Review: The World Above - Cameron Dokey

Synopsis: Gen and her twin brother, Jack, were raised with their mother's tales of life in the World Above. Gen is skeptical, but adventurous Jack believes the stories - and trades the family cow for magical beans. Their mother rejoices, knowing they can finally return to their royal home.

When Jack plants the beans and climbs the enchanted stalk, he is captured by the tyrant who now rules the land. Gen sets off to rescue her brother, but danger awaits her in the World Above. For finding Jack may mean losing her heart . . .

Review: Gen is a wonderfully upbeat heroine who doesn't allow her skepticism get in the way of accomplishing what needs to be done. She's practical and blessedly admits when she is wrong, rather than hanging on to denial for the entire duration of the story. The contrast between her and her twin brother add much to the believability of their relationship, and gives them both a very distinct personality.

Adding onto this is the combination of a retelling of Jack and the Beanstalk and Robin Hood, which are two stories that interact beautifully in The World Above. For once, I actually liked Robin! The Author plays cleverly upon all elements of both stories - giants, Sherwood Forest, the archery contest - and even integrates different versions of Jack and the Beanstalk into the storyline with incredible smoothness.

The story opens with Gen saying how her story is far more interesting than any Jack and the Beanstalk the Reader has read; she's right. The World Above is, from beginning to end, far more interesting and exciting - and makes far more sense - than any version of the classic fairy-tale, and Robin Hood, combined.

Overall Rating: {{{{

Others in the Once Upon A Time Series:

The Storyteller's Daughter (Cameron Dokey)
Beauty Sleep (Cameron Dokey)
Snow (Tracy Lynn)
Midnight Pearls (Debbie Viguie)
Scarlet Moon (Debbie Viguie)
Sunlight and Shadow (Cameron Dokey)
Spirited (Nancy Holder)
The Night Dance (Suzanne Weyn)
Golden (Cameron Dokey)
Water Song (Suzanne Weyn)
Before Midnight (Cameron Dokey)
The Rose Bride (Nancy Holder)
The Crimson Thread (Suzanne Weyn)
Belle (Cameron Dokey)
Wild Orchid (Cameron Dokey)
The Diamond Secret (Suzanne Weyn)
Winter's Child (Cameron Dokey)
Violet Eyes (Debbie Viguie)
The World Above (Cameron Dokey)