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Ripped Pages
Princess Valentina lives a reasonably comfortable life, but after her mother's death, her father gets tired of taking care of her and locks her in a tower. She spends years on her own, talking to the birds on her windowsill, and reading books with adventures she will never experience. Her plans of running away are usually left for another day because she knows the vast forest surrounding her tower is too dangerous to cross alone.
Until one day, another girl passes by on her horse and Valentina wonders if she’s finally brave enough to seize her chance of freedom.
Ripped Pages is a Rapunzel F/F retelling in the format of a novelette.
Until one day, another girl passes by on her horse and Valentina wonders if she’s finally brave enough to seize her chance of freedom.
Ripped Pages is a Rapunzel F/F retelling in the format of a novelette.
60 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 22, 2017
15 people are currently reading
454 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
September 19, 2017
3 1/2 Stars. This is a super sweet YA novella. It is a re-telling of the fairy tale Rapunzel. This novella is being released on September 22. If you pre-order it on Amazon, it is only 0.99. Considering how expensive a reading habit can be now a days, it is a good deal.
The story is about the Princess Valentina. After her mothers death, her abusive father locks her away in a tower for years. Will Valentina's dreams be answered, by someone coming to rescue her?
I always enjoy reading a re-telling of fairy tales, especially when they are F/F, and this novella was no exception. The story and light romance is very sweet. Even though Valentina has a horrible childhood, and a little PTSD from what she has been through, this is really a feel good story.
This story made me smile as an adult, but I really wish these kind of stories were around when I was growing up. In fact, I hope these are the kind of stories that are in schools now a days. To the best of my knowledge of whats appropriate, I would say this book could be read by someone as young as 12 (maybe younger), but it's still enjoyable for an adult.
If you enjoy a re-telling of a fairy tale and are looking for a super sweet story, give Ripped Pages a chance.
An ARC was given to me by M. Hollis, for a honest review
The story is about the Princess Valentina. After her mothers death, her abusive father locks her away in a tower for years. Will Valentina's dreams be answered, by someone coming to rescue her?
I always enjoy reading a re-telling of fairy tales, especially when they are F/F, and this novella was no exception. The story and light romance is very sweet. Even though Valentina has a horrible childhood, and a little PTSD from what she has been through, this is really a feel good story.
This story made me smile as an adult, but I really wish these kind of stories were around when I was growing up. In fact, I hope these are the kind of stories that are in schools now a days. To the best of my knowledge of whats appropriate, I would say this book could be read by someone as young as 12 (maybe younger), but it's still enjoyable for an adult.
If you enjoy a re-telling of a fairy tale and are looking for a super sweet story, give Ripped Pages a chance.
An ARC was given to me by M. Hollis, for a honest review
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October 12, 2017RIPPED PAGES is live!! ✨💖👩❤️👩
YA F/F Rapunzel Retelling for girls who love stories about princesses.
Amz: https://tinyurl.com/ybbc3l9c
YA F/F Rapunzel Retelling for girls who love stories about princesses.
Amz: https://tinyurl.com/ybbc3l9c
December 15, 2017
*book #2 for sapphicathon*
I don't think I can properly review this, but it was beautiful and it's about so much more than the relationship.
It's about, among other things, the power of representation in books (for the first part of the story) and most of all it's about recovering from emotional abuse, which can make it hard to read even if you're prepared (the trigger warning note at the beginning helps).
I don't think I can properly review this, but it was beautiful and it's about so much more than the relationship.
It's about, among other things, the power of representation in books (for the first part of the story) and most of all it's about recovering from emotional abuse, which can make it hard to read even if you're prepared (the trigger warning note at the beginning helps).
December 20, 2017
4.5 stars
This is a wonderful, sweet, f/f retelling of Rapunzel that I absolutely loved and immensely enjoyed. This is my second M. Hollis book and I can't wait to read more.
This is a wonderful, sweet, f/f retelling of Rapunzel that I absolutely loved and immensely enjoyed. This is my second M. Hollis book and I can't wait to read more.
January 2, 2018
Ripped Pages is a short f/f fairytale about a princess who doesn’t want to fall in love with a prince. Imprisoned in a tower by her cruel father, Valentina spends most of her days reading—and slowly, she finds herself in stories. Specifically, in stories about girls loving girls. I really loved the messages here about the importance of representation and claiming agency over your own narrative! I did wish there was a bit more development to the characters, though—it's very short, simple, and straightforward, so I was never super emotionally invested in what was happening.
cw: emotional abuse
cw: emotional abuse
December 27, 2017
Charming and sweet and very important!
Ripped Pages is a retelling novella of Rapunzel with a lesbian main character. It has several major changes from the original story and I like M. Hollis's take on this fairy tale. The book is delightfully diverse, the main character Val is lesbian, her love interest Agnes is pansexual, also there is a married couple of two men, poc characters too.
This novella is about escaping abusive situation and healing and making your own future. I was very moved by the story.
I must note that I appreciate the open verbal consent, discussion about not being afraid to ask for help and many more in this novel. For such a short story Ripped Pages contains so much.
Content warning: emotional abuse, forced imprisonment, trauma recovery.
Sapphicathon Bingo Board: Book 9: F/F retelling
Ripped Pages is a retelling novella of Rapunzel with a lesbian main character. It has several major changes from the original story and I like M. Hollis's take on this fairy tale. The book is delightfully diverse, the main character Val is lesbian, her love interest Agnes is pansexual, also there is a married couple of two men, poc characters too.
This novella is about escaping abusive situation and healing and making your own future. I was very moved by the story.
I must note that I appreciate the open verbal consent, discussion about not being afraid to ask for help and many more in this novel. For such a short story Ripped Pages contains so much.
Content warning: emotional abuse, forced imprisonment, trauma recovery.
Sapphicathon Bingo Board: Book 9: F/F retelling
February 21, 2020
Ripped Pages is a fantasy novelette and a retelling of Rapunzel.
Valentina is the princess of Pouso Dourado. After the death of her mother, she is imprisoned in a tower by the king, who despises her.
Now Val's only friends are her books and the birds on her windowsill. After a while, she starts to dream of rescue.
When a girl named Agnes passes by on her horse, Val understands that her dreams may come true.
This novelette reads like a story you could find in a book of fairytales. As I mentioned other times before, I love fairytale retellings that actually feel like fairytales, especially if the main character is not straight. Ripped Pages was no exception.
It's a cute, short romance, but it's not only that: it's the kind of story that girls who like girls need, and in its <60 pages manages to mention the existence of non-binary and aromantic people, when most novels (>250 pages, usually) forget them.
Valentina (lesbian) and Agnes (bi or pan) are not the only diverse characters. There is a side m/m couple, and there are diverse minor characters.
I know that in a novelette the worldbuilding isn't going to be as developed as in a novel/novella, but I would have liked to know more about this world. From the names - Pouso Dourado, Magalhães - I assumed it was inspired by Brazil or Portugal in some way, but we know close to nothing about it.
I received an ARC from the author. All opinions are my own.
Valentina is the princess of Pouso Dourado. After the death of her mother, she is imprisoned in a tower by the king, who despises her.
Now Val's only friends are her books and the birds on her windowsill. After a while, she starts to dream of rescue.
When a girl named Agnes passes by on her horse, Val understands that her dreams may come true.
This novelette reads like a story you could find in a book of fairytales. As I mentioned other times before, I love fairytale retellings that actually feel like fairytales, especially if the main character is not straight. Ripped Pages was no exception.
It's a cute, short romance, but it's not only that: it's the kind of story that girls who like girls need, and in its <60 pages manages to mention the existence of non-binary and aromantic people, when most novels (>250 pages, usually) forget them.
Valentina (lesbian) and Agnes (bi or pan) are not the only diverse characters. There is a side m/m couple, and there are diverse minor characters.
I know that in a novelette the worldbuilding isn't going to be as developed as in a novel/novella, but I would have liked to know more about this world. From the names - Pouso Dourado, Magalhães - I assumed it was inspired by Brazil or Portugal in some way, but we know close to nothing about it.
I received an ARC from the author. All opinions are my own.
November 28, 2017
Why has this only 56 ratings!! This little novella deserves so much more. It’s diverse, fun and better than most full length books I’ve read this year. I think it’s still free on amazon so everyone get on it!!!
For the girls who always wanted to fall in love with a princess
I finished this novella yesterday and I loved it so much. I mean this is what I need in my life: More f/f retellings
Valentina was locked in a tower since she was eight years old. As the years go by she starts to develop her escape plan. One day she’s discovered by a mysterious girl and their adventure begins.
Valentina now holds the spot as one of my favorite female heroines. She was bookish and sweet. Everything she went through and she comes out stronger.
I’d like to point out how much I loved this line: “Many were about men rescuing women, or women falling in love with men she couldn’t relate to. She couldn’t she herself ever falling for a man- but that’s how all the stories went, if they had love in them at all”
Yes!! I feel you Valentina. Thank god we’re getting more and more diverse books by the day.
Though this novella was short it was fun, fast paced and more importantly diverse. Apart from the lead f/f romance we also have a side m/m romance and many POC characters. How is it this small novella has more diversity than books with 500 pages?
It was very enjoyable and I read it all in one sitting. I wish it would have been longer because I’d have read with 1000+ pages. No lie.
Overall I defiantly recommend. It’s a light read but do be mindful of the trigger warnings on the opening page.
For the girls who always wanted to fall in love with a princess
I finished this novella yesterday and I loved it so much. I mean this is what I need in my life: More f/f retellings
Valentina was locked in a tower since she was eight years old. As the years go by she starts to develop her escape plan. One day she’s discovered by a mysterious girl and their adventure begins.
Valentina now holds the spot as one of my favorite female heroines. She was bookish and sweet. Everything she went through and she comes out stronger.
