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Jane Eyre Retold #1
My Mr. Rochester
The classic Gothic tale set in a future utopia, retold in five episodes.
Episode 1: In a country founded on biblical principals after the Second War Between the States, orphan Jane survives a harsh boarding school education to become a governess at a remote and beautiful estate.
Though plain and poor and without connections, Jane finds contentment in her new position ~ but a rough, mysterious stranger threatens the tranquility of mind she's fought so hard to achieve.
Episode 1: In a country founded on biblical principals after the Second War Between the States, orphan Jane survives a harsh boarding school education to become a governess at a remote and beautiful estate.
Though plain and poor and without connections, Jane finds contentment in her new position ~ but a rough, mysterious stranger threatens the tranquility of mind she's fought so hard to achieve.
186 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 15, 2013
22 people are currently reading
539 people want to read
About the author
L.K. Rigel
36 books179 followersLK Rigel is the author of the Apocalypto series:
Space Junque, Spiderwork, and Firebird; and the Wyrd and Fae series: Give Me, Bride of Fae, Fever Mist, and A Glimmering Girl.
Her My Mr. Rochester (Jane Eyre Retold) a retelling of the Gothic novel set in a future utopia.
Her short story Slurp is included in Deadly Treats, an anthology edited by Anne Frasier from Nodin Press. Rigel's writing has also appeared in Literary Mama and Tattoo Highway.
She lives in California.
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Space Junque, Spiderwork, and Firebird; and the Wyrd and Fae series: Give Me, Bride of Fae, Fever Mist, and A Glimmering Girl.
Her My Mr. Rochester (Jane Eyre Retold) a retelling of the Gothic novel set in a future utopia.
Her short story Slurp is included in Deadly Treats, an anthology edited by Anne Frasier from Nodin Press. Rigel's writing has also appeared in Literary Mama and Tattoo Highway.
She lives in California.
sign up for notice of new releases
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
August 8, 2014
Only made it through the first 5 chapters.
Supposedly a dystopian future retelling of Jane Eyre, it was basically just... Jane Eyre, only not as good. The "future" America basically looked like Victorian England (complete with long dresses, steam engines, and old-fashioned speech patterns...) with sometims a car or microfiber item thrown in. The setting didn't seem very developed, and the only charming parts were torn wholesale from the original book.
A few MORE changes from the original Jane Eyre might have made this more enjoyable. As it is, I'd rather just read Jane Eyre.
Supposedly a dystopian future retelling of Jane Eyre, it was basically just... Jane Eyre, only not as good. The "future" America basically looked like Victorian England (complete with long dresses, steam engines, and old-fashioned speech patterns...) with sometims a car or microfiber item thrown in. The setting didn't seem very developed, and the only charming parts were torn wholesale from the original book.
A few MORE changes from the original Jane Eyre might have made this more enjoyable. As it is, I'd rather just read Jane Eyre.
February 14, 2015
Basically this is a mix of fan fiction and plagiarism. She took out everything about Jane that made the original so great and made her into a whiny typical teenager who can only think about herself and sex. She also took whole passages of dialogue from the original and crammed them into the book, regardless of whether the speech patterns would actually make sense in that setting. Poorly developed, poorly written, and not worth the time. Better off just reading the actual Jane Eyre.
August 11, 2016
Very disappointing. This book is supposedly set far in the future, but is a retelling of "Jane Eyre". I was intrigued by this idea, but unfortunately, the description is a bit misleading. Although the story does indeed take place in the future, the part of the country where it takes place has apparently by choice left behind all modern advancements and technology and lives in a world almost exactly like the one the original Jane lived in. Horse and buggy, long skirts and candlelight. Once in a while there is mention of the other world that is full of technology, but other then that, this book is hardly different from the original. I won't be reading the rest of the series.
July 13, 2017
A different kind of retelling than you'd expect after reading the description, but I still enjoyed it. It didn't really feel like it was set in the future, since the people of New Judah live without most modern conveniences. Not sure if I'll continue with the series.
