What do you think?
Rate this book
Queen Mab
"Oh then I see Queen Mab hath been with you…"
Queen Mab is a literary creation of Shakespeare's, mentioned in only one speech. But what if she was, in fact, responsible for all the tragedy about to strike Shakespeare's star crossed lovers? And her love for Mercutio the key to everything...
Weaving Shakespeare's original text into a new story, award winning author Kate Danley retells Romeo & Juliet from a different point of view. Experience the romance through the eyes of the bringer of dreams… Queen Mab.
Queen Mab is a literary creation of Shakespeare's, mentioned in only one speech. But what if she was, in fact, responsible for all the tragedy about to strike Shakespeare's star crossed lovers? And her love for Mercutio the key to everything...
Weaving Shakespeare's original text into a new story, award winning author Kate Danley retells Romeo & Juliet from a different point of view. Experience the romance through the eyes of the bringer of dreams… Queen Mab.
343 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
421 people are currently reading
2169 people want to read
About the author
Kate Danley
55 books595 followersKate Danley began her writing career as an indie author in 2010. Since then, her books have been published by 47North, she spent five weeks on the USA Today bestseller list, and she has been honored with various awards, including the Garcia Award for Best Fiction Book of the Year (The Woodcutter), McDougall Previews Award for Best Fantasy Book of the Year (Queen Mab), Best of 2014 by Suspense Magazine (M&K Tracking), and the 2017 Utopia Award for Best Anthology of the Year (Once Upon A Kiss - "Galatea & Pygmalion"). Her play Building Madness won the prestigious Panowski Playwriting Award and her play Bureaucrazy was a semi-finalist for the O'Neill National Playwrights Conference. Her works have been produced in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Canada, and the UK. She has over 300+ film, television, and theatre credits to her name, and specializes in sketch, improv, and Shakespeare. She wrote sketch for a weekly show in Hollywood and has performed her original stand-up at various clubs in LA. She learned on-camera puppetry from the man who played Mr. Snuffleupagus and performed the head of a 20-foot dinosaur on an NBC pilot. She lost on Hollywood Squares.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
February 10, 2020
A wonderful retelling of Romeo and Juliet told from the point of view of the people, gods and fairies around them.
Faunus the God of Daydreams breaks the heart of Queen Mab leading to revenge and that means trouble for the houses of Montague and Capulet.
Staying true to the original story but with a side story that interweaves with it like magic.
A moving magical love story.
Faunus the God of Daydreams breaks the heart of Queen Mab leading to revenge and that means trouble for the houses of Montague and Capulet.
Staying true to the original story but with a side story that interweaves with it like magic.
A moving magical love story.
September 26, 2018
What if the rivalry between warring families from Romeo and Juliet was a masterful plan of Queen Mab, the bringer of dreams? In this story, we get to see what happens to Romeo and Juliet through the eyes of a goddess, Queen Mab?
I loved this book for its originality, lush characters and for Queen Mab. She's my favorite character.
If you're looking for a must-read book to get lost in, read this!
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
My Rating: 5 stars
I loved this book for its originality, lush characters and for Queen Mab. She's my favorite character.
If you're looking for a must-read book to get lost in, read this!
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
My Rating: 5 stars
March 18, 2016
"Oh then I see Queen Mab hath been with you..."
Everyone knows Romeo & Juliet, but what if it isn't the whole story? What if Queen Mab, mentioned in only one speech in the entire play, is actually responsible for all the tragedy about to strike the Houses of Montague and Capulet? And her love for Mercutio the key to everything...
Weaving Shakespeare's original text into a new story, fans of The Woodcutter will love this latest retelling by award-winning author Kate Danley. Experience the romance of Romeo & Juliet from a different point of view - through the eyes of the bringer of dreams... Queen Mab.
- - - - -
Rating: 4.5/5 Penguins
Quick Reasons: well-reasoned, awesome retelling; Queen Mab and Faunus take center stage in a battle for supremacy; this helped “explain” some of the things I was confused about in the play; the prose is pretty, well-written, and complex; the plot is, if not action-packed, at least entertaining and intriguing
This is SUCH a fun, entertaining, and “enlightening” read!
"In your mirror, you shall look quite the same, but you shall be an illusion to any that cast their eyes upon you. They shall see a face that matches your heart, as vile as it may be. Once revered for your beauty, you will instead reflect your true nature. Like your dreams, reality shall shift to display the secrets of your dark soul. This prison is of your own making, but I gladly forge the bars of justice to hold you."
Shakespeare's well-known and well-loved tragic lovers take a backseat in this retelling...to a battle for supremacy over the world of dreams. Our main duo, Queen Mab and Faunus, lead readers on an unexpected adventure through centuries—to a wildly imaginative, not-so-tragic different ending from the original play.
