Russell, Rachel
Renee, Tales From a
Not-So-Happily-Ever-After. 3
CDS. 3:04 hrs. (unbar.). Simon and Schuster Audio, 2014. $14.99 Audible download.
Nikki is having a rough day to say the least. First, her
sister, Brianna’s PBJP(Peanut Butter, Jelly, and Pickle) sandwich winds up on
her shirt without her noticing. Next, her crush, Brandon’s text about an
opening for journalism camp comes too late. Then, her English teacher assigns
the class to write their own version of a fairy tale. Fun, if Nikki could think
of something to write about. If her day wasn’t bad enough, in gym class,
Mackenzie purposely hits Nikki really hard with a dodgeball and she not only
hits the ground, but winds up at Fairytale Land High School with no idea how to
get home. After hitting the Wicked Witch, Mackenzie, as she fell from the sky,
Nikki’s arch nemesis turned magical, has it out for her and wants her dead. Sent on a whirlwind fairytale adventure by her
not-so-great with magic fairytale godmother, Brianna, to find the Wizard of Odd
in hopes of getting back home, Nikki winds up taking on more than she can chew.
With wolves who want to eat characters that look like her friends, bored
royals, and a really crazy Queen of Hearts after her head, will Nikki ever get
back home? Or, will Mackenzie manage to get her killed before she can?
This is by far the best Dork Diaries yet. The characters in their
new fairytale forms are even more likable and engaging than in the other books.
The character dynamic is strong and quickly develops more intensely throughout.
The plot is well-developed and easily draws the reader into Nikki’s world. The
narrator, Jenni Barber’s voice can be a tad annoying at first, but, once the
listener gets used to her, she captures the personality and attitude of the
characters well. Her unique narrative style complements the story, is befitting
of the pace of the story, and flawlessly switches between scene and world
changes. Fans of the Dork Diaries and of fairytale adventures will not be
disappointed.
4 stars, Grades 4 to 8.
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