The Sevenfold Spell

by Tia Nevitt

[Kim Deister]

Talia and their mother have always made their living by spinning, but with the new laws of the land, they lose their sole source of income. For Talia, it also meant the loss of her potential husband and children. Finally, facing absolute poverty, Talia and her mother determine to build a new, illicit spinning wheel, using any means necessary. Through ups and downs, sacrifice and heartache, Talia has never forgotten her first love and dreams of being with him once again.

Being a fellow veteran, I have been wanting to read this debut fiction novella from Tia Nevitt. It is a retelling of the classic Sleeping Beauty in a completely non-classic way, which was refreshing! Instead of focusing on the prince and princess, and the fairy godmothers, it explores the lives of the "little people" whose lives are greatly affected by the royals. Life isn't easy for the average peasant. Having their entire livelihood taken from them in a desperate attempt to thwart a curse changes the future for them. I thoroughly enjoyed this adaptation of a fairy tale and I can't wait for the next installments!