What Once Was Mine
Updated: May 6, 2021
8/10 What if Rapunzel’s mother drank a potion from the wrong flower?
This is the 12th installment in the New York Times Bestselling Series A Twisted Tale
Amazon Summary:
Desperate to save the life of their queen and her unborn child, the good citizens of the kingdom comb the land for the all-healing Sundrop flower to cure her . . . but someone mistakenly picks the blossom of the Moondrop instead. This shimmering flower heals the queen and she delivers a healthy baby girl?with hair as silver and gray as the moon. But with her mysterious hair comes dangerous magical powers: the power to hurt, not heal. For the safety of the kingdom, Rapunzel is locked away in a tower and put under the care of the powerful goodwife, Mother Gothel.
For eighteen years Rapunzel stays imprisoned in her tower, knowing she must protect everyone from her magical hair. When she finally decides to leave the only home she's ever known—to see the floating lights that appear on her birthday—she gets caught up in an unexpected adventure with two thieves: a would-be outlaw named Gina, and Flynn Rider, a rogue on the run. Before she can reach her happy ending, Rapunzel learns that there is far more to her story, and her magical hair, and her future than she ever knew.
My Summary:
15%: So far in the story, we learn that Rapunzel wasn’t stolen by Mother Gothel, but her parents were scared of her magical hair, so they gave away their baby. She was raised in the tower, and the Queen could only see her once. Her hair is a deadly weapon and can kill anyone when she is made or sings a certain song. (think of it as the opposite of her hair from the Disney movie). Mother Gothel has plans to sell her for marriage to make money. There is a secret way into the tower through a trapdoor.
45%: so now everythings gone awry. Rapunzel made some new friends. Flynn obviously. And then there is this new girl, Gina. They take Rapunzel into the city. She gets into the city, and is attacked by large men. Mother Gothel has realized Rapunzel has escaped, so she tells the people she is going to sell her to, about it. All the people in this inner circle are out to get Rapunzel.
77%: Alright. So A LOT HAS HAPPENED! Gina takes Rapunzel to her mother’s place. She is a real witch, unlike Gothel. Rapunzel learns some shocking things about her past that would change her life forever. She has a deep spiritual awakening, and learns about her hair, and is working on controlling it. She gets kidnapped! By Bathroy’s guard.
My Review:
15%: Ok. love the story. For starters BEFORE YOU READ, you need to know that this doesn’t start like the other books in the series. It starts off in a hospital, with a 16 year old girl, on chemo who loves Tangled, and her brother is “retelling” the story. Reading the first chapter made me sad because I thought this was going to start off in the fairytale, but I didn’t like the whole cancer thing. Whenever the story gets good, Daniella has to interrupt, ruining the vibe.
60%: So after Rapunzel is at the Snuggly Duckling, and meets a lovely lady named Gina, who is one somewhat a “thug”. She agreed to help Flynn and Rapunzel on her journey, for a price. She takes them to her mothers house and is a REAL WITCH. She teaches Rapunzel how to use her hair, and about the past.
77%: ok this book has gotten way more action packed, and more romance involved! Rapunzel and Flynn have been kissing, and being all "lovie Dovie" with one another. There is now a kidnapping. I am sweating with worry and anticipation!
98%: this took a massive turn. There is an all out war going on for Rapunzel, and she is with her new friends, and is watching out for them. She stands up to someone, and uses her magic hair to help fight.
End of Book: So I just finished this book, and I have my final thoughts. I will start on character development. Rapunzel was sad and angry about being in a tower, locked away from the world. When she finally leaves the tower, she is a frightful girl, always on edge, worrying Mother Gothel would find her. She was clueless and didn’t know what to do. Then once Rapunzel learned she was the heir to the throne of Corona. Once she finds true love, and understands herself, she is confident. Rapunzel now is able to stand up for herself, and not take orders. She is a free woman now. She stands up to all the thugs, Elizabeth Bathroy, and even her “mother”.
I never was interested in Tangled and Rapunzel’s story, but this has changed my mind completely. The author changed the narrative, which I loved. I never know when Disney movies really take place, but I could imagine being there, next to Rapunzel. I love anything Liz Braswell writes, but this takes the cake!. There were more female characters, with bigger roles and encouraged female empowerment which I liked. The new characters each had a story, and were all well fleshed out. This book There was a whole new aspect of Rapunzel (which we never saw in the movie). Rapunzel is a BADDIE! She uses her magic to escape, and hurt people, who try to capture her. The tension between Rapunzel and Flynn when they first meet is painful. I was waiting for them to get together, and when they did, I was so happy.
PLEASE GO BUY THIS BOOK WHEN IT COMES OUT! IT WAS AWESOME!
To read more from the author please visit:
@LizBraswell