Wendy Mass' take on the classic fairytale is more true to the feelings that most teenagers would be experiencing after being kidnapped by a witch, forced in a tower, and ordered to "let down her hair."
Mass also introduces a new character: the usually illusive Prince only characterized by his nobility, integrity, and good looks, becomes the gawky bespectacled Benjamin, a fan of adventure novels and staying in his room, has a habit of breaking glasses, and hates leeches, hunting, being regal, and his "carrot-haired" cousin Elkin.
Rapunzel on the other hand throw all docile, princess-like behavior to the wind, crosses into the ALL CAPS and exclamation points by chapter one. Kindly, one would say she's feisty, the witch might say she's a shrew. Rapunzel does display some shrewish, Kate-like behavior, and for good reason. Despite her efforts to entertain herself/escape/find civilization, life in a tower is as displeasing as one would imagine.
For a while, it seems their paths won't cross. Benjamin is a homebody, forced into regal activities by his supremely kingly father, and, well, Rapunzel is trapped. While not getting too much into the nitty-gritty of the original story (the gruesome details like the prince's blindness, etc.) Mass' retelling is enjoyable for fairytale lovers of various ages.