Scan barcode
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.
selunadrake's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Slow start, some cringe moments. But the plot and characters warmed up to me. Last page ruined the entire thing for me (trigger, character and family death).
hobbiesofstefs's review
4.0
Loved this book!
I could not put this book down. It’s about the importance of family, and the family you make. It’s about strength of will. I love the charters. I think this book is even better the the first one in the series if that is possible. It is in the same world as the first one. It has a nod to the places and people we meet there but they are not in this book. Can’t wait to read the next book.
I could not put this book down. It’s about the importance of family, and the family you make. It’s about strength of will. I love the charters. I think this book is even better the the first one in the series if that is possible. It is in the same world as the first one. It has a nod to the places and people we meet there but they are not in this book. Can’t wait to read the next book.
melissasbookshelf's review against another edition
4.0
Loved this creative retelling of Rumplestiltskin. This is the second book in the Ravenspire series and was just as fabulous as the first. This can be read as a stand alone. The characters from the first book briefly appear in the second book, but have no bearing on this story. I loved that this was a clean read with great story telling, magic, and action with a hint of romance. Highly recommend this series to teenagers. I think my daughter would really like this.
laughlinesandliterature's review against another edition
3.0
*I received this book from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review*
The Wish Granter is a difficult book to review because while I did enjoy it, it felt very stilted. I’ve enjoyed this author’s works in the past, but there was something about this book that felt disjointed. I liked Ari and Sebastian and their relationship was about the only part of this book that felt genuine. Alistair Teague in his entirety just felt forced, he was forced to be evil, and I felt like I was supposed to feel bad for him, but mostly I just hated him. His backstory was such that it was obviously supposed to make me feel for him, and I just didn’t. His purpose was supposed to cause discord and strife, and he was supposed to be a Wish Granter and hurt people. That was his destiny on the faerie island, and everywhere else. It was just too much.
Also I had some issues with the plot. What exactly did Thad think was going to happen when he made that wish? Even if after he was crowned king and he realized the extent of Teague’s treachery did he not just sacrifice himself and Ari? OF COURSE YOU’RE LESS IMPORTANT THAN THE ENTIRE WORLD. I understand that’s a hard decision to come to, but seriously how many people died before Ari was able to free them all. I felt like they were all very self-centered. More worried about saving themselves and those they love than thinking about the effect on the world. And maybe that is real life behavior, but I was kind of disappointed in the characters because of that. It was still a good book, and held my attention. However, I don’t think I could give more than 3 out of 5 stars, especially considering that it became tedious at times and hard to continue reading.
*This review was first posted on Moonlight Gleam Reviews http://moonlightgleam.com/2017/02/the-wish-granter-by-cj-redwine-review.html*
The Wish Granter is a difficult book to review because while I did enjoy it, it felt very stilted. I’ve enjoyed this author’s works in the past, but there was something about this book that felt disjointed. I liked Ari and Sebastian and their relationship was about the only part of this book that felt genuine. Alistair Teague in his entirety just felt forced, he was forced to be evil, and I felt like I was supposed to feel bad for him, but mostly I just hated him. His backstory was such that it was obviously supposed to make me feel for him, and I just didn’t. His purpose was supposed to cause discord and strife, and he was supposed to be a Wish Granter and hurt people. That was his destiny on the faerie island, and everywhere else. It was just too much.
Also I had some issues with the plot. What exactly did Thad think was going to happen when he made that wish? Even if after he was crowned king and he realized the extent of Teague’s treachery did he not just sacrifice himself and Ari? OF COURSE YOU’RE LESS IMPORTANT THAN THE ENTIRE WORLD. I understand that’s a hard decision to come to, but seriously how many people died before Ari was able to free them all. I felt like they were all very self-centered. More worried about saving themselves and those they love than thinking about the effect on the world. And maybe that is real life behavior, but I was kind of disappointed in the characters because of that. It was still a good book, and held my attention. However, I don’t think I could give more than 3 out of 5 stars, especially considering that it became tedious at times and hard to continue reading.
*This review was first posted on Moonlight Gleam Reviews http://moonlightgleam.com/2017/02/the-wish-granter-by-cj-redwine-review.html*
perilous1's review against another edition
4.0
An uncommon fairytale retelling, with an equally uncommon heroine—ideal for fans of Once Upon A Time.
While tied to the first book in the Ravenspire series, The Wish Granter stands perfectly well on its own. It is told in a similar way--primarily dual POV in past-tense, with a smattering of the villain’s perspective threaded through. The resulting effect is consistent and cohesive. Some of the re-imagined elements (i.e. Hansel & Gretel: Monster Wranglers) posed intriguing worldbuilding questions that readers may look forward to being answered in future installments.
The Heroine:
Arianna Glavan never asked to be a princess. When the ruling mantle inexplicably falls to her and her twin brother Thad, she tries to make the best of their newfound responsibilities. But while the kingdom of Sundraille is their home, it doesn’t accept the illegitimate heirs with open arms. Their leadership turns out to be little more than a puppet dictatorship under the thumb of a drug-dealing Fae kingpin named Alistair Teague. Defying Teague means death, but submitting to him means the corrosive destruction of everything good in Sundraille.
