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Unwritten #2
Rewritten
After learning the truth about her own fairy tale, twelve-year-old Gracie wants nothing more than to move past the terrible things author Gertrude Winters wrote about her and begin a new chapter in the real world. If only things were going as planned. On the run from the evil Queen Cassandra, the characters from Gracie’s story have all been forced to start over, but some of them cannot forget Gracie’s checkered past.
Even worse, Gracie discovers that as long as Cassandra has her magical book, the Vademecum, Gracie’s story is still being written and none of the characters are safe, including her mom and dad. In a desperate attempt to set things right, Gracie finds herself transported into another one of Gertrude’s stories—but this one is a horror story. Can Gracie face her destiny and the wild beast roaming the night, to rewrite her own story?
Even worse, Gracie discovers that as long as Cassandra has her magical book, the Vademecum, Gracie’s story is still being written and none of the characters are safe, including her mom and dad. In a desperate attempt to set things right, Gracie finds herself transported into another one of Gertrude’s stories—but this one is a horror story. Can Gracie face her destiny and the wild beast roaming the night, to rewrite her own story?
155 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 7, 2020
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June 10, 2020
Update: I’m involved in the Rewritten blog tour and it’s my day today! You can find my interview with the author here.
Gracie is struggling to distance herself from the character Gertrude created for her. This isn’t easy when everyone remembers what happened while they were in Bondoff.
The lines between good and evil remain somewhat fuzzy. The villains aren’t always immediately obvious and their actions aren’t always intended to have dastardly consequences. One character who has been written as a villain is desperately trying to prove to themselves and those around them that that’s not who they are. Even those who appear to be heroes can have selfish motivations and make questionable choices.
Gracie, who I loved without reservation in Unwritten, started to annoy me when her recaps and ruminations became repetitive. I didn’t always agree with the decisions she made in this book but I have to give Gracie credit for her imaginative decorating choices. Her bedroom ceiling features quotes from books in glow in the dark paint! Why didn’t I think of that?!
While you could read Unwritten and Rewritten as standalones, I’d recommend reading them in order. Given how this story ends I’m definitely expecting this series to become a trilogy. I haven’t had enough page time with Cassandra yet and am crossing my fingers that she’ll wind up with a happy ending. Yes, I know she’s supposed to be the villain so technically she shouldn’t get one, but I’m still holding out hope. I’m also looking forward to Walter being given the opportunity to shine.
It was Jomike Tejido’s cover illustration that originally drew me to Unwritten and, even though I was unaware a sequel was in the works, as soon as I saw the cover of this book I had no doubt that this was it. Just like last time, I decided I needed to read this book before I knew what it was about.
“Writing has brought me so much trouble.”In the six months since they returned to the real world, Gracie and some other characters from Bondoff, their storybook world, have been living with Gertrude Winters, the story’s author. They’re all in hiding from the story’s villain, Cassandra. Cassandra still has the Vademecum, a magical book that can generate portals between the real world and the world of the author’s imagination.
Gracie is struggling to distance herself from the character Gertrude created for her. This isn’t easy when everyone remembers what happened while they were in Bondoff.
She wished she didn’t have to keep being reminded of the past.Gracie meets siblings Mina and Bryant when she travels to Blackwood Hall. Their world is nothing like Gracie’s storybook dimension; they are characters in a “feminist gothic horror novel”.
“Don’t read that one. It’s too scary for children.”Rewritten tackles fractured mother-daughter relationships, the difficulty of forgiveness and the struggle to rewrite our stories. A number of themes from the first book continue to play out here. Running through both books is the difficulty of breaking out of roles that others place upon you. A couple of characters battle both the urge to run away from the past and the desire to confront it.
The lines between good and evil remain somewhat fuzzy. The villains aren’t always immediately obvious and their actions aren’t always intended to have dastardly consequences. One character who has been written as a villain is desperately trying to prove to themselves and those around them that that’s not who they are. Even those who appear to be heroes can have selfish motivations and make questionable choices.
Gracie, who I loved without reservation in Unwritten, started to annoy me when her recaps and ruminations became repetitive. I didn’t always agree with the decisions she made in this book but I have to give Gracie credit for her imaginative decorating choices. Her bedroom ceiling features quotes from books in glow in the dark paint! Why didn’t I think of that?!
While you could read Unwritten and Rewritten as standalones, I’d recommend reading them in order. Given how this story ends I’m definitely expecting this series to become a trilogy. I haven’t had enough page time with Cassandra yet and am crossing my fingers that she’ll wind up with a happy ending. Yes, I know she’s supposed to be the villain so technically she shouldn’t get one, but I’m still holding out hope. I’m also looking forward to Walter being given the opportunity to shine.
It was Jomike Tejido’s cover illustration that originally drew me to Unwritten and, even though I was unaware a sequel was in the works, as soon as I saw the cover of this book I had no doubt that this was it. Just like last time, I decided I needed to read this book before I knew what it was about.
“You can’t stop reading the stories. It’s your destiny.”Thank you so much to NetGalley and Jolly Fish Press, an imprint of North Star Editions, for the opportunity to read this book.
June 7, 2020
+Digital ARC gently provided by Netgalley and publishers in exchange for an honest review+ {English|Spanish}
3 manage-your-storyline stars
This is a middle grade fantasy very much in the vein of "Once Upon a Time". {Even if Cassandra wish for in her best day to be like Regina (maybe she is more alike Cruella) ...
and Gracie wish for to be like Henry}
Gracie is a 13 year old that, after the first book, has abandoned the literary world of Bondoff to the real world. Her parents, her friend Walter, and his parents, live with the author Gertrude Winters. Gracie wants to live a normal life, go to school, have friends, and prove to everyone that she is not a villain (I guess she hasn't seen 'Descendants' yet and hasn't found out that the villains are 'it').
But she is still persecute by 'glimmers' - visions of another places and terrible things.
When one of her nightmares haunts her into her new life, she is forced once again into a story of which she knows nothing except it's some gothic horror. The story there feels there too simple and rush, just a tale, and Gracie appears somewhat pigheaded insisting that the characters must flee to the 'real world' as if that were the only solution for everything; and by then we already know that it is not. Without the rules of the magical contraption we are just improvising here.
Since everything is about a writer and her characters resisting their destinies, a relationship between destiny and self-determination can be inferred throughout this story. About our past, and how we can exceed our limits. About how a person, a relationship (in this case, the writer with her daughter and her ex-husband), can determine not only her life but other lives.
“Run away? Walter said that’s what you have done.”
