Pamela J

A Feel-Good Holiday Story

Reviewed: 12-23-23

This is an excellent holiday story with the makings of a happily ever after romance. The story is well-written, and the narration is perfect, truly enjoyable. This story will leave you satisfied and smiling. I’m ready to find another story by this author and narrator.

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Fabulous Twist to a Classic Fairytale

Reviewed: 05-31-21 Listener received this title free

This book was an amazing audible. I love how the author was able to update this classic story yet leave us in the world of page-turning magic. This story gives us a heroine, Gretel, who is willing to do whatever it takes to help her brother Hansel when she learns he has been kidnapped. She does not blink when she learns that the kidnapper is a beautiful wicked witch who kidnaps humans and takes away their willpower by enticing them with candy. Gretel does feel somewhat guilty that she should have attended their 17th birthday party with Hansel instead of declining the invitation and staying home to read a book.

Gretel travels into the Black Forest, where the witch lives. To her surprise, she runs into the Queen's General Stephan. Stephan is also on a mission to help the royal family, as he is the only one able to get close to the Black Forest. Soldiers who were sent into the forest never returned, so it's up to Stephan to help. Gretel and Stephan decide to work together to save Hansel and the royal family. They go through several challenges and obstacles along the way. Gretel and Stephan develop and friendship, and yes, their friendship slowly transforms into something more significant.

During their journey, Stephan is faced with betrayal he didn't see coming, and Gretel makes friends with a magical being that offers assistance when she needs it the most. Although tied to the witch, Hansel still has a connection to his sister, and the question throughout the storyline will have you wondering how long the bond will survive between the two siblings. I love HEA storylines and was not disappointed.

Margo Ryerkerk does an exceptional job of providing well-developed characters. The performance of these characters is very believable as they are brought to life by the narrator, Andy Garcia-Ruse. This audible is a highly entertaining twist to the classic, and if you enjoy fairytales, you will not be disappointed with the purchase of The Hansel and Gretel Curse.

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Not Exactly What I Expected

Reviewed: 04-13-16

The overall story was good, but the main character's inner dialogue was annoying. It overpowered the storyline. I was hoping that it would lessen as the story developed, but May continued to pout and whine throughout the story. I felt the character was suppose to be independent, but the inner dialogue countered of being secure. The narrator worked with the material she was given. I enjoyed the foundation of the story and would listen to another book from the author in hopes that the inner dialogue will be at a minimum if it's a similar style. The love story could have been developed more. It's possible that I would have enjoyed the book better in written form instead of audible so not to hear the inner dialogue.

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3 people found this helpful

Review....

Reviewed: 11-12-15

I enjoyed the overall story; the main characters are nicely developed. There are some predictable areas and the female lead character at times would cling too much to her indecisiveness, but the author provides the reason for it so you're not left guessing. I have listened to other books by Tara Sue Me and like her writing style. If you want to listen to an overall enjoyable story, this is a good choice. The audio performance is very good.

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1 person found this helpful