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The Fairytale's Daughter
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Published April 13, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
September 27, 2018
Not sure if this book went through an editor (quotes for internal monologues were definitely confusing) but I can’t say I didn’t enjoy it for what it was: a playful story with a mix of traditional and modern fairytale-telling. There was a ton of sarcasm, Gaston-like egos, fluttery princesses, wickedness, melodrama and a Disney-esque amount of instantaneous true love. I would actually really enjoy seeing it come out as a movie directed by whomever did Enchanted.
December 30, 2017
I might try again later, but the first few chapters are annoyingly adolescent.
August 17, 2022
*EDIT 2022: I’ve been looking back at old reviews and I’m dropping this rating to one star because after I initially wrote this review the author made an Instagram post about me and some other reviewers AND TAGGED US IN THE POST. It’s been years but I’m still upset about it 😅. The most unprofessional book experience I’ve ever see.*
It took me forever to finish this book.
I really wanted to like this book. I won a copy on Instagram and the author seems really nice which made me want to love the book as much as she does. But, I just don’t. I feel very meh about the whole thing. I’m going to break this review into sections to properly explain how I feel about it all.
THE PLOT
I just felt like there was too much going on in the background. If the main part of the story is supposed to be about Aylan and Garrick than let the story be about Aylan and Garrick and leave all these subplots for a sequel or a spin-off. It felt like the author wanted to fit several different ideas of a re-telling into one book and that just didn’t work for me. Also, what was the point of the boarding school. That part of the plot felt underdeveloped and abandoned part way through the novel. I felt that we didn’t really get to know these MCs as much as we should have. The “Love” between Aylan and Garrick felt very awkward to me. Just some of the wording felt unnatural and it sort of felt like “instalove” which I understand they have that past connection but still, we needed more time for them to bond before they felt this way. At least in my opinion.
THE CHARACTERS
Aylan- I liked her, I guess. I feel at times she was almost trying too hard to be the “quirky different girl who likes guy stuff”. But overall, not terrible.
Garrick- He was ok. I don’t have a real opinion on him. I thought I was going to hate him but, eh. I just sort of feel like whatever.
Gala- She has so much potential. If this book would have just been about Gala and her life I would have even in love. I hope that the author does write a whole book about Gala and her life. She’s so interesting!!
Ashton- Terrible. He was so obviously meant to be terrible that I think I hate him because the plot says that I should. Obviously he’s annoying and crazy but is it believable? Idk.
Those are the only characters that really stuck out to me. The other princesses at the school were cool but not enough of individuals for me to spend my time discussing each one. Oh, Olivia was a surprisingly complex character.
THE SETTING
Idk man. This setting was kinda vague. It was a generic fairytale world where magic exists but on the DL. I wish we could have had some more world-building. I really think that would have made some of the issues I had a lot more bearable.
Overall, this book isn’t terrible. It’s just not what I was expecting in a retelling like this. Maybe the sequel will be better but I don’t think I’m going to read it.
It took me forever to finish this book.
I really wanted to like this book. I won a copy on Instagram and the author seems really nice which made me want to love the book as much as she does. But, I just don’t. I feel very meh about the whole thing. I’m going to break this review into sections to properly explain how I feel about it all.
THE PLOT
I just felt like there was too much going on in the background. If the main part of the story is supposed to be about Aylan and Garrick than let the story be about Aylan and Garrick and leave all these subplots for a sequel or a spin-off. It felt like the author wanted to fit several different ideas of a re-telling into one book and that just didn’t work for me. Also, what was the point of the boarding school. That part of the plot felt underdeveloped and abandoned part way through the novel. I felt that we didn’t really get to know these MCs as much as we should have. The “Love” between Aylan and Garrick felt very awkward to me. Just some of the wording felt unnatural and it sort of felt like “instalove” which I understand they have that past connection but still, we needed more time for them to bond before they felt this way. At least in my opinion.
THE CHARACTERS
Aylan- I liked her, I guess. I feel at times she was almost trying too hard to be the “quirky different girl who likes guy stuff”. But overall, not terrible.
Garrick- He was ok. I don’t have a real opinion on him. I thought I was going to hate him but, eh. I just sort of feel like whatever.
Gala- She has so much potential. If this book would have just been about Gala and her life I would have even in love. I hope that the author does write a whole book about Gala and her life. She’s so interesting!!
