Helpful Score: 11
A unique twist on a common fairy tale, with a variety of unexpected plot elements. Set amongst the folk tales of Russia, this story features a strong heroine with an equally strong, if not knightly, hero. I thought this would be a very predictable tale, but was wrong -- it kept me engaged from start to finish. Highly recommended.
Helpful Score: 6
Excellent example of modern fantasy in the type of De Lindt, Bull, and other authors of that type. A Ukrainian scholar wakes Sleeping Beauty. Being a Russian tale, love doesn't necessarily all run smoothly, but the characters are exploring the same relationship questions that Card explored in Children of the Mind, ie. how do strong men and women form relationship with one another? Beautiful characterization and interesting story lines.
Helpful Score: 4
The book is enchanting. I love the author, Orson Scott Card, and have read at least 10 of his books.
This is a re-writing of the fairy tale, Sleeping Beauty, wherein the main character goes back in time and becomes part of the story in an ancient land which becomes Ukraine.
There's culture, religion, magic, witchcraft, myth and legend mixed up in a beautifully written joyous book to read.
I recommend it highly.
This is a re-writing of the fairy tale, Sleeping Beauty, wherein the main character goes back in time and becomes part of the story in an ancient land which becomes Ukraine.
There's culture, religion, magic, witchcraft, myth and legend mixed up in a beautifully written joyous book to read.
I recommend it highly.
Helpful Score: 4
This is a very enjoyable retelling of Sleeping Beauty with several twists thrown in. I found the storyline fun, entertaining and consistent. As an adult I appreciated the sexual tension between the main characters and of course a satisfying consummation of their relationship.
Helpful Score: 3
I loved this book. It was such a good fairytale sort of story for adults!
Helpful Score: 2
Card takes a classic fairytale and turns it upside down. He takes modern aspects and incorporates it well enough so that the original fairy tale loses its charm. There is a perfect balance of the classical, modern, religious, and mythical. A great read that won't allow you to put it down.
Helpful Score: 2
Card does it again, with story telling so enchanting and engaging.
a mix of magic and modernity, Card has woven the threads of history, religion and myth together in a time-hopping tale that is part love story and part adventure.
a mix of magic and modernity, Card has woven the threads of history, religion and myth together in a time-hopping tale that is part love story and part adventure.
Helpful Score: 2
Interesting reconceptualization of "Sleeping Beauty" and Baba Yaga, with some fun back-in-time action. If you like Card, you'll probably like this one.
Helpful Score: 1
This was okay, a time travel story set in Russia around the year 900 with a fairy tale spin. Didn't really grab me, but it wasn't bad.
Helpful Score: 1
Enchanting, as the title depicts! Beautiful myth of love throughout time, woven together with history and religion.
Helpful Score: 1
Good fantasy.
Helpful Score: 1
Great Book!!
Helpful Score: 1
A wonderful story with that special Orson Scott Card touch. It reads like a legend or myth but has all the detail and power of a novel. I loved this book.
Helpful Score: 1
I lovw this book and have read it multiple times.
Helpful Score: 1
Not my favorite OSC book but still quite enjoyable. It was a light, fast read...perfect for summer. I would definitely recommend it.
This is an ambitious book, including the culture, languages, and history of many lands. The female characters were as cunning and well-developed as the male. In fact, there seems to be a role-reversal of traditional, stereotypical roles.
The roles and influence of various religions (Jewish/ Christian) played in the book was very interesting. This book is way above the usual Fantasy genre in its complexity and execution.
The roles and influence of various religions (Jewish/ Christian) played in the book was very interesting. This book is way above the usual Fantasy genre in its complexity and execution.
enchanting
This is another version of the Sleeping Beauty story, very imaginative and really fun to read. Card always writes in an interesting way when he deals with the fluidity of time (I'm thinking specifically of the Ender series), and this book is no exception. For me it was a bit of a slow start, but I stuck with it and was rewarded with a fun book that goes behind the fairy tale.
An outstanding non-series book from a prolific author, this retells an old folk tale in a captivating way.
Set in the Ukraine during the 1980s, this is a unique telling Sleeping Beauty that will leave you quite satisfied for having chosen to read this book.
An excellent read that I really enjoyed. It was packed with adventure.
Nice spin on the old yarns and some neat twists on old fairy tale ideas.
A really fun read about true love & the origin of fables that is set against Russian mythology while maintaining a foothold in the modern world.
Not a hard read but still quite a good book and one that I will be reading again.
Not a hard read but still quite a good book and one that I will be reading again.
A wonderful re-telling of Sleeping Beauty. This was my first Orson Scott Card novel and although I'm not usually a big fantasy fan, this one was terrific. The ancient Ukraine is brought to life and skillfully contrasted with contemporary America and, thank goodness! there's an equal partnership between the hero and heroine, but also, thankfully, it takes them both a great deal of courage and a tremendous leap of faith on both sides to make it come together. In other words, although it's a fantasy the characters are believable and like all good fairy tales it has a happy ending.
Wow! I was really captured by this book. It was a very well done story that kept my interest until the very end. I am never disappointed with Card's work, and this is no exception.
This is an interesting twist on the modern fairytale...what happens after the prince rescues the princess. Some of the plot towards the end went way over the top, but it was still very good. Not what I was expecting.
A modern fantasy based on old fairy tales. Beautifully done, though the ending is a bit weak, I think. Still, an enchanting story!
Right side corner is bent but the pages are good condition. It has only been read once.
