Hot spin on old fairy tale
927889
Loved the premise of the story, but wished it was longer. Nick and Ella make a wonderful couple, but the story needed more background and more at the happily ever after.
2443131
It's always fun to read a fairy tale retelling.  I have to admit that the Twelve Dancing Princesses is probably my least favorite fairy tale and it's been re-done SO many times, I was worried going into this that I might not like it.  BUT.

I love how Sarah Boucher changed this into a real life story instead of a fairy tale with magic.  The story is told through the eyes of Jonas, a groundskeeper, which is also different.  The story fit so much better for me.  Everything felt new and different and I liked it!  The twisty twists were just what I needed to connect on a better level with this story.

There are a lot of characters in this book- we really only get a glimpse of most of the sisters- not enough to really know them at all.  They were just there in a fuzzy sort of way.  The story really only involved a handful of people on a personal level which was fine by me.

Overall I thought this was a cute story.  It's one that can be enjoyed by all ages- preteen to adult.

Content:  Clean- no swearing or sexual situations.

- I received a copy of this book from the author.  A favorable was not required and all opinions expressed are my own.
4567601
A very interesting storyline for an old fairytale..the author was very creative in the events that took place...which make sound harass but not at all...so of the treatments seem to be more arousing then punishment.
2366779
A fun new twist on an old fairy tale ! Both my girls have read it and loved it ! Great for good little readers 7 years old and up !!
262348
Another tangled fairy tale. An old favourite told a totally new way.  Good quick read with characters that jump off the page at you.  Enjoy.
4309214
When Azalea's mother dies the castle goes into mourning. Everyone has to wear black, the windows are covered and dancing is strictly prohibited. Desperate to dance, the girls discover a secret passage that leads them to an enchanted forest. It is here they meet The Keeper. The girls are so desperate to escape the depressing castle they are blinded to The Keeper's motives, and the dangers closing in on them.

Entwined is a retelling of The Twelve Dancing Princesses. I adore fairy tales and never hesitate to snatch up a new retelling when it hits the shelves. I thought Entwined was perfectly executed. It had all the elements I desire in a fairy tale. Azalea was a wonderful narrator and main character. Her sisters were well developed even though they were more like secondary characters to the plot. The Keeper was a despicably perfect villain. There were also a few romantic interests for the girls that added a nice romantic element to the plot. I also like that the boys didn't have to be the heroes in this one. Azalea and her sisters are strong and smart girls who could kick butt when necessary.

Entwined summoned a continuous sense of nostalgia for this long time lover of fairy tales and princesses. It was a book that just made me feel good. It isn't a book I devoured in one sitting, but one I looked forward to cuddling up with while drinking a cup of tea each evening before bed.  This is a very big book, but it doesn't seem that way when you're reading. I was completely and totally enchanted by the author's writing and the story she told. I couldn't believe how quickly the pages flew by. I can see myself reading this with my daughters when they are a little older. I will most definitely add a finished copy of Entwined to my shelf of favorites very soon.

Cover Thoughts: Gorgeous and a perfect fit for the story on the pages!
1615958
I really enjoyed this story! I kept expecting the old Cinderella but this tale introduced me to a completely different world! Take my word for it, this is no cliche.

I almost didn't sign up to get an Advanced Reader Copy of Fated Cinderella, because my first thought was that it was going to be another boring rehash of the old fairy tale. I couldn't have been more wrong!
1715862
--The Golden Apple is loosely based on the Norwegian fairy tale The Princess on the Glass Hill--

I do love retellings and this one is very original because it's based on a Norwegian fairy tale and we don't get to see that often. These fairy tales are also not widely known (not to me anyway) so that makes it all the more special. Especially when the story woven around it is so good.

I actually liked The Golden Apple a bit more than Michelle Diener's previous fairy tale retelling Mistress of the Wind. I loved how there was a lot of action so it never got boring, the romance was nicely done too although it didn't overpower the rest of the story and of course above all else, the magic. I love me some magic in a book!

Kayla and Rane's journey was fantastic. I loved their interaction, their personalities. Kayla, a princess, though no ordinary one and isn't what she seems and Rane, doing whatever it takes to save his brother even if he had to deceive Kayla to get to the golden apple. Ah, the intrigue! As always Diener has managed to create great leading characters that you can't help but care for what happens to them. Kayla and Rane also meet a lot of interesting characters on their journey in the Great Forest; A huge enchanted kitty, evil sorcerers, witches, trolls... you name it. It had them all.

