Companion to A Tale Dark & Grimm
Jack and Jill did more than go up a hill and tumble back down. Here is the true adventure they had in all its unvarnished glory complete with blood, gore, and goblins.
What I thought: I still marvel at the skill Adam Gidwitz possesses to successfully weave together different tales into a cohesive novel. I didn't find In a Glass Grimmly as gory as A Tale Dark and Grimm. Perhaps because I survived reading the first one. The frog was quite a humorous addition. I still love the intrusive narrator. Urging the reader to stop reading will only entice her to read more. I loved Adam's essay "Where Do These Stories Come From?" at the end of the book. One day, I might just attempt what he's dome with his fairy tale books.
(Dutton, 2012)
Showing posts with label fairy tales. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fairy tales. Show all posts
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Princess of the Silver Woods by Jessica Day George
This is Petunia's story. Youngest of the twelve sister princesses, she remembers less of the horrors of their dancing curse. Sent to visit a grand duchess, Petunia is kidnapped (albeit accidentally) by Oliver, leader of a band of thieves and by rights an earl. Of course, he sees Petunia safely to her intended destination, but he's less than enthusiastic to leave her there. Something evil lurks on the grand duchess's estate. Soon they all realize it's the old curse. King Understone is making one last attempt to secure brides for his sons.
What I thought: Very interesting story. I was eager to read the last book in this series. Princess of the Silver Woods did not disappoint me. The connections to the fairy tale "Little Red Riding Hood" were slight which was good. It wouldn't do to overpower the main story. Oliver is quite an appealing hero. This book is filled with action, danger, and wit. I feel the need to re-read the previous two books.
Links to my other reviews of books in this series:
Princess of the Midnight Ball
Princess of Glass
Looking for more fairy tale retellings? Click here to read all my reviews of fairy tale retellings. Click here to see my YA Fairy Tales shelf on GoodReads. Click here to see my MG (middle grade) Fairy Tales shelf on GoodReads.
(Bloomsbury, 2012)
What I thought: Very interesting story. I was eager to read the last book in this series. Princess of the Silver Woods did not disappoint me. The connections to the fairy tale "Little Red Riding Hood" were slight which was good. It wouldn't do to overpower the main story. Oliver is quite an appealing hero. This book is filled with action, danger, and wit. I feel the need to re-read the previous two books.
Links to my other reviews of books in this series:
Princess of the Midnight Ball
Princess of Glass
Looking for more fairy tale retellings? Click here to read all my reviews of fairy tale retellings. Click here to see my YA Fairy Tales shelf on GoodReads. Click here to see my MG (middle grade) Fairy Tales shelf on GoodReads.
(Bloomsbury, 2012)
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Fathomless by Jackson Pearce
Celia is a triplet. Each sister has a gift. Jane sees the present. Anne sees the future. Celia sees the past. She finds it a useless gift until she meets Lo, a mermaid who can't remember her human life. Each day, Lo forgets more and more. Celia helps Lo remember who she once was. As always, a boy complicates things. Celia and Lo are both responsible for saving Jude. Celia wants to date him. Lo wants to kill him so she can regain her soul. Which girl will have her wish?
What I Thought: A dark finish to Jackson Pearce's fairy tale series. Fathomless is an intriguing story but I much prefer Sisters Red and Sweetly. There's less of a link between Fathomless and Sweetly. No characters from Sweetly make an appearance at all except in name only (Lo/Nadia's sister). This book definitely considers the other side of mermaids. Too many have accepted the Disney version. I haven't read Hans Christian Andersen's tale, but I know it doesn't have the happy ending the animated film portrays. Fathomless is well worth reading. The book will appeal especially to fairy tale fans.
(Little, Brown, and Company, 2012)
What I Thought: A dark finish to Jackson Pearce's fairy tale series. Fathomless is an intriguing story but I much prefer Sisters Red and Sweetly. There's less of a link between Fathomless and Sweetly. No characters from Sweetly make an appearance at all except in name only (Lo/Nadia's sister). This book definitely considers the other side of mermaids. Too many have accepted the Disney version. I haven't read Hans Christian Andersen's tale, but I know it doesn't have the happy ending the animated film portrays. Fathomless is well worth reading. The book will appeal especially to fairy tale fans.
(Little, Brown, and Company, 2012)
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Princess of the Wild Swans by Diane Zahler
Like all good fairy tales, this one begins with a stepmother and a curse. The new queen wants her future children to inherit the throne not one of her five stepsons. She turns them into swans and it's up their younger sister Meriel to rescue them.
