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The Journey: Fairytales Retold #1
Beyond the Tower
My tower was my prison, until I betrayed my witch.
She told me twisted tales by the fireside and allowed me books that filled me with longing. That was my life. It was all I had.
‘Til one night, Paul heard me singing and convinced me to hope that we could escape together. Life could be different, if I had the courage to escape the witch’s grasp.
But she found and killed him. And she’s cast me out, alone. Without him. Without her.
I don’t know where to go, how to find food, or even who to trust in this strange world. But isn’t that what she wants? For me to beg her to take me back? I may know nothing of the world beyond my tower, except this.
I’m never returning to my prison. She’ll never control me again.
Rapunzel’s journey begins weaving fairy tales and faith together in a lyrical retelling you won’t forget.
She told me twisted tales by the fireside and allowed me books that filled me with longing. That was my life. It was all I had.
‘Til one night, Paul heard me singing and convinced me to hope that we could escape together. Life could be different, if I had the courage to escape the witch’s grasp.
But she found and killed him. And she’s cast me out, alone. Without him. Without her.
I don’t know where to go, how to find food, or even who to trust in this strange world. But isn’t that what she wants? For me to beg her to take me back? I may know nothing of the world beyond my tower, except this.
I’m never returning to my prison. She’ll never control me again.
Rapunzel’s journey begins weaving fairy tales and faith together in a lyrical retelling you won’t forget.
256 pages, Paperback
First published November 27, 2018
113 people are currently reading
2087 people want to read
About the author
JacQueline Vaughn Roe
8 books33 followersA lover of books and fairytales, JacQueline enjoys telling stories, asking God hard questions, and laughing with her family and friends. She lives in North Alabama with her amazing karate husband and three book-crazy children. She takes every opportunity to drink coffee while wearing big earrings and the color purple.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
January 15, 2021
This was a really enjoyable novel. I was unsure walking into it since I tend to be very half and half when it comes to the tale of Repunzel. I truly loved the ways in which the author captures the main characters difficulties in desiring to be normal, being trapped in the tower, and discovering the "world of men" much like Liesel in the Sound of Music (poor joke, sorry XD).
March 10, 2021
Actual Rating: honestly no clue, but 4 stars sounded good
This was an incredibly unique book; I've never read anything like it.
-Even though this is written in 1st person POV, the narration feels very distant. I did get used to it, and I can see why it was written that way- how it reflects her isolation. Looking back, I can relate to Rapunzel.
-This book is very introspective, there's several action scenes but overall has a more subdued and philosophical tone. If your favorite thing about books is the rush of adrenaline and constant action this book is probably not for you.
-Even though Rapunzel is the main character, there are tons of different fairytales woven throughout. Most of them are less well-known, and some I'm not sure if it's a fairy tale I haven't heard of or an original. Even includes the Emperor's New Clothes- can honestly say I haven't read a retelling of that one before.
-The cover really suits the book in multiple ways. I also like the fact that it"s very nice and symmetrical ^.^
-The Christian message is explicit at some points, rather than just being implied, but I liked how it was handled and integrated well into the story.
-Historical aspects sprinkled throughout the book- very Middle Ages flavor.
Content Warning: I won't go into details since it's somewhat spoilery, but there is a disturbing scene with dead bodies hanging from the walls. That totally threw me off guard since I didn't realize which fairytale it was referring to and it didn't fit with the book's tone up to that point.
Also, there are multiple references to children/marriage and the desires for both, also kissing (not detailed.)
This was an incredibly unique book; I've never read anything like it.
-Even though this is written in 1st person POV, the narration feels very distant. I did get used to it, and I can see why it was written that way- how it reflects her isolation. Looking back, I can relate to Rapunzel.
-This book is very introspective, there's several action scenes but overall has a more subdued and philosophical tone. If your favorite thing about books is the rush of adrenaline and constant action this book is probably not for you.
-Even though Rapunzel is the main character, there are tons of different fairytales woven throughout. Most of them are less well-known, and some I'm not sure if it's a fairy tale I haven't heard of or an original. Even includes the Emperor's New Clothes- can honestly say I haven't read a retelling of that one before.
-The cover really suits the book in multiple ways. I also like the fact that it"s very nice and symmetrical ^.^
-The Christian message is explicit at some points, rather than just being implied, but I liked how it was handled and integrated well into the story.