Ari is an exceedingly pleasant departure from Redwine’s previous heroines. (As much as I enjoy a no-nonsense kick-butt warrior for a protagonist, it’s nice to see an author flex their range.) She is quick-witted, pithily sarcastic, deeply caring—immediately likeable. She also happens to be plus-sized, ethnically blended, and reeling from a lifetime of being the ignored bastard child of the king rather than a “true” royalty. Never mind the fact that she’d rather be baking up a storm than trying to run an ungrateful, disintegrating kingdom.
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.”
All hail Princess Sassy-Pants! (I’m looking at you, Disney.)
The Hero:
Sebastian is a sympathetic hero, escaping a dismally awful background in hopes of a better life away from the drugs, abuse, and organized crime that were seemingly his birthright. His new job at the palace lands him directly in the path of the unorthodox—and doggedly determined--princess. Her insistence on treating him as an equal is enough to gradually chip away at his damaged past and sense of inferiority. While the eventual romance that develops between them is the kind that springs forth from a desperate thrown-together situation, it’s all the more believable for it.
If I had one qualm with this story, it would be in wishing there was something even mildly redemptive about Sebastian’s mother. I could accept his father being an abusive, 1-dimensional villain... but I was hoping for more depth out of the drug-seeking woman he felt motivated to fund a better life for. (Even just a memory or two of a time when she’d been more maternal, or a theory as to what hurts from her past drove her to this lifestyle, would have probably sufficed.) As it was, I struggled to understand how Sebastian could have turned out as an even vaguely honorable and/or functional human being—given there was no hint of any positive adult influence in his upbringing.
I also would have loved to see more of that living Fae house that came into play at the halfway point. It is said that a location can be a secondary character if portrayed well, but this reader had never before seen the concept taken so literally!
On the whole, this book is likely to prove an endearing and memorable experience for any medium-fantasy or fairytale enthusiast.
Favorite Quote:
"Sometimes having courage means the hardest tasks fall onto your shoulders, and those leave the biggest scars.”
While tied to the first book in the Ravenspire series, The Wish Granter stands perfectly well on its own. It is told in a similar way--primarily dual POV in past-tense, with a smattering of the villain’s perspective threaded through. The resulting effect is consistent and cohesive. Some of the re-imagined elements (i.e. Hansel & Gretel: Monster Wranglers) posed intriguing worldbuilding questions that readers may look forward to being answered in future installments.
The Heroine:
Arianna Glavan never asked to be a princess. When the ruling mantle inexplicably falls to her and her twin brother Thad, she tries to make the best of their newfound responsibilities. But while the kingdom of Sundraille is their home, it doesn’t accept the illegitimate heirs with open arms. Their leadership turns out to be little more than a puppet dictatorship under the thumb of a drug-dealing Fae kingpin named Alistair Teague. Defying Teague means death, but submitting to him means the corrosive destruction of everything good in Sundraille.
Ari is an exceedingly pleasant departure from Redwine’s previous heroines. (As much as I enjoy a no-nonsense kick-butt warrior for a protagonist, it’s nice to see an author flex their range.) She is quick-witted, pithily sarcastic, deeply caring—immediately likeable. She also happens to be plus-sized, ethnically blended, and reeling from a lifetime of being the ignored bastard child of the king rather than a “true” royalty. Never mind the fact that she’d rather be baking up a storm than trying to run an ungrateful, disintegrating kingdom.
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.”
All hail Princess Sassy-Pants! (I’m looking at you, Disney.)
The Hero:
Sebastian is a sympathetic hero, escaping a dismally awful background in hopes of a better life away from the drugs, abuse, and organized crime that were seemingly his birthright. His new job at the palace lands him directly in the path of the unorthodox—and doggedly determined--princess. Her insistence on treating him as an equal is enough to gradually chip away at his damaged past and sense of inferiority. While the eventual romance that develops between them is the kind that springs forth from a desperate thrown-together situation, it’s all the more believable for it.
If I had one qualm with this story, it would be in wishing there was something even mildly redemptive about Sebastian’s mother. I could accept his father being an abusive, 1-dimensional villain... but I was hoping for more depth out of the drug-seeking woman he felt motivated to fund a better life for. (Even just a memory or two of a time when she’d been more maternal, or a theory as to what hurts from her past drove her to this lifestyle, would have probably sufficed.) As it was, I struggled to understand how Sebastian could have turned out as an even vaguely honorable and/or functional human being—given there was no hint of any positive adult influence in his upbringing.
I also would have loved to see more of that living Fae house that came into play at the halfway point. It is said that a location can be a secondary character if portrayed well, but this reader had never before seen the concept taken so literally!
On the whole, this book is likely to prove an endearing and memorable experience for any medium-fantasy or fairytale enthusiast.
Favorite Quote:
"Sometimes having courage means the hardest tasks fall onto your shoulders, and those leave the biggest scars.”
turtlebuddy's review against another edition
5.0
Good fantasy, good characters, good action, good romance, good plot! It wasn’t my favorite fantasy ever, but I can’t really think of any reasons why not except that it’s YA when that’s literally the genre.
bookisheri98's review against another edition
5.0
I only have one word for this book and it's not even a word: <3 (loved)
annaaugustineauthor's review against another edition
4.0
This book was a lot. Good…but a lot. It was intense from the get go and didn’t let up until almost the end. I loved Seb and Ari, but the pure torture the characters went through.
•
And Teague?!
•
And Teague?!