What I thought: This is a fairy tale I'm less familiar with, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. Meriel is a strong character. I don't know which would be worse--stinging nettles or not speaking. Her friendship with Riona and Liam is nice. Middle Grade retellings are starting to grow on me. I liked Princess of the Wild Swans almost as much as The Princess Curse by Merrie Haskell. I can't wait to see what Zahler writes next.
(Harper, 2012)
What I thought: This is a fairy tale I'm less familiar with, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. Meriel is a strong character. I don't know which would be worse--stinging nettles or not speaking. Her friendship with Riona and Liam is nice. Middle Grade retellings are starting to grow on me. I liked Princess of the Wild Swans almost as much as The Princess Curse by Merrie Haskell. I can't wait to see what Zahler writes next.
(Harper, 2012)
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Hans My Hedgehog retold by Kate Coombs
Born to parents who desperately wanted a child, Hans is half hedgehog and half boy. He plays the fiddle, rides a rooster and keeps a herd of pigs. His differences drive him to live alone in the forest. Promises from kings mean brides for Hans, but can they free him from his hedgehog self?
What I thought: I'd never heard of this tale. I keep resolving at intervals to read all of Grimm's Fairy Tales, but I never quite manage it and "Hans My Hedgehog" is towards the end. I liked this retelling, especially Kate's word choice. This would be a lovely story to read aloud. It reminded me of the story of Beauty and the Beast. As first, I didn't care for the illustrations, but then they grew on me. The colors are quite striking. The author's note was nice. Kate is upfront about the changes she's made to the story. As always, I read the original tale. I agree with the changes she made.
(Illus. John Nickle. Atheneum, 2012)
What I thought: I'd never heard of this tale. I keep resolving at intervals to read all of Grimm's Fairy Tales, but I never quite manage it and "Hans My Hedgehog" is towards the end. I liked this retelling, especially Kate's word choice. This would be a lovely story to read aloud. It reminded me of the story of Beauty and the Beast. As first, I didn't care for the illustrations, but then they grew on me. The colors are quite striking. The author's note was nice. Kate is upfront about the changes she's made to the story. As always, I read the original tale. I agree with the changes she made.
(Illus. John Nickle. Atheneum, 2012)
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Breadcrumbs by Anne Ursu
Hazel thought she and Jack would be best friends for life. But one day, Jack changed. He was cold toward Hazel and she didn't understand why. It couldn't be as simple as Jack outgrowing her, could it? Of course not. When Hazel discovers the real reason behind Jack's attitude change she knows only she can rescue him.
What I thought: Next to Inkheart, Breadcrumbs is probably the most beautifully written book I've read in awhile. Hazel is a wonderful narrator. Her word choice is unique and expressive. I like that the title is a bit misleading. Knowing just the title and that the book is fairy tale inspired, I assumed it was a retelling of Hansel and Gretel. I'm glad I was wrong.
(Illus. Erin McGuire. Walden Pond Press, 2011)
What I thought: Next to Inkheart, Breadcrumbs is probably the most beautifully written book I've read in awhile. Hazel is a wonderful narrator. Her word choice is unique and expressive. I like that the title is a bit misleading. Knowing just the title and that the book is fairy tale inspired, I assumed it was a retelling of Hansel and Gretel. I'm glad I was wrong.
(Illus. Erin McGuire. Walden Pond Press, 2011)
Monday, March 12, 2012
The Princess Curse by Merrie Haskell
13 year old Reveka lives in Sylvania where the 12 daughters of Prince Vasile suffer from an unusual (and silly, if you ask Reveka) curse. Every morning they are tired and their slippers have holes in them. Reveka, the herbalist's apprentice, wishes to break the curse so she may use the reward to buy herself a place in a convent. Breaking the curse takes all of her ingenuity. In time, she finds that the curse is more serious than she first thought. It requires a sacrifice that none of the 12 daughters are willing to make. Can Reveka take their place?
What I thought: Fantastic! As you know, I've read just about every retelling of the 12 Dancing Princesses that I can lay my hands on and The Princess Curse is the first one that has a main character who is not one of the princesses. Reveka is a great character. She's spunky and knows what she wants. The meshing of "Beauty and the Beast" with "The Twelve Dancing Princesses" was perfect. I liked the revelation of Reveka's character when we discover that she's more selfless than selfish. The ending was just right, but I found myself hoping that there will be another book. A quick check of the FAQ section of Merrie Haskell's website revealed that there might be a sequel, but not anytime soon.
