Friday, October 11, 2013

Book Review: The Fairest of Them All

By Amy Bromberg

Since I was a little girl I loved fairy tales, especially Disney ones. That being said the minute I saw The Fairest of Them All featured on Chick Lit is not Dead, I knew I had to get my hands on it.

In an enchanted forest, the maiden Rapunzel’s beautiful voice captivates a young prince hunting nearby. Overcome, he climbs her long golden hair to her tower and they spend an afternoon of passion together, but by nightfall the prince must return to his kingdom, and his betrothed.

Now king, he weds his intended and the kingdom rejoices when a daughter named Snow White is born. Beyond the castle walls, Rapunzel waits in her crumbling tower, gathering news of her beloved from those who come to her seeking wisdom. She tries to mend her broken heart but her love lingers, pulsing in the magic tendrils of her hair.

The king, too, is haunted by his memories, but after his queen’s mysterious death, he is finally able to follow his heart into the darkness of the forest. But can Rapunzel trade the shadows of the forest for the castle and be the innocent beauty he remembers?
(Synopsis courtesy of Amazon.)

When it comes to description and the use of imagery, Ms. Turgeon knocks it out of the park. The portrayal of life in the forest, where the reader is first introduced to Mathena and Rapunzel, is just like any of the Disney movies that have parts taking place in a forest. But adding descriptive words to it makes it that much more special and appealing. Now, how about life in the palace for Rapunzel? Talk about beauty and lavish...from the clothes, to the rooms throughout the palace, to the countryside where Rapunzel and Snow White ride their horses.

I became so involved in the story that, at times, I forgot about everything else going on around me. The story came alive right in front of my very eyes. Picture watching a mixture of Snow White, Tangled and Once Upon a Time (which, by the way, I’m obsessed with!). There is also a bit of witchery, which reminded me of some scenes in Practical Magic. It was edgier than anything you'd see in a Disney movie. If this were, in fact, made into a movie (I’d be there opening night!), I don’t see it being your typical Disney cartoon, as there are parts that aren’t appropriate for children. However, that’s okay as I see this as an adult fantasy story. It’s always refreshing to read something different than the norm.

The story wasn’t predictable at all, which made it that much more exciting and contributed to the "cannot put it down" effect. I haven’t read a book with this many twists and turns in a while.

If you’re looking for an enchanting and mesmerizing read, one that will capture your imagination, and where you’ll be reading in bliss, then look no further. I’ll definitely be checking out from my library two of Ms. Turgeon’s other novels, Mermaid and Godmother.

Thanks to Touchstone for the book in exchange for an honest review.

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