Ashton- Terrible. He was so obviously meant to be terrible that I think I hate him because the plot says that I should. Obviously he’s annoying and crazy but is it believable? Idk.
Those are the only characters that really stuck out to me. The other princesses at the school were cool but not enough of individuals for me to spend my time discussing each one. Oh, Olivia was a surprisingly complex character.
THE SETTING
Idk man. This setting was kinda vague. It was a generic fairytale world where magic exists but on the DL. I wish we could have had some more world-building. I really think that would have made some of the issues I had a lot more bearable.
Overall, this book isn’t terrible. It’s just not what I was expecting in a retelling like this. Maybe the sequel will be better but I don’t think I’m going to read it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 13, 2017
This is the BEST book I have EVER read!!! Carolyn Swanson is an AMAZING author who has found a loyal fan in me. This book takes you on an adventure that transports you back to your childhood without feeling juvenile. There are real life problems that make the book relatable. She has taken classics and given us her twist on things but not taking away the fairy tales we grew up on. I cannot say enough wonderful things about this book!! I don't know how I'm going to make it until next summer to read the Kings Son
July 28, 2017
See my Full review here:
https://perfectlytolerable.com/
I won this book in a giveaway. Usually when you win a book they send just the book, but Carolyn Swanson went way above and beyond. In addition to signing the book, she also wrote me a nice little note and gave me a $15 gift card to Starbucks. (Yum!) Nothing is better than curling up in a snuggley blanket and drinking hot chocolate while reading a good book. Or, in this case, the second best thing is reading sprawled out on the back porch, enjoying a slight breeze and drinking some passion fruit tea (cuz 90 degrees is too hot for a blanket and hot chocolate). It was super nice of Carolyn to include that, and I hope her book does really well because, she seems like the kind of person that deserves it.
I debated giving this a 3 instead of a 4 so really its like a 3.5 and I rounded up (I promise it has nothing to do with the gift card and everything to do with the goods outweighing the bads.) Overall I really liked the story but there were a couple things that bugged me.
Lets start with the good:
I LOVE fairy tales!!
And this book nailed it! It has all the components needed for a fairly tale; princes, princesses, villains, love, friendship, curses, jewelry, and fights. But Carolyn did not just retell the same old fairy tale, she created a brand new one! She found a way to incorporate all the classics (with her own twist of course) while creating a completely unique tale. I could not put the book down, I got hooked! I just had to find out what happened next! (I read waaay past my bedtime)
I love Aylan and Garrick, they felt so real. Their relationship was super believable even in the midst of a fairy tale (however, like all fairy tales, they fall in love very quickly, though that is not a negative against the book). All the other characters were great too. Gala’s internal struggles made her particularly relatable. The fight between doing the right thing and doing the thing you feel compelled to do is a very real issue that people deal with an a daily basis.
Overall I would definitely recommend this book to everyone (children, young adults, adults, old adults, etc.) who needs an easy read with a feel-good story.
Now for the bad
The beginning was slow and confusing. I had to re-read a couple sections to figure out what was going on. If you are going to read this book PLEASE stick with it past the beginning! Its worth it, I promise.
And the ending left too many questions. Specifically: WHAT HAPPENED TO GALA?!?!?! Cliffhangers are fine, but this is not really a cliffhanger. (I am trying really hard to not include any spoilers so I can’t express exactly what I am feeling. ) But the last time you see her its unclear what happened and then she is kind of forgotten for the rest of the book. I would have also like some more details on the ship. For starters, who was on the ship? Was her brother there? How did they react? You know Gunner is there, but it sort of glosses over everything, and I would have liked to know what went down, and WHAT HAPPENED TO GALA?!?!?!
If you are thinking about reading this book, don’t let these negatives deter you!!! The story is worth it! I really really enjoyed this book! I can’t wait for the sequel.
P.S. I can’t figure out how to pronounce “Aylan” which really isn’t a big deal but I am still trying to recover from the whole “Hermione” debacle.
https://perfectlytolerable.com/
I won this book in a giveaway. Usually when you win a book they send just the book, but Carolyn Swanson went way above and beyond. In addition to signing the book, she also wrote me a nice little note and gave me a $15 gift card to Starbucks. (Yum!) Nothing is better than curling up in a snuggley blanket and drinking hot chocolate while reading a good book. Or, in this case, the second best thing is reading sprawled out on the back porch, enjoying a slight breeze and drinking some passion fruit tea (cuz 90 degrees is too hot for a blanket and hot chocolate). It was super nice of Carolyn to include that, and I hope her book does really well because, she seems like the kind of person that deserves it.