I'm pretty excited that there will be a second book coming out in the fall because I can't wait to see where the story is going next and if they will be able to stop the socerers' war and defeat Eric The Bold. So yes I would definitely recommend this fantastic new adult fairy tale retelling by Michelle Diener!
3838015
Kate Daltry's life changed drastically when her father died and left everything to her stepmother who didn't think it necessary to do more than provide her shelter. She's now 23 and needs to pretend to be her stepsister Victoria and accompany her fiance to visit his uncle, a Prince from the mythical principality called Marburg. He needs to approve the betrothal before Victoria can marry. Never mind that they look nothing alike.

This fresh approach to a timeless fairy tale was utterly delightful. Kate is witty, smart and resolute. Gabriel is equal parts "charming" and interesting, not your typical idle prince in the least. Though stepmother Mariana is the classic witch with a "b", not all others in this story fit the stereotypes of the classic. There are just enough twists on the tale to keep things lively and the surrounding characters almost eclipse the main ones but fall short of this, just enough. They are delightful and there is witty dialogue throughout to set a formidable pace.

If you think this is just another spin on an timeworn story, think again. The writing is superb and the characterizations so well done you'll want a separate story for at least three of the secondary roles. The romance is seductive with Gabriel and Kate having more than the ball to get to know one another and develop a relationship. I also lost count of the laugh out loud moments.

The story is a real treat and I'm looking forward to reading the other fairy tales in the series and discovering the new spins on the old stories. Nicely done.
3613886
A very interesting twist to an old fairy tale, fast paced with cliff hanging moments like any good fairy tale and the princess rides in to save the day.
4184301
When I put Shannon Hale's The Goose Girl on my "to-read" list, I thought it was just a retelling of a classic fairy tale. It surprised me, though -- The Goose Girl is actually the first in the Books of Bayern series, a timeless story that is as much fantasy as it is a period tale.

The Goose Girl is an adaptation of the Grimm story by the same name. The crown princess of a peaceful kingdom is bartered into an arranged marriage as part of a political treaty with a neighboring land. Princess Ani is not your typical princess -- she's more interested in spending time by the swan pond or in the stables than on social calls with other court ladies. She can talk to the swans, and hear the thoughts of her stallion, Falada. She can even communicate with the wind. But those gifts aren't enough to save her from mutinous guards and a false lady-in-waiting intent at stealing her crown. Soon she's lost in a strange land, working as a Goose Girl, and hiding from her former countrymen that she hopes think she is dead.

This is a great story -- fantasy meets love story, meets medieval adventure, meets tried-and-true classic fairy tale. Ani (or Isi, or the Goose Girl, or the Yellow Girl -- she wears lots of hats in the course of the book) is a great heroine, and I can't wait to pick up the thread of her adventures in the next Book of Bayern, Enna Burning.
4245421
I happen to love fairytales, even though I am a down-to-earth, not too girly kinda girl.  This was an extremely fun book to read and I finished it in a day.  The characters were interesting and the plot moved along nicely. It has the same kind of feel as Ella Enchanted and Fairest by Gail Carson Levine, although it is set in current times.  When I come across a fairytale that gives me an enjoyable twist or new way of thinking about the original story, I am thrilled.  This book definitely did this!  I would recommend reading this book if you are looking for a fun read.
1704966
I was a bit skeptical about this book at first, but since it was free and I used to love fairy tales, I figured I'd give it a shot.  So glad I did! Great story and a creative twist on a classic.  Can't wait to read the rest of the series (only 2 others out right now as far as I can tell).  This is an author I'll be looking at for in the future.
2341091
This was a very enjoyable twist on the typical tale, The Frog Prince. Prince Nolan is determined to discover the true nature of his betrothed, Princess Blythe, so disguises himself as a frog. Cue misunderstandings, lots of laughter, and unexpected friendship!

My only complaint is that the dialog felt a bit forced or overly expository at times, but I was able to overlook that because I liked Nolan and Blythe so much.

I'd recommend this for fairy tale lovers looking for a quick, clean read with a dash of humor.
4750317
I'm a sucker for the classic fairy tales, so when I ran across this book one night scrolling through the freebie list I downloaded it without a second thought. A major twist is the "sleeping spells" Rosalind temporarily falls under, for no apparent reason. This is so much better than her falling asleep for most of the story, when compared to the classic. Is it all really due to a curse between families? I love the back and forth banter between Rosalind and Stefan. Both are very strong characters with sizzling chemistry! I already purchased the rest of the series...next one is a twist on Beauty and the Beast my ultimate favorite! Highly recommend this book :)
3521808
I enjoyed this unique spin on an old tale. No spoilers, but I hope this just the first in a series.
3971536
Fantastic spin on Wonderland. I was skeptical to start this as there are so many fairy tale books being reinvented these days but once I started I couldn't put it down. I love the story line and the twist the author put into the characters. I read this book in an hour and just 1 clicked the next two. You won't be disappointed in this story.