Reviews

Once more upon a time. C'era una volta ancora by Roshani Chokshi

katie_schaffer_heaton's review against another edition

funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

A quick, little fairytale about how love is work if you want to keep it, but is worth the journey if you have found it 

kirs10geese's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Awww I loved this whimsical and charming story! we all know where it’s going but I loved the ride! Such a nice pallet cleanser. It was the right amount of silliness and campy humor for me too. And I still might have reared up at the end a little.

doodle7's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

nightmarebees's review against another edition

5.0

perfect! a perfect bite-sized fairytale. i have no notes. the world is a colorful blend of classic tales and new elements. the humor is silly and timeless (aside from the honey badger joke, which i still respect the hell out of). it’s predictable, yes, but so is a vanilla cupcake, and you still savor one of those when it’s masterfully crafted. i wish this were 200 pages longer. highly recommend for fans of t. kingfisher and stephanie garber.  

magik_the_cat's review against another edition

5.0

This was super cute and hilarious. I'm sad it's so short. I need more.

mcallan0627's review against another edition

adventurous funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated

2.0

joxertd's review against another edition

adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

clairemdrake17's review against another edition

5.0

Well… Roshani Chokshi can break my heart and put it back together again in 132 pages.

mamareads24's review against another edition

4.0

A cute, quick, and fun fairytale read. Nothing amazing, but nice for a change of pace from the longer books I typically read.

audie_reads23's review against another edition

4.0

Once More Upon a Time may be tiny, but she is fierce. It may be a mere 130ish pages that are written in the stereotypical fairytale format, but it is a beautifully and wittingly done! I haven't read anything else by Roshani Chokshi, who is a New York Times Bestselling author for works known for their beautiful world building, such as The Gilded Wolves and The Star-Touched Queen. But, Chokshi books may be added to my TBR List if her other works are written like this one where it felt as if each word seemed to be placed so intentionally within each sentence of dialogue and scenery description.
In this story, Choksi crafts a beautiful tale filled with the journey of Imelda and Ambrose as they encounter enchanted creatures and magical obstacles on their way to claim their deepest heart's desire. Imelda longs for freedom and Ambrose dreams of a kingdom of his own. Each obstacle the pair faces along the way makes them question what it is they truly want, and if their story with one another is truly over. This may have been one of the shortest (if not the shortest) book I have read this year.
Despite it's small size, it is so beautifully and vividly written. While I know it is a short book, I finished feeling like I just wanted more...I do not know if it's just I am used to longer stories, especially within the fantasy genre, or if it could be better as a full on novel rather than a shorter novella length.
I couldn't help but be reminded of some of my favorite aspects of one of my favorite films,The Princess Bride, with the humor of Ambrose's magical cloak, to the banter between Ambrose and Imelda, as well as the sassy and sarcastic narration of the witch. This book would be great for anyone looking for a quick read, a palate cleanser after a book-hangover, or just in need of something light-hearted and fun!
Favorite Quotes:
"Love is a freedom. It is a land and a language that holds all, speaks to all."
Star Rating: 4 Stars *I feel like I just desperately wanted a full length novel
Fairytale, Quest, Love Reunited
Ease of Reading: 5 Stars
The shortness of this book made it a speed read and the banter was engaging!
Message: 5 Stars
"Love is a freedom". How often do we miss the importance of loving others more than ourselves? We in the world need this message to be shouted from the rooftops.
Maturity Rating: PG

ISBN 9781728239828 (hardcover) ~ Barnes & Noble

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