October 9, 2015
Although My Mr Rochester is set in a "futuristic" world, it's probably not the setting you would expect from its description and that seems to have turned some readers off. Rather, it is set in a Handmaid's Tale kind of a world, a place which has rejected various mod cons and returned to conservative religious values. Because this world, at least at face value, is not overly different from early nineteenth century Jane Eyre, this rewrite is at times almost indistinguishable from the original (Jane being a sexual being and liking Harry Potter notwithstanding). Although I suppose this could make you wonder what the point of reading the rewrite is, I personally have never been fond of the Baz Luhrman school of rewrites (coughromeoandjulietcough) and prefer this take on a classic novel that focuses more on character and creating space for social commentary than on telling us what type of car everyone has, like that's what's important.
Oh, and FYI, although this is a serial, it isn't one of those that gives you ten pages and a massive cliffhanger, then expects you to cough up for seven more episodes. It has a dozen or so chapters and 100+ pages.
January 2, 2014
I'm super excited about this series. Years ago I edited Space Junque, one of LK's early books, and I've been a fan of her writing ever since. One of the things I admire about LK is the way she's always stretching and growing, and I think with the Jane Eyre Retold series she's really hit her stride and come into a style and voice that is honestly kind of blowing my mind. I'm really anxious to see how the series plays out.
February 17, 2014
Fairly good retelling of Jane Eyre. I like how the author put the story in a divided country sometime in the future . It's a little confusing as parts of the story (including wardrobe, at times) seems to be in mid 1800s England. Follows the story fairly closely. I'm hoping all the dangling parts get cleared up and resolved in the final installment . There is a lot to clear up ..
tbr-later
November 5, 20155 February 2015: $0.00 FREE on Kindle
25 November 2014: $0.00 FREE on Kindle
25 November 2014: $0.00 FREE on Kindle
October 11, 2019
No...just no. When I started to read this, there was a part or 2 when I thought...this seems to be implying that there's going to be some sexual content. Fortunately, it never became too intense but in reading the reviews of the complete book (all 5 episodes) it's coming and I'm sorry but I just can't buy it. For people who want the tale "spiced up"...that's fine but to me it just ruins the original intent. It's really too bad because other than the sexual vein, the rest of the writing was fine and I would have probably read the rest of the series.
July 10, 2017
This was part one. I liked the way it followed the original but with a change in setting and date. I look forward to part 2.
September 19, 2023
I would never have kept going if I had known this was just the first book in a series of five.
March 4, 2014
This is the first installment of L.K. Rigel's My Mr. Rochester. The entire series is told in 5 parts and is a retelling of Jane Eyre.
Knowing that this was Jane-Eyre-with-a-twist really had me intrigued. To me, Jane Eyre is the most beloved classic novel. I figured that I was going to either adore it or I was going to hate it and be annoyed someone tried to re-create the magic.
My Mr. Rochester is set in the near future. When the story begins and Jane is living with her aunt, Mrs. Reed, she is thirteen and it is the year 2081. They live in North America but borders are not the same as they are now. Jane is living in a new country called New Judah where its citizens have reverted to a Victorian-era lifestyle. Technology is shunned and virtues like piety and modesty are ideal. It makes me think of colonies of Amish people--living close to and being exposed to modern culture and even finding it necessary to utilize technology once in a while, but not embracing it. But this is much more Victorian than Amish in that there are class lines that are firmly set and the disparity between the classes is great.
I think the sensibilities and the economics of Victorian England are very important to the story of Jane Eyre and to make it a contemporary story would cause it to lose its greatness, so I can understand why the author chose to tell it this way. In some ways if you disregard what is happening outside of New Judah, this could be Jane Eyre--just told in a voice that is more reader-friendly and has the promise of a little more titillating content.
Basing my opinion on this first installment, the author is keeping to the core story, but taking some situations and characters to a deeper level. It's as if she were reading between the lines of Jane Eyre and letting us all in on it. So far I don't think so well of Jane as I did with Bronte's version. But I'm trying not to let my love of the original spoil my experience reading this.
Part One ends with Jane discovering that the man on the horse is her employer Mr. Rochester. I'm enjoying this very much and will happily continue on with the other installments.
Knowing that this was Jane-Eyre-with-a-twist really had me intrigued. To me, Jane Eyre is the most beloved classic novel. I figured that I was going to either adore it or I was going to hate it and be annoyed someone tried to re-create the magic.
My Mr. Rochester is set in the near future. When the story begins and Jane is living with her aunt, Mrs. Reed, she is thirteen and it is the year 2081. They live in North America but borders are not the same as they are now. Jane is living in a new country called New Judah where its citizens have reverted to a Victorian-era lifestyle. Technology is shunned and virtues like piety and modesty are ideal. It makes me think of colonies of Amish people--living close to and being exposed to modern culture and even finding it necessary to utilize technology once in a while, but not embracing it. But this is much more Victorian than Amish in that there are class lines that are firmly set and the disparity between the classes is great.
I think the sensibilities and the economics of Victorian England are very important to the story of Jane Eyre and to make it a contemporary story would cause it to lose its greatness, so I can understand why the author chose to tell it this way. In some ways if you disregard what is happening outside of New Judah, this could be Jane Eyre--just told in a voice that is more reader-friendly and has the promise of a little more titillating content.
Basing my opinion on this first installment, the author is keeping to the core story, but taking some situations and characters to a deeper level. It's as if she were reading between the lines of Jane Eyre and letting us all in on it. So far I don't think so well of Jane as I did with Bronte's version. But I'm trying not to let my love of the original spoil my experience reading this.
Part One ends with Jane discovering that the man on the horse is her employer Mr. Rochester. I'm enjoying this very much and will happily continue on with the other installments.
April 19, 2014
(Four stars out of five)
I am a really big fan if Charlotte Bronte, so this book intrigued me. Its written as if you picked up Jane Eyre,in all its Gothic glory, and dropped it into dystopian late 21st century divided America.
After the second War of Sucession, the haves and the have nots still exist, and the poles theysit on are more divided than ever, with thee New Judeans more Gothic than ever and the Secessionists going along as usual. That in itself is jarring enough, but intriguing.....
This first episode takes us from Reed Hall, to Jane's school,and teaching, all the way up to her meeting her new employer, Rochester. Anyone who hasn't gotten hooked by the end just might be an Emily Bronte fan instead......
I am a really big fan if Charlotte Bronte, so this book intrigued me. Its written as if you picked up Jane Eyre,in all its Gothic glory, and dropped it into dystopian late 21st century divided America.
After the second War of Sucession, the haves and the have nots still exist, and the poles theysit on are more divided than ever, with thee New Judeans more Gothic than ever and the Secessionists going along as usual. That in itself is jarring enough, but intriguing.....
This first episode takes us from Reed Hall, to Jane's school,and teaching, all the way up to her meeting her new employer, Rochester. Anyone who hasn't gotten hooked by the end just might be an Emily Bronte fan instead......
September 2, 2016
This story is very true to the original Jane Eyre that I love. I enjoyed the more in depth story and am intrigued by the time frame of a futuristic society that has seceded from the United States to live a simpler life. I am not sure if I really like the clash of the societies as it wasn't as prominent in this first book. I am also disappointed that for a time point that is supposedly 70 years in the future, it feels as if we have one society that has gone back in time and one that hasn't moved forward.
January 6, 2014
I was attracted to the interesting concept of Jane Eyre in the future and the cover seemed to hint at some kinky play. I was, however, disappointed. Not much world building, I'm not sure what kind of future Jane lives in. They have the internet but believes and mannerism are still Victorian. Episode one is all about Jane's childhood and ends with her meeting Mr. Rochester. No major cliffhanger. I'm not motivated to read further.
March 31, 2015
So.. I'm not a fan of glorified fanfiction. Or any fanfiction. But this was free, and I'm always interested in seeing how people retell classics that I loved. (To date, I have loved one retelling of a fave...) so I gave it a go.
Hmm.. not bad.. although.. not much of a retelling. And the way it's divided seems kinda dumb. But it's episodes. So I get it.
I will probably download the rest while they are for 99 cents each.
