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Charming Tales #1
Once Upon a Rhyme
The dragon is dead. The princess has been saved. There is but one problem: Prince Charming had nothing to do with it.
In order to save his royal reputation, Prince Charming must begrudgingly enlist the help of accidental hero William Pickett. The two set out on an adventure that has them fighting trolls, outwitting a scoundrel, and drinking the foulest ale ever, collecting bruises to both body and pride along the way. Meanwhile, the rescued princess, Gwendolyn, turns out to be one dangerously distressed damsel, and an evil presence takes over Castle White in Charming's absence …
Enter this rollicking world and discover just what happens when a fairytale leaves the well-trodden path of "once upon a time."
In order to save his royal reputation, Prince Charming must begrudgingly enlist the help of accidental hero William Pickett. The two set out on an adventure that has them fighting trolls, outwitting a scoundrel, and drinking the foulest ale ever, collecting bruises to both body and pride along the way. Meanwhile, the rescued princess, Gwendolyn, turns out to be one dangerously distressed damsel, and an evil presence takes over Castle White in Charming's absence …
Enter this rollicking world and discover just what happens when a fairytale leaves the well-trodden path of "once upon a time."
100 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 26, 2014
1 person is currently reading
105 people want to read
About the author
Jack Heckel
9 books24 followersJack Heckel's life is an open book, actually, the book you are in all hope holding right now (and if you are not holding it, he would like to tell you it can be purchased from any of your finest purveyors of the written word). Beyond that, Jack aspires to be either a witty, urbane, world-traveller who lives on his vintage yacht, The Clever Double Entendre, or a geographically illiterate professor of literature who spends his non-writing time restoring an 18th century lighthouse off a remote part of the Vermont coastline. Whatever you want to believe of him, he is without doubt the author of the premier volume of the Charming novels, Once Upon a Rhyme. So, no matter what rumors you might hear about Jack, particularly those spread by either litigious dwarves or litigious dwarfs, ignore them, because he is currently working on a sequel. Because more than anything, Jack lives for his readers.
Despite whatever Jack may claim, in reality, Jack Heckel is the pen name for John Peck and Harry Heckel.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
November 20, 2015
The dragon is dead. The princess has been saved. There is but one problem: Prince Charming had nothing to do with it.
So here I am with another book that I normally wouldn't read, but found very entertaining. Once Upon a Rhyme is a mish-mash of fairy tales all brought together in this first volume of The Charming Tales.
Blurb...
In order to save his royal reputation, Prince Charming must begrudgingly enlist the help of accidental hero William Pickett. The two set out on an adventure that has them fighting trolls, outwitting a scoundrel, and drinking the foulest ale ever, collecting bruises to both body and pride along the way. Meanwhile, the rescued princess, Gwendolyn, turns out to be one dangerously distressed damsel, and an evil presence takes over Castle White in Charming's absence …My thoughts...
Enter this rollicking world and discover just what happens when a fairytale leaves the well-trodden path of "once upon a time."
This is a very clever story that reminded me of a cross between The Princess Bride and Robin Hood: Men in Tights because of the humor - some laugh-out-loud, some tongue-in-cheek, some dry wit, and some just plain eye-rolling. It's a fun read and might be okay for younger kids if you don't mind explaining things like what 'tryst' and 'making love' mean, or why the Prince might not want to leave a certain woman's bed chamber. **wink, wink** That said, there's nothing even close to descriptive sex but it's up to you to decide if it's suitable for your younger readers.
The story continues with Happily Never After: Volume II of The Charming Tales.
My thanks to HarperCollins Voyager for providing me with a copy of this story.
December 11, 2017
Everyone knows the story.... the Dragon has stolen the Princess, and hidden her away in the Tower. The Prince is destined to slay the Dragon and save the Princess. Well... not so much.