“I didn’t say we ran away,” Walter interjected. “We wanted to be free from the things Gertrude wrote.”
“It sounds like running from who you are,” Bryant said.
“We are not the things Gertrude wrote about us!” Gracie said.
Bryant raised one eyebrow. “Why shouldn’t you be? Aren’t we all a culmination of our pasts: where we come from, our family histories, our heritage? Don’t those things make us who we are today? Who am I without Blackwood Hall? It’s my inheritance, my legacy.”
Walter, in the other hand, shows that is up for more maturing and growth.
The book feels like something is missing. I'm not sure what.
I like that it's about love for books.
Romance? No.
Diversity? Hmm, no.
Bad words? No.
------------------------------------------
Esta es una fantasía para niños muy similar a "Once Upon a Time". {Incluso si Cassandra desearia en su mejor día ser como Regina (tal vez ella se parece más a Cruella) ; y Gracie ya se desearia ser como Henry}
Gracie tiene 13 años y, después del primer libro, abandonó el mundo literario de Bondoff para ir al mundo real. Sus padres, su amigo Walter y sus padres viven con la autora Gertrude Winters. Gracie quiere vivir una vida normal, ir a la escuela, tener amigos y demostrarle a todos que no es una villana (supongo que todavía no ha visto 'Descendientes' y no ha descubierto que los villanos son la bomba. ) Pero todavía se ve perseguida por 'destellos': visiones de otros lugares y cosas terribles.
Cuando una de sus pesadillas la persigue hasta su nueva vida, se ve forzada a entrar una vez más dentro de una historia de la que no sabe nada excepto que es acerca de horror gótico. La historia que se siente ahi demasiado simple y apresurada, solo un cuento, y Gracie parece algo majadera insistiendo en que los personajes deben huir al "mundo real" como si esa fuera la única solución para todo; y para entonces ya sabemos que no es así. Sin las reglas del artilugio mágico, solo estamos improvisando aquí.
Como todo se trata de una escritora y sus personajes que se resisten a sus destinos, se puede inferir una relación entre el destino y la autodeterminación a lo largo de esta historia. Sobre nuestro pasado y cómo podemos superar nuestros límites. Sobre cómo una persona, una relación (en este caso, la escritora con su hija y su ex esposo), puede determinar no solamente su vida sino otras vidas.
Walter, por otro lado, muestra que está listo para una mayor maduración y crecimiento.
Al libro parece que falta algo. No estoy seguro de qué.
Me gusta que se trata de amor por los libros.
¿Romance? No.
Diversidad? Hmm, no
Malas palabras? No.
3 manage-your-storyline stars
This is a middle grade fantasy very much in the vein of "Once Upon a Time". {Even if Cassandra wish for in her best day to be like Regina (maybe she is more alike Cruella) ...
and Gracie wish for to be like Henry}
Gracie is a 13 year old that, after the first book, has abandoned the literary world of Bondoff to the real world. Her parents, her friend Walter, and his parents, live with the author Gertrude Winters. Gracie wants to live a normal life, go to school, have friends, and prove to everyone that she is not a villain (I guess she hasn't seen 'Descendants' yet and hasn't found out that the villains are 'it').
But she is still persecute by 'glimmers' - visions of another places and terrible things.
When one of her nightmares haunts her into her new life, she is forced once again into a story of which she knows nothing except it's some gothic horror. The story there feels there too simple and rush, just a tale, and Gracie appears somewhat pigheaded insisting that the characters must flee to the 'real world' as if that were the only solution for everything; and by then we already know that it is not. Without the rules of the magical contraption we are just improvising here.
Since everything is about a writer and her characters resisting their destinies, a relationship between destiny and self-determination can be inferred throughout this story. About our past, and how we can exceed our limits. About how a person, a relationship (in this case, the writer with her daughter and her ex-husband), can determine not only her life but other lives.
“Run away? Walter said that’s what you have done.”
“I didn’t say we ran away,” Walter interjected. “We wanted to be free from the things Gertrude wrote.”
“It sounds like running from who you are,” Bryant said.
“We are not the things Gertrude wrote about us!” Gracie said.
Bryant raised one eyebrow. “Why shouldn’t you be? Aren’t we all a culmination of our pasts: where we come from, our family histories, our heritage? Don’t those things make us who we are today? Who am I without Blackwood Hall? It’s my inheritance, my legacy.”
Walter, in the other hand, shows that is up for more maturing and growth.
The book feels like something is missing. I'm not sure what.
I like that it's about love for books.
Romance? No.
Diversity? Hmm, no.
Bad words? No.
------------------------------------------
Esta es una fantasía para niños muy similar a "Once Upon a Time". {Incluso si Cassandra desearia en su mejor día ser como Regina (tal vez ella se parece más a Cruella) ; y Gracie ya se desearia ser como Henry}
Gracie tiene 13 años y, después del primer libro, abandonó el mundo literario de Bondoff para ir al mundo real. Sus padres, su amigo Walter y sus padres viven con la autora Gertrude Winters. Gracie quiere vivir una vida normal, ir a la escuela, tener amigos y demostrarle a todos que no es una villana (supongo que todavía no ha visto 'Descendientes' y no ha descubierto que los villanos son la bomba. ) Pero todavía se ve perseguida por 'destellos': visiones de otros lugares y cosas terribles.
Cuando una de sus pesadillas la persigue hasta su nueva vida, se ve forzada a entrar una vez más dentro de una historia de la que no sabe nada excepto que es acerca de horror gótico. La historia que se siente ahi demasiado simple y apresurada, solo un cuento, y Gracie parece algo majadera insistiendo en que los personajes deben huir al "mundo real" como si esa fuera la única solución para todo; y para entonces ya sabemos que no es así. Sin las reglas del artilugio mágico, solo estamos improvisando aquí.
Como todo se trata de una escritora y sus personajes que se resisten a sus destinos, se puede inferir una relación entre el destino y la autodeterminación a lo largo de esta historia. Sobre nuestro pasado y cómo podemos superar nuestros límites. Sobre cómo una persona, una relación (en este caso, la escritora con su hija y su ex esposo), puede determinar no solamente su vida sino otras vidas.
Walter, por otro lado, muestra que está listo para una mayor maduración y crecimiento.
Al libro parece que falta algo. No estoy seguro de qué.
Me gusta que se trata de amor por los libros.
¿Romance? No.
Diversidad? Hmm, no
Malas palabras? No.