I’d like to point out how much I loved this line: “Many were about men rescuing women, or women falling in love with men she couldn’t relate to. She couldn’t she herself ever falling for a man- but that’s how all the stories went, if they had love in them at all”
Yes!! I feel you Valentina. Thank god we’re getting more and more diverse books by the day.
Though this novella was short it was fun, fast paced and more importantly diverse. Apart from the lead f/f romance we also have a side m/m romance and many POC characters. How is it this small novella has more diversity than books with 500 pages?
It was very enjoyable and I read it all in one sitting. I wish it would have been longer because I’d have read with 1000+ pages. No lie.
Overall I defiantly recommend. It’s a light read but do be mindful of the trigger warnings on the opening page.
September 30, 2017
This is a wonderfully sweet novelette that I had the honor of beta-reading! I honestly hope I get a lot more like it, because reading and giving feedback for it was seriously enjoyable and made me feel like I was helping a beautiful thing come into a world that needed it. It was also unexpectedly relevant to my own life, so I'm doubly glad to have been able to help.
The love story at the center is truly sweet, but the entire thing is geared toward healing from parental abuse (mostly emotional/mental) and isolation. Learning where the title actually comes from is quite a heart-punch, but the story is refreshingly focused on the recovery that comes *after* escaping an abusive situation. Most stories simply end there, with the protag escaping or getting married or what have you; I enjoy narratives that look at the recovery itself - because the work is absolutely not over just because one is finally allowed to leave the harmful environment.
As someone whose life contained similar events (abusive parent, escape, restraining order, etc) I most enjoyed the last 1/4 or so, with the adult characters not only acknowledging that what the MC went through was absolutely abuse and unacceptable, but taking steps to ensure it never happens again. There's a lawyer/judge-like advocate character who actually listens and uses her power to protect the MC, and for abuse survivors this can be the most powerful support in real life - as is being allowed to make your own decisions and have agency over your own life and future. This doesn't happen nearly enough, so it was amazing and validating to see that here.
There's also some casually-dropped, sweet m/m rep in side characters, and aside from the MC's (abusive asshat) father, exactly nobody seems to think queerness is anything out of the ordinary, to be looked down on or fetishized. Again refreshing, and really nice to see.
So yes - super sweet, and a light read you can probably get through in an afternoon or before bed, with an emotional center of abuse-survival and therapeutic growth. Do recommend!
The love story at the center is truly sweet, but the entire thing is geared toward healing from parental abuse (mostly emotional/mental) and isolation. Learning where the title actually comes from is quite a heart-punch, but the story is refreshingly focused on the recovery that comes *after* escaping an abusive situation. Most stories simply end there, with the protag escaping or getting married or what have you; I enjoy narratives that look at the recovery itself - because the work is absolutely not over just because one is finally allowed to leave the harmful environment.
As someone whose life contained similar events (abusive parent, escape, restraining order, etc) I most enjoyed the last 1/4 or so, with the adult characters not only acknowledging that what the MC went through was absolutely abuse and unacceptable, but taking steps to ensure it never happens again. There's a lawyer/judge-like advocate character who actually listens and uses her power to protect the MC, and for abuse survivors this can be the most powerful support in real life - as is being allowed to make your own decisions and have agency over your own life and future. This doesn't happen nearly enough, so it was amazing and validating to see that here.
There's also some casually-dropped, sweet m/m rep in side characters, and aside from the MC's (abusive asshat) father, exactly nobody seems to think queerness is anything out of the ordinary, to be looked down on or fetishized. Again refreshing, and really nice to see.
So yes - super sweet, and a light read you can probably get through in an afternoon or before bed, with an emotional center of abuse-survival and therapeutic growth. Do recommend!
September 14, 2017
❝For the girls who always wanted to fall in love with a princess.❞Ripped Pages is a YA retelling of Rapunzel; and it features queer princesses (!!) and a f/f romance. Beautiful fairytale-like writing combined with all the aforementioned elements made for a highly enjoyable reading experience. Needless to say, I loved this novelette!
❝I wanted to fall in love, to kiss a girl, to have her hold me in her arms and see the passion in her eyes. I wanted my life to be like the things I read in all my favorite books.❞If any or all of the above sounds good to you, I wholeheartedly urge you to pre-order Ripped Pages as it's currently only $1.18. You won't regret it!
Perfect for fans of Of Fire and Stars by Audrey Coulthurst!
____________________
Advance reader copy of Ripped Pages provided by the author.
October 14, 2017
❝For the girls who always wanted to fall in love with a princess.❞
Ripped Pages is a lesbian retelling of Rapunzel, where princesses don’t need men to save them, where women can kiss other women, where women can have adventures and become heroes, not stay forever damsels in distress. This is a novella, so you will have no difficulty reading it, the writing flows, you’ll fall in love with the characters instantly and want them to make it. I’ve been rooting for Valentina and Agnes since the very beginning and I adored them because they’re that adorable.
I loved the fact that there was no evil step-mother, but an evil father. Because it’s good not to put women against each other from time to time, you know?