The Prince is spoiled brat and spends his time feasting, drinking, and womanizing. When the Dragon manages to impale herself on Will Pickett's pitchfork, everything changes. He and his sister, Elizabeth, end up at the Royal Court. Now, the Picketts have to try and deal with the reputation they're not sure they deserve, the rescued Princess' machinations, and the insufferable Prince Charming, who is nowhere near as charming as he thinks. And the Lady Rapunzel is running around in the background...
This is a book of fairy tale humor with a lot of entertaining wordplay. Somehow, among all the word play, there are some twists and turns in the plot that keep advancing, and will take you by surprise.
Recommended for anyone who enjoys their fantasy with a twist of humor. As the Scarlet Scoundrel would say, AHA!
The Prince is spoiled brat and spends his time feasting, drinking, and womanizing. When the Dragon manages to impale herself on Will Pickett's pitchfork, everything changes. He and his sister, Elizabeth, end up at the Royal Court. Now, the Picketts have to try and deal with the reputation they're not sure they deserve, the rescued Princess' machinations, and the insufferable Prince Charming, who is nowhere near as charming as he thinks. And the Lady Rapunzel is running around in the background...
This is a book of fairy tale humor with a lot of entertaining wordplay. Somehow, among all the word play, there are some twists and turns in the plot that keep advancing, and will take you by surprise.
Recommended for anyone who enjoys their fantasy with a twist of humor. As the Scarlet Scoundrel would say, AHA!
December 6, 2014
I am so glad I had the opportunity to read this wonderful fantasy. I know the author (partly) and thanks to him, I was able to get a free copy. What a great treat.
I grew up reading fairy tales. My local library had most of Andrew Lang's series of colorful fairy tale books and many other wonderful collections. As I became an adult, I did not leave childish things behind. I have enjoyed collections of retold tales like Ellen Datlow and Terri Windling's Fairy Tale Anthologies. I especially like when an author takes tried and true tales and adds their own twist.
So it was not much of a surprise to me that I found Once Upon a Rhyme a great read. Heckel has some obvious twists and then there are some subtle references that caught me off guard. Thanks to Heckel I had some pleasant hours reading, laughing and enjoying the adventures of William Pickett, his sister, Prince Charming and Gwendolyn. I am looking forward to part 2 of this fantastic tale.
I recommend this romp to all readers of fantasy, to anyone who has been reading fairy tales to their children (this book is your turn at those tales) and to readers who are looking for an escape from the read world.
I grew up reading fairy tales. My local library had most of Andrew Lang's series of colorful fairy tale books and many other wonderful collections. As I became an adult, I did not leave childish things behind. I have enjoyed collections of retold tales like Ellen Datlow and Terri Windling's Fairy Tale Anthologies. I especially like when an author takes tried and true tales and adds their own twist.
So it was not much of a surprise to me that I found Once Upon a Rhyme a great read. Heckel has some obvious twists and then there are some subtle references that caught me off guard. Thanks to Heckel I had some pleasant hours reading, laughing and enjoying the adventures of William Pickett, his sister, Prince Charming and Gwendolyn. I am looking forward to part 2 of this fantastic tale.
I recommend this romp to all readers of fantasy, to anyone who has been reading fairy tales to their children (this book is your turn at those tales) and to readers who are looking for an escape from the read world.
June 25, 2016
I read this as part of the collected volume A Fairy-tale Ending, and am reviewing them separately and together.
This fairy-tale mash-up is light, amusing, and laugh-out-loud funny at times. The source of much of the humor is Prince Charming. Oh, Charming. He was raised to be the slayer of the dragon, the hero of the realm, but he prefers to idle away the hours by using horrid couplets to woo pretty women. When a pair of young farmer siblings kill the dragon and destroy Charming's prophesied glory, his life goes topsy-turvy. While the book is overall pretty breezy, there are touches of darkness here and there due to the antagonist, a figure of great sadness and complexity. I was happy that I already had the second book so I could read straight through to find out what happens next.