Hmm.. not bad.. although.. not much of a retelling. And the way it's divided seems kinda dumb. But it's episodes. So I get it.
I will probably download the rest while they are for 99 cents each.
December 1, 2015
Please stop with breaking books into parts
Ok, I love the story of Jane eyre. But honestly retelling it could have been one book not five. Dear author, this story is pretty interesting, but please give yourself enough credit to write the whole retelling at one time and price accordingly!
The only reason I gave it 3 stars is that. But I honestly like the story. It is an interesting take on it. It broke, my heart a little, gave me hope a bit, and, made me smile.
Ok, I love the story of Jane eyre. But honestly retelling it could have been one book not five. Dear author, this story is pretty interesting, but please give yourself enough credit to write the whole retelling at one time and price accordingly!
The only reason I gave it 3 stars is that. But I honestly like the story. It is an interesting take on it. It broke, my heart a little, gave me hope a bit, and, made me smile.
March 25, 2014
I was confused at first about what was going on, since I didn't notice the year. Once I figured that out, I sort of enjoyed this modern take on a book I love so well. I'm debating whether or not to read more - on one had it's interesting to read about this strange future/past land. On the other, the writing isn't great and, especially compared to the real thing, that makes for a weird read
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 12, 2014
I know it is blasphemy to say this, but I enjoyed this Jane Eyre reboot more than the original. Fascinating to have it placed in the future with the heart of the US turned into a Religious State with all the repression, ignorance, and righteousness one would expect. Well written and compelling. I didn't hesitate to buy all the books once I'd completed this first one.
October 27, 2014
Interesting but not compelling
This book is just the first of a five book series. It deals with the feelings of a young fracturing under
This book is just the first of a 5-volume work. It deals with the feelings of a young girl maturing under difficult conditions. The plot is simple but interesting. One would need to read the full book to comment adequately.
This book is just the first of a five book series. It deals with the feelings of a young fracturing under
This book is just the first of a 5-volume work. It deals with the feelings of a young girl maturing under difficult conditions. The plot is simple but interesting. One would need to read the full book to comment adequately.
March 25, 2014
A most enjoyable read. The writer told a very good story and it kept the reader entertained till the very last page.
A definite must read for all paranormal lovers. I really look forward to continuing the series.
Well done Rigel
A definite must read for all paranormal lovers. I really look forward to continuing the series.
Well done Rigel
December 11, 2021
This is the first section of this re-telling of Jane Eyre. It isn't badly written, but I'm not sure I'm interested enough in purchasing the remainder of the series. It's just too close to the real story, and if I'm in the mood to re-read Jane Eyre, I'll read the original story.
January 4, 2016
Jane Eyre set in the dystopian future - in a country which separated from the US and returned to a time where women were property, transportation is horses, and electricity is frowned on, Harry Potter books promote witch craft. Essentially Jane Eyre, but in a different setting.
March 3, 2016
Good, different style than original and good writing and exciting and I like the more modern theme and
More modern and sexy. Jane is indeed a strong independent woman. Her cousin Georgina is so nice which is good
More modern and sexy. Jane is indeed a strong independent woman. Her cousin Georgina is so nice which is good
January 20, 2014
Interesting retelling of this classic novel, and I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
However I do hope they don't spread it out over to many part.
However I do hope they don't spread it out over to many part.
January 18, 2014
Couldn't put this down. Fun and creative retelling of Jane Eyre. Lots of fun literature easter eggs.
March 8, 2014
What an interesting re-telling of one of my favorite books.
The author sets this version of Jane Eyre in a future that both Charlotte Bronte's era and our modern era exist simultaneously.
The author sets this version of Jane Eyre in a future that both Charlotte Bronte's era and our modern era exist simultaneously.
March 17, 2014
So far it's like a cross between Jane Eyre and A Handmaid's Tale. I would really like to read more.
August 17, 2017
Loved this spin on the classic!
April 3, 2014
Interesting twist on a classic, even though this version of Jane is slightly annoying, and sometimes the future world they live in is not explained well.. but I'll be reading the second book...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews