Rumplestiltskin

By Jenni James

A young prince crippled by a witch.

When Fredrico watches his cruel family mourn his falst death and announce to the kingdom their cursed prince has died, is the day he truly embraces his new life and new name Rumplestiltskin. How could he be known by anything else? His skin is completely rumpled and stilted now. He hides away from the king and queen and grows up as a crippled servant in the castle.
Years later, his younger brother, Marcus, becomes king and humors Aubrynn’s father when he boast that his daughter can turn straw into gold. Intrigued Marcus locks the distraught maiden in a tower and declares to the kingdom that if she can transform the straw, he will marry her, but if she cannot he will kill her father.
Rumplestiltskin is determined to help Aubrynn save her father and marry the king. Now, if only he can remember to keep his real identity a secret and not fall in love with her himself…

 

This is probably my favorite version of Rumplestiltskin I’ve read. It was sweet and had good morals in it; just along the lines of the fun and fluffy romantic stories that Jenni James has written. After reading Hansel and Gretel, I was worried that her other books would go downhill, but she’s right back in the game with this one and I thouroughly enjoyed the story of the young cursed prince who falls for his brother’s intended, not because of her beauty, which she is, but because he is kind and sees her in trouble. It is his kindness that wins her heart, and his inherent goodness and humor. I loved this version and think that anybody who enjoys fairy-tale retellings will love it too. I highly recommend this one.

 

I give it a 4 out of 5- great for a fairy tale.

Beyonders 3: Chasing the Prophecy

By Brandon Mull

Jason and Rachel were not born in Lyrian. They did not grow up in Lyrian. But after all of the battles and losses, the triumphs and adventures, and most of all, the friendships forged in this fantastical world, Lyrian has become home to them in a way they never could have imagined.

And so, armed now with the prophecy of a dying oracle, they have gone on their separate quests—each surrounded by brave and powerful allies—knowingthat the chance for success is slim. But Jason and Rachel are ready at last to become the heroes Lyrian needs, no matter the cost.

 

It took me a while to get to this read because I thought I’d read the first two books as a review, but I ended up just reading it anyway. This is the last book in the Beyonders series, and it was jam-packed with adventure and Brandon Mull’s trademark creativity and amazing characters. As I’ve stated before I absolutely love his creatures that he has created. The Seed Men and Displacers are my favorites in this series. I think my favorite character (besides Galloran, how can you not love him?) Is Ferrin, the displacer that turned traitor because of Jason’s valor and friendship. I love his honesty and that he always says he may betray them at any second and makes sure they know what he will do to survive. His story in this installment is my favorite. In this novel we move between two groups of heroes and friends, Jason’s group, who are on a quest to get information from a long-dead seer, and Rachel’s group who are on their way to attack Maldor at his impregnable keep. As their adventures come together and line up the reader is surprised at the slim chance they are given for victory, but the question is; will it be enough to win the day and save the people of Lyrian from tyranny and death?

 

I give this 3.75 out of 5 – it’s fun and a great ending to a good series.

Into the Land of the Unicorns

Bruce Coville

Eight! Nine! Ten! As each bell chime sounds, Cara pushes herself faster up the steep bell tower steps that lead to the roof. Eleven! She must be on the roof when the next bell tolls. As she races up the stairs, Cara can’t believe everything that has happened. Wasn’t it just a few minutes ago that she and Grandmother Morris were peacefully walking home from the library? When did that mysterious man start to follow them? What does he want? Where did he come from? Who is he? Twelve! The ringing bell brings Cara back to the moment. Gramma told her what she must do. With a deep breath, and only half believing she will be safe, Cara jumps off the church roof and into the adventure of her lifetime—into the Land of Luster, the world of the unicorns.
In Luster, Cara meets the Dimblethum, the Squijum, and the most magnificent of all the inhabitants, Lightfoot, a rebellious young unicorn. Together the new friends set out on a quest—to reach the Unicorn Queen and prevent the destruction of all unicorns.

 

Bruce Coville is one of those authors that I loved as a kid. I’ve had this book since I was probably 8 years-old. I, like many little girls, loved unicorns. This book is fun and fast-paced and great for kids; specifically girls. A classic journey tale, it’s got fun companions, the dimblethum and the squijum are loyal and unique, and remind me a bit of Gurgy from Lloyd Alexander’s Prydain chronicles. The story of the land of the unicorns and the hunters is creative and unique, something a kid can latch onto and love. I highly recommend this book for kids and adults alike. This is one of those rare children’s books that can hold the interest of adults, while not being a book that I would recommend solely to an adult. It's also a series, so if your child likes it, there's more where this came from! 

 

I give it a 3.5 out of five, probably a 3 or 2.5 for adults.

The Cold King

By Amber Jaeger

Calia Thorn has lived her entire life in a small town sheltered by the Cold King’s mountain. Working day and night to care for her younger siblings, complete her unending chores and please her selfish, lazy mother has left her with few dreams for her own future.

But then even those meager hopes are taken from her when the Cold King comes down from his mountain to demand a new servant. Ungraceful, unladylike, undesired and unwanted by even her own family, Calia is chosen to be sent to the palace.
The Cold King has lived for three hundred years under a curse imposed by his own father. With no hope of ever breaking it, he settles for keeping his heart frozen against any pain—or hope.
When his new servant arrives, she challenges him in ways no one ever has and sparks fly. But not every Beast is a prince charming at heart and not every beauty is a maiden just waiting for love.

Sometimes happily ever after isn’t so easy…

 

This is yet another retelling of Beauty and the Beast.  My aim is to find the best one out there! This one as they go, was different and very good. It’s more ‘realistic’ rather than fantasy. It dealt with abuse and some other mature issues along those lines. Calia is treated abominably not only by her family, but by the “Cold King” as well. He isn’t the charming misunderstood cursed beast that we’re used to; he’s really quite damaged. He’s suffered a great deal and it’s made him selfish and truly cold to other people. While he offers kindness to his servants, who love serving him and would do anything for him and their home, he has difficulty trusting people and allowing them to care for him. Calia is forced to become his personal servant, basically a sacrifice. Their relationship is interesting and complicated, just as relationships are in real life. It’s a gradual thing and sometimes a very painful thing. Like I said, there are instances of abuse, neglect and attempted rape. This is a book for more mature audiences, that being said it handled things very well and tactfully. There are hard themes in this book and while I don’t particularly think this is the best re-telling of Beauty and the Beast, it is a good book. I just prefer my fairy-tales to be more whimsical, believable, but light. This was heavy and at times cringe-worthy in the cruelty shown.

I give it a 3.5 out of 5 because it was well-done and handled hard topics

Dare

By Taylor Longford

Think you know about gargoyles? The beautiful winged race disappeared eight hundred years ago. When they last walked the earth, they traveled in close-knit packs, their throats marked with ancient runes. Their greatest enemies were the ugly and brutal harpies that people today mistake for gargoyles.

The victim of a harpy attack at seventeen, Dare lost his wings along with his poisonous barbs. When he meets Mim, he doesn’t consider himself much of a catch. But Mim is the only power that can make the broken gargoyle whole again. And when she’s abducted by a harpy, he’s willing to sacrifice himself for her freedom.
Which might have worked, if Mim hadn’t been willing to do the same thing.

 

I was excited to read this second installment in the Greystone series. Valor was surprisingly fun to read, mostly because what girl doesn’t dream of a guy that falls for her based on her personality? I loved how she made virtue and goodness the ‘beauty’ that attracts the handsome protagonists of this series. These books are romances with action thrown in the mix. The first novel was about Valor and MacKenzie, more like a typical teen love, this second novel is about Valor’s damaged brother Dare. He doesn’t have wings and barbs like his brothers, and he is undeniably attracted to MacKenzie’s friend Mim, the most attractive girl any of them have met because she’s so good. Dare feels like he has no chance with her because he can’t protect her the way he needs to and he has no wings, he feels like he’s a shadow of himself, the daring gargoyle he once was before being kidnapped by a horrible harpy. This novel is fun, following the moody Dare and the innocent and loving Mim’s relationship. Like the first, it is all about love. A great addition to a fluffy and fun paranormal romance series.

I give it a 3.5 out of 5

Hansel and Gretel

By Jenni James

Hansel’s father finds a child lost and alone during a violent thunderstorm. After bringing her in from the tempest, he and his son are startled to discover that she is Gretel, a princess of Larkein—the enemy kingdom their own king has just destroyed. Fearful for her life, Hansel pleads with his father to save her. He believes they can make Gretel good by teaching her their ways. His kindhearted father agrees, but with great trepidation.

Ten years later, Gretel has grown into a lovely young woman who both infuriates and drives Hansel to distraction while he attempts to not lose his heart to her. When the Larkein witch comes back in the guise of a beautiful woman and marries their father, everything is set into a tailspin. Now they must figure out their new stepmother’s plans and prevent her from destroying them all before it is too late.

 

I always feel guilty giving a bad review of anything, but this book just gave me a headache. I read it out loud to someone else, which may have been my first mistake, but the writing was atrocious. It was ridiculous and the language that James decided to use, thus, alas, and so forth felt incredibly out of place. They spoke normally and then suddenly Alas! It was irritating. Also, the plot was boring and the romance so so so cheesy.  This felt like a rough draft that still needed loads of revision.  I was so disappointed because I really love some of her other books. Rumplestiltskin was great, as was Cinderella. This was horrid. Please skip this one if you’re reading her fairy tale collection. Sad day.

I give it a 1 out of 5

The Bone Knife

By Intisar Khanani

Rae knows how to look out for family. Born with a deformed foot, she feigns indifference to the pity and insults that come her way. Wary of all things beautiful, Rae instantly distrusts their latest visitor: an appallingly attractive faerie. Further, his presence imperils the secret her sister guards. But when the local townspeople show up demanding his blood, Rae must find a way to protect both her sister’s secret and their guest. Even if that means risking herself.

 

There was only one bad thing about this story. It was way too short. This was fantastically written, simple and beautiful and the world was magic. I would read anything this author wrote in a heartbeat if this short story is any indication. It was fantastic. I really really wanted it to keep going. I loved the characters and the faerie was so abnormal and creative. Rae was a great character and immediately deep.  I would recommend this story to anybody who loves a good tale. Bravo.

P.S. It's free if you have a Kindle!

I give it a 4.5 out of 5