I loved the creativity. I loved M.Hollis’ brave ideas and I really hope she will re-write more fairy-tales like she claimed she would love to do. Because we need more of those. We need people to know that it’s okay to love whoever you love.
Definitely go and read it!
Ripped Pages is a lesbian retelling of Rapunzel, where princesses don’t need men to save them, where women can kiss other women, where women can have adventures and become heroes, not stay forever damsels in distress. This is a novella, so you will have no difficulty reading it, the writing flows, you’ll fall in love with the characters instantly and want them to make it. I’ve been rooting for Valentina and Agnes since the very beginning and I adored them because they’re that adorable.
I loved the fact that there was no evil step-mother, but an evil father. Because it’s good not to put women against each other from time to time, you know?
I loved the creativity. I loved M.Hollis’ brave ideas and I really hope she will re-write more fairy-tales like she claimed she would love to do. Because we need more of those. We need people to know that it’s okay to love whoever you love.
Definitely go and read it!
December 24, 2017
Originally posted in The Lesbrary. Ripped Pages is a cute addition to the thank goodness growing collection of YA where a fairy-tale princess's happy ending is with another girl. I've said before that since for so many of us, fairy-tales are our first exposure to romance, whether it's bedtime stories or Disney movies, and that means for those of us who are attracted to the same gender, these same fairy tales were the first place we learned we didn't exist. That's what's so soothing about being included in fairy-tales, even when we've moved beyond the age where they comprise the bulk of our romantic daydreams.
The story is a Rapunzel retelling that changes several details to carve its own place in the world -- instead of adhering to the original legend where a baby is stolen from loving parents, this time it's the cruel father himself who locks his daughter away from the world (not because she's a lesbian, but because she stood up to her father when he said awful things about her or her dead mother.) It's got to be baffling and invalidating for children of abusive parents to see story after story where the only reason a parent was abusive was that they were the step-parent or kidnapper, when they know they're enduring such hardship from a blood connection. Hopefully some of the folks out there like that will take comfort in Valentina's escape.
That escape, actually, is the main focus of the story, as well as Valentina's new life with the family of the pan-or-bi girl who rescues her. Ripped Pages's short length and fairy-tale narrative structure (it literally starts with "once upon a time, in a land far, far away") mean that Agnes, the love interest, isn't the most fleshed-out of characters, but if you go into this expecting a fairy-tale instead of a fully fleshed out fantasy novel it's a satisfying and complete little read.
The worldbuilding was one of my favorite things about this book. The location is never identified, but I know the author is Brazilian and the names and place-names at least to my outsider eyes seem Brazilian or at least Brazilian-adjacent. (The geography seems to be made up of multiple small countries.) On a more intimate scale, Agnes's family life, which includes a brother with a husband, several younger siblings, and two affectionate parents, was a neat enough place to "visit" that I'd gladly go back there for a sequel.
Speaking of the treatment of queerness in Hollis's worldbuilding, the books Valentina finds in her tower include references to women loving each other, attraction to multiple genders, nonbinary people, and asexuality, both of which appear so seamlessly and naturally that it really shows how easy it is to do that when you're writing in a fantasy world where you literally control everything.
See here:
There were girls kissing other girls! They could kiss whoever they wanted! And some people in the book didn't want to kiss anyone. There were even those who didn't call themselves men or women, but something else, something entirely their own.
and then, when another character is speaking:
"I love men, women, and people who are neither or both at the same time. Why do you ask?"
See? This stuff is pretty easy, once you remember that since you control everything about your fantasy world, you don't have to adhere to any specific period in Earth's real history. (That being said, there are still valid reasons to include discrimination and/or erasure--for example, getting to watch characters like you vanquish your IRL foes. I'm not saying either way is right, just that Maria Hollis's way needs to get way more airtime!)
It's hard to do complicated in a story that's only fifty or sixty pages, but I liked the nod to the complex emotions that go along with escaping a bad situation and then having to think about it again when towards the end of the story Valentina has to decide how to move forward with her healing. I liked the decision Hollis made about how to tie up that particular loose end.
And of course I was charmed by a reference to pitanga, also known as Suriname cherry -- the casual appearance of tropical fruit in fantasy lit being a particular interest of mine.
Really, the only thing that would have improved it for me is if I had a better grip on Agnes, other than as "the spunky love interest", but the story still works without that particular kind of depth.
There are several trigger warnings, but the author has provided all of them in the intro page: Ripped Pages contains scenes of emotional abuse, forced imprisonment, child abandonment, minor violence, and trauma recovery. Shira's additional note: when Valentina's mother dies in the beginning of the book, it felt realistic and familiar to me as someone who has lost a lot of family, so if that's something that's likely to set you off, tread lightly until Valentina is already in the tower.
The story is a Rapunzel retelling that changes several details to carve its own place in the world -- instead of adhering to the original legend where a baby is stolen from loving parents, this time it's the cruel father himself who locks his daughter away from the world (not because she's a lesbian, but because she stood up to her father when he said awful things about her or her dead mother.) It's got to be baffling and invalidating for children of abusive parents to see story after story where the only reason a parent was abusive was that they were the step-parent or kidnapper, when they know they're enduring such hardship from a blood connection. Hopefully some of the folks out there like that will take comfort in Valentina's escape.
