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3.79 AVERAGE
3.79 AVERAGE
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Loved this book! It was a fast read. I’m a huge fan of the TV show, and it captured Cassandra and Rapunzel perfectly. They have a beautiful friendship, and I will, without a doubt, read this book again, perhaps while we are on hiatus after season 1.
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
I loved this! I adore the show and this was a fantastic novelization to accompany it. The first person POV threw me off a little bit but I ended up adjusting, and I absolutely love Rapunzel and Cass so this book was such a treat.
This book was a lighthearted read. I feel like the regrowing of Rapunzel's hair was kinda a moneygrab by Disney, but overall it worked. I think this accompanies the TV show, so there's probably more details there.
At the beginning of the novel we see how insecure Rapunzel feels living in this completely different world. She doesn’t know how to be a princess, how to rule, the etiquette, and in truth she doesn’t know how to be a daughter. Cassandra is not pleased with her new role as lady-in-waiting to Rapunzel, nor is she pleased to be hanging out with Rapunzel. Cassandra is a brave, loyal to Corona and the crown, and wants more than anything to become a guard and follow in her father’s footsteps as Captain of the Royal Guard. She has no interest in sewing, etiquette, gossip, fancy dresses, embroidery, crochet, and all of the other activities considered appropriate for ladies of the court. As Rapunzel’s lady in waiting that is what she feels she is doomed to do for the rest of her life. Little does she know that Rapunzel is not like any other princess.
While in the library for the first time (she has a library and is so excited. Gotta love a princess that loves to read!) Rapunzel discovers an old dusty book of poems, written in two languages, stuck behind another book in the bookcase. She begins to read it and feels that the lagoon that it describes is a real place, and it states that the lagoon holds Corona's secret ancient power. She tells Cassandra about the poem, and soon they have found the lagoon and begin looking for the ancient power, not only in the lagoon but in the history of their country. The learn this story from the blacksmith, Xavier:
The King of Corona, Herz Der Sonne, was in love with General Shampanier who was the ruler of a neighboring nation (and they were fighting) Samporia. In reading this I assumed that the General was male and that Disney was more openly embracing non-heterosexual relationships, which seemed strangely placed in a juvenile children’s book. But it turns out that the General is female ( sad for sexuality but a hoorah for feminism!). It states that Herz Der Sonne fell “head over heels for this strong intelligent woman” which is another victory for feminism as it does not mention her looks, embroidery skills, or nice clothes.
This book focuses on friendship, adventure, and the difficulty of finding your destiny. The story is full of teachable moments, strong female characters. One thing that I enjoyed was the visiting Hervanian Princess, Marie. Rapunzel describes how she has nothing in common with this girl as she only talks about fashion, perfume, and make-up. This made me roll my eyes as it is a rather stereotypical "princess' motif, but later the reader learns that Marie is an amazing athlete that leaves it all on the field. She is a warrior as well as someone who enjoys more feminine things. Both Cassandra and Rapunzel are also strong female figures that do not fit into stereotypes, which I think is important for young readers.
There are a lot of teachable moments, for young and old alike, as well as it being an exciting adventure with some of Disney's much-loved characters.
While in the library for the first time (she has a library and is so excited. Gotta love a princess that loves to read!) Rapunzel discovers an old dusty book of poems, written in two languages, stuck behind another book in the bookcase. She begins to read it and feels that the lagoon that it describes is a real place, and it states that the lagoon holds Corona's secret ancient power. She tells Cassandra about the poem, and soon they have found the lagoon and begin looking for the ancient power, not only in the lagoon but in the history of their country. The learn this story from the blacksmith, Xavier:
The King of Corona, Herz Der Sonne, was in love with General Shampanier who was the ruler of a neighboring nation (and they were fighting) Samporia. In reading this I assumed that the General was male and that Disney was more openly embracing non-heterosexual relationships, which seemed strangely placed in a juvenile children’s book. But it turns out that the General is female ( sad for sexuality but a hoorah for feminism!). It states that Herz Der Sonne fell “head over heels for this strong intelligent woman” which is another victory for feminism as it does not mention her looks, embroidery skills, or nice clothes.
This book focuses on friendship, adventure, and the difficulty of finding your destiny. The story is full of teachable moments, strong female characters. One thing that I enjoyed was the visiting Hervanian Princess, Marie. Rapunzel describes how she has nothing in common with this girl as she only talks about fashion, perfume, and make-up. This made me roll my eyes as it is a rather stereotypical "princess' motif, but later the reader learns that Marie is an amazing athlete that leaves it all on the field. She is a warrior as well as someone who enjoys more feminine things. Both Cassandra and Rapunzel are also strong female figures that do not fit into stereotypes, which I think is important for young readers.
There are a lot of teachable moments, for young and old alike, as well as it being an exciting adventure with some of Disney's much-loved characters.
2.5/5
It was cute, fun and captured Rapunzel’s personality well, but I never warmed to Cassandra (she’s grown on me in the TV series but I found her very unlikeable here) or cared for the lagoon plot. The interlude/summary was odd. It was all underwhelming honestly. I’ll probably still try the sequel simply because I love Tangled - and it looks like it has more Eugene!
Special mention to Rapunzel gushing over the palace library. Favourite part.
It was cute, fun and captured Rapunzel’s personality well, but I never warmed to Cassandra (she’s grown on me in the TV series but I found her very unlikeable here) or cared for the lagoon plot. The interlude/summary was odd. It was all underwhelming honestly. I’ll probably still try the sequel simply because I love Tangled - and it looks like it has more Eugene!
Special mention to Rapunzel gushing over the palace library. Favourite part.
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes