Series: A Twisted Tale #1
Genre: YA, Fantasy, Retelling
Release Date: September 1st 2015
Book Length: 384 pages
Publisher: Disney Press
Source: ARC, Goodreads
Review: 2/5 *Full Review Below.
Publisher: Disney Press
Source: ARC, Goodreads
Review: 2/5 *Full Review Below.
Blurb:
Welcome to a new YA series that reimagines classic Disney stories in surprising new ways. Each book asks the question: What if one key moment from a familiar Disney film was changed? This dark and daring version of Aladdin twists the original story with the question: What if Jafar was the first one to summon the Genie?
When Jafar steals the Genie’s lamp, he uses his first two wishes to become sultan and the most powerful sorcerer in the world. Agrabah lives in fear, waiting for his third and final wish.To stop the power-mad ruler, Aladdin and the deposed Princess Jasmine must unite the people of Agrabah in rebellion. But soon their fight for freedom threatens to tear the kingdom apart in a costly civil war.
What happens next? A Street Rat becomes a leader. A princess becomes a revolutionary. And readers will never look at the story of Aladdin in the same way again.
That
is if you haven’t seen the Disney movie.
Welcome to a new YA series that reimagines classic Disney stories in surprising new ways. Each book asks the question: What if one key moment from a familiar Disney film was changed? This dark and daring version of Aladdin twists the original story with the question: What if Jafar was the first one to summon the Genie?
When Jafar steals the Genie’s lamp, he uses his first two wishes to become sultan and the most powerful sorcerer in the world. Agrabah lives in fear, waiting for his third and final wish.To stop the power-mad ruler, Aladdin and the deposed Princess Jasmine must unite the people of Agrabah in rebellion. But soon their fight for freedom threatens to tear the kingdom apart in a costly civil war.
What happens next? A Street Rat becomes a leader. A princess becomes a revolutionary. And readers will never look at the story of Aladdin in the same way again.
“A Street Rat becomes a leader. A princess becomes a
revolutionary. And readers will never look at the story of Aladdin in the same way again…”
So we're given a character role reversal in which Jafar is the first to summon the
genie however the whole scenario leading up to this moment is virtually the
same; Aladdin is tricked into retrieving the lamp by Jafar (disguised as
an old beggar) which is located in a stone tiger cave in the desert.
Jafar is pretty much still the evil power
hungry villain so his first wish is to obviously become Sultan and rule all of
Agrabah. In all of his madness he also wants to be loved willingly by his
people and his soon to be wife Princess Jasmine.
We are still treated to some of Aladdins
most loved characters such as Abu, the magic carpet and even Iago to some
extent. The new twist novel promises more action but I was still waiting for
the story to become darker than the original and although we do get this in
some violent scenes, it still wasn’t enough for me. From a certain point onwards this book followed the film and then turned into a typical hero/heroine trying to defeat the villain and save the world.
I really did enjoy delving back into this
world with magic carpets rides, magic wishes/genies and being able to relive some of my favourite
parts of the Disney film but if you were looking something different then I
wouldn’t recommend this. This book was fast paced, had lots of action which left little room for an actual romance (boo!) and a
chance to relive some childhood memories of heroes and villains and of course a
certain tiger... I think it was the promise of unique difference and just 'more' which didn't come across to me that forced my rating down but otherwise it was an entertaining read. I will be keeping an eye for future releases in the Twisted Tales series as I love Disney movies and books, who doesn't?
I saw this book on Netgalley and I requested it but my request was declined(country issues I guess..as I am from India and they preferred US audience may be) and I was a little disappointed. As I really wanted to read it because its Aladdin - one my fav childhood stories and the plot looked intriguing. But, after reading your review and seeing similar two star rating on Goodreads - I don't really feel sad now. Because if you read a book for review and you have to give a rating that too negative - well, thats bad! So, my request being declined was like a blessing in disguise I guess :P :)
ReplyDeleteAnd great review!
Nita@ www.book-choose.com
I was the exact same, it had so much potential to be a really great re-telling. I think everybody Goodreads has had the same thoughts haha, such a shame! Thanks so much Nita! xo.
Deletewow, that's quite disappointing luckily I'm not really excited for this book (although I have to admit that I kind of wanted to read it). Since it doesn't really offer anything new, I might as well skip this one up (or maybe go back to it some other time). Great, honest review! :)
ReplyDeleteczai @ the Blacksheep Project
It really was :( perhaps someone will take advantage and give us a great Aladdin re-telling ;), Thanks so much :D
DeleteI wanted this book so bad. I pined over it on Goodreads, and then when it was on Netgalley. I requested it and was declined, no surprise there. I NEVER get approved for Disney titles. Anywho, two stars? I guess I dodged a bullet, huh? And, hardly any romance? *le gasp* Passing and happy too! Great review though!
ReplyDeleteI KNOW RIGHT? How dare they not give us an actual romance? I was devastated, a good romance can save a book ;) haha, thanks so much Jazmen xo.
DeleteI've seen quite a few reviews mentioning the same things you did. It makes me a little sad because I was looking forward to this. It's unfortunate that it was not a completely original story. Because, really, who hasn't seen Aladdin? Almost everyone is going to make comparisons between the two. A re-telling of Aladdin has such potential. It's too bad this one flopped.
ReplyDeleteSarah @ The Reading Petal
I know, I was completely gutted! I think it's perfect for people looking for an exact re-telling, IKR? It could have been amazing, I'm praying her later work will be much better because I love Disney and re-tellings :)X
DeleteI've been meaning to read my ARC of this book, but I know that I'll be pretty nit-picky about it. Aladdin is one of my most beloved Disney movies and I wanted this book to be a unique retelling, not a rewrite. Great review!
ReplyDeleteI was the same, I really do love re-tellings especially when they been twisted from the original :( I hope you enjoy it as you love Aladdin! I'll keep an eye out for your review, thanks :)
DeleteThis book sounds interesting. I have not seen a retelling of Aladdin before. I guess it just was not up to par with other story retellings. Great review! I am now following you on bloglovin.
ReplyDeleteChioma @ Blue Books and Butterflies
Very very true, it was sad, I really wanted to love it :) Thank you!
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