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The Grimm Legacy #1
The Grimm Legacy
Elizabeth has a new job at an unusual library - a lending library of objects, not books. In a secret room in the basement lies the Grimm Collection. That's where the librarians lock away powerful items straight out of the Brothers Grimm fairy tales; seven-league boots, a table that produces a feast at the blink of an eye, Snow White's stepmother's sinister mirror that talks in riddles.
When the magical objects start to disappear, Elizabeth embarks on a dangerous quest to catch the thief before she can be accused of the crime or captured by the thief.
Polly Shulman has created a contemporary fantasy with a fascinating setting and premise, starring an ordinary girl whose after-school job is far from ordinary and leads to a world of excitement, romance and magical intrigue.
When the magical objects start to disappear, Elizabeth embarks on a dangerous quest to catch the thief before she can be accused of the crime or captured by the thief.
Polly Shulman has created a contemporary fantasy with a fascinating setting and premise, starring an ordinary girl whose after-school job is far from ordinary and leads to a world of excitement, romance and magical intrigue.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published July 8, 2010
387 people are currently reading
13666 people want to read
About the author
Polly Shulman
11 books474 followersPolly Shulman has edited and written articles about books, infinity, edible jellyfish, planets, circuses, and many other subjects for the New York Times, Science, Salon, and many other publications. She is an alumna of Yale, where she majored in math. She puts cayenne pepper in her chocolate cookies and reads forgotten books with frontispieces. In high school she worked as a page at the New York Public Library's main branch, where the librarians trusted her with the key to the special materials storage cage. She lives in New York City with her husband.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,499 reviews
October 13, 2011
I really wanted to love this book, very attractive premise. But I found the writing surprisingly unpolished - like they skipped all the editorial passes and went straight to production. The characters, flat to begin with, became increasing frustrating, making stupid choices clearly only to twist the plot into a more hackneyed shape. The pacing was odd as well in the second half of the book, where the action scenes felt rushed and more ambient interludes were emphasized.
I wanted this book to be about the wonder and magic of fairytales, but the fairytale aspect was just a sidenote here - it was almost exclusively about the materialistilism for magical objects. The kids never wonder about the Brothers Grimm and seem to have only a passing knowledge/interest in their work (beyond the dancing princesses tale, that weirdly comes up a bunch even though it isn't related to the plot).
There were a few cool ideas and interesting images here, but they didn't connect together enough to add real depth.
I wanted this book to be about the wonder and magic of fairytales, but the fairytale aspect was just a sidenote here - it was almost exclusively about the materialistilism for magical objects. The kids never wonder about the Brothers Grimm and seem to have only a passing knowledge/interest in their work (beyond the dancing princesses tale, that weirdly comes up a bunch even though it isn't related to the plot).
There were a few cool ideas and interesting images here, but they didn't connect together enough to add real depth.
August 26, 2016
Ms.Shulman totally gets fairy tale readers. When I finised this book I thought; Now why didn't I think of that?
Elizabeth at the moment is friendless. Her best friend has moved to California and she is still trying to get accustomed to her new home situation, new stepmother and two step-sisters who thankfully are at a college now. Things start to shift when Elizabeth decides to do her paper in history over the Grimm fairy tales. Elizabeth's history teacher gives her a recommendation to work at a library. But she will find out this is not like any library she has ever been to, in this library you can check out magical objects which of course opens up a whole can of trouble.
While working at the library she gets to meet the other pages: Anjali-beautiful and nice , Marc- star athlete and super good looking, and Andrew- serious, caring and funny. The pages, with the help of some younger siblings, will have to solve the mystery of the missing objects in the library. They find out soon enough that to find lost magic, you have to use magic. Suffice to say it's beyond interesting to see how they pull this off.
I really REALLY had the deep need to be able to read the entire book. I had to turn it in the next day and I read up till the last minute, so I could feed the need to know what happened. I am so glad I did. There were a few fairy tales mentioned in the story that I never heard of, and it's always a plus to find out something you didn't know about. The one thing I enjoyed the most (other than the idea of the library) was the dynamic between the characters. It's uncertain but still heart-warming. If you are looking for an original idea this is it. The only reason why I docked off a star was because I would have liked to have seen how Elizabeth's homelife developed. I will definitely read more of this author's writing.
Ok so can anybody give me any idea how to get this job? Seriously.
Elizabeth at the moment is friendless. Her best friend has moved to California and she is still trying to get accustomed to her new home situation, new stepmother and two step-sisters who thankfully are at a college now. Things start to shift when Elizabeth decides to do her paper in history over the Grimm fairy tales. Elizabeth's history teacher gives her a recommendation to work at a library. But she will find out this is not like any library she has ever been to, in this library you can check out magical objects which of course opens up a whole can of trouble.
While working at the library she gets to meet the other pages: Anjali-beautiful and nice , Marc- star athlete and super good looking, and Andrew- serious, caring and funny. The pages, with the help of some younger siblings, will have to solve the mystery of the missing objects in the library. They find out soon enough that to find lost magic, you have to use magic. Suffice to say it's beyond interesting to see how they pull this off.
I really REALLY had the deep need to be able to read the entire book. I had to turn it in the next day and I read up till the last minute, so I could feed the need to know what happened. I am so glad I did. There were a few fairy tales mentioned in the story that I never heard of, and it's always a plus to find out something you didn't know about. The one thing I enjoyed the most (other than the idea of the library) was the dynamic between the characters. It's uncertain but still heart-warming. If you are looking for an original idea this is it. The only reason why I docked off a star was because I would have liked to have seen how Elizabeth's homelife developed. I will definitely read more of this author's writing.
Ok so can anybody give me any idea how to get this job? Seriously.
October 31, 2014
I was pretty sure I'd go 4 stars on this one, but finally had to go 3. I mean I know it's a YA book, I know that the protagonists are young but there's something that when it shows up in a read that simply drives me crazy...
Have you ever seen that TV commercial where the voice over says: "When you're in a horror movie you make really bad decisions". The people are arguing about "what to do". Should they "hide in the attic, hide in the cellar??? Then one if them says, "why can't we get in the running car?" and the guy says, "Are you crazy?! Let's hide behind the chainsaws!"
There comes a time about halfway into this novel where the "kids" (They're 17 but act younger) make that kind of decisions...over and over and over.
The book begins very slowly but some of you may love it because what we're doing is learning (in great detail) about the New York Circulating Material Repository. It takes a great deal of time to get into the actual fantasy of the book...
I was a bit tired but the story finally kicked in only to have Elizabeth and her friends frustrate me no end by making choices somewhat like deciding to "run across the quicksand instead of taking a path."
All that said, not a bad book and I mostly enjoyed it. There's lots of whimsey in the ideas and the book will work well for a wide range of youths...so, enjoy.
Have you ever seen that TV commercial where the voice over says: "When you're in a horror movie you make really bad decisions". The people are arguing about "what to do". Should they "hide in the attic, hide in the cellar??? Then one if them says, "why can't we get in the running car?" and the guy says, "Are you crazy?! Let's hide behind the chainsaws!"
