰❤💰
Really enjoyable, quick read😊. This is another action-packed fairytale romance in Carlton's continuing and frequently interconnected series, with some fun twists on the original Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves story. The time setting in the midst of the Crusades and the addition of a spirited young nobleman who finds the Crusaders a cut-throat and unprincipled bunch of marauders gave new life to the old Middle Eastern tale. Melisande is resourceful, idealistic and possesses a bit of magic and knowledge of herbs that is actually less important to her survival than her own sharp mind and agility. She's a grounded heroine, despite her high birth, and I was happy she got her HEA. Just don't get on her bad side!😬 Mithra, the humble hero who dreams of becoming a successful merchant, is loyal and unselfish, plus he treats Melisande with respect and dignity. They are a great pairing.
I've enjoyed most of the stories in this imaginative fairytales retold series. Author Demelza Carlton has added a bit of passion and some touches of realistic violence, including an attempted rape, to the story. Overall, this latest is another captivating romance with major parts action and adventure.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
👍👍 4 🌟stars plus 💰❤💰
Really enjoyable, quick read😊. This is another action-packed fairytale romance in Carlton's continuing and frequently interconnected series, with some fun twists on the original Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves story. The time setting in the midst of the Crusades and the addition of a spirited young nobleman who finds the Crusaders a cut-throat and unprincipled bunch of marauders gave new life to the old Middle Eastern tale. Melisande is resourceful, idealistic and possesses a bit of magic and knowledge of herbs that is actually less important to her survival than her own sharp mind and agility. She's a grounded heroine, despite her high birth, and I was happy she got her HEA. Just don't get on her bad side!😬 Mithra, the humble hero who dreams of becoming a successful merchant, is loyal and unselfish, plus he treats Melisande with respect and dignity. They are a great pairing.
I've enjoyed most of the stories in this imaginative fairytales retold series. Author Demelza Carlton has added a bit of passion and some touches of realistic violence, including an attempted rape, to the story. Overall, this latest is another captivating romance with major parts action and adventure.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
October 12, 2019
A shrewd servant. A penniless young woodcutter. A priceless stolen treasure.
Melisende joins a crusade, her head full of glory and victory, only to flee from her first battle. Forced to hide as a housemaid while the enemy army occupies the city she'd hoped to save, she despairs of ever finding her way home.
Mithra plans to settle down with the girl of his dreams, but when the war spills into his city, all dreams of the future are shattered. When he finds a Crusader maiden in the woods and they stumble across a priceless treasure, he thinks his luck might have turned...until he discovers the penalty of stealing from the Forty Thieves.
Can Melisende and Mithra save his family from the Forty Thieves?
Wow!!! What a wonderful action packed retelling of this adventurous love story.
This is the love story of Melisende and Mithra.
Well written plot and story line that is filled with action, twists and of course romance.
Love the characters as they are fleshed out so well and so relatable.
Wonderful world building in this.
I love this authors writing so much and can't wait to read what she has in store next for us!
Recomnend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Melisende joins a crusade, her head full of glory and victory, only to flee from her first battle. Forced to hide as a housemaid while the enemy army occupies the city she'd hoped to save, she despairs of ever finding her way home.
Mithra plans to settle down with the girl of his dreams, but when the war spills into his city, all dreams of the future are shattered. When he finds a Crusader maiden in the woods and they stumble across a priceless treasure, he thinks his luck might have turned...until he discovers the penalty of stealing from the Forty Thieves.
Can Melisende and Mithra save his family from the Forty Thieves?
Wow!!! What a wonderful action packed retelling of this adventurous love story.
This is the love story of Melisende and Mithra.
Well written plot and story line that is filled with action, twists and of course romance.
Love the characters as they are fleshed out so well and so relatable.
Wonderful world building in this.
I love this authors writing so much and can't wait to read what she has in store next for us!
Recomnend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
September 30, 2019
Melisendre's quest to join the Crusade and save the Holy City gets sidetracked when she falls in with a woodcutter and discovers a treasure beyond all imagining in this latest fairy tale derived story by Demelza Carlton.
I've come to love these sweexy (sweet and sexy) retellings of all the favourite fairy tales from my childhood and this one was no exception. Melisendre, who we met briefly and presumed to be dead in Float, the last story in the series, is a strong, compassionate and determined young woman, completely unlike the majority of women in her world. Mithra is that rarest of creatures, an honest and principled merchant, as good as his word. Together, their adventures, dealing with the warming armies, the thieves and the Rialto's Duke make for an interesting adventure and the gradual move of the couple from strangers who need each other to avoid the evildoers in their lives to friends to something more, is fun to watch.
If you always wondered what happened to Ail Baba after the 40 thieves, or if you've been following the the adventures of all of Carlton's independent but entwined fairy tale couples, this one's a must read.
I've come to love these sweexy (sweet and sexy) retellings of all the favourite fairy tales from my childhood and this one was no exception. Melisendre, who we met briefly and presumed to be dead in Float, the last story in the series, is a strong, compassionate and determined young woman, completely unlike the majority of women in her world. Mithra is that rarest of creatures, an honest and principled merchant, as good as his word. Together, their adventures, dealing with the warming armies, the thieves and the Rialto's Duke make for an interesting adventure and the gradual move of the couple from strangers who need each other to avoid the evildoers in their lives to friends to something more, is fun to watch.
If you always wondered what happened to Ail Baba after the 40 thieves, or if you've been following the the adventures of all of Carlton's independent but entwined fairy tale couples, this one's a must read.
October 7, 2019
Melisende is the sister of Sir Godfrey of Demelza's book "Float". We find ought that not only was she not killed, as Sir Godfrey and his family thought, but she actually ran away to join the Crusades. Disguised as a male, of course. When she actually gets see a battle she is smart enough to run away and hide in a tree. Her bird's eye view shows her more than the local countryside though. She sees a number of thieves stripping the dead of their belongings. When the thieves reveal their hiding place to her spying eyes she decides she will retrieve her own meagre belongings from the cache. Before she can do so she sees a woodcutter with his cart, just as a few straggler thieves approach from the battlefield. Determined to save one life that day, she practically drags him into hiding with her.
So begins the love story of Melisende and Mithra.
I was given an advanced copy of this book by the author. My review is voluntary.
So begins the love story of Melisende and Mithra.
I was given an advanced copy of this book by the author. My review is voluntary.
October 4, 2019
When Melisende leaves home to follow the crusade, she had no idea what she's in for. Dressed like a boy, she hears the knights in the scouting party talking and it's nothing a woman should hear. They are definitely not what Christian knights should be. Once the fighting starts, she runs and hides. Mithra is a young man who father is a woodcutter, yet he is an apprentice for a merchant. After the work day, he heads out to cut a cart of wood for his father. After going farther than usual, he accidentally finds Melisende, or rather, she finds and saves him just as mean are approaching. Apparently she had hidden very near the forty thieves cave. What follows is a medieval tale of adventure, intrigue and possibly even love. The plot is great and the characters even better. Good guys, bad guys and everything in between. I definitely didn't want to put it down!
October 1, 2019
Melisende wanted adventure and help make things favorable for her people and Mithra was a good man, a respectful and obedient son and conformed with what was expected of him. But helping a maiden in distress, with more skills and resources than him, put him in another path and one very dangerous. Action, suspense, adventure, mystery, violence, a little romance and passion. Liked Melisende’s character, her wittiness and readiness to take action. Something that I really enjoy these stories is how unpredictable they are. Anything can happen and the author makes use of her magic mixing and interspersing different characters and situations and making them work. Good that I read Float first because of the references to characters from that book.
September 28, 2019
I received an Arc of Steal: Forty Thieves Retold, the twentieth book in the Medieval Fairytale series, the opinions and views are my own. If you haven’t read any of the previous books you will want to after you read this one. It does mention people in the other books but is a stand-alone as well. I eagerly awaited this book as I wanted to know what happened to Melisende. I enjoyed Melisende and Mithra’s story. Melisende saves Mithra from the forty thieves and he saves her from the Seljuk Army. I would recommend this book to all. I couldn’t put this book down.
October 12, 2019
I have thoroughly enjoyed all the books so far. I particularly enjoyed the glimpses of Godfrey whose story is told in Float but who also has a cameo previously. They way Demelza weaves the multiple stories together as she retells the fairy stories is brilliant. Loved the characters of Mithra and Melisende and all the supporting people. As is often the case there are brutal scenes which are more in line with the original tales than the Disney retelling.
I received an ARC from the author but the review is my honest opinion.
I received an ARC from the author but the review is my honest opinion.
September 30, 2019
While I may have had a vague idea of what the story was about, I was unable to predict what would happen next. Sometimes my mind would make a left turn while the story made a right. That is something that I truly enjoy. This story shares cameos of characters from another story in the series.
Action-packed. Entertaining. Happily Ever After. Scary. Steamy. Tragic. Wonderful characters.
I received a copy of this book as a gift. This is my honest review.
Action-packed. Entertaining. Happily Ever After. Scary. Steamy. Tragic. Wonderful characters.
I received a copy of this book as a gift. This is my honest review.
September 30, 2019
Another really enjoyable Fairytale retelling. This action packed romance finds Melisende rescuing Mithra from the Forty thieves and he then helps her avoid the Seljuk army. I love the way these tales intertwine and finding out what actually happed to Melisende was fun. If you haven't read all the previous tales you really should do this now.
September 26, 2019
A wonderful retelling of 40 Thieves, such as hasn’t been done yet. I couldn’t read fast enough to find out what the story is about. A pleasure as always. Don’t miss out.
September 28, 2019
This was a fun version of the forty thieves. I really enjoy this series in general and this one was far from disappointing. Melisende and Mithra's romance was well worth the read.
September 30, 2019
A wonderful retelling of Ali baba and the forty thieves, with touches of her other Faire Tales woven in. Her stories always amaze me.
October 11, 2019
Cute shirt story. A story of time in a different light. Greed will always get you in trouble. You get right into the characters and rewrite the storyline. Good retake of an old story.
March 28, 2024
such a good read
I was very excited to find Melisende here in this story!! And how well it twists with her brother Sir Godfrey. I loved them both so much
I was very excited to find Melisende here in this story!! And how well it twists with her brother Sir Godfrey. I loved them both so much
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews