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caittilynn's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
eggjen's review against another edition
5.0
This was a lot of fun. I loved all the retellings combined into one story. Very cool premise, looking forward to the next one.
mbenzz's review against another edition
DNF at 26%. I'm just not feeling it. I didn't realize this was the same author who wrote [b:The Isle of the Lost|22639095|The Isle of the Lost (Descendants, #1)|Melissa de la Cruz|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1422832758l/22639095._SY75_.jpg|42139222], a book I tried to read 6 years ago and also DNF'd. This author is definitely NOT for me.
shaunie991's review
2.0
2 stars:
DNF @ 19%
Disappointed in this book. Had high hopes for it. Just sad. Uninteresting. Would not recommend, especially if you’re basing your choice to read on the book cover.
DNF @ 19%
Disappointed in this book. Had high hopes for it. Just sad. Uninteresting. Would not recommend, especially if you’re basing your choice to read on the book cover.
katkaty's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
deathsmarkmoth's review
4.0
Read this with my daughter (11) and enjoyed how it pulled so many fairytale stories into one.
annettebooksofhopeanddreams's review against another edition
4.0
I put this book on my wishlist that long ago that I can't even remember why. However, last week there was a huge discount on the book, so I decided to just order it and today I felt like reading a few middle grades with a fairytale theme. I didn't read the summary, I didn't try to find out what this book was about. I trusted myself. This book must have been on my wishlist for a reason and I just started reading hoping for the best.
What I loved about this book is that it combined two of my favorite tropes. It has a reader being in love with a book series who all of a sudden ends up in the series herself. I mean, I've been a reader for as long as I can remember, long before I even went to school, and I think this is my biggest dream. I'd love to be able to jump into one of my favorite book series and to discover that it's all real and that I have an important role to play in the story.
It's also playing around with fairytales and twisting them into something new and original. Not only because the fairytales all take place in the same world and all those characters are neighbors and friends. But mostly because De la Cruz changes all the tales. It's impossible to predict what has truly happened to the characters in this story. De la Cruz kept the elements of those tales, but she gave them a new meaning and a new role to play.
Combine these two elements, already awesome enough to love this book, with a great plot and some really nice reveals and you get a middle grade that will not only keep kids entertained and wishing to know how it will all continue, but that will also speak to adults. Especially if those adults have never truly lost their inner kid. Especially if those adults still prefer fiction over real life. Especially if those adults love fairytales just as much as they used to do (or even more).
What I loved about this book is that it combined two of my favorite tropes. It has a reader being in love with a book series who all of a sudden ends up in the series herself. I mean, I've been a reader for as long as I can remember, long before I even went to school, and I think this is my biggest dream. I'd love to be able to jump into one of my favorite book series and to discover that it's all real and that I have an important role to play in the story.
It's also playing around with fairytales and twisting them into something new and original. Not only because the fairytales all take place in the same world and all those characters are neighbors and friends. But mostly because De la Cruz changes all the tales. It's impossible to predict what has truly happened to the characters in this story. De la Cruz kept the elements of those tales, but she gave them a new meaning and a new role to play.
Combine these two elements, already awesome enough to love this book, with a great plot and some really nice reveals and you get a middle grade that will not only keep kids entertained and wishing to know how it will all continue, but that will also speak to adults. Especially if those adults have never truly lost their inner kid. Especially if those adults still prefer fiction over real life. Especially if those adults love fairytales just as much as they used to do (or even more).
brittster622's review
4.0
Filomena loves to read and is obsessed with one series in particular, Never After. She soon discovers that her favorite series is actually real and becomes entwined in it’s still unfolding tale.
This book is like a love letter to fairy tales. Filomena meets many characters from fairy tales but never quite as she remembers them. I enjoyed the little twists on the classic tales. This book itself really has a fairy tale feel to it and feels like it’s own story . The characters were great together and each have a great uniqueness.
Overall, the story was fun and interesting and a quick read. I am looking forward to more stories from this author and this universe.
This book is like a love letter to fairy tales. Filomena meets many characters from fairy tales but never quite as she remembers them. I enjoyed the little twists on the classic tales. This book itself really has a fairy tale feel to it and feels like it’s own story . The characters were great together and each have a great uniqueness.
Overall, the story was fun and interesting and a quick read. I am looking forward to more stories from this author and this universe.
kitkenyon's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This was so sweet and fun and lighthearted! I loved the simple storyline and have always been a sucker for the “jump into the book” type plots. Melissa de la Cruz is so creative in using familiar fairy tales in a new way. The characters are all so loveable and full of personality! So much fun! If I see the other books in this series out in the wild, I’ll definitely be grabbing them to continue following the adventures of Filomena, Jack, and Alistair. If you’re looking for an easy read backed by the familiarity of classic fairy tales, this is it! It feels a bit rushed at times, but that just means more adventures in one book!