Another wonderfully retold fairytale in this exciting series, this one set back in Medieval Germany, revisiting Hagenheim.
Rapunzel is a really wonderful character! She has such a pure heart as she tries to dutifully serve and obey her unpredictable mother, yet wanting to fulfill her dream of learning to read. Her transformation is astounding as she begins to read Scripture and takes it to heart, opening her eyes to a newfound faith. Breaking free from the strictures of her mother's bitterness and control, her metamorphosis from a drab, plain, frightened child to a beautiful, brave, and sweet young woman is the best part of this story. God's truth and love transform her from the inside out. Her beautiful singing and ability to accurately throw a knife sure get Sir Gerek's attention! His journey is an uplifting part of the story also, as he learns that through faith he can forgive and overcome his family's past hurts, and that he is worthy to be loved.
The intertwining of this story with parts of previous books was done so skillfully, it made me want to go back and reread the entire series! It was ingenious how it expanded part of one of the books and added to the whole big picture. A few "Aha" moments here and there were fun surprises. Sometimes it moved a little slow for me in parts though, but it really came together for an exciting conclusion worth the wait.
Recommend for any young adult and older readers looking for a good clean entertaining story with adventure, faith elements, and romance. It can be read as a standalone, but best enjoyed by reading the other books in the series first, especially The Princess Spy. 4.5 stars
(Book provided by NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Publishing in exchange for my unsolicited, honest review.)
Rapunzel is a really wonderful character! She has such a pure heart as she tries to dutifully serve and obey her unpredictable mother, yet wanting to fulfill her dream of learning to read. Her transformation is astounding as she begins to read Scripture and takes it to heart, opening her eyes to a newfound faith. Breaking free from the strictures of her mother's bitterness and control, her metamorphosis from a drab, plain, frightened child to a beautiful, brave, and sweet young woman is the best part of this story. God's truth and love transform her from the inside out. Her beautiful singing and ability to accurately throw a knife sure get Sir Gerek's attention! His journey is an uplifting part of the story also, as he learns that through faith he can forgive and overcome his family's past hurts, and that he is worthy to be loved.
The intertwining of this story with parts of previous books was done so skillfully, it made me want to go back and reread the entire series! It was ingenious how it expanded part of one of the books and added to the whole big picture. A few "Aha" moments here and there were fun surprises. Sometimes it moved a little slow for me in parts though, but it really came together for an exciting conclusion worth the wait.
Recommend for any young adult and older readers looking for a good clean entertaining story with adventure, faith elements, and romance. It can be read as a standalone, but best enjoyed by reading the other books in the series first, especially The Princess Spy. 4.5 stars
(Book provided by NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Publishing in exchange for my unsolicited, honest review.)
Back to all reviews by this member
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details
