by Melanie Dickerson
Read: December 28 - 29, 2015
Published: November 17, 2015 by Thomas Nelson
Source: NetGalley (THANK YOU!)
Published: November 17, 2015 by Thomas Nelson
Source: NetGalley (THANK YOU!)
Category: YA, time travel, historical fiction
Series: Book 6 of the Hagenheim companion series
Book Description: The one who needs rescuing isn’t always the one in the tower.
Rapunzel can throw a knife better than any man around. And her skills as an artist rival those of any artist she’s met. But for a woman in medieval times, the one skill she most desires is the hardest one to obtain: the ability to read.
After yet another young man asks for Rapunzel’s hand in marriage, Mother decides they need to move once again, but this time to a larger city. Rapunzel’s heart soars—surely there she can fulfill her dream. But Mother won’t let her close to a man. She claims that no man can be trusted.
After being rescued by a knight on the road to the city, and in turn rescuing him farther down the road, Rapunzel’s opportunity arrives at last. This knight, Sir Gerek, agrees to educate Rapunzel in order to pay back his debt. She just has to put up with his arrogant nature and single-minded focus on riches and prestige.
But this Rapunzel story is unlike any other and the mystery that she uncovers will change everything—except her happily ever after.
Rapunzel can throw a knife better than any man around. And her skills as an artist rival those of any artist she’s met. But for a woman in medieval times, the one skill she most desires is the hardest one to obtain: the ability to read.
After yet another young man asks for Rapunzel’s hand in marriage, Mother decides they need to move once again, but this time to a larger city. Rapunzel’s heart soars—surely there she can fulfill her dream. But Mother won’t let her close to a man. She claims that no man can be trusted.
After being rescued by a knight on the road to the city, and in turn rescuing him farther down the road, Rapunzel’s opportunity arrives at last. This knight, Sir Gerek, agrees to educate Rapunzel in order to pay back his debt. She just has to put up with his arrogant nature and single-minded focus on riches and prestige.
But this Rapunzel story is unlike any other and the mystery that she uncovers will change everything—except her happily ever after.
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The Golden Braid is a cute and clean retelling of Rapunzel that features Christian themes, and I think would be perfect for middle schoolers or younger YA readers.
What I like best about this book is that it isn't a straight rewriting of the classic story. Retellings that manage to hold on to flavors of the original fairytale but don't follow the standard plot exactly, are always my favorite. The Golden Braid definitely had elements in it that make it a unique tale - Rapunzel knows how to defend herself and throw a knife, and wants to learn to read so much that she seeks out lessons, even though it's against her Mother's wishes. Rapunzel is also not stuck in a tower for most of the book, and sometimes she does the rescuing herself.
I really appreciated seeing Rapunzel's personal growth as she begins to discern what is true from what Mother has always told her in an attempts to keep her hidden/sheltered. There is a very slow burn romance that was fun to watch unfold, and I enjoyed the mediaeval German setting.
However, I thought the last third of the book dragged out too long, and the story read quite young to me. I think my middle school self would have eaten it up, though as an adult reader, I wanted more of the darker/intense moments and more complexity as Rapunzel becomes her own person.
Love Triangle Factor: None
Cliffhanger Scale: This story wraps completely with a HEA. But this is number 6 in a loosely linked companion series. I haven't read any of the others and didn't have any problem jumping into this one.
What I like best about this book is that it isn't a straight rewriting of the classic story. Retellings that manage to hold on to flavors of the original fairytale but don't follow the standard plot exactly, are always my favorite. The Golden Braid definitely had elements in it that make it a unique tale - Rapunzel knows how to defend herself and throw a knife, and wants to learn to read so much that she seeks out lessons, even though it's against her Mother's wishes. Rapunzel is also not stuck in a tower for most of the book, and sometimes she does the rescuing herself.
I really appreciated seeing Rapunzel's personal growth as she begins to discern what is true from what Mother has always told her in an attempts to keep her hidden/sheltered. There is a very slow burn romance that was fun to watch unfold, and I enjoyed the mediaeval German setting.
However, I thought the last third of the book dragged out too long, and the story read quite young to me. I think my middle school self would have eaten it up, though as an adult reader, I wanted more of the darker/intense moments and more complexity as Rapunzel becomes her own person.
Love Triangle Factor: None
Cliffhanger Scale: This story wraps completely with a HEA. But this is number 6 in a loosely linked companion series. I haven't read any of the others and didn't have any problem jumping into this one.
Gorgeous review Lauren. <3 I'm glad you liked this one :D I would probably never pick it up, lol. But it do look pretty cute. But aw, it felt a bit young? That can be a bit depressing sometimes. But I'm so glad you still enjoyed it a lot :) Thank you for sharing about it sweetie. <3
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