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Once Upon Another Time #2
Tall Tales (2)
The second book in a new trilogy of twisted fairy tales from New York Times bestselling author James Riley, set in the world of his popular Half Upon a Time series, that’s perfect for fans of Fablehaven and Chris Colfer’s A Tale of Magic series!
Lena might finally be accepted by the other giants after helping to defeat the Golden King and his faceless army in the Cursed City, but that doesn’t mean life has become any easier for her. The power-hungry Golden King wants revenge and has begun spreading shadow magic out over the kingdoms, taking over the minds of anyone it touches, and instilling fear and hatred as it goes.
The fairy queens, the most magical beings in the kingdoms, say their sacred book, Tales of All Things , claims that there is one person who can defeat the Golden King and his dark spells: Lena. But only if she first proves herself worthy by completing three challenges.
All Lena ever wanted was to prove she is really a giant. Now she has to be so much more. Can she and her genie friend, Jin, save the human world that doesn’t trust them, or will they fall prey to shadow magic, and doom everything?
Lena might finally be accepted by the other giants after helping to defeat the Golden King and his faceless army in the Cursed City, but that doesn’t mean life has become any easier for her. The power-hungry Golden King wants revenge and has begun spreading shadow magic out over the kingdoms, taking over the minds of anyone it touches, and instilling fear and hatred as it goes.
The fairy queens, the most magical beings in the kingdoms, say their sacred book, Tales of All Things , claims that there is one person who can defeat the Golden King and his dark spells: Lena. But only if she first proves herself worthy by completing three challenges.
All Lena ever wanted was to prove she is really a giant. Now she has to be so much more. Can she and her genie friend, Jin, save the human world that doesn’t trust them, or will they fall prey to shadow magic, and doom everything?
306 pages, Paperback
Published May 2, 2023
23 people are currently reading
215 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
October 17, 2022
It’s been a few weeks since the battle where Lena proved herself as a giant despite her small size. However, the Golden King is still out to control the entire world via shadow magic, and it soon becomes clear that Lena and genie in training Jin are the only ones who will be able to stop him. However, to do that, they will have to enter areas controlled by shadow magic. The fairy queens have told Lena she will have some tasks to accomplish to prove she is worthy of defeating the Golden King. Will she be successful? Or will she and Jin fall to the shadow magic before they even reach her first test?
This book has the unenviable job of bridging the gap between the beginning and the end of the trilogy while telling an entertaining story. And it succeeds wonderfully. There are plenty of twists and lots of action to make the pages fly by. This really is Lena and Jin’s story equally, and we get to watch it unfold from both of their points of view. We don’t see much of the other characters introduced in the first book, but we get some fun new characters to replace them. Then there’s the humor, including some fun meta moments, which help keep the book from getting too dark. There are some references to the events of author James Riley’s earlier Half Upon a Time trilogy, so this will leave you wanting to read those books if you haven’t yet. You’ll also be anxiously waiting for the final book in this trilogy to come out. I know I am.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
This book has the unenviable job of bridging the gap between the beginning and the end of the trilogy while telling an entertaining story. And it succeeds wonderfully. There are plenty of twists and lots of action to make the pages fly by. This really is Lena and Jin’s story equally, and we get to watch it unfold from both of their points of view. We don’t see much of the other characters introduced in the first book, but we get some fun new characters to replace them. Then there’s the humor, including some fun meta moments, which help keep the book from getting too dark. There are some references to the events of author James Riley’s earlier Half Upon a Time trilogy, so this will leave you wanting to read those books if you haven’t yet. You’ll also be anxiously waiting for the final book in this trilogy to come out. I know I am.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
February 13, 2025
I think I would have liked this book a lot more if I could remember what happened in the first one, lol. And also in the Half Upon A Time series. Anyway, I still enjoyed it, and some memories came back to me as I was reading. I did feel like it was a little slow until the end, but now that I've reached the end of the book I can't wait to find out what happens in the next one. James Riley is a great author!
February 10, 2023
Aaahh. I feel like I need to revisit this one.
The ending? Fantastic. Amazing. I love how this book ends. I think James Riley writes some awesome twists that always manage to make me feel so very fluffy and emotional about the rest of the book.
However, even though I thought the ending and its premise was very clever, dastardly, and absolutely perfect, I think the rest of this book needed more time. The pacing was quick, but not enough happened, so by the time I reached the ending, I was just kind of... waiting for something to happen. The emotions didn't hit for me with this one.
It just felt like, instead of the messages and the ideas being told through the plot, to quote a review I read about a different book recently, the messages drove the plot and the dialogue. It just needed a little more substance. Heck, I almost feel like this could've been combined with Once Upon Another Time, and it would've felt better.
Will this hit for the intended audience? Most likely! I'm not the intended audience anymore, and I'm not wearing nolstagia-tinted lenses with this one, either. However, I think overall, it expects its audience to be wowed and shocked by a twist that did not have (in my opinion) the proper momentum to give it its due. Riley's characters are so much fun, and the potential character dynamics he stages are also so fun, but I don't think we got enough of them in this one.
The things I liked?
I don't want people to read this and think, "Oh she doesn't like James Riley" because that is so, so much the opposite. This man is so great. He is living his best life; he is so awesome to his fans, and he is clearly having a very good time writing these. Kudos to him! He puts a lot of care into his characters. I'm excited for the next one. I still recommend reading this, because THAT ENDING THO.
The ending? Fantastic. Amazing. I love how this book ends. I think James Riley writes some awesome twists that always manage to make me feel so very fluffy and emotional about the rest of the book.
However, even though I thought the ending and its premise was very clever, dastardly, and absolutely perfect, I think the rest of this book needed more time. The pacing was quick, but not enough happened, so by the time I reached the ending, I was just kind of... waiting for something to happen. The emotions didn't hit for me with this one.
It just felt like, instead of the messages and the ideas being told through the plot, to quote a review I read about a different book recently, the messages drove the plot and the dialogue. It just needed a little more substance. Heck, I almost feel like this could've been combined with Once Upon Another Time, and it would've felt better.
Will this hit for the intended audience? Most likely! I'm not the intended audience anymore, and I'm not wearing nolstagia-tinted lenses with this one, either. However, I think overall, it expects its audience to be wowed and shocked by a twist that did not have (in my opinion) the proper momentum to give it its due. Riley's characters are so much fun, and the potential character dynamics he stages are also so fun, but I don't think we got enough of them in this one.
The things I liked?
I don't want people to read this and think, "Oh she doesn't like James Riley" because that is so, so much the opposite. This man is so great. He is living his best life; he is so awesome to his fans, and he is clearly having a very good time writing these. Kudos to him! He puts a lot of care into his characters. I'm excited for the next one. I still recommend reading this, because THAT ENDING THO.
September 21, 2022
After picking up the first book, I was excited to dive into the second installment and see what would happen with Lena and Jin next. And I wasn't disappointed.
Where the first book laid a very solid foundation, this book takes off into adventure pure. Lena has her hands full as she tries her best to do what she knows is right. She no longer hides herself from the giants and has basically already achieved, at least, some part of her initial goal. Now, she's shoved into the role of saving the human world from disaster thanks to a book. It's fun to see this character shift as she now heads in a direction, which she never wanted to go, and has to deal with problems bigger than herself. She easy to root for and still a character to enjoy.
This is another fast-paced adventure with tons of fun twists and turns. There are more than a couple new characters introduced, and it's a treat to meet them (good and bad) as they hit a little familiarity and then go beyond. I did smile at the fairies. The tension stays high as Lena and Jin are forced to step into bigger shoes than they dreamed they could fill...and while they've come a long way, they're still learning to find their own notches in the world. Plus, their personalities make them both to love, each in their very own way.
If nothing else, this book has built the scene for what promises to be a very, exciting ending for the last book in the trilogy. I received a DRC and actually found myself enjoying this second book even more than the first.
Where the first book laid a very solid foundation, this book takes off into adventure pure. Lena has her hands full as she tries her best to do what she knows is right. She no longer hides herself from the giants and has basically already achieved, at least, some part of her initial goal. Now, she's shoved into the role of saving the human world from disaster thanks to a book. It's fun to see this character shift as she now heads in a direction, which she never wanted to go, and has to deal with problems bigger than herself. She easy to root for and still a character to enjoy.
This is another fast-paced adventure with tons of fun twists and turns. There are more than a couple new characters introduced, and it's a treat to meet them (good and bad) as they hit a little familiarity and then go beyond. I did smile at the fairies. The tension stays high as Lena and Jin are forced to step into bigger shoes than they dreamed they could fill...and while they've come a long way, they're still learning to find their own notches in the world. Plus, their personalities make them both to love, each in their very own way.
If nothing else, this book has built the scene for what promises to be a very, exciting ending for the last book in the trilogy. I received a DRC and actually found myself enjoying this second book even more than the first.
February 2, 2023
The Last Knight has gone to try and defeat the shadow magic. He wouldn't let Lena come with him, and the reason he gave her has her head spinning about who she really is. But then the fairies whisk Lena away and insist she go to save the Last Knight from being overwhelmed by the shadow magic. The Last Knight's final wish from Jin was to keep Lena safe, so of course he's along for this adventure. But there are secrets, deep secrets about the shadow magic and their quest, and Lena and Jin are in very grave danger.
There is quite the twist at the end of this story, and our heroes are not in the best of circumstances. When does book 3 come out? Because we need to get them safe! While this is book 2 in this series, the Half Upon a Time series events and characters come up so frequently, this is better treated as book 5 in that series (you would be pretty lost if you haven't read the Half Upon a Time series...I have read that series but it has been a few years so I spent several chapters wracking my brains to remember certain characters and events that are referred to). Rufus continues to be my favorite character. There's a scene in which Rufus' magic hat gets knocked off and Jin has a conversation with him in his native tongue that was pretty funny. Overall, another adventurous reimagined fairytale world quest but we need book 3 soon.
Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content. There are battles, but they are mostly magical.
There is quite the twist at the end of this story, and our heroes are not in the best of circumstances. When does book 3 come out? Because we need to get them safe! While this is book 2 in this series, the Half Upon a Time series events and characters come up so frequently, this is better treated as book 5 in that series (you would be pretty lost if you haven't read the Half Upon a Time series...I have read that series but it has been a few years so I spent several chapters wracking my brains to remember certain characters and events that are referred to). Rufus continues to be my favorite character. There's a scene in which Rufus' magic hat gets knocked off and Jin has a conversation with him in his native tongue that was pretty funny. Overall, another adventurous reimagined fairytale world quest but we need book 3 soon.
Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content. There are battles, but they are mostly magical.
October 23, 2022
Okay! Not going to spoil anything about this beautiful sequel. But at the same time, as much as I adore this series and James Riley for the kind of writing he does (totally not envious of him for being able to write this kind of stuff so well, lord knows I’d love that capability…) The ending to “Once Upon Another Time” book 2 (and the final as far as I’m concerned but secretly hope not) was just not what I was expecting at all. It left so many questions, so many things unanswered. So many things that I hope to all that is good in this beautiful topic of writing is brought back to our attention one day.)
Was the book flawless? Of course not. Although I’m not going to say it’s better than the first, I love them both equally so! But boy oh boy does James Riley know how to write this beloved topic of writing SO well! 🤩😍🤩
Was the book flawless? Of course not. Although I’m not going to say it’s better than the first, I love them both equally so! But boy oh boy does James Riley know how to write this beloved topic of writing SO well! 🤩😍🤩
October 31, 2023
Once upon another time - Book 2
Just like its previous installment, the narration was fluid, having a very good plot and unexpected twists at crucial moments. For a children's book the narration was so vivid and colorful. It almost felt like watching one of the Disney movies.
Lena -the Giant was the one "Chosen" to defeat Midas. She was tasked by the Fairy queens to stop the Last Knight from his rebellion against the King Midas, and defeat Midas by herself. All she needed to do was to prove she was worthy, and rise above who she was. She started her journey and with the help of Jin, she was able to maneuver through many challenges and difficulties. But during the course of the journey, she understands the plot by the Fairy Queens that all they wanted her to become human - a stature she believed to be lesser one than that of hers. At the end, she eventually becomes one another puppet in the Fairy queens' plot.
Overall a good read. And relatively fast read too.
Just like its previous installment, the narration was fluid, having a very good plot and unexpected twists at crucial moments. For a children's book the narration was so vivid and colorful. It almost felt like watching one of the Disney movies.
Lena -the Giant was the one "Chosen" to defeat Midas. She was tasked by the Fairy queens to stop the Last Knight from his rebellion against the King Midas, and defeat Midas by herself. All she needed to do was to prove she was worthy, and rise above who she was. She started her journey and with the help of Jin, she was able to maneuver through many challenges and difficulties. But during the course of the journey, she understands the plot by the Fairy Queens that all they wanted her to become human - a stature she believed to be lesser one than that of hers. At the end, she eventually becomes one another puppet in the Fairy queens' plot.
Overall a good read. And relatively fast read too.
August 14, 2022
My oh my! I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review and again so glad I have! This sequel to “Once Upon Another Time” was absolutely wonderful! We see my favorite fairy Gwentell again! And learn more about the fairy queens, plus we find out what the heck’s going on with the Shadows! Tho this chapter of the tale leaves us hanging on for the finale! I absolutely cannot wait to see how this ends! After all we now know how It all is starting to connect to our hero’s from Half Upon a Time! Fantastic writing and works building!!!! Can’t wait for more!
October 23, 2022
Readers return to the Cursed City and then travel with Lena and Jin into the Shadowlands to defeat the Golden King. They encounter new allies along the way and face the Fairy Queens to receive more guidance. Quite the cliffhanger to end the second of these three books. I appreciate the Addendum and look forward to seeing how Gwendell will work with the former statues to resolve this new world situation.
Riley captures middle grade readers' attention and offers enough twists to keep them interested.
Riley captures middle grade readers' attention and offers enough twists to keep them interested.
June 15, 2023
The self-referential recursive plot device is really starting to wear out its welcome, especially after James Riley did an entire multi-book series dedicated entirely to this plot point that in of itself frankly went too long. But hey what do I know I'm just an adult reading MG books.
January 2, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. I have read the first in the series too. This is a beautiful sequel and has a very promising ending for the final book in the trilogy. The book is full of plots that I loved, and it does a nice job of explaining everything. It felt like watching a disney movie.
April 16, 2023
I loved this book. The characters were wonderful, and there are lots of twists and turns. I am looking forward to #3.
November 25, 2023
I finish the book in 2 days!!! That’s how captivating it was! Quick and easy read, and I love this series!!! I wasn’t expecting that ending!!
February 4, 2024
This was amazingly written and I loved it!!
March 12, 2024
Writers are always the true villains of their stories. Loved this book so much. So many twists. Can't wait to read the 3rd book.
November 9, 2025
Good twist and excited for the next book.
December 30, 2025
Pretty fun (I love audiobooks narrated by Ramon de Ocampo), but not as good as the first one. Carpool kids liked it.
November 14, 2022
The serie is really fantastic.
September 6, 2025
I am not fond of cliffhangers. This author seems to enjoy them.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews