Bookishpedia
HomeGenresAll BooksAbout us
Cover image of Fairest, Volume 2: The Hidden Kingdom
Fairest, Volume 2: The Hidden Kingdom
Lauren Beukes
FantasyFiction
Quick Take
In a stand-alone tale, Beast must hunt a beauty, but what is her relation to his past? And then, in a 6-part epic, Rapunzel lives one of the most regimented lives in Fabletown, forced to maintain her rapidly growing hair lest her storybook origins be revealed. But when word of her long-lost children surface, she races across the sea to find them--and a former lover. Collecting: Fairest 8-14
Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Fairest, Volume 2: The Hidden Kingdom

Introduction

"Fairest, Volume 2: The Hidden Kingdom" is a stand-alone tale in the Fables universe, written by Lauren Beukes. In this story, Beast must hunt a beauty, and Rapunzel, a character from the Fables series, embarks on a journey to find her long-lost children. Set in Tokyo, this six-part epic explores Rapunzel's life in Fabletown and her connection to her past. With its blend of fairy tale elements and Japanese mythology, "The Hidden Kingdom" offers a unique and captivating reading experience.

About Lauren Beukes

Lauren Beukes is an award-winning, best-selling novelist known for her imaginative and thought-provoking stories. She has written several books, including "Broken Monsters," "The Shining Girls," and "Zoo City." Beukes has also dabbled in screenwriting, comics, and journalism, making her a versatile and accomplished storyteller. Her work has been translated into multiple languages and has been optioned for film and TV adaptations.

Analysis of Views

  1. Engaging Storytelling: Readers praise the storytelling in "Fairest, Volume 2: The Hidden Kingdom." They find the tale captivating and enjoy the way it adds new characters and developments to the Fables universe. The incorporation of Japanese mythology and folklore adds depth to the story, making it richer and more intriguing.

  2. Female Empowerment: Many readers appreciate the focus on female characters in this volume. Rapunzel, in particular, is portrayed as a strong and independent woman who takes charge of her own destiny. The story highlights her resilience and determination, making her a relatable and inspiring character.

  3. Artwork: The artwork in "The Hidden Kingdom" receives mixed reviews. While some readers appreciate the overall quality of the illustrations, others find certain aspects of the artwork lacking. Some feel that certain characters' designs are inconsistent or that the artwork lacks depth or detail.

  4. Japanese Cultural Elements: The incorporation of Japanese mythology and folklore is a significant aspect of this volume. Readers appreciate the way Beukes weaves these elements into the story, providing a fresh perspective on the Fables universe. The integration of Japanese culture adds depth and richness to the narrative.

  5. Horror Elements: "Fairest, Volume 2: The Hidden Kingdom" also explores horror themes, which some readers find appealing. The incorporation of Japanese horror elements adds an eerie and unsettling atmosphere to the story, making it more thrilling and engaging for those who enjoy darker themes.

Reasons for Recommendation

  1. Engaging Storytelling: The compelling storytelling in "Fairest, Volume 2: The Hidden Kingdom" makes it a highly recommended read. The addition of new characters and developments keeps the narrative fresh and captivating, while the incorporation of Japanese mythology adds depth and richness to the story.

  2. Strong Female Characters: Readers appreciate the strong female characters in this volume, particularly Rapunzel. Her resilience and determination make her a relatable and inspiring protagonist, adding depth to the story and making it more inclusive for female readers.

  3. Japanese Cultural Elements: The incorporation of Japanese mythology and folklore adds a unique and fascinating element to the story. Readers who enjoy exploring different cultures and mythologies will find this aspect particularly appealing.

  4. Horror Elements: For readers who enjoy horror themes, the incorporation of Japanese horror elements adds an extra layer of excitement and suspense to the story. The eerie atmosphere and unsettling moments make it a thrilling read for fans of darker themes.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

  1. Artwork Quality: Some readers find the artwork in "Fairest, Volume 2: The Hidden Kingdom" lacking in certain areas. While some appreciate the overall quality of the illustrations, others feel that certain designs are inconsistent or lack depth or detail. This may be a reason for some readers to avoid this volume if they prioritize visual appeal in their reading experience.

  2. Inconsistent Character Designs: Some readers note that certain characters' designs are inconsistent or lack coherence. This can be a potential drawback for readers who prefer a more cohesive visual representation of characters throughout the story.

Conclusion

"Fairest, Volume 2: The Hidden Kingdom" by Lauren Beukes offers a captivating tale set in the Fables universe with a unique blend of fairy tale elements and Japanese mythology. The story features strong female characters, including Rapunzel, who takes center stage in her quest to find her long-lost children. While some readers appreciate the engaging storytelling and Japanese cultural elements, others find certain aspects of the artwork lacking or inconsistent. Overall, "The Hidden Kingdom" offers a thrilling read for fans of darker themes and those who enjoy exploring different cultures through fiction.

About us
Terms of use
Privacy Policy