That escape, actually, is the main focus of the story, as well as Valentina's new life with the family of the pan-or-bi girl who rescues her. Ripped Pages's short length and fairy-tale narrative structure (it literally starts with "once upon a time, in a land far, far away") mean that Agnes, the love interest, isn't the most fleshed-out of characters, but if you go into this expecting a fairy-tale instead of a fully fleshed out fantasy novel it's a satisfying and complete little read.
The worldbuilding was one of my favorite things about this book. The location is never identified, but I know the author is Brazilian and the names and place-names at least to my outsider eyes seem Brazilian or at least Brazilian-adjacent. (The geography seems to be made up of multiple small countries.) On a more intimate scale, Agnes's family life, which includes a brother with a husband, several younger siblings, and two affectionate parents, was a neat enough place to "visit" that I'd gladly go back there for a sequel.
Speaking of the treatment of queerness in Hollis's worldbuilding, the books Valentina finds in her tower include references to women loving each other, attraction to multiple genders, nonbinary people, and asexuality, both of which appear so seamlessly and naturally that it really shows how easy it is to do that when you're writing in a fantasy world where you literally control everything.
See here:
There were girls kissing other girls! They could kiss whoever they wanted! And some people in the book didn't want to kiss anyone. There were even those who didn't call themselves men or women, but something else, something entirely their own.
and then, when another character is speaking:
"I love men, women, and people who are neither or both at the same time. Why do you ask?"
See? This stuff is pretty easy, once you remember that since you control everything about your fantasy world, you don't have to adhere to any specific period in Earth's real history. (That being said, there are still valid reasons to include discrimination and/or erasure--for example, getting to watch characters like you vanquish your IRL foes. I'm not saying either way is right, just that Maria Hollis's way needs to get way more airtime!)
It's hard to do complicated in a story that's only fifty or sixty pages, but I liked the nod to the complex emotions that go along with escaping a bad situation and then having to think about it again when towards the end of the story Valentina has to decide how to move forward with her healing. I liked the decision Hollis made about how to tie up that particular loose end.
And of course I was charmed by a reference to pitanga, also known as Suriname cherry -- the casual appearance of tropical fruit in fantasy lit being a particular interest of mine.
Really, the only thing that would have improved it for me is if I had a better grip on Agnes, other than as "the spunky love interest", but the story still works without that particular kind of depth.
There are several trigger warnings, but the author has provided all of them in the intro page: Ripped Pages contains scenes of emotional abuse, forced imprisonment, child abandonment, minor violence, and trauma recovery. Shira's additional note: when Valentina's mother dies in the beginning of the book, it felt realistic and familiar to me as someone who has lost a lot of family, so if that's something that's likely to set you off, tread lightly until Valentina is already in the tower.
November 28, 2019
y'all keep up with those clout-chasing "there are no f/f books :(" tweets while this bitch locked in a tower her entire life finds literally hundreds. what is the truth?
rep: lesbian mc, pansexual li, f/f romance, side m/m couple
rep: lesbian mc, pansexual li, f/f romance, side m/m couple
October 25, 2017
This was so cute and so much fun and exactly what I needed <3
December 21, 2017
See more of my reviews on my blog the Book Deviant
I've adored Hollis's other novellas, The Melody of You and Me and The Paths We Choose, so when I heard she was coming out with a sapphic fantasy romance, I preordered ASAP. I didn't get the chance to read it until now, and I do have to say that I am a little disappointed.
Hollis writes the story as if it is being told to you from a book of fairy tales, and it was very endearing and cute! But then it continued on throughout the story, and it got a little tiring. It didn't allow for the characters to gain any development, and it more or less was like I was reading about a card board cut out than a character. While I did love the characters, they were one-dimensional and hard to LOVE.
I also feel as if the story could use some more development as well. It was very brief, and, while it was a novella, it felt like it didn't go anywhere. There was the traditional Rapunzel story where she is locked in the tower and is saved, but everything afterwards seemed too convenient, too easy. It wasn't much of a story, but more of a summarization of a story by only touching on a few different parts.
Final Rating: Three Stars
Overall?
While I enjoyed it, I was really hoping for more. It was all-around a very one-dimensional story, one that was still entertaining and cute and something I could enjoy. Just not something I'd fall in love with.
Would I Recommend?
If you're looking for sapphic retellings, sure! It's a quick read, but it's very basic and not well developed. I love M. Hollis, but I do have to say that I enjoy her Lilliac Town novellas much more.
I've adored Hollis's other novellas, The Melody of You and Me and The Paths We Choose, so when I heard she was coming out with a sapphic fantasy romance, I preordered ASAP. I didn't get the chance to read it until now, and I do have to say that I am a little disappointed.