November 21, 2019
I received a complimentary copy of this ebook ARC from the author, publisher, and netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Gracie is trying to live a normal life in the real world after she has changed the ending in her own story. When Cassandra returns to cause chaos and destruction to her life, Gracie must try to survive. Will she succeed? Read on and find out for yourself.
This was a great sequel to Unwritten. It is a great YA middlegrade fantasy full of action and more. If you love stories like these and enjoyed Unwritten, be sure to check this book out when it officially hits bookstores and wherever ebooks are sold on April 7, 2020.
Gracie is trying to live a normal life in the real world after she has changed the ending in her own story. When Cassandra returns to cause chaos and destruction to her life, Gracie must try to survive. Will she succeed? Read on and find out for yourself.
This was a great sequel to Unwritten. It is a great YA middlegrade fantasy full of action and more. If you love stories like these and enjoyed Unwritten, be sure to check this book out when it officially hits bookstores and wherever ebooks are sold on April 7, 2020.
February 28, 2020
You can read all my review on Blog - Books Teacup and Reviews
Rewritten was strong sequel of Middle Grade Fantasy series Unwritten. It revolved around story characters and author of the story who created them and gave them life. It was about forgiveness, accepting the way you’re, being yourself, freedom to live your dream, consequences of restraints and lack of appreciation, and good vs bad.
Writing was intriguing, compelling and fast paced. All characters, setting and plot was well written and well described. I didn’t remember most of the things from first book because of 2 years gap between books but there was bits of first book here and there that helped me to recall important details. To know characters, their journey and world better, this should be read in order.
Plot was interesting. It was third person narrative from Gracie’s perspective. That synopsis perfectly said what was going on and how the book started so I’m not repeating those things.
First half of the book (actually 40% of the book) was about Gracie’s feelings, her frustration and desperation to prove herself; her life with all characters from her story along with her story’s writer and creator Gertrude Winters; how she discovered other stories written by Gertrude and why she wrote them; how evil Queen Cassandra of her story came back in her life; some interesting and most important discoveries about the magical book- Vademecum- how it was still writing Gracie’s story and was creating portal to other stories. And why and how Gracie entered one of Gertrude’s stories, The Beast of Blackwood Hall, where terrifying beast roamed at night and its ending was even worse than her story.
It was interesting to see how Gracie will save Walter in this horror story, if she can get away from Cassandra or steal Vademecum from her, how she and Walter will escape this horror story world or if something terrible will happen.
Characters were interesting. It was good to meet old characters once again but this time they were well written. Gracie was still grumpy, impulsive and stubborn girl in the beginning. Her feeling was genuine. Other characters looked at her like she was a trigger that might explode a bomb any time, bound to do something bad as she was a villain of her story… even though she changed the end of her story and saved characters. She was desperate to prove she was not what Gertrude has written. As story progressed she developed eventually.
I didn’t like the way Walter’s parents talked to Gracie. They were also spiteful towards Gertrude and banned her from writing any kind of fiction. It was not fair when they tried to blame her on discovering her past stories and forced her to throw them. Shouldn’t they be more mature and little forgiving after what she did for them? If I was in place of Gertrude, I would have thrown them out of my house. They made me think if I ever become writer and my stories came alive, I better write happy ending and pleasant character.
I really felt bad for Gertrude. Gertrude was expressing her guilt and feeling by letting them in her life and house. It was not her fault her story literally came to life or mean to hurt people in stories. I liked to know her and her life story in this book. It explained why she wrote such tragic stories and why characters of Bondoff only could travel to real world and not any of her other stories. This cleared many things that I couldn’t get in first book. She was wonderful character, she understood Gracie more and helped her grow by letting her know about her own faults and stories.
Story still focused on Gracie but I liked how her development depended on new characters Bryant and Mina and their story in The Beast of Blackwood Hall, which was rest of the book. This part was filled with Victorian horror world- the graveyard, old mansion, cold weather, Blackwood Hall, and beast. It all gave the story spooky feel. I loved Mina but didn’t like her brother Bryant. I could understand Gertrude’s mind and pain through this story.
We know Walter even more in this part. He was nerdy kid who unlike his parents liked story world and Gracie. His character was not explored much in first book but along with Gracie, we also learn about his feeling. How terrible he felt being under his parent’s watch all the time, for being hapless character of the story who didn’t contribute much and how he too wanted to feel important by changing the end of the horror story.
I liked the message in the book– How criticism from people you love affects your dream and make you feel shackled; respecting other’s privacy is important and some mistakes are less forgivable but at the same time all deserves second chance; how people are complicated and act based on situation, they can’t be boxed in just good or bad, bad behavior doesn’t mean person is bad or bad choice or act doesn’t mean you can’t ever be good.
Suspense of the beast was interesting. I could solve the half mystery by that first line Gracie remembered but what happened in the climax and later was uncertain. At some point I thought Gracie was going to get in so much trouble and wouldn’t able to get out of it. Walter shocked me more than anything else in this part. I was glad for the change of events and how Gracie understood to accept what she was rather than running away from it and got motive in life through this story. End was great. I can’t wait to see how she was going to change Lila’s story.
Overall, it was wonderful fantasy set in story world with a good message. I sure recommend this book and previous one to middle grade readers.
*** Note: I received e-ARC from the publisher via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to Publisher and NetGalley. ***
Rewritten was strong sequel of Middle Grade Fantasy series Unwritten. It revolved around story characters and author of the story who created them and gave them life. It was about forgiveness, accepting the way you’re, being yourself, freedom to live your dream, consequences of restraints and lack of appreciation, and good vs bad.
Writing was intriguing, compelling and fast paced. All characters, setting and plot was well written and well described. I didn’t remember most of the things from first book because of 2 years gap between books but there was bits of first book here and there that helped me to recall important details. To know characters, their journey and world better, this should be read in order.
Plot was interesting. It was third person narrative from Gracie’s perspective. That synopsis perfectly said what was going on and how the book started so I’m not repeating those things.
First half of the book (actually 40% of the book) was about Gracie’s feelings, her frustration and desperation to prove herself; her life with all characters from her story along with her story’s writer and creator Gertrude Winters; how she discovered other stories written by Gertrude and why she wrote them; how evil Queen Cassandra of her story came back in her life; some interesting and most important discoveries about the magical book- Vademecum- how it was still writing Gracie’s story and was creating portal to other stories. And why and how Gracie entered one of Gertrude’s stories, The Beast of Blackwood Hall, where terrifying beast roamed at night and its ending was even worse than her story.
It was interesting to see how Gracie will save Walter in this horror story, if she can get away from Cassandra or steal Vademecum from her, how she and Walter will escape this horror story world or if something terrible will happen.