I really enjoyed our characters. While Shakespeare gave us “faeries” in other plays, Romeo and Juliet has always been a tragic tale of young love gone wrong. There have always been things I didn't understand, or see the reason behind. Kate Danley mixed our paranormal characters—the Queen of dreams, and the Prince of daydreams—into this world so seamlessly, I could imagine them there the entire time. I LOVE the amount of growth Mab shows throughout; from beginning to end, she rediscovers herself at least three different times, each more stunningly captured than the last. Faunus, as well, was an intriguing (and frustrating!) character to read. Playing the mischievous “Pan,” he took Trickster to a whole new level with his games and manipulations.
Juno smiled like a cat with cream. "She shall learn to love or learn to love her prison, and whichever she chooses makes to me no difference."
"Heed my warning!"
"I hear you, Faunus, and shall decide myself how ominous the sky."
"The clouds hang black and heavy with the storm."
"And perhaps they shall blow through."
The ending was wildly imaginative and brought a whole new perspective to the original play that I absolutely adored. I mean, the whole book is creatively done and so well-blended, it's obvious Kate Danley knows her Shakespeare—or, at least, knows Romeo and Juliet. But the ending! The ending took me off-guard...and made my heart unexpectedly happy. I'd have never thought to expect the twist she employs!
This is just such an entertaining, creative, beautiful retelling. Every chapter, while certain ones seem unnecessary, brings readers closer to the climactic and striking closure. Every character plays a role, even if seeminly small at the beginning. And I LOVE how Mab's dreams shift from beginning to end, helping to signify and outline the amount of growth and changes she goes through herself. There's just SO MUCH awesome about this read, I can't hope to explain it all!
"I dreamt a dream tonight," said Romeo to Mercutio.
"And so did I," replied his friend, trying to rouse Romeo and steer him to the dance.
"Well, what was yours?"
"That dreamers often lie."
Romeo corrected him. "In bed asleep, while they dream things true."
Mercutio stopped, turning to Romeo. He became as pale as one who has seen a ghost. "O, then I see Queen Mab hath been with you."
I loved this reimagining of the well-known romantic tragedy, and will be eagerly seeking out more of Kate Danley's work in the future! I recommend to lovers of Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet, the fae, and creatively twisted endings. If you're looking for your next retelling, pick this one up! It's just too much fun to miss out on!
April 15, 2016
There are so many reasons why I loved this book!
This is the story of Romeo and Juliet, but it adds so much more to the story that we all know so well. It gives us the idea that Queen Mab (which is mentioned as a speech by Mercutio in the play, and she is never mentioned again) and some other demi-gods are actually the reason and the master players behind the story.
One of the reasons why I loved this book, is that I love Shakespeare, I enjoy acting in the plays, I enjoy watching the plays. I go to The Globe theatre in London at least 4/5 times a year, because I cannot get enough of these plays that are still so great after all the years. But even I must admit that Romeo and Juliet is done to death, it is shown so often in so many different stories and ways. And we all roll our eyes a little, because R&J only know each other for a week and Juliet is really young, and can they really love each other in such a short space of time etc. But this story gave me Romeo and Juliet in a new light, and it does not make me roll my eyes at the star-crossed lovers at all. In fact it made me completely believe in their love, and forget all reason to why it doesn't really make sense.
I also loved that you can tell that Kate Danley knew her stuff, she knew about the language of Shakespeare and the story of R&J in great detail. I loved how she interwove the words of the script into her own story, it made it all so much more beautiful and almost like this really was the true story of R&J.
I loved the character of Queen Mab, the bringer of dreams - the visitor to every sleeping human to grant dreams, aspirations or nightmares and woes. The dweller of night.
Hearing the story from her point of view was great, she brought so much to the story and her love with Mercutio was just beautiful. The way that she eased his pain and nightmares from his experiences of war, and the way that he reacted to her was stunning to read. And through her love with Mercutio made me understand and believe the love of R&J.
But of course she didn't start off being this lovely creature, in love with a human man. No at the start of the book she is being played by Faunus, who is Mab's counterpart, the bringer of daydreams, the dweller of day, who enjoys playing long-drawn out wagers with Mab to the expense of humans.
I liked the development of these two characters, how they twisted and turned into their final shapes. I liked how they could only do so much against each other, and how they had to use humans to act out their plans and plotting. The way that fate was shown in the story was interesting as well, that even demi-gods could only manipulate humans dreams and their endings so much.
All in all, I really enjoyed this story, in fact I enjoyed it way more than The Woodcutter. The ending was great, just the type of ending you wanted after reading the book. This book was beautiful in everyway, the writing, the imagery of love and the wonderful characters. Worth the read if you like a bit of Shakespeare woven into an easy, YA story.
This is the story of Romeo and Juliet, but it adds so much more to the story that we all know so well. It gives us the idea that Queen Mab (which is mentioned as a speech by Mercutio in the play, and she is never mentioned again) and some other demi-gods are actually the reason and the master players behind the story.
