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Tyme #3
Transformed: The Perils of the Frog Prince
Syrah Huanui is a frog. He wasn't always one--once he was a Prince of the Olive Isles, a champion launchball player, a beloved favorite of all.
Or so he thought! After accidentally (OK, intentionally) letting a love letter from the cloying Deli Gourd get published for everyone to read, his fed-up family kicks him out. And an unfortunate encounter with a Wishing Well leaves him trapped in the body of a frog, with no hope of transforming back.
A year later, Syrah finds himself in Yellow alongside who else: Deli. A sudden, deadly plague has started to run through the country, right before a crucial election for Governor. Syrah isn't sure he'll ever become himself again, or if anyone will ever realize that it's HIM in there, but he is sure he might be able to help stop whatever evil is going on...
Or so he thought! After accidentally (OK, intentionally) letting a love letter from the cloying Deli Gourd get published for everyone to read, his fed-up family kicks him out. And an unfortunate encounter with a Wishing Well leaves him trapped in the body of a frog, with no hope of transforming back.
A year later, Syrah finds himself in Yellow alongside who else: Deli. A sudden, deadly plague has started to run through the country, right before a crucial election for Governor. Syrah isn't sure he'll ever become himself again, or if anyone will ever realize that it's HIM in there, but he is sure he might be able to help stop whatever evil is going on...
Unknown Binding
First published March 26, 2019
24 people are currently reading
1026 people want to read
About the author
Megan Morrison
3 books268 followersMegan Morrison is a middle-school language arts and drama teacher and a writer. She cofounded the Harry Potter fanfiction site the Sugar Quill, and has been developing the world of Tyme since 2003, with co-creator Ruth Virkus. She lives near Seattle, Washington. Please visit her at http://meganmorrison.net/.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
March 25, 2019
The third book in the Tyme series is a slam dunk from beginning to end. In GROUNDED and DISENCHANTED, Morrison turned familiar fairy tales on their heads; in this outing, she goes one step further and upends readers’ understanding of the first two books. That’s because Prince Frog, Rapunzel’s small green companion, turns out to be none other than Prince Syrah of the Olive Isles, a loathsome, selfish lad who made the wrong wish on a well. While roaming the land of Tyme with Rapunzel and Jack, Syrah has tried desperately to get home, to someone who might be able to help him turn human again, and the All Tyme Championships in Yellow Country are his chance. But when a mysterious illness cuts the competition short and the governor lapses into a coma, Syrah has to become the world’s smallest detective to figure out what’s happening and how to be a decent human being to break the curse.
There is so much I love about this book. I love that Syrah is a royal jerk. I love that, just as she did with Rapunzel, Morrison has given us a protagonist who is not immediately likeable but is definitely relatable, and then plops us right into his perspective and shows how he justifies everything to himself. I love everything about the ending, which I won’t give away, but just trust me, READ IT. I love how much we learn about Jack and Rapunzel, even though this isn’t their story. I love how badass and awesome Deli, the object of Syrah’s affections, and her grandmother both are, and how nuanced the relationship between them is. I love how Syrah learns how he must transform to be transformed. And I love how Morrison pulls in real-world issues like GMOs, election politics, and women’s rights with the lightest touch, weaving a spell that will have readers demanding more tales from the land of Tyme.
There is so much I love about this book. I love that Syrah is a royal jerk. I love that, just as she did with Rapunzel, Morrison has given us a protagonist who is not immediately likeable but is definitely relatable, and then plops us right into his perspective and shows how he justifies everything to himself. I love everything about the ending, which I won’t give away, but just trust me, READ IT. I love how much we learn about Jack and Rapunzel, even though this isn’t their story. I love how badass and awesome Deli, the object of Syrah’s affections, and her grandmother both are, and how nuanced the relationship between them is. I love how Syrah learns how he must transform to be transformed. And I love how Morrison pulls in real-world issues like GMOs, election politics, and women’s rights with the lightest touch, weaving a spell that will have readers demanding more tales from the land of Tyme.
June 24, 2019
"Anna! Anna! ANNA!"
Across the library, my sister looks up in mild annoyance.
"GUESS WHAT I FOUND?"
She neither knows nor cares but well over two decades of living with me have taught her that the best thing to do is to hear me out when I am like this.
"THE LIBRARY GOT TRANSFORMED. IT IS OUT!"
The librarians, meanwhile, join in the yelling. "AMY. SHUSH." But they've known me for almost two decades and chuckle while they say it.
And that is how I came into this book. And y'all, it is everything I hoped for and more.
It was so, so good!
Tyme is a wonderfully developed world with great, memorable characters, solid, believable character change, and, at least in the case of this book, unexpected endings. It is not a cliff hanger, but it leaves you wanting more.
And I want more.
But mostly I'm happy with the story I was given. This was a great retelling of the Frog Prince. It fits better as the third in the series since you kind of need to know about Rapunzel and Jack. But you also don't. You can just be generally familiar with their stories and jump in.
Two things super impressed me:
1. It has been a while (at least a year) since I read the first two books in the series but I didn't feel like I needed to give them a re-read to enjoy this book. It came back to me super fast without being unduly repetitious.
