A review by beth_taggard
A Spindle Splintered by Alix E. Harrow

adventurous emotional funny fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

You are accustomed to thinking of fairy tales as make-believe, but they have only ever been mirrors.

I came into this world a rough and tumble tomboy with no need to be rescued; therefore, I never related to fairy tale princesses — though even I could see how blurry the lines of consent are in being kissed while in a death sleep.

But I love a twist on a tale and what a fascinating meta-verse humanity has weaved for itself in telling and retelling tales over time. I'm grateful Alix E. Harrow can cross the worlds and reveal them to us in her unique way of spinning words into wonder.

Overall, I appreciate our flower-named heroines and the spin this tale takes on a modern classic (Thanks, Disney.) rooted in a tale or two (or three) from another time.

Of note: The pop-culture references make this short read feel like a fantastical episode of the Gilmore Girls and I can see this being off-putting to some readers, but I find it — charming. Excuse the pun.
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