What fate awaits a girl who hears monsters at night … 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.
more
Get ready….This is not like the original story of Jack and the Beanstalk…..It’s much better!!!
The characters were amazing. I loved reading about Jaclyn and the darkness that surrounded her. She was a powerful character that kept me wanting to read more and hope she would get a happily ever after.
The story-line was phenomenal. It was mystifying, magical and suspenseful all rolled into one. I felt a real connection with this story. The storytelling of this story made it feel so real and so believable and I just couldn’t put it down. I was so enchanted by the story, that I was able to leave the troubles of real life behind to delve into the life of this fiction story for a few hours. And when not reading, I would daydream about the story until I finished it Even the moral of the story was extremely heart and soul fulfilling. I was in awe at how this story of darkness brought on a new light within such a few pages. I will probably find myself going back from time to time to re-read and enjoy this magnificent story for years to come. I highly recommend this read.
If you’ve been reading my blog for very long, you’ll know that I always look for these fairy tale retelling type of stories. And this was a very unique one! At first I was wondering just when we’d get into any of the things that were familiar about the Jack and the Beanstalk story, but it wasn’t long before we got to the magic beans. Even if they were introduced in a different manner, my brain was still like, “Ah-ha! There they are!” But this story had so much more detail and back story than the original fairy tale, and I loved all of that! Now obviously the story is about Jaclyn instead of Jack, but the weird thing is, there was still a character named Jack, a main character actually. I’m not sure I liked this repetition of names, but in the end, there was a reason it kind of worked.
I liked the way little things that happened at the beginning got explained later on in more detail. Like the way that when she touched the one sword that she saw visions. Finding out who the visions were of, and just what they meant later on, really added to the story. I also loved what the magic beans did not only for the beanstalks, but for the story in the end. And you know how if you’re like me, you always kind of wonder what happens after the story, after the HEA? Well you’re in luck with this tale, because the author gives a few epilogues that show us just how it all goes. I will say that there was a definite religious/Christian slant to the story, and for me it was a bit much at one point. But since I liked how that fed into the background of our “giants” or monsters, I was okay with that. I haven’t actually read this author until now, although I’ve done some promoting in the past because her books sound really good. So maybe the religious part is something that is in her stories usually? I do know that this part of the story intrigued me and made me want to do some research into the story that I only remember the basics of.
*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.
Not your traditional Jack and the Beanstalk story. This one is even better as we follow Jaclyn a 16 yr old girl raised pretty much in the middle of no where. She gets curious when monsters start coming around as well as some other strange things. The bartenders of the original exist but the twists are so unexpected that it really keeps you guessing. In conjunction with the best world building we get a story that is hard to put down. Great for a wide range of readers. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.
Fans of fairy tale retellings like Snow White and the Huntsman will love Mary Ting’s gender-bent Jaqlyn and the Beanstalk. Not only do we have a believable heroine in Jaqlyn, who prefers trousers to skirts and sword practice to needlework, thank you very much. But our heroine’s loyalty to her family, especially her heroic father, lay the groundwork for one epic quest.
From the beginning, Jaqlyn is plagued by nightmares of demons. She attempts to lighten her dark thoughts by entertaining her family with made-up fairy tales. Never could she imagine the fairy tales are real, or her role in the coming challenges. Ting grounds her novel in the distant and fixed past, a time of deeply rooted religion and sinister superstitions. Life in her woodland home with only her mother and father for company is enough to satisfy Jaqlyn, who has no intentions to marry, only live a free and happy life. Until she stumbles upon a mysterious weapon hidden in the barn and begins to unravel her parents’ pasts. Here is where Jaqlyn’s journey truly begins.
Before you start to wonder about the original Jack, of former beanstalk fame, never fear. Jack and Jaqlyn grew up together, but haven’t seen each other since they were children. I loved how Ting brought familiar elements and characters like Jack and the beans and crafted something more exciting and fresh. Forget everything you think you know about giants and giant slayers. Prepare to enter a mythic past of epic proportions, led by a girl who is much more than she appears. Her heart and faith will see her through to the end, but a little skill with blade and lance can’t hurt. 😉
I haven’t read a lot of Mary Ting’s work, but I was intrigued by the blurb for Jaclyn & the Beanstalk and had to check it out. This is NOT a Disney fairytale! Far from it! It is a much darker, twisted version. There is action, suspense, drama, death, and a budding romance. I was hooked from page one.
The author took a unique approach to the story by weaving in religion, magic, and monsters. I was whisked away to another land. Sixteen-year-old Jaclyn may be the strongest female lead I have read to date. I was blown away by her strength and tenacity.
I do have one small pet peeve with this story. I wish the author was more descriptive. While I was transported to another time, I felt that the author could have packed a bigger punch by painting a more complex and colorful world. As a reader it’s a personal preference of mine. For that reason, I gave the story 4 stars instead of 5.Mary Ting Jaclyn and the Beanstalk (A Tangled Fairy Tale, #1)
This is one of my favorite books by Mary Ting and believe me I have read them all. The story is so good and is great for any age.
Note: This review contains NO spoilers
O-M-G!!! I loved it! Jaclyn and the Beanstalk. What an incredibly gripping twist on a classic fairytale! And, not just a twist on a favorite children’s story, there’s also a religous twist! Whoa! This is a read that is NOT to be missed… Seriously!!!
With well-developed, complex characters and world building, Mary Ting whisked me away to another time and place with every turn of the page! With her imaginative writing style, I can “watch” the story unfold in my mind’s eye! I completely fell in for both Jacks as their romance also unfolded. I really enjoyed the subtle touch of this romance…it did not dominate the story, but yet, it was not too subtle that it got lost along the way. I also enjoyed the ironic twist that both characters’ names are “Jack.”
Elements of suspense and horror is prominent throughout the story. Other elements such as the supernatural and drama, ties in well in this fairytale twist. I also enjoyed that ironic twist in which their story came around full circle… where it is not a cliffhanger ending, but yet, it leaves it open for a possible next generation (in other words, a sequel)! Not only that, this also plays like an “origin” story as well… You gotta read it to know what I mean…haha!!
Jaclyn and the Beanstalk is a dark, gritty, intense, dramatic, and emotional read that fans of this genre will enjoy… It also has some irony that will make you say… “Hmmm…” LOL!
Jacklyn and the Beanstalk is a truly fantastic and utterly enchanting story that completely transforms a much loved fairytale into the stuff of legends! I was completely blown away by the magnitude of literary talent and the depth of heart with these pages. This story is nothing to be taken lightly. It is something very precious meant to be savored and treasured at every turn. What you have in your hands is a rare piece of heaven wrapped in more heart and soul then you can imagine while tied with a beautiful bow of pure love and unwavering devotion.
We have all heard the story of Jack and the Beanstalk. It’s something that most of us can recite by heart because it is ingrained within us from childhood where we allowed our hearts to be light and wistful. Now, we may trip over a few words here and there since we have relinquished our hold on this wishful story. What if this story was once based on true events, but as it was passed down through the years from one generation to another, names and places had been changed? Is that something you would believe? Would you immediately begin researching the origins of this story, or would you pass it off as mere fancy without a second though? What might people think about your life and story years from now? Would you turn into mere myth and legend as the years tick by? There is an innate desire in all of us want to be remembered and to have our life mean something. Is there any harm in entertaining an outlandish idea especially when in your heart you can’t dispute it and yet it resonates within every part of your soul? Take your first step into this world with an open mind and an open heart because you never know what you will find and how it will touch you.
The extraordinary characters that you meet throughout this journey will touch your heart in ways you can never imagine. They will show you what really matters in this life, and how to treasure those precious things. Your heart will expand and change into something you never thought possible. If words can change the world, then this book will shatter it and create a paradise so exquisite that you will never believe your own eyes.
Mary Ting is true literary master who wields words like some wield swords or money. Her power is in the light and love that flows from her heart. What you behold is something too powerful and too life changing to grasp unless you open your heart and mind. Her revelations have to be embraced and accepted with no constraints or barriers. Can you even imagine what our world would look like if we lived our lives with that same approach?! Utterly magnificent, insanely brilliant and wildly passionate are how I describe each of the books that this incredible author has brought to life. Nothing she touches remains the same for she gently molds and unashamedly loves with each breath she takes and each word she fashions.
I always enjoy Mary’s books and this one was awesome! It is a twist on Jack and the Beanstalk but it didn’t go the way I expected. Jaclyn is a beloved daughter and she dotes on her parents. I love how they let her be herself and her father teacher her to take care of herself. The monsters were completely freaky!
Jaclyn is so strong and courageous. There were times I could have smacked Jack through the book but he was great too. The author did wonderful with her cast of characters and I loved the retailing of this fairy tale. The parallels she did were masterfully done and I liked that if you wanted to, you could see a moral to the whole thing.
It was a 5/5 for me. Loved this book!
Thank you to the author for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.
I’ve been on a roll lately discovering one new (to me at least) authors. One of them is Mary Ting. I love her Jaclyn and the Beanstalk. This is a great re-imagining of the Jack and the Beanstalk fairly tales with lots of elements added in (and not just changing Jack to Jacelyn and adding in her boyfriend, aptly named Jack). But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises – the book definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book is most definitely one to read, and it is easy to highly recommend.
A terrific story for young and old!
Mary Ting has done it again! 🙂
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.
Fantasy novels never cease to amaze me in their creativity. This book is a prime example of such creativeness. Jaclyn and the Beanstalk is a different take on Jack and the Beanstalk. In fact … this book is set in a historical setting but doesn’t read like a historical novel.
Jaclyn is the only child of her parents but kept apart from the village which she doesn’t seem to mind. As the story goes along, however, strange things begin to happen. Since she was old enough to be able to hold a sword, her father, taught her how to wield one. Later this will come in handy.
I enjoyed reading the authors take on how an army of giant, nasty, evil creatures were defeated by good. Though there’s always some type of sacrifice it seems like it was worth it to save many in the overall scheme of things.
I hope this review entices you to read this YA Fantasy novel. It’s a take all on it’s own and definitely worth the read.