2024 Reading Challenge - Update 4

 A Twisted Tale Anthology fulfills one tile. It is "A Book with More Than 500 Pages." I'm now over halfway to completing my Reading Challenge. Huzzah!

"A Twisted Tale Anthology" by Elizabeth Lim et al.

Based on the title alone, it should be no surprise that this anthology features twisted fairy tales involving beloved, well-known Disney characters. Some authors have written more than one story. Some are veteran Twisted Tale authors, while others are new to the Twisted Tale franchise, but are also bestselling authors.
        What if Mulan became the emperor’s advisor? What if Mufasa survived the stampeding wildebeests? What if Prince Naveen arrived in New Orleans just to return to Maldonia right away?

A Twisted Tale Anthology (Oct. 3, 2023) Edited and with Stories by Elizabeth Lim.

   1. Cast Out by Livia Blackburne.

What if Snow White learned magic? Snow White is little more than a scullery maid. Her only friend is Dottie, a sparrow. She hears a voice calling to her, and when she stomps on her fear to investigate it, she’s led to the queen stepmother’s chambers. Here she finds the Magic Mirror, who tells her, “I am truth and honesty, the kernel of everything that is.” The Magic Mirror encourages Snow White to “harness magic to do your bidding.” She’ll have to practice hard and fast with a stepmother who wants to kill her.

   2. A First Mission by Elizabeth Lim.

What if Mulan became the emperor’s advisor? Fa Mulan did return to her family for a visit, and Li Shang did share a meal with her family. Now Mulan has returned to the city to take on the role of an Imperial Councilor of China. Chi Fu and the other advisors, all male, expect her to fail and want her to fail, as a woman. They are tasked with saving prized silkworms from flooding in Hongjing. Mulan and Shang stop to rescue villagers from the flooding with Chi Fu going on to retrieve the silkworms, anticipating that Chi Fu’s report won’t be good. He’s already been insufferable.

   3. Et Voilà by Liz Braswell.

What if Remy had met Colette first? As a woman, Colette has worked many times harder and for less pay than a male counterpart would as a rôtisseur chef at Gusteau’s, and she doesn’t feel fulfilled. She encounters a rat going through the garbage, carefully choosing discarded items, like the end of a pain couronne and a small bit of leftover brie. Remy has discerning tastes. Colette thinks herself crazy, but she takes a chance on Little Chef. Small portions emerge from the Midnight Kitchen. This might be the unexpected path she needs to make her mark. Linguini is around, but he’s a background character.

   4. The Envelope by Jen Calonita.

What if Anastasia had a change of heart? The truth is out. Cinderella and her prince are readying for marriage, as the Tremaines – Anastasia, Drizella and their mother – are shunned by the community for their maltreatment of Cinderella. When Footman Benoit brings them an invitation to the royal wedding, it’s Anastasia that greets him. Benoit understands what it’s like to be shunned and so doesn’t spurn her as others do. Anastasia’s taken on the role of maid, as Drizella and their mother are useless. When she finds a letter penned by their late father, Francis Tremaine, Anastasia feels prompted to visit his hometown of Lille. Benoit accompanies her. She meets Mathilde Boche, who may just have an offer Anastasia can’t refuse.

   5. A New Dawn by Farrah Rochon.

What if Mufasa gave up his throne? Mufasa survived the wildebeest stampede, but his body is far from mended. Simba rules the Pride Lands, but Mufasa struggles to relinquish his rule, though he was quick to forgive Scar. Simba has set patrols around the territory. The Wasaki (Evil Ones) are lions who’ve been cast out of their own prides, and they only seek destruction. Simba anticipates an attack, but Mufasa doesn’t trust Simba’s young instincts. Will Mufasa’s own pride cost them the Pride Lands?

   6. Rattle the Stars by M.K. England.

What if Jim Hawkins joined the pirates? As expected, Jim is aboard the flying ship with Captain Amelia and Dr. Doppler. Silver, the cyborg cook, is amongst them. Morph, Silver’s fist-sized pet blob of space goo, snatches Jim’s boot to get him to play, but it isn’t fun and games when he overhears Silver and crew members Scroop and Birdbrain Mary hatching a nefarious plan. They’re journeying to Treasure Planet, home to Nathaniel Flint’s legendary treasure trove. Jim doesn’t want Amelia and Dr. Doppler to be hurt. So, what does Jim think to do? Become a space pirate.

