Review: Amphibian's Kiss

Amphibian's Kiss by Lichelle Slater is the first ARC I received from an upcoming multi-author series of fairy tale retellings called All That Glitters. This entry in the sparkling series is a unique retelling of "The Frog Prince" with an organized magic system, a fairy realm, and lots of romantic tension. It does an excellent job of paying homage to the fairy tale while keeping the story fresh with surprises and drama. The main character is a witch living in a world where magic is banned, a plot thread that is near and dear to my heart. The book contains some fun animal sidekicks and a main character who is a vegetarian due to her innate ability to communicate with animals.

Elowyn cannot forgive Prince Kaison for her mother's imprisonment, and who can blame her? It isn't easy being a witch in a kingdom where magic is illegal. Though Kai was once her best friend, El now has only her talking hedgehog for companionship. That is, however, until Kai finds himself married to a wicked fairy who turns him into a frog. Now, El is the only person he trusts enough to free him from the spell. When his wicked bride blames El for the curse, the king sends her on a quest to recover his humanity alongside a royal guard named Garrett. Can El cast away her bitterness toward Kai aside to free both him and her mother and defeat and evil fairy?

What I liked the most about this story is how well it balanced the layers of storytelling and depth. The elements of the original fairy tale are there with the selfish princess, the golden ball, and the talking frog, and the original elements blend in perfectly with the story. El's family magic being a threat to the king creates the perfect source of tension between her and Kai, when they would otherwise be a perfect couple. The additional love triangle with Garrett createsadditional romantic tension, though it seems unnecessary overall. The worldbuilding in this book is top notch. I particularly enjoyed the descriptions of the fairy realm, which felt like a real place full of magic and wonder.

I also enjoyed that this book had plenty of levity, especially compared to the darker Tethered Hearts series, which I'm also on the street team for. The talking animals provide lots of funny wisecracks, and El knows just how come up with witty retorts thanks to a lifetime of communicating with them. Despite being a witch, El's powers are quite tame and rely mostly on healing and runes. The fairies are the more powerful magic threat in this world. Their unique powers are thoroughly described with lots of history and nuance. The fairy princess bride made a great villain and was just threatening enough without being overly intimidating.

Amphibian's Kiss by Lichelle Slater is a delightful and enchanting retelling of "The Frog Prince" that will captivate fans of fairy tale romance and fantasy. With its well-balanced layers, engaging world-building, and witty dialogue, this book is a sparkling addition to the All That Glitters series. Elowyn's journey from bitter witch to selfless heroine is a joy to follow, and her chemistry with Prince Kai and Garrett adds plenty of romantic tension. If you're looking for a lighthearted and fun read with a touch of magic and adventure, Amphibian's Kiss is a perfect choice.

I have always dreamed of being a writer and creating the next great fairy tale princess heroine. Princesses inspire us to be our best selves. While you're here, feel free to follow my page on Facebook, subscribe to my YouTube channel, and check out my books. I'm also on Instagram and Twitter.

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