What Once Was Mine by Liz Braswell
Series: Disney Twisted Tales #12
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Retellings
Pages: 496
Published By: Random House/Disney on 7th September, 2021
Format: Hardcover
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Book Synopsis:
What if Rapunzel’s mother drank a potion from the wrong flower?
Desperate to save the life of their queen and her unborn child, the good people of Corona search for the all-healing Sundrop flower to cure her—but mistakenly acquire the shimmering Moondrop flower instead. Nonetheless it heals the queen, and she delivers a healthy baby girl with hair as silver and gray as the moon. With it comes dangerous magical powers: the power to hurt, not heal. For her safety and the safety of the kingdom, Rapunzel is locked in a tower and put under the care of powerful goodwife, Mother Gothel.
For eighteen years Rapunzel stays locked away, knowing she must protect others from her magical hair. But when she leaves the only home she’s ever known, wanting only to see the floating lights that appear on her birthday, she gets caught up in an adventure across the kingdom with two thieves—a young woman named Gina, and Flynn Rider, a rogue on the run. Before she can reach her happy ending, Rapunzel learns that there may be more to her story, and her magical tresses, than she ever knew.
Book Review
I’m a big fan of the Disney Twisted Tales books and have read many, including several by Liz Braswell. However, this is the first Liz Braswell book in the series that I have rated quite high. This book presents a clear alternate version of the Tangled story, and Liz Braswell executes it really well. I really enjoy the Tangled Disney film so I was a little apprehensive going into this. That being said, the twisted element was really enjoyable.
This was such a charming retelling, told by a boy to his sister while she receives treatment for cancer. I loved this take, as it brought an endearing quality to the narrative. The writing style definitely feels YA, which works well since the book is promoted as such.
The book has a great pace overall throughout. I felt at times that the book lagged in a few areas once we reached the middle. However, it would pick right back up towards the end. I don’t mind having a dip in pace when reading a book as long as the author is able to pick it back up again and that is exactly what she did.
I loved the witchy turn this book took and how her power ties to the moon cycles– very fun. However, Mother Gothel could have probably had a slightly bigger part in the story. Something to note though is that one of the villains was pretty dark, literally gory, and slightly disturbing. I think it was a nice addition to the plot to keep it moving.
The ending differs significantly from the original Tangled film, and I really enjoyed that twist. If you are wanting a book that is true to the story then this one wouldn’t be for you. I enjoyed the Tangled elements, but since the whole point is to offer a different version, I was happy with the overall read.
If you’re a Disney fan then I would highly suggest giving this one a read. I think this would be the perfect book for getting out a reading slump. I know there are a few other Rapunzel retellings out there but I really enjoyed this twisted version.
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