One of the reasons why I loved this book, is that I love Shakespeare, I enjoy acting in the plays, I enjoy watching the plays. I go to The Globe theatre in London at least 4/5 times a year, because I cannot get enough of these plays that are still so great after all the years. But even I must admit that Romeo and Juliet is done to death, it is shown so often in so many different stories and ways. And we all roll our eyes a little, because R&J only know each other for a week and Juliet is really young, and can they really love each other in such a short space of time etc. But this story gave me Romeo and Juliet in a new light, and it does not make me roll my eyes at the star-crossed lovers at all. In fact it made me completely believe in their love, and forget all reason to why it doesn't really make sense.
I also loved that you can tell that Kate Danley knew her stuff, she knew about the language of Shakespeare and the story of R&J in great detail. I loved how she interwove the words of the script into her own story, it made it all so much more beautiful and almost like this really was the true story of R&J.
I loved the character of Queen Mab, the bringer of dreams - the visitor to every sleeping human to grant dreams, aspirations or nightmares and woes. The dweller of night.
Hearing the story from her point of view was great, she brought so much to the story and her love with Mercutio was just beautiful. The way that she eased his pain and nightmares from his experiences of war, and the way that he reacted to her was stunning to read. And through her love with Mercutio made me understand and believe the love of R&J.
But of course she didn't start off being this lovely creature, in love with a human man. No at the start of the book she is being played by Faunus, who is Mab's counterpart, the bringer of daydreams, the dweller of day, who enjoys playing long-drawn out wagers with Mab to the expense of humans.
I liked the development of these two characters, how they twisted and turned into their final shapes. I liked how they could only do so much against each other, and how they had to use humans to act out their plans and plotting. The way that fate was shown in the story was interesting as well, that even demi-gods could only manipulate humans dreams and their endings so much.
All in all, I really enjoyed this story, in fact I enjoyed it way more than The Woodcutter. The ending was great, just the type of ending you wanted after reading the book. This book was beautiful in everyway, the writing, the imagery of love and the wonderful characters. Worth the read if you like a bit of Shakespeare woven into an easy, YA story.
July 28, 2016
All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players. But in this dream world of Verona one must as the question: Who are the real players and who are merely pawns on the chessboard of petty immortals?
Queen Mab is the story of Romeo and Juliet as you've never heard it before, and it all starts with the theft of a bull - 100 years before our star-crossed lovers are even born. But even more so, it is the story of Mercutio and his queen of dreams, as she and Faunus play a ruthless and deadly game where members of Houses Capulet and Montague as merely convenient pawns to be disposed of as they see fit. All under the ever watchful eye of goddess Juno.
This is a story of petty revenge, a prison of our own making and the lesson that love just might conquer all... in the end.
Kate Danley's book intermingles seamlessly with the Shakespearian play and I certainly understand why this book won an award for best fantasy. Unfortunately for me, I really don't want to read Shakespeare when I'm ready to delve into a fantasy novel . You could say that my rating is a result of "It's not you, it's me" and for that I am both a little ashamed and unrepentant.
I will say this: Kate Danley did an excellent job in picking the right narrator for this story. Listening to Julian Rhind-Tutt's outstanding endition was a delight and he would do even William Shakespeare himself proud. I would very much recommend purchasing the audio book of Queen Mab. Although I rate this book 3.5 stars, his performance merits the full 5 stars.
~2016 A-Z reading challenge; letter Q~
Queen Mab is the story of Romeo and Juliet as you've never heard it before, and it all starts with the theft of a bull - 100 years before our star-crossed lovers are even born. But even more so, it is the story of Mercutio and his queen of dreams, as she and Faunus play a ruthless and deadly game where members of Houses Capulet and Montague as merely convenient pawns to be disposed of as they see fit. All under the ever watchful eye of goddess Juno.
This is a story of petty revenge, a prison of our own making and the lesson that love just might conquer all... in the end.
Kate Danley's book intermingles seamlessly with the Shakespearian play and I certainly understand why this book won an award for best fantasy. Unfortunately for me, I really don't want to read Shakespeare when I'm ready to delve into a fantasy novel . You could say that my rating is a result of "It's not you, it's me" and for that I am both a little ashamed and unrepentant.
I will say this: Kate Danley did an excellent job in picking the right narrator for this story. Listening to Julian Rhind-Tutt's outstanding endition was a delight and he would do even William Shakespeare himself proud. I would very much recommend purchasing the audio book of Queen Mab. Although I rate this book 3.5 stars, his performance merits the full 5 stars.
~2016 A-Z reading challenge; letter Q~
September 1, 2018
This author turns tragedy into joy
July 25, 2016
My original Queen Mab audiobook review and many others can be found at Audiobook Reviewer.