Characters were interesting. It was good to meet old characters once again but this time they were well written. Gracie was still grumpy, impulsive and stubborn girl in the beginning. Her feeling was genuine. Other characters looked at her like she was a trigger that might explode a bomb any time, bound to do something bad as she was a villain of her story… even though she changed the end of her story and saved characters. She was desperate to prove she was not what Gertrude has written. As story progressed she developed eventually.
I didn’t like the way Walter’s parents talked to Gracie. They were also spiteful towards Gertrude and banned her from writing any kind of fiction. It was not fair when they tried to blame her on discovering her past stories and forced her to throw them. Shouldn’t they be more mature and little forgiving after what she did for them? If I was in place of Gertrude, I would have thrown them out of my house. They made me think if I ever become writer and my stories came alive, I better write happy ending and pleasant character.
I really felt bad for Gertrude. Gertrude was expressing her guilt and feeling by letting them in her life and house. It was not her fault her story literally came to life or mean to hurt people in stories. I liked to know her and her life story in this book. It explained why she wrote such tragic stories and why characters of Bondoff only could travel to real world and not any of her other stories. This cleared many things that I couldn’t get in first book. She was wonderful character, she understood Gracie more and helped her grow by letting her know about her own faults and stories.
Story still focused on Gracie but I liked how her development depended on new characters Bryant and Mina and their story in The Beast of Blackwood Hall, which was rest of the book. This part was filled with Victorian horror world- the graveyard, old mansion, cold weather, Blackwood Hall, and beast. It all gave the story spooky feel. I loved Mina but didn’t like her brother Bryant. I could understand Gertrude’s mind and pain through this story.
We know Walter even more in this part. He was nerdy kid who unlike his parents liked story world and Gracie. His character was not explored much in first book but along with Gracie, we also learn about his feeling. How terrible he felt being under his parent’s watch all the time, for being hapless character of the story who didn’t contribute much and how he too wanted to feel important by changing the end of the horror story.
I liked the message in the book– How criticism from people you love affects your dream and make you feel shackled; respecting other’s privacy is important and some mistakes are less forgivable but at the same time all deserves second chance; how people are complicated and act based on situation, they can’t be boxed in just good or bad, bad behavior doesn’t mean person is bad or bad choice or act doesn’t mean you can’t ever be good.
Suspense of the beast was interesting. I could solve the half mystery by that first line Gracie remembered but what happened in the climax and later was uncertain. At some point I thought Gracie was going to get in so much trouble and wouldn’t able to get out of it. Walter shocked me more than anything else in this part. I was glad for the change of events and how Gracie understood to accept what she was rather than running away from it and got motive in life through this story. End was great. I can’t wait to see how she was going to change Lila’s story.
Overall, it was wonderful fantasy set in story world with a good message. I sure recommend this book and previous one to middle grade readers.
*** Note: I received e-ARC from the publisher via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to Publisher and NetGalley. ***
dnf
March 31, 2020Thank you to Jolly Fish Press and netgalley for the review copy in exchange for an honest review. This does not change my opinion in anyway
I wasn't the biggest fan on the first book but was very willing to give the second one a try. Unfortunately nothing in the first few chapters made me want to read on with this book. I have been reading a lot of middle grade in the past few years and the writing and plotting is just not up to par with this book/series.
I wasn't the biggest fan on the first book but was very willing to give the second one a try. Unfortunately nothing in the first few chapters made me want to read on with this book. I have been reading a lot of middle grade in the past few years and the writing and plotting is just not up to par with this book/series.
January 5, 2020
Rewritten , the sequel to unwritten , follows Gracie while everyone from Bondoff try to make a good living in the world.
-Gracie had a lot of development through the book , but sadly , she wasn't my favorite character.
-Gertrude Winters plays a major part in the book , even if she isn't present for the most book. She has the great character arc of all time in Middle Grade fiction I've read. I'll definitely follow this series just to see what Tara Gilboy has in store for Mrs. Winters.
-The writing was fast and I managed to read it in a single sitting.
-The annoying part about the writing was the recurring narrations of the first book. They just keep popping up , like , for every 3 pages. I'm the kind of reader who doesn't usually need the "what happened so far" part , so it annoyed me as hell when Gracie recounted the events every. single. Time.
Overall , Rewritten was a great book for a fast read .
I thank NetGalley and North Star Editions for granting me with a review copy.
-Gracie had a lot of development through the book , but sadly , she wasn't my favorite character.
-Gertrude Winters plays a major part in the book , even if she isn't present for the most book. She has the great character arc of all time in Middle Grade fiction I've read. I'll definitely follow this series just to see what Tara Gilboy has in store for Mrs. Winters.
-The writing was fast and I managed to read it in a single sitting.
-The annoying part about the writing was the recurring narrations of the first book. They just keep popping up , like , for every 3 pages. I'm the kind of reader who doesn't usually need the "what happened so far" part , so it annoyed me as hell when Gracie recounted the events every. single. Time.
Overall , Rewritten was a great book for a fast read .
I thank NetGalley and North Star Editions for granting me with a review copy.
June 28, 2020
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
After thoroughly enjoying the first book, Unwritten, I definitely wanted to pick this one up when it was available. This one pulls you right back into Gracie's story not too long after the ending of the first book, and you quickly realize the different difficulties that the group is facing and the repercussions of the events of the first book. This book really becomes a discovery and acceptance of self for Gracie as they once again come up against Cassandra.
I really enjoyed Gracie's journey in this installment, and while I didn't really like some other character's behavior, Gracie did come to internally work through the pain caused by a number of things and definitely grew up a bit in the process.
After thoroughly enjoying the first book, Unwritten, I definitely wanted to pick this one up when it was available. This one pulls you right back into Gracie's story not too long after the ending of the first book, and you quickly realize the different difficulties that the group is facing and the repercussions of the events of the first book. This book really becomes a discovery and acceptance of self for Gracie as they once again come up against Cassandra.
I really enjoyed Gracie's journey in this installment, and while I didn't really like some other character's behavior, Gracie did come to internally work through the pain caused by a number of things and definitely grew up a bit in the process.
Read
July 15, 2021My main question was... why. What was the point? It didn't really solve any of the lingering problems from the first book but instead touched on them, went on a side quest, and came back to the same problems plus a couple more. I'm not sure if this is even supposed to be the end or if there are more books forthcoming? My guess is that the author doesn't know and tried to account for both possibilities, but it was a really sloppy ending and left me dissatisfied.