This fairy-tale mash-up is light, amusing, and laugh-out-loud funny at times. The source of much of the humor is Prince Charming. Oh, Charming. He was raised to be the slayer of the dragon, the hero of the realm, but he prefers to idle away the hours by using horrid couplets to woo pretty women. When a pair of young farmer siblings kill the dragon and destroy Charming's prophesied glory, his life goes topsy-turvy. While the book is overall pretty breezy, there are touches of darkness here and there due to the antagonist, a figure of great sadness and complexity. I was happy that I already had the second book so I could read straight through to find out what happens next.
October 16, 2014
This book was very, very entertaining. The story is well-written, with endearing characters that will make you laugh out loud. The plot has serious and funny moments that keep you turning the page and wondering what amusing adventure will come next. The characters are flawed in wonderful, quirky ways that make you root for them. As you read, you will recognize Prince Charming, Sleeping Beauty, Rapunzel and other from the old, classic fairy tales, but you will appreciate the fresh look Mr. Heckel gives these beloved characters. I recommend this book for everyone, even young readers.
August 31, 2014
I thought it was very funny and entertaining. My full review is here: my review
December 8, 2014
With shades of The Princess Bride and Into the Woods, this fairy tale is a trip. The hero, Will Pickett, becomes so by accident, when a dragon impales itself on his discarded pitchfork. Knowing that the dragon guards an enchanted princess, young Will locates the sleeping beauty and wakes her. Accompanied by his sister, Elizabeth, he returns the princess to her kingdom. The king who was once her fiance, is grateful. His son, Prince Charming--a likable jerk who loves attention, women, and 'couplet'--is not. And the rescued Princess Gwendolyn is no Sleeping Beauty, but a manipulative young witch seeking power. When the king vanishes, Will and Prince Charming set off on a quest, while Elizabeth is soon fleeing the kingdom, chased through the forest by a possessed huntsman. Other guest stars include a jilted Rapunzel and a lunatic outlaw and his men who can't decided what to call themselves. The story is hilarious, with clever fairy-tale bits and a charismatic hero and heroine. And, in the sequel, there will be dwarves...
January 18, 2015
Too cute and touchy feelie. The villain, if you can even call her that, was more petty mean girl than truly evil.
I wanted more adventure from a book with a dragon on the cover. The author pulled off some nice humor here and there so I didn't one star it.
I wanted more adventure from a book with a dragon on the cover. The author pulled off some nice humor here and there so I didn't one star it.
April 16, 2021
Mishmash of people from fairy tales. On a farm, descendants of nobility, Will and Liz kill dragon, wake evil Princess. Liz gets glass slippers, finds Dwarfs. Prince Charming betrays Will to Robin Hood, pulls Rapunzel's hair.
July 23, 2023
A charming (pun intended) modern mash up of familiar tales. Some slow points but fun overall.
March 13, 2015
Fun fast read! Perfect if you love fairy-tales with a twist...lots of twists!
Loved it!
Finding good fairy-tales nowadays is actually harder than we may think. Most of them are boring re-tellings with slightly different circumstances and without an original soul. This was different!
I should refrain from singing too high praises because the story isn't over at the end of the book, but I have to say I'm extremely impressed up till now.
The writing is funny, flowing and completely in sync with fairy-tale theme. There are lots of references to different classic fairy-tales and while some are somewhat predictable, most are absolutely genius. The interesting thing is that, while the tone is actually light for most of the story, it actually goes over to some themes that are darker and deeper than we could expect. The characters start with being somewhat stereotypical, but that soon changes and while we go on with the story we discover extra layers. It's extremely engaging!
There are a couple of typos here and there, but not many and nothing that actually hinders the reading much.
Loved it!
Finding good fairy-tales nowadays is actually harder than we may think. Most of them are boring re-tellings with slightly different circumstances and without an original soul. This was different!
I should refrain from singing too high praises because the story isn't over at the end of the book, but I have to say I'm extremely impressed up till now.
The writing is funny, flowing and completely in sync with fairy-tale theme. There are lots of references to different classic fairy-tales and while some are somewhat predictable, most are absolutely genius. The interesting thing is that, while the tone is actually light for most of the story, it actually goes over to some themes that are darker and deeper than we could expect. The characters start with being somewhat stereotypical, but that soon changes and while we go on with the story we discover extra layers. It's extremely engaging!
There are a couple of typos here and there, but not many and nothing that actually hinders the reading much.
April 26, 2015
I checked this book out at the library on a random selection. I needed something for a plane trip. The book looked interesting since I love twisted fairy tales & that's the premise of the book.
I really like the brother & sister and it felt like the characters where building well yet I didn't feel connected to them. The story didn't seem focused on one storyline but multiple storylines that intersect and because of that I was able to put the book down for days at a time & not feel compelled to pick it back up until it was close to be return to the library.
Even though this story says it is Volume 1, I was not expecting this story to stop where it did. It stopped with nothing resolved because the rest of the story continues in Volume 2, I assume. I felt jipped. When I invest time to read a book, when I get to the end of the book, I want to have a resolution for the main storyline and I didn't get that with this book. It felt like I only received part of the story.
I really like the brother & sister and it felt like the characters where building well yet I didn't feel connected to them. The story didn't seem focused on one storyline but multiple storylines that intersect and because of that I was able to put the book down for days at a time & not feel compelled to pick it back up until it was close to be return to the library.
Even though this story says it is Volume 1, I was not expecting this story to stop where it did. It stopped with nothing resolved because the rest of the story continues in Volume 2, I assume. I felt jipped. When I invest time to read a book, when I get to the end of the book, I want to have a resolution for the main storyline and I didn't get that with this book. It felt like I only received part of the story.
August 26, 2016
So.... I'm gonna put this review on both Once Upon a Rhyme and this book, as I read them together... well not together per say... I mean they were combined as a single book and stuff... "A Fairy-Tale ending." First I will say this was DELIGHTFUL, funny, cheeky for sure, and when "inappropriate" Jack does a great job eluding to the inappropriate-ness rather than being blatant about it ( making this fun for adults AND kids who might be a little... clueless thus preserving innocence for a LITTLE while longer :) ). Now... when I read books I usually caste the movie that is playing in my mind:
Will Pickett - John Krasinski
Elizabeth Pickett - Anna Faris
Prince Charming - Chris Pratt
Rapunzel - Emily Blunt
Gwendolyn - Kristin Chenoweth
Will Pickett - John Krasinski
Elizabeth Pickett - Anna Faris
Prince Charming - Chris Pratt
Rapunzel - Emily Blunt
Gwendolyn - Kristin Chenoweth
February 25, 2015
I received a copy of this book for free at New York Comic Con 2014. I didn't know what to expect, only being told by the representative at the booth that it's a story about what would happen if Prince Charming hasn't rescued the princess.
I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's fun to see the different characters creep up and the meta references throughout the story.
Taking fairy tale characters and giving them actual human emotion and conflict is a novel concept, and it's executed very well here. I can definitely say I'll be picking up the next book in the series.
I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's fun to see the different characters creep up and the meta references throughout the story.
Taking fairy tale characters and giving them actual human emotion and conflict is a novel concept, and it's executed very well here. I can definitely say I'll be picking up the next book in the series.
January 7, 2015
Prince Charming misses a chance to slay the dragon and rescue the princess when a farmboy accidentally accomplishes the task. Lots of tongue-in-cheek fairy tale references make this a quick and thoroughly entertaining read. By the end of it you'll realize it's not just satire - you'll come to love this version of the characters you thought you already knew, and they are much more real than you might expect.
December 6, 2014
As a fan of Jasper Fforde, I had great hopes for this book. It falls far short of Fforde.
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April 5, 2015Fractured fairy tales.
June 20, 2015
Super fun!! :) Highly recommended for anyone who likes fun spins on fairy tales.
June 7, 2016
Was really enjoying the book until it ended right in the middle of everything. I love a good series but not having any kind of ending disappointed me - not sure I'll even pick up the next one.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews