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mgosnell's review against another edition
5.0
I had been hearing how great this book was for a while so finally during some downtime during the Christmas break I found some time to read this book.
This was a GREAT book and kept me entertained and engaged the whole time. I finished it in a day and am left wanting more. I loved the twist on an old fashioned fairy tale and all the fun adventures. If you are looking for a fun entertaining read, this is the one for you.
This was a GREAT book and kept me entertained and engaged the whole time. I finished it in a day and am left wanting more. I loved the twist on an old fashioned fairy tale and all the fun adventures. If you are looking for a fun entertaining read, this is the one for you.
dear243's review against another edition
3.0
I received an arc from Netgalley in an exchange for an honest review.
3.5 Foxes out of 5
How I feel when there is a new Fairy Tale retelling out:
I blame it on OUAT and my love for this man:
(
Danger was what made the game of truth and dare fun, but Maggie did not expect it to go this far. Dared to spy on the star high school baseball player’s house (with a father rumored to be in the FBI) the game goes quickly awry. Caught spying, she and her friends are invited to their house. Except...something's wrong. There's a noticeable gloom in the house, a wrongness, that sends the readers heart shuddering. I've never read a retelling for the Princess and the Pea, even as a child I found the tale to be quite bland (I mean what kind of plot line revolves around a pea?). But, Teresa Richards was able to bring it to life by turning the pea into a an emerald that sucks the souls of unsuspecting girls.
This book was just so darn entertaining. I love retellings, I love reading my favorite fairy tales with an added twist. Teresa Richards was able to skillfully turn a nursery tale into a complex, dark book that compelled me to abandon my anatomy homework for (Et tu, book?).
I am a firm believer that all retellings need to bring something new to the table (i.e: Cinder=futuristic cyborgs, ACOTAR=fairies, etc), and Teresa Richards not only brings a lot to the table, SHE BRINGS THE TABLE. This book was unique, with plot twists, and intricate side stories, and complex characters. (oh, and as a side not, let’s not forget the AMAZING depiction of female friendship)
Light and breezy, Maggie is a narrator designed to entertain. And boy, does she. Humorous, and with plenty of pop culture references, she is compelling to read. Each character had their own voice: from poor, imprisoned Lindy to vapid Marshall. Told between two POVs; from Maggie, in modern day times, and Lindy, in 1600 Sweden, we are able to slowly pierce the mystery behind the emerald.
One of the cons for this book, that lowered my rating, is that I found the villains to be two dimensional. As in, they had the typical motives, the typical lines, the typical cruelty. They didn’t feel real to me, and if anything, they felt like cartoon caricatures of what a villain should be.
But, despite this, I am eagerly awaiting the next book.
If you’re looking for a twist on a beloved fairy tale, for compelling characters, or for hours’ worth of entertainment…pick up this book immediately.
What to read next if you enjoyed this book:
For other Fairy Tale retellings:
-Cinder by marrisa mayer
-A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sara J Maas
-Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge
For similar writing styles:
-Anything by Ally Carter
-Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier
You can read this review and others on my website:
You can read this review and others on my website:
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/7...
http://hebhebheb.tumblr.com/
also, follow me on instagram for all things books:
https://www.instagram.com/dearwilderness/
Sincerely,
3.5 Foxes out of 5
How I feel when there is a new Fairy Tale retelling out:
I blame it on OUAT and my love for this man:
(Danger was what made the game of truth and dare fun, but Maggie did not expect it to go this far. Dared to spy on the star high school baseball player’s house (with a father rumored to be in the FBI) the game goes quickly awry. Caught spying, she and her friends are invited to their house. Except...something's wrong. There's a noticeable gloom in the house, a wrongness, that sends the readers heart shuddering. I've never read a retelling for the Princess and the Pea, even as a child I found the tale to be quite bland (I mean what kind of plot line revolves around a pea?). But, Teresa Richards was able to bring it to life by turning the pea into a an emerald that sucks the souls of unsuspecting girls.
This book was just so darn entertaining. I love retellings, I love reading my favorite fairy tales with an added twist. Teresa Richards was able to skillfully turn a nursery tale into a complex, dark book that compelled me to abandon my anatomy homework for (Et tu, book?).
I am a firm believer that all retellings need to bring something new to the table (i.e: Cinder=futuristic cyborgs, ACOTAR=fairies, etc), and Teresa Richards not only brings a lot to the table, SHE BRINGS THE TABLE. This book was unique, with plot twists, and intricate side stories, and complex characters. (oh, and as a side not, let’s not forget the AMAZING depiction of female friendship)
Light and breezy, Maggie is a narrator designed to entertain. And boy, does she. Humorous, and with plenty of pop culture references, she is compelling to read. Each character had their own voice: from poor, imprisoned Lindy to vapid Marshall. Told between two POVs; from Maggie, in modern day times, and Lindy, in 1600 Sweden, we are able to slowly pierce the mystery behind the emerald.
