Sweetly by Jackson Pearce
Published by Hachette Children's Books
Series: Fairy Tale Retellings #2
Source: Review copy
As a child, Gretchen's twin sister was taken by a witch-like monster in the woods. Ever since, Gretchen and her brother, Ansel, have felt the long branches of the witch's forest threatening to make them disappear, too.
When their stepmother casts Gretchen and Ansel out as teens, they stumble upon a sleepy Southern town and are invited to stay with Sophia Kelly at her sweet shop. Sophia molds candied magic: coveted treats that create confidence, bravery, and passion.
Life seems idyllic and Gretchen and Ansel finally start to forget their haunted past - until Gretchen meets handsome local outcast Samuel, who gives Gretchen a reason to fear Sophia: girls have been vanishing at Sophia's annual chocolate festival, taken by the insatiable 'witch' of Gretchen's nightmares. Can Gretchen save herself, the girls of Live Oak, andSophia?
Of one thing, Gretchen is certain: a monster is coming, and it will never go away hungry
Sweetly is one of those books I have been (not so) patiently waiting to read for what seems an age. I loved Sisters red and couldn't wait to see how this book would turn out. I am pleased to say I enjoyed it as much as Sisters Red and am left wanting to read even more from Jackson Pearce.
Sweetly captures the magic of Sisters Red in that they story is compelling with a fairly tale twist, the characters are awesome, the lead character Gretchen being completely kick-ass and the writing style was pacey and engaging.
What I particularly enjoy about Jackson's fairy Tale retellings is that even though you know the basic tale that is being retold you never quite know how she is going to spin it out which keeps you guessing. I also love how dark she makes her stories turning stories for children into something quite compelling and creepy.
I loved the main character Gretchen in this book. She has been through so much that it is impossible not to love her and feel sorry for her. She spends a great deal of time within the book comign to grips with what she has been through but is also determined to stand on her own two feet. I particularly enjoyed the scenes where Samuel teaches her how to shoot a variety of guns.
There is a direct link in this book to Sisters Red in that the Fenris make a reapperance. These werewolves are down right creepy and the scenes with them in are action packed and scary.
The final few chapters of the book is where the action really kicks off. it was fast paced with loads of twists and turns thrown in for good measure.
Certainly as good as Sisters Red and definitely a book I would recommend to others whether they have read other books by Jackson Pearce or not.
Published by Hachette Children's Books
Series: Fairy Tale Retellings #2
Source: Review copy
As a child, Gretchen's twin sister was taken by a witch-like monster in the woods. Ever since, Gretchen and her brother, Ansel, have felt the long branches of the witch's forest threatening to make them disappear, too.
When their stepmother casts Gretchen and Ansel out as teens, they stumble upon a sleepy Southern town and are invited to stay with Sophia Kelly at her sweet shop. Sophia molds candied magic: coveted treats that create confidence, bravery, and passion.
Life seems idyllic and Gretchen and Ansel finally start to forget their haunted past - until Gretchen meets handsome local outcast Samuel, who gives Gretchen a reason to fear Sophia: girls have been vanishing at Sophia's annual chocolate festival, taken by the insatiable 'witch' of Gretchen's nightmares. Can Gretchen save herself, the girls of Live Oak, andSophia?
Of one thing, Gretchen is certain: a monster is coming, and it will never go away hungry
***
Sweetly captures the magic of Sisters Red in that they story is compelling with a fairly tale twist, the characters are awesome, the lead character Gretchen being completely kick-ass and the writing style was pacey and engaging.
What I particularly enjoy about Jackson's fairy Tale retellings is that even though you know the basic tale that is being retold you never quite know how she is going to spin it out which keeps you guessing. I also love how dark she makes her stories turning stories for children into something quite compelling and creepy.
I loved the main character Gretchen in this book. She has been through so much that it is impossible not to love her and feel sorry for her. She spends a great deal of time within the book comign to grips with what she has been through but is also determined to stand on her own two feet. I particularly enjoyed the scenes where Samuel teaches her how to shoot a variety of guns.
There is a direct link in this book to Sisters Red in that the Fenris make a reapperance. These werewolves are down right creepy and the scenes with them in are action packed and scary.
The final few chapters of the book is where the action really kicks off. it was fast paced with loads of twists and turns thrown in for good measure.
Certainly as good as Sisters Red and definitely a book I would recommend to others whether they have read other books by Jackson Pearce or not.
Comments
- Jackie