2. The romance. I adored it.
I am so delighted it did not disappoint. I cannot wait for more! My sister better be ready. I'm going to shout every time I find one.
Pre-Read:
I have one question...WHY IS THIS BOOK NOT OUT YET?!
Across the library, my sister looks up in mild annoyance.
"GUESS WHAT I FOUND?"
She neither knows nor cares but well over two decades of living with me have taught her that the best thing to do is to hear me out when I am like this.
"THE LIBRARY GOT TRANSFORMED. IT IS OUT!"
The librarians, meanwhile, join in the yelling. "AMY. SHUSH." But they've known me for almost two decades and chuckle while they say it.
And that is how I came into this book. And y'all, it is everything I hoped for and more.
It was so, so good!
Tyme is a wonderfully developed world with great, memorable characters, solid, believable character change, and, at least in the case of this book, unexpected endings. It is not a cliff hanger, but it leaves you wanting more.
And I want more.
But mostly I'm happy with the story I was given. This was a great retelling of the Frog Prince. It fits better as the third in the series since you kind of need to know about Rapunzel and Jack. But you also don't. You can just be generally familiar with their stories and jump in.
Two things super impressed me:
1. It has been a while (at least a year) since I read the first two books in the series but I didn't feel like I needed to give them a re-read to enjoy this book. It came back to me super fast without being unduly repetitious.
2. The romance. I adored it.
I am so delighted it did not disappoint. I cannot wait for more! My sister better be ready. I'm going to shout every time I find one.
Pre-Read:
I have one question...WHY IS THIS BOOK NOT OUT YET?!
Want to read
November 18, 2018November 17th, 2018:
OH MY GOD
OH MY GOD OH MY GOD OH MY GOD
IT HAS A COVER (WHICH I LOVE??? LOOK AT ALL THOSE BLUE AND GREEN!) AND A SYNOPSIS AND AN ACTUAL, REAL LIVE, RELEASE DATE!!!!!!!!
I was beginning to think that we weren't going to get another book. I've been checking this page and the author's website for months, but I hadn't checked in a while. (I knew it was time to check again because I had a dream where I checked and there was a synopsis, only I think Jack was the frog prince haha.) I went to Megan Morrison's website first, which legit made me think that there wasn't going to be a book 3 after all, because there was nothing about it on the home page, there was nothing new about it in the books section, and her most recent blog post, in which it was said that she would post much sooner than last time (the span between that and her previous blog post was a year), was also posted over a year ago!
So, dejected but hoping against all hope, I checked the Goodreads page, and proceeded to literally scream when I saw that there was finally a cover! I am so freaking excited, you guys! I can't wait. I mean, I have been, because it's been over 2 years since book 2 and this isn't coming out until March 2019 ((sobs)). But that's only four months away, and it's still better considering that I literally thought the series had ended.
I am so grateful to Megan Morrison. This has literally made my day. Maybe even week.
February 8th, 2018:
I NEED THIS
IT'S BEEN OVER A YEAR SINCE THE LAST ONE AND THIS DOESN'T EVEN HAVE A COVER OR A SYNOPSIS YET
PLEASE
OH MY GOD
OH MY GOD OH MY GOD OH MY GOD
IT HAS A COVER (WHICH I LOVE??? LOOK AT ALL THOSE BLUE AND GREEN!) AND A SYNOPSIS AND AN ACTUAL, REAL LIVE, RELEASE DATE!!!!!!!!
I was beginning to think that we weren't going to get another book. I've been checking this page and the author's website for months, but I hadn't checked in a while. (I knew it was time to check again because I had a dream where I checked and there was a synopsis, only I think Jack was the frog prince haha.) I went to Megan Morrison's website first, which legit made me think that there wasn't going to be a book 3 after all, because there was nothing about it on the home page, there was nothing new about it in the books section, and her most recent blog post, in which it was said that she would post much sooner than last time (the span between that and her previous blog post was a year), was also posted over a year ago!
So, dejected but hoping against all hope, I checked the Goodreads page, and proceeded to literally scream when I saw that there was finally a cover! I am so freaking excited, you guys! I can't wait. I mean, I have been, because it's been over 2 years since book 2 and this isn't coming out until March 2019 ((sobs)). But that's only four months away, and it's still better considering that I literally thought the series had ended.
I am so grateful to Megan Morrison. This has literally made my day. Maybe even week.
February 8th, 2018:
I NEED THIS
IT'S BEEN OVER A YEAR SINCE THE LAST ONE AND THIS DOESN'T EVEN HAVE A COVER OR A SYNOPSIS YET
PLEASE
April 10, 2019
This series is special. Read all three, and discover how the threads of story are starting to circle around each other and come together, like any good fantasy series should. Megan is an amazing writer and Transformed is yet another light-touched exploration of deep and meaningful human arcs — this time, decency, the perils of arrogance, the value of loving other people. All big, unwieldy, but ultimately important questions - the purpose of fantasy itself. And yet a thrill and fun to read. I cannot recommend every book in this series enough!
December 31, 2023
SO. GOOD.
I unabashedly love this series and I actually preordered this one. I loved it. Though small parts of the plot could have used a little more development, the characters were wonderful and I loved seeing more of Tyme. Morrison never disappoints.
Pre-review:
YESSSSSSSSS!!! I CANNOT WAIT!
I unabashedly love this series and I actually preordered this one. I loved it. Though small parts of the plot could have used a little more development, the characters were wonderful and I loved seeing more of Tyme. Morrison never disappoints.
Pre-review:
YESSSSSSSSS!!! I CANNOT WAIT!
March 23, 2019
The Tyme series gets better and better- this book was incredible and y'all need to start reading!!! Still collecting my thoughts (which I promise I'll add tomorrow (for real) ) but suffice to say Megan Morrison's feel for pace, storytelling, twisty reveals, character arcs, and worldbuilding is second to none. I am hoping beyond hope there will be a Book 4!
April 26, 2022
Another phenomenal contribution. My only complaint is that there wasn't nearly enough of Jasper and Serge. And by not nearly enough, I mean they weren't in it at all. But I can't wait for book 4!
March 4, 2021
This series is literally so underrated.
This book is about Syrah's journey of self-discovery, along with mystery. And I am glad it didn't focus on romance.
In the beginning, Syrah Huanui, Prince of the Olive Isles, is a pretentious, entitled brat. There's no other way to say it, except he knows his charisma and title will get him everything he needs. There's a speck of caring underneath all that though- his love for his grandmother, Nana Cava. Despite that, he often finds ways to get around his nana's hopes for him. He thinks he's funny and cool, but in reality, he can be cruel and unempathetic.
See here: The first encounter we see between Syrah and Deli, the girl whose heart he broke. Deli's family, the Gourds, are connected with the Huanuis because of the deep friendship between their grandmothers, Cava and Luffa.
"Think you can beat me?" shouted Syrah. "Let's see those moves, Delicata Aurantia."
And then he turns into a frog, which he deserved. Suddenly Syrah isn't as important as he thought he was.
"He would be the mad spider crusher of Tyme, exacting his revenge on every eight-legged creature."
He's insignificant. Everywhere he hops, barely anyone notices him. It's only after some time that he becomes Rapunzel's pet (her story is the first book in the series). And it's here that he begins to see the world differently. Even though he can only make unintelligible croaks, he cares for Rapunzel and Jack like they're his best friends, and he starts helping them even though it doesn't benefit him.
Rapunzel to Jack, Syrah in the background:
'But what? You're my best friend. I love you. And I do need you. You make me happy- don't you know that?'
Jack studied her for a moment. He nodded.
And then he kissed her.
Rapunzel let go of her skirt, and it fell into the water. For a moment, she didn't seem to know what to do; her hands flew up as though she might push Jack away at any second- and then she flung her arms around him.
Syrah cheered silently.
It was time to go.
And so, Syrah leaves the shelter and comfort of being Rapunzel's pet, and starts a journey of his own. He meets Harrow, a farmer's son, the first person who understands he's not an ordinary frog. Honestly, I ship them so hard <3
'But why? Don't you want someone to help you?"
YOU HELP ME WE SOLVE
Harrow frowned. "You mean find out who poisoned Calabaza?
One hop. I SPY NO ONE NOTICE FROG
'I did, Harrow pointed out.
CONGRATS OAT BOY
And-
Stupid glittering oat-headed sweat monster-
'Love you too, little fella.'
I will seriously kill you.
Harrow lifted Syrah to his shoulder. "You do that," he said, and he strode west toward the Thatch.
By the end, Syrah goes through some serious character development. The mystery was also very fun; the twist was shocking.
Morrison takes complex world issues (corrupt government, feminism, GMOs, privilege,...) and weaves them deftly through her Tyme series. They're so amazing. Please, read this series. It's worth it.
This book is about Syrah's journey of self-discovery, along with mystery. And I am glad it didn't focus on romance.
In the beginning, Syrah Huanui, Prince of the Olive Isles, is a pretentious, entitled brat. There's no other way to say it, except he knows his charisma and title will get him everything he needs. There's a speck of caring underneath all that though- his love for his grandmother, Nana Cava. Despite that, he often finds ways to get around his nana's hopes for him. He thinks he's funny and cool, but in reality, he can be cruel and unempathetic.
See here: The first encounter we see between Syrah and Deli, the girl whose heart he broke. Deli's family, the Gourds, are connected with the Huanuis because of the deep friendship between their grandmothers, Cava and Luffa.
"Think you can beat me?" shouted Syrah. "Let's see those moves, Delicata Aurantia."
And then he turns into a frog, which he deserved. Suddenly Syrah isn't as important as he thought he was.
"He would be the mad spider crusher of Tyme, exacting his revenge on every eight-legged creature."
He's insignificant. Everywhere he hops, barely anyone notices him. It's only after some time that he becomes Rapunzel's pet (her story is the first book in the series). And it's here that he begins to see the world differently. Even though he can only make unintelligible croaks, he cares for Rapunzel and Jack like they're his best friends, and he starts helping them even though it doesn't benefit him.
Rapunzel to Jack, Syrah in the background:
'But what? You're my best friend. I love you. And I do need you. You make me happy- don't you know that?'
Jack studied her for a moment. He nodded.
And then he kissed her.
Rapunzel let go of her skirt, and it fell into the water. For a moment, she didn't seem to know what to do; her hands flew up as though she might push Jack away at any second- and then she flung her arms around him.
Syrah cheered silently.
It was time to go.
And so, Syrah leaves the shelter and comfort of being Rapunzel's pet, and starts a journey of his own. He meets Harrow, a farmer's son, the first person who understands he's not an ordinary frog. Honestly, I ship them so hard <3
'But why? Don't you want someone to help you?"
YOU HELP ME WE SOLVE
Harrow frowned. "You mean find out who poisoned Calabaza?
One hop. I SPY NO ONE NOTICE FROG
'I did, Harrow pointed out.
CONGRATS OAT BOY
And-
Stupid glittering oat-headed sweat monster-
'Love you too, little fella.'
I will seriously kill you.
Harrow lifted Syrah to his shoulder. "You do that," he said, and he strode west toward the Thatch.
By the end, Syrah goes through some serious character development. The mystery was also very fun; the twist was shocking.
Morrison takes complex world issues (corrupt government, feminism, GMOs, privilege,...) and weaves them deftly through her Tyme series. They're so amazing. Please, read this series. It's worth it.
April 3, 2019
Is this what I can expect from Megan Morrison's books? "oh this is so good, loving it, fantastic storytelling! I think 4.5 stars--OH WAIT emotional gut punch and tears, 5 stars it is"
I'm down for it.
I'm down for it.
June 18, 2020
4.5/5
I actually really enjoyed the lack of the main romance in this book.
I actually really enjoyed the lack of the main romance in this book.
April 3, 2025
Re-read April 2025: Bumping this one up to 4 stars because I did enjoy it more on this second read through. It probably helped that I read it right after the first two books this time, so I caught all the little references and Easter eggs.
I have to say, with the way she was setting everything up with the Pink Empire story and the Hundred Year Day coming up, I am really, REALLY hoping she didn’t just give up on this series.
Side note: one fun reference to the original frog prince story that I didn’t catch the first time around is that launchball is a reference to the princess’s golden ball in the original story. “Princess” Deli is even holding a golden launchball on the front cover of this book and it didn’t hit me until just now. I love those little blink-and-you’ll-miss-it callouts.
*************************
3.5 stars
I have to be honest: I didn’t love this one. I liked it, but it didn’t grab me like Grounded and Disenchanted did.
I think it was partly my own fault for not rereading Grounded and Disenchanted immediately before reading Transformed. Half the fun of these books is recognizing old friends and saying to yourself, “Oh, that’s what was going on!” But it’s been several years since I read the first two books, so I kept reading stuff that I could tell was a callback to previous books, but I couldn’t remember why it was important.
And then I think it was partly that the main character was a frog. For me, the story really picked up when Harrow finally figured out that the frog was Syrah and figured out a way to talk to him. At that point, it stopped just being a frog hopping around trying to figure out a mystery and turned into frenemies begrudgingly working together, which was way more interesting.
Along those same lines, one of my favorite things about the book was the development of Syrah and Harrow’s reluctant partnership/friendship. There were some great one-liners in there, and Syrah’s eventual acknowledgement that was extremely satisfying.
I also love that .
Oh yes and also: hooray for Jack and Rapunzel closure (at least somewhat)!
I have to say, with the way she was setting everything up with the Pink Empire story and the Hundred Year Day coming up, I am really, REALLY hoping she didn’t just give up on this series.
Side note: one fun reference to the original frog prince story that I didn’t catch the first time around is that launchball is a reference to the princess’s golden ball in the original story. “Princess” Deli is even holding a golden launchball on the front cover of this book and it didn’t hit me until just now. I love those little blink-and-you’ll-miss-it callouts.
*************************
3.5 stars
I have to be honest: I didn’t love this one. I liked it, but it didn’t grab me like Grounded and Disenchanted did.
I think it was partly my own fault for not rereading Grounded and Disenchanted immediately before reading Transformed. Half the fun of these books is recognizing old friends and saying to yourself, “Oh, that’s what was going on!” But it’s been several years since I read the first two books, so I kept reading stuff that I could tell was a callback to previous books, but I couldn’t remember why it was important.
And then I think it was partly that the main character was a frog. For me, the story really picked up when Harrow finally figured out that the frog was Syrah and figured out a way to talk to him. At that point, it stopped just being a frog hopping around trying to figure out a mystery and turned into frenemies begrudgingly working together, which was way more interesting.
Along those same lines, one of my favorite things about the book was the development of Syrah and Harrow’s reluctant partnership/friendship. There were some great one-liners in there, and Syrah’s eventual acknowledgement that was extremely satisfying.
I also love that .
Oh yes and also: hooray for Jack and Rapunzel closure (at least somewhat)!
April 24, 2022
Megan Morrison uses the concept of a person turning into a frog to tell a genius brand new story - and it’s a mystery novel! After all, a small frog can easily go unnoticed, making him the perfect detective to investigate the corruption happening in the Yellow Kingdom. Prince Syrah is spoiled and arrogant, but one of Morrison’s greatest strengths is introducing you to a character with some unlikeable traits and making you like them by the end of the book. The layers to the mystery unfold brilliantly, the twists along the way are perfectly satisfying, and on top of it all, we get some great cameos from returning characters from the previous books! It’s such a shame Scholastic dropped this series - I only wish we had more Tyme! (See what I did there?)
October 24, 2019
So good!!!!!!! I stayed up late to finish it and I don't regret it one bit. Megan's books keep getting better and better. The world building is extraordinary. Character development= fantastic. I cannot wait for the next one. Please write faster! This one has quite a bit of the characters from the first book, so make sure you read them in order. Sigh, absolutely delightful.
Note- one minor swear word, some abuse/violence
Note- one minor swear word, some abuse/violence
May 17, 2025
Wow.
Picked up this book because I love frog-prince retellings, and I had no idea this was the third in a series until about halfway through. But it stands on its own two feet.
The character development was what made this book compelling, but the intricate plot made it an addictive read. Tons of twists and turns for the reader to follow, and everything is seen through a frog's eyes. I just love how most of the book is Syrah alone in his head, but later on, he begins to have relationships again, as someone who's finally ready to respect human beings as human beings.
Just an excellent, excellent book that I consider a hidden gem. All the fairy-tale references felt anything but tropey, because they were packaged in a solid plot filled with modern-seeming political intrigue that I got really invested in. Highly recommend this book, but not to kids - to teenagers who can appreciate its full beauty.
Picked up this book because I love frog-prince retellings, and I had no idea this was the third in a series until about halfway through. But it stands on its own two feet.
The character development was what made this book compelling, but the intricate plot made it an addictive read. Tons of twists and turns for the reader to follow, and everything is seen through a frog's eyes. I just love how most of the book is Syrah alone in his head, but later on, he begins to have relationships again, as someone who's finally ready to respect human beings as human beings.
Just an excellent, excellent book that I consider a hidden gem. All the fairy-tale references felt anything but tropey, because they were packaged in a solid plot filled with modern-seeming political intrigue that I got really invested in. Highly recommend this book, but not to kids - to teenagers who can appreciate its full beauty.
September 19, 2022
Not to be dramatic but the Tyme series is now my favorite trilogy of all time. Sorry, Lunar Chronicles, but you're now my second favorite series.
I love this book. And I love the other two. They're so good. Part of it is a pull on nostalgia for me, but also the writing and storytelling and clever twists are just amazing. Not to mention how positive a lot of the character dynamics are for middle grade. Any romances are subtle. This book especially focuses on friendship above all else. I adore this series. I'm going to be thinking about it for so long. Also I binged nearly all of it today.
But seriously, read this series. It's so good.
I love this book. And I love the other two. They're so good. Part of it is a pull on nostalgia for me, but also the writing and storytelling and clever twists are just amazing. Not to mention how positive a lot of the character dynamics are for middle grade. Any romances are subtle. This book especially focuses on friendship above all else. I adore this series. I'm going to be thinking about it for so long. Also I binged nearly all of it today.
But seriously, read this series. It's so good.
November 7, 2019
continuation of this really fun and clever fractured fairy tale series!
July 23, 2023
I’m my opinion this is the best one of the series! It was really good, I loved it!😁🥰
June 26, 2025
Stupendous read! Just what I wanted to tie up the series. The ending was only slightly unsatisfactory.
Read
July 2, 2025I used to love this series!
September 26, 2019
O M G. Must read mooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo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>:3
Read
September 17, 2018I CALLED IT. I KNEW HE WAS THE LOST PRINCE.
Okay, I literally just cannnnnot do this. I've finally been blessed with a cover AND a summary. It needs to come out RIGHT NOW.
Okay, I literally just cannnnnot do this. I've finally been blessed with a cover AND a summary. It needs to come out RIGHT NOW.
April 18, 2020
Is this a middle grade book? Yes.
Is it from possibly the best middle grade series out there? Obviously.
Did I, someone who rarely enjoys a middle grade novel without giving it some slack (“oh that character is really lame, but I guess because it was written for younger kids it’s not a huge deal”) enjoy it thoroughly? Of course!
If we’re honest here, it’s really unfair to say it’s a middle grade book and just assume it was written only for kids—it’s SO incredibly written, with a fantastic plot and wonderful characters, that to label this book as only for one specific age group would be cheating everyone else out of a fantastic reading experience.
I’m absolutely in love with the complexity of the plot—the worldbuilding was so masterfully done, and Megan Morrison created such a phenomenal story without ever getting bogged down in the details (something some of the more hyped authors should take notes on, tbh).
The main character, Syrah, has a fantastic character arc (Megan Morrison is a genius) and somehow there isn’t any romance? Pretty much every book ever has a romance as part of everyone’s character arc, but the fact that Syrah didn’t get the girl at the end shows so much maturity and is actually more relatable—there are some mistakes we can be forgiven for while the damage still remains. Syrah messed up, and how he deals with it in the ending is basically perfection. (This isn’t to say, of course, that there isn’t *any* romance—there are two romantic subplots, one of which is a carryover from the first book in the series and the cutest thing ever—just that it doesn’t necessarily involve Syrah)
Guys I just really love this book, okay? It deals with all sorts of big themes like forgiveness, grief, redemption, etc. and it’s just so entertaining. Plus, it shows a really cute friendship between a boy and a girl without romance, which I’m always here for.
