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mjoyced's review against another edition
2.0
I wanted this to be more like 30% Rumplestiltskin back story, but it was only 1%.
pizzamyheart's review against another edition
2.0
Kinda fun, but also dragged. I found myself bored and started skipping ahead. insta-love, and makeout scenes in the middle of danger? Plus the constant mention of food? Yeah, girl I love my food too, but can we focus on the plot?
mycatismybookmark's review against another edition
3.0
I was reluctant to pick up The Wish Granter since I did not care for The Shadow Queen (book #1 in the Ravenspire series; although there are complete standalones set in the same world) but was surprised that I liked it quite a bit more than TSQ.
The writing is fast-paced, intriguing (it keeps readers guessing) and very dark. There are no happy woodland creatures and delicate singing princesses in these fairy tale re-imaginings. TWG has hope, heartbreak, and a dash of sweet budding romance in a high-stakes gamble to save the ones they love, but unlike TSQ we get a nice breathe of levity every now and then thanks to Ari (which really saves the story).
I really like Ari. She's fierce, loyal, determined and courageous. She doesn't care what anyone thinks of her and she's not afraid to put others in their place. She's intelligent, fiery clever and determined, and described as tall, "curvy" and at times hopelessly uncoordinated. Sebastian is a brave man to teach her weapons training and certainly doesn't come out unscathed. She loves to bake and eat, and would much rather be in the kitchen with her hands in pastry dough than whatever a proper princess should be doing. She's a fun, friendly character that's easy to relate to. Her dialogue and quirks bring much needed moments of levity to this dark tale. I wish there were more of these light moments: weapons training with Sebastian (I don't think she ever managed to learn anything - always getting distracted by Sebastian shoulders...) threatening to withhold chocolate cake from people who annoy her or promising snacks to those that please her, and jokes between her and Thad about what proper princess behavior is (which definitely don’t include inarticulate noises or smuggling snacks out of the ballroom in a handbag).
I would have liked more interaction between her and her twin brother, Thad overall. I don't really feel a connection between them, even though they always tell each other: "You and me against the world." "Always." He's too busy trying to protect Ari and keep her out of it, that we don't see/feel their connection as brother and sister.
"... and for one glorious moment, nothing existed but the steady patter or the rain and the boy who'd followed her to the liar of a monster and who was willing to risk everything to stay."
The budding romance between Ari and Sebastian is very sweet. He has such a tragic past and he's rather determined to keep everyone out that Ari's stubborn insistence that they be friends is completely new territory for him. He doesn't know quite what to make of her. But Ari is so determined to be his friend he never anticipates that she's capture his heart. They have such a wonderfully compassionate understanding and respect for one another, and both are determined to do anything to save the other.
“He closed his eyes and pressed his forehead to hers. He was still horrified. Still grieving. So was she. But they weren’t facing any of it alone.”
Redwine’s re-imaginings are very dark, but what I think saved TWG is Ari and Sebastian. I found them more relatable than the characters in TSQ and far more likable. Ari’s unique, quirky, friendliness and sense of humor were the highlights of TWG and I would have like more of those moments to balance the dark tale.
The writing is fast-paced, intriguing (it keeps readers guessing) and very dark. There are no happy woodland creatures and delicate singing princesses in these fairy tale re-imaginings. TWG has hope, heartbreak, and a dash of sweet budding romance in a high-stakes gamble to save the ones they love, but unlike TSQ we get a nice breathe of levity every now and then thanks to Ari (which really saves the story).
I really like Ari. She's fierce, loyal, determined and courageous. She doesn't care what anyone thinks of her and she's not afraid to put others in their place. She's intelligent, fiery clever and determined, and described as tall, "curvy" and at times hopelessly uncoordinated. Sebastian is a brave man to teach her weapons training and certainly doesn't come out unscathed. She loves to bake and eat, and would much rather be in the kitchen with her hands in pastry dough than whatever a proper princess should be doing. She's a fun, friendly character that's easy to relate to. Her dialogue and quirks bring much needed moments of levity to this dark tale. I wish there were more of these light moments: weapons training with Sebastian (I don't think she ever managed to learn anything - always getting distracted by Sebastian shoulders...) threatening to withhold chocolate cake from people who annoy her or promising snacks to those that please her, and jokes between her and Thad about what proper princess behavior is (which definitely don’t include inarticulate noises or smuggling snacks out of the ballroom in a handbag).
