Entwined by Heather Dixon
Release Date: March 29, 2011
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Pages: 480
Source: Purchased Copy
Rating: 
Buy It: Amazon | Book Depository
Azalea is trapped. Just when she should feel that everything is before her . . . beautiful gowns, dashing suitors, balls filled with dancing . . . it’s taken away. All of it.
The Keeper understands. He’s trapped, too, held for centuries within the walls of the palace. And so he extends an invitation.
Every night, Azalea and her eleven sisters may step through the enchanted passage in their room to dance in his silver forest.
But there is a cost.
The Keeper likes to keep things.
Azalea may not realize how tangled she is in his web until it is too late. – Goodreads
Review:
Though I’m not all that familiar with the twelve dancing princesses fairytale (I see you judging me!), I was sure that Entwined would be a book I could immerse myself into. I started it during my most recent reading funk this past week and, unfortunately, we got off to a shaky start. After taking a reading break, though, I found myself very much charmed by this retelling.
I won’t even lie, it would be impossible to try to recall all of the sisters; all of them didn’t have unique, distinguishable characteristics to tell them apart. However, I can say that their dynamic was so much fun to read about. They were stubborn, loyal, and very loveable. Bramble was definitely the standout with her behavior and fierceness.
Following their mother’s death, the girls are ordered into mourning by their father. The biggest change for them was not being allowed to dance. Their defiance led them into a secret, magical passage every night where they met the villain of the story, Keeper. I have to admit, I found Keeper to be quite alluring at first, but he of course turned into a creepy creepster.
Romance wise, I would have loved more depth to the relationships. They were all very cute and sweet, but there wasn’t enough swoon for my liking. Azalea was obviously the focus of the story, and I loved her suitor, but the story would have benefited from more attention to Bramble and Clover’s romances. I adored both of the girls and I would have liked to feel the same way about their guys.
By far, my favorite part of the book was the relationship of the girls with their father, the king. It was easy to sympathize with both sides and understand how they felt following the death of the mother. The distance was aching, but it was so wonderful to see the gradual growth back together. The king? Was amazing and I loved peeling back his layers to uncover what a big softie he was. He was probably my favorite character of the entire book.
Overall, this was a cute and very likable story. I will definitely give this a re-read in the future when I’m in the mood for a heartwarmer.
About Stephanie
I definitely did not expect this to be a cute heart warmer (I too suffer from unfamiliarity with the 12 dancing princesses fairytale). I’m glad you enjoyed it and I will make sure I read this when I’m feeling a little blue.
Tbh, I want to read it for the cover alone.
You’d like it, for sure.
Hmm I still have not picked this one up even if it’s sitting on my shelf. I think I may have to read the fairytale first just to familiarize myself with the context. I really love the author’s blog (so FUNNY) so I hope I like the book.