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english_lady03's review against another edition
3.0
Review of this book and others may also be seen on my blog http://crossromance.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/review-of-fairest-beauty-by-melanie.html
Overall rating 3.5 stars.
Overall, this was a generally good and fairly original retelling of the Snow White tale. Melanie Dickerson seems have a knack for cleverly transfer and adapt fairy tales to a real historical setting, in this case Germany in the 1300s. I do not know much about the historical background of this tale, but it seemed unusual and to work rather well, the only shortcoming might have been the casting of Sophie (Snow White) as a servant girl unaware of her true status as a Duke’s daughter.
There were some interesting and well-drawn characters, my favourite probably being Gabehart the hero, as the impetuous and perhaps slightly roguish younger son, determined to prove himself.
Sophie (‘Snow White’) also had her moments, and she was my no means perfect, not a shrinking violent, and was sufficiently independent and feisty to please most- yet I cannot help thinking she could have been a little better developed, and sometimes almost seemed to passive.
Duchess Ermengard, the villain and archetypal fairy-tale ‘wicked stepmother’ was probably the greatest disappointment, she reminded me a little of Tilda Swinton as the White Witch in ‘The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe’ movie.
That is, as hard as she tried to appear utterly and inexorably evil, malignant and dangerous, it was just hard to take her seriously. It also appeared that her hatred of Sophie seemed to have little basis, except that the latter was more beautiful than her, but even so, what would it matter if she was a servant whom hardly anyone knew about anyway?
Perhaps if Sophie had been raised as girl of noble birth she was, then she may have posed a more real and credible threat to the Duchess (at least in her view).
Then there was also the way on which it was supposed to have been well known that it was nigh on impossible to escape from the Duchess’ domain of Hohendorf Castle alive- a fact which could made her malevolent power and influence seem more real. Yet no fewer than three characters manage to escape by rather obvious means within a short time.
Finally, there were ‘The Seven’ who were not Seven Dwarves (although one could have been described as such), but seven men with what we would not call learning of physical disabilities. One or two of them were interesting, particularly the former priest, but most seemed a little underdeveloped.
I had some of the same issues with the rather simplistic writing style in this book, as with the last. The story itself was good at the beginning, but seemed become weaker about halfway through, and the ending did seem a little predictable.
Perhaps though, as an adult reading a book aimed at teenagers my expectations were a little too high. It is generally enjoyable and charming story that could appeal to both teenagers and an older audience.
Christianity/Morality: Aside from some characters referring to the Duchess Ermengard dabbling in Black Magic, and Sophie and Gabe’s relationship blossoming when she was still betrothed to Gabe’s brother, there was little objectionable in the book. This said, all Sophie and Gabe really did was kiss and embrace, so nothing that was actually immoral actually conspired between them when the betrothal still stood, although their behaviour may well have been considered improper by the standards of the time.
There are also references to the Duchess having murdered and poisoned a number of people, and she tries to kill Sophie a number of times, though there is nothing especially violent or gratuitous.
Gabe does go against the wishes of his parents by setting out to rescue Sophie, but this is essential to the story, and an aspect of his rather impetuous nature, and he does regret this course of action later on.
History: The novel, as stated above is set in the medieval period, but there were some aspects of the setting that did not seem very plausible, and a few anachronisms.
One was the characters having pockets in their clothes, which were not invented at this time, (though this was only mentioned twice and seems to have been corrected in the course of the story) and the Seven when playing their instruments being described as a ‘band’, which was way too modern and out of touch with the setting for my liking.
Sometimes the characters’ speech did seem a little too modern, though I do not remember any words that conspicuously stood out, and I supposed language that appeared too ‘Old’ might be off-putting in a children’s book.
Finally, the idea of a Duke’s son like Gabe being allowed to pursue a career as a Master Mason or architect seemed a little implausible, as craftsmen such as these might have been seen as commoners and such a profession as ‘beneath’ someone who was nobly born.
I received a copy of this book free from the Publisher for the purposes of a Review. All the opinions expressed in it are my own, and was not required to write a positive one.
Overall rating 3.5 stars.
Overall, this was a generally good and fairly original retelling of the Snow White tale. Melanie Dickerson seems have a knack for cleverly transfer and adapt fairy tales to a real historical setting, in this case Germany in the 1300s. I do not know much about the historical background of this tale, but it seemed unusual and to work rather well, the only shortcoming might have been the casting of Sophie (Snow White) as a servant girl unaware of her true status as a Duke’s daughter.
There were some interesting and well-drawn characters, my favourite probably being Gabehart the hero, as the impetuous and perhaps slightly roguish younger son, determined to prove himself.
Sophie (‘Snow White’) also had her moments, and she was my no means perfect, not a shrinking violent, and was sufficiently independent and feisty to please most- yet I cannot help thinking she could have been a little better developed, and sometimes almost seemed to passive.
Duchess Ermengard, the villain and archetypal fairy-tale ‘wicked stepmother’ was probably the greatest disappointment, she reminded me a little of Tilda Swinton as the White Witch in ‘The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe’ movie.
That is, as hard as she tried to appear utterly and inexorably evil, malignant and dangerous, it was just hard to take her seriously. It also appeared that her hatred of Sophie seemed to have little basis, except that the latter was more beautiful than her, but even so, what would it matter if she was a servant whom hardly anyone knew about anyway?
Perhaps if Sophie had been raised as girl of noble birth she was, then she may have posed a more real and credible threat to the Duchess (at least in her view).
Then there was also the way on which it was supposed to have been well known that it was nigh on impossible to escape from the Duchess’ domain of Hohendorf Castle alive- a fact which could made her malevolent power and influence seem more real. Yet no fewer than three characters manage to escape by rather obvious means within a short time.
Finally, there were ‘The Seven’ who were not Seven Dwarves (although one could have been described as such), but seven men with what we would not call learning of physical disabilities. One or two of them were interesting, particularly the former priest, but most seemed a little underdeveloped.
I had some of the same issues with the rather simplistic writing style in this book, as with the last. The story itself was good at the beginning, but seemed become weaker about halfway through, and the ending did seem a little predictable.
Perhaps though, as an adult reading a book aimed at teenagers my expectations were a little too high. It is generally enjoyable and charming story that could appeal to both teenagers and an older audience.
Christianity/Morality: Aside from some characters referring to the Duchess Ermengard dabbling in Black Magic, and Sophie and Gabe’s relationship blossoming when she was still betrothed to Gabe’s brother, there was little objectionable in the book. This said, all Sophie and Gabe really did was kiss and embrace, so nothing that was actually immoral actually conspired between them when the betrothal still stood, although their behaviour may well have been considered improper by the standards of the time.
There are also references to the Duchess having murdered and poisoned a number of people, and she tries to kill Sophie a number of times, though there is nothing especially violent or gratuitous.
Gabe does go against the wishes of his parents by setting out to rescue Sophie, but this is essential to the story, and an aspect of his rather impetuous nature, and he does regret this course of action later on.
History: The novel, as stated above is set in the medieval period, but there were some aspects of the setting that did not seem very plausible, and a few anachronisms.
One was the characters having pockets in their clothes, which were not invented at this time, (though this was only mentioned twice and seems to have been corrected in the course of the story) and the Seven when playing their instruments being described as a ‘band’, which was way too modern and out of touch with the setting for my liking.
Sometimes the characters’ speech did seem a little too modern, though I do not remember any words that conspicuously stood out, and I supposed language that appeared too ‘Old’ might be off-putting in a children’s book.
Finally, the idea of a Duke’s son like Gabe being allowed to pursue a career as a Master Mason or architect seemed a little implausible, as craftsmen such as these might have been seen as commoners and such a profession as ‘beneath’ someone who was nobly born.
I received a copy of this book free from the Publisher for the purposes of a Review. All the opinions expressed in it are my own, and was not required to write a positive one.
kebreads's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed reading this book. The plot does loosely follow that of the Snow White fairy tale, and I think this is a good retelling of it. I liked many of the characters and the plot drew me along. As I read, I discovered that this could be considered a sequel to The Healer’s Apprentice since this book features the next generation. I remember the religious elements feeling very heavy handed in The Healer’s Apprentice. There were religious elements in this book too, but they didn’t feel as heavy handed. Overall, I really enjoyed this book, and it was a nice escape while I spent hours in the airport waiting for a delayed flight.
Rating: 4.5 stars
Content: Clean
See my review at http://www.iamareader.com/2014/01/book-review-the-fairest-beauty-by-melanie-dickerson.html
Rating: 4.5 stars
Content: Clean
See my review at http://www.iamareader.com/2014/01/book-review-the-fairest-beauty-by-melanie-dickerson.html
misspippireads's review against another edition
3.0
Gabe from Hagenheim Castle sets out to rescue Sophie who is in danger from Duchess Ermengard of Hohendorf.
This story can be read as a standalone. If the reader would like a little backstory, they should read book one, The Healer's Apprentice.
Time Period: Medieval
Location: Hohendorf, Cottage of the Seven, Hagenheim
Retold Fairytale: Snow White
Reviewed from a library copy.
This story can be read as a standalone. If the reader would like a little backstory, they should read book one, The Healer's Apprentice.
Time Period: Medieval
Location: Hohendorf, Cottage of the Seven, Hagenheim
Retold Fairytale: Snow White
Reviewed from a library copy.
chabely306's review against another edition
5.0
I picked up this book knowing that it was going to be heavily Christian influenced. Normally, that would deter me, but I loved fairy tales a little too much to not give a chance. And I'm glad I did. I thought this retelling was great. It was different enough from the original to keep me interested but not different enough that it had almost nothing to do with the original. It had enough twists that it kept me on my toes. As for characters, I wasn't expecting much. Fairy tale women are usually damsels in distress. I wasn't expecting a strong female character, or any character development whatsoever, and there really wasn't. But it didn't keep it from being interested, or keep me from feeling emotionally attached to them. I ended up really loving Gabe and how he was aware of his actual intentions in saving Sophie the whole time. The Christian element really wasn't too bad. I normal just skipped over any parts that were overly religious to me. Overall, I loved this retelling of Snow White and I really want to read the other books by this author.
sparksofember's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed The Fairest Beauty (Hagenheim #3) by Melanie Dickerson, though not as much as I liked the first in the Hagenheim series. The cover of the book immediately gives away which fairy tale it is based on, though the Cottage of Seven makes it pretty obvious, too. But I loved the unique spin on the cottage and its inhabitants.
Sophie and Gabe are both likable character; Sophie a bit too sweet but Gabe was realistic – a bit immature and impulsive but very relatable. He starts the adventure without the best of intentions, mostly wanting to prove himself and get some of the attention he feels his brother monopolizes. But he grows quite a bit throughout the story. I was taken aback at one moment where Sophie lashed back at someone who bullied her. While it was a perfectly human reaction, and really wasn’t too extreme, it was singular and jarring since she was so sweet the rest of the time.
Overall, I enjoyed the story, it’s fun and heavy on the romantic aspect of the story (even if nothing much happens outside of a few kisses) but it’s very simple YA.
Sophie and Gabe are both likable character; Sophie a bit too sweet but Gabe was realistic – a bit immature and impulsive but very relatable. He starts the adventure without the best of intentions, mostly wanting to prove himself and get some of the attention he feels his brother monopolizes. But he grows quite a bit throughout the story. I was taken aback at one moment where Sophie lashed back at someone who bullied her. While it was a perfectly human reaction, and really wasn’t too extreme, it was singular and jarring since she was so sweet the rest of the time.
Overall, I enjoyed the story, it’s fun and heavy on the romantic aspect of the story (even if nothing much happens outside of a few kisses) but it’s very simple YA.
christiana's review against another edition
2.0
The pacing on this was so slow. I was on board with the characters, but there was just so much happening internally and so little happening externally. And they were on a journey and being shot at and stuff! It just didn't read as exciting for me. Even though there were many things thrown in their path, I feel like everything was resolved rather too easily.
All that said, you can do a lot worse in the Christian fiction genre. Just know what you're getting yourself into.
All that said, you can do a lot worse in the Christian fiction genre. Just know what you're getting yourself into.
loki728's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
mary00's review against another edition
3.0
Cute enough Snow White adaptation. The bible verses sprinkled throughout felt a little out of place to me.