This series is just the best and now I’ve run out of educated things to say about it but you all just need to read it. Every time I read one of the books it reminds me of how much I absolutely love fairytale retellings, because this is done so incredibly well. And I absolutely cannot wait for the next book, it can’t come soon enough!
So in conclusion: why is this series not more hyped up? IT DESERVES ALL THE HYPE IN THE WORLD AND EVERYONE SHOULD READ IT
Thank you for coming to my TedTalk, have a nice day.
Is it from possibly the best middle grade series out there? Obviously.
Did I, someone who rarely enjoys a middle grade novel without giving it some slack (“oh that character is really lame, but I guess because it was written for younger kids it’s not a huge deal”) enjoy it thoroughly? Of course!
If we’re honest here, it’s really unfair to say it’s a middle grade book and just assume it was written only for kids—it’s SO incredibly written, with a fantastic plot and wonderful characters, that to label this book as only for one specific age group would be cheating everyone else out of a fantastic reading experience.
I’m absolutely in love with the complexity of the plot—the worldbuilding was so masterfully done, and Megan Morrison created such a phenomenal story without ever getting bogged down in the details (something some of the more hyped authors should take notes on, tbh).
The main character, Syrah, has a fantastic character arc (Megan Morrison is a genius) and somehow there isn’t any romance? Pretty much every book ever has a romance as part of everyone’s character arc, but the fact that Syrah didn’t get the girl at the end shows so much maturity and is actually more relatable—there are some mistakes we can be forgiven for while the damage still remains. Syrah messed up, and how he deals with it in the ending is basically perfection. (This isn’t to say, of course, that there isn’t *any* romance—there are two romantic subplots, one of which is a carryover from the first book in the series and the cutest thing ever—just that it doesn’t necessarily involve Syrah)
Guys I just really love this book, okay? It deals with all sorts of big themes like forgiveness, grief, redemption, etc. and it’s just so entertaining. Plus, it shows a really cute friendship between a boy and a girl without romance, which I’m always here for.
This series is just the best and now I’ve run out of educated things to say about it but you all just need to read it. Every time I read one of the books it reminds me of how much I absolutely love fairytale retellings, because this is done so incredibly well. And I absolutely cannot wait for the next book, it can’t come soon enough!
So in conclusion: why is this series not more hyped up? IT DESERVES ALL THE HYPE IN THE WORLD AND EVERYONE SHOULD READ IT
Thank you for coming to my TedTalk, have a nice day.
July 10, 2019
A truly excellent retelling of The Frog Prince.
We got to see more of Jack and Rapunzel in the beginning and the very end, which was nice! A mention of Charming but nothing about Ella, alas. The continuing mystery of what is amiss with the Acorns is threaded throughout and I do think is headed for answers shortly.
I loved how Hansel and Gretel were worked into the story too! Well done.
The focus was on redemption and forgiveness and the hard work of changing. Even though it starts with Syrah trying to get back at Deli and then trying to get her like him, the story isn't about them. It is about Syrah and finding out what it means to be a good person. His friendship with his rival, Harrow, was a highlight of the story.
The lack of a romance was perfect. Syrah came to like and appreciate the wonderful qualities of Deli, but that could not change what he had done. His opportunity with her was something he deliberately threw away like the spoilt jackass he was. Sure, he changed. But he didn't change for Deli. It was about himself and it should be. Deli doesn't owe him anything. She has matured as well and she and Harrow found one another.
Syrah's relationship to his grandma was extremely pivotal for him, as was Deli's (fraught though it was) to her own very demanding and powerful grandmother. I liked the inter-generational relationships and how important they were.
I am really impressed with this series and look forward to the next one, but sadly there is no info about when that might be...
We got to see more of Jack and Rapunzel in the beginning and the very end, which was nice! A mention of Charming but nothing about Ella, alas. The continuing mystery of what is amiss with the Acorns is threaded throughout and I do think is headed for answers shortly.
I loved how Hansel and Gretel were worked into the story too! Well done.
The focus was on redemption and forgiveness and the hard work of changing. Even though it starts with Syrah trying to get back at Deli and then trying to get her like him, the story isn't about them. It is about Syrah and finding out what it means to be a good person. His friendship with his rival, Harrow, was a highlight of the story.
The lack of a romance was perfect. Syrah came to like and appreciate the wonderful qualities of Deli, but that could not change what he had done. His opportunity with her was something he deliberately threw away like the spoilt jackass he was. Sure, he changed. But he didn't change for Deli. It was about himself and it should be. Deli doesn't owe him anything. She has matured as well and she and Harrow found one another.
Syrah's relationship to his grandma was extremely pivotal for him, as was Deli's (fraught though it was) to her own very demanding and powerful grandmother. I liked the inter-generational relationships and how important they were.
I am really impressed with this series and look forward to the next one, but sadly there is no info about when that might be...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 2, 2022
Morrison has done it again. I really don't know how authors write books like this. It's unreal. Apparently Morrison's skill has rendered me more inarticulate than usual. I heartily enjoyed reading about Syra's transformation from a selfish, arrogant prince into a courageous, generous one. He learns not only that he and not Deli is responsible for his hardships but that his rival, Harrow, is more worthy of her love. Syra actually comes to work with and befriend Harrow. I was sad that Syra does not end up with Deli but at the same time appreciate that Morrison did not make everything work out perfectly. Sometimes repentance and improvement in character is not enough to reverse damage that has been done.
The plot was as delicately complex as the characters. I kept wondering about the mystery until the end and only guessed that the candy maker was sinister when she offered the boys hot chocolate. Her story (and her brother's) offer an interesting alternative to the classic Hansel and Gretel. I like, also, how all three Tyme books are bound together in this one.
I read on Morrison's website that she plans on writing seven Tyme books total. If so, I eagerly await the next ones!
The plot was as delicately complex as the characters. I kept wondering about the mystery until the end and only guessed that the candy maker was sinister when she offered the boys hot chocolate. Her story (and her brother's) offer an interesting alternative to the classic Hansel and Gretel. I like, also, how all three Tyme books are bound together in this one.
I read on Morrison's website that she plans on writing seven Tyme books total. If so, I eagerly await the next ones!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 1, 2019
I hope this is not the last book in this series because there is so much more to learn and because I love Morrison's world. Tyme is more than a world full of storybook characters; it is a fully developed political and social realm that makes children's stories interesting to adults. Transformed reimagines two such stories - the Frog Prince and another which I can't reveal without giving away a lot - and weaves then into a story of political intrigue and personal redemption while also creating what may be one of my favorite literary friendships between Syrrah and another character. Morrison's imagination is amazing!
June 1, 2020
I didn't expect to like this book so much but I did and it was such a cute refreshing read. I enjoyed the characters, especially Syrah and his growth. I really like him and Harrow's friendship.
I have some issues with the plot line but I don't really mind because this was just a casual read for me.
For a book aimed for kids, this was pretty nuanced and I appreciate that.
I still enjoyed the second book the most though so I was elated to see the Practical Elegance insert. We stan sustainable ethical fashion uwu. However, It had been a while since I had read it so I'm not sure just how in depth it went with that issue.
I have some issues with the plot line but I don't really mind because this was just a casual read for me.
For a book aimed for kids, this was pretty nuanced and I appreciate that.
I still enjoyed the second book the most though so I was elated to see the Practical Elegance insert. We stan sustainable ethical fashion uwu. However, It had been a while since I had read it so I'm not sure just how in depth it went with that issue.
August 1, 2025
The third installment of Tyme did not disappoint! I love this world and every page draws me deeper into it. The twists and use of fairy tales to explore real world issues are genius. Do yourself a favor and read these books!
November 29, 2019
Such an excellent series!
January 19, 2021
Megan Morrison has done it again. I haven't read retellings as refreshing as the Tyme series in years. This book reveals how much planning has gone into this series overall. It turns out the frog Jack gifted Rapunzel in Grounded, aptly named Prince Frog, really is a prince.
(This may or may not be a surprise to you based on how good you are at picking up on clues. I figured out he was a person turned into a frog and I was surprised that it wasn't resolved in that book until I found out this one existed).
Prince Syrah is an arrogant, inconsiderate jerk who is forced to learn his lesson the hard way when his selfish wish on a magical wishing well transforms him into a frog.
This book takes place after the events of the first two novels during the weekend of the All Tyme Championships which is the tournament that Rapunzel qualified in as Jacks Champion for Yellow Country in Grounded. Syrah has been a frog a little over 15 months overall and he met Rapunzel a few months after he first changed. He's incapable of communicating to people directly so he tries to use messages in foggy mirrors or letters scratched into the dirt amongst other things to talk to people. So far he hasn't had any luck but that doesn't stop him from trying.
Syrah was so infuriating dense at the beginning of this book. I enjoyed watching him unpack his cavalier attitude as he came to grips with his mistakes. Overcoming apathy was an underlying theme that I appreciated seeing being given some consideration. Democracy so often is not included as an option at all in fantasy settings. In this case than, Morrison went out of her way to explore how important it is not only to vote but to be informed as well. Syrah's arc in this regard was my favorite part because I enjoyed seeing him go through the cycle that I feel a lot of younger people go through emotionally when they first begin to register the weight of politics.
Rather than goof off for the rest of his life because he could, he discovered how validating hard work can be. I loved how much this book emphasized putting in legitimate effort over natural talent.
Delicata was a wonderful love interest. As someone who also has been labeled uptight for being a serious person I identified a lot with her. Especially the way she buried her inner feelings as not to appear weak - vulnerability equaling weakness is a toxic trait I still haven't been able to fully shake. I like that she wasn't only a prize l for the main character to 'win' as a more tangible reward for Syrah becoming a better person. She's a fully developed character possessing her own flaws, feelings, and motivations.
Harrow is best boy. That is all.
