Author: Jackson Pearce
Publisher: Little Brown Books for Young Readers
Publishing Date: January 1st 2011
Publisher: Little Brown Books for Young Readers
Publishing Date: January 1st 2011
Pages: 310
Genre: YA Fairy Tale Retelling
Genre: YA Fairy Tale Retelling
Series: Fairytale Retellings #2
Source: Hardcover
Source: Hardcover
The forest invites you in . . . but will never let you go.
As a child, Gretchen's twin sister was taken by a witch in the woods. Ever since, Gretchen and her brother, Ansel, have felt the long branches of the witch's forest threatening to make them disappear too.
Years later, when their stepmother casts Gretchen and Ansel out, they find themselves in sleepy Live Oak, South Carolina. They're invited to stay with Sophia Kelly, a beautiful candy maker who molds sugary magic: coveted treats that create confidence, bravery, and passion.
Life seems idyllic, and Gretchen and Ansel gradually forget their haunted past -- until Gretchen meets handsome local outcast Samuel. He tells her the witch isn't gone -- it's lurking in the forest, preying on girls after Live Oak's infamous chocolate festival each year, and looking to make Gretchen its next victim. Gretchen is determined to stop running and start fighting back. Yet, the further she investigates the mystery of what the witch is and how it chooses its victims, the more she wonders who the real monster is.
Gretchen is certain of only one thing: a monster is coming, and it will never go away hungry.
The story, the setting, and the writing make this book wonderful but the element that really grabbed me good was the character building. Gretchen was a very likable main character and was easy to relate to. She had gone through more than any child should have and she was still treading on. She was scared and felt weak but she wasn't whiny. She wanted to be strong and had the desire to do whatever was needed to become stronger and overcome her fears. She had determination and some real strong will power. I wasn't as much into her brother, Ansel. He seemed to fall into traps a bit easier than Gretchen but he was there for her and the bond that they shared was unique and strong. Samuel Reynolds comes across as the crazy bad boy, the misfit of the town. He was sarcastic and a loner and well we all love these types of men in our stories don't we?
Ohh. great review!! Will put this to my to-read-list :D
ReplyDeleteThanks! Enjoy its good!
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