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3.94 AVERAGE
3.94 AVERAGE
What a delightful read! This is my first Melanie Dickerson book and I'm happy to hear that she has five more in the Hagenheim series.
If you are looking for a sweet love story, fairy-tale retelling of Rapunzel mixed with some Christian fiction, this is perfect for you. The dialogue is witty, the action and adventure is paced well, and the Christian message behind everything isn't too preachy.
My daughters and I love watching Tangled and when I signed up for this blog tour, I was curious to see what Dickerson's take on this fairy-tale would be. I am happy to say that her take on the story was definitely an original one and still very interesting. Rapunzel's character really spoke to me because she is searching for who she truly is, in a coming-of-age story. I love when people write princesses who are bold and adventurous, versus dainty and weak. Rapunzel is definitely no damsel in distress in this book, but she was still feminine and vulnerable too.
Mother Gothel was truly evil in this rendition, even more so than in the Disney version, in my opinion. I love the storyline with Rapunzel going against her mother to learn to read. It was a unique take on her relationship with her mother and later, Sir Gerek, who was definitely swoon-worthy, especially once the two of them start to rely more on God's guidance instead of their own.
I also enjoyed that this book felt very much like a historical fiction one with all the references to different time period in Germany. It was fun to learn about the different customs and traditions.
My only critique is that there times when the book bordered a little too closely to being cheesy at times, or cliched rather, but once I got over that, it was still very enjoyable.
Looking forward to checking out Dickerson's other titles!
If you are looking for a sweet love story, fairy-tale retelling of Rapunzel mixed with some Christian fiction, this is perfect for you. The dialogue is witty, the action and adventure is paced well, and the Christian message behind everything isn't too preachy.
My daughters and I love watching Tangled and when I signed up for this blog tour, I was curious to see what Dickerson's take on this fairy-tale would be. I am happy to say that her take on the story was definitely an original one and still very interesting. Rapunzel's character really spoke to me because she is searching for who she truly is, in a coming-of-age story. I love when people write princesses who are bold and adventurous, versus dainty and weak. Rapunzel is definitely no damsel in distress in this book, but she was still feminine and vulnerable too.
Mother Gothel was truly evil in this rendition, even more so than in the Disney version, in my opinion. I love the storyline with Rapunzel going against her mother to learn to read. It was a unique take on her relationship with her mother and later, Sir Gerek, who was definitely swoon-worthy, especially once the two of them start to rely more on God's guidance instead of their own.
I also enjoyed that this book felt very much like a historical fiction one with all the references to different time period in Germany. It was fun to learn about the different customs and traditions.
My only critique is that there times when the book bordered a little too closely to being cheesy at times, or cliched rather, but once I got over that, it was still very enjoyable.
Looking forward to checking out Dickerson's other titles!
I loved this book and the retelling of Rapunzel!
There were some interesting twists and turns.
I loved Sir Gerek and his care for Rapunzel.
I loved how this book showed there can be hope even when things look down, even in spite of evil around them.
There were some interesting twists and turns.
I loved Sir Gerek and his care for Rapunzel.
I loved how this book showed there can be hope even when things look down, even in spite of evil around them.
If you enjoy fairy tales but want a more modern take on them then Melanie Dickerson’s, The Golden Braid, is one that you must get. It’s a young adult (YA) novel but I became thoroughly engrossed in it from the beginning even though at times I found Rapunzel to be quite annoying the book was fast paced and engrossing. During one of their many moves, Mother Gothel and Rapunzel run into some thieves and so also meet up with Sir Gerek, he saves their lives and then in return Rapunzel ends up saving his. All Rapunzel wants is to learn how to read, Latin and German, so she can study the Holy Writ for herself and marry. Mother Gothel is opposed to both and will go to extreme lengths to make sure it is so, even lying as to how Rapunzel came to live with her.
