Wednesday, May 18, 2011

ARC Review: Entwined by Heather Dixon


Title: Entwined
Author: Heather Dixon | Blog
Available: Now
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Fantasy












Description from Goodreads:


Azalea is trapped. Just when she should feel that everything is before her . . . beautiful gowns, dashing suitors, balls filled with dancing . . . it's taken away. All of it.

The Keeper understands. He's trapped, too, held for centuries within the walls of the palace. And so he extends an invitation.

Every night, Azalea and her eleven sisters may step through the enchanted passage in their room to dance in his silver forest.

But there is a cost.

The Keeper likes to keep things.

Azalea may not realize how tangled she is in his web until it is too late.

My thoughts:

When Azalea’s mother dies the castle goes into mourning. Everyone has to wear black, the windows are covered and dancing is strictly prohibited. Desperate to dance, the girls discover a secret passage that leads them to an enchanted forest. It is here they meet The Keeper. The girls are so desperate to escape the depressing castle they are blinded to The Keeper’s motives, and the dangers closing in on them. 


Entwined is a retelling of The Twelve Dancing Princesses. I adore fairy tales and never hesitate to snatch up a new retelling when it hits the shelves. I thought Entwined was perfectly executed. It had all the elements I desire in a fairy tale. Azalea was a wonderful narrator and main character. Her sisters were well developed even though they were more like secondary characters to the plot. The Keeper was a despicably perfect villain. There were also a few romantic interests for the girls that added a nice romantic element to the plot. I also like that the boys didn’t have to be the heroes in this one. Azalea and her sisters are strong and smart girls who could kick butt when necessary. 


Entwined summoned a continuous sense of nostalgia for this long time lover of fairy tales and princesses. It was a book that just made me feel good. It isn’t a book I devoured in one sitting, but one I looked forward to cuddling up with while drinking a cup of tea each evening before bed.  This is a very big book, but it doesn’t seem that way when you’re reading. I was completely and totally enchanted by the author’s writing and the story she told. I couldn’t believe how quickly the pages flew by. I can see myself reading this with my daughters when they are a little older. I will most definitely add a finished copy of Entwined to my shelf of favorites very soon.


Cover Thoughts: Gorgeous and a perfect fit for the story on the pages!


My Rating:




Source:

8 comments:

  1. Yay! So glad you enjoyed this one too Christie, I just loved it. And it's definitely a comfort read just like you said, perfect for curling up with and just enjoying:)

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  2. excellent review, Christie! I'm so glad you liked this one. I cannot wait to read it for myself. Thanks for such an informative, positive review!

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  3. I've seen both good and so-so reviews for this one, but I love the sound of it. I think it sounds like a nice, comfort read...just what I need! Fab review :)

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  4. I really want to read this one so badly mainly because of its gorgeous cover, but it's nice to know from so many reviews that it's actually really good. I'm even more excited now!

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  5. I just love the cover of this one! I'm not a huge fan of fairytale retellings, but this one sounds good. Great review!

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  6. What a beautiful blog you have. New follower by the way. Will have to visit here more often

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  7. Hi, I'm a new follower :). This book looks and sounds beautiful... I love that cover! Thanks for putting it on my radar. ~ Jen @ A Book and a Latte

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