I debated giving this a 3 instead of a 4 so really its like a 3.5 and I rounded up (I promise it has nothing to do with the gift card and everything to do with the goods outweighing the bads.) Overall I really liked the story but there were a couple things that bugged me.
Lets start with the good:
I LOVE fairy tales!!
And this book nailed it! It has all the components needed for a fairly tale; princes, princesses, villains, love, friendship, curses, jewelry, and fights. But Carolyn did not just retell the same old fairy tale, she created a brand new one! She found a way to incorporate all the classics (with her own twist of course) while creating a completely unique tale. I could not put the book down, I got hooked! I just had to find out what happened next! (I read waaay past my bedtime)
I love Aylan and Garrick, they felt so real. Their relationship was super believable even in the midst of a fairy tale (however, like all fairy tales, they fall in love very quickly, though that is not a negative against the book). All the other characters were great too. Gala’s internal struggles made her particularly relatable. The fight between doing the right thing and doing the thing you feel compelled to do is a very real issue that people deal with an a daily basis.
Overall I would definitely recommend this book to everyone (children, young adults, adults, old adults, etc.) who needs an easy read with a feel-good story.
Now for the bad
The beginning was slow and confusing. I had to re-read a couple sections to figure out what was going on. If you are going to read this book PLEASE stick with it past the beginning! Its worth it, I promise.
And the ending left too many questions. Specifically: WHAT HAPPENED TO GALA?!?!?! Cliffhangers are fine, but this is not really a cliffhanger. (I am trying really hard to not include any spoilers so I can’t express exactly what I am feeling. ) But the last time you see her its unclear what happened and then she is kind of forgotten for the rest of the book. I would have also like some more details on the ship. For starters, who was on the ship? Was her brother there? How did they react? You know Gunner is there, but it sort of glosses over everything, and I would have liked to know what went down, and WHAT HAPPENED TO GALA?!?!?!
If you are thinking about reading this book, don’t let these negatives deter you!!! The story is worth it! I really really enjoyed this book! I can’t wait for the sequel.
P.S. I can’t figure out how to pronounce “Aylan” which really isn’t a big deal but I am still trying to recover from the whole “Hermione” debacle.
November 10, 2017
Let me start this review by saying Carolyn is a genius. Now that that's out of the way, I can confidently tell you the Fairytale's Daughter has a special place on my bookshelf, right alongside other beloved fairytale retellings like Ella Enchanted and the Goose Girl. It reads very much like a slightly older version of these classics, complete with fairy godmothers, star-crossed lovers, balls, villains, castles, and a princess prep school. The best part, however, is the way Carolyn wove together the fairytales we all know and love (Cinderella, obviously, but also Snow White and Rose Red, Rapunzel, and a few others) with a fairytale of her own invention. I'll repeat: genius. Also, it can be tricky to incorporate multiple points-of-view into a single, cohesive story, but Carolyn did just that--complete with a villain POV!
While I love Aylan and Garrick's romance, the true draw of TFD is the friendship between Aylan and Gala. Too often, young adult books (even fairytales) portray very unhealthy female relationships. You've probably all read a book like that--the best friend is forgotten in light of the swoony love interest, or girls are mean to each other just to be mean. Neither is the case in this book. In fact, I would almost argue it's the opposite. Without giving away any spoilers, Aylan doesn't choose Garrick over Gala. She resigns herself to a miserable fate *because* of her incredible bond with Gala. And Gala, for her part, does exactly the same. (It's really a lose-lose situation for everyone there for awhile, but I promise it ends happily--or does it?!) And while there *is* a villainous girl, her motivations are completely fleshed out. As a reader, you understand and empathize with why she does everything she does.
Honestly, if you're on the fence about reading this, do yourself a favor and read it anyway. The storyline is both new and familiar, the characters are genuinely likable, and the relationships are refreshing. *Aylan* is refreshing. Mild spoiler, but the title of the book revolves around Aylan's eventual character development: she is taking control of her own life. That sort of empowerment is exactly what young adults--and adults--should be reading about. Bravo, Carolyn!
While I love Aylan and Garrick's romance, the true draw of TFD is the friendship between Aylan and Gala. Too often, young adult books (even fairytales) portray very unhealthy female relationships. You've probably all read a book like that--the best friend is forgotten in light of the swoony love interest, or girls are mean to each other just to be mean. Neither is the case in this book. In fact, I would almost argue it's the opposite. Without giving away any spoilers, Aylan doesn't choose Garrick over Gala. She resigns herself to a miserable fate *because* of her incredible bond with Gala. And Gala, for her part, does exactly the same. (It's really a lose-lose situation for everyone there for awhile, but I promise it ends happily--or does it?!) And while there *is* a villainous girl, her motivations are completely fleshed out. As a reader, you understand and empathize with why she does everything she does.
Honestly, if you're on the fence about reading this, do yourself a favor and read it anyway. The storyline is both new and familiar, the characters are genuinely likable, and the relationships are refreshing. *Aylan* is refreshing. Mild spoiler, but the title of the book revolves around Aylan's eventual character development: she is taking control of her own life. That sort of empowerment is exactly what young adults--and adults--should be reading about. Bravo, Carolyn!
June 6, 2017
So. . . I really liked this book.
At first I was a little skeptical. The technical aspects of the writing is wasn't a fan of. The characters often talk out loud to themselves which sometimes made me cringe/laugh. I would have just kept those moments as thoughts. Also towards the end with the fight and the little dance. . . I really didn't see the point of that.
If you just look past that though and immerse yourself in the story it's a good read. I'm sure more critical readers could have found more wrong with it but I'm not a critical reader and I enjoyed it.
The author left a lot of things open ended and I actually couldn't believe the book was over when it was. It left me with a lot of questions which will lead me to read the next book for sure. But some of the things I'm left pondering:
-Is Gala dead? Truly? Also I'm not sure if I hate her or not so there's that.
-Are Lily and Marisol (I think it's these two) a thing? Like was there a hint at them being a couple a little bit or am I losing it.
-What will everyone think about Aylan's story and what happened.
-Will Aylan see Snow White again?
I almost gave it three stars but went with four. 🤷🏼♀️
At first I was a little skeptical. The technical aspects of the writing is wasn't a fan of. The characters often talk out loud to themselves which sometimes made me cringe/laugh. I would have just kept those moments as thoughts. Also towards the end with the fight and the little dance. . . I really didn't see the point of that.
If you just look past that though and immerse yourself in the story it's a good read. I'm sure more critical readers could have found more wrong with it but I'm not a critical reader and I enjoyed it.
The author left a lot of things open ended and I actually couldn't believe the book was over when it was. It left me with a lot of questions which will lead me to read the next book for sure. But some of the things I'm left pondering:
-Is Gala dead? Truly? Also I'm not sure if I hate her or not so there's that.
-Are Lily and Marisol (I think it's these two) a thing? Like was there a hint at them being a couple a little bit or am I losing it.
-What will everyone think about Aylan's story and what happened.
-Will Aylan see Snow White again?
I almost gave it three stars but went with four. 🤷🏼♀️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 15, 2017
I have a toddler and so it makes it pretty hard to find the time to read any books. I was excited to read this book when I first heard about it but was afraid like most other books I have tried to read recently, it would end up sitting on the shelf until my son is in college. HA. Nope, not this book. I finished this book in 2 nights. It is the fastest I've managed to read anything in a very long time and if I could have mustered the energy, it would have been read in one. Carolyn did an amazing job not only flawlessly weaving multiple original fairy tales together to create a rich backstory but also in creating a fairy tale with characters that everyone can actually relate to. I mean, when is the last time you read or saw a fairy tale that you could see yourself in the motives and dialogue of the characters? No offense Disney, but Carolyn did it better with a strong female lead that you can only hope your children will look up to and idolize as they grow up.
May 4, 2017
I had to review this book once I read it! It was mind-blowing!
Imagine all the classic fairy-tales you have read when you were a kid, mashed up together into a story like Into The Woods(but not that dark) and Once Upon a Time(without the modern day theme) fit perfectly together with all the intrigue, the thrills and of course fairy-tales with a twist; you have this book.
I don't want to give away too much of the story that's not already there, but just that you would be definitely eagerly waiting for the next book in the series!
Imagine all the classic fairy-tales you have read when you were a kid, mashed up together into a story like Into The Woods(but not that dark) and Once Upon a Time(without the modern day theme) fit perfectly together with all the intrigue, the thrills and of course fairy-tales with a twist; you have this book.
I don't want to give away too much of the story that's not already there, but just that you would be definitely eagerly waiting for the next book in the series!