(Harper, 2011)
What I thought: Fantastic! As you know, I've read just about every retelling of the 12 Dancing Princesses that I can lay my hands on and The Princess Curse is the first one that has a main character who is not one of the princesses. Reveka is a great character. She's spunky and knows what she wants. The meshing of "Beauty and the Beast" with "The Twelve Dancing Princesses" was perfect. I liked the revelation of Reveka's character when we discover that she's more selfless than selfish. The ending was just right, but I found myself hoping that there will be another book. A quick check of the FAQ section of Merrie Haskell's website revealed that there might be a sequel, but not anytime soon.
(Harper, 2011)
Friday, March 9, 2012
Snow in Summer by Jane Yolen
The colors of her birth were red, white, and black. Her mama named her Snow in Summer but called her Summer. Seven years later, her mama's dead and her papa's withdrawn into his grief. This goes on for several years until Papa brings home Stepmama. She calls Summer Snow. For a time, Papa is more animated than he's been since Mama's death until he starts aging rapidly. Summer can't help but mistrust Stepmama and her craft. Can she escape before it's too late?
What I thought: The aspect I enjoyed most about this retelling of Snow White is the Appalachian setting and all the details thereof. Stepmama is downright creepy. Of the supporting characters, Cousin Nancy is my favorite. It was interesting to watch Summer grow up from 7 to 13 and beyond. There's a sense of foreboding that comes when Stepmama enters the story and continues throughout making it eerie and spooky. I liked getting the other points-of-view (namely Cousin Nancy and Stepmama). The dramatic irony gave me extra incentive to carry on.
(Philomel, 2011)
What I thought: The aspect I enjoyed most about this retelling of Snow White is the Appalachian setting and all the details thereof. Stepmama is downright creepy. Of the supporting characters, Cousin Nancy is my favorite. It was interesting to watch Summer grow up from 7 to 13 and beyond. There's a sense of foreboding that comes when Stepmama enters the story and continues throughout making it eerie and spooky. I liked getting the other points-of-view (namely Cousin Nancy and Stepmama). The dramatic irony gave me extra incentive to carry on.
(Philomel, 2011)
Friday, February 3, 2012
Frost by Wendy Delsol
Kat is a member of the Stork Society, and her boyfriend Jack has the uncanny ability to manipulate the weather. When we first met them in Stork, they discovered their abilities and each other while averting catastrophe. Kat & Jack's new adventure relies heavily on Hans Christian Andersen's "The Snow Queen" (which reminds me of "East of the Sun, West of the Moon").
What I thought: A good solid installment in the series. The adventure/journey Kat goes on (I won't reveal anything here) is filled with revelation and danger. I can't imagine where the next book will take Kat and Jack. Book 3 in the series, Flock, is due out in October of this year.
(Candlewick, 2011)
What I thought: A good solid installment in the series. The adventure/journey Kat goes on (I won't reveal anything here) is filled with revelation and danger. I can't imagine where the next book will take Kat and Jack. Book 3 in the series, Flock, is due out in October of this year.
(Candlewick, 2011)
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Entwined by Heather Dixon
After the death of their mother, Azalea and her eleven sisters are neglected by their father the king and forced into mourning that strictly forbids dancing which the girls love. After discovering another world in a secret passage, the girls are delighted to meet Keeper, a magical being who promises them dancing every night. Keeper isn't as debonair as he seems. Soon, the girls are in over their heads. What Keeper wants, he gets and keeps.
Meanwhile, the king returns and becomes interested in his daughters' nightly excursions. He declares a contest with Az's hand as the prize. Now Az has to worry about Keeper and the suitors. When everything converges, Az, Mr. Bradford, Fairweller, Lord Teddy, and the King are all in for a fight.
What I thought: An absolutely beautiful retelling of "The Twelve Dancing Princesses." I've read quite a few and each one I read seems a little better than the last not because they're better but because they're different. Entwined and Wildwood Dancing might be my favorites. Like Jessica Day George in Princess of the Midnight Ball, Heather chose to give the girls flower/plant names (Azalea, Bramble, Clover, Delphinium, Evening Primrose, Flora, Goldenrod, Hollyhock, Ivy, Jessamine, Kale, and Lily). I guess this is a good way to name twelve sisters. The three separate romances add interest to the plot. This is a book I want to read again!
If you like the story of the dancing princesses, you might also want to read The Night Dance by Suzanne Weyn.