There comes a time about halfway into this novel where the "kids" (They're 17 but act younger) make that kind of decisions...over and over and over.
The book begins very slowly but some of you may love it because what we're doing is learning (in great detail) about the New York Circulating Material Repository. It takes a great deal of time to get into the actual fantasy of the book...
I was a bit tired but the story finally kicked in only to have Elizabeth and her friends frustrate me no end by making choices somewhat like deciding to "run across the quicksand instead of taking a path."
All that said, not a bad book and I mostly enjoyed it. There's lots of whimsey in the ideas and the book will work well for a wide range of youths...so, enjoy.
January 24, 2015
Such a cool idea! There's a repository, half-museum, half-library, where you can check out everything from Marie Antoinette's wig to the shoes belonging to the Twelve Dancing Princesses. Special students are referred by their teachers to be pages at the repository, and there the fun begins. Sort of. I had a hard time getting into this book because, even though it was in first person, I didn't really connect with Elizabeth (the main character). We aren't privy to a lot of her thoughts and feelings, and she is easily baffled by the motives of others. I honestly couldn't tell if the other pages liked her or were being mean to her for most of the book. The story was interesting, the action rolled along, everything was great, but I just didn't feel for the characters as deeply as I should have. Still, it's a very fun book, and I think fans of Percy Jackson and The Sisters Grimm will really like this as well.
July 2, 2015
I can't resist books like this. The thought of a library that has magical objects you can actually borrow is amazing. I've always liked Fairytales (though probably not as much as Elizabeth) so the title is what really caught my attention.
We find Elizabeth in a rut. She has no friends at her new school, and all she does at home is chores and homework. So when she is given the opportunity for a job after school at an unusual library she takes it with optimism. And this new job of hers leads Elizabeth through a mystery that requires her and her friends to borrow a lot of magical objects in order to save the day.
The Grimm Legacy was imaginative, exciting, and funny. The beginning is a bit slow because Elizabeth is just starting her job so she is confused about what she has to do and acutely curious about the all mysterious Grimm collection. Consequently, she keeps asking question after question and some of them didn't seem all that necessary. I was very impatient to get to the part where she sees the Grimm collection.
The romance is kind of woven in a roundabout way. It slightly annoyed me that Elizabeth kept mentioning how great her new friend Anjali looked and how the two guys where fawning over her. Sounded a tiny bit jealous but I'm glad that Elizabeth holds no malice. She is a very kind hearted character; she has to be or else she probably wouldn't have gotten the job in the first place.
One thing is I couldn't get enough of was all the magical objects that the characters got to use, I was kind of jealous myself.
We find Elizabeth in a rut. She has no friends at her new school, and all she does at home is chores and homework. So when she is given the opportunity for a job after school at an unusual library she takes it with optimism. And this new job of hers leads Elizabeth through a mystery that requires her and her friends to borrow a lot of magical objects in order to save the day.
The Grimm Legacy was imaginative, exciting, and funny. The beginning is a bit slow because Elizabeth is just starting her job so she is confused about what she has to do and acutely curious about the all mysterious Grimm collection. Consequently, she keeps asking question after question and some of them didn't seem all that necessary. I was very impatient to get to the part where she sees the Grimm collection.
The romance is kind of woven in a roundabout way. It slightly annoyed me that Elizabeth kept mentioning how great her new friend Anjali looked and how the two guys where fawning over her. Sounded a tiny bit jealous but I'm glad that Elizabeth holds no malice. She is a very kind hearted character; she has to be or else she probably wouldn't have gotten the job in the first place.
One thing is I couldn't get enough of was all the magical objects that the characters got to use, I was kind of jealous myself.
September 6, 2016
This is a very original and magical story. I have always loved fairy tales of all kinds and I don't think I'll ever grow out of it. Maybe it's a girl thing. Either way I don't care because I had so much fun reading this book. Yes, I felt that I literally had fun.
Quick Overview: Elizabeth Rew hasn't been doing too hot lately. Her best friend has moved away, and she hasn't made any friends at her new school. Things seem to be finally going in the right direction though. After a referral from her social studies teacher, Elizabeth gets a job working as a page for the New York Circulating Material Repository. Yeah, big mouthful. The repository is a sort of library, but not really. They lend out objects as common as fondue pots to Marie Antoinette’s wig. Elizabeth seems to be making friends with the other pages despite the secrecy surrounding the "dungeon"/basement that stores the Grimm Collection, where magical items from the Brothers Grimm fairy tales are kept safe. As it turns out, items are being stolen from the Grimm Collection and Elizabeth and the other pages are on a mission to figure out who’s behind it all. But there's no knowing who to trust.
First off let me just say that I really want that job! Can they please hire me? I'll make the commute. Which is like 6 states away, but who's counting. Why does everything have to be in New York? This is a genuine peeve of mine, but completely beside the point. Moving on. I found that I really liked Elizabeth (despite the fact she stole my dream job). She is a normal everyday girl. She isn't destined to save the repository, she just does what she thinks is right. None of the characters or plot elements feels cliché or forced. I also really appreciated the fact that Elizabeth isn't dumbed down for the sake of practicality. When she finds out about the magical things in the Grimm Collection she doesn't take a moronically long time to resist and then come to the realization that magic actually exists. Major points right there.
All that said though, I did take off a star for a reason. The beginning was a little slow. A lot of the elements of the story that we already know don't show up until you’re a good deal into the book. Like the theft of the Grimm objects doesn't really become a focus until almost halfway through the book. It was also hard to know just how old the characters were. I'm guessing they were in high school, but you aren't told, which was mostly confusing because they sound younger or more mature at times.
I still had fun reading the story and I'm pretty sure that my younger self would've totally fallen in love with this book. For now though, I'll just have to settle with falling in genuine like with this story (Although I really like the cover. Just saying). It got me seriously thinking about what I would use as a deposit if I ever got to check anything out of the Grimm Collection. Would definitely recommend to anyone that has a thing for fairy tales.
Quick Overview: Elizabeth Rew hasn't been doing too hot lately. Her best friend has moved away, and she hasn't made any friends at her new school. Things seem to be finally going in the right direction though. After a referral from her social studies teacher, Elizabeth gets a job working as a page for the New York Circulating Material Repository. Yeah, big mouthful. The repository is a sort of library, but not really. They lend out objects as common as fondue pots to Marie Antoinette’s wig. Elizabeth seems to be making friends with the other pages despite the secrecy surrounding the "dungeon"/basement that stores the Grimm Collection, where magical items from the Brothers Grimm fairy tales are kept safe. As it turns out, items are being stolen from the Grimm Collection and Elizabeth and the other pages are on a mission to figure out who’s behind it all. But there's no knowing who to trust.
