Glints Of Gold

Grimm Academy #6

by Laura Greenwood

An unlimited supply of gold is tempting, but what price will Zerrin have to pay?

Zerrin's time at Grimm Academy has been everything she ever wanted it to be. But now her prophecy is about to start, and she has to escape before it's too late.

Can she resist temptation, or is she as doomed as the stories say?
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Glints Of Gold is a fantasy academy retelling of Rumpelstiltskin and is part of the Once Upon An Academy series, set at Grimm Academy. It includes a slow burn m/f (non-bully) romance.

Genres: Fantasy, Fairy Tales, Retellings

ebook

First published January 1, 2020

About the author

Laura is a USA Today Bestselling Author of fantasy romance and urban fantasy. She lives in the UK, where most of her books are set, with her partner. When she's not writing, Laura can be found exploring worldwide cusine with her partner, drinking tea, and reading fantasy books. Laura specialises in quick reads, featuring healthy relationships and consent-positive moments, regardless of whether she's writing light-hearted romance, mythology-inspired modern fantasy, cozy fantasy or anything in between.

Discover one of Laura Greenwood's most popular series:
- The Apprentice of Anubis (mythology inspired modern/urban fantasy)
- Forgotten Gods (mythology inspired fantasy romance)
- Jinx Paranormal Dating Agency (mythology inspired paranormal rom-com)
- House of Blood and Roses (vampire romantasy)
- Amethyst's Wand Shop Mysteries (urban fantasy murder mystery)
- Scales of Justice (mythology inspired modern/urban fantasy)
- Purple Oak Oasis (cozy fantasy romance)
- Falhaven Castle (cozy fantasy romance)

You can find a full book list and more information on her website, or in her Facebook Reader Group.

Happy Reading!

Reviews

[The Half-blood Reader · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rumplestilskin retelling set in an academy. Nothing remarkable, lacks character depth, setting the mood, making me care. I felt no sense of danger or dread.
Characters are one dimensional. Author needs to learn to create an ambience.

[Laura Greenwood]

Grimm Academy:
1. Tower Of Thorns: books2read.com/towerofthorns
2. Spindles And Spells: books2read.com/spindlesandspells
3. Pumpkins And Proms: books2read.com/pumpkinsandproms
4. Lilies of Loss: books2read.com/liliesofloss
5. Huntsmen And Hoods: books2read.com/huntsmenandhoods
6. Glints Of Gold: books2read.com/glintsofgold
7. Mirrors And Magic: books2read.com/mirrorsandmagic
8. Lamps and Lies: books2read.com/lampsandlies
9. Feathers Of Fate: books2read.com/feathersoffate
10. The Almost Queen: books2read.com/thealmostqueen
11. The Rightful King: books2read.com/therightfulking
12. Frosts And Fears: books2read.com/frostsandfears
13. Song Of Seas: books2read.com/songofseas
14. Roses Of Regret: books2read.com/rosesofregret
15. Princess Of Petals: books2read.com/princessofpetals
16. Princess Of Feathers: books2read.com/princessoffeathers
17. Princess Of Peas: books2read.com/princessofpeas
18. The Winter Ball: books2read.com/thewinterball
19. Dance Of Daggers: books2read.com/danceofdaggers
20. Coming soon!

- Teller Of Tales: https://books.authorlauragreenwood.co...

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

Another excellent Once Upon an Academy story. Great storytelling and characters make for a brilliant read. I highly recommend both this book and the whole series!

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had actually planned to read no review books today. Today was gonna be my day off and I would just read what I liked to read. But I finished my first book of the day early and afterwards what I liked to read and what I "had" to read, was the same book! It's been a while since I really read a Fairytale retelling (for me personally. It's probably not THAT long, but I usually read a few a week!) and I was really in the mood for one. Luckily I had one at the ready!

And how lovely was this story then! From start to finish I really loved how Greenwood manages to turn the story of Rumplestiltskin into one of her Grimm Academy stories. I might even say that it's one of my favorites so far, mostly because the fairytale elements of the original story work so well in this one! And they're all there! We have a prince falling for a peasant girl, we have an evil sorcerer making deals and we have a girl spinning straw into gold.

On top of that we also have a really lovely romance! I think this prince might be one of the sweetest princes we have met so far. He was in a way a little awkward, not always sure what to do or what to say, but he always followed his heart and stayed really true to his girl. I really loved how supportive he was, how he saw her value and how he complimented her. This was a prime example of a boy lifting his girl up and making her see how amazing she already is herself.

