Jaclyn and the Beanstalk
Mary Ting
Published by: Vesuvian Books
Publication date: September 4th 2018
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult
What fate awaits a girl who hears monsters at night…Sixteen-year-old Jaclyn looks up to her father. An honest man who once fought for the king, he now teaches Jaclyn how to use her wits—and her sword.But he has a secret. And his secret may have a connection to the one thing Jaclyn is hiding from him.Upon hearing “monsters” are terrorizing the small villages around Black Mountain, Jaclyn’s father and his friends head out to hunt them … but they don’t return.Armed only with her sword and three magic beans—a gift from a mysterious old woman—Jaclyn sets out for Black Mountain to save her father.On her climb, one bean drops and grows into a beanstalk, catching her when she falls.She isn’t the only one that takes the ride. Jack, her childhood friend and secret crush, is following her.Together, Jaclyn and Jack must battle to save not only their fathers, but the townspeople the beasts plan to lay waste to before it’s too late.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
4 STARS
This was my first Jack & the Beanstalk retelling and oh my goodness, what a ride! I loved this spin on the age-old tale. The monsters were terrifyingly portrayed and literally gave me chills. I loved how brave and loyal Jaclyn was. I did find myself shaking my head when she disobeyed her father, but at the same time, I could understand her curiosity. The romance between Jaclyn and Jack was sweet but didn't overpower the story. There were some religious vibes and undertones, but I didn't feel like it was in your face. The time period that the story takes place in kind of requires the religion, in my opinion. This book was full of adventure and lush descriptions. I love fairytale retellings and I think this one is probably one of my favorites mainly because of its originality. My 12 yr old daughter also loves fairytale retellings (she's a huge Lunar Chronicles fan) and I think she will really enjoy this one too. It's a quick read but Ms. Ting fits so much into the book that I was left really satisfied by the end.
International Bestselling Author Mary Ting/M. Clarke resides in Southern California with her husband and two children. She enjoys oil painting and making jewelry. Writing her first novel, Crossroads Saga, happened by chance. It was a way to grieve the death of her beloved grandmother, and inspired by a dream she once had as a young girl. When she started reading new adult novels, she fell in love with the genre. It was the reason she had to write one-Something Great. Why the pen name, M Clarke? She tours with Magic Johnson Foundation to promote literacy and her children's chapter book-No Bullies Allowed.
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