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seraphjewel 's review for:
The Princess Pact: a Twist on Rumpelstiltskin
by Melanie Cellier, Melanie Cellier
I think this was a really interesting take on the Rumplestiltskin story. Rather than being a retelling, it was a sequel. I also liked how Marie was struggling with her identity for a while and wanting the approval of her biological father. And the bit near the end where we saw some sibling fondness was also really good.
I think my major complaint about this one is how boring it felt at times. There was so much time spent at the rebel camp but I don't think I ever got a good idea on what they were rebelling against. I guess that was the whole point, since Rumple was acting as the Pied Piper luring these kids to his cause, but I still find it a little strange how no one really questioned why they were rebelling. I almost feel like I need to re-read because I already can't remember how Marie fell into the group or what she thought the rebellion was all about.
I do like how the author always tries to give the romance time to grow. It isn't just insta-love; it's built through friendship and grows over time. I also like how Rumple's magic was tied in with his name, and that speaking his name broke the spell he had over people. That was a nice touch. I sort of wish that Marie had some kind of special power or something, being his daughter. And I don't really care for the constant implication that princesses have to look a certain way or that appearances matter at all when it comes to being one. I'm also getting a little tired of godmothers being seen as this deus ex machina for all problems, though I do like that the characters still have to do a lot of things on their own.
That said, the characters were still enjoyable and the plot was fine if maybe dragging a little at times. I think the world itself is interesting and I like seeing how the author twists around the fairy tales. These are just nice, entertaining stories.
I think my major complaint about this one is how boring it felt at times. There was so much time spent at the rebel camp but I don't think I ever got a good idea on what they were rebelling against. I guess that was the whole point, since Rumple was acting as the Pied Piper luring these kids to his cause, but I still find it a little strange how no one really questioned why they were rebelling. I almost feel like I need to re-read because I already can't remember how Marie fell into the group or what she thought the rebellion was all about.
I do like how the author always tries to give the romance time to grow. It isn't just insta-love; it's built through friendship and grows over time. I also like how Rumple's magic was tied in with his name, and that speaking his name broke the spell he had over people. That was a nice touch. I sort of wish that Marie had some kind of special power or something, being his daughter. And I don't really care for the constant implication that princesses have to look a certain way or that appearances matter at all when it comes to being one. I'm also getting a little tired of godmothers being seen as this deus ex machina for all problems, though I do like that the characters still have to do a lot of things on their own.
That said, the characters were still enjoyable and the plot was fine if maybe dragging a little at times. I think the world itself is interesting and I like seeing how the author twists around the fairy tales. These are just nice, entertaining stories.