A review by momwithareadingproblem
Ash & Bramble, by Sarah Prineas
4.0
Ash & Bramble by Sarah Prineas wasn't exactly what I was expecting. It's a fairy tale retelling of the classic Cinderella but with a fresh twist and unique villain. Pin is a seamstress in the Godmother's fortress. It's the only life she knows, but she knows there was a Before and she is determined to breakout. With the help of Shoe the shoemaker (how's that for originality?!), Pin finds it takes courage, bravery, and cunning to get the happily ever after she wants.
So I could easily rate the three parts of this book: Part 1 four stars, Part 2 three stars, and Part 3 five stars (the author's already divided the book in parts for me). The first part is exciting, a little confusing, and more than intriguing. There's a ton of world building and set up for the story but then part two happens and the plot loses steam. The actual retelling occurs in this part and I really struggled. Finally in part three everything ties together with part one and I was reminded why I was intrigued. I say all of this to say that when reading tough it out through the slow middle ;)
Pin and Shoe are fun characters. Pin is bold, courageous and thinks outside of the box. Shoe is sweet and kind, his attention to detail is endearing. The two together make an unstoppable force. I <3 them!
Overall I really enjoyed the story from the beginning to the end. I liked the idea of Story being an actual evil force behind the characters' lives. It made for an interesting, unique take on fairytale retellings. If you enjoy clean, YA romance/fantasy, I highly recommend it!
So I could easily rate the three parts of this book: Part 1 four stars, Part 2 three stars, and Part 3 five stars (the author's already divided the book in parts for me). The first part is exciting, a little confusing, and more than intriguing. There's a ton of world building and set up for the story but then part two happens and the plot loses steam. The actual retelling occurs in this part and I really struggled. Finally in part three everything ties together with part one and I was reminded why I was intrigued. I say all of this to say that when reading tough it out through the slow middle ;)
Pin and Shoe are fun characters. Pin is bold, courageous and thinks outside of the box. Shoe is sweet and kind, his attention to detail is endearing. The two together make an unstoppable force. I <3 them!
Overall I really enjoyed the story from the beginning to the end. I liked the idea of Story being an actual evil force behind the characters' lives. It made for an interesting, unique take on fairytale retellings. If you enjoy clean, YA romance/fantasy, I highly recommend it!