I would have liked more interaction between her and her twin brother, Thad overall. I don't really feel a connection between them, even though they always tell each other: "You and me against the world." "Always." He's too busy trying to protect Ari and keep her out of it, that we don't see/feel their connection as brother and sister.
"... and for one glorious moment, nothing existed but the steady patter or the rain and the boy who'd followed her to the liar of a monster and who was willing to risk everything to stay."
The budding romance between Ari and Sebastian is very sweet. He has such a tragic past and he's rather determined to keep everyone out that Ari's stubborn insistence that they be friends is completely new territory for him. He doesn't know quite what to make of her. But Ari is so determined to be his friend he never anticipates that she's capture his heart. They have such a wonderfully compassionate understanding and respect for one another, and both are determined to do anything to save the other.
“He closed his eyes and pressed his forehead to hers. He was still horrified. Still grieving. So was she. But they weren’t facing any of it alone.”
Redwine’s re-imaginings are very dark, but what I think saved TWG is Ari and Sebastian. I found them more relatable than the characters in TSQ and far more likable. Ari’s unique, quirky, friendliness and sense of humor were the highlights of TWG and I would have like more of those moments to balance the dark tale.
ameserole's review against another edition
5.0
"Thad: But this is a boy, and you need to think of your reputation if you're spending time alone with him...
Ari: Learning how to put a man's eye out or take him down at the knees. Very romantic stuff, Thad. Very romantic. Oh, and we also hid a body together, so we're practically engaged."
I AM SO HAPPY THAT I READ THIS BOOK.
I LOVE THIS BOOK.
I LOVE C.J.
Now The Wish Granter is a standalone in a series where each book is a standalone... But I am not disappointed at alllllll. Like I said earlier, I really did love this book. I liked the characters and I was really happy that there was a small scene where Lorelai and Kol were mentioned (they are from the first book The Shadow Queen).
Since Shadow Queen was a fun re-telling about Snow White, the Wish Granter is a re-telling of Rumpelstiltskin. The new king is a bastard and his sister is, you guessed it, the new princess who is also a bastard. They are also known as King Thad and Princess Ari.
I absolutely adored Ari. She acted the complete opposite of how a princess is supposed to act. This is due to her upbringing--because her mother was a commoner. Thad and her received an education that the privilege earned but they lived much simpler lives like commoners. At least until their real dad, his wife, and newborn son mysteriously died. Also, how she had generous curves and wasn't the stereotypical beautiful stick girl. Although I did hate when other characters would call her "fat" because I wanted to reach into the book and bitch slap them so hard.
The amount of sass on this girl impressed me too. Because she didn't take anyone's shit. If anyone pissed her off she would definitely put them in their place. I loved her!! Then there's Thad. Ugh I just pictured him weak-minded. I get that he was trying to save his sister from the huntsmen that the Queen hired to kill both of them... but I mean he made a deal and didn't even read the fine print!! WHO DOES THAT?!? I didn't really care for his character because he didn't really do anything. Ari basically saved his ass every damn time.
Then there's Sebastian <3. Aw man, I loved his character. I loved his relationship with Ari. I loved how they worked together to take down Teague (aka Rumpel). Aw man I loved them. I wanted more of them but I was satisfied with the ending. I wanted them together. She needed a real guy to protect her but then butt heads with her at the same time.
I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book, The Traitor Prince. Anyone wanna give it to me?!? ANYONE?!?! I need it pronto.
Ari: Learning how to put a man's eye out or take him down at the knees. Very romantic stuff, Thad. Very romantic. Oh, and we also hid a body together, so we're practically engaged."
I AM SO HAPPY THAT I READ THIS BOOK.
I LOVE THIS BOOK.
I LOVE C.J.
Now The Wish Granter is a standalone in a series where each book is a standalone... But I am not disappointed at alllllll. Like I said earlier, I really did love this book. I liked the characters and I was really happy that there was a small scene where Lorelai and Kol were mentioned (they are from the first book The Shadow Queen).
Since Shadow Queen was a fun re-telling about Snow White, the Wish Granter is a re-telling of Rumpelstiltskin. The new king is a bastard and his sister is, you guessed it, the new princess who is also a bastard. They are also known as King Thad and Princess Ari.
I absolutely adored Ari. She acted the complete opposite of how a princess is supposed to act. This is due to her upbringing--because her mother was a commoner. Thad and her received an education that the privilege earned but they lived much simpler lives like commoners. At least until their real dad, his wife, and newborn son mysteriously died. Also, how she had generous curves and wasn't the stereotypical beautiful stick girl. Although I did hate when other characters would call her "fat" because I wanted to reach into the book and bitch slap them so hard.
The amount of sass on this girl impressed me too. Because she didn't take anyone's shit. If anyone pissed her off she would definitely put them in their place. I loved her!! Then there's Thad. Ugh I just pictured him weak-minded. I get that he was trying to save his sister from the huntsmen that the Queen hired to kill both of them... but I mean he made a deal and didn't even read the fine print!! WHO DOES THAT?!? I didn't really care for his character because he didn't really do anything. Ari basically saved his ass every damn time.
Then there's Sebastian <3. Aw man, I loved his character. I loved his relationship with Ari. I loved how they worked together to take down Teague (aka Rumpel). Aw man I loved them. I wanted more of them but I was satisfied with the ending. I wanted them together. She needed a real guy to protect her but then butt heads with her at the same time.
I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book, The Traitor Prince. Anyone wanna give it to me?!? ANYONE?!?! I need it pronto.
psinghjagpal3's review against another edition
4.0
Such a cute retake on one of the classical tales. I love the fact that Redwine mention so much details on the food. I also appreciated that the main character was a little curvy, which gives me a bit hope. The awkward romance between the main female lead and the main male lead was so cute and adorable. You'll love Sebastian, Arianna and Thad.
booklover160's review against another edition
4.0
HMMMM I really liked the book overall. I am going to consider buying it or at the very least reread it.
Trigger warning for this book: murder, child abuse, fatphobia.
Pros:
- Characters. I LOVE THEM. I grew very attached to them fairly quickly. I absolutely adore Ari, not just because that's one of my favorite names, but shes a plus sized, smart, sassy, kickass princess. I love her so much. I also loved Sebastian! He's so sweet and understanding and I am so proud of how far he came to overcome his trauma. I loved Thad and Cleo and the other minor major characters!
- Plot. The story starts out very strong and held me captivated all throughout. I tried to finish this book before the new year, and it was only because I didn't have time that I didn't. I found the plot to be full of excitement and twists that I didn't see coming.
- The writing. I found that it was perfectly paced and well written in terms of descriptions and actions. I really lost myself in the book.
Cons:
- This isn't really a CON but like... this book is DARK. There's more triggers in this book than I expected and it caught me off guard.
- I am left with a few questions about the fae and how some of it works but I feel like some of the questions would have been addressed in the first book, so I will have to get my hands on a copy of that at some point.
Overall, AHHHH I WANT MY HEART BACK. But I also don't because it belongs to this book.
Trigger warning for this book: murder, child abuse, fatphobia.
Pros:
- Characters. I LOVE THEM. I grew very attached to them fairly quickly. I absolutely adore Ari, not just because that's one of my favorite names, but shes a plus sized, smart, sassy, kickass princess. I love her so much. I also loved Sebastian! He's so sweet and understanding and I am so proud of how far he came to overcome his trauma. I loved Thad and Cleo and the other minor major characters!
- Plot. The story starts out very strong and held me captivated all throughout. I tried to finish this book before the new year, and it was only because I didn't have time that I didn't. I found the plot to be full of excitement and twists that I didn't see coming.
- The writing. I found that it was perfectly paced and well written in terms of descriptions and actions. I really lost myself in the book.
Cons:
- This isn't really a CON but like... this book is DARK. There's more triggers in this book than I expected and it caught me off guard.
- I am left with a few questions about the fae and how some of it works but I feel like some of the questions would have been addressed in the first book, so I will have to get my hands on a copy of that at some point.
