ONCE UPON A RUIN · BOOK ONE · TALIA LORNE
Stranded, A Rapunzel Retelling
Dark Fairy Tale Romantasy · Releases November 20, 2026
She lowered her hair to lure a monster. He came to steal it.
Every life Rapunzel saves leaves a curse trapped in her golden braid. The thief who climbs her tower can devour dead magical bargains—but loses a memory whenever he feeds. He needs to rescue his brother. She needs to survive the Night of Calling and escape the woman who calls captivity protection.
They are drawn together by dangerous magic, a desperate bargain, and a secret capable of destroying their trust.
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Advance copies are available during the prepublication campaign. Reviews are welcome but entirely voluntary and should reflect each reader’s genuine opinion.
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Booksprout ARC campaign: now accepting readers. Stranded is a complete adult gothic romantasy inspired by Rapunzel. It offers dangerous supernatural bargains, a heroine determined to free herself, a morally compromised man trying to save his brother, and an earned happily-ever-after.
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Who should request it?
Readers who enjoy dark fairy-tale reimaginings, slow-building romantic tension, morally gray love interests, betrayed trust, gothic settings and magic with lasting consequences.
Content advisory: coercive captivity, psychological manipulation, serious injury, violence, supernatural exploitation, and consensual intimacy. Adult readers.
How the ARC works
- Open the Booksprout listing and request the complimentary advance copy while the campaign is open.
- Read at your own pace during the prepublication review window.
- If you decide to share a review, submit your candid opinion through Booksprout or your preferred eligible review platform. There is no obligation to leave a positive review—or any review.
Rather preorder the finished book?
Kindle publication is scheduled for November 20, 2026. Visit the Amazon preorder listing.
Read the full book description · Explore Once Upon a Ruin · More from Talia Lorne
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