(Greenwillow, 2011)
Meanwhile, the king returns and becomes interested in his daughters' nightly excursions. He declares a contest with Az's hand as the prize. Now Az has to worry about Keeper and the suitors. When everything converges, Az, Mr. Bradford, Fairweller, Lord Teddy, and the King are all in for a fight.
What I thought: An absolutely beautiful retelling of "The Twelve Dancing Princesses." I've read quite a few and each one I read seems a little better than the last not because they're better but because they're different. Entwined and Wildwood Dancing might be my favorites. Like Jessica Day George in Princess of the Midnight Ball, Heather chose to give the girls flower/plant names (Azalea, Bramble, Clover, Delphinium, Evening Primrose, Flora, Goldenrod, Hollyhock, Ivy, Jessamine, Kale, and Lily). I guess this is a good way to name twelve sisters. The three separate romances add interest to the plot. This is a book I want to read again!
If you like the story of the dancing princesses, you might also want to read The Night Dance by Suzanne Weyn.
(Greenwillow, 2011)
Monday, November 21, 2011
Sweetly by Jackson Pearce
Twelve years ago, Ansel and Gretchen lost their sister in the woods. Recently kicked out by their stepmother, the two head across the country bound for the beach. Their car breaks down in Live Oak, South Carolina. Ansel becomes a handyman for local candy maker Sophia Kelly who is also an outcast. Gretchen befriends Samuel, another local outcast but for different reasons. Gretchen discovers that the "witch" that took her sister wasn't a witch but a werewolf. With Samuel's help, Gretchen overcomes her fear and solves the mystery of the missing girls in Live Oak.
What I thought: Okay, so now I understand the term "companion novel." While Sweetly is a retelling of "Hansel and Gretel," it also adds in the Fenris mythology from Sisters Red. I think I like Sweetly better than Sisters Red. Samuel and Gretchen's relationship is nice. The development from unlikely allies to friends to something more was excellent. Fathomless, a retelling of "The Little Mermaid," is scheduled to be published in 2012.
(Little, Brown, and Company, 2011)
What I thought: Okay, so now I understand the term "companion novel." While Sweetly is a retelling of "Hansel and Gretel," it also adds in the Fenris mythology from Sisters Red. I think I like Sweetly better than Sisters Red. Samuel and Gretchen's relationship is nice. The development from unlikely allies to friends to something more was excellent. Fathomless, a retelling of "The Little Mermaid," is scheduled to be published in 2012.
(Little, Brown, and Company, 2011)
Friday, October 7, 2011
A Kiss in Time by Alex Flinn
300 years ago, Talia was warned about spindles and their danger, but apparently not often enough. She pricked her finger and, well, you know the rest.
Present day, Jack's on a tour of Europe. It's parent ordered so as you would imagine not very fun. In search of adventure, Jack stumbles upon Talia's long forgotten kingdom.
He kisses her. She wakes up. But all is not well. 300 years passed in the real world, not a fairy tale. Jack isn't Talia's true love. He didn't even know her, so why did she wake up? Was Jack's kiss a legitimate breaking of the spell?
What I thought: Fun! I like that Flinn takes the "fairy" out of the fairy tale. 100 years is nothing to Sleeping Beauty. Not so to Talia and her kingdom. The alternating points-of-view are great. I like seeing both main characters' thoughts. Alex Flinn didn't disappoint me. I liked A Kiss in Time as much as Beastly and Cloaked.
(Harper Teen, 2009)
Present day, Jack's on a tour of Europe. It's parent ordered so as you would imagine not very fun. In search of adventure, Jack stumbles upon Talia's long forgotten kingdom.
He kisses her. She wakes up. But all is not well. 300 years passed in the real world, not a fairy tale. Jack isn't Talia's true love. He didn't even know her, so why did she wake up? Was Jack's kiss a legitimate breaking of the spell?
What I thought: Fun! I like that Flinn takes the "fairy" out of the fairy tale. 100 years is nothing to Sleeping Beauty. Not so to Talia and her kingdom. The alternating points-of-view are great. I like seeing both main characters' thoughts. Alex Flinn didn't disappoint me. I liked A Kiss in Time as much as Beastly and Cloaked.
(Harper Teen, 2009)
Monday, August 8, 2011
Cloaked by Alex Flinn
Johnny Marco is a shoe repair guy. Nobody special. He'll tell you he's not a hero. But when a princess gives him a quest, how can he resist? Johnny's world goes from humdrum to fantastical in a flash. He encounters things he thought only exited in fairy tales. The quest isn't as easy as he imagined, but Johnny's more heroic than he gives himself credit for.
What I thought: I liked this one. Cloaked seems to confirm for me trend in fairy tale retellings. It began back in 1942 when Eudora Welty published her novella The Robber Bridegroom. Welty borrowed from a total of seven fairy tales. Then there's Polly Shulman's The Grimm Legacy and Adam Gidwitz's A Tale Dark and Grimm. Cloaked is a fast paced adventure. Johnny makes the perfect hero because he thinks he's not one. Meg is a wonderful friend and sidekick. I love how Flinn blends the different tales together. I will definitely be reading the originals. I also like the Florida setting. It grounded the story and helped tie the different tales together. Johnny as narrator adds guy appeal to the book. I always find it refreshing to get a male perspective (see also Flinn's Beastly and Donna Jo Napoli's Beast). This is Flinn's third fairy tale novel. Beastly is now a movie. I haven't read A Kiss in Time but plan to soon.
(Harper Teen, 2011)
What I thought: I liked this one. Cloaked seems to confirm for me trend in fairy tale retellings. It began back in 1942 when Eudora Welty published her novella The Robber Bridegroom. Welty borrowed from a total of seven fairy tales. Then there's Polly Shulman's The Grimm Legacy and Adam Gidwitz's A Tale Dark and Grimm. Cloaked is a fast paced adventure. Johnny makes the perfect hero because he thinks he's not one. Meg is a wonderful friend and sidekick. I love how Flinn blends the different tales together. I will definitely be reading the originals. I also like the Florida setting. It grounded the story and helped tie the different tales together. Johnny as narrator adds guy appeal to the book. I always find it refreshing to get a male perspective (see also Flinn's Beastly and Donna Jo Napoli's Beast). This is Flinn's third fairy tale novel. Beastly is now a movie. I haven't read A Kiss in Time but plan to soon.
(Harper Teen, 2011)
Friday, July 22, 2011
Princess of Glass by Jessica Day George
Two girls, one plot...
After being freed from the curse that made her dance every night away, Poppy is ready for a normal life. As normal a life as one that doesn't include dancing. Her life is anything but normal during her stay in Breton. Balls abound and Poppy continually refuses to dance. Instead, she plays cards. The arrival of Prince Christian of the Danelaw causes quite a stir among the ladies. Poppy enjoys Christian's company. Her enjoyment is thwarted by a plot that threatens both the prince and other men in Breton.
Eleanora, daughter of an earl, is now a housemaid. She's clumsy to a fault. Everything she touches is ruined. Eleanora sees no way out of her new life until the day she meets her godmother. The woman promises Eleanora beautiful dresses, balls to attend, and a prince to marry. But is there more to the bargain than that?
What I thought: I was not disappointed in this sequel to Princess of the Midnight Ball. I love how Jessica incorporated the Cinderella story into Poppy's. This book was suspenseful until the end. Roger was a great character--a levelheaded man of action. I think Poppy's brother-in-law Galen will like him. I love the descriptions of the dresses. The knitting was nice, but is it too much to ask for a crocheting heroine? I hope this series will continue. I really like the princesses. We know that Lilac and Orchid are in Spania and Hyacinth is in Analousia. Might their stories be next? The mythology behind the Corley was interesting. The ending (the last chapter, to be exact) was great.
Other Books by Jessica Day George:
Dragon Slippers
Dragon Flight
Dragon Spear
Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow
Princess of the Midnight Ball
(Bloomsbury, 2010)
After being freed from the curse that made her dance every night away, Poppy is ready for a normal life. As normal a life as one that doesn't include dancing. Her life is anything but normal during her stay in Breton. Balls abound and Poppy continually refuses to dance. Instead, she plays cards. The arrival of Prince Christian of the Danelaw causes quite a stir among the ladies. Poppy enjoys Christian's company. Her enjoyment is thwarted by a plot that threatens both the prince and other men in Breton.
Eleanora, daughter of an earl, is now a housemaid. She's clumsy to a fault. Everything she touches is ruined. Eleanora sees no way out of her new life until the day she meets her godmother. The woman promises Eleanora beautiful dresses, balls to attend, and a prince to marry. But is there more to the bargain than that?
What I thought: I was not disappointed in this sequel to Princess of the Midnight Ball. I love how Jessica incorporated the Cinderella story into Poppy's. This book was suspenseful until the end. Roger was a great character--a levelheaded man of action. I think Poppy's brother-in-law Galen will like him. I love the descriptions of the dresses. The knitting was nice, but is it too much to ask for a crocheting heroine? I hope this series will continue. I really like the princesses. We know that Lilac and Orchid are in Spania and Hyacinth is in Analousia. Might their stories be next? The mythology behind the Corley was interesting. The ending (the last chapter, to be exact) was great.
Other Books by Jessica Day George:
Dragon Slippers
Dragon Flight
Dragon Spear
Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow
Princess of the Midnight Ball
(Bloomsbury, 2010)
Monday, June 20, 2011
Sun & Moon, Ice & Snow by Jessica Day George
Unwanted and unnamed, the girl simply known as Lass leads a quiet life until the white reindeer come. After rescuing one, she finds that she can understand and communicate with animals. Her gift is important when the ice bear comes calling. She's asked to spend one year in his palace. She says yes, but when her curiosity gets the better of her, she finds herself on a quest to win back her prince. It's a quest that could end in death.
What I thought: Yet another wonderful retelling of "East of the Sun, West of the Moon." I really enjoyed the chapters that established our heroine's early years. Her stay with the ice bean and her quest definitely give a nod to the original tale. I loved what her brother and his story added to the book. Sun & Moon, Ice & Snow was action packed and hard to put down. I think Jessica Day George is fast becoming my favorite fairy tale reteller.
(Bloomsbury, 2008)
What I thought: Yet another wonderful retelling of "East of the Sun, West of the Moon." I really enjoyed the chapters that established our heroine's early years. Her stay with the ice bean and her quest definitely give a nod to the original tale. I loved what her brother and his story added to the book. Sun & Moon, Ice & Snow was action packed and hard to put down. I think Jessica Day George is fast becoming my favorite fairy tale reteller.
(Bloomsbury, 2008)
Friday, June 17, 2011
Wildwood Dancing by Juliet Marillier
You know I normally write my own summary, but I like the one from the dust jacket and want to include it, too.
From the dust jacket:
Five adventurous sisters...
Four dark creatures...
Three magical gifts...
Two forbidden lovers...
One enchanted frog...
Cross the threshold into the Wildwood, and enter a land of magic, daring, betrayal...and true love.
My summary:
Jena, the second oldest of five sisters, has established herself as protector while their father is away for the winter. Jena musty guard her sisters with only her faithful friend Gogu the frog in this work and the other realm. Every full moon, the sisters travel through a hidden portal to the Wildwood, where the Queen of the fairies holds dancing. The sisters enjoy their secret excursions until darkness comes. The night people are visiting the Queen's court. One oft heir party has caught the eye of Jena's sister Tati. Meanwhile, their cousin Cezar is slowly usurping their father's place and he means to raze the forest. Is Jena strong enough?
What I thought: I really liked this retelling of the Twelve Dancing Princesses. (I've also read Princess of the Midnight Ball and The Night Dance.) I like how the girls aren't cursed. They simply have fun at the Full Moon Dances. Cezar definitely gets the award for the most unlikeable villain. Even before he went crazy over the power/control, he wasn't a nice person. Jena and Gogu were my favorite characters. I just knew Gogu was more than a frog. I don't read fairy tales for nothing, after all! I didn't however guess who he was. Nice nod to the Frog Prince. I look forward to reading more books by Juliet Marillier.
(Knopf, 2007)
From the dust jacket:
Five adventurous sisters...
Four dark creatures...
Three magical gifts...
Two forbidden lovers...
One enchanted frog...
Cross the threshold into the Wildwood, and enter a land of magic, daring, betrayal...and true love.
My summary:
Jena, the second oldest of five sisters, has established herself as protector while their father is away for the winter. Jena musty guard her sisters with only her faithful friend Gogu the frog in this work and the other realm. Every full moon, the sisters travel through a hidden portal to the Wildwood, where the Queen of the fairies holds dancing. The sisters enjoy their secret excursions until darkness comes. The night people are visiting the Queen's court. One oft heir party has caught the eye of Jena's sister Tati. Meanwhile, their cousin Cezar is slowly usurping their father's place and he means to raze the forest. Is Jena strong enough?
What I thought: I really liked this retelling of the Twelve Dancing Princesses. (I've also read Princess of the Midnight Ball and The Night Dance.) I like how the girls aren't cursed. They simply have fun at the Full Moon Dances. Cezar definitely gets the award for the most unlikeable villain. Even before he went crazy over the power/control, he wasn't a nice person. Jena and Gogu were my favorite characters. I just knew Gogu was more than a frog. I don't read fairy tales for nothing, after all! I didn't however guess who he was. Nice nod to the Frog Prince. I look forward to reading more books by Juliet Marillier.
(Knopf, 2007)
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
A Tale Dark & Grimm by Adam Gidwitz
If you thought you knew the story of Hansel and Gretel, you were wrong! The story doesn't begin with bread crumbs or end with the oven. Here is the true, unabridged story of the two children, complete with an intrusive narrator to guide through this new tale.
What I thought: Wow! Gidwitz has done something that I don't think I've ever seen done with fairy tale retellings (unless you count Eudora Welty's The Robber Bridegroom). I went back and skimmed the original tales that Gidwitz wove together so skillfully. They go together perfectly. I think A Tale Dark and Grimm will revolutionize fairy tale retellings as we know them. Gidwitz wasn't joking about the dark and grimm part. This story is truly gruesome in parts. I almost stopped reading, but the narrator egged me on. I don't think I've ever met such an intrusive narrator, but it worked (sort of like The Princess Bride movie). I can't wait to see what Gidwitz writes next.
(Dutton, 2010)
What I thought: Wow! Gidwitz has done something that I don't think I've ever seen done with fairy tale retellings (unless you count Eudora Welty's The Robber Bridegroom). I went back and skimmed the original tales that Gidwitz wove together so skillfully. They go together perfectly. I think A Tale Dark and Grimm will revolutionize fairy tale retellings as we know them. Gidwitz wasn't joking about the dark and grimm part. This story is truly gruesome in parts. I almost stopped reading, but the narrator egged me on. I don't think I've ever met such an intrusive narrator, but it worked (sort of like The Princess Bride movie). I can't wait to see what Gidwitz writes next.
(Dutton, 2010)
Friday, May 20, 2011
The Iron Witch by Karen Mahoney
Donna Underwood is different. Her peers call her a freak. That's just what she feels like, but Donna is more than an outsider. When she was a child, evil fey cursed her hands. Alchemists manages to restore them only by infusing them with iron. She hides bother her hands and the strength they give her. Donna is content to live life on the edge (the outskirts, that is). She's comfortable with her life until the day she sees a wood elf in the city. Wood elves are bad news. Donna isn't thrilled when they kidnap her best friend, Navin. With the help of Xan (cute guy who just happens to be half faery), Donna must steal the elixir of life from the alchemist who saved her hands and helped rtaise her. A fair exchange surely--powerful potion for irreplaceable best friend. But will complying with the elf queen's request really resolve the situation.
What I thought: Yeah, I like this one. First of all, the cover art is gorgeous. Second, The Iron Witch is a retelling of one my favorite fairy tales, The Girl Without Hands. After reading this book, I went back and reread the Grimm's version. I like what Mahoney did with the tale. Navin and Donna's friendship is great. Xan is a compelling love interest. I can't wait to see their relationship develop in future books. (Oh, and I loved the snarky comment about fallen angels on pp.117-118 though I do like the sub genre of paranormal myself.) Mahoney's article/author's note "The Girl with Silver Hands: The Making of The Iron Witch" was really intriguing. Her approach to retelling a fairy tale is much more elemental. She took the basic themes (girl without hands and a battle between good and evil--isn't it always?) and came up with The Iron Witch. Amazing!
Look for The Wood Queen (#2) in 2012 and The Stone Demon (#3) in 2013.
(Flux, 2011. Review copy provided by publisher.)
What I thought: Yeah, I like this one. First of all, the cover art is gorgeous. Second, The Iron Witch is a retelling of one my favorite fairy tales, The Girl Without Hands. After reading this book, I went back and reread the Grimm's version. I like what Mahoney did with the tale. Navin and Donna's friendship is great. Xan is a compelling love interest. I can't wait to see their relationship develop in future books. (Oh, and I loved the snarky comment about fallen angels on pp.117-118 though I do like the sub genre of paranormal myself.) Mahoney's article/author's note "The Girl with Silver Hands: The Making of The Iron Witch" was really intriguing. Her approach to retelling a fairy tale is much more elemental. She took the basic themes (girl without hands and a battle between good and evil--isn't it always?) and came up with The Iron Witch. Amazing!
Look for The Wood Queen (#2) in 2012 and The Stone Demon (#3) in 2013.
(Flux, 2011. Review copy provided by publisher.)
Friday, February 4, 2011
Mirror Mirror: A Book of Reversible Verse by Marilyn Singer
I'm sure you've heard the old adage "there are two sides to every story." But have you ever considered it in the case of fairy tales? Luckily for us, Marilyn Singer did and even invented a new form of poetry to do so, the reverso. In this collection, the poems not only read top to bottom, but bottom to top. You see, there are two sides to every story, even fairy tales.
The Poems: An explanation, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Rapunzel, Red Riding Hood, Ugly Duckling, Snow White, Jack and the beanstalk, the Three Bears, Hansel & Gretel, Rumpelstiltskin, the Frog Prince, Beauty & the Beast, An End
What I thought: Inspired and brilliant. Singer is truly a genius. The reverso is a lovely form, but difficult (at least to me--I've tried it & didn't have much luck). The trick of composition befuddles me. I guess it's a case of line by line. Or do you write the whole poem and then see what it says in reverse, and make changes as needed? Okay, now that I've theorized the reverso, I think I'll give it another try.
Back to the review. I loved this collection. My favorite poems are "Rapunzel's Locks," "Bears in the News," and "Longing for Beauty." The illustrations are great--so vibrant. My favorites are Snow White, the Three Bears, and Beauty & the Beast.
(Illus. Josee Masse. Dutton, 2010)
The Poems: An explanation, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Rapunzel, Red Riding Hood, Ugly Duckling, Snow White, Jack and the beanstalk, the Three Bears, Hansel & Gretel, Rumpelstiltskin, the Frog Prince, Beauty & the Beast, An End
What I thought: Inspired and brilliant. Singer is truly a genius. The reverso is a lovely form, but difficult (at least to me--I've tried it & didn't have much luck). The trick of composition befuddles me. I guess it's a case of line by line. Or do you write the whole poem and then see what it says in reverse, and make changes as needed? Okay, now that I've theorized the reverso, I think I'll give it another try.
Back to the review. I loved this collection. My favorite poems are "Rapunzel's Locks," "Bears in the News," and "Longing for Beauty." The illustrations are great--so vibrant. My favorites are Snow White, the Three Bears, and Beauty & the Beast.
(Illus. Josee Masse. Dutton, 2010)
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce
One day, a wolf came to the gate. He looked like a man, but he was something much more terrible. Scarlett & Rosie March lost their grandmother to the wolf. Scarlett lost her eye protecting Rosie.
Seven years later, Scarlett and Rosie are hunters. Their prey--the Fenris, or werewolves. Aided by their friend and woodsman, Silas, the Sisters March seek to destroy the monsters that destroyed their lives.
The wolves' clans are gathering and merging to search for a Potential. Can Scarlett, Rosie, and Silas find him before the Fenris do?
What I thought: I think Jackson Pearce mat be taking the art of retelling fairy tales to a new level. Her version of the classic "Little Red Riding Hood" is inspired. Two heroines, a woodsman, the Fenris, and a modern setting create something special. I enjoyed the alternate points of view. I preferred Rosie's chapters to Scarlett's. Maybe because she had more outside interests. It would have been interesting to get Silas's point of view once in awhile, but I understand how that wouldn't quite work within the premise of the book (Sisters Red, not Sisters Red & Woodsman). The romance between Rosie and Silas was sweet. Scarlett's dedication to or obsession with killing the Fenris is intense. I enjoyed Sisters Red. Glad there's going to be a sequel/companion, Sweetly. It's due out in August. One last thought--I think this book would make a good movie.
I read Sisters Red for the Surlalune Book Club. See the discussion here.
(Little, Brown & Co, 2010)
Seven years later, Scarlett and Rosie are hunters. Their prey--the Fenris, or werewolves. Aided by their friend and woodsman, Silas, the Sisters March seek to destroy the monsters that destroyed their lives.
The wolves' clans are gathering and merging to search for a Potential. Can Scarlett, Rosie, and Silas find him before the Fenris do?
What I thought: I think Jackson Pearce mat be taking the art of retelling fairy tales to a new level. Her version of the classic "Little Red Riding Hood" is inspired. Two heroines, a woodsman, the Fenris, and a modern setting create something special. I enjoyed the alternate points of view. I preferred Rosie's chapters to Scarlett's. Maybe because she had more outside interests. It would have been interesting to get Silas's point of view once in awhile, but I understand how that wouldn't quite work within the premise of the book (Sisters Red, not Sisters Red & Woodsman). The romance between Rosie and Silas was sweet. Scarlett's dedication to or obsession with killing the Fenris is intense. I enjoyed Sisters Red. Glad there's going to be a sequel/companion, Sweetly. It's due out in August. One last thought--I think this book would make a good movie.
I read Sisters Red for the Surlalune Book Club. See the discussion here.
(Little, Brown & Co, 2010)
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