A review by elentarien
Jack and the Beanstalk by Jenni James
This was a very interesting twist on the classic tail.
I enjoyed how it tied in with Hansel and Gretel. Though I was not pleased to see the same witch reappear - and then get her 'just deserts', only to disappear again. (As well, there is a 'promised' novel that has not appeared??) I did like how she was 'killed', through no one's fault. Much improved after Hansel's. . .bad call in the previous story. Not so thrilled that it didn't stick.
I enjoyed the 'brother/sister' team in this story, and the romance. For once, not an 'instalove' thing, as the romance had been going on for some time before the story started. Yes! Thank you. Finally! lol Not as 'romantic' as watching it develop, but I'll take it.
There was no explaination as to 'who' Verity was, and how the witch came to have her. Which quite annoyed me. This was somewhat acceptable when it was mentioned Verity gets her own book. However that book is not written? So it goes back to being some undealt with threads.
All in all, the biggest complaint about this book, like many of the others, the super RUSHED feeling of the story. THere is so much more that could have happened, so many more details and world-building we could have gotten. Even in the course of the story, everything happens in a matter of 2-3 days. In truth, it could have taken longer, had more 'adventure' along the way, more discoveries, more atmosphere. (Sights, sounds, smells, textures!) The whole thing felt so whirlwind that it was a disappointment.
I enjoyed how it tied in with Hansel and Gretel. Though I was not pleased to see the same witch reappear - and then get her 'just deserts', only to disappear again. (As well, there is a 'promised' novel that has not appeared??) I did like how she was 'killed', through no one's fault. Much improved after Hansel's. . .bad call in the previous story. Not so thrilled that it didn't stick.
I enjoyed the 'brother/sister' team in this story, and the romance. For once, not an 'instalove' thing, as the romance had been going on for some time before the story started. Yes! Thank you. Finally! lol Not as 'romantic' as watching it develop, but I'll take it.
There was no explaination as to 'who' Verity was, and how the witch came to have her. Which quite annoyed me. This was somewhat acceptable when it was mentioned Verity gets her own book. However that book is not written? So it goes back to being some undealt with threads.
All in all, the biggest complaint about this book, like many of the others, the super RUSHED feeling of the story. THere is so much more that could have happened, so many more details and world-building we could have gotten. Even in the course of the story, everything happens in a matter of 2-3 days. In truth, it could have taken longer, had more 'adventure' along the way, more discoveries, more atmosphere. (Sights, sounds, smells, textures!) The whole thing felt so whirlwind that it was a disappointment.