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5 stars
Very charming and funny indeed!
I went into Charming by Jade Linwood only knowing that this was a humorous riff on classical fairy tales and that there have been favourable comparisons with Terry Pratchett - sounds very promising, right? And I have not been disappointed whatsoever!
The plot centers around three ladies who are all tricked out of a lot of money in some way or other by a certain Prince Charming. When they get talking at a wedding and compare notes they realize that they have been fooled by the same guy and start plotting how to get back at him. The three are protagonists from very well known fairy tales but here they all come with a twist. Dr. Rapunzel is an accomplished scientist in her own right, Marie Blanche de Neige (Snow White) can communicate with animals and Lady Bella (the sleeping beauty) is gifted with a grace that makes her a natural talent at social skills and diplomacy.
They are no damsels in distress at all and together they make good use of their wits and skills to get back at the prince. This is not just a tale of revenge, however, but rather one of justice and also personal growth, for during their quest to catch the ever elusive Charming they are also facing their past and ask themselves some serious questions about who they are and who they want to be.
The characters are really well drawn here and by no means veering into caricaturesque as can easily be the case especially with humorous books. I was truly invested in all three of them finding closure and a perspective going forward and also liked the resolution with the prince. There are also some unexpected twists that provided some additional tension.
This book is a funny one, in the best way possible. The humour enhances the narrative and is smart and witty instead of banging you over the head with some cheap laughs. It is less absurd and satirical than Pratchett so I'm not sure those comparisons do Linwood a great favour, but in any case it was just the right mix of funny and serious for me to enjoy this book immensely. I'm definitely buying whatever she writes next, that is for sure.
Highly recommended!!!
I have received an advance review copy via NetGalley from the publisher and voluntarily provide my honest opinion. Thank you very much!
Very charming and funny indeed!
I went into Charming by Jade Linwood only knowing that this was a humorous riff on classical fairy tales and that there have been favourable comparisons with Terry Pratchett - sounds very promising, right? And I have not been disappointed whatsoever!
The plot centers around three ladies who are all tricked out of a lot of money in some way or other by a certain Prince Charming. When they get talking at a wedding and compare notes they realize that they have been fooled by the same guy and start plotting how to get back at him. The three are protagonists from very well known fairy tales but here they all come with a twist. Dr. Rapunzel is an accomplished scientist in her own right, Marie Blanche de Neige (Snow White) can communicate with animals and Lady Bella (the sleeping beauty) is gifted with a grace that makes her a natural talent at social skills and diplomacy.
They are no damsels in distress at all and together they make good use of their wits and skills to get back at the prince. This is not just a tale of revenge, however, but rather one of justice and also personal growth, for during their quest to catch the ever elusive Charming they are also facing their past and ask themselves some serious questions about who they are and who they want to be.
The characters are really well drawn here and by no means veering into caricaturesque as can easily be the case especially with humorous books. I was truly invested in all three of them finding closure and a perspective going forward and also liked the resolution with the prince. There are also some unexpected twists that provided some additional tension.
This book is a funny one, in the best way possible. The humour enhances the narrative and is smart and witty instead of banging you over the head with some cheap laughs. It is less absurd and satirical than Pratchett so I'm not sure those comparisons do Linwood a great favour, but in any case it was just the right mix of funny and serious for me to enjoy this book immensely. I'm definitely buying whatever she writes next, that is for sure.
Highly recommended!!!
I have received an advance review copy via NetGalley from the publisher and voluntarily provide my honest opinion. Thank you very much!