First off let me just say that I really want that job! Can they please hire me? I'll make the commute. Which is like 6 states away, but who's counting. Why does everything have to be in New York? This is a genuine peeve of mine, but completely beside the point. Moving on. I found that I really liked Elizabeth (despite the fact she stole my dream job). She is a normal everyday girl. She isn't destined to save the repository, she just does what she thinks is right. None of the characters or plot elements feels cliché or forced. I also really appreciated the fact that Elizabeth isn't dumbed down for the sake of practicality. When she finds out about the magical things in the Grimm Collection she doesn't take a moronically long time to resist and then come to the realization that magic actually exists. Major points right there.
All that said though, I did take off a star for a reason. The beginning was a little slow. A lot of the elements of the story that we already know don't show up until you’re a good deal into the book. Like the theft of the Grimm objects doesn't really become a focus until almost halfway through the book. It was also hard to know just how old the characters were. I'm guessing they were in high school, but you aren't told, which was mostly confusing because they sound younger or more mature at times.
I still had fun reading the story and I'm pretty sure that my younger self would've totally fallen in love with this book. For now though, I'll just have to settle with falling in genuine like with this story (Although I really like the cover. Just saying). It got me seriously thinking about what I would use as a deposit if I ever got to check anything out of the Grimm Collection. Would definitely recommend to anyone that has a thing for fairy tales.
July 26, 2012
There is something rather grand about finding a new, good book to read. And it is always disappointing to discover that the new, good book isn't all that good. "The Grimm Legacy", by Polly Shulman, was wonderfully writen, for the most part. The dialogue was weak in a few areas, and the plot was too slow in some spots and too fast in others, but these issues were easily forgotten as I continued reading. But, as is inevitable in "modern" teen lit, the author decided that her charming story couldn't go on without at least one reference to sex. Or two.
Are teenagers really that low? Can we truly not read anything without needing a titillating reference to "birds and bees"? Are we as brainless as that? Why can we not enjoy a beautifully crafted, innocent, exciting story without some sort of "adult" theme dragged in unnecessarily? We deserve more credit.
I would have sincerely enjoyed this book if the author had not decided randomly shock her audience with risque images. The charm of her modern fairy tale quickly spun into yet another steamy teen romance. I must admit, I am quite frustrated with the whole Young Adult genre in general; having condescending adults shove tripe down my throat does not appeal to me in the least.
Would I write this book off as a failure? No. The author truly has talent, and her story, in general, was enjoyable. Unfortunately, she saw fit to include two or three scenes which completely drew attention away from the plot and toward a relationship that was more infatuation than true romance. It would have merited a four or five-star rating from me if not for this tiresome, cliche plot device being yet again dredged up by Shulman.
Are teenagers really that low? Can we truly not read anything without needing a titillating reference to "birds and bees"? Are we as brainless as that? Why can we not enjoy a beautifully crafted, innocent, exciting story without some sort of "adult" theme dragged in unnecessarily? We deserve more credit.
I would have sincerely enjoyed this book if the author had not decided randomly shock her audience with risque images. The charm of her modern fairy tale quickly spun into yet another steamy teen romance. I must admit, I am quite frustrated with the whole Young Adult genre in general; having condescending adults shove tripe down my throat does not appeal to me in the least.
Would I write this book off as a failure? No. The author truly has talent, and her story, in general, was enjoyable. Unfortunately, she saw fit to include two or three scenes which completely drew attention away from the plot and toward a relationship that was more infatuation than true romance. It would have merited a four or five-star rating from me if not for this tiresome, cliche plot device being yet again dredged up by Shulman.
January 3, 2015
I really liked Enthusiasm and was so pleased to get an ARC of Ms. Shulman's next book. It exceeded my expectations: there's humor, some romance, fairy tales and folklore, Acts of Bravery and - best of all - librarians. (seriously. librarians.)
Elizabeth is a semi-Cinderella (wicked stepsisters are in college, and they're really more annoying than wicked), doing chores and trying to fit in at her new school. When the opportunity arises for her to work as a page at the New-York Circulating Material Repository, she takes it and that's when the adventures begin. Forget the magical aura of some of the objects: this is a pretty neat place to work, filled with pneumatic tubes with which requests are sent to the stacks and objects sent to the Main Examining Room.
And then there are the special collections... which I won't describe because of the whole spoiler issue. The adventure Elizabeth goes on, her relationships with Anjali, Marc, Aaron, Jaya and Doc Rust, and the overall feel of this book make me think this has potential for next year's awards.
ARC provided by publisher.
Elizabeth is a semi-Cinderella (wicked stepsisters are in college, and they're really more annoying than wicked), doing chores and trying to fit in at her new school. When the opportunity arises for her to work as a page at the New-York Circulating Material Repository, she takes it and that's when the adventures begin. Forget the magical aura of some of the objects: this is a pretty neat place to work, filled with pneumatic tubes with which requests are sent to the stacks and objects sent to the Main Examining Room.
And then there are the special collections... which I won't describe because of the whole spoiler issue. The adventure Elizabeth goes on, her relationships with Anjali, Marc, Aaron, Jaya and Doc Rust, and the overall feel of this book make me think this has potential for next year's awards.
ARC provided by publisher.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 24, 2012
This book was in no way a "bad" book, but it wasn't altogether great either. At times I really thought I liked it, and then there were others when it fell to "okay." Overall I would give it about a 2.7 stars because at times I was intrigued.
If I had to give this book a one word description I would say cheesy. I could think of others as well, but right now "cheesy" comes to mind. The book is about a girl named Elizabeth who writes a paper over the Brothers Grimm and is recommended a job at a rather special repository, which if you don't know what that is like me is just a "library" for objects where people can check things out. Only this repository is special for it has magical objects that can be borrowed.
Now when I first saw the pretty amazing cover and read the title "The Grimm Legacy" I was hooked immediately. I know it's going to be about magic and it just looks like a great book. The only problem is I don't think the book lived up to its potential in the slightest. With an idea where you can have magical items being introduced into the real world, fairy tales coming alive, or any number of strange occurences, the plot of this book is simply that some of the objects are going missing... And the number one suspect is a giant bird... Yeah.
I expected this to be a magical story full of things you expect in fantasy, but instead I was given a book about completely ordinary things with a "tiny" amount of magic being a part of it. I just don't feel that the magical aspect of this book was utilized as it could have been. There are far too few instances where the magical items are even used. Mentioned? Yes. The plot of the book? Sure. But really used, shown, and described? Not really. At one point a magical table is used to make food. And I think that was the height of the magical uses.
Besides my overall disappointment over the lack of magic this was still a good book, albeit, a little cheesy. The book has kids in "love" with each other, jealousy, betrayal and such that are in many books.
