I’m a sucker for fairy tale reimaginings, from dark to modern, Fables to Tanith Lee. Touch of Gold touches on one I haven’t seen a lot from–the tale of King Midas.
Kora is King Midas’ daughter. Curses run in their family line, from the superstition (possible curse) that made her father king to the famous Golden Touch, to Kora herself, who was turned to gold, and in this tale retains tell-tale marks of the curse. (As does her father.)
Midas can no longer turn things to gold, but he still suffers from a magical obsession with gold, particularly the handful of relics he turned before the curse was sort-of lifted. Save for his daughter, who still retains odd powers and a gold gleam to her skin. When the artifact the King originally turned are stolen, Kora sets off to hunt them down and save her kingdom.
While most of the twists are clear, I really enjoyed this tale. The author keeps the tale serious and meaningful, while also painting a whole new fairy tale land. And there are lots of pirates.
Kora is conflicted, but determined and courageous. Captain Skulls is sinister and the book lays out and enjoyable tale from a familiar map.
I do recommend this book for public collection, and fairy tale fans will find this book to have delightful hints of Robin McKinley and Jane Austin.
Contains: violence and some gore