Book Review: "A Kiss in Time" by Alex Flinn
{This book is from the author of "Beastly" which has now been made into a movie.} Alex Flinn takes a genre of fairy tales and is giving them a modern day twist. In "A Kiss in Time" she takes the well known story of Sleeping Beauty and turns it into the story of princess Talia who has laid asleep for 300 years only to be awakened by 16 year old American tourist Jack who was sent on a European summer tour by his parents. When Jack and his friend Travis break away from the rest of their tour group to try and have a day at the beach, they get lost and discover the slumbering and well hidden kingdom of Ephrasia where everyone seems to be peacefully asleep and no amount of their yelling and noise can wake them. While exploring the castle, Jack happens upon the stunning sleeping princess and cannot resist giving her one kiss before leaving. Upon waking princess Talia, chaos ensues as the rest of the kingdom awakes after 300 years as well. Who is this peasant boy who broke the curse? The stipulation was that it must be from her one true love. After a rebellious Talia convinces Jack to help her escape her unhappy existence in her kingdom he takes her back home to Florida where she is thrust into the world of cell phones, TV, modern teenage drama, and a wicked witch who just won't leave her alone. She has to find out if Jack is really her one true love before it is too late.
The story alternates back and forth each chapter between Jack and Talia's point of view. There is no denying this is written for the young adult crowd, that became apparent from the very first chapter. I think it could have been written a little bit better and captivated more of an older audience as well. It is was a quick, easy, and fun read however but did not really engage me as much as I'd hoped since I had heard good things about the authors other books. It is recommended for ages 12 and up, but there are a few references to things like "jell-o shots" and "making out" type things that might be better left for someone a little bit older. That was kind of the puzzling contrast to me was some of the more mature content, but the writing was a little dumbed down for the audience, especially since children these days are accustomed to more challenging vocabulary and plot lines that come from books like "Harry Potter". It does however have a typical fairy tale happy ending and has some good themes of finding yourself and the person you really want to be, and trying harder to have better relationships with your family. I have been trying to find some younger reader type fiction books that my daughter Kendle would enjoy, and unfortunately I don't think this one passed the test. All in all, it was just alright for me. I am still interested to try out another of her books and give the author one more shot.
Overall Rating:
2 1/2 out of 5 Bookmarks
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