I don't want to say the book was bad, but I can't completely say it was great. It was just under-utilized. If that makes any sense. I think this book had amazing potential, and instead it went down a more conventional path that really could have been told without magic completely, with only a few minor changes. But there still wasnt a moment where I wanted to completely stop reading because it wasn't good enough. I never got to the "I can't put this down" moment we all, as readers, look for in a book, but it was a good book that simply made me feel that it could have been so much more. If you are considering reading this book or not, definitely read it. You won't hate it and it is a good read. Just don't expect more from the book than it is: A book about an average girl who is working for a repository with magical items that has recently had thefts, and she teams up with some friends to try and save the day.
If I had to give this book a one word description I would say cheesy. I could think of others as well, but right now "cheesy" comes to mind. The book is about a girl named Elizabeth who writes a paper over the Brothers Grimm and is recommended a job at a rather special repository, which if you don't know what that is like me is just a "library" for objects where people can check things out. Only this repository is special for it has magical objects that can be borrowed.
Now when I first saw the pretty amazing cover and read the title "The Grimm Legacy" I was hooked immediately. I know it's going to be about magic and it just looks like a great book. The only problem is I don't think the book lived up to its potential in the slightest. With an idea where you can have magical items being introduced into the real world, fairy tales coming alive, or any number of strange occurences, the plot of this book is simply that some of the objects are going missing... And the number one suspect is a giant bird... Yeah.
I expected this to be a magical story full of things you expect in fantasy, but instead I was given a book about completely ordinary things with a "tiny" amount of magic being a part of it. I just don't feel that the magical aspect of this book was utilized as it could have been. There are far too few instances where the magical items are even used. Mentioned? Yes. The plot of the book? Sure. But really used, shown, and described? Not really. At one point a magical table is used to make food. And I think that was the height of the magical uses.
Besides my overall disappointment over the lack of magic this was still a good book, albeit, a little cheesy. The book has kids in "love" with each other, jealousy, betrayal and such that are in many books.
I don't want to say the book was bad, but I can't completely say it was great. It was just under-utilized. If that makes any sense. I think this book had amazing potential, and instead it went down a more conventional path that really could have been told without magic completely, with only a few minor changes. But there still wasnt a moment where I wanted to completely stop reading because it wasn't good enough. I never got to the "I can't put this down" moment we all, as readers, look for in a book, but it was a good book that simply made me feel that it could have been so much more. If you are considering reading this book or not, definitely read it. You won't hate it and it is a good read. Just don't expect more from the book than it is: A book about an average girl who is working for a repository with magical items that has recently had thefts, and she teams up with some friends to try and save the day.
May 27, 2010
So much fun! I adored Enthusiasm and have been waiting for Polly Shulman's second book ever since. Once again we have a charming high school girl learning about love and friendship in the context of classic stories, but this time the stories are folk tales.
Elizabeth Rew is having a rough year. Her widowed father has remarried and, with two stepdaughters in college, he can no longer afford the tuition for her old school or for her ballet classes. Her best friend has moved to California and Elizabeth hasn't yet made any friends at her new school. After a particularly dismal day, her history teacher recommends her for a page job at a specialized library, the New York Circulating Material Repository, which checks things out instead of books. For example, storage-strapped Manhattanites who want to have a fondue party, but don't have the right pot, or costume designers researching Elizabethan clothing for a play know that this is the place to come.
Suddenly, Elizabeth has not only friends, but a mystery -- or several. Just what is going on with the special collections? Why is everyone so mysterious about them? Could a large bird be stealing artifacts . . . really?
This is apparently not due to be published until summer of 2010, and I'm not clear on the title -- the cover says The Grimm Legacy. Be watching, though!
Elizabeth Rew is having a rough year. Her widowed father has remarried and, with two stepdaughters in college, he can no longer afford the tuition for her old school or for her ballet classes. Her best friend has moved to California and Elizabeth hasn't yet made any friends at her new school. After a particularly dismal day, her history teacher recommends her for a page job at a specialized library, the New York Circulating Material Repository, which checks things out instead of books. For example, storage-strapped Manhattanites who want to have a fondue party, but don't have the right pot, or costume designers researching Elizabethan clothing for a play know that this is the place to come.
Suddenly, Elizabeth has not only friends, but a mystery -- or several. Just what is going on with the special collections? Why is everyone so mysterious about them? Could a large bird be stealing artifacts . . . really?
This is apparently not due to be published until summer of 2010, and I'm not clear on the title -- the cover says The Grimm Legacy. Be watching, though!
April 18, 2011
I loved the concept of this book: What if there were libraries that lent out magical objects instead of books? The New York Circulating Material Repository is one such place. It's home of the Grimm Collection, which includes - you guessed it - magical items from the fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm.
So the idea was pretty appealing, especially to a librarian. BUT the execution was abysmal. I felt as though the story needed to percolate for a few more years before it was put on paper. Toward the end, I found myself skimming just so I could say that I finished it. The dialogue was forced too. It had a lot of potential, but it just didn't do it for me.
So the idea was pretty appealing, especially to a librarian. BUT the execution was abysmal. I felt as though the story needed to percolate for a few more years before it was put on paper. Toward the end, I found myself skimming just so I could say that I finished it. The dialogue was forced too. It had a lot of potential, but it just didn't do it for me.
August 7, 2015
El legado de los Grimm es una novela que me entretuvo un montón por lo curioso del archivo donde trabajan los personajes, todo el asunto de los objetos de los hermanos Grimm me encantó y me lo pasé pipa descubriendo cada uno y viendo como los personajes se metían en líos al utilizarlos. Una novela divertida, amena y muy curiosa pero que tira más al middle grade que al young adult.
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never-finished
October 22, 2016Up until a minute ago this was marked as Never finished, but I decided to give it another try. Lets see how that goes.
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This is going back to Never Finished
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This is going back to Never Finished
December 11, 2010
Right from the start, it was extremely easy to get lost in the pages of The Grimm Legacy. The world that Shulman has created is so realistic and vivid that it’s not hard to imagine the New York Circulating Material Repository, a building that looks like a normal Manhattan brownstone on the outside but is actually much bigger on the inside, having expanded into the neighbouring properties. I especially love the fact that Shulman began each chapter of the book with a Repository object that would be used in the chapter and a call number. Much like Elizabeth then, I felt overwhelmed at first because the call numbers really aid in imagining how vast the Repository’s collection is, but as the book progresses, I too learned how to read the call numbers and so the library started to feel more like a second home. This neat detail to the book just makes you feel as if the Repository does exist! I love my library, but if there’s an actual place like the Repository, feel free to let me know.
The other thing that I really enjoyed about The Grimm Legacy is the cast of characters. They’re all very fleshed out and I love that it’s a multicultural mix since the Repository is located in New York. As much as I liked Elizabeth though and watching her come into her own, my two favourite characters are Marc and Anjali’s siblings, Andre and Jaya. Readers are introduced to Andre when he comes up to Elizabeth while she’s working and tells her he has to go to the bathroom. A three-year-old miniature version of his brother, I couldn’t help laughing as Elizabeth hoped that he wasn’t Marc shrunk by a shrink ray. Plus, Andre calls his brother “butter” and Elizabeth “Libbet,” which I found so cute! Meanwhile, Jaya is that annoying younger sibling, and her interactions with Anjali bring back memories of growing up with my own younger sister. She’s also smart and witty though, which meant that scenes with Jaya were always fun to read.
