Go The Distance

 

Go the Distance By Jan Calonita 

I am seriously loving the twisted tales series. It gives such a new look on these beloved and classic Disney stories. Plus it adds new background stories to characters that normally wouldn't have their story told.  This one was especially fun for me. All throughout later elementary, middle and high school I read any book I could get a hold of about Greek Mythology, so I know the stories well. So it was fun to read this and see one of those stories being played out. The story (or myth) of Hades and Persephone comes to light in this story which was neat to see yet a gain a different side being told of a already familiar story; or at least its familiar to me. 

These books are so much fun and are a great read for anyone who enjoys Disney or just fantasy stories in gerneral.

20,000 Leagues Under the Sea

 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea By: Jules Verne

This is a classic that has been on my "to read" list for many years. My husband read this book and loved it and has been wanting me to read it for about 3 years now so that we can talk about it together. I finally decided now was the time and to not put it off any longer. :) Growing up hearing variances of the story and seeing snippets of various tv and movie adaptations I had an idea of what I could have possible be getting into. I was completely wrong. This book was nothing what I was expecting. Instead of an epic underwater sea monster and alien world battle. It was more of an academics point of view of the wonders of what lies under the sea. In a futuristic underwater vessel captained by a very complex and carnally driven man. I am very glad that I have finally checked it off of my classic list and can now add it to my shelf of books that I have read. But unlike classics such as The Scarlet Pimpernel, or Frankenstein. This is a classic book that I will probably not revisit. 

Picasso and the Painting that shocked the World

Picasso and the Painting that shocked the World By: Miles J Unger\

I enjoyed learning more about Picasso and his life. This book was very interesting and insightful into his life as well as his creative inspiration. I think I would like to revisit this book in paper form however. That way I can do research into the paintings that are talked about as well as the other artists. 

 

Inkspell

 

Inkspell By: Cornelia Funke

I enjoyed this book a lot more than the first book. I am not sure if its due to the story and the change and growth of the characters and the introduction of new characters. Or if it was simply due to the way this story was told by Brendan Fraser. Seriously he is an EXCELLENT story teller. He brought so much life to the story and sometimes made me forget that I was listening to an audio book. If that makes sense. Honestly I'm a little worried and nervous about starting the 3rd and final book of the series since he isn't the one telling the story. I'm sure my curiosity about the characters and what happens to them will win out eventually. 

Unbirthday

 Unbirthday: A Twisted Tale By: Liz Braswell

Other than The Little Mermaid and Cinderella. Alice in Wonderland is also one of my all time favorites. So again this book did not disappoint thankfully. I enjoyed learning more and more about the characters in Wonderland as well as older Alice and her family/friends. There were hunts to the classic movie, mostly the way certain characters looked but other than that it was nothing compared to any movie I've seen. Keeping the Queen of Hearts as the villain; Alice has to save Wonderland from total destruction and from the wicked ruling of the Queen. With help from her friends in Wonderland and some unlikely help from England. Alice finds her courage and understanding that even in Wonderland all things are possible with the right perspective. 

So This is Love

 So This is love: A Twisted Tale By Elizabeth Lim

I may have mentioned this when I was doing my review for "Part of Your World". The Little Mermaid and Cinderella were my two all time favorite movies as a kid. They still hold a very special place in my heart. So I was a little leery when I started this book due to that childhood love, but soon realized that I had nothing to worry about. The story had a lot of similarities with the movie at the beginning but that's pretty much where that stopped. Occasionally a line would be said that made me think of the movie. But the whole story from start of finish had me wanting more. The character development was remarkable, not only do you get an in-depth look at Cinderella, Prince Charles, The Grand Duke and even the king a little. But new characters were introduced as well so seamlessly that it felt like they were always there in the first place. 

For anyone who like me loved Cinderella as a child and still. This is a definite must read.

Straight on Till Morning

 Straight on Till Morning: A Twisted Tale  By: Liz Braswell

This was not your typical "Peter Pan" story. This was all about Wendy and even Tinkerbell to some degree. I really enjoyed this "twisted" version and different take on Neverland, Peter Pan, Wendy, Captain Hook, and more. I also enjoyed the new characters introduced as well. Myself like most people grew up on the classic peter pan tale through books, movies both animated and live, tv shows, plays, and more. Almost every time it seemed in part the same type of story just worded differently in a way.  This was a new take on the classic fairytale and all from the view point of Wendy. I really enjoyed seeing her character progression as well as Tinkerbell and their relationship together. This may just be one of these stories I revisit again in the future.