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Rumpled
Gold for a poor girl,
Beauty for a twisted man,
A child for a powerful sorcerer . . .
Rumpelstiltskin can change anything he touches into gold, but he cannot change his own twisted body. The sorcerer Laurus can make Rumpelstiltskin tall, strong, and handsome-but he will only work his magic in exchange for a child in its first year of life.
When Emily's deluded father claims she can spin straw into gold, the King demands proof. Caught between a mad father and a mad king, Emily's life hangs in the balance. Rumpelstiltskin will help keep up her ruse for three nights-if she promises him her firstborn child.
When the King decides to marry Emily, the pretense must continue for much longer. And what Emily offers Rumpelstiltskin in return for his continued help has the power to change everything.
This retelling of "Rumpelstiltskin" is best suited for ages 14 and up.
Beauty for a twisted man,
A child for a powerful sorcerer . . .
Rumpelstiltskin can change anything he touches into gold, but he cannot change his own twisted body. The sorcerer Laurus can make Rumpelstiltskin tall, strong, and handsome-but he will only work his magic in exchange for a child in its first year of life.
When Emily's deluded father claims she can spin straw into gold, the King demands proof. Caught between a mad father and a mad king, Emily's life hangs in the balance. Rumpelstiltskin will help keep up her ruse for three nights-if she promises him her firstborn child.
When the King decides to marry Emily, the pretense must continue for much longer. And what Emily offers Rumpelstiltskin in return for his continued help has the power to change everything.
This retelling of "Rumpelstiltskin" is best suited for ages 14 and up.
136 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2014
4 people are currently reading
618 people want to read
About the author
Lacey Louwagie
8 books68 followersI first started writing as soon as I was old enough to hold a pencil and fold pieces of paper together. My first book, full of pictures of unicorns (I was too young to know how to write), started me on the writing path I'm still on today: exploring different realities through science fiction and fantasy.
Since then, I've become better at "drawing pictures" with words than pencils. In addition to writing my own stuff, I'm also a freelance editor and writer. I most like to edit, workshop, coach, and proofread what I most like to read: novels and memoir. But I skillfully edit a wide range of materials.
Although my writing has taken a backseat since the births of my two sons, I still blog, journal, and edit whenever I can. I look forward to devoting more time to writing when my "baby" starts school. My most recent fiction projects have explored the intersection of science fiction/fantasy and parenthood. I'm also interested in exploring the essay format in the future.
You can still find my earlier books: "Rumpled," a novella retelling the story of Rumpelstiltskin. ACTA Publications released Hungering and Thirsting for Justice: True Stories by Young Adult Catholics in 2012, which I co-edited with Kate Ward.
Since then, I've become better at "drawing pictures" with words than pencils. In addition to writing my own stuff, I'm also a freelance editor and writer. I most like to edit, workshop, coach, and proofread what I most like to read: novels and memoir. But I skillfully edit a wide range of materials.
Although my writing has taken a backseat since the births of my two sons, I still blog, journal, and edit whenever I can. I look forward to devoting more time to writing when my "baby" starts school. My most recent fiction projects have explored the intersection of science fiction/fantasy and parenthood. I'm also interested in exploring the essay format in the future.
You can still find my earlier books: "Rumpled," a novella retelling the story of Rumpelstiltskin. ACTA Publications released Hungering and Thirsting for Justice: True Stories by Young Adult Catholics in 2012, which I co-edited with Kate Ward.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 1, 2025
Rumpled by Lacey Louwagie is a retelling of Rumpelstiltskin in the point of view of the man himself.
THERE ARE NO SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.
TRIGGER WARNINGS: manipulation, slavery, and greedy kings.
Pre-Read:
//As you all know, I grew up on grimms fairytales of all kinds and one of my favourites was Rumpelstiltskin. I have read this before and loved it, so I am looking forward to this reread.//
First read, 2024:
When I say I couldn't put it down, I proper meant it.
This retelling of Rumpelstiltskin was so well done that it really brought me back to my first reading of the fairytale Rumpelstiltskin, one of favourite Grimm stories of all time. You should have seen me simp over Robert's rendition of Rumple in Once Upon A Time, talk about a man crush.
Well written, and easy to read, Louwagie deserves every star.
I don't want to spoil anything, but this is better than romance.
Five stars and a definite reread in the future. I recommend this short novel
2nd Read Review:
"Rumpelstiltskin can change anything he touches into gold, but he cannot change his own twisted body. The sorcerer Laurus can make Rumpelstiltskin tall, strong, and handsome-but he will only work his magic in exchange for a child in its first year of life." — the GoodReads website for Rumpled
— Yup, it's official: I'm still simping over this version.
This version of Rumpelstiltskin is very similar to the Grimm brothers' original, however, there's a bit more romance to it in both Rumpel's character and personality with amazing growth throughout the story. I could have skimmed through this so easily because of how easy it reads but I remembered myself and took my time if just to take in the good humor throughout.