-Historical aspects sprinkled throughout the book- very Middle Ages flavor.
Content Warning: I won't go into details since it's somewhat spoilery, but there is a disturbing scene with dead bodies hanging from the walls. That totally threw me off guard since I didn't realize which fairytale it was referring to and it didn't fit with the book's tone up to that point.
Also, there are multiple references to children/marriage and the desires for both, also kissing (not detailed.)
October 6, 2022
Something happened; something began to transform her appearance for a moment. But it was just a moment, and though I recall it as I stand here among the ruins of my life, I know that I will never witness what was trying to emerge. Not unless she wants me to. It only now occurs to me that she was a captive, too.
Rapunzel retells her life with the witch. The story starts with Rapunzel among sunflowers that had been ruined by the witch, as well as Rapunzel’s hair shorn off. She tells of what her days were like in the tower and the stories the witch told her.
This also tells of what happens to Rapunzel after she is dismissed from the tower. She is trying to make it in a world she has never known, due to the witch hiding her since birth.
I don’t know how I feel about the writing style. I do like the aspect that you can tell this is set during the medieval era. But for the most part, I was bored and couldn’t care less what happened. I skimmed and skipped. I just feel like this story isn’t for me.
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I hate to do this but I putting back for right now. I have just read so many historical romances back to back that I am burnt out at the moment. Now the others were Victorian and Regency but even this medieval one isn't hitting home. I think I will read some modern YAs and then pick this back up in a day or two.
Rapunzel retells her life with the witch. The story starts with Rapunzel among sunflowers that had been ruined by the witch, as well as Rapunzel’s hair shorn off. She tells of what her days were like in the tower and the stories the witch told her.
This also tells of what happens to Rapunzel after she is dismissed from the tower. She is trying to make it in a world she has never known, due to the witch hiding her since birth.
I don’t know how I feel about the writing style. I do like the aspect that you can tell this is set during the medieval era. But for the most part, I was bored and couldn’t care less what happened. I skimmed and skipped. I just feel like this story isn’t for me.
---------
I hate to do this but I putting back for right now. I have just read so many historical romances back to back that I am burnt out at the moment. Now the others were Victorian and Regency but even this medieval one isn't hitting home. I think I will read some modern YAs and then pick this back up in a day or two.
November 8, 2021
Nope. Just nope. I don't like Christian literature at all, and didn't know this was it.
I own the whole series in e-book form, but I really don't want to read the sequels now.
The story was all over the place too, some things I randomly liked, that's it 🤷♀️
I own the whole series in e-book form, but I really don't want to read the sequels now.
The story was all over the place too, some things I randomly liked, that's it 🤷♀️
July 25, 2019
I'm not typically a YA fiction reader, but really enjoyed this Rapunzel story retold. Her physical and mental/spiritual journey kept me reading as she encountered interesting characters. The time-period descriptions brought me into the story without alienating me since I'm unfamiliar with the genre. It was easy to get caught up in Rapunzel's journey. I'm looking forward to reading the next in the series to see what happens next!
January 20, 2019
Ms. Roe has taken the known fairy tail to a greater understanding. She expounds beyond the common to create a relatable adolescent girl. The language is beautiful and engaging. I was wrapped up in the story by her choice of words. Though the book is YA focused, I have no reservations recommending it to all readers.
May 31, 2019
I enjoyed reading Beyond the Tower very much. Sometimes I don't like when writers change the classic fairy tale story, but Jacqueline did an amazing job recreating the story of Rapunzel. The story has great character development and I loved the details of setting and experiencing the story from Rapunzel's view. My favorite part is when Rapunzel escapes her tower and experiences the world. She has to find work and learn how to take care of herself and understand why the witch did what she did. The story is very well written and I look forward to reading more books from Jacqueline Vaughn Roe.
Merged review:
I enjoyed reading Beyond the Tower very much. Sometimes I don't like when writers change the classic fairy tale story, but Jacqueline did an amazing job recreating the story of Rapunzel. The story has great character development and I loved the details of setting and experiencing the story from Rapunzel's view. My favorite part is when Rapunzel escapes her tower and experiences the world. She has to find work and learn how to take care of herself and understand why the witch did what she did. The story is very well written and I look forward to reading more books from Jacqueline Vaughn Roe.