   7. A Royal Game of Chess by Liz Braswell.

What if history wasn’t quite right about the legend of Robin Hood? There’s a rumor going around that Robin Hood’s been captured, but that isn’t right, because Robin Hood is right there. Yes, I’m indicating Lady Marian. What, you thought Robin Hood was a male fox? *tsk, tsk* Lady Kluck knows the truth and encourages it. There’s an archery competition set by Prince John and Sir Hiss, thinking they’ll capture Hood for sure, or at least “his” Merry Men (like Little John). A kiss from Lady Marian is the prize, so who will be Robin Hood when Marian will clearly be in the limelight?

   8. The Secret Exchange by Elizabeth Lim.

What if Eric met Ariel after she rescued him? Staging one’s own meet-cutes sounds romantic, but when Ariel’s also sneaking around her father, King Triton, who disallows anyone going to the surface, especially his own daughters, it seems less rosy. Ariel has command of her voice, so it’s great fun to discuss the land and the sea, anything that comes to mind, with Eric. Ursula still manages to get wind of Ariel through Flotsam and Jetsam. What will happen when Ursula lets Triton know exactly what Ariel has been up to?

   9. Dust to Dust by Micol Ostow.

What if Tinker Bell was working for Captain Hook? When Tinker Bell abuses her pixie dust magic by using it to magically do her chores, she is reprimanded. In her hotheadedness, she storms away, packing a go-bag, as she doesn’t plan to return to Pixie Hollow anytime soon, if ever. She meets Captain Hook, and he gives her the encouragement she desires. Better yet, he wants her to use her magic. Against Peter Pan. She’s all for watching Peter and deducing the right moment for Hook to make his move. She’s got something of a crush on Peter, and it turns really bratty when Peter brings Wendy and her brothers. When Captain Hook and his crew attack, what will Tinker Bell’s move be?

   10. Gonna Take You There by Farrah Rochon.

What if Naveen had to get home to Maldonia? It’s early, but it’s already been a day for Tiana. Her dreams of opening her own restaurant feel stagnant. She’s saving all she can working two jobs, except now it’s one, because she just quit as Duke’s Café’s sole waitress. Her exit has her overhearing Prince Naveen and his valet, Lawrence, who’s also just quit, and right after bearing news that Naveen must return home for a family emergency. Naveen beseeches Tiana to take him to the ship at Mobile Bay, Alabama. They’ll need a chaperone, so her best friend, Charlotte “Lottie” LaBouff, accompanies them, and John, the LaBouff family driver, is their chauffeur. Their trek to Mobile Bay isn’t a straight course. Tiana knows her dream, but what is Naveen’s?

   11. Fates, Three by Jen Calonita.

What if the triplets visited the Witch? The triplets are now 16, and Merida is doing her own thing. Hamish is the planner/plotter, Hubert is the warrior-in-training who works out a lot, and Harris devotes his time and attention to his studies. Hamish is ever the mischief-maker, but his brothers aren’t as readily excited about plots anymore. He does get them to eat the stolen cranachan, and he has a plan to impress Clan MacGuffin when they come to feast with them. It involves massive butterflies, and it backfires. Desperate not to get sent to their great aunt, the triplets visit the Witch, who’s under her usual guise of a wood-carver. They want a wish that not only keeps them away from the relative, but also prevents them from turning into bears. What will the Witch brew up?

   12. A Dragon in the Snow by Kristina Pérez.

What if Madam Mim and Merlin went to school together? Madam Mim (Morrigan of Gurnard) is the Lyceum of Enchantment’s (on the Hidden Isle) star pupil. Her lilac-colored hair betrays her Shadow Magic, which is why she likes the Wildwood where there’s no one to judge her. Merlin (of Dalriada) is new to the Lyceum, his magic seems to come naturally to him, and he likes Mim. Taliesin is the Chief Mage there, teaching and advising. The Solstice Competition this year will be duels to become the next Royal Mage to Uther Pendragon and train under the inimitable, outgoing Royal Mage Niniame. If they must meet in the final duel, whose magic will prevail?

   13. The Journey Home by Farrah Rochon.

What if Belle had to take her father’s place at the fair? When Maurice is waylaid by an injury, Belle decides it’s on her shoulders to get her father’s latest invention to the fair at Annecy. It chops wood into clean logs. With trusted Philippe, their horse, with her, she is confident she can make it to Annecy and correctly demonstrate Maurice’s invention. Her father tells her to keep to the path, and she means to, until there’s a downed log across the path. She goes around and gets stuck. Gaston and LeFou cross her path. Gaston will help her, but only if she dines with him. Can Belle get herself out of this rut without resorting to Gaston’s muscular manpower?