June 14, 2017
What a lovely book that lived up to its glowing reviews - taking beloved fairy tales (original not Disney versions) and turning them into a connecting narrative seems like an obvious and delightful idea in retrospect but it was just so well done and not "bash you over the head" obvious that I can't help but being carried away
Aylan has a sense of humor and a strong sense of herself. The love story was believable and grew with the characters. All in all, read the fucking book if you love fairy tales and strong women. It was a goddamn joy
Aylan has a sense of humor and a strong sense of herself. The love story was believable and grew with the characters. All in all, read the fucking book if you love fairy tales and strong women. It was a goddamn joy
February 4, 2019
A great YA read that gives you that fairytale romance with plenty of twists and turns. This is probably the most unique take I've read that's loosely based on the classic fairy tales. I really enjoyed the mystery behind the magic, curses, and Aylan's godmother. The only reason I'm not giving it 5 stars is because I was secretly hoping Ashton might be good or Aylan might choose Gunner, instead of the very obvious choice. I also feel like Gala got gipped in this book. I'm not sure if I'll be reading the sequel.
February 14, 2018
Perfect world
Adored this book!! I loved the way that the author chose to intertwine so many fairy tales in such a unique way. I would have liked to get to know Aylan’s fairy godmother more, along with some of the other princesses-but seeing as this is listed as the first in a series, I am sure I will get to know them more in the following books.
Adored this book!! I loved the way that the author chose to intertwine so many fairy tales in such a unique way. I would have liked to get to know Aylan’s fairy godmother more, along with some of the other princesses-but seeing as this is listed as the first in a series, I am sure I will get to know them more in the following books.
November 16, 2017
OH MY WORD!!!!!
What the heck, Carolyn! How can you possibly expect people to patiently wait for a sequel? I swear the wait might possibly kill me.
This is absolutely one of my favorite reads of the year.
What the heck, Carolyn! How can you possibly expect people to patiently wait for a sequel? I swear the wait might possibly kill me.
This is absolutely one of my favorite reads of the year.
January 13, 2018
This book was AMAZING! I really loved Aylan she isn't your typical princess who loves her hair up and has manners. No she was sassy knew how to ride a horse like a prince and sail a boat.
I even laughed at some parts lol
I even laughed at some parts lol
May 22, 2019
Okay so I got this book to review and can I just say I love love love this book!
It takes a twist on what we know about fairy tales. I was so caught up in the story I'm so excited for the next book. Aylan and Garrick omggggg HEART EYES
It takes a twist on what we know about fairy tales. I was so caught up in the story I'm so excited for the next book. Aylan and Garrick omggggg HEART EYES
May 29, 2017
Very cute story
The way she weaved the fairytales together was very clever. It was a fun read! Can't wait for the next book
The way she weaved the fairytales together was very clever. It was a fun read! Can't wait for the next book
August 25, 2017
The Fairytale’s Daughter is a rare bit of perfection! I haven’t read a book that was this hard to put down in a long time. I read it in one night and absolutely LOVED it! This book is witty, brilliant, and left me envisioning the characters and scenes as if I was watching a movie! The Fairytale’s Daughter mixes humor, romance and suspense with hilarious and engaging characters that are thrown into a plot full of surprises and twists and turns. This book is thoroughly engaging and highly entertaining and will leave you craving more! I LOVE the twists she put on classic fairy tales are breathtaking.
This novel was so eloquently written - I am chomping at the bit for the sequel!
This novel was so eloquently written - I am chomping at the bit for the sequel!
May 4, 2017
Carolyn has crafted an incredible must read fairytale!! It has everything you could want in a story, mystery, love and a quick-witted heroine that you'll fall in love with from the first moment you meet her!
I highly recommend the Fairytale's Daughter to anyone who loves not only fairytale's themselves but a strong female lead!
I adore this book and this author! So if you're considering this then pick it up already!! You won't regret it!
I highly recommend the Fairytale's Daughter to anyone who loves not only fairytale's themselves but a strong female lead!
I adore this book and this author! So if you're considering this then pick it up already!! You won't regret it!
August 31, 2017
Wow! Twists and turns I did not expect! Great suspense, great love story, great characters ! I can totally see this a movie someday!
April 30, 2017
Very impressive! Lots of twists and turns and just overall very different, which was good! I went to high school with the author and thought I'd give it a try.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews