Grounded: The Adventures of Rapunzel by Megan Morrison

"Think you know Rapunzel's story? Think again, because the tower was just the beginning." Jennifer Nielsen, author of The False Prince. 

"The last time I read a book this funny, this smart, and this charming, it was written by J. K. Rowling." Melissa Anelli, author of Harry, A History. 

Grounded is newly one of my favorite fairy tale remixes, a retelling of one of the most classic princess stories: Rapunzel. As the original story goes, Rapunzel is imprisoned in a tower by a witch who uses the girl to either stay eternally young, gain dark magic, or both, depending on the telling. However, lucky Rapunzel is rescued from her tall tower by a price who climbs her long, golden hair, and she lives happily ever after. Huzzah!

But this Rapunzel is different. Rapunzel has been raised by Witch, who fills her tower with magical items that obey Rapunzel's every command. Witch also gave Rapunzel books -- about Rapunzel herself, and how princes trick her into going to the ground, then lead her into trouble at the hands of dirty peasants or dangerous trolls. Luckily, Rapunzel-in-the-stories only has to cry for Witch's help, and then she will "live happily ever after, with Witch to love and protect her always." Happy to stay in her tower and completely disdainful of princes and the ground below, Rapunzel is completely struck by surprise when one day, a peasant boy enters her tower and demands he give her the cure -- because Rapunzel poisoned a fairy. But Rapunzel can't remember a thing about this non-prince boy or the fairy she is accused of killing. The boy leaves when Witch returns, and Witch tells Rapunzel that the fairy is a powerful magic one: her magic is killing Witch. Rapunzel must embark on an adventure with Jack the peasant boy, meeting fairies and family along the way -- because she wants to save Witch. 

I absolutely loved this book! Unlike some fairy tale remixes where you already know the story, Grounded keeps you in the dark until the end: everyone knows that the Witch is evil... but Rapunzel believes she is not. Who is right in the end? Who is good, who is evil? Is Rapunzel right, or is  the rest of the world? The final decision is beautifully and perfectly written, and you can see that neither Witch, Rapunzel, the fairies, nor Jack, are a sterotypical cliche storybook character. 

I'm hoping for a sequel to Grounded! Rapunzel is a spunky but innocent protagonist, which makes for great humor; Jack and Tess have lots of potential for adventure. The fairies, Rapunzel's family, Jack the Beanstalker, the White, and the world of Tyme in general all have lots more in store -- I'm keeping my eyes peeled for Tyme Book 2 (according to rumor, there'll be six!)

Definitely five stars!
Happy reading!
~Citali