It's difficult to find a theme that has not been used by another author. Take a theme and rework it into a different novel and make it your own. Goldstein does a remarkable job of doing just that. The theme is that of the bondmaid discovered long ago by the Brothers Grimm. So what's it about?
There is an unlikely hero, Will Taylor, Berkeley student, who falls in love with Livvy, a chemistry major who revels in preparing good food because of it. Livvy is but one of three intriguing and unusual women, the Feirabend sisters. Maddie is a beautiful, outgoing individual whose goal is to become an accomplished actress. Livvy is the middle daughter attending Berkeley like Will. Rose is the youngest and her passion is researching the family history.
There are two worlds - a fairyland and the real world. The sisters are connected to the mythical world through a bargain made long ago by an ancestor. That bargain takes a female member of the family from each generation, who sleeps for seven years. Why? To fight battles where no one dies and to dance until exhaustion? We never really know but it doesn't seem to matter as we become caught up in the story. As a result, the family has luck - nothing bad ever seems to happen to them. They enjoy health, wealth, and prosperity.
There is action, trickery, romance, and intrigue, cleverly woven into a tale that keeps one's attention to the very last page. When Livvy falls asleep, Will must try to find the key to getting her back and the adventure begins. It's fun, exciting and enjoyable.
There is an unlikely hero, Will Taylor, Berkeley student, who falls in love with Livvy, a chemistry major who revels in preparing good food because of it. Livvy is but one of three intriguing and unusual women, the Feirabend sisters. Maddie is a beautiful, outgoing individual whose goal is to become an accomplished actress. Livvy is the middle daughter attending Berkeley like Will. Rose is the youngest and her passion is researching the family history.
There are two worlds - a fairyland and the real world. The sisters are connected to the mythical world through a bargain made long ago by an ancestor. That bargain takes a female member of the family from each generation, who sleeps for seven years. Why? To fight battles where no one dies and to dance until exhaustion? We never really know but it doesn't seem to matter as we become caught up in the story. As a result, the family has luck - nothing bad ever seems to happen to them. They enjoy health, wealth, and prosperity.
There is action, trickery, romance, and intrigue, cleverly woven into a tale that keeps one's attention to the very last page. When Livvy falls asleep, Will must try to find the key to getting her back and the adventure begins. It's fun, exciting and enjoyable.