Merged review:
I enjoyed reading Beyond the Tower very much. Sometimes I don't like when writers change the classic fairy tale story, but Jacqueline did an amazing job recreating the story of Rapunzel. The story has great character development and I loved the details of setting and experiencing the story from Rapunzel's view. My favorite part is when Rapunzel escapes her tower and experiences the world. She has to find work and learn how to take care of herself and understand why the witch did what she did. The story is very well written and I look forward to reading more books from Jacqueline Vaughn Roe.
December 27, 2020
Interesting plot, not my style
This is 90% inner monologue with only 10% action and dialogue. I personally love a driven story, where things happen and the main character has a clearly defined growth arc. This story has us following Rapunzel around as she wanders the earth, seeking for her place. It is ambiguous and vague.
I liked the way the author wove in spiritual things. Rapunzel's search for a deeper meaning for life was believable, and this aspect of character is not usually quickly changed, so the slower pace worked well for this.
I do have to say, though...Rapunzel's love was named "Paul." So *not* a fantasy name! Every time I read it, I asked myself who Paul was, because the name just didn't fit the setting. That's just my opinion, though. More power to the author for breaking fantasy name stereotypes.
This is 90% inner monologue with only 10% action and dialogue. I personally love a driven story, where things happen and the main character has a clearly defined growth arc. This story has us following Rapunzel around as she wanders the earth, seeking for her place. It is ambiguous and vague.
I liked the way the author wove in spiritual things. Rapunzel's search for a deeper meaning for life was believable, and this aspect of character is not usually quickly changed, so the slower pace worked well for this.
I do have to say, though...Rapunzel's love was named "Paul." So *not* a fantasy name! Every time I read it, I asked myself who Paul was, because the name just didn't fit the setting. That's just my opinion, though. More power to the author for breaking fantasy name stereotypes.
December 30, 2020
The author writes in such beautiful prose it’s almost lyrical at times. I love this alternative take on fairy tales. It’s fun deep diving into different characters as rapunzel, our main character, acts as a supporting role of other fairy tales. It has been a wonderful escape. I will definitely be reading the other books in this series.
June 19, 2019
First time reading fantasy or fairytales, it was a slow start because of that but once I finally got into it, I enjoyed it. New and exciting kind of book for me. Thank you JacQueline Vaughn Roe for writing this story. May God Bless you in the next book writing..
November 17, 2020
What a journey!
I have never really wondered where Repunzel would go after escaping from her tower, but she certainly goes on a mighty journey. Somehow, I have a feeling this is only the beginning. Amusing tale, I enjoyed reading this.
I have never really wondered where Repunzel would go after escaping from her tower, but she certainly goes on a mighty journey. Somehow, I have a feeling this is only the beginning. Amusing tale, I enjoyed reading this.
January 15, 2021
Good story
I love hearing Christian content in fantasy stories. That’s the best for solid trustworthy counsel and spiritual understanding. The book is a clean read suitable for children of any age. The author kept me interested all the way through.
I love hearing Christian content in fantasy stories. That’s the best for solid trustworthy counsel and spiritual understanding. The book is a clean read suitable for children of any age. The author kept me interested all the way through.
November 6, 2024
What happened to Rapunzel after the witch threw her love out of the tower? The author explores this question in Rapunzel’s journey where she meets many people struggling with the hardships of life and helps to the best of her ability, becoming the fairy godmother of their own fairytales. Each new encounter weaves another fairytale into the quilt this story makes.
Although the style is distant and whimsical, it worked for me because it has a very dreamlike quality that encapsulates the fairytale style the author is going for. The second half of this novel adds a Christian element when Rapunzel stays at a convent and is introduced to some of the core teachings of the faith. How ever, this is not Christian Fantasy as I understand it because the characters don’t really ask existential questions and even with her introduction to the faith, Rapunzel doesn’t actually engage with the teachings or find answers to what she’s gone through.
The main messages I found in this book are about loneliness and grief, especially the part about letting go of the past so we can continue living. Neither of these aspects are actually explored from the perspective of faith, which is why I wouldn’t classify this novel as Christian Fantasy. That doesn’t detract from the power of the message, which is imparted in the gentle swells of waves on a lake shore.