Overall, AHHHH I WANT MY HEART BACK. But I also don't because it belongs to this book.
bremonty15's review
5.0
I love the way C.J. spins the classics into something new. I don't want to spoil it but the way the story unfolded to reveal the antagonist was fantastic. Can't wait to read the next one!
im211's review against another edition
4.0
A unique Rumpelstiltskin retelling, with twists and turn you won’t see coming and the way the original fairytales are woven into the story, is really clever and well done.
It’s appreciable to have our MC, not our so-common perfect girl and always arms up to fight, it’s a nice change.
Thad was active for the first half of the story but faded into the background in the latter half and that left me downhearted for I really enjoyed the sibling interactions.
Sebastian, on the other hand, was by far the best character in this book, we get to see his rise and fall of his character growth and actually experience the difficult changes he’d to go through ou the story.
And sort of summarises my thoughts about this book; now onto the next read!
In a nutshell, I’ll be looking forward to more of the Raven spire series and hope it’s as good or even better!
“I don’t like humans.”
“They’re weak.” His elegant voice began to slur, and Ari shivered. “Always grasping for what they don’t have. Always desperate for someone to give them what they haven’t earned. They’ll promise anything, but their promises are false.”...
I read Redwine’s Defiance and it felt me unsatisfied in terms of storytelling and execution, so I was never really caught up with her works. But coming across the Revenspire series which hints at being fairytale retelling (which I root for) and each book isn’t a continuation of the previous just sort of related to each other, I figured it won’t hurt to pick one which calls onto me the most.
And I am sure glad I did, for I thoroughly enjoyed this one; with its fantastic world-building and clever turn of events along with the quirky characters that make you laugh out loud.
As much I liked the character interaction, but I didn’t feel the connection I thought I would, as soon as I closed the book. I usually root for my current characters I read for, but in this case, I hung onto them as long as I was reading. I really thought they would stick with me longer.
The brighter side is our MC Ari’s quirks and wits that actually kept this story interesting and fun at the same time, we see her not always in the front row to jump into being the ever- genius but takes over when the time comes.
He had a weakness. He had secrets. And he’d done enough damage to her people.
By the time she was finished with him, Teague was going to regret ever setting foot in her kingdom...
It’s appreciable to have our MC, not our so-common perfect girl and always arms up to fight, it’s a nice change.
Thad was active for the first half of the story but faded into the background in the latter half and that left me downhearted for I really enjoyed the sibling interactions.
Sebastian, on the other hand, was by far the best character in this book, we get to see his rise and fall of his character growth and actually experience the difficult changes he’d to go through ou the story.
Two months ago, all he’d wanted was enough coin to buy a solitary life far from Kosim Thalas and the memories it held.
Two months ago, he’d been willing to break his promise to his brother for a chance to avoid another confrontation with his father. To avoid discovering just how like his father he really was inside.
He still wanted his cottage on a sea cliff. He still wanted to avoid his father.
But now he wanted Ari’s safety more....
Now for the best part, one of the problems I have with fantasy is how they portray their world, in many books I usually skim through their details of market places and politics. But I was saved from that in this book. We learn of the world’s trades and streets without it being a dreary task, and we get to explore it with our MCs and not just having an aerial view of it.
And sort of summarises my thoughts about this book; now onto the next read!
In a nutshell, I’ll be looking forward to more of the Raven spire series and hope it’s as good or even better!
farmfreshlisa's review against another edition
4.0
Excellent! I couldn’t put it down. And it kept me engaged to the very end! Fabulous retelling of Rumplestilkskin! I also loved that Hansel abs Gretel with the Fae monster handlers! That was great!
These books are definitely a more gritty version. Reminding me more of Grimms Dairy Tales. Although I totally saw Alastair as Mr Gold from the tv show Once Upon a Time.
This series is for the lovers of Grimms FAiry tales with some once Upon a Time flair. And not what you expect.
These books are definitely a more gritty version. Reminding me more of Grimms Dairy Tales. Although I totally saw Alastair as Mr Gold from the tv show Once Upon a Time.
This series is for the lovers of Grimms FAiry tales with some once Upon a Time flair. And not what you expect.