One of the cons for this book, that lowered my rating, is that I found the villains to be two dimensional. As in, they had the typical motives, the typical lines, the typical cruelty. They didn’t feel real to me, and if anything, they felt like cartoon caricatures of what a villain should be.
But, despite this, I am eagerly awaiting the next book.
If you’re looking for a twist on a beloved fairy tale, for compelling characters, or for hours’ worth of entertainment…pick up this book immediately.
What to read next if you enjoyed this book:
For other Fairy Tale retellings:
-Cinder by marrisa mayer
-A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sara J Maas
-Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge
For similar writing styles:
-Anything by Ally Carter
-Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier
You can read this review and others on my website:
You can read this review and others on my website:
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/7...
http://hebhebheb.tumblr.com/
also, follow me on instagram for all things books:
https://www.instagram.com/dearwilderness/
Sincerely,
rosemarieshort's review against another edition
3.0
I was given this book in exchange for a fair review. My thanks go to Teresa Richards, Evernight Teen and Netgalley.
I am an avid reader of fairytale retellings and I have never before seen a retelling of The Princess and the Pea. This alone was enough to convince me to give Emerald Bound a read.
There were many things to like here; there are two generally likeable heroines, some interesting villains, a cool concept…but I can’t help wishing there was more of all of the above. Whilst I enjoyed both Maggie and Lindy’s chapters, I was far more drawn to Lindy’s story and would have loved to more of the years she spent enslaved to her captors. Similarly Calista and Theo were interesting but underused; hearing more about their lives and motivations would have expanded by interest.
The concept was, I thought, extremely innovative. I loved the imagination behind the reworking of the pea under the mattress scenario. However my interest, once piqued, was never satisfied. Emerald Bound is a debut and is left of a bit of a cliffhanger, so I wonder whether some secrets are being kept back for a sequel? This hasn’t been confirmed, but as a reader I was hoping for more completion within Emerald Bound itself; especially regarding the way the “peas” worked their magic!
My only other gripe came from the “insta-attraction” between two of the main characters. I didn’t feel like it was particularly real and their feelings didn’t sell to me. However for the most part I could easily overlook this in favour of the imaginative retelling and the snappy writing which kept me moving swiftly along. Having a time limit within the story itself definitely added to the pace, keeping things escalating to an almost break-neck, nail biting finale.
Overall this is a fun and speedy read, recommended for its interesting storytelling. As a debut author Richards does some great writing; but I could have done without the romance. My eyes are peeled for a sequel!
I am an avid reader of fairytale retellings and I have never before seen a retelling of The Princess and the Pea. This alone was enough to convince me to give Emerald Bound a read.
There were many things to like here; there are two generally likeable heroines, some interesting villains, a cool concept…but I can’t help wishing there was more of all of the above. Whilst I enjoyed both Maggie and Lindy’s chapters, I was far more drawn to Lindy’s story and would have loved to more of the years she spent enslaved to her captors. Similarly Calista and Theo were interesting but underused; hearing more about their lives and motivations would have expanded by interest.
The concept was, I thought, extremely innovative. I loved the imagination behind the reworking of the pea under the mattress scenario. However my interest, once piqued, was never satisfied. Emerald Bound is a debut and is left of a bit of a cliffhanger, so I wonder whether some secrets are being kept back for a sequel? This hasn’t been confirmed, but as a reader I was hoping for more completion within Emerald Bound itself; especially regarding the way the “peas” worked their magic!
My only other gripe came from the “insta-attraction” between two of the main characters. I didn’t feel like it was particularly real and their feelings didn’t sell to me. However for the most part I could easily overlook this in favour of the imaginative retelling and the snappy writing which kept me moving swiftly along. Having a time limit within the story itself definitely added to the pace, keeping things escalating to an almost break-neck, nail biting finale.
Overall this is a fun and speedy read, recommended for its interesting storytelling. As a debut author Richards does some great writing; but I could have done without the romance. My eyes are peeled for a sequel!
anabbesteves's review against another edition
3.0
Review: Emerald Bound by Teresa Richards
*The publisher provided this book in exchange for an honest review through NetGalley.*
A game of truth or dare ends up badly. When Maggie Rhodes and her friends break into the home of the hottest guy in school they are captured by him and his parents. They want something from them.
The family has to feed the emerald that gave origin to the princess and the pea. Only that the princess isn't a princess but Lindy, who was sold by her father to them. The peas are in truth precious stones obtained by draining young girl's lives. Only Lindy and now Maggie have escaped the emerald's curse. Even though Lindy still finds herself linked to her oppressors.
Now Maggie has to break the curse in order to save her friend Kate. Luckily she has Lindy's help and also the help of Garon, a handsome and mysterious stranger.
I found that, in the beginning, this book was very very hard to get into. It didn't seem to captivate my attention and curiosity. After awhile, I found that the more I dived into it, the more interesting it became. Knowing the characters and their struggles helped me to feel something for them and actually focus on the story itself.
The characters evolved naturally and didn't seem artificial. One thing that stands out in this book is how the story abruptly changes when ou least expect it. There are surprises all over the plot and it's amazing.
Never had I read something quite this unique. The fact that the author was able to take a widely known fairy tale and turn it into a whole new story was amazing. You can still see which parts come from the tale itself and the parts that were put in by the author but it actually feels real.
I cannot say that this was an amazing book but I can honestly say that it is a new and original concept that I enjoyed. If you like fantasy with a touch of romance and despair but that isn't mushy and with sprinkles of north European history then this is a book for you.
Review: Emerald Bound by Teresa Richards
*The publisher provided this book in exchange for an honest review through NetGalley.*
A game of truth or dare ends up badly. When Maggie Rhodes and her friends break into the home of the hottest guy in school they are captured by him and his parents. They want something from them.
The family has to feed the emerald that gave origin to the princess and the pea. Only that the princess isn't a princess but Lindy, who was sold by her father to them. The peas are in truth precious stones obtained by draining young girl's lives. Only Lindy and now Maggie have escaped the emerald's curse. Even though Lindy still finds herself linked to her oppressors.
Now Maggie has to break the curse in order to save her friend Kate. Luckily she has Lindy's help and also the help of Garon, a handsome and mysterious stranger.
I found that, in the beginning, this book was very very hard to get into. It didn't seem to captivate my attention and curiosity. After awhile, I found that the more I dived into it, the more interesting it became. Knowing the characters and their struggles helped me to feel something for them and actually focus on the story itself.
The characters evolved naturally and didn't seem artificial. One thing that stands out in this book is how the story abruptly changes when ou least expect it. There are surprises all over the plot and it's amazing.
Never had I read something quite this unique. The fact that the author was able to take a widely known fairy tale and turn it into a whole new story was amazing. You can still see which parts come from the tale itself and the parts that were put in by the author but it actually feels real.
I cannot say that this was an amazing book but I can honestly say that it is a new and original concept that I enjoyed. If you like fantasy with a touch of romance and despair but that isn't mushy and with sprinkles of north European history then this is a book for you.
Review: Emerald Bound by Teresa Richards
sarahrita's review against another edition
5.0
I received a copy of this book free from the publisher via Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
Please see my full review at www.coffeeandtrainspotting.wordpress.com
Please see my full review at www.coffeeandtrainspotting.wordpress.com
elvenavari's review against another edition
3.0
I probably never would have picked this book up if I hadn't met the author at my library when she was there for a talk about writing and publishing. I bought a copy and it's been on my shelf ever since.
Overall, it was a pretty good read. The characters were well developed and had faults. The plot was interesting and kept me reading. My only real complaint was about Tanner, the main character's brother. He was such a great character who was just put there as a plot device. The author certainly left the ending open enough for a sequel.
Overall, it was a pretty good read. The characters were well developed and had faults. The plot was interesting and kept me reading. My only real complaint was about Tanner, the main character's brother. He was such a great character who was just put there as a plot device. The author certainly left the ending open enough for a sequel.
ichigoluvah's review against another edition
3.0
This novel is a reimagining of the fairy tale “The Princess and the Pea” and does so in a very interesting way. There's nothing I love more than alternate fairy tales, so I had to give this book a try. This blurb from the book gives a better summary than I ever could:
“It's not a fairy tale, it's a horror story... The bed I slept in almost four hundred years ago had only one mattress. It was not in a castle, and the innkeepers were not royalty. They were not searching for a princess; rather, they sought maidens with plenty of life to live. The item placed under the beds of their victims was not a pea, but a stone. Several stones, in fact.”
Now, I want to start by saying that the audience for this book is definitely for teens. While there are some YA novels have a maturity level that appeals to a wide range of age groups, this is definitely not one of those. Expect teenage humor and thoughts, and falling for a boy you just met that day!
That being said, once you know what type of reading experience you're in for, this was a great book. It was fast paced, there was plenty of excitement and adventure, and the plot kept me interested. Although there wasn't a ton of character development present, it didn't stand out as lacking. The story focuses so much on the events and action taking place that the internal character development missing is not too drastically missed.
Rating
Overall, I would rate this book a 3.5 out of 5. It was a fun light read, and it felt fresh and different. While I haven't fully decided whether it was a book I would read again in the future, it was definitely a fun first read and I might see myself picking it up again several years from now. If you enjoy alternate fairy tales and can handle a true “teen” YA novel, then I would definitely recommend this read!
“It's not a fairy tale, it's a horror story... The bed I slept in almost four hundred years ago had only one mattress. It was not in a castle, and the innkeepers were not royalty. They were not searching for a princess; rather, they sought maidens with plenty of life to live. The item placed under the beds of their victims was not a pea, but a stone. Several stones, in fact.”
Now, I want to start by saying that the audience for this book is definitely for teens. While there are some YA novels have a maturity level that appeals to a wide range of age groups, this is definitely not one of those. Expect teenage humor and thoughts, and falling for a boy you just met that day!
That being said, once you know what type of reading experience you're in for, this was a great book. It was fast paced, there was plenty of excitement and adventure, and the plot kept me interested. Although there wasn't a ton of character development present, it didn't stand out as lacking. The story focuses so much on the events and action taking place that the internal character development missing is not too drastically missed.
Rating
Overall, I would rate this book a 3.5 out of 5. It was a fun light read, and it felt fresh and different. While I haven't fully decided whether it was a book I would read again in the future, it was definitely a fun first read and I might see myself picking it up again several years from now. If you enjoy alternate fairy tales and can handle a true “teen” YA novel, then I would definitely recommend this read!
pm_ray's review against another edition
5.0
Emerald Bound is a reinterpretation of the Princess and the Pea. The story opens with Maggie Rhodes and her friends doing a "Spy-by" and things soon get...complicated...with Maggie finding herself trying to break a four hundred year old curse to save one of her friends.
While I don't usually read YA I enjoyed this book. It creatively builds off the fairy tale in interesting ways and despite being for a YA audience, the author's easy, flowing, writing moves forward an often complex plot with a lot of twists that adds mystery along with adventure.
Despite the story being plot driven, the characterization was well done and I found myself rooting for Maggie even as I stayed up way too late to see how the story would end.
While I don't usually read YA I enjoyed this book. It creatively builds off the fairy tale in interesting ways and despite being for a YA audience, the author's easy, flowing, writing moves forward an often complex plot with a lot of twists that adds mystery along with adventure.
Despite the story being plot driven, the characterization was well done and I found myself rooting for Maggie even as I stayed up way too late to see how the story would end.
goldguardie's review against another edition
3.0
2.5 stars. Read my more entertaining review here.
I truly commend the author on picking a less mainstream fairy tale to retell! I like the Princess and the Pea and have found it super underutilized in the modern genre of retellings.
We end up following two different stories within this book--one in the present that follows Maggie and her missing BFF, and the other that tries to convey the origin story of the emerald as well as Lindy, the weird loner classmate who lived not only in the olden-day country of Valstenia, but also now...in Maggie's time. This makes the plot feel convoluted and disjointed....and really made it feel tedious and draggy.
Honestly, I didn't love this book. I was really looking forward to a neat retelling, but in my opinion it missed the mark and seemed to only extract the "object under the mattress" aspect of the original tale.
While parts of the story line were creative, I think what held my enjoyment of it back so much was that this was supposed to be a retelling, but just ended up its own separate story. The characters weren't very well developed and some of the revelations we get right at the ending seemed rushed and stuck in last minute because it was easy to make that the resolution.
Overall, this book was decently written and I smell a sequel brewing, but I don't think I will be reading anything else related to this book. If you're into YA chase scenes with a few fairy tale elements thrown in, you might be interested in picking up a copy!
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what I got from this: O needs to keep his damn gemstones under control. It also seems like there will be another book, but I probably won't be reading it.
I truly commend the author on picking a less mainstream fairy tale to retell! I like the Princess and the Pea and have found it super underutilized in the modern genre of retellings.
We end up following two different stories within this book--one in the present that follows Maggie and her missing BFF, and the other that tries to convey the origin story of the emerald as well as Lindy, the weird loner classmate who lived not only in the olden-day country of Valstenia, but also now...in Maggie's time. This makes the plot feel convoluted and disjointed....and really made it feel tedious and draggy.
Honestly, I didn't love this book. I was really looking forward to a neat retelling, but in my opinion it missed the mark and seemed to only extract the "object under the mattress" aspect of the original tale.
While parts of the story line were creative, I think what held my enjoyment of it back so much was that this was supposed to be a retelling, but just ended up its own separate story. The characters weren't very well developed and some of the revelations we get right at the ending seemed rushed and stuck in last minute because it was easy to make that the resolution.
Overall, this book was decently written and I smell a sequel brewing, but I don't think I will be reading anything else related to this book. If you're into YA chase scenes with a few fairy tale elements thrown in, you might be interested in picking up a copy!
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what I got from this: O needs to keep his damn gemstones under control. It also seems like there will be another book, but I probably won't be reading it.