The gods of old are infamous for playing with humans, giving out tokens of favor or destroying bloodlines over some trivial slight. Taking one of the most famous tragedies by Shakespeare, Kate Danley weaves a new twist in which the mythological gods play an intricate and deadly role. The houses of Montague and Capulet are the key victims being used by both Queen Mab, the bringer of nightly dreams and Faunus, the bringing of day dreams to get what they want. However, Queen Mab discovers true love and becomes transformed trying to prevent Faunus from destroying the houses and her true-love.
Danley stays true to the story being careful to weave in hers without taking away from Shakespeare’s infamous love tragedy. Danley did not attempt to write in the eloquent Shakespearean style; her writing is different yet just as expressive and fluent in a simpler style.
Shakespeare is known for intrigue and Danley continues with the tradition; her intrigue clearly compliments and fits with the classic tale making her story of Queen Mab richer and more powerful. It is never a good thing when gods interfere; they are seen as petty and selfish. While Queen Mab begins that way, her character grows revealing that even gods may have a depth of kindness hidden somewhere deep within themselves.
As an English major and fan of Shakespearean writings, I was not sure that I would like this book. I had my doubts that anyone could make Romeo and Juliet better. Danley is a gifted and skilled writer. She successfully tied in her story without breaking the integrity of the original story.
The characters were well-developed moving one from disliking Queen Mab to feeling a range of emotions from dislike to pity to sadness to cheering her on. When a character goes through such powerful changes and grows, the listener cannot help but change their opinion.
The narrator, Julian Rhind-Tutt is talented. His narration was flawless. I liked that he spoke clearly and with a cadence that felt comfortable – not too fast nor too slow. His vocal expressions were strong especially during pivotal times. I enjoyed hearing his voice; soothing and even. Well done!
There were no issues at all with the production and I have to say while there was definitely an opportunity for it to sound more theatrical with sound effects, I am delighted that the production company chose not to go that route. This was already a rich tale, it needed nothing more than a talented narrator which it has. Anything more would have taken away from the story.
Audiobook was provided for review by the author.
The gods of old are infamous for playing with humans, giving out tokens of favor or destroying bloodlines over some trivial slight. Taking one of the most famous tragedies by Shakespeare, Kate Danley weaves a new twist in which the mythological gods play an intricate and deadly role. The houses of Montague and Capulet are the key victims being used by both Queen Mab, the bringer of nightly dreams and Faunus, the bringing of day dreams to get what they want. However, Queen Mab discovers true love and becomes transformed trying to prevent Faunus from destroying the houses and her true-love.
Danley stays true to the story being careful to weave in hers without taking away from Shakespeare’s infamous love tragedy. Danley did not attempt to write in the eloquent Shakespearean style; her writing is different yet just as expressive and fluent in a simpler style.
Shakespeare is known for intrigue and Danley continues with the tradition; her intrigue clearly compliments and fits with the classic tale making her story of Queen Mab richer and more powerful. It is never a good thing when gods interfere; they are seen as petty and selfish. While Queen Mab begins that way, her character grows revealing that even gods may have a depth of kindness hidden somewhere deep within themselves.
As an English major and fan of Shakespearean writings, I was not sure that I would like this book. I had my doubts that anyone could make Romeo and Juliet better. Danley is a gifted and skilled writer. She successfully tied in her story without breaking the integrity of the original story.
The characters were well-developed moving one from disliking Queen Mab to feeling a range of emotions from dislike to pity to sadness to cheering her on. When a character goes through such powerful changes and grows, the listener cannot help but change their opinion.
The narrator, Julian Rhind-Tutt is talented. His narration was flawless. I liked that he spoke clearly and with a cadence that felt comfortable – not too fast nor too slow. His vocal expressions were strong especially during pivotal times. I enjoyed hearing his voice; soothing and even. Well done!
There were no issues at all with the production and I have to say while there was definitely an opportunity for it to sound more theatrical with sound effects, I am delighted that the production company chose not to go that route. This was already a rich tale, it needed nothing more than a talented narrator which it has. Anything more would have taken away from the story.
Audiobook was provided for review by the author.
March 18, 2015
I adore Shakespeare plays and I really loved this rendition of Romeo and Juliet, from the perspective of two warring demigods. Well wrought with lines straight from the Bard, this story has the possible behind the scenes look at the callousness of those who can mess with human lives. Romance abounds as Queen Mab learns more about the world she took for granted. Satisfying and fun to read for this Shakespearean fan
Want to read
February 19, 202013 March 2015: $0.00 FREE on Kindle
Read
September 13, 2020I'm complete rubbish for Shakespeare retellings, so of course I gobbled up this one, which casts the Montague/Capulet feud as a battle between rival demigods. I enjoyed that aspect, as well as the choice to make Mercutio such a central character, and the plot twist at the very end. Ultimately, however, I found the plot to be somewhat confusing, and the number of lines lifted directly from Shakespeare just made me wish I was watching the real play. - This is, of course, the perennial problem with Shakespeare retellings: if you rewrite the dialogue completely it risks being disappointing, but if you lift it, your own additional material risks falling flat by comparison. Danley does quite a lot of creative world-juggling of her own in this book, which started out feeling quite impressive but eventually left me feeling a bit bogged down in verbiage. I found myself skimming (unusual for me), but otherwise this was a quick read that left me feeling nostalgic about Shakespeare.
