Amazon Customer

Reviewed in the United States on February 9, 2025

Grimace is a masterful debut that plunges readers into a hauntingly vivid world set in the aftermath of the Civil War, exploring the often forgotten, raw realities of slavery through the eyes of three women. From the first paragraph, the author effortlessly crafts a world you can see, smell, and feel. Her prose is poetic, yet visceral, capturing every moment in great detail.

The strength of Grimace lies not just in its rich historical context, but in its ability to shine a light on the unspeakable atrocities of the past. Through the eyes of its three central characters, we get a heart-wrenching view of the psychological and physical scars left by slavery. The author's portrayal of the complex relationships is brutally raw and tragic--the tension, the abuse, and the constant fear leap off the page in way that is gut-wrenching, but necessary to witness.

Grimace brings a uniqueness of myth and supernatural elements, twisting common beliefs of what Grim Reapers are. The Grims, reimagines as misunderstood beings ferrying souls to the afterlife, adding an unexpected but compelling layer to the narrative! These dark, eerie creatures offer a glimpse into a world beyond human understanding.

It's a beautifully executed twist that melds the historical with the mythical, giving the book an otherworldly depth.

Grimace presents a raw and uncomfortable truth about our history here. The author does not shy away from exploring it in full, giving voice to characters who have been silenced for far too long!

In short, Grimace is a deeply moving narrative that will stick with you long after you turn the final page, impossible to forget! It's dark, heartbreaking, and yet beautifully human. The twists and turns you will encounter along the way will leave you BREATHLESS. This is a short book that demands attention, and it is my hope that it will get the exposure it so richly deserves. The author's ability to bring together history, myth, and a fierce emotional resonance is a rare gift.

To the author: Please give us readers a sequel. I need more of The Grims!!!

Amazon Customer - Briana Paige

Reviewed in the United States on November 6, 2024

Where to begin... This book will have you on a rollercoaster of emotion from sensuality to utter betrayal and sadness. Ugh! I want more! I have recommended this book to 3 of my closest friends and am lending my hard copy to another. Its a must read! You won't regret it!

Amazon Customer - Tonja Adams

Reviewed in the United States on July 23, 2023

“This was an awesome read. It took me a little longer to finish reading it because I felt sorry for some of the characters. When I say this book will draw you in, and make you feel like you're apart of the story believe me. Enjoyed this book immensely! Now, grab you a glass of wine and get to reading.”

Amazon Customer - Brandon Dvork

Reviewed in the United States on May 30, 2023

This is my genre and she does it well. Salute!🫡

Amazon Customer - RBR

Reviewed in the United States on February 6, 2025

From the beginning you are drawn in. I couldn’t put it down!

Amazon Customer - Alexander M.

Reviewed in the United States on August 5, 2023

This story was portrayed perfectly in the description. I was blown away with the character work, storyline and spontaneous twist. Page 30 is where I felt the story really took hold of me. It begs the question, is this the start of an iconic series? The writing is captivating, thrilling, and lustrous. The characters are disarming while driving the suspense of the story right up until end. I would share this with my friends.

Amazon Customer - Briana Paige

Reviewed in the United States on November 6, 2024

Brittney M. Buchanan’s Cinders is an absolute masterpiece—an intoxicating blend of fairytale nostalgia and raw, vengeful power that lingers in your mind long after the final page. This isn’t your typical Cinderella or Snow-White story; it’s something far darker, more mesmerizing, and utterly unforgettable.

Cynthia, or "Cindy", is no passive damsel waiting for rescue. She’s a survivor, molded by cruelty, and guided by a spirit she believes to be her mother—only to discover that not everything is as it seems. As the story unfolds, each act of vengeance is both chilling and satisfying, a poetic justice that had me rooting for Cindy in ways I never expected.

Buchanan’s writing is exquisite, weaving a haunting atmosphere that grips you from the first page. The tension builds masterfully, leading to a jaw-dropping cliffhanger that left me in complete shock. I need the next book immediately—waiting will be pure agony!

If you love fairytales with a razor-sharp edge, morally complex heroines, and an ending that will leave you breathless, Cinders is a must-read. This book isn’t just a story—it’s a reckoning.