   14. Call It a Hunch by Jen Calonita.

What if Hercules’s first day as a god didn’t go as planned? Prayers are coming Hercules’s way, but he doesn’t know how to hone in on one person’s voice, nor does he know how to grant their requests. Everyone’s too busy to help him: Zeus, Hera, Athena. Athena’s angry that her statues are being stolen from around the city, and she’s about to bring a terrible storm down on it. Hercules’s girlfriend, the mortal Meg (Megara), has been hired to find the perpetrator. She was hired to find one statue, but now several are missing! She needs this job. After all, it’s not easy finding work after you’ve been trapped in the Underworld. How will Hercules and Meg handle their respective first day?

   15. The Reluctant Prince by Liz Braswell.

What if Bambi didn’t want to be the next Great Prince of the Forest? The Great Prince of the Forest is decided. He’s passing on his mantle to Bambi, his son. Bambi doesn’t want to be the prince. He associates being the prince of the forest with being an aloof deer and an absent father. Bambi’s about to become a father, probably to twins!, and he wants to be present in their lives. He wants to stay by Faline’s side and remain best friends with Thumper and Flower. They will all encourage him to be the prince, but it’s Faline’s words that will resonate the most.

   16. The Rose and the Thorns by Elizabeth Lim.

What if Aurora knew the truth about her curse? For almost 16 years, Princess Aurora has been reminded daily that she must be so careful. Spindles in the kingdom have been outlawed since Maleficent spoke her curse upon the baby princess, but it isn’t only spindles that Aurora must avoid. They won’t even let her use so much as a butter knife. Flora, Fauna and Merryweather look over her well, and Merryweather relents her tight grip, so she can learn some defensive skills (like archery). Prince Phillip has been her betrothed since they were little, but they’ve grown up as best friends. Is Phillip her true love’s kiss? They might well find out when the confrontation with Maleficent comes about.

Concluding Thoughts: Overall, this is a well-spun fantasy anthology that will please many Disney fans. As one of those Disney fans who also loves twisted fairy tales, I enjoyed these short stories. There are elements of things familiar with twists of things new. Some stories take place after the canon and so don’t disrupt the original narratives, while others offer an expanded backstory. All showcase creative, new details. We all know that they do not replace the originals, but instead, give us fresh takes on familiar stories. When it comes to twisted tales, do you enjoy updated spins and perspectives, or do you adamantly prefer the originals?

"Champion of Fate" by Kendare Blake

Champion of Fate (Sept. 19, 2023) by Kendare Blake.

<This is the first novel in a duology.>

Orphaned after the Ithernan slaughtered everyone else and taken as a sacrifice, it’s no wonder that Reed is all sharp edges and angry sides. She also bites, as does Silco (Silver and Combat), the colt that was also meant to be a sacrifice. Her small fury is noticed by Aster and Veridian, a current and former Aristene, respectively, an order of mythical female warriors. They follow Kleia Gloria, the goddess of glory. They’re immortal, but can be killed. They are the Heromakers. Growing up as the foundling and the favorite, she, Lyonene and Gretchen are training for their Hero’s Trial. They go to Atropa, the home and city of the Aristene, where Reed has been once before, as a small, furious child. Aster has been Reed’s mentor all these years, though Veridian is an apostate.
        Presiding over the Granting Ceremony are Ferreh (the mind) and Tiern (the teeth), the eldest of the Aristene, though they don’t look physically ancient. When she looks into the sacred well, she sees the same face she saw years before, but now she knows her hero is Prince Hestion of Glaucia, younger brother to Crown Prince Belden, and both the sons of King Arik. Glaucia’s king’s men are the fighting elite known as the Docritae. Hestion is handsome and infuriating in equal measure. Together with Crown Prince Alsander of Cerille (Lyonene’s hero), they will join forces to conquer Rhonassus, specifically, Roshanak, its capital. King Oreas cut off the Prophet of Scylloi’s (a.k.a. the Prophet of All) head. The battle looms close, and they discover how disturbed and twisted in mind Oreas has become. Reed learns her cost of pledging to become an Aristene. She has an impossible choice. Her hero or the Order who took her in when she had no one but a bitey colt?
        From the opening chapter, there is no calm in this epic fantasy, duology opener. There is violence, but it gives readers a clear history of Reed’s character. Blake has depicted the characters well, and the world-building gives enough imagery that readers’ imaginations can fill in extra details. The presence of these female warriors shows a strong bond and one as powerful as Wakanda’s Dora Milaje. This is a story at once about friendship and duty, tragedy and myth. There is feminine strength, but also adversity. While there are insinuations, there are no intimate scenes. The story is immersive and diverse, and I will so be there for its sequel.
        LOL lines: “When I die, the jar of my eyes belongs to you,” Sar pledged. “Along with my heart!” This, after Reed unintentionally saves him twice. Furthermore, Sar carries a funerary jar with him, for his eyes if he’s killed, as the Ithernan believe that the eyes hold the soul. To Hestion, they are warlike, but Reed only knows them as murderers.

