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4.48 AVERAGE
4.48 AVERAGE
challenging
funny
fast-paced
Reader’s Notes:
– this is part of a series, but meant to be read as a stand-alone
*this book is set in the same world as Assassin of Fire and Sacrifice, but that book doesn’t need to be read to enjoy this one (no cross over characters ‘seen’, only mentioned once in passing)
– this is told from Rapunzel’s point of view
Review:
*Gasp* This is so good and there is so much to say on the storyline, but not enough of it would be spoiler free! 🫣 So…
I loved this version of Rapunzel! I loved her trickster ways and how well others fell for it! 😂 Pollux (the dragon) was a phenomenal coconspirator and I had a lot of fun getting to know him. I also loved the brilliant mind Griffin had and how even Rapunzel was impressed by his intellect! There were so many little twists to this story that made it so good and I can’t wait for Mary’s next release! 😍
Summary:
Rapunzel has had it with being a pawn in her father’s reign. And being offered as a prize for whoever slays the dragon plaguing their kingdom is the last straw. Rather than allow her fate to be in the hands of others, Rapunzel is going to take hold of it herself. Her plan: she’ll pretend to be kidnapped by the dragon and join forces with it to swindle anyone who might try to save her. The only light beyond her scheme comes in the form of Griffin, a brilliant squire who challenges Rapunzel at every turn. Such a different man from the knights he serves and have tried to save her from the tower.
But being on uneven footing with her dragon coconspirator and the dwindling time to extend their robbery before interest is lost has Rapunzel’s wondering if she’s made the right decisions. Pulled in multiple directions, Rapunzel must decide how long she’ll keep up her ruse and what she’ll do when things are said and done…
Another exciting and twisty fairytale inspired story from Ms. Mecham! I am always excited for another one of her books and this one was just as good as I hoped.
Rapunzel was so sneaky! I loved her intelligence and her drive. She was a planner and a schemer, but cared deeply about her people and her responsibility. I loved how she took charge of her life. Rapunzel understood that as royalty, she was meant to care for her people and she did so with such decisiveness.
I loved her interactions with Pollux too! They were such a good match in terms of cunning and strategy. Pollux was such an interesting character and I loved getting to slowly know him as Rapunzel does. There was a lot of depth to him that came out over the story Griffin was another interesting character. He also was very intelligent and there were facets of his personality that were not revealed until further into the story.
I also was really intrigued by the magic of it all The story was really interesting and I loved the twist of it all. Rapunzel was such a unique take on the princess, but still very engaging and interesting. I honestly was not expecting all the surprises , up to the last few chapters! But I should have, there is always twists with Ms. Mecham’s books! This is a fairytale inspired fantasy romance with a few kisses, some light fantasy violence, and lots of snarky banter.
I received an ARC
Rapunzel was so sneaky! I loved her intelligence and her drive. She was a planner and a schemer, but cared deeply about her people and her responsibility. I loved how she took charge of her life. Rapunzel understood that as royalty, she was meant to care for her people and she did so with such decisiveness.
I loved her interactions with Pollux too! They were such a good match in terms of cunning and strategy. Pollux was such an interesting character and I loved getting to slowly know him as Rapunzel does. There was a lot of depth to him that came out over the story Griffin was another interesting character. He also was very intelligent and there were facets of his personality that were not revealed until further into the story.
I also was really intrigued by the magic of it all The story was really interesting and I loved the twist of it all. Rapunzel was such a unique take on the princess, but still very engaging and interesting. I honestly was not expecting all the surprises , up to the last few chapters! But I should have, there is always twists with Ms. Mecham’s books! This is a fairytale inspired fantasy romance with a few kisses, some light fantasy violence, and lots of snarky banter.
I received an ARC
adventurous
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
Loveable characters:
Yes
Rapunzel’s Gambit by Mary Mecham. 5 Stars. Highly recommend for all ages.
Hoard: a stock or store of money or valued objects, typically one that is secret or carefully guarded.
Rapunzel knows that something must be done to help the people of her kingdom. Instead of being the typical damsel in distress, she takes matters into her own hands. She forms a mutual alliance of ….hoarding?? With the dragon that has been “plaguing” her kingdom. She and the dragon hatch a plan to help each other and those in the kingdom in need.
I found myself rooting for the characters; on the edge of my seat when it started going sideways; laughing at the banter; and awwwing at the end.
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
This one drew me in immediately in the way only a Mary Mecham book can do! I loved the fresh take on Rapunzel and the twist on her original story. Mecham sure knows how to write fun, unique, diabolical stories!
Loved the instant friendship between Rapunzel and Pollox, the dragon. I really enjoyed Ranpuzel's relationship with both Pollox and Griffin. They were different in so many ways. There was so much unfolding in this story and it was a fun, fast-paced ride. I really loved the world building and how I wasn't sure who was good and who was bad. It made for such a fun, emotion-filled reading experience. So many unexpected things! All the characters were unique and layered. Such a fun mystery to watch unfold. I didn't see the biggest twist coming and I love when an author can surprise me. It was kind of shocking and I wasn't sure how I felt but the more I read, the more I knew how perfect the twist was for the story. Loved the ending!
This one had the perfect amount of Rapunzel's original fairytale! And then the author added dragons and made it a perfect combination!
Loved the instant friendship between Rapunzel and Pollox, the dragon. I really enjoyed Ranpuzel's relationship with both Pollox and Griffin. They were different in so many ways. There was so much unfolding in this story and it was a fun, fast-paced ride. I really loved the world building and how I wasn't sure who was good and who was bad. It made for such a fun, emotion-filled reading experience. So many unexpected things! All the characters were unique and layered. Such a fun mystery to watch unfold. I didn't see the biggest twist coming and I love when an author can surprise me. It was kind of shocking and I wasn't sure how I felt but the more I read, the more I knew how perfect the twist was for the story. Loved the ending!
This one had the perfect amount of Rapunzel's original fairytale! And then the author added dragons and made it a perfect combination!
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Mary Mecham's books have been a hit or miss for me. There are ones I love so much that I'd wish everyone would read them and there are ones I enjoyed a little less. I have to admit that for some time I was afraid that this book wasn't gonna work for me. There were a few elements of the story I didn't entirely feel. However, the book did make up for everything and explained everything. Once more information was given and more was revealed things started to make sense. And the moment I finished the book I had a huge smile on my face. This book IS like a game of chess. All the characters are pieces on the board and it's not about what happens in the short run, it's about what happens in the end. So, if you read this book and it sometimes feels a little chaotic and you're not entirely sure what to think of some characters: stick with it. All will be well in the end. More than well, actually!
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This is a Rapunzel retelling that I can get behind. I loved Rapunzel and absolutely adore Pollox. Their dynamic was really well written and i loved that we could see them change and grow as they continued to work together. I thought that despite the same scenario being played out ,i.e. her being rescued multiple times, it didn't feel repetitive and the story continued to progress nicely. I appreciated the strategic elements of the story both in the form of chess and in the entire gambit that happens.
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
Content Warnings: Not much to mention actually. There is some conversations about poverty in the kingdom. Also there is one joke from the dragon about eating live animals which may or may not have given me a horrible mental image😅
Omg Mary did it again and dang it! Her marketing really threw me off for the twist at the end! I probably wouldn’t have been thrown off if I had read Assassin’s of Fire and Sacrifice, but oh well, I will read it soon. No spoilers in this review though!
While there were some nods to the fairytale Rapunzel, I felt like this book was more of its own story instead of a retelling.
Rapunzel is very smart and headstrong, but she isn’t the stabby type of heroine. I really liked that. She could play the damsel in distress, but nobody expected how cunning she could be. Except for Griffin, who could outsmart her in chess, which I thought it was cute that he threw the chess match for her. Her relationship with her father was very emotional. I did cry a few times over how much she loved her father and how she desperately wanted some type of connection with him. I just really liked Rapunzel’s character and her development throughout the story.
Rapunzel and Pollox’s friendship is so fun as well. Their banter is amazing! Also Pollox respecting Rapunzel’s boundaries, despite her being a part of his hoard, is really charming. Their scheme starts off being beneficial to their own desires, until they realize they both desire the same thing and the same future which is providing for and protecting the kingdom. Their growth together is so caring and wholesome.
I definitely put this book in my top 3 favorites by Mary Mecham!
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
I was in the mood for something cozy, and this book fit the bill perfectly!
Or at least I thought it would be nice and cozy... and then it got to THAT PART and suddenly holy plot twist, Batman!
Then I was tense, nervous, swooning, gasping, and just all around stunned... but it was so good!
I also loved the banter and humor! (Who knew Mary was so funny? She's always so stoic in her Reels...)
I can't say much more without giving away all the goodies, but suffice it to say I really enjoyed this book!! Dragons, sassy princesses, and a well-devised plot... what's not to love?
⚠️ No cursing
🫑 Kissing only
Thanks so much, Mary, for the chance to ARC read for you!
Or at least I thought it would be nice and cozy... and then it got to THAT PART and suddenly holy plot twist, Batman!
Then I was tense, nervous, swooning, gasping, and just all around stunned... but it was so good!
I also loved the banter and humor! (Who knew Mary was so funny? She's always so stoic in her Reels...)
I can't say much more without giving away all the goodies, but suffice it to say I really enjoyed this book!! Dragons, sassy princesses, and a well-devised plot... what's not to love?
⚠️ No cursing
🫑 Kissing only
Thanks so much, Mary, for the chance to ARC read for you!
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Yes
This was a really fun Retelling of Rapunzel that I really enjoyed reading that had several interesting characters as well as a few unexpected plot twists. I loved Rapunzel in this story and seeing how her and Pollox the dragon interacted with each other, especially all their playful banter and teasing. Pollox was another character in this story that I really enjoyed getting to know. I was happy with how things worked out although questioned how it would come together for a moment and thought the epilogue at the end was a great way to wrap the story up. I look forward to reading more fairy tale retellings by this author in the future.
I received a free advanced reader copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free advanced reader copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.