Gilded Cage is a dark romance retelling of Rumpelstiltskin with two unique characters from different worlds. In this case, we have Mason who is an outsider in his wealthy and powerful community. Mason, himself, feels weak and has one friend that he can relate to. The cherry on his ‘winning life’ sundae is that he has been blessed with a stepmother from H E double L. (**note the sarcasm**)

Aspen has only one job, which is to serve the Stiltskin family, and consequently, only knows of one life. Through this life, she meets one person that she connects with. Mason. She has no friends and no interaction except for what is maintained on the grounds she works for. One night proves to be her downfall when she makes a deal with the devil and doesn’t realize how bad it is until it is too late.

This story was so gritty, mysterious, a bucket full of emotions, a plot that would make a chess player proud, and twists and turns. I must admit that I either overlooked or forgot that this was a retelling of Rumpelstiltskin, but that didn’t hinder the visual imagery that Ms. Lymari was trying to portray. The ability to follow along in my head like a flipbook animation was addicting to read.

FIVE ‘OUTSTANDING’ STARS!!