"Never Fall Again" by Lynn H. Blackburn

Never Fall Again (Mar. 12, 2024) by Lynn H. Blackburn.*

<This is the first novel in a series.>

Three years have passed since Landry Hutton moved to Gossamer Falls, North Carolina, with her daughter, Eliza, now five years old. Landry’s been the artist-in-residence at The Haven, where her best friend, Bronwyn Pierce, is the CEO. Landry’s in a good place in her life and is ready to build her own home with artist’s workspace. She meets with Callum (Cal) Shaw, former Marine and youngest Shaw brother, of SPQ Construction, and, by extension, Maisy, his golden retriever. When a suspicious fire occurs at Favors on The Haven property, Landry is heartbroken. She sells her pottery there, which is a major source of her income. Without it, she won’t be able to build her home on the three acres of land she bought from Bronwyn. It’s situated across from Cal and two of his cousins: Montgomery (Mo) Quinn, a forensic accountant, and Meredith Quinn, the town’s dentist. Suddenly, the safety net that she’s been enmeshed in has been ripped apart. She doesn’t think her late husband’s family knows where to find her, but who else would target her? They’ll have to look closely at The Haven’s guests. Now that Landry and Eliza have met the Quinn/Shaw families, they’re automatically considered family. Both Cal and Landry have been hurt by past relationships, but there’s definitely more than friendship brewing between them. Now, if only they can figure out who’s set Landry as his bullseye.
        Previously, I’d only read a short story by Blackburn, and I’m glad that I finally read one of her full-length novels; this one is the first in the Gossamer Falls series. It’s easy to root for the lead characters, and it’d be spectacular fun to find oneself immersed into the Quinn/Shaw families by having “met a Quinn this morning.” I like the way in which Blackburn addresses Landry’s faith crisis. She’s a believer and knows Jesus died for her. She knows “all the Christianese” and could expound on doctrine at length. Her faith in God is great. Her faith in her fellow Christians is not: “On an intellectual level, she knew she couldn’t lump all church-going followers of Christ into one cesspool of hypocrisy and deceit.”
        “Never Fall Again” is a Christian romantic suspense novel with a focus on family (both found and by blood), faith and trusting others. While suspicious events provide drama here and there, the edge-of-your-seat climax doesn’t occur until the end chapters. And then, the race is on to save ... multiple people in two different locales (you didn’t think I’d name names, did you?). This story will have readers cheering, laughing, cringing and even gasping for breath. I look forward to upcoming installments.
        Notable lines: “Secrets bring despair. Surprises bring delight.” (p. 296)

* Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are expressly my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

"XOXO" by Axie Oh

XOXO (July 13, 2021) by Axie Oh.