Although the style is distant and whimsical, it worked for me because it has a very dreamlike quality that encapsulates the fairytale style the author is going for. The second half of this novel adds a Christian element when Rapunzel stays at a convent and is introduced to some of the core teachings of the faith. How ever, this is not Christian Fantasy as I understand it because the characters don’t really ask existential questions and even with her introduction to the faith, Rapunzel doesn’t actually engage with the teachings or find answers to what she’s gone through.
The main messages I found in this book are about loneliness and grief, especially the part about letting go of the past so we can continue living. Neither of these aspects are actually explored from the perspective of faith, which is why I wouldn’t classify this novel as Christian Fantasy. That doesn’t detract from the power of the message, which is imparted in the gentle swells of waves on a lake shore.
September 29, 2021
This is a very unique fairy tale retelling, and definitely worth a try if you enjoy those, or even if you don't! It is mostly based on Rapunzel's story, but many other fairy tales and legends are woven throughout as Rapunzel deals with grief and tries to find her place in the world.
Also, I was very pleasantly surprised to discover this book is Christian! Whenever characters specifically bring up Christianity in a book where I wasn't expecting it, I'm always worried at first that it will turn out anti-Christian. I've read books before where they do that, and it seems especially common in fantasy; some of the Christian characters turn out to be not very Christian, or the main character decides Christianity doesn't make logical sense or isn't sufficient to explain why suffering exists. I am very happy to report this book does not do that, but neither does it make light of the questions one would have when encountering Christianity for the first time as Rapunzel does in her travels. In fact, Rapunzel asked some questions I have never encountered before in all my reading. Always delightful to consider a new perspective!
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the next.
Also, I was very pleasantly surprised to discover this book is Christian! Whenever characters specifically bring up Christianity in a book where I wasn't expecting it, I'm always worried at first that it will turn out anti-Christian. I've read books before where they do that, and it seems especially common in fantasy; some of the Christian characters turn out to be not very Christian, or the main character decides Christianity doesn't make logical sense or isn't sufficient to explain why suffering exists. I am very happy to report this book does not do that, but neither does it make light of the questions one would have when encountering Christianity for the first time as Rapunzel does in her travels. In fact, Rapunzel asked some questions I have never encountered before in all my reading. Always delightful to consider a new perspective!
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the next.
May 16, 2022
I don't read fairy tale retellings often so I wasn't sure what to expect when starting Beyond the Tower, but I loved this book! The start of Rapunzel's story is both heartbreaking and inspiring, and I love all of the other fairy tales that are sprinkled in along the way. I think my favorite thing about this book is the way the faith is interwoven in the story. It's unique in the sense that Rapunzel is kind of a "blank slate" when it comes to religion and God. She was isolated for the majority of her life, not knowing anything about religion, so when she's finally confronted with it, it's not with a negative or positive bias like we usually see. She's curious and wants to know more about this God that others talk about. As someone who wasn't raised in a religious home and who had to figure a lot out by herself, I relate to that aspect of Rapunzel's journey. I've very interested to see where the rest of the series goes!
Read
October 26, 2021As a young adult, I worked as a nanny in North Dallas. Every morning one summer, I would drive to work and noticed over the wall of an enclosed house peaked six-foot-high sunflowers bobbing their yellow heads in greeting. I looked forward to seeing them every morning until one day when they weren’t there anymore. My writer’s imagination went into overdrive. Where had they gone? Had someone chopped them down?
Having just finished a lengthy writing project, my mind was ripe for something new. Rapunzel began telling me her story of how sunflowers had led Paul to her tower. She told me of how the witch decapitated the sunflowers, threw Paul from the tower, and left her bewildered in a wilderness. I thought I was just writing a short story of fairytales retold, but each chapter led to the next and Rapunzel kept telling me more.
Having just finished a lengthy writing project, my mind was ripe for something new. Rapunzel began telling me her story of how sunflowers had led Paul to her tower. She told me of how the witch decapitated the sunflowers, threw Paul from the tower, and left her bewildered in a wilderness. I thought I was just writing a short story of fairytales retold, but each chapter led to the next and Rapunzel kept telling me more.
August 7, 2021
So what happens to Rapunzel after she leaves the tower? What was her life like before?
This story brings in various tales but focuses on the character of Rapunzel.
It was first person, and that really suited the writing style which was more of inner monologue/recollection as she travels. It is not a fast-paced book which really suits the type of story being told.
It's fantasy with bits of romance, mystery, and more thrown in.