Taking place in the year 1413, this modern day tale is set in the past, and will quickly remind you of some of the original story such as Rapunzel’s beautiful singing voice, her artistic ability, however there are no fantastical healing or the ability to make Mother Gothel young by simply touching her hair. I enjoy Melanie’s ability to take a classic tale and turn it into something new and fresh, while also weaving the faith aspect into it – as Rapunzel learns to read she begins to explore more of what the Bible has to say and forms her own ideas and sets out to be free of her “Mother” even as her guilt makes her feel obligated. This classic tale of Rapunzel made new and fresh will pull you into her world and see a faith that is usually absent from these fairy tales.
**I was provided a copy of this book from Litfuse in exchange for my honest opinion, no other compensation was given
Taking place in the year 1413, this modern day tale is set in the past, and will quickly remind you of some of the original story such as Rapunzel’s beautiful singing voice, her artistic ability, however there are no fantastical healing or the ability to make Mother Gothel young by simply touching her hair. I enjoy Melanie’s ability to take a classic tale and turn it into something new and fresh, while also weaving the faith aspect into it – as Rapunzel learns to read she begins to explore more of what the Bible has to say and forms her own ideas and sets out to be free of her “Mother” even as her guilt makes her feel obligated. This classic tale of Rapunzel made new and fresh will pull you into her world and see a faith that is usually absent from these fairy tales.
**I was provided a copy of this book from Litfuse in exchange for my honest opinion, no other compensation was given
Rapunzel can throw a knife better than any man. She paints beautiful flowering vines on the walls of her plaster houses. She sings so sweetly she can coax even a beast to sleep. But there are two things she is afraid her mother might never allow her to do: learn to read and marry. Fiercely devoted to Rapunzel, her mother is suspicious of every man who so much as looks at her daughter and warns her that no man can be trusted. After a young village farmer asks for Rapunzel's hand in marriage, Mother decides to move them once again—this time, to the large city of Hagenheim. The journey proves treacherous, and after being rescued by a knight—Sir Gerek—Rapunzel, in turn, rescues him farther down the road. As a result, Sir Gerek agrees to repay his debt to Rapunzel by teaching her to read. Could there be more to him than his arrogance and desire to marry for riches and position? As Rapunzel acclimates to life in a new city, she uncovers a mystery that will forever change her life. In this Rapunzel story unlike any other, a world of secrets and treachery are about to be revealed after seventeen years. How will Rapunzel finally take control of her own destiny? And who will prove faithful to a lowly peasant girl with no one to turn to?
After the disappointment that was The Huntress of Thornbeck Forest, I was hesitant to read this book. More so, because Rapunzel is usually presented as a damsel in distress, a heroine who needs saving - which makes it difficult to imagine a version (see, I'm not a writer, okay?) where she comes off as the hero. So, I was pleasantly surprised that The Golden Braid actually made her out to be a courageous girl, who, while still chained to her mother, shows a streak of independence or late-teenage rebellion. She has been told all her life by Gothel, to stay away from men, to always be wary of them, and that they would want only one thing from her. Even though she is an adult, her mother won't let her life the way she wants. She is not imprisoned in a tower, but tied to her mother nevertheless.
On the way to settle into the city, Greck saves them from brigands, but gets injured in the process. Their paths cross again when Rapunzel goes for reading lessons to the monastery that is taking care of him, making him her unwilling tutor. Theirs is tentative relationship at first - him grudgingly teaching her and she wary of his intentions, but they soon come to be friends. There is an attraction, but none of them are ready to act on it. However, Gothel finds out, and serves an ultimatum to Rapunzel, pushing her to finally take the leap and free herself of her mother. But while serving in the Duke's castle, she comes to learn of her true parentage; alas, the castle is also under attack from a rival earl's heir. She applies her smart mind, saves the day, but is whisked away by Gothel. Here's where the story becomes a bit slow and a bit, should I say, preachy. But the religion, this time around, was at least, put as a measure of hope, rather than filling lines. Although, the story could have easily done away with the divine intervention that finally leads him to the tower. And really, Gothel wasn't punished further, even though she admitted to so many crimes?
So, since the previous book is still fresh in my mind, I can't help but make comparisons. Rapunzel shows more courage, has more action than Odette, who was supposed to be huntress. She even manages to rouse a kitchen staff into a poisoning plan to aid the Castle people. Her character development is also better, as she learns to trust people, to become accepting of kindness rather than doubt it. Her eagerness for knowledge, and to read, is also particularly inspiring, as well as her kindness and willingness to forgive. She doesn't rush headlong in danger, as opposed to the silly Odette - even wary to face her mother on her own, for fear that she could be overpowered. The book's strong point was undoubtedly to put Rapunzel, as the main hero, but it also has shades of Tangled. Anyway, it was a good read, and was better than I expected.
Received a free galley from Thomas Nelson via Netgalley; this does not influence my opinions or the review.
After the disappointment that was The Huntress of Thornbeck Forest, I was hesitant to read this book. More so, because Rapunzel is usually presented as a damsel in distress, a heroine who needs saving - which makes it difficult to imagine a version (see, I'm not a writer, okay?) where she comes off as the hero. So, I was pleasantly surprised that The Golden Braid actually made her out to be a courageous girl, who, while still chained to her mother, shows a streak of independence or late-teenage rebellion. She has been told all her life by Gothel, to stay away from men, to always be wary of them, and that they would want only one thing from her. Even though she is an adult, her mother won't let her life the way she wants. She is not imprisoned in a tower, but tied to her mother nevertheless.
On the way to settle into the city, Greck saves them from brigands, but gets injured in the process. Their paths cross again when Rapunzel goes for reading lessons to the monastery that is taking care of him, making him her unwilling tutor. Theirs is tentative relationship at first - him grudgingly teaching her and she wary of his intentions, but they soon come to be friends. There is an attraction, but none of them are ready to act on it. However, Gothel finds out, and serves an ultimatum to Rapunzel, pushing her to finally take the leap and free herself of her mother. But while serving in the Duke's castle, she comes to learn of her true parentage; alas, the castle is also under attack from a rival earl's heir. She applies her smart mind, saves the day, but is whisked away by Gothel. Here's where the story becomes a bit slow and a bit, should I say, preachy. But the religion, this time around, was at least, put as a measure of hope, rather than filling lines. Although, the story could have easily done away with the divine intervention that finally leads him to the tower. And really, Gothel wasn't punished further, even though she admitted to so many crimes?
So, since the previous book is still fresh in my mind, I can't help but make comparisons. Rapunzel shows more courage, has more action than Odette, who was supposed to be huntress. She even manages to rouse a kitchen staff into a poisoning plan to aid the Castle people. Her character development is also better, as she learns to trust people, to become accepting of kindness rather than doubt it. Her eagerness for knowledge, and to read, is also particularly inspiring, as well as her kindness and willingness to forgive. She doesn't rush headlong in danger, as opposed to the silly Odette - even wary to face her mother on her own, for fear that she could be overpowered. The book's strong point was undoubtedly to put Rapunzel, as the main hero, but it also has shades of Tangled. Anyway, it was a good read, and was better than I expected.
Received a free galley from Thomas Nelson via Netgalley; this does not influence my opinions or the review.
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Another one of my favourites from the Hagenheim series, book #6 is the story of Rapunzel!
Rapunzel and her mother, Gothel, never seem to stay in one place for very long, but with their arrival in the city of Hagenheim, Rapunzel hopes she may finally be able to make some friends, find a job other than helping with her mother’s midwife business, and perhaps even get the chance to learn to read! At the age of 19, Rapunzel feels like she is ready to live her own life. But Gothel doesn’t agree, and it’s starting to seem like she never will.
I absolutely loved Rapunzel’s courage in the way she stepped out from under her mother’s roof — even though she still loved her and didn’t want to disappoint her — in order to follow her passions and create a future for herself that she could be proud of, and the way she learned to think for herself and see the world through a different lens than the one her mother had shown her for her whole life.