Of course, that was made easy because of our heroine. This girl was so relatable and therefore easy to like. I think a lot of people, me included, know what it feels like to think you're less than others, or not good enough. I love how this story had our heroine explore those feelings, how the story gave her friends to support her anyway, how the story gave her a prince to make even her believe in her and how she eventually proved how worthy and powerful she truly was.

There are countless more fairytales. I hope Greenwood writes countless more retellings to go with all of them!

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this retelling of “Rumpelstiltskin” with the author’s signature twist, Zerrin attends Grimm Academy with other characters the reader may know and recognize. Many of them, including Zerrin, have unpleasant prophecies that may need breaking, and the academy and other students are there to help them. Unfortunately, Zerrin may not be aware of exactly what her prophecy warns of, so it’s difficult to prepare to defend against it.

Zerrin meets Prince Andrew and her prophecy begins in her dreams. As the prophecy starts to unfold, can she stop it before things go too far? Will Andrew be able to help her end the prophecy? Will the two of them get the chance to fall in love?

I think what makes these twists in the fairy tales so enjoyable is that the reader is given a “new” story line yet catches glimpses of the old tale we grew up with. That blend of the old with something new, different, and possible can again fill us with delight as those memories come back to blend with the new. And this author is amazing at giving us an excellent story, always written well and very intriguing.

[Jamie Bee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another Fresh Take on an Old Tale

I so enjoy the stories of Grimm Academy written by this author. She takes the essence of a well-known fairytale and weaves something completely different (with “glints” of the original sparkling through at times) but very enjoyable. Each story focuses on a particular familiar fairytale but gives the people involved not only new names but a new story as well. This one is a spin, pun intended, on Rumpelstiltskin. Our heroine becomes a scholarship student at Grimm Academy because she has a prophecy... one that seems somewhat nebulous but begins to invade her dreams when she comes to the academy. Yet, they seem to have more than a hint of realism. Is the prophecy coming true? Can she and the other students—including a prince!—figure it out? Can she escape it? You'll have to read for yourself to discover how it all turns out!

I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.

My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zerrin’s story and a retelling of Rumplestiltskin
Zerrin comes from a large, poor family of farmers. She’s offered a scholarship to Grimm Academy because she has a prophecy about her. She and her parents hope that she can find work as a lady’s maid after the academy to improve her life and perhaps her siblings lives as well. Zerrin never expected a prince. Yet when her friends finally convince her to go to a ball that’s exactly who she meets. They begin courting and he is kind and more than she ever dreamed of. His father does not approve but that doesn’t stop her Prince Andrew. Things are going well until she meets a man who has an offer for her and Zerrin knows her prophecy has begun.
A sweet version of this tale. A hea with a prince and the daughter of a farmer only in a fairy tale. Enjoyable, quick and clever story.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Douglas Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a retelling of the Rumplestiltskin tale with an academy series.

It is book three of the series, but each one is written as a standalone. It is not necessary to read the previous books to enjoy this one.

This series combines classic fairy tales with an academy setting. The story is well written and easy to read, and it is fun to watch characters that are familiar tell entirely new stories. The setting and characters are nicely introduced and I expect to get a lot more depth to the setting as the series progresses. Here we get a good story with an fairly easy to follow plot that is nonetheless engaging and keeps your interest. I love reading new twists on the old stories and this one definitely fits in that mold. Overall, a very enjoyable book and series.

Highly recommended

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes

[Sassy Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this series by Laura Greenwood and can't wait to read more by her. I couldn't wait to see what happened to Zerrin. She has a scholarship at Grimm Academy because of her prophecy otherwise her family would never be able to afford it. Her family own a farm and work hard. Zerrin knows about her prophecy and is watchful to make sure that it doesn't start. She is enjoying her time at Grimm because she is learning lots. She has made friends and has met a boy, Prince Andrew. She is approached by man one day with an offer to good to be true. She declines it but some things start to happen. Will she be able to beat her prophecy?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[sherri jones-teachout · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spinning straw into gold really isn’ t possible. Or is it? Zerrin has a prophecy and she doesn’t know why. Usually only nobles have them but she has been granted a full scholarship to Grimm Academy and she soon makes friends, and especially Prince Andrew, a younger son of a king. When she starts having dreams about spinning straw into gold she’s terrified because that is part of her prophecy, but they’re only dreams right? But why does she wake up every night with calluses on her hands? She and Andrew have to work out how to stop the dream enchantments or she will never be free and she’ll be owned by the enchanter. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Natanimon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zerrin's character was well-developed and relatable, as she knew what she had to do to improve her life and help her family. It was interesting to see her different from what Red had said about her in "Huntsmen and Hoods". She was conscious of her circumstances and worked hard to improve her situation.

Andrew, Zerrin's love interest, was also a well-crafted character. His background and personal struggles added another layer of depth to the story, and I found myself wanting to know more about him.

The plot was easy to follow and kept me engaged throughout the book. Overall, Glints of Gold is a great read and a must-read for anyone who loves a good story. I highly recommend it.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3 stars)

Glints of Gold is a light and charming retelling with some creative twists on a classic tale. Laura Greenwood has an easy-to-read writing style, and I appreciated the magical touches woven throughout the story. The concept itself was interesting, and the cozy fantasy feel made it a pleasant read.

That said, it didn’t quite stand out for me as much as I hoped. The plot felt a little predictable at times, and I wished for more depth in both the characters and worldbuilding. While it was enjoyable, it leaned more toward simple and sweet rather than truly memorable.

Overall, Glints of Gold was an okay read—fun enough if you’re looking for something quick and whimsical, but not one that lingered with me after finishing.

[Ash J · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy Laura Greenwood's fairy tale retellings. This was another example of her great retelling abilities. The reader could definitely tell what fairy tale was being retold, however the story was completely different. The story was exciting and had me glued to the pages until the very end to find out what was going to happen. It also included a nice little love story between Zerrin and Andrew and I adore happy endings. I had a great time reading this story. It was new and different from the original.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle Dohring · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zerrin was given a scholarship to Grimm Academy because of her prophecy. She meets Prince Andrew at the ball. He asks her out on a date. Zerrin at first thinks maybe he is using her but he wants to court her. Now her prophecy has started and she must stop it. With Andrew’s help will they be able to stop her prophecy? This was a well written fun twist on the story of Rumpelstiltskin. The characters are wonderful. The story flows and entertains. It keeps you turning the pages. The author has created an enchanted world at her Grimm Academy. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Crystalclearwpg · Rating 3 out of 5]

This retell of Rumpelstiltskin was not too bad. I did find Zerrin to be too meek for my liking and Andrew to soft when it came to his father. The build up to Zerrin's prophecy was not bad but not sure on how it even began. There was no foretell for this part which kind of leaves you a bit in the dark. They way it was resolved was a great change from the classic and has a decent build up. I would have liked to see Zerrin and Andrew realize their own worth in life a little by the end but it was still a sweet ending.
I received an ARC of this tale and I'm leaving my unbiased review voluntarily.

[Idalia Helaena · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Glints of Gold” is a sweet Rumpelstiltskin retelling, as well as the sixth book in the Grimm Academy series.

The heroine of this story is a young woman named Zerrin, who was offered a scholarship to Grimm Academy because of her prophecy.

I’ve always loved this particular fairytale, and I definitely enjoyed Laura Greenwood’s take on it! Zerrin was absolutely lovely, and I thought she was bright and tenacious.

I also really enjoyed her romance with Prince Andrew! I loved that Andrew didn’t let his father mistreat Zerrin for not having a title, and how supportive he was of her. I highly recommend!

[Adena Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Zerrin really described the entire premise of this series when she considered that prophecies sounded exotic and exciting but were in fact deadly - the difference between living one and being near one is very significant. That thought is what made Zerrin's story particularly pointed since she had to figure out what her prophecy was before she could counter it. Thank goodness for her helpful humble prince. Zerrin and Andrew deserve each other.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rose Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Intriguing Tale
“Glints of Gold” is Zerrin and Andrew’s story. Zerrin has a prophecy and is invited to attend Grimm Academy. After meeting Prince Andrew, Zerrin’s prophecy has begun in her dreams. Zerrin and Andrew work together to end her prophecy while protecting Zerrin. Can Zerrin really find love with a prince? Can Zerrin and Andrew really have an HEA? This tale is a fun reimagining of Rumpelstiltskin and is an enjoyable read.
I received a free copy of this book. This review was posted voluntarily

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an awesome re-telling.
Ms. Greenwood's re-telling of fairy tales is always so grand. This addition lived up to that standard in spades. The incorporation of the original tale within the re-telling was outstanding. Zerrin and Andrew were splendid characters and the sweet romance was a pleasure to read. The whole series has been great and I highly recommend all the books but I know you will love this one even if this is the first book of the series you have read. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.

[J Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

A grim fairy tale.

Non-royals with prophecies are not common but having one is the reason that Zerrin was accepted as a scholarship student at Grimm Academy. She was surprised when her parents told but now that she is at the Academy. She is making friends and learning skills that will hopefully improve her family’s future if only she can avoid her prophecy coming true.

This 21st-century adaptation of a well-known fairy tale puts an interesting modern spin on an old theme. I received a free copy but my review is honest and voluntary.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laura Greenwood takes on the story of Rumplestiltskin in this Grimm’s Academy edition. Zerrin is a hard working but poor farm girl. Sent to GA on scholarship due to her prophecy, she’s hoping to make connections to perhaps become a lady’s maid or companion. She never expects a Prince to fall in love with her. A strange man who she thinks is a teacher offers her the ability to spin straw into gold. Zerrin refuses, but knows it’s a sign her prophecy has begun. She’s determined to stand strong but Rumplestiltskin doesn’t play fair.
Another lovely fairy tale retelling. Zerrin is a delightful young lady, kind and determined. Prince Andrew sees her for the treasure she is despite his father’s disapproval. Knowing he could be disinherited for being with her, he stands on his convictions that being true to himself is the most important thing. Also supporting Zerrin are sisters Snow White and Rose Red, paving the way for their story.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sentinelle23 · Rating 5 out of 5]

💜🪄💰LOTS OF SUSPENSE...


As young Zerrin goes about her daily chores, she is called by her mother.
Great joy fills her as she thinks her mother needs her to cook.

But it is her father who tells her that she is going to go to study at the Grimm Academy: a place has just been offered to her...

------------------

An unexpected novelty for me with a captivating legend that I didn't know at all, with beautiful main characters and lots and lots of suspense...

How will Zerrin cope?

I recommend this new story of this talented author so pleasant to read.
💜 🪄💰

[TaniaRina · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Never be sorry for knowing your worth’
Whether in the corporate world, dating scene, academic sphere…be aware of your value and what you have to offer. Don’t downplay your skills based on your background. Learning and knowledge has different forms – sometimes life experience is better than “a piece of paper” or a pedigree.

Some sage advice from the author:
‘Don't let anyone make a trade with you if it seems too good to be true.’


Will Snow White’s tale in ‘Mirrors and Magic’ offer her some relief?

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was kind of light, fluffy fun, which is really not at all what comes to mind when I think of any version of Rumpelstiltskin. But that made it a really nice change. However, it hurt my heart a little to see Zerrin's reaction to the Academy and the people there, particularly her initial distrust of Andrew’s motives for being interested in her. Though, I couldn’t help being charmed by the sweetness of their connection and now I want to know “what’s next?”
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout.

[Linda (ellsky) Jackson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Zerrin's story was a bit more sinister than most of the others in this series thus far. Rumplestiltskin was a very intimidating and scary presence in my mind. I generally love retellings of his fairy tale, as I enjoy the trickster nature of the character, but I didn't feel that this one showcased that as well as others I've come across. Zerrin was not really given a choice, and that is one of the most compelling aspects of Rumple's retellings for me. So while I continue to adore the series, this one just didn't quite hit the mark for me.

[Christinaraven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Return to Grimm and another retelling of a prophecy, with a fun twist. In this story we meet Zerrin and watch how she deals with fellow students of higher station, a cute boy who likes her and her dratted prophecy starting up too. It was cute and a fun read that made me laugh and read in one siting just to see how it ends and what the prophecy will include and what the good twist is. Just a good clean entertaining story.

[Jerri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the retelling of Rumpelstiltskin and this author gives it to us in a very different retell. The book is part of of a series that I have enjoyed reading and this one was no different. The author brought the characters to life and the world building was excellent. I am still enjoying the thoughts process she has on the retell of the stories. Would recommend to anyone .

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Glints of Gold is a retelling of Rumpelstiltskin with an interesting twist. Zerrin and Prince Andrew are students at the Grimm Academy where fairy tale characters go to avoid their fate. When Zerrin starts dreaming about spinning straw into gold Andrew and Zerrin search for a way to break her prophecy. This is a slow burn romance with magic, twists, mystery, suspense, and characters that make this an interesting read. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Sherryle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Magic, is it real?

I seriously loved every page in this story, firstly Zerrin & Andrew meet at the academy & fall in love. They try to have her prophecy banished by themselves. In the end they manage to catch Rumpelstiltskin, banish his wicked ways with the teachers help & finally, she finds out that Andrew is a Prince. The best part is she can still weave straw into gold & help out her family!!

[Goddess of Chaos · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Prophecies always get people’s attention.”

Zerrin gets a scholarship to Grimm Academy… a farm girl headed off to school with Royalty and Nobility, with hopes of avoiding her prophecy.

One of the things I really enjoy in this series is each person knows the warning sign that their prophecy is beginning, but things take a twist in Zerrin’s case, and her path is less clear than others have been.

I was gifted with a copy of Glints of Gold and chose to share my thoughts.