Want to read
September 2, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (9/2/2020)! 🎁
January 23, 2020
This is really good!
I have been a lover of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet since middle school, when our teacher made the students take on a part in the play, and after we performed it we were taken to see the movie. It always stayed with me as we were required to learn the meanings of the strange words and phrases of Old English. This story actually completes the story that I always felt was incomplete and ended too abruptly. What a wonderful story!
I have been a lover of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet since middle school, when our teacher made the students take on a part in the play, and after we performed it we were taken to see the movie. It always stayed with me as we were required to learn the meanings of the strange words and phrases of Old English. This story actually completes the story that I always felt was incomplete and ended too abruptly. What a wonderful story!
March 16, 2014
FUN! This is a neat re-envisioning of the classic Shakespearean tale. Kate Danley creates answers for a lot of the questions I ask as I read the Bard's play. Why the animosity between the two houses? Why was Tybalt such a hot-head? Why did Capulet turn from being a kind father to a raging authoritarian? What had the Friar seen so that he ran from the tomb? She then re-envisions a much more happy ending, confirming that man rises to his highest points when he lets kindness overtake jealousy and meanness. Danley moves past the Prince's powerful ending speech to show that the rift is actually healed through the tragedy and that everyone has learned his lesson. Rather than destroyed, the houses are reinvigorated.
I also like the characterization of Mercutio as key to the story. He is that aptly named mercurial character who swings from glee to despair, but Danley justifies his behavior making him so real. Again, the author emphasizes the power of love, turning Queen Mab from her vengeful self to someone who sees love in herself and in others, urging her to let her long feud with Faunus fade, just as the two houses let their feud end in the last lines of the play. I love the fitting ending that Mercutio is not really alive but alive with Mab, taking part in the dreams he finds so fascinating.
Best of all, though, is how Danley weaves the lines and ideas from the play into her novel. She has passages lifted line for line and then other sections which echo of Shakespeare's language. Layered on top of this is Danley's gorgeous prose. She envisions such wonderful characters in Mab, Faunus, and Juno, depicting their worlds with gorgeous imagery and heart-breaking emotions. I love that she took the famous imagery of this faerie, relying on it but also building on it to create a full and sympathetic character who engages the reader from start to finish. What a fun read. I will certainly be suggesting this to all my fellow high school teachers as well as students who love the play.
I also like the characterization of Mercutio as key to the story. He is that aptly named mercurial character who swings from glee to despair, but Danley justifies his behavior making him so real. Again, the author emphasizes the power of love, turning Queen Mab from her vengeful self to someone who sees love in herself and in others, urging her to let her long feud with Faunus fade, just as the two houses let their feud end in the last lines of the play. I love the fitting ending that Mercutio is not really alive but alive with Mab, taking part in the dreams he finds so fascinating.
Best of all, though, is how Danley weaves the lines and ideas from the play into her novel. She has passages lifted line for line and then other sections which echo of Shakespeare's language. Layered on top of this is Danley's gorgeous prose. She envisions such wonderful characters in Mab, Faunus, and Juno, depicting their worlds with gorgeous imagery and heart-breaking emotions. I love that she took the famous imagery of this faerie, relying on it but also building on it to create a full and sympathetic character who engages the reader from start to finish. What a fun read. I will certainly be suggesting this to all my fellow high school teachers as well as students who love the play.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 7, 2015
Kate Danley creates an interesting twist on Romeo & Juliet that offers light reading for those who enjoy Shakespeare, Fairytales, and interesting retellings. The premise is that the Queen of night dreams and a satyr end up in a dispute and the mortals of Verona end up their pawns in a game of revenge and power-grabbing. The characters of Shakespeare's play are less pawns of fate as much as they are collateral damage in this otherworld dispute.
Queen Mab is well drawn as a character, although not as sympathetic as she should be — in part because her motivations are a bit murky and because in the end it seemed her success was somewhat unintentional or due to her rivals own missteps. I've always love Mercutio in the play, and here, he was perhaps the most likable character. The rest, for the most part were not taken much, if at all, beyond the original and it was one of the things I think Danley could have done more with.
Another flaw was that she chose to, almost exclusively, use Shakespeare's language directly, showing us only what was in the play. While reminding the reader of the plot of Romeo and Juliet is fine, she could have varied technique. I think she missed an opportunity to play more with the language (there were a few good instances of her own witty use of language) and to have delved into what we did not see. So much was focused on Mab and Faunus and their limited interactions with the other characters - mostly to manipulation - that she missed the chance to build a richer cast of characters that went beyond the play's text.