I appreciated the continued discussion on good vs bad and how it's not a black-and-white dichotomy, as well as "are you who you were made to be or can you make yourself into who you want to be".
I appreciated the continued discussion on good vs bad and how it's not a black-and-white dichotomy, as well as "are you who you were made to be or can you make yourself into who you want to be".
February 22, 2020
Gracie, a preteen whose life has been spent in hiding, has come to terms with having been created as a villainous character in a book written by Gertrude Winters. Her life is marginally better after the adventures in Unwritten (reviewed here), since she and her best friend, Thomas, along with various other people, are squashed into Gertrude’s house. Not only that, the archvillain, Cassandra, is still at large, armed with the magical book, the Vademecum, which allows her to travel between real and literary worlds. Cassandra is no less obsessed with Gracie as her heir and adopted daughter. And now she’s using the Vademecum to track Gracie’s every thought and movement.
Meanwhile, Gracie stumbles on a box of Gertrude’s unpublished stories, tales in which the writer worked out her troubled relationship with her own daughter. Some are benign, like the one set on a cruise ship, but one was so dark, so filled with danger and gloom, that Gertrude refused to allow Gracie to read it. And it is into this Gothic horror story that Gracie and Thomas flee, with Cassandra on their heels.
The world of The Beast of Blackwood Hall is a parade of Gothic tropes: the isolated manor house, the wintry forest, the mysterious disappearances and even more mysterious illness; the newly deceased mother; the monster that lurks in the shadows. All of these are intensified by the limitations that the story itself places on Gracie and Thomas, for they cannot escape beyond the confines of the story, which is inexorably drawing to its fatal climax.
As with the first book, Unwritten, Gilboy’s tale offers much to the adult as well as the middle grade reader. The issues are not watered down or simplistic. She never condescends to her young audience. Rather, she trusts them to understand complex emotions, and that is perhaps the most compelling aspect of these books. Children become trustworthy by being trusted; they grow into emotionally mature adults by being presented with ambiguity and nuance.
Gracie . . . thought back to her conversations with Gertrude. “She said the monster was a metaphor for something, the dark parts of ourselves.” . . . She’d written the stories the way she had to avoid hurting real people, to put all her feelings onto the page, rather than lashing out at those she loved.
“Every story we read becomes a part of who we are in a small way.”
Gilboy’s stories definitely fall into that category.
Meanwhile, Gracie stumbles on a box of Gertrude’s unpublished stories, tales in which the writer worked out her troubled relationship with her own daughter. Some are benign, like the one set on a cruise ship, but one was so dark, so filled with danger and gloom, that Gertrude refused to allow Gracie to read it. And it is into this Gothic horror story that Gracie and Thomas flee, with Cassandra on their heels.
The world of The Beast of Blackwood Hall is a parade of Gothic tropes: the isolated manor house, the wintry forest, the mysterious disappearances and even more mysterious illness; the newly deceased mother; the monster that lurks in the shadows. All of these are intensified by the limitations that the story itself places on Gracie and Thomas, for they cannot escape beyond the confines of the story, which is inexorably drawing to its fatal climax.
As with the first book, Unwritten, Gilboy’s tale offers much to the adult as well as the middle grade reader. The issues are not watered down or simplistic. She never condescends to her young audience. Rather, she trusts them to understand complex emotions, and that is perhaps the most compelling aspect of these books. Children become trustworthy by being trusted; they grow into emotionally mature adults by being presented with ambiguity and nuance.
Gracie . . . thought back to her conversations with Gertrude. “She said the monster was a metaphor for something, the dark parts of ourselves.” . . . She’d written the stories the way she had to avoid hurting real people, to put all her feelings onto the page, rather than lashing out at those she loved.
“Every story we read becomes a part of who we are in a small way.”
Gilboy’s stories definitely fall into that category.
April 7, 2020
This is a strong sequel to Unwritten and focus once again on if Gracie really is a villain as she was written to be. Is it true that every story she jumps into she wants to help the villain or is she so much more then what her author has described as. One of the most interesting aspests for me that was explored in this book is the reason why some stories are written. In this series the author Gertrude has written what everyone who reads them sees as terrible stories. Gertrude says yes they are terrible stories but she wrote them as a way of processing her hurt and disappointment of her relationships in her life. She never meant for them to be published or for anyone else to read them let alone that the characters would come to life.
I hoping that as we continue on with this series that Gertrude will have processed all her hurt relationships and as a result she will then be able to write a true child’s story that she will be proud of. One her characters like Gracie would actually want to live in not escape.
This is a unique series that has a lot of heart, it discusses many themes that children sometimes struggle with thinking about. Would make for great discussions with parents. Topics such as Forgiveness, accepting yourself, being confident in who you are, freedom to live your dreams, consequences of holding things in and lack of apprenticing and of course the whole concept of villains and are they truly evil
I hoping that as we continue on with this series that Gertrude will have processed all her hurt relationships and as a result she will then be able to write a true child’s story that she will be proud of. One her characters like Gracie would actually want to live in not escape.
This is a unique series that has a lot of heart, it discusses many themes that children sometimes struggle with thinking about. Would make for great discussions with parents. Topics such as Forgiveness, accepting yourself, being confident in who you are, freedom to live your dreams, consequences of holding things in and lack of apprenticing and of course the whole concept of villains and are they truly evil
April 8, 2020
Rewritten by Tara Gilboy is magical! Gracie is no longer a villain in her storybook world of Bondoff, and is trying to enjoy her life in the real world with her parents, her friend Walter and his parents, and the woman who wrote and created their story. But then Gracie’s old nemesis shows us and kidnaps her. To escape, Gracie jumps into another story, but this one is a horror story with a beast that prowls around Blackwood Hall. Gracie knows the end of this story will end with someone eaten alive, and she tries to convince the brother and sister living there to leave. When they refuse, Gracie must figure out how much she’s willing to acknowledge and accept her old villain self in order to help and save her friends.
I absolutely loved traveling with Gracie as she tried to figure out who she is supposed to be now that she’s no longer a villain. Ms. Gilboy has created a wonderful story world where characters come to life and make decisions of their own, apart from their author and story plot. This book is creative, surprising, and a super fun ride for kids and parents alike. I highly recommend Rewritten and I’m looking forward to Ms. Gilboy’s next Gracie book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I absolutely loved traveling with Gracie as she tried to figure out who she is supposed to be now that she’s no longer a villain. Ms. Gilboy has created a wonderful story world where characters come to life and make decisions of their own, apart from their author and story plot. This book is creative, surprising, and a super fun ride for kids and parents alike. I highly recommend Rewritten and I’m looking forward to Ms. Gilboy’s next Gracie book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
May 23, 2020
Rewritten by Tara Gilboy is a very interesting book. The author has her storybook characters jumping from one story to the next as they try to get away from evil and monsters. Well written plot and interesting perspective. Thank you to Net Galley for sending an advance reader’s copy.
After learning the truth about her own fairy tale, twelve-year-old Gracie wants nothing more than to move past the terrible things author Gertrude Winters wrote about her and begin a new chapter in the real world. If only things were going as planned. On the run from the evil Queen Cassandra, the characters from Gracie’s story have all been forced to start over, but some of them cannot forget Gracie’s checkered past.
Even worse, Gracie discovers that her story is still being written in Cassandra’s magic book, the Vademecum. As long as Cassandra has the Vademecum, none of the characters are safe, including Gracie’s mom and dad. In a desperate attempt to set things right, Gracie finds herself transported into another one of Gertrude’s tales—but this one is a horror story. Can Gracie face her destiny and the wild beast roaming the night, to rewrite her own story?
After learning the truth about her own fairy tale, twelve-year-old Gracie wants nothing more than to move past the terrible things author Gertrude Winters wrote about her and begin a new chapter in the real world. If only things were going as planned. On the run from the evil Queen Cassandra, the characters from Gracie’s story have all been forced to start over, but some of them cannot forget Gracie’s checkered past.
Even worse, Gracie discovers that her story is still being written in Cassandra’s magic book, the Vademecum. As long as Cassandra has the Vademecum, none of the characters are safe, including Gracie’s mom and dad. In a desperate attempt to set things right, Gracie finds herself transported into another one of Gertrude’s tales—but this one is a horror story. Can Gracie face her destiny and the wild beast roaming the night, to rewrite her own story?
May 1, 2020
I enjoy reading books where the characters are able to leave the book and have lives in the real world or in other books. If you also enjoy these types of books you will love Rewritten, sequel to Unwritten. There is also action, fantasy, mystery and more all in this one book! You'll want to get this book as soon as you can.
Gracie has always liked books by Gertrude Winters. This story begins with Gracie living with Gertrude. When Gracie finds some old stories of Gertrude's the action begins! Gertrude doesn't want these stories published and when they get thrown away Gracie is determined to save the stories. Unfortunately, Cassandra (villain) kidnaps Gracie and sends Gracie's friend Walter into one of the old stories. Gracie also ends up in the story, which just happens to be a scary story. Can she save Walter and get them both back home?
Gracie has always liked books by Gertrude Winters. This story begins with Gracie living with Gertrude. When Gracie finds some old stories of Gertrude's the action begins! Gertrude doesn't want these stories published and when they get thrown away Gracie is determined to save the stories. Unfortunately, Cassandra (villain) kidnaps Gracie and sends Gracie's friend Walter into one of the old stories. Gracie also ends up in the story, which just happens to be a scary story. Can she save Walter and get them both back home?
February 21, 2020
This was a very solid sequel to a very enjoyable first book. It's filled with a lot of action, and you really get to see a lot of growth from Gracie as she continues to struggle with the way Gertrude wrote her. Although she has left her story behind, she still struggles with her self identity and becoming the person she wants to be, not who she is written to be. I liked that we got to visit a new story in this one; it made for an interesting plot and really allowed us to see Gracie's struggle. However, Gracie was a bit annoying and felt way too sorry for herself at times which took away some of the enjoyment. Overall, it was a very enjoyable read, and fans of the first book will enjoy this one as well.
Thank you Netgalley for providing me with a review copy.
Thank you Netgalley for providing me with a review copy.
August 20, 2021
I haven't read the first book, but my daughter asked me to read this one to see if it was too scary for her (she loved the first book, but got a little freaked out by Gracie's "glimmers" in the first few chapters). I thought the book was just okay at first, but got into it more after she arrived at Blackwood Hall. A little predictable, but I liked how she set it up for more books in the future. A fun book for what it was.
I will say, I did not recommend my daughter keep reading. If the glimmers at the beginning freak you out, probably best to stop. It does get a little scary for young readers (my daughter is 8).
I will say, I did not recommend my daughter keep reading. If the glimmers at the beginning freak you out, probably best to stop. It does get a little scary for young readers (my daughter is 8).
March 9, 2020
For readers who enjoyed the first book in this series (Unwritten), this will be a happy find. The action, suspense and fantasy worlds continue, building upon the previous story. It is a quick read and has been left open for future books in the series, although with good closure that would allow a reader to feel satisfied if the series ends here. To be honest, I probably would not continue if there were more because I believe the plots and situations of peril might begin to feel too repetitive.
July 8, 2020
This book again grabs your attention immediately. It’s a nice and fast reading and even though it’s recommended for people between 10-14 years old I feel people of any age can enjoy it. At least I did and I’m in my 20’s. A really fresh turn into fairytales where you get immerse in a story that gets inside another story.
I love the idea of these story and I felt it was well developed. I fully recommend this book.
For a full review please visit https://awindowtomysoul.com/unwritten...
I love the idea of these story and I felt it was well developed. I fully recommend this book.
For a full review please visit https://awindowtomysoul.com/unwritten...
April 5, 2020
This looked so interesting, that it prompted me to grab the first book. I didn’t love the first one, my biggest issue being that this felt like much younger MG than 10-14 (which was what it says it’s for)
This one had some of that, but the writing seemed significantly better to me - less stilted and repetitive, and something my 7 year old would enjoy and be able to read, still maybe on the young end of MG.
I’m definitely interested in reading more of this series.
This one had some of that, but the writing seemed significantly better to me - less stilted and repetitive, and something my 7 year old would enjoy and be able to read, still maybe on the young end of MG.
I’m definitely interested in reading more of this series.
April 7, 2020
A fun younger middle grade read. This is the 2nd book in the series and I would suggest reading the 1st book before this one. Gracie & Walter are off on another adventure. I enjoy the lesson of no matter your past we determine our feature. This is a fun, fast paced, entertaining read!
I received this free eARC from Netgalley but all opinions are my own. Thank you Netgalley and Jolly Fish Press.
I received this free eARC from Netgalley but all opinions are my own. Thank you Netgalley and Jolly Fish Press.
February 7, 2020
This was enjoyable. I didn’t enjoy this as much as I wanted to though it just might be because I am not the target audience. It was a fun adventure though and it made me want to pick up books that I read when I was younger again.
Thank you Netgalley for providing me a copy for an honest review.
Thank you Netgalley for providing me a copy for an honest review.
March 22, 2020
I enjoyed 2018's Unwritten, but wasn't wholly expecting a sequel - I'm glad there is, though, and there are plenty of hints that there will be more of Gracie's adventures as she learns about her author's other stories - and finds herself in a dark, gothic horror!
Full review is up on my blog.
Full review is up on my blog.
February 23, 2023
Actual Rating: 3.5 stars
January 27, 2020
There are some surprises coming up.
Second novels usually have a review of situations. Tara though dips into the occult in this one and I loved it.
Second novels usually have a review of situations. Tara though dips into the occult in this one and I loved it.
January 17, 2020
*I received a free ARC from the publisher through NetGalley*
I read this without first reading Unwritten, but there were enough references to the first book that I did not feel lost while reading this. The pacing of the story is great and keeps the story moving so you never feel like it is dragging. Gracie is a great leading character for young readers - she's smart, but not perfect and learns from her mistakes. I liked the discussion of good and bad people that gets started in this novel and I'm hoping will be visited again in future books in the series. The book jumping should be fun and I look forward to seeing all the stories she and Walter jump into. Overall, a great book for middle grade readers!
I read this without first reading Unwritten, but there were enough references to the first book that I did not feel lost while reading this. The pacing of the story is great and keeps the story moving so you never feel like it is dragging. Gracie is a great leading character for young readers - she's smart, but not perfect and learns from her mistakes. I liked the discussion of good and bad people that gets started in this novel and I'm hoping will be visited again in future books in the series. The book jumping should be fun and I look forward to seeing all the stories she and Walter jump into. Overall, a great book for middle grade readers!
February 21, 2024
This review and many more can be found on my blog: Feed Your Fiction Addiction
This second book in the series finds Gracie attempting to settle into her new normal in the real world after changing the ending to her storybook life where she had been cast as a villain. Gracie finds it hard to convince herself and others that she isn't a bad person, so she tries extra hard to be good. But nothing she does seems to be good enough. And then she starts having visions of fictional worlds again and fears that people in those worlds are real as well---and they're in danger. She eventually makes her way into one of them but finds that changing their story might not be as simple as she imagined and that the lines between good and evil might be much blurrier than she imagined. In some ways this book almost felt like two distinct stories: Gracie in the real world and Gracie in the fictional world. I enjoyed both parts of the book, but I thought that things especially picked up once she found herself in the fictional story. At first I felt like the two halves were a bit discordant, but I ended up appreciating how Gilboy pulled the themes from the first half of the book into the ending and tied everything together. There were also some twists to the story that I predicted that I think many middle grade readers wouldn't see coming. I didn't love this book quite as much as I did the first, but I thought this was a solid follow-up to Unwritten. I would recommend this series to kids who love fantasy and especially to anyone who has imagined living out life in a storybook!
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley for review purposes. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
This second book in the series finds Gracie attempting to settle into her new normal in the real world after changing the ending to her storybook life where she had been cast as a villain. Gracie finds it hard to convince herself and others that she isn't a bad person, so she tries extra hard to be good. But nothing she does seems to be good enough. And then she starts having visions of fictional worlds again and fears that people in those worlds are real as well---and they're in danger. She eventually makes her way into one of them but finds that changing their story might not be as simple as she imagined and that the lines between good and evil might be much blurrier than she imagined. In some ways this book almost felt like two distinct stories: Gracie in the real world and Gracie in the fictional world. I enjoyed both parts of the book, but I thought that things especially picked up once she found herself in the fictional story. At first I felt like the two halves were a bit discordant, but I ended up appreciating how Gilboy pulled the themes from the first half of the book into the ending and tied everything together. There were also some twists to the story that I predicted that I think many middle grade readers wouldn't see coming. I didn't love this book quite as much as I did the first, but I thought this was a solid follow-up to Unwritten. I would recommend this series to kids who love fantasy and especially to anyone who has imagined living out life in a storybook!
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley for review purposes. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
December 7, 2019
ARC provided by netgalley and Flux in exchange for an honest review.
This was a charming little tale about accepting your past as well as changing your future (or, if you want to put it poetically, your destiny). Appropriate for ages 8 to about 11 or 12.
The plot was easy to follow and one thing led naturally to the next. The writing and voice were clear, and Gracie‘s character develops by the end of the book. The Vademecum, while a pretty standard MG plot device, worked well as an incentive for Gracie to return to the real world, and I particularly appreciated the recurring motif of reconciling mother-daughter relationships. The general treatment of morally grey ‘villains’ was well done. Even the antagonist Cassandra’s relationship with Gracie (e.g. her motivation for looking after Gracie) was refreshingly complex.
Because I haven’t read the first book, Gracie and Walter’s characters probably weren’t as distinct to me as they might have been, but Mina and Bryant’s were. I don’t understand why Bryant didn’t reveal the beasts’ identity in the first place, unless Mina didn’t remember and he wanted to keep her (and Cassandra et al.) in the dark? And why were the servants perplexed at Mina’s being locked up when he must have done it every winter? The other complaint I had was that the adult character, Gertrude, seemed a bit childish and the reason for her soured relationship with her daughter likewise. But the theme of putting your life experiences into fiction was one of my favourite parts of this book; I only wish it and Gertrude had been a bit more fleshed out.
Apart from those quibbles, this book was engaging and well written. Highly recommended.
This was a charming little tale about accepting your past as well as changing your future (or, if you want to put it poetically, your destiny). Appropriate for ages 8 to about 11 or 12.
The plot was easy to follow and one thing led naturally to the next. The writing and voice were clear, and Gracie‘s character develops by the end of the book. The Vademecum, while a pretty standard MG plot device, worked well as an incentive for Gracie to return to the real world, and I particularly appreciated the recurring motif of reconciling mother-daughter relationships. The general treatment of morally grey ‘villains’ was well done. Even the antagonist Cassandra’s relationship with Gracie (e.g. her motivation for looking after Gracie) was refreshingly complex.
Because I haven’t read the first book, Gracie and Walter’s characters probably weren’t as distinct to me as they might have been, but Mina and Bryant’s were. I don’t understand why Bryant didn’t reveal the beasts’ identity in the first place, unless Mina didn’t remember and he wanted to keep her (and Cassandra et al.) in the dark? And why were the servants perplexed at Mina’s being locked up when he must have done it every winter? The other complaint I had was that the adult character, Gertrude, seemed a bit childish and the reason for her soured relationship with her daughter likewise. But the theme of putting your life experiences into fiction was one of my favourite parts of this book; I only wish it and Gertrude had been a bit more fleshed out.
Apart from those quibbles, this book was engaging and well written. Highly recommended.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 14, 2019
I received a complimentary copy of 'Rewritten' through NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
My love of reading began at a very young age, and I would constantly imagine taking part of the wild adventures I would read about. Recess time would consist of me traveling to different lands and solving conflicts. So when I came across 'Rewritten' by Tara Gilboy, I was thrilled! While the circumstances of the story are slightly different (Gracie is a storybook character attempting to understand her creator's intentions), I loved that I was essentially reading about a character creating her own new adventure.
The pacing of 'Rewritten' was very good, and the story went pretty quickly. I haven't read the first part of this series (Unwritten), but Gilboy made it easy for me to follow along with Gracie's struggle to define herself on her own terms. Gracie is a character trying to rectify the mistakes of her past, and it's quite an uphill climb. I appreciated that she is shown as a person who constantly thinks of the life she once lived, while wanting to move forward from the new circumstances in her life.
'Rewritten' is a Middle Grade novel. I found it to be a pretty accurate description, as this story is perfect for children aged 10-15. It has just the right elements of conflict and horror, without it being too intense for young readers. 'Rewritten' also carries a strong message of a girl trying to make things right for herself and for those she's close with. I wish I had a story like 'Rewritten' when I was younger!
My love of reading began at a very young age, and I would constantly imagine taking part of the wild adventures I would read about. Recess time would consist of me traveling to different lands and solving conflicts. So when I came across 'Rewritten' by Tara Gilboy, I was thrilled! While the circumstances of the story are slightly different (Gracie is a storybook character attempting to understand her creator's intentions), I loved that I was essentially reading about a character creating her own new adventure.
The pacing of 'Rewritten' was very good, and the story went pretty quickly. I haven't read the first part of this series (Unwritten), but Gilboy made it easy for me to follow along with Gracie's struggle to define herself on her own terms. Gracie is a character trying to rectify the mistakes of her past, and it's quite an uphill climb. I appreciated that she is shown as a person who constantly thinks of the life she once lived, while wanting to move forward from the new circumstances in her life.
'Rewritten' is a Middle Grade novel. I found it to be a pretty accurate description, as this story is perfect for children aged 10-15. It has just the right elements of conflict and horror, without it being too intense for young readers. 'Rewritten' also carries a strong message of a girl trying to make things right for herself and for those she's close with. I wish I had a story like 'Rewritten' when I was younger!
November 26, 2019
This is the second book in the series, and you REALLY should read the first book before reading this, otherwise you'll be pretty lost.
Once again, we follow Gracie and Walter into another story adventure. This time, it's a story that has nothing to do with them, but it's one Gracie happens upon in her efforts to try and escape Cassandra, her evil Step-Mother, from finding out where she is.
Overall, I enjoyed this story. Gracie was just a little more irritating in this installment than she was in the first one, and she had a little too much 'feeling sorry for herself' going on, but she redeemed herself in the end.
The author has clearly set this up to be a multi-book series with the way this ended, so you can definitely expect at least one more book. I would recommend this to Middle Grade readers in the 8-14 age range. It has a good message to it and has just enough adventure without being overly scary or gory (no gore, in fact, just a couple beasts).
***I received this book for free via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***
Once again, we follow Gracie and Walter into another story adventure. This time, it's a story that has nothing to do with them, but it's one Gracie happens upon in her efforts to try and escape Cassandra, her evil Step-Mother, from finding out where she is.
Overall, I enjoyed this story. Gracie was just a little more irritating in this installment than she was in the first one, and she had a little too much 'feeling sorry for herself' going on, but she redeemed herself in the end.
The author has clearly set this up to be a multi-book series with the way this ended, so you can definitely expect at least one more book. I would recommend this to Middle Grade readers in the 8-14 age range. It has a good message to it and has just enough adventure without being overly scary or gory (no gore, in fact, just a couple beasts).
***I received this book for free via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***
March 5, 2020
Copy received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I had mixed feelings about Rewritten. I thought that the first book was a little better than this one. The book was a quick read, but I didn't stop to think about what I read since I felt like there wasn't much there to think about.
Like the first book, Unwritten, I liked the theme of good vs. evil and how humans are morally gray and not black or white. The message about the differences between how someone else defines you vs. how you define yourself was good, too, in the case of Gracie vs. Cassandra (and Gertrude to a lesser extent). I did not like the parts in the storybook world because I thought the setting was neither unique nor described very well, and I was not sympathetic towards the "culprit" of Gertrude's story because I just didn't care that much about their motives.
Rewritten was an okay sequel, but I thought the first book was better.
I had mixed feelings about Rewritten. I thought that the first book was a little better than this one. The book was a quick read, but I didn't stop to think about what I read since I felt like there wasn't much there to think about.
Like the first book, Unwritten, I liked the theme of good vs. evil and how humans are morally gray and not black or white. The message about the differences between how someone else defines you vs. how you define yourself was good, too, in the case of Gracie vs. Cassandra (and Gertrude to a lesser extent). I did not like the parts in the storybook world because I thought the setting was neither unique nor described very well, and I was not sympathetic towards the "culprit" of Gertrude's story because I just didn't care that much about their motives.
Rewritten was an okay sequel, but I thought the first book was better.
November 24, 2019
I had loved the first installment (Unwritten) of this series. I thought the initial idea was brilliant. A writer dealt with her personal issues by writing complex, sometimes violent stories, that ended up becoming alternate realities. Gracie was first written as a villain and then wants to rewrite her own story, now that she lives in the real world and struggles to escape the threat posed by Cassandra.
If I was pleasantly surprised by the first book, I found the novelty had worn off with the second book. I never really managed to get into it, for some reason. Maybe it took too long for the plot to take off? But the author continued developing the story around Gertude’s tales and why she wrote what she wrote. I think the major asset of this novel (mainly targeted at middle grade children) is that writing is a powerful, liberating tool. Words matter and can hurt (metaphorically).
I recommend to read the first book before this one.
If I was pleasantly surprised by the first book, I found the novelty had worn off with the second book. I never really managed to get into it, for some reason. Maybe it took too long for the plot to take off? But the author continued developing the story around Gertude’s tales and why she wrote what she wrote. I think the major asset of this novel (mainly targeted at middle grade children) is that writing is a powerful, liberating tool. Words matter and can hurt (metaphorically).
I recommend to read the first book before this one.
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