Hollis writes the story as if it is being told to you from a book of fairy tales, and it was very endearing and cute! But then it continued on throughout the story, and it got a little tiring. It didn't allow for the characters to gain any development, and it more or less was like I was reading about a card board cut out than a character. While I did love the characters, they were one-dimensional and hard to LOVE.
I also feel as if the story could use some more development as well. It was very brief, and, while it was a novella, it felt like it didn't go anywhere. There was the traditional Rapunzel story where she is locked in the tower and is saved, but everything afterwards seemed too convenient, too easy. It wasn't much of a story, but more of a summarization of a story by only touching on a few different parts.
Final Rating: Three Stars
Overall?
While I enjoyed it, I was really hoping for more. It was all-around a very one-dimensional story, one that was still entertaining and cute and something I could enjoy. Just not something I'd fall in love with.
Would I Recommend?
If you're looking for sapphic retellings, sure! It's a quick read, but it's very basic and not well developed. I love M. Hollis, but I do have to say that I enjoy her Lilliac Town novellas much more.
January 30, 2018
3.5 stars.
A super sweet and cute fairytaile-like novella about a lesbian Rapunzel! It was really short, I would have loved to read more about Val and Agnes and get to know them a bit better.
Thank you to the author for providing me with a free copy of the book.
A super sweet and cute fairytaile-like novella about a lesbian Rapunzel! It was really short, I would have loved to read more about Val and Agnes and get to know them a bit better.
Thank you to the author for providing me with a free copy of the book.
February 23, 2020
this was flawless!!!! so gay and cute and powerful!!!
December 31, 2021
rep: lesbian mc, bi/pan li, side mlm couple, side poc characters
ARC provided by the author.
So, yes. A Rapunzel retelling. A gay Rapunzel retelling.
(lesbian voice) thank you!!!
Honestly, I don’t think I’ve even ever read the original fairy tale. Like, sure, I know the story more or less but I can’t really tell you what exactly was changed here. Apart from the obvious romance between two girls part, of course. But I’m pretty sure it’s one of brothers Grimm’s so I don’t really wanna fix that. In any case!! This version is lovely and let’s focus on that.
One of the things I loved most about this, was that Hollis took the parts that were clearly working based solely on the fairy tale logic & made them more realistic. And all this while still sustaining that fairy tale charm. The first example that comes to mind would be that while Valentina did have long hair, she used a rope to escape. Because, you know, it would be impossibly painful for anyone to climb using her hair…
Actually the whole story that unfolds is constantly checked to make sure it makes sense. There’s actual logic at play here and every action has believable consequences. I really appreciate that, it makes the book feel more real & the reader more grounded. And somehow gives the lesbian romance more force by giving it roots in a rational world.
Another great addition to the original is definitely that the princess who rescues our Valentine comes from a country inhabited mostly by PoC. It’s a made-up world so it’s not exactly possible to be more specific but I’m pretty sure they’re at least based on Latinx people. Which. Effortless diversity in a gay romance? Thank you.
And that brings me to my most important point. Heterosexuality is very clearly not the norm in this world. God, I don’t even know how many fantasy novels I’ve read where authors created whole new worlds with new magical races and yet still!!! still felt the need to make homophobia into something natural and needed. Not here! What a relief and a blessing!
Ripped Pages never lets you forget it’s a fairy tale though. By which I mean the way it’s written, is prominent only in this specific genre. It would work amazingly published with rich illustrations on every page. God, I would LOVE to buy that for every single kid I know… But yes, while the writing is very clear and the story being told is very lovely, the whole thing feels maybe not weak but… slim? shallow? It’s too short and too much is going on for us to really connect to any of the characters. They’re not as fleshed out as we could want. We’re left with only descriptions in most cases, honestly. Which is why it would work so well as an actual pictures book for kids!! Their imagination would fill all the gaps, add all the needed depth to the story and to the characters.
I don’t think that’s a flaw, just to be clear. Hollis says from the beginning it’s a fairy tale retelling and as such it’s Perfect. It’s just that when we’re judging it by other books standards, it falls a little bit flat. Still enjoyable and very much cute!! Just leaves you wanting more.
ARC provided by the author.
So, yes. A Rapunzel retelling. A gay Rapunzel retelling.
(lesbian voice) thank you!!!
Honestly, I don’t think I’ve even ever read the original fairy tale. Like, sure, I know the story more or less but I can’t really tell you what exactly was changed here. Apart from the obvious romance between two girls part, of course. But I’m pretty sure it’s one of brothers Grimm’s so I don’t really wanna fix that. In any case!! This version is lovely and let’s focus on that.
One of the things I loved most about this, was that Hollis took the parts that were clearly working based solely on the fairy tale logic & made them more realistic. And all this while still sustaining that fairy tale charm. The first example that comes to mind would be that while Valentina did have long hair, she used a rope to escape. Because, you know, it would be impossibly painful for anyone to climb using her hair…
Actually the whole story that unfolds is constantly checked to make sure it makes sense. There’s actual logic at play here and every action has believable consequences. I really appreciate that, it makes the book feel more real & the reader more grounded. And somehow gives the lesbian romance more force by giving it roots in a rational world.
