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ellipsiscool's review
4.0
I absolutely loved "The Tenth Kingdom" when it was on TV. I must have been about 10 or so and I remember struggling to stay awake and finish every episode.
This book wasn't the best book as far as writing and execution, but it was fun to read from different characters' points of view and the screenplay that the book is based on was already had outlined great characters and world building.
This book wasn't the best book as far as writing and execution, but it was fun to read from different characters' points of view and the screenplay that the book is based on was already had outlined great characters and world building.
oxlabyrinthxo's review
4.0
After having just re-read this and watched the miniseries I feel that a review is in order!
The 10th Kingdom is a fantasy drama that incorporates the known and beloved Grimm's Fairy Tales along with modern New York. The story begins with two separate plot lines of Virginia and Tony in New York and Prince Wendell in the 4th Kingdom in a different (maybe parallel) universe which inevitably intertwine to tell the story of the 10th Kingdom.
The story opens with Virginia Lewis and her father, Tony who like on the edge of Central Park. Tony is a janitor in a nice apartment building and Virginia is a waitress who is jaded with life. She is convinced nothing exciting will ever happen to her. Meanwhile in another world where fairy tales aren't just stories, they're history, Prince Wendell the grandson of Snow White and heir to the 4th Kingdom is on his way to visit his evil stepmother in a maximum security prison because of reasons. The Queen, his stepmother, murdered his parents in her quest for power. At the prison Relish, the Troll King is busting his three children out of the jail when they encounter the Queen and her pet dog who they also release. The Queen has a plan to get back at Wendell for putting her in jail and to rule the 4th Kingdom.
She switched Wendell with her pet dog, so now the Prince is trapped in a dog's body and the poor dog is running around confused as Prince Wendell. The real Prince Wendell as a dog runs off and the Queen orders the three Troll children of Relish to capture him. Which causes the Queen to realize that they are a rather comical bunch and their bumbling antics will probably result in failure she looks for someone else to aid her in the prison. That's when she meets Wolf. A half-wolf, half-human inmate (only in for a bit of sheep worrying). She sends Wolf to capture the Prince who has lead the three trolls to the basement of the prison where when he knocks over this mirror it activates and reveals to be a magic portal to Manhattan.
The Prince goes through the mirror and Virginia accidentally crashes into him with her bike. Thinking he's just a stray dog she takes him with her to work and calls him "Prince". The trolls and Wolf also go through the mirror and try to track down Prince Wendell separately. Through a bunch of rather strange events Virginia and Tony end up going back through the mirror with Prince Wendell and embark on a journey to find the mirror and go back home and maybe save the 9 Kingdoms and return Prince Wendell to his throne and thwart the plan of the Queen.
I really love this miniseries and the book as well. It's kind of the same spirit as Once Upon a Time the TV series where fairy tales come to life. I would actually recommend watching it first and then reading it because it makes it a little easier to understand some things but the book follows the miniseries almost completely so you can read the book first and then watch the miniseries. Heads up though, depending on what version of the miniseries you get be prepared for 6-8 hours of watching time.
The 10th Kingdom is a fantasy drama that incorporates the known and beloved Grimm's Fairy Tales along with modern New York. The story begins with two separate plot lines of Virginia and Tony in New York and Prince Wendell in the 4th Kingdom in a different (maybe parallel) universe which inevitably intertwine to tell the story of the 10th Kingdom.
The story opens with Virginia Lewis and her father, Tony who like on the edge of Central Park. Tony is a janitor in a nice apartment building and Virginia is a waitress who is jaded with life. She is convinced nothing exciting will ever happen to her. Meanwhile in another world where fairy tales aren't just stories, they're history, Prince Wendell the grandson of Snow White and heir to the 4th Kingdom is on his way to visit his evil stepmother in a maximum security prison because of reasons. The Queen, his stepmother, murdered his parents in her quest for power. At the prison Relish, the Troll King is busting his three children out of the jail when they encounter the Queen and her pet dog who they also release. The Queen has a plan to get back at Wendell for putting her in jail and to rule the 4th Kingdom.
