*Updated full review*

If you know me you know that I absolutely adore fairy tales and a good fairy tale retelling. Allerleirauh is no exception. This is a retelling of a Grimm Brother's fairy tale that I actually have not heard of or read. Because of that I can't really compare if one is better or if this does the original justice. From an outside view I can tell you that this book was beautiful and in my opinion very well done.

This book does deal with some darker subjects like abuse, rape, and incest. Which, I will admit, made me wary to read the book, but this story is so much more than that. Ultimately this is a story of healing, hope, love and I'll agree with other reviewers in saying it's a coming of age story. I was so drawn in from page one and I felt all of the emotions. Princess Aurelia has gone through some pretty horrific stuff, and when she finally escapes she's badly effected and terrified as anyone would. I think Chantal Gadoury did a terrific job at portraying Aurelia's trauma in an accurate way. From the fear of trusting others, to the feeling of guilt and shame and finding all the little things that she could have done differently. The healing process didn't feel rushed and wasn't portrayed as instantly being fixed when she meets Klaus or even being fixed by Klaus at all. Of course he helps her to heal and to realize what she wants and needs to do, but ultimately she saves herself and that's beautiful.

I loved Princess Aurelia as a character! I wanted to weep for her in the beginning of the book through her neglect, and everything that was done to her by both her mother and father. I was so scared for her when she was scared and realizing who her father truly was and what she must now do. Scared for her as she made her escape, in the process damaging everything she once knew and finding Lord Crestwood and Prince Klaus and coming into this new life. I so desperately wanted to wrap her up and comfort her through every moment of her healing journey. I also felt so much joy for her when she finally tells Klaus everything, admitting her love for him and the ultimate defeat of her father. She was beautiful and I so desperately want to see more of her story and journey with the Prince. I of course adore Klaus and all of the other characters in this book as well and the part each of them played in helping Aurelia. They each showed their support and love in each of their own ways and I just thought that was beautiful.

I adored the epilogue that we got as well. It made me so giddy to hear about their wedding and marriage and their happily ever after. I was almost proud of her when she let go of that final piece of her old life and old self. The beautiful writing of this book just makes it all the more better.

This review was quite a mess I'm sure, but hopefully I got my point across. This was an overall beautiful story and I can't wait to read more from Chantal Gadoury.