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booklovinmamas's review
4.0
Full Review posted at Book Lovin' Mamas
Stacey did an spectacular job on creating a different take on a dark twisted tale, but furthermore adding humor and craziness into the mix. I surely was not prepared for the main twist in the story when it came to light.I give this book 4 full moons and look forward to reading more of this legend in the next book because believe me Stacey left the readers hanging. I need to know who was the culprit behind a certain thing with Ireland.
Stacey did an spectacular job on creating a different take on a dark twisted tale, but furthermore adding humor and craziness into the mix. I surely was not prepared for the main twist in the story when it came to light.I give this book 4 full moons and look forward to reading more of this legend in the next book because believe me Stacey left the readers hanging. I need to know who was the culprit behind a certain thing with Ireland.
syren96's review
3.0
A generous upgrade from a 2.5 star rating.
The good: as far as retellings go, this one had an interesting twist to the original; had moments of creepiness and I didn't dislike Ireland Crane.
The bad: the writing often felt like fan-fiction, and yes, I realize that as a retelling there is a certain amount of that to be expected, but felt like there were pop culture references dropped in all the time that just weren't relevant; most of the characters felt very flat and I just couldn't care if they would/had died.
I will probably end up reading Raven at some point, because I felt like this picked up towards the end, and I would like to see if it continues in the next book in the series
The good: as far as retellings go, this one had an interesting twist to the original; had moments of creepiness and I didn't dislike Ireland Crane.
The bad: the writing often felt like fan-fiction, and yes, I realize that as a retelling there is a certain amount of that to be expected, but felt like there were pop culture references dropped in all the time that just weren't relevant; most of the characters felt very flat and I just couldn't care if they would/had died.
I will probably end up reading Raven at some point, because I felt like this picked up towards the end, and I would like to see if it continues in the next book in the series
m3l89's review
3.0
Crane
Gory from the start; loved it! I loved all the references to other books through character names; the police officers Potter and Granger, the Steinbeck twins. I thought this was very clever and a subtle nod to other famous authors.
A couple of writing errors which grated on me, such as "you're insensitivity to my needs." This should either be "you're insensitive to my needs" or "your insensitivity to my needs."
Overall, I enjoyed Crane but parts of the plot were a little confusing. At this moment in time, I dont think I would read the next book in the series but I could definitely see Crane as a tv series, and it is one I would watch.
Gory from the start; loved it! I loved all the references to other books through character names; the police officers Potter and Granger, the Steinbeck twins. I thought this was very clever and a subtle nod to other famous authors.
A couple of writing errors which grated on me, such as "you're insensitivity to my needs." This should either be "you're insensitive to my needs" or "your insensitivity to my needs."
Overall, I enjoyed Crane but parts of the plot were a little confusing. At this moment in time, I dont think I would read the next book in the series but I could definitely see Crane as a tv series, and it is one I would watch.
sarajane11's review
4.0
An interesting and different take on the Sleepy Hollow myth. I liked the back and forth perspectives between Ichabod and Ireland. I also really enjoyed Rip. I'm looking forwarding to seeing how the journey progresses in book #2 Raven, especially since I am a big Poe fan.
jenny_reads_horror's review
5.0
What drew me to CRANE was this cover!! Love love love! I waited patiently for CRANE'S release and I was not disappointed. An interesting twist on a classic I look forward to more books in this new saga. Highly recommended.
vondav's review
4.0
The majority of people have heard of the Legend of Sleepy Hollow, if you have not read the book you would have watched the Johnny Depp film. Stacey Rourke puts her own twist to the tale. Ireland Crane a descendant of Ichabod Crane moves to Tally Town as a guidance counsellor and as history starts to repeat itself Ireland needs all the help she can get. In steps Rip Van Winkle, having 1st hand knowledge of the legend, it’s a race against time to see if they can stop the curse.
Ireland Crane was starting a new life, although she was head strong, she still had times that she doubted herself. When the 1st headless body turned up I felt that she was quite dismissive but as more weird happenings started to occur you could sense she was out of her depth and did not know how to stop the legend. Rip Van Winkle a character in another of Irving’s work. He had stress related narcolepsy and I did wonder how he would cope when his life was in danger. Being awoken after 100 of years he adapted to modern world very well and I felt that his appearance help blends the past and present together. Noah, Ireland’s neighbour was related to the victims and whilst there is an attraction the curse gets in the way.
Having the story change from past to present will help if you are unfamiliar with the legend, it also was a guide to what Ireland and Van Winkle needed to do. The story flowed smoothly and the partnership between Ireland and Van Winkle was like an eccentric uncle and niece. There were some comedy moments, like Ireland getting all sensual and poor Noah not knowing what to do with himself, and who can forget the fridge story. This is a good introduction to the series and with book 2 and 3 out and I can carry on with the journey.
Ireland Crane was starting a new life, although she was head strong, she still had times that she doubted herself. When the 1st headless body turned up I felt that she was quite dismissive but as more weird happenings started to occur you could sense she was out of her depth and did not know how to stop the legend. Rip Van Winkle a character in another of Irving’s work. He had stress related narcolepsy and I did wonder how he would cope when his life was in danger. Being awoken after 100 of years he adapted to modern world very well and I felt that his appearance help blends the past and present together. Noah, Ireland’s neighbour was related to the victims and whilst there is an attraction the curse gets in the way.
Having the story change from past to present will help if you are unfamiliar with the legend, it also was a guide to what Ireland and Van Winkle needed to do. The story flowed smoothly and the partnership between Ireland and Van Winkle was like an eccentric uncle and niece. There were some comedy moments, like Ireland getting all sensual and poor Noah not knowing what to do with himself, and who can forget the fridge story. This is a good introduction to the series and with book 2 and 3 out and I can carry on with the journey.
javamama38's review
5.0
Excellent Twist On a Favorite Classic
I have loved The Legend of Sleepy Hollow since I saw the Disney version as a kid. Crane takes everything about the tale that we know and turns it on its ear. Great storyline, unique plot, interesting characters.
Bottom-line: Make it your next creep-fest of a read.
I have loved The Legend of Sleepy Hollow since I saw the Disney version as a kid. Crane takes everything about the tale that we know and turns it on its ear. Great storyline, unique plot, interesting characters.
Bottom-line: Make it your next creep-fest of a read.
ethoslost's review
4.0
This was a wonderful re-imagining of the Legend of Sleepy Hollow. I enjoyed the re-working of the original story as well as a modern twist with the Headless Horseman coming back again to terrorize 21st century Tarrytown, NY. I will definitely continue on with the Legends Series.
arickman's review
4.0
3.5 star read. I listened to the audio book and I really enjoyed the narrator Karen Krause , she did an excellent job. This book is not scary, it's very entertaining and I laughed numerous times. I read this book because I met the author a few weeks back and was looking to read something outside my normal. This is book 1 in what appears to be a continuation series (main conflict gets solved but an underlying overall story arc). The one thing that bugged me and this is a personal preference is the back and forth between past and present, I was able to follow along no problem but it's not a favorite of mine.