She switched Wendell with her pet dog, so now the Prince is trapped in a dog's body and the poor dog is running around confused as Prince Wendell. The real Prince Wendell as a dog runs off and the Queen orders the three Troll children of Relish to capture him. Which causes the Queen to realize that they are a rather comical bunch and their bumbling antics will probably result in failure she looks for someone else to aid her in the prison. That's when she meets Wolf. A half-wolf, half-human inmate (only in for a bit of sheep worrying). She sends Wolf to capture the Prince who has lead the three trolls to the basement of the prison where when he knocks over this mirror it activates and reveals to be a magic portal to Manhattan.
The Prince goes through the mirror and Virginia accidentally crashes into him with her bike. Thinking he's just a stray dog she takes him with her to work and calls him "Prince". The trolls and Wolf also go through the mirror and try to track down Prince Wendell separately. Through a bunch of rather strange events Virginia and Tony end up going back through the mirror with Prince Wendell and embark on a journey to find the mirror and go back home and maybe save the 9 Kingdoms and return Prince Wendell to his throne and thwart the plan of the Queen.
I really love this miniseries and the book as well. It's kind of the same spirit as Once Upon a Time the TV series where fairy tales come to life. I would actually recommend watching it first and then reading it because it makes it a little easier to understand some things but the book follows the miniseries almost completely so you can read the book first and then watch the miniseries. Heads up though, depending on what version of the miniseries you get be prepared for 6-8 hours of watching time.
blewballoon's review
I tried reading this and it was basically just the series script, but worse. I was hoping it would add more depth to the show, but it definitely doesn't do that. Skip this and re-watch the miniseries instead.
bhaywood's review
2.0
I have a lot of love for the miniseries this book is based off of, but it's simply a straight re-telling w/o any internal dialogue or complexities. And since it's written instead of a tv series that shallowness seems even more apparent. I'll stick with re-watching it instead.
jen_smash's review
2.0
I really wanted to like this, but it just didn’t work for me. When the mini series came out I really enjoyed it. So I went in with rose tinted glasses. The book is fairly light read overall. Just wish there was more character development and world building.
flerpi's review
3.0
Final rating: 3.5 stars
This story gently pokes fun at many fantasy/quest type tales. It seems a bit drawn-out in places, but then again, that’s how the show was.
The Wolf/Virginia pairing was simultaneously cute and creepy. Yes, the whole wolves-mate-for-life thing is romantic, but how many people has Wolf killed? Prior to meeting Virginia and reforming himself for her – which is unrealistic and plays to female desire to “save” the bad boys – Wolf had very strong instincts, and probably killed/ate people.
The singing ring was a lot less stupid/annoying than I remember it being in the show; could be because I didn’t actually have to hear it singing. Regardless, that was a plus.
Overall it’s a pretty light/cute book that gives you some warm fuzzies and a happy ending, which is what I needed after reading a couple of heavier books (looking at you, George Martin).
This story gently pokes fun at many fantasy/quest type tales. It seems a bit drawn-out in places, but then again, that’s how the show was.
The Wolf/Virginia pairing was simultaneously cute and creepy. Yes, the whole wolves-mate-for-life thing is romantic, but how many people has Wolf killed? Prior to meeting Virginia and reforming himself for her – which is unrealistic and plays to female desire to “save” the bad boys – Wolf had very strong instincts, and probably killed/ate people.
The singing ring was a lot less stupid/annoying than I remember it being in the show; could be because I didn’t actually have to hear it singing. Regardless, that was a plus.
Overall it’s a pretty light/cute book that gives you some warm fuzzies and a happy ending, which is what I needed after reading a couple of heavier books (looking at you, George Martin).
shepherd's review
Putting aside for now. I've read about 30 times but this time I'm not feeling it. Will pick up again eventually.
jadegrace's review
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
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
4.5
nancyn13's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
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? No
4.0