Calamity Jack by Hale, Hale, and unrelated Hale

It's been a loooong time since I read Rapunzel's Revenge, written by Shannon and Dean Hale, illustrated by Nathan Hale, so I was hoping I could pick up Calamity Jack without needing to remember too much of the first book. And it was fine; Calamity Jack is a complete story with just enough background thrown in to remind you that Jack was Rapunzel's sidekick in the first book, and then it takes off on a new and unrelated adventure.

Jack is bringing Rapunzel back to his home in the city, hoping to show her a good time with his city manners and street know-how. But his past catches up with him quickly, and Rapunzel is bound to find out that he wasn't always the heroic fellow she knows today....

I will say, if you liked the first one, the writing is just as strong, there's a dash of humor, and it's fun to watch the relationship between Punzy and Jack bloom into something a little stronger and deeper. The artwork is colorful and gorgeous--whether or not you've delved into graphic novels, this pair is a good set to try, and you can pretty much start with either one (I'd recommend reading them in order, but if you can't get your hands on RR first, it doesn't hurt to start with the second one.)

Book of a Thousand Days by Shannon Hale

Shannon Hale has taken on one of the more obscure Grimm tales in this retelling of Maid Maleen. (Ever heard of it? I mean if you haven't already read Book of a Thousand Days....)

Hale has taken some creative liberty with the original tale, all for the best if you ask me. It's a strange tale... Anyway, she's set the story in a fantasy land inspired by the Asian steppes, and gives her characters the normal rich treatment I have come to expect from her work. As is typical for Hale, the story is satisfying and unexpected.

You can read sample chapters from this and most of her books at her wonderful website, which also features her wonderful and fascinating blog.

Rapunzel's Revenge by Shannon Hale

You may be familiar with Shannon Hale from her Goose Girl story, if you are (as I suspect since you are reading this) a fan of the fairy tale adaptations. More recently Hale turned her skills to Rapunzel's tale, or tails if you like.

What I didn't realize when I ordered Rapunzel's Revenge was that the book is a graphic novel. The story is written by Shannon Hale and her husband, Dean, and illustrated by Nathan Hale (apparently of no relation). It's an excellent retelling, bringing the tale up to more modern sensibilities (Rapunzel is able to rescue herself, for example). The artwork is lovely and sets the scene beautifully, taking the reader right into the tale. I honestly have no complaints at all about this work.

There are some great reviews and descriptions over at Amazon.com, so I'll just point you their way if you want more details. It definitely deserves it's 4.5 star rating and I would go so far as to say that should be a 5. I recommend it to all of you, particularly if you like the retellings that are more creative and flexible. Enjoy!

Also check out Shannon Hale's Official Site.