Shulman’s writing was absolutely brilliant! For example, she does an amazing job describing the Repository without spending a huge amount of time on minute details about how the Repository would work – the basic details are covered – or slowing down the story. In addition, while there’s references to many fairy tales, some of which I haven’t heard of, Shulman does a good job determining which objects’ back-stories would need to be explained a little more. Speaking of objects, Snow White’s stepmother’s mirror is featured prominently, and I loved that it would only answer questions when addressed in a rhyme. Then when answering back in a rhyme, although the mirror had to speak the truth, it would make the truth as ambiguous as possible and call Elizabeth by variations of her name simply to annoy her!
Despite the hints of threat though, the novel remains a fun and light read that will appeal to tweens, teens and adults alike.
The other thing that I really enjoyed about The Grimm Legacy is the cast of characters. They’re all very fleshed out and I love that it’s a multicultural mix since the Repository is located in New York. As much as I liked Elizabeth though and watching her come into her own, my two favourite characters are Marc and Anjali’s siblings, Andre and Jaya. Readers are introduced to Andre when he comes up to Elizabeth while she’s working and tells her he has to go to the bathroom. A three-year-old miniature version of his brother, I couldn’t help laughing as Elizabeth hoped that he wasn’t Marc shrunk by a shrink ray. Plus, Andre calls his brother “butter” and Elizabeth “Libbet,” which I found so cute! Meanwhile, Jaya is that annoying younger sibling, and her interactions with Anjali bring back memories of growing up with my own younger sister. She’s also smart and witty though, which meant that scenes with Jaya were always fun to read.
Shulman’s writing was absolutely brilliant! For example, she does an amazing job describing the Repository without spending a huge amount of time on minute details about how the Repository would work – the basic details are covered – or slowing down the story. In addition, while there’s references to many fairy tales, some of which I haven’t heard of, Shulman does a good job determining which objects’ back-stories would need to be explained a little more. Speaking of objects, Snow White’s stepmother’s mirror is featured prominently, and I loved that it would only answer questions when addressed in a rhyme. Then when answering back in a rhyme, although the mirror had to speak the truth, it would make the truth as ambiguous as possible and call Elizabeth by variations of her name simply to annoy her!
Despite the hints of threat though, the novel remains a fun and light read that will appeal to tweens, teens and adults alike.
June 1, 2016
This is book #1 of a trilogy. I've been reading tween and young adult a bit more lately because of my 8 yr old son, who has a voracious appetite for reading like I do. I can barely keep up with him. I want to see what the kid world of reading has to offer out there, and I have to say, overall I'm disappointed. Maybe I'm spoiled after reading Harry Potter, but I just don't feel like these authors give the kids enough credit. I'm pretty sure they can handle more depth. That being said, this was a typical book of today, fantasy, magic, suspense...etc. It was fun and enjoyable, and I read it quickly. My husband actually recommended this to me because it's about a repository lending library of sorts. But instead of books, it lends out items of all shapes and sizes and from all points in history. The first book is about a hidden collection called the "Grimm collection" which holds items from fairy tales. As you can imagine, the kids end up in a mystery and needing certain objects, so they take them out and much hilarity and confusion ensues. It was enjoyable, but I ended it wanting more.
May 13, 2019
La verdad es que esperaba algo mas original, ya que prometía involucrar una gran parte de los cuentos de los hermanos grimm y para mi, eso le daba un gran potencial al libro. Sin embargo, se ha limitado a unos cuantos giños de objetos que aparecen en sus libros y poco mas.
Si bien, es una historia entretenida, mas bien dirigida a un público middle grade pero que no ha alcanzado mis expectativas. Otra vez será...
Si bien, es una historia entretenida, mas bien dirigida a un público middle grade pero que no ha alcanzado mis expectativas. Otra vez será...
August 23, 2015
Interesting concept, and it's great to read a children's book that isn't completely whitewashed - even if it wasn't done perfectly it's still a step in the right direction. It simply read too much like a set-up for a series, so the abrupt ending and odd structuring made no sense with the realisation that these characters were never going to appear again.
December 7, 2018
3.5 stars, maybe?
Maybe I'm a grinch.
Maybe I'm a grinch.
October 12, 2023
An ok start but went downhill and became messy. I previously DNFed this one and it probably should have stayed that way.
October 1, 2012
“The Grimm Legacy” is Polly Shulman’s first novel. I enjoyed it immensely and would consider reading it to a Year 6 class; I would certainly recommend it to confident Year 6 readers, both boys and girls. Elizabeth is the main character in the novel. She is unhappy at home with her new step-mum and sisters, and finds refuge in the job which is offered her at the library. She is recommended for the job by her Social Studies teacher, Mr Mauskopf. Very quickly it becomes apparent that this is not a typical library; patrons borrow all sorts of items and Elizabeth quickly learns the ropes regarding which are the relevant stacks, how and where to find items. However she is also conscious that she does not have access at first to the mysterious GC (the Grimm Collection) and some strange rumours are circulating about thefts from the GC as well as about dangers lurking in the library. The Grimms fairytale theme runs through the novel; Elizabeth’s assignment for Mr Mauskopf is on the tales, the GC itself is central to the novel’s plot. The title itself is open to different kinds of interpretation; is it a grim legacy as well as the Grimm legacy? Knowledge of Grimm’s tales is not essential to an understanding of the novel though it would enhance a reader’s understanding. Those who are unfamiliar with the tales may be intrigued to search them out and read them. Friendship features strongly within the novel, especially with regards to who you can trust, and acquiring skills of discernment in relation to other people, being able to change your mind and viewpoint: all skills of great value for children and adults alike.
November 30, 2016
3 stars and a half
Elizabeth’s life isn’t really awesome lately, after her mother passed away, she couldn’t attend the school she wanted or keep her ballet lessons (her step-sisters college fees) and to make things worse, her best friend moved to California.
When she got her after-school job in the New York Circulating Material repository, she was expecting books, but, this was no ordinary library. The place was huge, with its stacks and dungeons, and filled to the rim with magic, especially “The powerful Grimm Collection”. Elizabeth makes new friends, starting with the beautiful Anjali, for whom everyone is apparently falling. Marc Meritt (ugh!) the cool basketball player and Aaron Rosendorn (I loved that dude!).
When magical items from the grimm collection start disappearing, Elizabeth, along with her new buddies, Anjeli, Marc and Aaron embark on a dangerous adventure to unmask the thief and bring back what was stolen.
The book was fun to read and even if it started real slow, I really enjoyed it, there was humor, sarcasm and that innocent romance. The characters are pretty young so, their decisions may trigger anger attacks but you’ll be just fine.
