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A Tale Beyond the Sky: Jack and the Beanstalk Retold
Not yet published
Expected 16 Apr 26244 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication April 16, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 Stars. This was the first fairytale retelling I've ever sat down to read, and it did not disappoint. The story is told from the POV of Jack, a mathematics teaching assistant, and Silas, the archmage's apprentice. Jack has his eyes set on climbing the career ladder and clawing his way to the top. He dislikes magic and is determined to get there without using it. However, he accepts a mission where he must take Silas with him, and this causes all sorts of issues. I really enjoyed getting to know both characters, especially when Jack's obvious dislike of Silas became obvious and they were forced to work together. There's notable defining past events for both men that helps give context to their decisions, and both grow and learn lessons along the way. I really enjoyed the side characters in this too! Ruby was a favorite and I would have liked to have seen more of her. All in all, a great story that keeps the heart of the fairytale, but is also it's own unique story.
Review of advance copy
I read this as an ARC.
This was another fun and imaginative read by Adelle Summers!
In Tale Beyond the Sky one of the main characters is one that we have previously seen as the bully of Westhaven Academy, so it's a bit strange at the beginning but as we learn more about him, he becomes more interesting!
I also loved how looks at themes such as: what makes a monster vs what makes a hero, identity and how there are often more than one side to most things.
Although it is the most recent book in a series of books set at Westhaven Academy, it can be read as a standalone. You'll just have a bit more background on some of the characters if you've read previous ones.
I absolutely recommend!
This was another fun and imaginative read by Adelle Summers!
In Tale Beyond the Sky one of the main characters is one that we have previously seen as the bully of Westhaven Academy, so it's a bit strange at the beginning but as we learn more about him, he becomes more interesting!
I also loved how looks at themes such as: what makes a monster vs what makes a hero, identity and how there are often more than one side to most things.
Although it is the most recent book in a series of books set at Westhaven Academy, it can be read as a standalone. You'll just have a bit more background on some of the characters if you've read previous ones.
I absolutely recommend!
Review of advance copy
Slow start, but worth it.
I read this thinking it was a romance for some reason. … it's not so much. Romance is definitely not a central plot, more like a subplot. Which is fine. Just not what I was expecting.
It's a great adventure with a great redemption arc. Although I had trouble with the first two "introductory" chapters being a little slow, once the adventure started, it was fun to read.
Whatever else you do, read the epilogue! I had to stop briefly before it and was dissatisfied with the ending. But the ending was actually excellent if you read the whole thing (duh, me), and I finished very happy.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I read this thinking it was a romance for some reason. … it's not so much. Romance is definitely not a central plot, more like a subplot. Which is fine. Just not what I was expecting.
It's a great adventure with a great redemption arc. Although I had trouble with the first two "introductory" chapters being a little slow, once the adventure started, it was fun to read.
Whatever else you do, read the epilogue! I had to stop briefly before it and was dissatisfied with the ending. But the ending was actually excellent if you read the whole thing (duh, me), and I finished very happy.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A Tale Beyond the Sky is a Jack and the Beanstalk retelling. It has aspects of Jack and the Beanstalk like the actual Beanstalk that grows from a magic bean to a place in the sky but that place is a fae realm with fae creatures. I enjoyed the different take on the story. It was a quick read and was a younger reader appropriate story. The dynamic between the two main characters was that of frenemies at times which was funny.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews