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dramagrl's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
4.5
kayteeem's review against another edition
Just what I expect from a Mercedes Lackey book. Enjoyable and light, even if I did roll my eyes a bit when the POWER OF PLOT (er, Tradition) rolled in to shove the story around. I'll definitely keep this series in mind when I'm in the mood for frothy YA.
showell's review against another edition
2.0
It's fine. I wouldn't call it particularly creative or surprising. It's a serviceable retelling of various fairy tales from the perspective of the fairy godmother.
ali_enza's review against another edition
5.0
This is one of my absolute favorite books. The use of traditional fairytales in an unusual manner is fantastic.
nkiddbooks's review against another edition
4.0
I actually really enjoyed this fantasy book, the character development and the concept of the story based on turning fairy tales a bit upside down. Since it was by far the best of the whole series, it was a bit disappointing to go down from here, but it was a good story and I enjoyed the writing and it got me hooked enough to read all the rest.
librarian_of_valencia's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this book. It was a fun, quick read that played with fairytale tropes but did it well. It was predictable, but not overly so, and *content warning* it did have a couple sex scenes if anyone is bothered by those.
Overall, though, a fun read that I would recommend to someone looking for something light and summery!
Overall, though, a fun read that I would recommend to someone looking for something light and summery!
moocowimpi's review against another edition
4.0
Started predictably but quickly turned into really good read!
abeautytoyourbeast's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
suzemo's review against another edition
4.0
I am an utter sucker for re-telling of fairy-tales, or using established fairy-tales in new and interesting ways. This book is the first of the 500 Kingdoms series by Mercedes Lackey and I've heard mixed reviews on them, but I always like to start with the foundation book.
This particular book works with the Cinderella trope, and uses Elena (our would-be Cinderella) to show how something known as the "Tradition" uses forces to try to pigeonhole certain people into stereotypes or tropes and how the magic system in this world works. Elena cannot be Cinderella (no prince!) so she is taken by her Kingdom's Fairy Godmother to be trained to be the next Godmother.
This is lighthearted and fun, without being overly silly, and I really like how the world-building was set up and the plot moved along. I'll probably continue with (some) of the works in the series, because they are right up my alley.
This particular book works with the Cinderella trope, and uses Elena (our would-be Cinderella) to show how something known as the "Tradition" uses forces to try to pigeonhole certain people into stereotypes or tropes and how the magic system in this world works. Elena cannot be Cinderella (no prince!) so she is taken by her Kingdom's Fairy Godmother to be trained to be the next Godmother.
This is lighthearted and fun, without being overly silly, and I really like how the world-building was set up and the plot moved along. I'll probably continue with (some) of the works in the series, because they are right up my alley.
ladynightwolf's review against another edition
4.0
I thought it was great. I very different take on fairy tales--I'll keeping up with these and they are all good so far!