I also really liked Gothel as the villain, because she starts out seeming to be nothing more than an overly protective mother. She may be strict and have an unusually strong aversion to men, but she does appear to have her daughter’s wellbeing as her top priority. However, as we see Gothel’s reactions to Rapunzel’s push for independence and autonomy, we realize just how warped her mind is and how twisted her ideas of love and family are – and just how dangerous that makes her.
I'm giving this book the benefit of the doubt even though it's really a 3.5 star book.
-the book was very similar to tangled AT PARTS though it definitely differed.
-the book was set in the 1400s and I'm delightfully surprised that rapunzel knew how to throw a knife and an array of other things. and she desperately wanted to learn how to read. I admire that SO MUCH.
-the book referenced and quoted the Bible, which is something I don't see a lot, and it was pleasantly different. it also touched on the love and power of God, which I know about because I'm religious, so it was something I liked.
-however, the writing was not very descriptive. it felt like things moved very fast and happened quickly. (which I didn't hate, I just wanted some more details)
-rapunzel's character felt like two different people at times: one minute she was a badass who could throw knives and she was sassing Sir Gerek, but the next she was quavering and being docile towards her "mother"
-I do LOVE that she asked Gerek for a recommendation as a maid at the castle, to be independent of her mother and make money on her own
-I liked gerek for the most part. I admired his desire to marry a woman before having sex with her. I disliked his attitude towards rapunzel at first: "she's a peasant, I can't think like that. I can't fall for her!1!1!" fuck societal norms. anyways, it took him like 2/3 of the book to realize he loved her and was gonna ask her to marry him, but the whole book he felt this notion of protecting her. yes, he saved her on multiple occasions, as she acted as the atypical "damsel in distress" but I wish she would've saved herself in more of those situations than just one or two because I think that would have made Gerek less inclined to be borderline overprotective
-I am and always will be a fan of benevolent and beloved rulers because history usually remembers the the tyrants and the man-whores; so I enjoyed seeing the duke and the lady in charge of the kingdom because they were genuinely good people
-I also found out that this was a sixth book in a series of books, but I don't think they're all that connected, so I don't think I missed TOO much. I might eventually read the others, but probably not anytime soon
-the book was very similar to tangled AT PARTS though it definitely differed.
-the book was set in the 1400s and I'm delightfully surprised that rapunzel knew how to throw a knife and an array of other things. and she desperately wanted to learn how to read. I admire that SO MUCH.
-the book referenced and quoted the Bible, which is something I don't see a lot, and it was pleasantly different. it also touched on the love and power of God, which I know about because I'm religious, so it was something I liked.
-however, the writing was not very descriptive. it felt like things moved very fast and happened quickly. (which I didn't hate, I just wanted some more details)
-rapunzel's character felt like two different people at times: one minute she was a badass who could throw knives and she was sassing Sir Gerek, but the next she was quavering and being docile towards her "mother"
-I do LOVE that she asked Gerek for a recommendation as a maid at the castle, to be independent of her mother and make money on her own
-I liked gerek for the most part. I admired his desire to marry a woman before having sex with her. I disliked his attitude towards rapunzel at first: "she's a peasant, I can't think like that. I can't fall for her!1!1!" fuck societal norms. anyways, it took him like 2/3 of the book to realize he loved her and was gonna ask her to marry him, but the whole book he felt this notion of protecting her. yes, he saved her on multiple occasions, as she acted as the atypical "damsel in distress" but I wish she would've saved herself in more of those situations than just one or two because I think that would have made Gerek less inclined to be borderline overprotective
-I am and always will be a fan of benevolent and beloved rulers because history usually remembers the the tyrants and the man-whores; so I enjoyed seeing the duke and the lady in charge of the kingdom because they were genuinely good people
-I also found out that this was a sixth book in a series of books, but I don't think they're all that connected, so I don't think I missed TOO much. I might eventually read the others, but probably not anytime soon