The richness of the concept doesn't even quite fulfill its promise and I found the ending too neat and found myself wondering why Danley chose to alter what she did. The novel was worth the read in that it was quick and interesting and I cared about the protagonist, but it could have been so much more.
Queen Mab is well drawn as a character, although not as sympathetic as she should be — in part because her motivations are a bit murky and because in the end it seemed her success was somewhat unintentional or due to her rivals own missteps. I've always love Mercutio in the play, and here, he was perhaps the most likable character. The rest, for the most part were not taken much, if at all, beyond the original and it was one of the things I think Danley could have done more with.
Another flaw was that she chose to, almost exclusively, use Shakespeare's language directly, showing us only what was in the play. While reminding the reader of the plot of Romeo and Juliet is fine, she could have varied technique. I think she missed an opportunity to play more with the language (there were a few good instances of her own witty use of language) and to have delved into what we did not see. So much was focused on Mab and Faunus and their limited interactions with the other characters - mostly to manipulation - that she missed the chance to build a richer cast of characters that went beyond the play's text.
The richness of the concept doesn't even quite fulfill its promise and I found the ending too neat and found myself wondering why Danley chose to alter what she did. The novel was worth the read in that it was quick and interesting and I cared about the protagonist, but it could have been so much more.
October 15, 2013
You don't have to be a Shakespeare fan to like this book!
I have to admit, I like Shakespeare but I just *like* him. I have never read his works outside of school and I don't go to the Bard's plays. However, being a fan of Danley's previous books I decided to give this one a try as well and I am so glad that I did! While the prose is a bit more elegant and in line with the FEEL of Shakespeare's work, it doesn't try to replicate it -- to me this is a big plus. It's entirely readable - and enjoyable! - for someone who prefers just simpler writing styles. SO! If you saw "Shakespeare" or "Romeo and Juliet" and were scared, FEAR NOT! :)
The story itself is lovely. This book is a beautifully crafted story, inspired by the Queen Mab soliloquy in Romeo & Juliet. Queen Mab is the bringer of dreams and watches over the fair city of Verona every evening. A contest with Faunus, the bringer of daydreams, engages Queen Mab into a fight over the citizens of Verona and the houses of Capulet and Montague, which brings the reader into the familiar world we know from Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Full of beautiful imagery and extremely creative insight, we get to see what happens before the fateful meeting of R&J and how these "star crossed lovers" were overseen by two demi-gods who guided their eventual outcome over the course of hundreds of years.
If you liked Danley's "The Woodcutter" then you will love Queen Mab. It is full of the same unique interpretations of existing lore and extremely well-written that even I as a non-fan of Shakespeare went off to buy Romeo & Juliet immediately afterward, just to continue the tone set by this book.
I have to admit, I like Shakespeare but I just *like* him. I have never read his works outside of school and I don't go to the Bard's plays. However, being a fan of Danley's previous books I decided to give this one a try as well and I am so glad that I did! While the prose is a bit more elegant and in line with the FEEL of Shakespeare's work, it doesn't try to replicate it -- to me this is a big plus. It's entirely readable - and enjoyable! - for someone who prefers just simpler writing styles. SO! If you saw "Shakespeare" or "Romeo and Juliet" and were scared, FEAR NOT! :)
The story itself is lovely. This book is a beautifully crafted story, inspired by the Queen Mab soliloquy in Romeo & Juliet. Queen Mab is the bringer of dreams and watches over the fair city of Verona every evening. A contest with Faunus, the bringer of daydreams, engages Queen Mab into a fight over the citizens of Verona and the houses of Capulet and Montague, which brings the reader into the familiar world we know from Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Full of beautiful imagery and extremely creative insight, we get to see what happens before the fateful meeting of R&J and how these "star crossed lovers" were overseen by two demi-gods who guided their eventual outcome over the course of hundreds of years.
If you liked Danley's "The Woodcutter" then you will love Queen Mab. It is full of the same unique interpretations of existing lore and extremely well-written that even I as a non-fan of Shakespeare went off to buy Romeo & Juliet immediately afterward, just to continue the tone set by this book.
March 31, 2015
This was a very interesting view on the Romeo and Juliet story. I honestly never considered the idea of Queen Mab being an actual character who influenced the story, and the way Ms. Danley handled it was masterful. She also managed to grasp the essence of the Shakespearean language throughout the book, which is a skill all by itself. Overall, this book was intricately woven and added a little more magic to the tale. I'd say this book very much does Romeo and Juliet justice. It was fun getting some backstory and getting to know Mercutio a little better. I loved reading this.
However, if I were to make one complaint, it would be that the feel of the whole book never seemed to change. It was as though the characters felt the same thing no matter what happened. Though, to be fair, that could be because I read this as an ebook, which makes it a little harder for me to get lost in. Also, Ms. Danely is very good at not telling the reader what the characters feel and allowing them to imagine it themselves. So, my one complaint for this book may not be so much of a fault as it is just me being nit-picky.