<This is the first novel in a duology (originally a standalone).>

Her dream is to get into the Manhattan School of Music (MSM) and perform as a professional cellist. Go “Jenny” Jooyoung is so focused on that dream that she’s never bothered with boys or K-pop. Since her dad passed, it’s been Jenny and her mom, whose relationship with her own mom is rocky. Jenny’s skills are spectacular, she wins competitions, but her latest judges’ remarks say that she lacks spark, though her technical skills are perfection. Bold and incensed, she challenges Bae Jaewoo to a karaoke song competition and unexpectedly ends up spending time with him in L.A. before he returns to Korea. Jaewoo is swoony and handsome. Jenny can’t stop thinking of him, but he never responds to her text messages. When her mom decides to go to Seoul to see to her ailing mom, Jenny pushes to go along. She’s accepted into an elite arts academy, where Jaewoo is also a student. Not only that, he’s one-quarter of XOXO, one of the biggest K-pop bands in the world. Jaewoo is their main vocalist and is the most popular member. Rounding out the group are: Oh Sun – leader, rapper; Lee “Nathaniel” Jihyuk – vocalist and main dancer from NY; and Choi Youngmin – rapper and maknae (youngest) of the group. XOXO is managed by Joah Entertainment, and they’re forbidden from having romantic relationships. How much are the two willing to risk for love?
        Landing in Korea finds Jenny making her first close friends. There’s Angela Kwang, a trainee at Neptune Entertainment who moved to Seoul three months ago from Taiwan, and Hong Gi Taek, a classmate who aspires to be a Joah trainee. Min Sori is her roommate, and while friendship at first seems impossible, Sori winds up becoming a best friend. Sori is the daughter of Seo Min Hee, CEO of Joah Entertainment, and a Joah trainee. Sori’s family can easily afford for her to have a single room, but it turns out that Sori’s been hoping for a friend.
        It appears that I have a penchant for novels with K-pop energy and K-drama vibes, and I make no apology for that! This YA bildungsroman is a contemporary forbidden romance that incorporates duty, reconciliation, humor and drama with Korean honorifics against an authentic Seoul backdrop. Oh’s conversational writing tone will find rank with readers who are fans of K-pop and K-dramas, but it’s also accessible to those who aren’t familiar with the same. The characters are likeable in this clean, breezy romance. The intergenerational dynamic between Jenny and her halmeoni (grandma) adds dimension to this feel-good story.

2024 Reading Challenge - Update 3

For my latest update, I am here with "Persuasion" by Jane Austen. It fulfills two tiles, both self-explanatory. The cover I'm using for this post is the cover of the copy I own from a boxed set. The back cover states that the book "was Austen's last-published novel, published posthumously in 1818."

            1. "A Book with a One-Word Title"

            2. "A Classic You Haven't Read Before"

"Li'l Elmer & Archie" by JoAnn Lower: An Interview

It is my honor to share with you an interview with JoAnn Lower, author of the children’s picture book “Li’l Elmer & Archie.” To me, JoAnn is a dear friend, and she also happens to be a first cousin once removed. I am delighted that she has added “author” to her skill set!

JoAnn, congratulations on publishing your first picture book! I know you’re a veteran of writing with your years of writing for the local newspaper. You’re already a journalist. What is it like to add “author” to your list?

JoAnn: Publishing a children’s book has been my dream for years. Being called “author” is a humbling experience.

You have a background in storytelling. Have you found that being a storyteller helps your writing process as an author?

JoAnn: Being a storyteller, I think in stories. Remembering the dots and sometimes years later connecting the dots that make up a story is awe-inspiring. Writing stories is my passion.

What or who inspired you to write “Li’l Elmer & Archie?”

JoAnn: A friend who owned a hardware store once told me about a farmer who came into her store wearing a pair of worn-out overalls. Noticing a mouse peeking out from the tattered hem of his overall leg, she readied a cardboard box. Next time the mouse appeared, she quickly covered it with the box, slid a sheet of cardboard underneath and freed the mouse to live outside. Remembering her story made me wonder: Did the farmer mind the mouse living in his overalls? If so, did he miss the mouse? Did the mouse miss him?

I’ve heard you explain that “Li’l Elmer & Archie” is a story about discrimination. Diversity and inclusion is a big topic. What sets your story apart from other picture books about a similar topic?

JoAnn: Many other picture books on library bookshelves speak to diversity and inclusion. My book tells the story of two unlikely characters who, after delving deeper into each other’s lives, no longer see differences but likenesses, allowing them to become best friends.

I know your book is available to purchase via Amazon. Do you know if “Li’l Elmer & Archie” is available to check out from your local library?

JoAnn: “Li’l Elmer & Archie” is available through Amazon.com and, just for the moment, for checkout at my local library in Northwood, Iowa. [Northwood Public Library]

You’ve crafted a sweet tale meant for a broad audience. Denis Proulx’s illustrations complement your text with bold colors and engaging characters. How wonderful is it to work with an artist who’s taken your text and helped you bring your story to pictorial life?

JoAnn: Illustrator Denis Proulx is a wonderful gentleman to work with. Paying close attention to my original manuscript, he created each of its colorful characters so beautifully that they brought my story to life.

JoAnn, thank you for taking the time to answer my questions! Love you!