I'd still give this five stars, and I most obviously have.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Lacey Louwagie is an author settled in South Dakota. She lives with her husband and animals in a small home there. She started writing when she was only a child and her first book was about a unicorn. She has a deep love for Fairytales and even has an upcoming Rapunzel story to side beside her retelling of Rumpelstiltskin.
Nothing she could write could beat this for me, though, personally. I just adore it and the passion, lobe and sacrifice through the pages just warms my little coal heart.
I highly recommend this for reading no matter what you're interested in. I couldn't suggest and push for others to read it anymore if I tried. I beg of you, make a deal with the Devil and risk it all...
THERE ARE NO SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.
TRIGGER WARNINGS: manipulation, slavery, and greedy kings.
Pre-Read:
//As you all know, I grew up on grimms fairytales of all kinds and one of my favourites was Rumpelstiltskin. I have read this before and loved it, so I am looking forward to this reread.//
First read, 2024:
When I say I couldn't put it down, I proper meant it.
This retelling of Rumpelstiltskin was so well done that it really brought me back to my first reading of the fairytale Rumpelstiltskin, one of favourite Grimm stories of all time. You should have seen me simp over Robert's rendition of Rumple in Once Upon A Time, talk about a man crush.
Well written, and easy to read, Louwagie deserves every star.
I don't want to spoil anything, but this is better than romance.
Five stars and a definite reread in the future. I recommend this short novel
2nd Read Review:
"Rumpelstiltskin can change anything he touches into gold, but he cannot change his own twisted body. The sorcerer Laurus can make Rumpelstiltskin tall, strong, and handsome-but he will only work his magic in exchange for a child in its first year of life." — the GoodReads website for Rumpled
— Yup, it's official: I'm still simping over this version.
This version of Rumpelstiltskin is very similar to the Grimm brothers' original, however, there's a bit more romance to it in both Rumpel's character and personality with amazing growth throughout the story. I could have skimmed through this so easily because of how easy it reads but I remembered myself and took my time if just to take in the good humor throughout.
I'd still give this five stars, and I most obviously have.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Lacey Louwagie is an author settled in South Dakota. She lives with her husband and animals in a small home there. She started writing when she was only a child and her first book was about a unicorn. She has a deep love for Fairytales and even has an upcoming Rapunzel story to side beside her retelling of Rumpelstiltskin.
Nothing she could write could beat this for me, though, personally. I just adore it and the passion, lobe and sacrifice through the pages just warms my little coal heart.
I highly recommend this for reading no matter what you're interested in. I couldn't suggest and push for others to read it anymore if I tried. I beg of you, make a deal with the Devil and risk it all...
February 24, 2014
This is a telling of an old tale that's better than the original. Lacey's character development of Rumplestiltskin and Emily - the girl who spins the gold -- gives readers a window into the complicated motivations that drive each of them.
Above all, it is a love story about two people who learn to appreciate each other for the special qualities they possess, and eventually gain the courage to realize their love and transform their hearts.
Above all, it is a love story about two people who learn to appreciate each other for the special qualities they possess, and eventually gain the courage to realize their love and transform their hearts.
April 10, 2017
A quick read--novella-length--that explores an alternate version of Rumpelstiltskin.
March 1, 2014
Rumpled is an intriguing retelling of the Rumplestiltskin fairy tale, illuminating just how compelling delving into a story we think we already know can be. Louwagie has crafted a story in which readers are constantly questioning motivations behind actions, providing much food for thought on the complexities lying within a well known story. All of the characters have a new depth, without clear lines of good and bad, but creating a world which feels realistic within the realms of the story.
Louwagie has created a strong female character of the princess, one who is subtly strong and clever, while still caring, in a genre that recently all too often has equated strong female characters with hotheadedness and overly defensive toughness.
There is an air of mystery developed here, not all the questions raised in this novella are answered, and I look forward to any further installments in this tale. Whether or not we see more of this particular world from Louwagie, I believe this is a short and savory treat of bigger things to come from this budding author!
Louwagie has created a strong female character of the princess, one who is subtly strong and clever, while still caring, in a genre that recently all too often has equated strong female characters with hotheadedness and overly defensive toughness.
There is an air of mystery developed here, not all the questions raised in this novella are answered, and I look forward to any further installments in this tale. Whether or not we see more of this particular world from Louwagie, I believe this is a short and savory treat of bigger things to come from this budding author!
April 18, 2014
This is such a good story- I was hooked from the first page, and didn't want to put it down. This retelling takes a story that is as unsettling as it is familiar, and completely transforms it as is sheds light on the universality of the character's struggles. As I read, I related to both Emily, the girls who is asked to spin straw into gold, and to Rumplestiltskin, and was fascinated by all the twists and turns the story took as it unfolded.
March 12, 2014
I was given a copy of the book in return for a thoughtful and honest review. What follows are my true and honest opinions of this work.
One day, a man regaled me with the story of a bar in Texas he visited where dwarfs donned velcro suits. There was a velcro wall, and people would pay to throw the dwarfs at a target on the wall. This man thought it was hilarious. I cringed.
People whose bodies are "different" have always been treated as optional, expendable creatures. My mother has a visible physical disability, and I've seen how she has to work twice as hard to get half the accolades for anything that a "temporarily able-bodied" person gets without trying.
Many of us have heard the story of Rumplestiltskin - a dwarf who spins straw from hay to spare the life of a miller's daughter....but how many of us have pondered why he demanded her first born child in payment?
LONG STORY SHORT...
I loved this book. I suppose I should elaborate....
This re-imagining of Rumpelstiltskin forces readers to consider the why behind the what. Many of us have heard the story of Rumpelstiltskin - a miller lies to the King, saying his daughter can spin gold from straw. The daughter's life will be forfeit if her inability to do so is found out, but if she manages to do so then she shall become Queen. A dwarf comes along, saying he can spin the gold, but he demands the woman's first-born child as payment. The woman agrees, but when time comes for payment tries to rescind the deal, begging the dwarf for her child. The dwarf says that if the woman figures out his name in 3 days time, he shall forfeit the deal. A messenger reveals the name to the Queen, who reveals that she knows his name to the dwarf on the 3rd day, saving her child. Rumpelstiltskin becomes irate and either falls over a cliff, or flies away on a spoon, or rips himself in half.....the ending of the story varies.
Here we have the same story, and yet Lacey approached it from a different angle, and angle which addressed the niggling question in the back of my mind when I first heard this story as a child: why did Rumpelstiltskin want the child?
Through artful writing and a masterful attention to detail, Lacey spins a golden story that pays attention to who "Rumple" was, what his life as a dwarf in medieval Europe may have looked like, what the life of the miller's daughter may have been like, and most importantly - why Rumpelstiltskin wanted the child.
Poignant, heartbreaking scenes pepper this book as Rumple and the miller's daughter do their dance. I held my breath while reading, knowing how the story was "supposed" to end. Nothing could have prepared me for the ending which nearly made me cry....and you'll have to get the book to figure out why I was on the verge of tears!
On an ascending scale of 1 to 5, I give this book a 5!!
LONG STORY....
I greatly appreciate any story that looks into the why of anything. I also greatly appreciate any story that make a concerted effort to cast those with physical difficulties in a positive light. Hence, I greatly appreciate this book.
Lacey Louwagie did a wonderful job of delving into the history of Rumpelstiltskin...and the miller's daughter. Why did he want the child? Why did he act as he did? Why was he able to turn straw into gold? Why did he help the woman in the first place? Why was the woman willing to give up her firstborn in a deal? Why didn't the woman just leave the castle?
Rumpelstiltskin is a dwarf. He has receive rotten looks his entire life, been stared at, beaten for his physical difference by nearly everyone around him, and told he is nothing short of completely ugly. He works in the King's court as a jester...perfect place for someone like him in medieval Europe. At least there he will be fed regularly.
One day a young woman is brought to the castle. It has been rumored that she can spin gold from straw, and the greedy king wants to test this claim. Of course, she cannot....but "Rumple", as she affectionately comes to know Rumpelstiltskin, can.
This young woman is clever, and comes to the castle with baggage of her own. She and Rumple form a close bond, one which becomes rather complicated once she marries the King. You see, Rumple did turn the straw to gold and did demand her firstborn child. What happens once she gets pregnant, however, will forever change how you see this age-old story.
We currently live in the midst of an age where old stories are being retold. Old stories are framed in new ways to fit modern readers. Old movies are remade to take advantage of current technological miracles on the screen. Generally I get annoyed when an old story is remade....but I loved this.
Let's look at writing style - first person narrative from Rumpelstiltskin's point of view. We see his inner workings on a blunt, emotional, and "rumpled" level. The story comes alive in a way not seen elsewhere. It helps that Lacey writes absolutely beautifully. Scenes flow well into one another. I never had to stop and backtrack to figure out what has happened, or who said what, and so forth.
There are some time gaps here, but they are done so well that it isn't a "how'd we get to this time?" It is a "okay, now the story continues..." Not sure if I explained that very well....think about movies where you see "five months later" as the scenes fades into something else. These changes are not abrupt in Rumpled, they are smooth and flow together seamlessly.
While settings are described beautifully, the focus of the story clearly lies with the people. Lacey spends the vast majority of the writing space here focused on the people, their story and motivations. We do, after all, know the story....but we don't know the people....until now.
In short, this book is superbly well written in an engaging fashion, and provides background information that makes everyone in the story feel more human. I love it!
The Bugly (bad/ugly)
The only real thing I have to complain about here is that while the rest of the book flows really well, the story ends a little abruptly. I want to know what happens for the two weeks following the current ending, make sure some things end as they are supposed to, etc. I just wanted more! Maybe a sequel....*hint hint* (although to my knowledge this would be breaking completely new territory with this story, which is scary for any author).
One day, a man regaled me with the story of a bar in Texas he visited where dwarfs donned velcro suits. There was a velcro wall, and people would pay to throw the dwarfs at a target on the wall. This man thought it was hilarious. I cringed.
People whose bodies are "different" have always been treated as optional, expendable creatures. My mother has a visible physical disability, and I've seen how she has to work twice as hard to get half the accolades for anything that a "temporarily able-bodied" person gets without trying.
Many of us have heard the story of Rumplestiltskin - a dwarf who spins straw from hay to spare the life of a miller's daughter....but how many of us have pondered why he demanded her first born child in payment?
LONG STORY SHORT...
I loved this book. I suppose I should elaborate....
This re-imagining of Rumpelstiltskin forces readers to consider the why behind the what. Many of us have heard the story of Rumpelstiltskin - a miller lies to the King, saying his daughter can spin gold from straw. The daughter's life will be forfeit if her inability to do so is found out, but if she manages to do so then she shall become Queen. A dwarf comes along, saying he can spin the gold, but he demands the woman's first-born child as payment. The woman agrees, but when time comes for payment tries to rescind the deal, begging the dwarf for her child. The dwarf says that if the woman figures out his name in 3 days time, he shall forfeit the deal. A messenger reveals the name to the Queen, who reveals that she knows his name to the dwarf on the 3rd day, saving her child. Rumpelstiltskin becomes irate and either falls over a cliff, or flies away on a spoon, or rips himself in half.....the ending of the story varies.
Here we have the same story, and yet Lacey approached it from a different angle, and angle which addressed the niggling question in the back of my mind when I first heard this story as a child: why did Rumpelstiltskin want the child?
Through artful writing and a masterful attention to detail, Lacey spins a golden story that pays attention to who "Rumple" was, what his life as a dwarf in medieval Europe may have looked like, what the life of the miller's daughter may have been like, and most importantly - why Rumpelstiltskin wanted the child.
Poignant, heartbreaking scenes pepper this book as Rumple and the miller's daughter do their dance. I held my breath while reading, knowing how the story was "supposed" to end. Nothing could have prepared me for the ending which nearly made me cry....and you'll have to get the book to figure out why I was on the verge of tears!
On an ascending scale of 1 to 5, I give this book a 5!!
LONG STORY....
I greatly appreciate any story that looks into the why of anything. I also greatly appreciate any story that make a concerted effort to cast those with physical difficulties in a positive light. Hence, I greatly appreciate this book.
Lacey Louwagie did a wonderful job of delving into the history of Rumpelstiltskin...and the miller's daughter. Why did he want the child? Why did he act as he did? Why was he able to turn straw into gold? Why did he help the woman in the first place? Why was the woman willing to give up her firstborn in a deal? Why didn't the woman just leave the castle?
Rumpelstiltskin is a dwarf. He has receive rotten looks his entire life, been stared at, beaten for his physical difference by nearly everyone around him, and told he is nothing short of completely ugly. He works in the King's court as a jester...perfect place for someone like him in medieval Europe. At least there he will be fed regularly.
One day a young woman is brought to the castle. It has been rumored that she can spin gold from straw, and the greedy king wants to test this claim. Of course, she cannot....but "Rumple", as she affectionately comes to know Rumpelstiltskin, can.
This young woman is clever, and comes to the castle with baggage of her own. She and Rumple form a close bond, one which becomes rather complicated once she marries the King. You see, Rumple did turn the straw to gold and did demand her firstborn child. What happens once she gets pregnant, however, will forever change how you see this age-old story.
We currently live in the midst of an age where old stories are being retold. Old stories are framed in new ways to fit modern readers. Old movies are remade to take advantage of current technological miracles on the screen. Generally I get annoyed when an old story is remade....but I loved this.
Let's look at writing style - first person narrative from Rumpelstiltskin's point of view. We see his inner workings on a blunt, emotional, and "rumpled" level. The story comes alive in a way not seen elsewhere. It helps that Lacey writes absolutely beautifully. Scenes flow well into one another. I never had to stop and backtrack to figure out what has happened, or who said what, and so forth.
There are some time gaps here, but they are done so well that it isn't a "how'd we get to this time?" It is a "okay, now the story continues..." Not sure if I explained that very well....think about movies where you see "five months later" as the scenes fades into something else. These changes are not abrupt in Rumpled, they are smooth and flow together seamlessly.
While settings are described beautifully, the focus of the story clearly lies with the people. Lacey spends the vast majority of the writing space here focused on the people, their story and motivations. We do, after all, know the story....but we don't know the people....until now.
In short, this book is superbly well written in an engaging fashion, and provides background information that makes everyone in the story feel more human. I love it!
The Bugly (bad/ugly)
The only real thing I have to complain about here is that while the rest of the book flows really well, the story ends a little abruptly. I want to know what happens for the two weeks following the current ending, make sure some things end as they are supposed to, etc. I just wanted more! Maybe a sequel....*hint hint* (although to my knowledge this would be breaking completely new territory with this story, which is scary for any author).
