I didn't realize until I was well into this novel that it is a "book 2," but as it is part of a series set in the same world with different characters, I didn't lose anything by not reading book one. I thought this was a fun twist on/combination of fairytales, and while it wasn't necessarily the most engrossing read for me, I can see its appeal to my readers who love the fairytale retellings. I am glad I have this series as a good one to recommend to this group!