First Line Friday 56 || Fairy Tales Reimagined

It’s time to play “guess that book” and also watch our TBRs weep.

Book Beginnings is hosted by Rose City Reader and is all about the first line of a current/upcoming read. Friday 56 is a meme hosted by Freda’s Voice, where you turn to page 56 (or 56%) in what you’re reading a find a snippet that jumps out at you.

Click To Reveal The Book

Nothing ever happens in Filomena Jefferson-Cho’s sleepy little suburban town of North Pasadena. The sun shines every day, the grass is always a perfect green, and while her progressive school swears there’s no such thing as bullying, she still feels bummed out. But one day, when Filomena is walking home on her own, something strange happens.

Filomena is being followed by Jack Stalker, one of the heroes in the Thirteenth Fairy, a series of books she loves about a brave girl and her ragtag group of friends who save their world from an evil enchantress. She must be dreaming, or still reading a book. But Jack is insistent–he’s real, the stories are real, and Filomena must come with him at once!

Soon, Filomena is thrust into the world of evil fairies and beautiful princesses, sorcerers and slayers, where an evil queen drives her ruthless armies to destroy what is left of the Fairy tribes. To save herself and the kingdom of Westphalia, Filomena must find the truth behind the fairytales and set the world back to rights before the cycle of sleep and destruction begins once more.

• A new twist on old, classic fairy tales.
• Combines fantasy and contemporary.
• Bookish protagonist, FTW!
• DRAGONS.
• Engaging prose that pulls you right in.
• Plenty of adventure and mysteries to be solved.

5 On My TBR is hosted by E. @ Local Bee Hunter’s Nook and is meant to take place on Mondays. But since Fridays tend to be my TBR-focused post, I’ve decided to combine them here. Next Monday’s prompt is: retelling.

               

Little Thieves by Margaret Owen

This is a retelling of The Goose Girl by the author of The Merciful Crow, so it may come as no surprise that this is not only a dark story but also totally flips the original on its head. It seems to be told from the “villain’s” point of view, but I’m suspecting that won’t be 100% true.

Bookish and the Beast by Ashley Poston 

This Beauty and the Beast retelling doesn’t sound like something I’d normally read. However, I’ve seen it around so often, and it seems like so many people are really enjoying it! Plus, the snippets I’ve read so far? Brilliant. I think I’m going to like the writing voice.

Pride by Ibi Zoboi

I’ve been on the fence about reading this Pride and Prejudice retelling, since it doesn’t seem like my “normal” type of read. I found it on sale, though, and it seemed too good to pass up, especially after a couple people specifically recommended I read it. Hey, it never hurts to give something new a try, right?

The Guinevere Deception by Kiersten White

I’ve checked this King Arthur retelling out of the library multiple times intending to read it and haven’t quite gotten around to it yet, somehow? I really like White’s writing, though, and this one sounds like something I’d enjoy! I’ve got the second book, too, so I’m thinking I’ll just find a time when I can read them back-to-back now.

Cinderella Is Dead by Kalynn Bayron

I’m surprised to see this has such a low rating on Goodreads, since I’ve only ever seen positive reviews of it. I’m pretty sure it should go without saying that this is a Cinderella retelling. Except gayer. And slightly more dystopian (though if you read the original, it’s not exactly a place I’d want to live in to begin with!).

What are you reading this week? Share its first line in the comment below or drop your own First Line links!