May 24, 2022
When I first picked this up I was expecting more of a middle grade/ya reading level but it feels more adult. The first page jumps in and makes a reference of things some fathers do to their daughters that is quite illegal (or at least frowned upon if both adults) in many countries. So that set the tone foe the maturity level. Yet there is references to incest, adultery and yes the characters have sex (sorry no stock bringing the baby in this one!). But nothing graphic.
I both felt bad for Rumpelstiltskin and annoyed with him. He really is pathetic in many ways. I was left with questions of what Emily truly though of him in the end. A curious retelling (or perhaps just a different view?) that makes sense in many ways.
I both felt bad for Rumpelstiltskin and annoyed with him. He really is pathetic in many ways. I was left with questions of what Emily truly though of him in the end. A curious retelling (or perhaps just a different view?) that makes sense in many ways.
October 6, 2014
--I received this book in a Goodreads First Reads Giveaway--
I really enjoyed this. I was skeptical at first, because I don't usually go for fairy tale retellings, whether in books or films. I usually find them trite and lazy, like the creators are just trying to capitalize on an already existing fan-base. (The exception to this is the Fables series of comics, which I love.) However, I didn't feel that from this book at all. This was a very charming tale.
Rumpled is a very slim volume, a quick read. It's the story of Rumpelstiltskin, a sorcerer named Laurus, a commoner named Emily, and the mad King Lucas. Rumpelstiltskin has learned transmutation from Laurus, everything except how to make his twisted, ugly body beautiful. Laurus needs a child, in its first year of life, to teach all his wisdom and tricks to. Emily's father has boasted that she can spin straw from gold. King Lucas brings her to the castle to prove herself, or else he will kill her father, and possibly her, for his lies. Various deals are struck.
The recommendation for 14+ is understandable, depending on the reader in question. This is something I might have enjoyed as young as 12. The bit of raciness (which is not explicit) is balanced out by the redemption of the characters. If the age warning makes you wary for your kid reading it, just read it first. You'll probably enjoy it yourself, and I don't think the 14 is a hard and fast rule at all.
I really enjoyed this. I was skeptical at first, because I don't usually go for fairy tale retellings, whether in books or films. I usually find them trite and lazy, like the creators are just trying to capitalize on an already existing fan-base. (The exception to this is the Fables series of comics, which I love.) However, I didn't feel that from this book at all. This was a very charming tale.
Rumpled is a very slim volume, a quick read. It's the story of Rumpelstiltskin, a sorcerer named Laurus, a commoner named Emily, and the mad King Lucas. Rumpelstiltskin has learned transmutation from Laurus, everything except how to make his twisted, ugly body beautiful. Laurus needs a child, in its first year of life, to teach all his wisdom and tricks to. Emily's father has boasted that she can spin straw from gold. King Lucas brings her to the castle to prove herself, or else he will kill her father, and possibly her, for his lies. Various deals are struck.
The recommendation for 14+ is understandable, depending on the reader in question. This is something I might have enjoyed as young as 12. The bit of raciness (which is not explicit) is balanced out by the redemption of the characters. If the age warning makes you wary for your kid reading it, just read it first. You'll probably enjoy it yourself, and I don't think the 14 is a hard and fast rule at all.
July 29, 2016
An adaptation of the Rumpelstiltskin fairy tale, this story twisted in ways I didn't expect. The story is told from the perspective of Rumpelstiltskin and goes in depth into how the events unfolded. Both Rumpelstiltskin and the peasant turned princess in this story develop to be more than two-dimensional characters, with creative intelligence and shifting motivations.
I've always appreciated fairy tales and magical stories and this story is no exception. I enjoyed it. It was a page turner that I happily read in one sitting. Though it is more adult than I would read to a child, I will keep it on my bookshelf to share in the future.
--I received this book in a Goodreads First Reads Giveaway--
P.S. While it did not sway my opinion of the book, I was pleased to find a cute bookmark and sweet note included from the author, Lacey Louwagie.
Read
September 27, 2020When I was young, I understood the motives of many of the fairy tale villains--jealousy, greed, fear of losing power or position. But I always assumed that Rumpelstiltskin was simply malicious by nature. Why else would he demand such a terrible price for his magic?
Louwagie answers this question, adding depth, complexity, a few surprises, and a bit of ambiguity to the motives of both main characters.
I was completely fascinated, and glad to have begun this story on a long train ride, because it would have been frustrating not to get all the way through in one sitting.
P.S. For those who (like me) can't abide poor editing/proofreading in ebooks, you can relax and enjoy the presentation as much as the story.
Louwagie answers this question, adding depth, complexity, a few surprises, and a bit of ambiguity to the motives of both main characters.
I was completely fascinated, and glad to have begun this story on a long train ride, because it would have been frustrating not to get all the way through in one sitting.
P.S. For those who (like me) can't abide poor editing/proofreading in ebooks, you can relax and enjoy the presentation as much as the story.
October 19, 2019
Rumpelstiltskin is one of my favorite fairy tales and I really loved this variation on the traditional story. Louwagie has engaging characters and an intriguing premise for the story. I found myself wishing the story was longer just so I could spend more time with the characters and to learn more about the world around them. This book will be a definite reread for me in the future.
April 8, 2014
Enjoyed this trip into the fantastic imagination of this young author. A good story to remind us that certain decisions we make in life may have unforeseen consequences that we may have to deal with the rest of our lives.
September 3, 2016
A splendid first novella, Lacey Louwagie’s humanistic interpretation of the Grimm’s fairy tale Rumpelstiltskin draws strongly upon the tales fraught themes of desire, deception, and Faustian bargains to explore how much people are willing to trade to get what they want (or need) and how they might not always understand what these exactly are. An interesting story, and one that I don’t think has been explored very deeply in recent decades. Rumpled mines the rich vein of this story’s dark, almost claustrophobic atmosphere deftly, taking the traditional narrative of the miller’s daughter and the king, the “small man’s” mysterious agenda, and the “first born” whose fate has great importance for all and turning it into an examination of self worth. Through the perspectives of Rumple and Emily, Louwagie expands upon the human emotions that hide under the surface.
It was particularly effective to take the first person perspective of Rumpelstiltskin himself to really allow the reader to empathize with life; a deformed orphan who through his own force of will, made his way into the court of the King himself and, even more, learned the art of transmutation from a mysterious sorcerer. In spite of this, though, he still feels trapped by his appearance and wants nothing more than to transform himself. Emily, the miller's daughter, on the other hand, is beautiful but she is equally trapped through her relationship to her mentally unbalanced father and the King, each using her for their own ends. Emily needs to protect her family and later, her child, from a world she has little ability to control. Both Rumple and Emily deceive, themselves and others, as they try to use what powers they have to fulfill their desires. These characterizations were among the book’s most compelling features, and I was left wondering how things would work out for them. Compared to gold or beauty or power, how much is self image worth? And how much can one sacrifice to allow these things to others?
Ending in an ambiguous, but hopeful, spot, Rumpled is a thought provoking look deeper into the themes of the fairy tale, and I am looking forward to seeing where Louwagie goes next!
*I received a complimentary ebook copy for review from the author
It was particularly effective to take the first person perspective of Rumpelstiltskin himself to really allow the reader to empathize with life; a deformed orphan who through his own force of will, made his way into the court of the King himself and, even more, learned the art of transmutation from a mysterious sorcerer. In spite of this, though, he still feels trapped by his appearance and wants nothing more than to transform himself. Emily, the miller's daughter, on the other hand, is beautiful but she is equally trapped through her relationship to her mentally unbalanced father and the King, each using her for their own ends. Emily needs to protect her family and later, her child, from a world she has little ability to control. Both Rumple and Emily deceive, themselves and others, as they try to use what powers they have to fulfill their desires. These characterizations were among the book’s most compelling features, and I was left wondering how things would work out for them. Compared to gold or beauty or power, how much is self image worth? And how much can one sacrifice to allow these things to others?
Ending in an ambiguous, but hopeful, spot, Rumpled is a thought provoking look deeper into the themes of the fairy tale, and I am looking forward to seeing where Louwagie goes next!
*I received a complimentary ebook copy for review from the author
January 12, 2020
This is a fairytale retelling that ventures into adult situations, but tastefully so. A young woman, Emily, is to marry the king, but her life is dependent on proving she can spin gold from straw. Of course she can do no such thing, but Rumplestiltskin saves the day with his special magic. He is little and ugly, and hopelessly in love with the woman who will become his queen.
Rumpy is also human and doesn't hesitate to accept the favors that Emily offers in return for his lessons in how to perform the magic, though she finds it difficult to make the transmutations. Like in the original fairytale, she has promised him her first born child in return for his help as well.
This story expands on the original tale and gives a reason for Rumpy's wish for the child. There is magic and court politics in what I thought was a nice little Fantasy tale well done.
The writing was very good and I have no hesitation in giving this one 5 stars.
Rumpy is also human and doesn't hesitate to accept the favors that Emily offers in return for his lessons in how to perform the magic, though she finds it difficult to make the transmutations. Like in the original fairytale, she has promised him her first born child in return for his help as well.
This story expands on the original tale and gives a reason for Rumpy's wish for the child. There is magic and court politics in what I thought was a nice little Fantasy tale well done.
The writing was very good and I have no hesitation in giving this one 5 stars.
April 19, 2014
I received an ebook copy of 'Rumpled' after taking part in a Booklikes giveaways.
The plot is really interesting. The protagonist, called Rumpelstiltskin - "a twisted name" - , has to find a firstborn child under the age of 1 because he made a magical promise to his teacher Laurus: in exchange Rumpelstiltskin will be transmuted into an handsome man.
He lives in the King palace and there he will meet a nice girl called Emily that will help him. But this mission isn't going to be so easy! Rumpelstiltskin didn't consider the role that feelings play.
The plot is really interesting. The protagonist, called Rumpelstiltskin - "a twisted name" - , has to find a firstborn child under the age of 1 because he made a magical promise to his teacher Laurus: in exchange Rumpelstiltskin will be transmuted into an handsome man.
He lives in the King palace and there he will meet a nice girl called Emily that will help him. But this mission isn't going to be so easy! Rumpelstiltskin didn't consider the role that feelings play.
June 29, 2014
Awesome elaboration on a well-known fairy tale. Louwagie adds depth that I didn't know possible while maintaining true to the core tenants of the tale. And she does this all with style that makes you not want to put the book down. Luckily it is short enough that you can read it between lunch and dinner (so don't need to put it down).
October 7, 2014
A beautiful retelling of the fairytale Rumpelstiltskin. Written with an original view and wonderful talent, this version enchanted me and amazed me with it's clever plot and perfect flow. Such wonderful descriptions and real characters brought this book to life for me. I can't say enough good things about this story! I received this book for free through a Goodreads First Reads give away.
February 4, 2018
A disturbing but compelling version of Rumpelstiltskin.
February 21, 2018
Cute little book. Nothing too special.
November 3, 2016
I agreed to write an honest review of this book in exchange for a free copy.
Rating: 2.5 Stars
Characters: 1 Star
Plot: 2 Stars
Writing Style: 2 Stars
*For some reason I'm unable to rate this book anything other than 2.5 stars. I know it doesn't make sense. I don't know why do this, but it happens very often with my ratings.
I'm going to try not to rant here...it's something I tend to do, even with the books I like.
Anyway, let's start with the good.
First, the cover. It really is beautiful. This was a really interesting retelling of Rumpelstiltskin. The idea surrounding the plot was worthy of a book. Unfortunately, I don't think it was executed very well. But I'm getting off topic. Another thing I liked about this book was how Emily loved her child even though he was as ugly as his father. He was still her child, and she didn't care about his looks. I know this seems like something that's taken for granted, but Rapunzel's mother, when seeing she was bald, hated her. So in a fairy tale retelling, it's nice to get a mother who's not totally vain and self-centered. Also, I like how this story extended beyond the original, taking us to more of a resolution, though not the most satisfying one. And of course, this book is a fairy-tale retelling. I always like to read those and see what people come up with.
This is a good learning opportunity for me. I sometimes like to see what doesn't work in books and what does in order to help me better my own writing.
And now, what I don't like.
First of all, I don't like Rumpelstiltskin's personality. He doesn't realize that beauty is not the most important thing in the world, (although in our society today, it's becoming more and more like it is.) He complains a lot. He's also extremely rude to Emily. Emily gave herself to him so that he could teach her to make straw into gold. He agreed, and he tells us that he loves her. Yet when she's around, he's often snippy with her. I think the only reason he loved her was for her beauty--that's basically the only thing he praises her for throughout the whole book. And then, maybe, he begins to think she might be able to see beyond his ugly looks. Maybe she is starting to love him back. Never in a million years could she love him back, and that's quite obvious from the startling way he takes advantage of her and the way he treats her. Also, her personality is very selfish. She will do anything to get what she wants, even have sex with a man who she doesn't, nor ever could, love. When she realizes that Rumpelstiltskin wants her first child, she also realizes that the best way to ensure that he treated the child the right way was to make him the child's father. That is why she truly offered herself to him, and all the love he supposed she had for him was actually fake--it was all acted out so that she could protect her future child. And in the end, when he confesses his love to her, she confesses the reasons she'd made him the father of her child. It was never love.
The writing is also a little confusing at times. It's sometimes difficult to distinguish between Rumpel's memories and the things that are happening to him at the time.
Not the best book. It's not really worth your time, in my opinion. But if you really want to pick it up, go ahead. You might like it. Everyone's preferences are different, but this book just wasn't suited for mine.
Rating: 2.5 Stars
Characters: 1 Star
Plot: 2 Stars
Writing Style: 2 Stars
*For some reason I'm unable to rate this book anything other than 2.5 stars. I know it doesn't make sense. I don't know why do this, but it happens very often with my ratings.
I'm going to try not to rant here...it's something I tend to do, even with the books I like.
Anyway, let's start with the good.
First, the cover. It really is beautiful. This was a really interesting retelling of Rumpelstiltskin. The idea surrounding the plot was worthy of a book. Unfortunately, I don't think it was executed very well. But I'm getting off topic. Another thing I liked about this book was how Emily loved her child even though he was as ugly as his father. He was still her child, and she didn't care about his looks. I know this seems like something that's taken for granted, but Rapunzel's mother, when seeing she was bald, hated her. So in a fairy tale retelling, it's nice to get a mother who's not totally vain and self-centered. Also, I like how this story extended beyond the original, taking us to more of a resolution, though not the most satisfying one. And of course, this book is a fairy-tale retelling. I always like to read those and see what people come up with.
This is a good learning opportunity for me. I sometimes like to see what doesn't work in books and what does in order to help me better my own writing.
And now, what I don't like.
First of all, I don't like Rumpelstiltskin's personality. He doesn't realize that beauty is not the most important thing in the world, (although in our society today, it's becoming more and more like it is.) He complains a lot. He's also extremely rude to Emily. Emily gave herself to him so that he could teach her to make straw into gold. He agreed, and he tells us that he loves her. Yet when she's around, he's often snippy with her. I think the only reason he loved her was for her beauty--that's basically the only thing he praises her for throughout the whole book. And then, maybe, he begins to think she might be able to see beyond his ugly looks. Maybe she is starting to love him back. Never in a million years could she love him back, and that's quite obvious from the startling way he takes advantage of her and the way he treats her. Also, her personality is very selfish. She will do anything to get what she wants, even have sex with a man who she doesn't, nor ever could, love. When she realizes that Rumpelstiltskin wants her first child, she also realizes that the best way to ensure that he treated the child the right way was to make him the child's father. That is why she truly offered herself to him, and all the love he supposed she had for him was actually fake--it was all acted out so that she could protect her future child. And in the end, when he confesses his love to her, she confesses the reasons she'd made him the father of her child. It was never love.
The writing is also a little confusing at times. It's sometimes difficult to distinguish between Rumpel's memories and the things that are happening to him at the time.
Not the best book. It's not really worth your time, in my opinion. But if you really want to pick it up, go ahead. You might like it. Everyone's preferences are different, but this book just wasn't suited for mine.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 29, 2014
If, like me, you have never really cared for the story of Rumplestiltskin because the little guy kind of creeped you out, you MUST read this story. This fractured fairytale breathes a new life into this story and brings an amazing perspective to it that you never imagined.
Gone is the scary little man who appears and does favors in return for your first born. Lacey Louwgie creates a character in Rumple that you find yourself connecting with and cheering for in the end. It turns out that he really is a kind person who just happens to be able to perform transmutations. His ability has been hard earned, but very useful.
Emily is extremely grateful for Rumple’s when the King hears her father’s boasts that she can spin straw into gold. You probably know the story from this point. Three times the King demands her to spin the straw to gold, and three times Rumplestlitskin comes and performs the magic for her. Each time a price is paid to him. The third time, Emily does indeed promise to give Rumple her first born.
Louwgie does a tremendous job of maintaining the bones of the original story and filling in the gaps with beautiful creativity. You will love what she has done for sour old Rumplestiltskin! It’s an easy, quick read, but does contain some adult situations. It could possibly be suitable for older teens depending on the parent. Enjoy!
Gone is the scary little man who appears and does favors in return for your first born. Lacey Louwgie creates a character in Rumple that you find yourself connecting with and cheering for in the end. It turns out that he really is a kind person who just happens to be able to perform transmutations. His ability has been hard earned, but very useful.
Emily is extremely grateful for Rumple’s when the King hears her father’s boasts that she can spin straw into gold. You probably know the story from this point. Three times the King demands her to spin the straw to gold, and three times Rumplestlitskin comes and performs the magic for her. Each time a price is paid to him. The third time, Emily does indeed promise to give Rumple her first born.
Louwgie does a tremendous job of maintaining the bones of the original story and filling in the gaps with beautiful creativity. You will love what she has done for sour old Rumplestiltskin! It’s an easy, quick read, but does contain some adult situations. It could possibly be suitable for older teens depending on the parent. Enjoy!
May 2, 2014
Wow
Just,wow. What I thought was going to be a simple retelling of the old fairytales turned out to be a lot more. Told from the viewpoint of the original version's villain, this is a totally different story. Rumple is a dwarf and the king's jester but he's also a student of magic who's learned to transform anything into gold. His teacher has promised to teach him the next step in exchange for a baby in its first year of life. Emily is a girl whose father went slightly mad since his wife died and now believes his daughter can spin straw into gold.
The story tells us of Rumple's life in the palace and how he meets Emily and helps her. The bargain for the baby is made but nothing else is anything like we remember. It is so much better. The ending is so good it leaves you in tears - at least it did me.
Just,wow. What I thought was going to be a simple retelling of the old fairytales turned out to be a lot more. Told from the viewpoint of the original version's villain, this is a totally different story. Rumple is a dwarf and the king's jester but he's also a student of magic who's learned to transform anything into gold. His teacher has promised to teach him the next step in exchange for a baby in its first year of life. Emily is a girl whose father went slightly mad since his wife died and now believes his daughter can spin straw into gold.
The story tells us of Rumple's life in the palace and how he meets Emily and helps her. The bargain for the baby is made but nothing else is anything like we remember. It is so much better. The ending is so good it leaves you in tears - at least it did me.
May 5, 2014
Lacey Louwagie offers a new view on Rumpelstiltskin by presenting the fairytale from Rumpelstilkskin's perspective. This book is similar to the original fairytales, where all is not as happy as it appears.
This was an engaging and well-written book, and was a quick read from beginning to end. Whether you know fairytales well or are exploring fairytales for the first time, you'll enjoy the story and ask for more.
This was an engaging and well-written book, and was a quick read from beginning to end. Whether you know fairytales well or are exploring fairytales for the first time, you'll enjoy the story and ask for more.
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