Elizabeth’s life isn’t really awesome lately, after her mother passed away, she couldn’t attend the school she wanted or keep her ballet lessons (her step-sisters college fees) and to make things worse, her best friend moved to California.
When she got her after-school job in the New York Circulating Material repository, she was expecting books, but, this was no ordinary library. The place was huge, with its stacks and dungeons, and filled to the rim with magic, especially “The powerful Grimm Collection”. Elizabeth makes new friends, starting with the beautiful Anjali, for whom everyone is apparently falling. Marc Meritt (ugh!) the cool basketball player and Aaron Rosendorn (I loved that dude!).
When magical items from the grimm collection start disappearing, Elizabeth, along with her new buddies, Anjeli, Marc and Aaron embark on a dangerous adventure to unmask the thief and bring back what was stolen.
The book was fun to read and even if it started real slow, I really enjoyed it, there was humor, sarcasm and that innocent romance. The characters are pretty young so, their decisions may trigger anger attacks but you’ll be just fine.
September 23, 2019
Iban a ser 2 estrellas, pero en la segunda mitad del libro la trama se pone más interesante y reconozco que no he podido soltarlo durante mucho tiempo.
El legado de los Grimm es un libro que no debes coger con muchas expectativas, porque lo que pone en la contraportada, aunque no es ninguna mentira, sí que es bastante descafeinada una vez que empiezas a leerlo.
¿Salen los hermanos Grimm y la historia se basa en los cuentos de hadas de los mismos? La respuesta es si...pero con matices. No toda la trama gira en torno a los cuentos de hadas de los mismos y ni siquiera de los más populares. Pero sí sale el espejo de la madrastra de Blancanieves, el garrote de los Grim o las zapatillas de las 12 princesas por poner ejemplos.
¿Tiene la historia personajes al estilo Orgullo y Prejuicio? La respuesta también será sí, pero muy light y no muy desarrollada. Lo máximo que tiene de ésta novela es que los personajes protagonistas no se pueden ni ver porque ambos piensan muy mal del otro hasta casi al final, y poco más.(Bueno y que la prota se llama Elisabeth)
¿Entonces la trama es aburrida? La respuesta es...a medias. Para mí la primera mitad de la historia me ha parecido bastante aburrida hasta que Elisabeth comienza a trabajar en la sección Grimm, que es más o menos a partir de la segunda mitad. A partir de ahí, la trama empieza a ponerse muy interesante con robos, secuestros y magias por doquier, tal y como el libro prometía.
Los secundarios también han sido una parte importante para que la historia tuviera dinamismo, y lo cierto es que ninguno ha sobrado en ningún momento. Si acaso, el hermano pequeño de Marc.
En resumen. Un libro juvenil que sirve para pasar un buen rato si te gustan los cuentos de hadas, la magia y los misterios. Eso sí, expectativas 0, lo disfrutarás mucho más.
El legado de los Grimm es un libro que no debes coger con muchas expectativas, porque lo que pone en la contraportada, aunque no es ninguna mentira, sí que es bastante descafeinada una vez que empiezas a leerlo.
¿Salen los hermanos Grimm y la historia se basa en los cuentos de hadas de los mismos? La respuesta es si...pero con matices. No toda la trama gira en torno a los cuentos de hadas de los mismos y ni siquiera de los más populares. Pero sí sale el espejo de la madrastra de Blancanieves, el garrote de los Grim o las zapatillas de las 12 princesas por poner ejemplos.
¿Tiene la historia personajes al estilo Orgullo y Prejuicio? La respuesta también será sí, pero muy light y no muy desarrollada. Lo máximo que tiene de ésta novela es que los personajes protagonistas no se pueden ni ver porque ambos piensan muy mal del otro hasta casi al final, y poco más.(Bueno y que la prota se llama Elisabeth)
¿Entonces la trama es aburrida? La respuesta es...a medias. Para mí la primera mitad de la historia me ha parecido bastante aburrida hasta que Elisabeth comienza a trabajar en la sección Grimm, que es más o menos a partir de la segunda mitad. A partir de ahí, la trama empieza a ponerse muy interesante con robos, secuestros y magias por doquier, tal y como el libro prometía.
Los secundarios también han sido una parte importante para que la historia tuviera dinamismo, y lo cierto es que ninguno ha sobrado en ningún momento. Si acaso, el hermano pequeño de Marc.
En resumen. Un libro juvenil que sirve para pasar un buen rato si te gustan los cuentos de hadas, la magia y los misterios. Eso sí, expectativas 0, lo disfrutarás mucho más.
December 17, 2019
Great story! I was a little bored or put off in the middle of the book when I couldn't figure out what was going on and I was getting a bit impatient with the teenage logic. But the beginning and the ending were wonderful. Imagine a YA book inspired by Warehouse 13 or The Librarians TV series.
The plot included lots of twists and suspense and even some romance. The more fairy tales that you remember, the more you will appreciate this story.
Many people have written that they would love to work in the Repository, but though I have volunteered in a school library, I don't think I would want to work here. I do not think I have the willpower nor the cleverness - I wouldn't be able to resist trying out the magical artifacts and I'm not bright enough to not get into serious trouble tampering with magic. So I need to stay away out of self-preservation, or maybe I could just be a patron, where I would be in a more controlled access position, hopefully with detailed instructions.
Likes:
* Clever chapter titles
* Wilhelm & Jacob Grimm were historians that collected fairy tales
* New York Circulating Material Repository started in 1745
Dislikes:
* Original folk tale collections were bloody and creepy with often unhappy endings
* Elizabeth is friendless after quitting ballet
* Extra large feet
* Elizabeth used by her stepmother Cathy and stepsisters, Veronica & Hannah Vine
* Elizabeth's father aloof and unavailable
With-reservations:
kidnapping, stalker, betrayal, stealing, borrowing without permission, greed, lying
Magical objects:
New York Circulating Material Repository:
The plot included lots of twists and suspense and even some romance. The more fairy tales that you remember, the more you will appreciate this story.
Many people have written that they would love to work in the Repository, but though I have volunteered in a school library, I don't think I would want to work here. I do not think I have the willpower nor the cleverness - I wouldn't be able to resist trying out the magical artifacts and I'm not bright enough to not get into serious trouble tampering with magic. So I need to stay away out of self-preservation, or maybe I could just be a patron, where I would be in a more controlled access position, hopefully with detailed instructions.
Likes:
* Clever chapter titles
* Wilhelm & Jacob Grimm were historians that collected fairy tales
* New York Circulating Material Repository started in 1745
Dislikes:
* Original folk tale collections were bloody and creepy with often unhappy endings
* Elizabeth is friendless after quitting ballet
* Extra large feet
* Elizabeth used by her stepmother Cathy and stepsisters, Veronica & Hannah Vine
* Elizabeth's father aloof and unavailable
With-reservations:
kidnapping, stalker, betrayal, stealing, borrowing without permission, greed, lying
Magical objects:
New York Circulating Material Repository:
April 14, 2018
ARGH.