It doesn't fully wrap up but continues into the next tale...um book.
This story brings in various tales but focuses on the character of Rapunzel.
It was first person, and that really suited the writing style which was more of inner monologue/recollection as she travels. It is not a fast-paced book which really suits the type of story being told.
It's fantasy with bits of romance, mystery, and more thrown in.
It doesn't fully wrap up but continues into the next tale...um book.
August 24, 2019
I must say that I really like the idea of this book. That's as far as it goes. I've never really wanted to write a review before now.
I see that four others gave this a glowing review and five stars. I don't understand, maybe no one else could finish reading. I pushed through to meet a reading goal, hoping it would make sense in the end. It didn't.
The writing is stilted and the storyline seemed forced. I am no literary critic, but I had to say something.
I see that four others gave this a glowing review and five stars. I don't understand, maybe no one else could finish reading. I pushed through to meet a reading goal, hoping it would make sense in the end. It didn't.
The writing is stilted and the storyline seemed forced. I am no literary critic, but I had to say something.
May 23, 2021
There was plenty of things that I liked- the author’s writing style was fluent for the majority of her writing.
I had a few questions- one was the choice of the name Paul for her love interest. I know it’s a traditional and biblical name, but to me, that is most definitely not the name of a prince. I think it’d be classed as too common....
I had a few questions- one was the choice of the name Paul for her love interest. I know it’s a traditional and biblical name, but to me, that is most definitely not the name of a prince. I think it’d be classed as too common....
June 18, 2022
Interesting take on a classic story
This book was an interesting take on the story of Rapunzel but it seemed very choppy and disjointed. I would have enjoyed it more if there were smoother transitions between the scenes the book evokes. Overall, I still enjoyed the story but I’m not sure if I’ll read more from this author.
This book was an interesting take on the story of Rapunzel but it seemed very choppy and disjointed. I would have enjoyed it more if there were smoother transitions between the scenes the book evokes. Overall, I still enjoyed the story but I’m not sure if I’ll read more from this author.
July 18, 2022
More than I expected
I expected this fairy tale retelling to be a shallow and quick read, but I was pleased to find that there are levels within the story for everyone to relate to where they are. This story interweaves with other stories as Rapunzel finds her own story. It definitely kept me reading.
I expected this fairy tale retelling to be a shallow and quick read, but I was pleased to find that there are levels within the story for everyone to relate to where they are. This story interweaves with other stories as Rapunzel finds her own story. It definitely kept me reading.
June 10, 2021
Intriguing
I enjoyed this story. Seems to be a mix of various fairytales, with a message embedded in it. Would have liked it to have an ending instead of continuing in another book. Plus offers the prequel, but cannot access it!?
I enjoyed this story. Seems to be a mix of various fairytales, with a message embedded in it. Would have liked it to have an ending instead of continuing in another book. Plus offers the prequel, but cannot access it!?
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October 8, 2021I’m not sure how to rate this book. It is part of a series with a continuing story line so they would all need to be read to learn how Rapunzel’s story ends. It is introspective and a little depressing. I also found it a little difficult to follow sometimes.
October 2, 2022
I don't often give 1 star reviews to books, but I'd hardly call this a book - it's more a disjointed series of strange happenings that ends just as suddenly as it starts. I'm not going to be reading any more books in this series and I'm kind of annoyed that I read this one.
December 17, 2020
I just couldn't read this it was losing my interest and I stopped in the middle of the book I gave it 50 pages just couldn't
May 21, 2021
I really enjoyed being immersed in this new world that she created. It was a very different way of looking at Rapunzel than I have ever have seen.
It, like good books should, left me wanting more.
It, like good books should, left me wanting more.
July 9, 2021
Too much jumping around. There didn't seem to be any real story that I could follow and I didn't finish the book.
July 26, 2021
A really interesting take on common fairy tales. The writing reads as if it's timeless. I love the way Rupunzel journeys through other stories
February 5, 2022
1.5 stars
Took me a long time to finish it, didn’t enjoyed it.
There were no storyline and too over the place. It’s a short book but sooooo long to read
Took me a long time to finish it, didn’t enjoyed it.
There were no storyline and too over the place. It’s a short book but sooooo long to read
June 1, 2022
An amazing Rapunzel retelling that will leave you on the edge of your seat and wanting more.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews