Jack and the Beanstalk

by Jenni James

The quest to save a girl from a giant.... Jack Waithwrite is livid when he learns that his fiancée, Rachel, has been stolen by a giant and taken up to a kingdom in the sky. Without the means to save her, he travels with his sister to Larkein, the place where dark magic abides, to discover a way to help Rachel. While there, a cunning witch knows who he is and offers to help him. However, when he finds out the kidnapping was orchestrated by the witch to use him as her pawn for her own schemes, his true quest begins. Now Jack must outwit a giant and stay one step ahead of the witch in time to save Rachel. Enjoy Jack and the Beanstalk, the continuing tale of Hansel and Gretel and what happened after they were married. Jack and Jill Waithwrite are the children of Hansel and Gretel, and as their parents before them had adventures, now it is their turn.

Genres: Fairy Tales, Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance, Retellings, Fairy Tale Retellings, Magic

160 pages, Paperback

First published March 31, 2013

About the author

CLEAN ROMANCE FOR TEENS:

*The Jane Austen Diaries*
Pride & Popularity (Aug 2011)
Persuaded (Aug. 2012)
Emmalee (Jan 2013)
Mansfield Ranch (Dec 2013)
Northanger Alibi (Feb. 2012)
Sensible & Sensational (July 2015)
Sand & Sun (2016)
The Wilsons
Queen Sydney

*Jenni James Faerie Tale Collection*
Beauty and the Beast
Sleeping Beauty
Rumplestiltskin
Cinderella
Hansel and Gretel
Jack and the Beanstalk
Snow White
The Frog Prince
Twelve Dancing Princesses
Rapunzel
The Little Mermaid
Peter Pan
Return to Neverland
The Forgotten Princess
The Princess With the Golden Touch
Little Red Riding Hood
(and more...)

MIDDLE GRADE READERS:
Prince Tennyson (May 2012)

EARLY READERS:

*Andy & Annie Collection*
A Ghost Story
Greeny Meany

WOMEN'S FICTION:

*Revitalizing Jane Series*
Drowning
Swimming
Crawling
Walking
Running
Soaring


CLEAN ROMANCE FOR ADULTS:

*Eternal Realm Series*
Eternity
Destiny
Divinity

Reviews

[Jenni James · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot believe I forgot to write this review! I love this book. It is fun and adventurous. It's a continuation of Hansel and Gretel (Jack is their son) there will also be two more books that follow this one, that I haven't begun as of yet...

Hansel and Gretel
Jack and the Beanstalk
The Princess with the Golden Touch
Little Red Riding Hood.

They will continue to carry on with the same characters and it will be the ONLY collection of four books in this series that will be a continuing story.

I hope you love this version of Jack and the Beanstalk as much as I did. I had so much fun writing this one! Thank you for all of your support! I love you.
Jenni :)

[Kathy Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

The quest to save a girl from a giant—

Jack Waithwrite is livid when he learns that his fiancée, Rachel, has been stolen by a giant and taken up to a kingdom in the sky. Without the means to save her, he travels with his sister to Larkein, the place where dark magic abides, to discover a way to help Rachel. While there, a cunning witch knows who he is and offers to help him. However, when he finds out the kidnapping was orchestrated by the witch to use him as her pawn for her own schemes, his true quest begins. Now Jack must outwit a giant and stay one step ahead of the witch in time to save Rachel.

*sigh*

How I LOVED Jenni's retelling of Jack and the Beanstalk! You can always count on her for unique and fun twists to the beloved Faerie Tales we all knew growing up!

Jack... what can I say about Jack?! He is ever the hero... the protector... the strong one... full of love and has a witty sense of humor. I instantly loved him! He is such a fun character! And Rachel... so sweet... so loving... a protector as well in her own way. I instantly loved her as well! But I have to admit that the character that made this book for me... who quickly became my favorite was Jill!! Oh my heck!! LOVE her!! She was crackin me up right and left!! But she knew how to be serious and resourceful when the needed... quick thinker and always a problem solver! I loved the relationship she had with her brother, Jack. It's what a brother/sister relationship should be like in my opinion!! The love... the banter... the friendship... the trust... the camaraderie... it was all priceless!!

Jack and the Beanstalk is definitely another home run for Jenni!! She is extremely talented when it comes to writing. She brightens up the world by sharing this amazing gift she has with all of us!! Keep 'em coming Jenni!! I am SO glad I stumbled upon your books through a random web search... you made me a fan for life from the very first book!! :o)

[Heidi Peltier · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a big fan of Jenni. James and have really enjoyed her fairy tales. This one was my least favorote though. However this is most likely my own fault for not heeding her warning at the very beginning of the book (yes, she warns the reader). She advises the reader to read Hansel and Gretel first as they are Jack's parents and their stories overlap. So I'll warn you too. If you plan to read this story, be sure to read Hansel and Gretel first.

[Kent · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fairy tale re-written by Jenni James. This is the sequel to Hansel & Gretel, & also includes a surprise from that book, as well as a nursery tale in this book. Fun reading!

[Diksha Patel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Jack and the Beanstalk by Jenni James is a retelling of the classic fairy tale, bringing a fresh perspective to the beloved story. With its imaginative twists and engaging storytelling, this adaptation offers an enjoyable reading experience, although it may lack some depth and originality.

The story follows the familiar tale of Jack, a young boy who trades his family's cow for magic beans that grow into a colossal beanstalk. He embarks on a thrilling adventure to a land in the clouds, where he encounters a giant and uncovers hidden treasures. James presents her own take on the story, adding unique elements and character dynamics that add intrigue and excitement.

One of the strengths of this retelling is James' ability to breathe new life into the classic story. She introduces additional layers to the narrative, providing fresh insights into the characters and their motivations. The world-building is vibrant and vivid, immersing readers in the enchanting realm above the clouds.

The writing style is accessible and flows well, making it suitable for readers of various ages. The pacing is generally well-maintained, with suspenseful moments and action-packed sequences keeping readers engaged throughout. James' attention to detail helps paint a vivid picture of the settings and enhances the overall reading experience.

However, despite these positive aspects, the book may not offer substantial depth or originality. Some readers familiar with the original tale may find the story predictable, as it largely adheres to the well-known plot points. The characters, while enjoyable, may lack significant development and complexity, and their actions can at times feel predictable.

Nevertheless, Jack and the Beanstalk remains an entertaining and accessible retelling that can captivate readers with its imaginative world and engaging storytelling. It offers a fresh perspective on a beloved story, making it a suitable choice for fans of fairy tales and those seeking an enjoyable, light-hearted read.

[Mel (Daily Prophecy) · Rating 2 out of 5]

So...

I read this book for the Dewey 24-hour read-a-thon and I didn't remember I read it before :') That is how much impression it made to me apparently, haha. Not once I recognized anything.. might have been the reading high, because this was around 04:00. And to my defense, I read it in 2014.

Still the same thoughts after reading my previous review.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay for a quick, lazy day read. I'm not particularly a fan of combining 3 fairy tales. Jack and jill, hansel and gretel, and obviously jack and the beanstalk. (A little cheesy that jack did indeed fall down a hill and hit his head.. and jill came running after him 🤣.) I think there should be more focus on the one story to make it more interesting.

[Genesis Michel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story was made by Jenni James but there are many more stories that are different. I read a different stories but this is kinds the same. This boy named Jack had a cow which this nold man was selling beans which Jack traded for the cow. Then the green stalk grew and there were giants in the sky. Which the girl was taking care of him and behind the woman back he was trying to steal gold. Then the man wamted to eat peoeple and don't let them leave.Then the boy escaped and the giant chastising him.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really like fairy tale retellings. You rarely see a Jack and the Beanstalk re-telling, so I enjoyed this. I had read Hansel and Gretel by Jenni James and loved it. I have enjoyed all the books I have read from her. This was a fun quick read.

[Jalissa Mooney · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was interesting to read about Hansel & Gretel’s children climbing the beanstalk to save Jack’s fiancé. A little continuation of the first story and an interesting adaption of the story of Jack & Jill. It’s curious to read about the witches of the stories who seek the children with incredible power to raise as their own.

[K · Rating 1 out of 5]

The dialogue in this book was absolutely ridiculous. The premise was weak, the "romance" nonexistent, and the connection to Hansel & Gretel unnecessary.

[Ann Marie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was disappointing. And cheesy. Never again.
Why put two fairytales in one and shorten the one that could have actually been interesting. :(

[Rmsooon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ive read " jack and the beanstalk " ,, it was nice so short ,, i gave it 3 out of 5 stars

[aem · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another enjoyable re-telling - this one Jack and the Beanstalk

[Netta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not bad for a cute, romantic fairy tale. I wish there was less bickering between Jack and his sister Jill but it is what it is. Not bad at all.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I guess what I liked most about this book is that you rarely come across a retelling of this fairy tale. You do need to read "Hansel and Gretel" before you read this one because the two are connected. I thought that after all the build-up the ending was a bit rushed, but overall a good story. (She also makes cute references to the Jack and Jill nursery rhyme.) Apparently this story isn't over as the author plugs her next book at the end of this one!

[Rachael · Rating 3 out of 5]

As usual this was a quick read, but in the short story James managed to develop the characters and get me attached to them. I think there was a greater attachment since I met the characters in Hansel and Gretel. Verity is one I'm interested in and I hope she will have her own story. I enjoyed Jack, Jill, Verity, and Rachel's story.

[Kristen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars -

I felt this one was based a little bit more on the adventure than on romance. I know I would have loved it as a teen. Sweet, clean, and fun read. The characters were cute and I can't wait to read about Verity in The Princess with the Golden Touch.

Moral Note: Very mild violence, clean language, clean romance.

[Mel (Daily Prophecy) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was a little disappointed by this retelling. It felt a bit slow and I wasn't captured by the story. I liked that Jack is willing to do everything so save the love of his life, Rachel, who has been captured by the giant. It's a fun way to give him a reason to climb a beanstalk, especially with the addition of the witch who orders him to bring her baby back.

[Becka · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is part of a series of really well-done retellings of classic folk and fairy tales. What I love is that she has given realistic motives to the characters and while she leaves the tropes in, the tropes get a bit twisted so that you can see why they might exist.

Here, Hansel and Gretel's children go on their own adventure.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would read Hansel and Gretel before you read this book. This book has some of the same characters from that story and refers to it. I did not like this retelling as well as some of her others. I did however like the reference to the Jack and Jill nursery rhyme that she threw in. The ending has a shameless plug for another of her upcoming books.

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book warmed my heart- Again! I love all your tales, this one follows on from Hansel and Gretel, their children Jack and Jill having the same adventurous flare as their parents, I love this book!

[Jill · Rating 1 out of 5]

Started with Cinderella, it was an ok plot with a nice twist. Then Hansel & Gretel, a bit boring and slow. Jack & the Beanstalk was even more tedious. That's enough for me. If you're looking for an entertaining twist on classic fairy tales, keep looking.

[Ellie Dynek · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've never really considered how the story of Jack and the Beanstalk can be rewritten and retold, but I would definitely say that this is one of the more creative and humorous versions I've ever read.

[Roanne · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don't understand why I subject myself to such silliness.

[Teazia Cockburn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my favourite of the books, but not exactly bad.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really fun book. These would be awesome for teen girls.

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cinderella was a better book, but this one was better than Hansel and Gretel. I really struggled to finish Hansel and Gretel.

[Sophie Lyons · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't enjoy this one as much as the other books in the series.

[Angie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Frankly, I expected more.