Okay, this is going to be an unusual review.
As a public history/material culture nutcase, the idea of a material repository was SO FASCINATING. The idea of being able to rent out stuff from the Grimm fairy tale collection and stuff from history is SO COOL (though I can see some museum curator absolutely cringing over the idea). The characters were absolutely wonderful.
I DNFed this book about 2/3rds of the way through though. For one reason and one reason only: a character's family has at least one witch (she gave a charm and a spell to the MC, which really bothered me). After that, the plot just got weird.
RW Ratings (up to 2/3rds of way through, may be inaccurate for the rest of the book)
Language: 5 stars
Abuse: 4 stars. MC has a set of Grimm parents - an ignoring father and a mean stepmother. Oh yes and mean stepsisters too *rolls eyes*
Lust: 5 stars. Of course, there is interest between guys and girls, but no real boyfriend/girlfriends stuff. At least from what I could see.
Okay, this is going to be an unusual review.
As a public history/material culture nutcase, the idea of a material repository was SO FASCINATING. The idea of being able to rent out stuff from the Grimm fairy tale collection and stuff from history is SO COOL (though I can see some museum curator absolutely cringing over the idea). The characters were absolutely wonderful.
I DNFed this book about 2/3rds of the way through though. For one reason and one reason only: a character's family has at least one witch (she gave a charm and a spell to the MC, which really bothered me). After that, the plot just got weird.
RW Ratings (up to 2/3rds of way through, may be inaccurate for the rest of the book)
Language: 5 stars
Abuse: 4 stars. MC has a set of Grimm parents - an ignoring father and a mean stepmother. Oh yes and mean stepsisters too *rolls eyes*
Lust: 5 stars. Of course, there is interest between guys and girls, but no real boyfriend/girlfriends stuff. At least from what I could see.
October 26, 2010
Elizabeth Rew is about to find out how magical libraries really can be. After completing a research paper on the fairy tales of the Grimm brothers, Mr. Mauskopf, her social studies teacher, recommends her for a position at unique library. The New-York Circulating Material Repository is a library that specializes in realia, or objects of interest, rather than books. What is really interesting is that these objects are not just regular every-day ones, but important historical objects.
She arrives to take a position as a page (or shelver) at the repository and finds a fast home. She quickly makes friends with fellow-pages Anjali and Marc, a classmate and star basketball player from her own school. Marc is one of those guys that all of the girls, including Elizabeth herself, have a crush on. There is also Aaron, another page who seems to be cranky most of the time.
Like most libraries, the repository has special collections. In this case, one of them is the Grimm Collection, which is filled of all sorts of magical items mentioned in the Brothers Grimm tales. Staff must prove themselves before they are given an opportunity to work in the Basement, the area of the repository where the special collections are held. Before long, Elizabeth learns she is being entrusted with such access.
As she learns more and more while working at the repository, it becomes clear that there is something amiss. A former page disappeared and she was not alone. A number of the magical items from the Grimm Collection seem to have been replaced with items that are not magical. The pages are quickly looking to each other as suspects as they are confronted with the normal conflicts teens are confronted with as relationships form between them. Even with the bickering, they find they must band together if they are going to get to the root of the disappearances, save the collection, and themselves.
This was really a fun adventure story that draws on all the spooky and creative elements that were a part of the Brothers Grimm tales. Added to that is tons of humor as the kids bicker with each other as well as with some of the magical objects, such as the mirror owned by Snow White's stepmother and some troublesome winged sandals.
I thought this was a great book! I didn't want to put it down because Shulman does a great job of weaving all sorts of fairy tale lore into a modern adventure tale with interesting characters and just a touch of a Gothic feel. While the book targets mostly tweens and younger teens, I could see even older teens and adults really loving this one.
She arrives to take a position as a page (or shelver) at the repository and finds a fast home. She quickly makes friends with fellow-pages Anjali and Marc, a classmate and star basketball player from her own school. Marc is one of those guys that all of the girls, including Elizabeth herself, have a crush on. There is also Aaron, another page who seems to be cranky most of the time.
Like most libraries, the repository has special collections. In this case, one of them is the Grimm Collection, which is filled of all sorts of magical items mentioned in the Brothers Grimm tales. Staff must prove themselves before they are given an opportunity to work in the Basement, the area of the repository where the special collections are held. Before long, Elizabeth learns she is being entrusted with such access.
As she learns more and more while working at the repository, it becomes clear that there is something amiss. A former page disappeared and she was not alone. A number of the magical items from the Grimm Collection seem to have been replaced with items that are not magical. The pages are quickly looking to each other as suspects as they are confronted with the normal conflicts teens are confronted with as relationships form between them. Even with the bickering, they find they must band together if they are going to get to the root of the disappearances, save the collection, and themselves.
This was really a fun adventure story that draws on all the spooky and creative elements that were a part of the Brothers Grimm tales. Added to that is tons of humor as the kids bicker with each other as well as with some of the magical objects, such as the mirror owned by Snow White's stepmother and some troublesome winged sandals.
I thought this was a great book! I didn't want to put it down because Shulman does a great job of weaving all sorts of fairy tale lore into a modern adventure tale with interesting characters and just a touch of a Gothic feel. While the book targets mostly tweens and younger teens, I could see even older teens and adults really loving this one.
September 23, 2010
As a library employee AND an afficionado of fairy tales, this book captured my attention from the very blurb. It is the story of a young woman in New York City who goes to work for a lending library of objects, including some quite magical items from fairy tale lore. The Grimm Collection especially intrigues Elizabeth (as it would me), and she eagerly awaits the day when she can explore the collection. But all is not as it seems at the library. Magical objects are going missing, and Elizabeth needs to help find the culprit.
The book is written in a somewhat simplistic style, appropriate for both J and YA readers, age 10-15ish I'd say. Older readers can still, however, enjoy this story. It was delightful to see Polly Shulman's knowledge of fairy tale tropes put into practice in a modern setting (even though I thought the inclusion of the "wicked stepsisters and stepmother" was a bit of an awkward stretch, and was clearly only included to add another fairy tale element)
The most refreshing part of the tale to me was Elizabeth's character. And by that I mean her moral character. Too often anymore teen and juvenile books feature protagonists whose moral compass seems to fluxtuate and spin endlessly, but who somehow always end up coming up roses despite their bad behavior. By contrast, Elizabeth is often tempted to do wrong, and sometimes chooses the wrong path for an understandable reason, but you can always see that she is a good, kind-hearted young lady. Shulman, however, also doesn't keep her a flat one-dimensional fairy tale archetype. She struggles against jealousy, anger, temptation to use magic, and more. But she remains, throughout the book, a wonderful role model for children and adults of all ages. She is a reminder that kindness is its own reward.
The book is written in a somewhat simplistic style, appropriate for both J and YA readers, age 10-15ish I'd say. Older readers can still, however, enjoy this story. It was delightful to see Polly Shulman's knowledge of fairy tale tropes put into practice in a modern setting (even though I thought the inclusion of the "wicked stepsisters and stepmother" was a bit of an awkward stretch, and was clearly only included to add another fairy tale element)
The most refreshing part of the tale to me was Elizabeth's character. And by that I mean her moral character. Too often anymore teen and juvenile books feature protagonists whose moral compass seems to fluxtuate and spin endlessly, but who somehow always end up coming up roses despite their bad behavior. By contrast, Elizabeth is often tempted to do wrong, and sometimes chooses the wrong path for an understandable reason, but you can always see that she is a good, kind-hearted young lady. Shulman, however, also doesn't keep her a flat one-dimensional fairy tale archetype. She struggles against jealousy, anger, temptation to use magic, and more. But she remains, throughout the book, a wonderful role model for children and adults of all ages. She is a reminder that kindness is its own reward.
December 1, 2010
The Grimm Legacy was a disappointment. Polly Shulman is a decent writer (Enthusiasm, her previous book, was a cute piece of Austen-inspired YA fluff), and the idea that not only do relics from fairy tales exist but also that they are kept in a special lending library sounded amazing. Unfortunately, unlike the artifacts, The Grimm Legacy has no magic in its soul.
Elizabeth, a Cinderella-esque teen who finds herself alone in a new school, is recommended for a page post at the New York Circulating Material Repository by her history teacher because Elizabeth has an affinity for the tales of the Brothers Grimm. Soon she discovers that Repository's special collection includes magic mirrors, princesses' slippers, seven-league boots, and countless other artifacts from fairy tales - and that something is after the artifacts and the pages who care for them! Befriending the other pages, Elizabeth determines she will uncover the truth and save the Grimm Collection.
Sadly, Polly Shulman spends too much time meandering around the plot and fails to fully realize her characters and the world they inhabit. Characters lack motivations beyond the superficial and change on a whim, interesting tidbits are dropped for pages and then hastily dealt with, and the climax is messy and rushed. The Grimm Legacy suffers from too much telling and not nearly enough showing. If this had been written by JK Rowling or Dianna Wynne Jones or any writer of that caliber, it would have been stunning. The execution really does not live up to the premise.
Elizabeth, a Cinderella-esque teen who finds herself alone in a new school, is recommended for a page post at the New York Circulating Material Repository by her history teacher because Elizabeth has an affinity for the tales of the Brothers Grimm. Soon she discovers that Repository's special collection includes magic mirrors, princesses' slippers, seven-league boots, and countless other artifacts from fairy tales - and that something is after the artifacts and the pages who care for them! Befriending the other pages, Elizabeth determines she will uncover the truth and save the Grimm Collection.
Sadly, Polly Shulman spends too much time meandering around the plot and fails to fully realize her characters and the world they inhabit. Characters lack motivations beyond the superficial and change on a whim, interesting tidbits are dropped for pages and then hastily dealt with, and the climax is messy and rushed. The Grimm Legacy suffers from too much telling and not nearly enough showing. If this had been written by JK Rowling or Dianna Wynne Jones or any writer of that caliber, it would have been stunning. The execution really does not live up to the premise.
November 4, 2011
I tried two times to read this book and got about halfway through it the second time before I gave up. I really, really wanted to like it. The premise was fascinating: an enchanted library collection, and not of books, but objects--objects from famous fairy tales? It sounded like a perfect blend of reality and fantasy. But try as I might, I couldn't get into it. In part, I think, because it had a lot less to do with the Grimm fairy tales than I thought it would, I think. But mostly, the characters, especially the main character, were incredibly uninteresting, and the plot itself moved so slowly that I felt like I was just dragging myself through it. Probably the book would have been better serviced through more thorough editing, too; I know it's YA literature, but that doesn't mean that the writing itself has to be juvenile. It just felt very... unpolished. I would give this writer a second chance if she produced another work in the future, perhaps she just needs some more time to hone her craft, but I certainly wouldn't make the same mistake as this time and order it as an ebook. I have no way to recoup what I do feel was a monetary loss.
October 9, 2019
When I saw this book on the shelves of a second hand bookstore, I just had to get it. This year is the year of the fairytales. I'm reading loads of retellings and enjoying it immensely. I'm still not bored and I'm still not done with them. So, a story where a young girl discovers that all the Grimm objects and magic is real? That can't go wrong.
And the premise of the story is really lovely. As a bookworm and a fairytale lover, I really loved the atmosphere of the building, the endless stacks with items, the magical mirror, the magical keys, tables, shoes. I really enjoyed the description of the smell, the dust, the labyrinth and the plans on the walls helping everyone to find their way. And the tube system used to transport the messages sounded so awesome.
The characters in the story were also nice enough. They weren't very complicated or layered. They also didn't have that much depth, but they were nice and kind and likeable and it was easy to root for them, to want them to succeed.
But, the plot felt a little flat and dull. It's hard to explain why the plot didn't really work for me. Maybe it's because I didn't get the feeling that the threat was made serious, intelligent and dangerous enough. Once they dive into the mystery it's solved quite easily and rapidly and it feels like the so called "villains" don't really do much to prevent it all. It felt like the author was, just like me, fascinated by the atmosphere and the stacks and the building and shelves and then remembered she needed a plot too.
It was an amusing read, but not as brilliant and enchanting as I had hoped it would be.
And the premise of the story is really lovely. As a bookworm and a fairytale lover, I really loved the atmosphere of the building, the endless stacks with items, the magical mirror, the magical keys, tables, shoes. I really enjoyed the description of the smell, the dust, the labyrinth and the plans on the walls helping everyone to find their way. And the tube system used to transport the messages sounded so awesome.
The characters in the story were also nice enough. They weren't very complicated or layered. They also didn't have that much depth, but they were nice and kind and likeable and it was easy to root for them, to want them to succeed.
But, the plot felt a little flat and dull. It's hard to explain why the plot didn't really work for me. Maybe it's because I didn't get the feeling that the threat was made serious, intelligent and dangerous enough. Once they dive into the mystery it's solved quite easily and rapidly and it feels like the so called "villains" don't really do much to prevent it all. It felt like the author was, just like me, fascinated by the atmosphere and the stacks and the building and shelves and then remembered she needed a plot too.
It was an amusing read, but not as brilliant and enchanting as I had hoped it would be.
September 26, 2022
De las mejores ideas que he leído (los objetos mágicos de los cuentos de los Hermanos Grimm existen y se pueden prestar como libros de una biblioteca, así como también objetos de ciencia ficción de novelas de HG Wells, por ejemplo). El sentido de maravilla de la obra es hermoso y resulta encantador como vuelven a funcionar todos los tropos de los cuentos de hadas (como el beso de amor verdadero, las puertas hacia el país de las hadas). Me gusta que hayan incluido refranes y proverbios de pueblos africanos y que nos muestren cómo los coleccionistas privados son un problema en éste y en todos los mundos posibles. La protagonista por supuesto toma las peores decisiones posibles.
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