Another great addition to the original is definitely that the princess who rescues our Valentine comes from a country inhabited mostly by PoC. It’s a made-up world so it’s not exactly possible to be more specific but I’m pretty sure they’re at least based on Latinx people. Which. Effortless diversity in a gay romance? Thank you.
And that brings me to my most important point. Heterosexuality is very clearly not the norm in this world. God, I don’t even know how many fantasy novels I’ve read where authors created whole new worlds with new magical races and yet still!!! still felt the need to make homophobia into something natural and needed. Not here! What a relief and a blessing!
Ripped Pages never lets you forget it’s a fairy tale though. By which I mean the way it’s written, is prominent only in this specific genre. It would work amazingly published with rich illustrations on every page. God, I would LOVE to buy that for every single kid I know… But yes, while the writing is very clear and the story being told is very lovely, the whole thing feels maybe not weak but… slim? shallow? It’s too short and too much is going on for us to really connect to any of the characters. They’re not as fleshed out as we could want. We’re left with only descriptions in most cases, honestly. Which is why it would work so well as an actual pictures book for kids!! Their imagination would fill all the gaps, add all the needed depth to the story and to the characters.
I don’t think that’s a flaw, just to be clear. Hollis says from the beginning it’s a fairy tale retelling and as such it’s Perfect. It’s just that when we’re judging it by other books standards, it falls a little bit flat. Still enjoyable and very much cute!! Just leaves you wanting more.
September 30, 2017
Adorable fave. Loved how Valentina felt when she read books about girls who liked girls.
November 12, 2018
Today is apparently 2 star day for me.
This is listed as a fairy tale re-telling, but really, the only thing it has in common with Rapunzel is that a princess is locked in a tower. Other than that, it's not really a fairy tale re-telling. There was no magic or fairies, none of the Rapunzel long hair, nothing. The writing was also very plain and simple. I found myself skimming paragraphs and not really missing anything: because nothing really happened. There was no action, no big climax or turning point. It's listed as YA, but it honestly is more of a children's book and I think it should be listed as such. There isn't really any romance in it either beyond a kiss.
This is listed as a fairy tale re-telling, but really, the only thing it has in common with Rapunzel is that a princess is locked in a tower. Other than that, it's not really a fairy tale re-telling. There was no magic or fairies, none of the Rapunzel long hair, nothing. The writing was also very plain and simple. I found myself skimming paragraphs and not really missing anything: because nothing really happened. There was no action, no big climax or turning point. It's listed as YA, but it honestly is more of a children's book and I think it should be listed as such. There isn't really any romance in it either beyond a kiss.
February 13, 2018
Things wouldn’t always be perfect, and happiness would sometimes feel like a distant fragile thing. But despite everything, she was ready to embrace this new life, glorious and unpredictable and finally hers.
Este libro fue cortico pero muy adorable y me hizo feliz por unos instantes.
September 23, 2017
This was just plain adorable. A queer retelling of Rapunzel? hell yes!
Too bad this was just a novelette, I would have loved to read more about Valentina and her world.
Too bad this was just a novelette, I would have loved to read more about Valentina and her world.
December 18, 2017
Read for SapphicAThon: 'Retelling'
September 23, 2017
I wanted to like this short Rapunzel retelling--I love fairy tale reimaginings and M. Hollis seems like a cool person. But I couldn't get past the cliches in the prose style and the high ratio of telling to showing.
November 4, 2017
The story is super cute, and so are the characters. It's a nice take on an age old fairy tale. My only real complaint was that it was a little bare bones so we got the story but not a whole lot else. The conflicts were resolved quickly and too the point which felt a little forced. Overall, a cute and inclusive read that I'd absolutely recommend.
April 30, 2020
"For the girls who always wanted to fall in love with a princess."
Can you hear that? It's me sobbing because my dream has come true; a story about princesses falling in love.
Princess Valentina was locked in a tower after her mother died. She spends years reading about girls who love girls and learning about her sexuality. One day a girl passing by helps her escape, and Valentina runs away to the girl's kingdom.
Ripped Pages is a very sweet and heartwarming retelling of Rapunzel. I love retellings with all my heart, I think it allows to see the essence of the stories we love but with the representation we deserve. Ripped Pages does exactly that: a lesbian Rapunzel, people of color as royalty, f/f relationship.
I'm saying sweet and heartwarming but it also deals with abuse and trauma, so please be careful.
A beautiful story, very sweet characters that made me laughed and smiled so much, and the perfect relationship.
Can you hear that? It's me sobbing because my dream has come true; a story about princesses falling in love.
Princess Valentina was locked in a tower after her mother died. She spends years reading about girls who love girls and learning about her sexuality. One day a girl passing by helps her escape, and Valentina runs away to the girl's kingdom.
Ripped Pages is a very sweet and heartwarming retelling of Rapunzel. I love retellings with all my heart, I think it allows to see the essence of the stories we love but with the representation we deserve. Ripped Pages does exactly that: a lesbian Rapunzel, people of color as royalty, f/f relationship.
I'm saying sweet and heartwarming but it also deals with abuse and trauma, so please be careful.
A beautiful story, very sweet characters that made me laughed and smiled so much, and the perfect relationship.
May 3, 2018
i want to reread this book again and again and again it was the sweetest, i searched for a f/f rapunzel retelling for years and finally found ripped pages and it was even better than all i could imagine, val and agnes were so cute, alone or with one abother, it will forever be in my heart
September 18, 2017
"Valentina yearned for happy endings, the ones she might never have herself"
*ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review *
As far as retellings go, this is one of my favourite interpretations. Especially since I'm not the biggest Rapunzel fan, this story was so lovely and had so much intricacy and amazing discussions that I couldn't not love it. The F/F relationship was so beautiful, I could feel their chemistry immediately. What I liked the most is the writing that emulated true fairytales and transported me to where this book took place without any problem, I was instantly hooked. It was so important that we got to see Val growing up and her deteriorated relationship with her father and the trauma that she was carrying during the later years but also how she healed and accepted herself.
A vital part of this story was the growing that Valentina went through, the discovery of self love and the overcoming of the troubles that she had in the past. And for all of those things, the romance was beside it, slow burn for such a short story, with two girls lifting each other up and helping each other achieve the best of themselves. I also loved the family aspects and seeing their different dynamics with different people. The side characters were very well developed and because of how well they were written, they all had their own personalities. The thing that made me the happiest with this book was the diversity and how natural it felt through the pages. It was very important for me that the characters acknowledge different genders, different sexualitiesm, different races and it all happened without feeling forced. We had a side ship that was m/m and other characters with different sexualities.
The only problem that I had is that I would have liked for it to be longer, since I believe this world and story had the capacity and the potential to be so much bigger, especially the main conflict, the resolution and the ending, they could have been longer since I felt like we went over and glanced at a few interesting things that could have been developed even more. But apart from that, I enjoyed this book a lot and would highly recommend if you like retellings!
September 25, 2017
*~~*ARC kindly provided by the author to me in exchange for an honest review *~~*
Ah, fairy tale retellings are so sweet and I have to say I love to see how author create a new story around a well known topic. I spotted this novelette on Twitter when the author, M. Hollis/Maria Hollis was promoting her upcoming work. I thought: hell yeah, a Rapunzel retelling and on top a F/F story? Count me in. :3
When I received the book and read it I was bewitched. <3 The story is well known with Rapunzel being kept in the tower but the truly devastating part was the child neglect by her father, the way how the King was a cruel man. It is not overly brutal in an actually show of explicit violence, it's the mental violence, the cruelty behind the King's actions.
Rapunzel is captured in the tower but isn't just sitting around, she is a pretty astute young girl who tries to keep sane in her cold prison. Her creative and unique way to count the days she is there is clever but heart breaking too.
The moment she escapes the tower with the help of a young woman, names Agnes, on a horse, and clothed as a hunter but in fact hiding her true identity, Valentina, short Val, gets her possibility to get a new life.
That she fell in love and find her true love wasn't planned but the way how the author is displaying it is sweet but slightly innocent and therefore the storys is perfect for those who love light Young Adult F/F stories and fairy tale retellings in general. The character are well developed and have their own minds, still compleat each other so well. The few supporting character were genuine and gave the story its depth.
I really had my joy with this book and I definitely look up the other books by the author. 5 out of 5 stars for this. :3
Review originally posted on my blog with added content Mikku-chan / A world full of words
Ah, fairy tale retellings are so sweet and I have to say I love to see how author create a new story around a well known topic. I spotted this novelette on Twitter when the author, M. Hollis/Maria Hollis was promoting her upcoming work. I thought: hell yeah, a Rapunzel retelling and on top a F/F story? Count me in. :3
When I received the book and read it I was bewitched. <3 The story is well known with Rapunzel being kept in the tower but the truly devastating part was the child neglect by her father, the way how the King was a cruel man. It is not overly brutal in an actually show of explicit violence, it's the mental violence, the cruelty behind the King's actions.
Rapunzel is captured in the tower but isn't just sitting around, she is a pretty astute young girl who tries to keep sane in her cold prison. Her creative and unique way to count the days she is there is clever but heart breaking too.
The moment she escapes the tower with the help of a young woman, names Agnes, on a horse, and clothed as a hunter but in fact hiding her true identity, Valentina, short Val, gets her possibility to get a new life.
That she fell in love and find her true love wasn't planned but the way how the author is displaying it is sweet but slightly innocent and therefore the storys is perfect for those who love light Young Adult F/F stories and fairy tale retellings in general. The character are well developed and have their own minds, still compleat each other so well. The few supporting character were genuine and gave the story its depth.
I really had my joy with this book and I definitely look up the other books by the author. 5 out of 5 stars for this. :3
Review originally posted on my blog with added content Mikku-chan / A world full of words
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