Bewitching
by Alex Flinn
Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Books
Expected Publication: February 14, 2012
Pages: 352
Age Demographic: Young Adult
Received via: ATW ARC Tours
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Kendra Hilferty, the witch who curses Kyle Kingsbury in Beastly, tells about her immortal existence-how she discovered she was a witch and the various ways she has used her powers to help people throughout the centuries. (Unfortunately her attempts have often backfired.)
As it turns out, Kendra has actually had a hand in "Hansel and Gretel," "The Princess and the Pea," and "The Little Mermaid"-but these are not the fairy tales you think you know! Kendra's reminiscences are wrapped around a real-time version of "Cinderella," except the "ugly" stepsister is the good guy.
With dark twists, hilarious turns, and unexpected endings, Bewitching is a contemporary read for fairy-tale lovers, fantasy fans, and anyone looking for more Alex Flinn.
* Summary taken from Goodreads.
Bewitching is a wonderful enchanting fairytale retelling depicting a few of the classics. It's filled with intense vibrancy, powerful emotions, and an intriguing take on a present modern day retelling of Cinderella that sets it apart from most fairytale retellings giving it an interesting modern edge. It is the story of Kendra Hilferty, a witch readers are introduced to in Beastly, who chooses to use her powers over the centuries for good as a way of helping other's but sometimes her attempts have a way of backfiring on her causing more harm than good. The most intriguing thing about this book, is that most of the fairytales are wrapped around a "real Cinderella" retelling that is presently occurring. It's interesting, because in this particular depiction the "ugly stepsister and stepmother" are the "good guys."
Kendra is a wonderfully developed character who comes into herself throughout the story and over the centuries. Her voice is incredibly strong and throughout the centuries, she has had the best of intentions for her use of her powers, which makes her even more likable. The irony in this beautifully flawed and perfectly written character, is that she isn't human at all and yet she comes across as more human than some of the other characters introduced along the way. Flinn takes such great care in blending a wonderfully balanced contemporary retelling of such beloved fairytales, while giving it the perfect amount of paranormal and rich underlying themes of humanity throughout.
Flinn's writing style is delightful and the story she tells is deliciously fast-paced. Her modernized spin on these classic stories give them a certain quality and edge that will have readers believing in them all over again. She writes with such lyrical whimsy that it almost seems as if she herself, possesses magical powers enough to transport her readers back to their childhood. The whole cast of characters in this novel are wonderfully flawed and developed exceptionally well. The plot is engaging and the stories are moving.
Bewitching is a dark alluring story full of amazing twists and turns, wonderful comedic timing, and delicious unexpected endings that are beautifully woven into the fabric of humanity. Flinn has written a powerfully lyrical and wonderfully whimsical take on fairytales sure to keep readers flipping the pages and revisiting their childhood again and again. It is the perfect blend of childhood fantasy with just the right tinge of paranormal.
Bewitching is an enchanting tale that readers will enjoy for a lifetime. I would recommend this to fantasy lovers and those who enjoy reliving brilliant fairytales from their past. This is a masterfully written epic novel chalk full of powerful emotion, epic adventure, and delightful stories of love and magic that will warm the heart and remind readers of the greatest lesson of all: humanity. Kindness to those less fortunate than you.
{ This ARC was provided by ATW ARC Tours, in exchange for an honest review which I have provided. No money exchanged hands, I review books for fun because I love to read. I am not interested in monetary gain. Any piece of this ARC that was/wasn't quoted, is not part of the finished product and should not be perceived as such.}
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