To sum up, I loved it and would gladly recommend it to all my friends!
However, if I were to make one complaint, it would be that the feel of the whole book never seemed to change. It was as though the characters felt the same thing no matter what happened. Though, to be fair, that could be because I read this as an ebook, which makes it a little harder for me to get lost in. Also, Ms. Danely is very good at not telling the reader what the characters feel and allowing them to imagine it themselves. So, my one complaint for this book may not be so much of a fault as it is just me being nit-picky.
To sum up, I loved it and would gladly recommend it to all my friends!
October 1, 2013
I must admit, I liked this story much better than Shakespeare's version. Although I loved the depth of emotion in the original play, the ending was never satisfactory. I am glad that the story has been modified, turning the tragedy to joy instead. I am also glad that dear Mercutio was given a happy ending, of sorts. I never liked his untimely end.
Queen Mab is definitely a character. Turned bitter by Faunus when he betrays her and breaks her heart, she turns her wrath on him and his favored Montagues. She uses the friendship of House Capulet and turns him against Montague. Faunus and Mab use the Montagues and Capulets in their personal war like pieces in a chessboard. It isn't until a hundred years pass that they raise the stakes and things draw to an end. It is a terrible thing to see young lovers caught between the games of the demigods.
I would recommend this book to others, and I have enjoyed reading many of Kate Danley's other works.
*I received an ARC copy of this book in return for an honest review.*
Queen Mab is definitely a character. Turned bitter by Faunus when he betrays her and breaks her heart, she turns her wrath on him and his favored Montagues. She uses the friendship of House Capulet and turns him against Montague. Faunus and Mab use the Montagues and Capulets in their personal war like pieces in a chessboard. It isn't until a hundred years pass that they raise the stakes and things draw to an end. It is a terrible thing to see young lovers caught between the games of the demigods.
I would recommend this book to others, and I have enjoyed reading many of Kate Danley's other works.
*I received an ARC copy of this book in return for an honest review.*
June 10, 2014
From the description, I knew I would love this book. I wasn't prepared for how much.
Kate Danley takes the story of Romeo and Juliet and twists into a what if story. And that my dear friends is where it gets delicious. What if the entire story was based on a feud between Queen Mab and Faunus?
I've read Romeo and Juliet a few times but I've never cried over any of the tragedy. In this story, I feel for all of the characters. I was on the edge of my seat hoping Mab and Mercutio got their happy ending.
I can't say enough good about this book. If you loved the original, if you love a great love story, if you love stories about fairies, you really must read this book!
Kate Danley takes the story of Romeo and Juliet and twists into a what if story. And that my dear friends is where it gets delicious. What if the entire story was based on a feud between Queen Mab and Faunus?
I've read Romeo and Juliet a few times but I've never cried over any of the tragedy. In this story, I feel for all of the characters. I was on the edge of my seat hoping Mab and Mercutio got their happy ending.
I can't say enough good about this book. If you loved the original, if you love a great love story, if you love stories about fairies, you really must read this book!
February 16, 2015
Extremely well written book. Well researched. Probably deserves 5 stars but I am just not very fond of the story of Romeo & Juliet so I think that may have colored may have colored my perceptions some.
A much more tragic and yet a much less tragic story than the original . . . I know that doesn't seem to make any sense but if you read it, I am sure you will understand what I mean.
It was somewhat of a slow read for me at times but as I confess above, not my favorite subject matter. It was more than compelling enough to read though to the end and well worth the time.
A much more tragic and yet a much less tragic story than the original . . . I know that doesn't seem to make any sense but if you read it, I am sure you will understand what I mean.
It was somewhat of a slow read for me at times but as I confess above, not my favorite subject matter. It was more than compelling enough to read though to the end and well worth the time.
March 14, 2014
I had fun reading this book. It has been more than 20 years since I have read Romeo and Juliet, but this book brought it all back and with a nice new perspective. The ending was the only part I did not really enjoy.
February 20, 2015
I watched Baz Luhrmann's Romeo + Juliet after finishing this book, and I am cracking up envisioning Harold Perrineau as the Mercutio is Queen Mab. Love it. If you've ever wished The Bard's tragedy had instead a happy ending, this book is for you.
February 28, 2015
It's twisty and turny and peppered with Shakespearean dialogue as this story brings a new take on the tale of Romeo and Juliet. And I did not see that ending coming! Well and nicely done, Ms. Danley.
March 15, 2015
Queen Mab
I could not put down the book once I started. This was a nice retelling of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet and the demigod's manipulation of the their fate and the redemption of Queen Mab. You can also add a bit of Beauty and the Beast where the Beast is Queen Mab.
I could not put down the book once I started. This was a nice retelling of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet and the demigod's manipulation of the their fate and the redemption of Queen Mab. You can also add a bit of Beauty and the Beast where the Beast is Queen Mab.
October 25, 2013
Took the story of R & J and gave it such a wonderful twist/side plot. Loved it!
April 27, 2014
I found this concept amazing but I just couldn't get in to the book. Did not like Queen Mab at all, which made progress in this book painful.
January 4, 2015
Interesting
Queen Man is a unique take on Rome and Juliet from the perspective of the faery queen. Some parts were a little dry but overall a nice read.
Queen Man is a unique take on Rome and Juliet from the perspective of the faery queen. Some parts were a little dry but overall a nice read.
March 18, 2015
A new twist.
A new twist to the story of Romeo and Julliet. Very well written. The characters are very descriptive and their personalities are well formed. A great book.
A new twist to the story of Romeo and Julliet. Very well written. The characters are very descriptive and their personalities are well formed. A great book.
March 24, 2015
queen man is a biotch, and I love it! I would have a bit of a tiffy myself if some dude steals my magic cow and smooshes my heart to bits. go get em mabsie!
January 27, 2016
"It was just a dream..." Truly?
Interesting adaptation. Honestly though, not quite as engaging as Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, although the author's love for the original does shine through.
Interesting adaptation. Honestly though, not quite as engaging as Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, although the author's love for the original does shine through.
March 9, 2022
"Bloodshed for bloodshed makes mourners of us all. There is no joy in revenge, no taste of honeyed happiness found in the goblet of rogue justice served."
From the book Queen Mab by Kate Danley and William Shakespeare
What games of trickery and cunning are played, with mortals as the pawns, when the Gods and Fae feud! Queen Mab by Kate Danley and William Shakespeare is a story weaving together William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet along with the story of what possibly caused the two great houses of Montague and Capulet, a feud between the faerie queen, Queen Mab Bringer of Dreams, and the Roman Satyr Pastoral God, Faunus Bringer of Daydreams.
In this story the classic Shakespearean tale of Romeo and Juliet is told from the view points of Queen Mab and Faunus, when Faunus betrays Queen Mab, enraging her and breaking her heart, the two start a centuries long feud that will pull the house's of Montague and Capulet into the storm that in the end, as we know, will lead to a tragic end between the star crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet. This book is a must read if you want to see how this tragedy unfolded, the causes behind it, and exactly what happened to all the players on this game board of love and betrayal in a beautiful retelling from Kate Danley.
There wasn't much that I disliked about this book. I can't really think of a single criticism. What I did love is how beautifully Kate Danley captures William Shakespeare's prose and rhythm. She weaves such a beautiful tale of romance, love, betrayal, anger, revenge, mischief, and trickery with the beauty and elegance of Shakespeare himself. Then I need to mention how she also entwines the story of Romeo and Juliet with this awesome retelling adding in Queen Mab and Faunus, along with some other surprise guest players, and a wonderful twisted ending. As I end this review I also have to give a well deserved applause to the narrator of this beautiful tale, Julian Rhind-Tutt, as I listened to this as an audiobook. His voice added so much depth, beauty, and passion to this already phenomenal tale! I will definitely be buying this as a physical book to keep on my shelves as well!
From the book Queen Mab by Kate Danley and William Shakespeare
What games of trickery and cunning are played, with mortals as the pawns, when the Gods and Fae feud! Queen Mab by Kate Danley and William Shakespeare is a story weaving together William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet along with the story of what possibly caused the two great houses of Montague and Capulet, a feud between the faerie queen, Queen Mab Bringer of Dreams, and the Roman Satyr Pastoral God, Faunus Bringer of Daydreams.
In this story the classic Shakespearean tale of Romeo and Juliet is told from the view points of Queen Mab and Faunus, when Faunus betrays Queen Mab, enraging her and breaking her heart, the two start a centuries long feud that will pull the house's of Montague and Capulet into the storm that in the end, as we know, will lead to a tragic end between the star crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet. This book is a must read if you want to see how this tragedy unfolded, the causes behind it, and exactly what happened to all the players on this game board of love and betrayal in a beautiful retelling from Kate Danley.
There wasn't much that I disliked about this book. I can't really think of a single criticism. What I did love is how beautifully Kate Danley captures William Shakespeare's prose and rhythm. She weaves such a beautiful tale of romance, love, betrayal, anger, revenge, mischief, and trickery with the beauty and elegance of Shakespeare himself. Then I need to mention how she also entwines the story of Romeo and Juliet with this awesome retelling adding in Queen Mab and Faunus, along with some other surprise guest players, and a wonderful twisted ending. As I end this review I also have to give a well deserved applause to the narrator of this beautiful tale, Julian Rhind-Tutt, as I listened to this as an audiobook. His voice added so much depth, beauty, and passion to this already phenomenal tale! I will definitely be buying this as a physical book to keep on my shelves as well!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews