A Kiss in Time Review

Thursday, November 11, 2010


Talia fell under a spell . . . . Jack broke the curse.

Think you have dating issues? Try locking lips with a snoozing stunner who turns out to be 316 years old. Can a kiss transcend all—even time?

Taken from GoodReads.

A Kiss in Time is a re-imagining of the classic fairy tale, Sleeping Beauty. Talia was warned to stay away from spindles at a young age. The miracle princess was cursed as an infant and when she fails to stay away from spindles, the curse is triggered, and Talia falls asleep. Jack, on the other hand, lives to be rebellious. When he finds himself in a sleepy town with an even sleepier gorgeous girl, he can't help himself - he kisses her. Talia's been asleep for a very, very long time though, and their relationship is just beginning along a journey of magical proportions.

Finally! I've been in a bit of an ok-book slump...meaning the books I've been reading were good, but they weren't really great. A Kiss in Time was a total breath of fresh air for me. No, it wasn't the most exceptional writing or the most original tale, but A Kiss in Time really entertains. Written by author, Alex Flinn, the prose is engaging, the story is a throwback to the classic with twists of originality to keep you guessing, and the characters are fun and alive.

Now, let me just say that the story of Sleeping Beauty has always creeped me out a little bit because of the fact that the guy desperately wants to kiss the comatose girl. That said, A Kiss in Time plays up the humour and finds the hilarity in the classic tale. I enjoyed how defined and true both Talia and Jack's personalities were. They were definitely different, and they kept the plot pace going steady and strong. My one and only gripe with A Kiss in Time is the fact that we all know how the story ends. (If you don't...you might be living under a rock.) I was sort of hoping that Alex Flinn would throw a wrench in the original tale so the happily-ever-after story kept us guessing throughout, rather that staying true to the classic.

All in all, A Kiss in Time is a fun, fluffy, and engaging read that you will breeze through. I give it a very strong 4 out of 5, and I would recommend it to fans of classic fairy tales, YA fiction, and historical fiction. I will definitely be reading more of the author's work in the future.

22 comments:

  1. Hahaha you called the guy creepy for wanting to kiss an unconscious girl - I have to say I agree! I'm so excited to read this one after your review, I could use a fun, fluffy read and I love the classic fairy tales. I probably never would have even considered this one had I not seen your review, so thanks:)

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  2. I love fairy tale re-tellings! It's hilarious that the kid just couldn't resist kissing a 316 year old comatose girl. It sounds like a really fun book. I'll definitely have to read some Alex Flinn now.

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  3. I haven't read this one before, but I've read Beastly and I just finished Cloaked.. and I loved it. I am definitely on the Alex Flinn bandwagon. I just need to get with the program and read a Kiss in Time now :)

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  4. I wasn't sure what this one would be like, but your review has made me definitely want to read it. It sounds quite good!

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  5. I'm sold! Love fairy tale retellings :) Glad to hear this one is so entertaining!

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  6. Lol, you are so right, what a creep, kissing a sleeping girl he came across. I am glad this story finds something new in it

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  7. Lovely Review...Im wanting to read this one, I need to finish Beastly first..:D

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  8. Hmmmm.. since I had read mixed reviews for Beastly, I was wondering about this one. Of course I haven't read either, but I love the covers for both. LOL!

    Though I love your reviews, I probably should have waited to read this review from you, Mel. Now I know there is no surprise ending. Oppsy.

    Maybe I can put it off even longer and try to forget. ;)

    P.S. I never thought of Sleeping Beauty as creepy, but I'll tell you what was creepy, Anne Rice's take on the story. Now that is a story I wish I could forget reading.

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  9. Fabulous review! I love books that are stories or events retold. I've been wanting to read this book for a while, and now I want to read it even more! :)

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  10. Oooo I loved Beastly. I love the sound of this one. I really need to pick it up. Great review.

    PS You cracked me up with this line: "Now, let me just say that the story of Sleeping Beauty has always creeped me out a little bit because of the fact that the guy desperately wants to kiss the comatose girl."

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  11. I've only read Beastly by Alex Flinn, but I thought it was a good read, so maybe I'll try this one.

    & I agree with JuJu - that line was pretty funny!

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  12. I've been wondering about this one, Melissa. I absolutely loved your review of it. (Creepy and all eh. lol) I'll definitely be adding it to my wishlist now! Thanks! :D

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  13. Fairy tale retellings are always fun. I think Robin McKinley also retold Sleeping Beauty. I know what you mean about wanting to find a wrench in the norm, just to make it more interesting. But then again, I was the person who didn't like the movie Titanic the first time I saw it because I thought it was too suspenseful :-)

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  14. I agree, fairy tale retellings are definitely fun. I like reliving the story tale in a different way. I read this cross over novel called The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly and it took a whole bunch of classic fairy tales and kind of put a dark side to them. It was so awesome to read because it was fun to see the author twist and change something to make it his own.

    I recently read her retelling of Beauty and the Beast, Beastly. It was so cute, I recommend it (4/5 stars). Also, Melissa, wanted to tell you I love the new look of your blog. I'm still out of the country, but I wanted to drop you a comment.

    Jen
    In the Closet With a Bibliophile

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  15. I can understand your weirdness of a guy wanting to kiss a girl not awake LOL..Funny

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  16. Hehe sounds sorta fun! Great review :)

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  17. Oh I'd love to read this book! SOunds fun and sweet! Great review :)

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  18. I totally know what you mean about reading books that are good, but not great. I'm glad you enjoyed this one though! I haven't read any Alex Flinn, but I've heard great things. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

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  19. Hooray! Alex Flinn! So this one is for Sleeping Beauty. I love retellings, so this one should be quite a joy. :D Excited! Thanks for your review! :)

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  20. Sleeping Beauty is my favorite of all the fairy tales, probably because I love laying in bed all day. Great review and I will definitely check this out.

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  21. Glad you finally hit on something that you really liked :) I've never read any of the fairy tale re-tellings; they do sound like fun!

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