Customer Reviews

Rumpelstiltskin vs. Miller: The Child Custody Battle That Turned a Kingdom Upside Down

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

When I first received my copy of Rumpelstiltskin vs. Miller in the mail, I regarded it with trepidation. The massive 765 page book was quite larger than I had expected, and I became concerned about the content. Then I cracked it open. Gasp! Small font and no pictures! What on earth was I to do? The answer was obvious - dive in! Dorrance Publishing's Rumpelstiltskin vs. Miller is a witty - and wordy - account of the events that happened after the fairy tale ended, when the miller's daughter turned queen foiled Rumpelstiltskin's attempt to take her first born child. If you are looking for an interesting and detailed new perspective on an old story, then you are in the right place. However, if you are looking for a simple or light read, look somewhere else. On one side, the story is clever and well told. On the other side, there are quite a number of large words and complex concepts. If you graduated in the top of your class and aced your SATs, this is perfect for you. If you didn't, it will probably send you running for a dictionary at least once. The author pegs it in the introduction - vanity. The story is to be written in the perspective of a prince, someone who grew up with everything, all the best education had to offer. So the writing style fits. To me, it seemed perfectly like something a highly educated business analyst turned writer would create, an intelligently funny story, with a little bit of his own vanity showing in the language.

*I received a complimentary copy of Rumpelstiltskin vs. Miller as a member of the Dorrance Publishing Book Review Team. Visit dorrancebookstore.com to learn how you can become a member of the Book Review Team.
A full copy of all my reviews can be found at[...]

I really wanted to like this book. Honestly. It's a clever idea and well written. I like the idea of taking a fairy tale and making it into an adult story. But I just found myself bogged down by the details. It is obvious that the author has a history degree, because this story is written as an analysis of a certain series of event that changed a kingdom.

The story of Queen Millicent and her kingdom are related in minute detail. The Queen's thoughts, her actions, kingdom governmental policy - all in great detail. I understand why the other reviewers loved this book so much. It IS smart and intelligent. I just did not find myself caring enough about the characters to finish it. And I hate to write a review of a book I didn't finish! I picked up and put this one down three times, and still only got halfway through.
The court case itself between Rumpelstiltskin and the Queen only takes up a short part of the book. The rest deals with the events surrounding it.

I didn't car for this book, but it may be for you. Check out the other reviews. I give it 3 stars because it IS a great idea and well written. Maybe I would have enjoyed it more if it was shorter and the plot moved along more quickly.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book as a member of the Dorrance Publishing Book Review Team. Visit dorrancebookstoredotcom to learn how you can become a member of the Book Review Team.

This book uses the Rumpelstiltskin fairy tale and creates an alternate history written by the Queen's son, Adlai. He tries to answer such questions as: why would an elf want to take this baby? What kind of king would threaten to execute a young woman and then expect her to marry him? What kind of marriage does this arbitrary, powerful king make with this young, uneducated but intelligent commoner? How would the various social classes react? How would creatures such as elves and ogres fit into a monarchial society? How does such a society reform itself in a time of civil strife?
I enjoyed reading this book but it meanders far too much. The over 750 pages would have benefited from editing.

I received a complimentary copy of Rumpelstiltskin vs. Miller as a member of the Dorrance Publishing Book Review Team. Visit dorrancebookstore.com
to learn how you can become a member of the Book Review Team.

Rumpelstiltskin versus Miller. If you like the fairytale, but always wished for the deeper version of the story this is the book for you. Brandt captures the political side of the story and how the fairytale has a lasting effect past the traditional "Happily Ever After". His story is well laid out and well written with great characters and plot. Queen Millicent is a growing woman and has her own decisions to make as well as being concerned about her bargain with Rumpelstiltskin. The tale will keep you involved with the workings of the political power at every turn. How will all the cards fall and in who's favor?


I received a complimentary copy of Rumpelstiltskin vs. Miller as a member of the Dorrance Publishing Book Review Team. Visit dorrancebookstore.com
to learn how you can become a member of the Book Review Team.

Rumpelstilskin vs. Miller: The child custody battle that turned a kingdom upside down
By Adlai Miller-Bonbour and Michael H. Brandt as editor
ISBN 0805960244
[...]

Have you ever wondered what ever happened after the Millers daughter after guessing Rumpelstilskin's name? What if he decided to sue for custody and breech of contract? How differently would things be if a commoner gained control of a kingdom? Adlai (the young prince) invites readers to explore the possibilities. Was Rumpelstilskin unfairly portrayed? This book is for those readers who enjoy reading political fiction rather than fairytales. In this book the Miller's daughter is more of a cross between Joan of Arc and Queen Elizabeth then the poor maiden forced to spin gold or face death. What if other fairy tale maidens took charge? It was an interesting twist worth reading.

I received a complimentary copy of Rumpelstilskin vs. Miller: The child custody battle that turned a kingdom upside down as a member of the Durance Publishing Book Review Team. Visit [...] to learn how you can become a member of the Book Review Team.

Rumplestiltkin vs. Miller is an intriguing combination of history and fantay. At the heart of the novel is the political education of Queen Millicent. She grows in wisdom and polity to become an enlightened and admirable leader during a time of great fairy tale crisis.
Political buffs will have great fun in tracing back the rhetoric offered by some of the Queen's advisors. The author skillfully incorporates comments that will jog your memory and make you realize the importance of context.

Enjoy this journey where the Brothers Grimm were afraid to go.

An imaginative and sophisticated extension of a tale we all know. Great reading! I love the names Brandt chooses for his characters and settings. Highly recommend!