As previously hinted at, the core of this story is whether or not people can be trusted to govern themselves. And while there's plenty of opinions presented the unfortunate answer is that while, yes people should have the right to do so that does not discount the fact that given the choice people voluntarily vote against their own self interest all the time. And in a universe that has monarchies is it right to maintain the monarchy over the capricious will of the people when the monarchy is doing a good job? Is democracy a human right in a world removed from real life sociopolitical context?
Disenchanted examines some of the dangers of having a monarchy, but in the end despite the reformation, Blue Kingdom does remain a monarchy albeit an elected one.
This isn't a pro-monarchy book by any means. It just encourages you to think deeply about the cost of democracy - and on a broader scale doing what's right no matter the situation - even if it is the right thing to do. Critical analysis has been missing from a lot of middle grade books I've been reading lately. Kids understand a lot more than we give them credit for and I think Megan Morrison very much understands that. It never feels like she's writing down to the audience. The themes are interwoven naturally into the plot so Syrah's growth was an organic, logical build over time.
I appreciated Morrison's willingness to do what needs to be done for a stronger narrative over what might make people happy. The subversion of tropes was in top-notch form.
Also the way she seamlessly created a fun, casually diverse world is impressive. It shouldn't be, and thankfully, representation in books is on the rise, but I've read enough white washed (nothing wrong with white books only the proliferation at the expense of other races and/or ethnicities) middle grade to be excited about this.
Enough gushing, if it wasn't obvious from this or the other two reviews I've done for this series I love it very much. Megan Morrison is a great author. Tyme is a rich universe with a lot of potential for the future. I hope this isn't all there is because there's so much more I want to see, but if this is the end, it was a heck of a ride.
(This may or may not be a surprise to you based on how good you are at picking up on clues. I figured out he was a person turned into a frog and I was surprised that it wasn't resolved in that book until I found out this one existed).
Prince Syrah is an arrogant, inconsiderate jerk who is forced to learn his lesson the hard way when his selfish wish on a magical wishing well transforms him into a frog.
This book takes place after the events of the first two novels during the weekend of the All Tyme Championships which is the tournament that Rapunzel qualified in as Jacks Champion for Yellow Country in Grounded. Syrah has been a frog a little over 15 months overall and he met Rapunzel a few months after he first changed. He's incapable of communicating to people directly so he tries to use messages in foggy mirrors or letters scratched into the dirt amongst other things to talk to people. So far he hasn't had any luck but that doesn't stop him from trying.
Syrah was so infuriating dense at the beginning of this book. I enjoyed watching him unpack his cavalier attitude as he came to grips with his mistakes. Overcoming apathy was an underlying theme that I appreciated seeing being given some consideration. Democracy so often is not included as an option at all in fantasy settings. In this case than, Morrison went out of her way to explore how important it is not only to vote but to be informed as well. Syrah's arc in this regard was my favorite part because I enjoyed seeing him go through the cycle that I feel a lot of younger people go through emotionally when they first begin to register the weight of politics.
Rather than goof off for the rest of his life because he could, he discovered how validating hard work can be. I loved how much this book emphasized putting in legitimate effort over natural talent.
Delicata was a wonderful love interest. As someone who also has been labeled uptight for being a serious person I identified a lot with her. Especially the way she buried her inner feelings as not to appear weak - vulnerability equaling weakness is a toxic trait I still haven't been able to fully shake. I like that she wasn't only a prize l for the main character to 'win' as a more tangible reward for Syrah becoming a better person. She's a fully developed character possessing her own flaws, feelings, and motivations.
Harrow is best boy. That is all.
As previously hinted at, the core of this story is whether or not people can be trusted to govern themselves. And while there's plenty of opinions presented the unfortunate answer is that while, yes people should have the right to do so that does not discount the fact that given the choice people voluntarily vote against their own self interest all the time. And in a universe that has monarchies is it right to maintain the monarchy over the capricious will of the people when the monarchy is doing a good job? Is democracy a human right in a world removed from real life sociopolitical context?
Disenchanted examines some of the dangers of having a monarchy, but in the end despite the reformation, Blue Kingdom does remain a monarchy albeit an elected one.
This isn't a pro-monarchy book by any means. It just encourages you to think deeply about the cost of democracy - and on a broader scale doing what's right no matter the situation - even if it is the right thing to do. Critical analysis has been missing from a lot of middle grade books I've been reading lately. Kids understand a lot more than we give them credit for and I think Megan Morrison very much understands that. It never feels like she's writing down to the audience. The themes are interwoven naturally into the plot so Syrah's growth was an organic, logical build over time.
I appreciated Morrison's willingness to do what needs to be done for a stronger narrative over what might make people happy. The subversion of tropes was in top-notch form.
Also the way she seamlessly created a fun, casually diverse world is impressive. It shouldn't be, and thankfully, representation in books is on the rise, but I've read enough white washed (nothing wrong with white books only the proliferation at the expense of other races and/or ethnicities) middle grade to be excited about this.
Enough gushing, if it wasn't obvious from this or the other two reviews I've done for this series I love it very much. Megan Morrison is a great author. Tyme is a rich universe with a lot of potential for the future. I hope this isn't all there is because there's so much more I want to see, but if this is the end, it was a heck of a ride.
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