I loved the first book, A Tale Dark and Grimm, a fairy-tale inspired novel starring Hansel and Gretel. The second book focuses on Jack and Jill. This one is inspired by a smaller number of fairy tales, a few nursery rhymes, and The Goblin Market. I'm not sure why this one didn't work for me quite as well as the first novel; perhaps the disappointment comes from having such high expectations?! The first novel surprised and wowed me, this one not so much. In a Glass Grimmly has a definite moral to it. Both Jill and Jack struggle with self-confidence. Both rely solely on others' opinions of themselves. If people like them, then they feel fine. Otherwise, they both are miserable. Jill is always being criticized by her mother, the selfish Queen. Jack is always being teased and bullied by the other boys in the village. Both crave approval and praise from others. The adventure is all about how they learn to see themselves truly and accept themselves just the way they are. Though I was more annoyed than entertained, it could just be a matter of bad timing.
© 2013 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews
2 comments:
I've been meaning to get to these. I've been really enjoying all the recreations of these classic stories that I run across. Thanks for posting your review!
That sounds like a good message--but also one that could become very heavy-handed if told ineptly.
Sequels are always tough, especially if the first one felt fresh and unique. That's hard to repeat!
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