I really loved the first Jennifer Donnelly book that I read (Stepsister) which was also a fairytale retelling. Whilst I absolutely adored that first book, I'm not entirely sure about this second one (keep in mind that they are both standalones).
It left me with a lot of questions at the end of the novel, and as far as I am aware, there are no plans for any sequels.
I adore a good fairytale retelling. This one was great, but was not as fully fleshed out in comparison between this book and Stepsister - there were a few problems... like how a piece of apple stuck in someone's throat can kill an individual, but when it is dislodged, the person survives? I understand you have to attempt to suspend disbelief for fairytales to make sense, which I usually do - you know, the whole magic thing - but this part really seemed to bother me.
I'd still say that it was a very enjoyable retelling, with great writing, and developed characters (beyond the 'Princess' stereotype).
It left me with a lot of questions at the end of the novel, and as far as I am aware, there are no plans for any sequels.
I adore a good fairytale retelling. This one was great, but was not as fully fleshed out in comparison between this book and Stepsister - there were a few problems... like how a piece of apple stuck in someone's throat can kill an individual, but when it is dislodged, the person survives? I understand you have to attempt to suspend disbelief for fairytales to make sense, which I usually do - you know, the whole magic thing - but this part really seemed to bother me.
I'd still say that it was a very enjoyable retelling, with great writing, and developed characters (beyond the 'Princess' stereotype).