The Golden Braid

by Melanie Dickerson Narrated by Jude Mason

Overview

From*New York Times*bestselling author comes*The Golden Braid, a Rapunzel retelling that proves the one who needs rescuing isn't always the one in the tower.

Rapunzel can throw a knife better than any man. She paints beautiful flowering vines on the walls of her plaster houses. She sings so sweetly she can coax even a beast to sleep. But there are two things she is afraid her mother might never allow her to do: learn to read and marry.

Fiercely devoted to Rapunzel, her mother is suspicious of every man who so much as looks at her daughter and warns her that no man can be trusted. After a young village farmer asks for Rapunzel's hand in marriage, Mother decides to move them once again-this time, to the large city of Hagenheim.

The journey proves treacherous, and after being rescued by a knight-Sir Gerek-Rapunzel in turn rescues him farther down the road. As a result, Sir Gerek agrees to repay his debt to Rapunzel by teaching her to read. Could there be more to this knight than his arrogance and desire to marry for riches and position?

As Rapunzel acclimates to life in a new city, she uncovers a mystery that will forever change her life. In this Rapunzel story unlike any other, a world of secrets and treachery is about to be revealed after seventeen years of lies. How will Rapunzel finally take control of her own destiny? And who will prove faithful to a lowly peasant girl with no one to turn to?

“The Golden Braid is a delightful, page-turning retelling of the story of Rapunzel. Dickerson brings this familiar fairy tale to life with a fresh and unique plot that is full of complex characters, a sweet romance, and danger at every turn. Rapunzel's search to understand her place in the medieval world is a timeless identity struggle that modern readers will relate to. Her growing courage and faith are inspirational and will have readers cheering her on and sad to see the story come to an end.” -Jody Hedlund, bestselling author of An Uncertain Choice

Editorial Reviews

Booklist

'Dickerson breathes life into the age-old story of Rapunzel, blending it seamlessly with the other YA novels she has written in this time and place.'

RT Book Reviews

'A masterful retelling of “Rapunzel,” Dickerson not only captures the essence of Rapunzel’s story, but she provides is with a unique rendition, depicting Rapunzel as a very strong character. This story is well presented with beautiful imagery and passion.' - 4 starred

Booklist

'Dickerson breathes life into the age-old story of Rapunzel, blending it seamlessly with the other YA novels she has written in this time and place.'

School Library Journal - Audio

05/01/2016
Gr 8 Up—In this reimagined tale, Rapunzel is a strong, inquisitive young woman who is good with a knife (as in throwing it in self-defense) and artistic and wants nothing more than to learn to read and be able to get married. Sir Gerek, one of Duke Wilhelm's knights, teaches her to read and also causes her to question her mother's overprotectiveness. He also helps her find work in Wilhelm's castle, where Rapunzel learns secrets that unravel everything she has been taught to believe. She is resourceful and clever, a combination that will appeal to contemporary listeners, who will relate to Rapunzel's quest for self-identity and independence. Jude Mason does a fine job bringing Dickerson's story to life. VERDICT An engaging tale for fans of reimagined fairy tales, strong female characters, and medieval adventure and intrigue. ["Fans of the author's previous works will adore this new tale": SLJ 10/15 review of the Thomas Nelson book.]—Cynthia Ortiz, Hackensack High School, NJ

School Library Journal

10/01/2015
Gr 9 Up—Rapunzel and her "mother" are always on the move, but this time they have a specific destination, the city of Hagenheim. As they journey, they are attacked by strangers. But luck is on their side when Sir Gerek, loyal knight of Duke Wilhelm of Hagenheim, comes to their rescue. He is injured in the attack and forced to depend on Rapunzel and her mother to return him to the city. Rapunzel is intrigued by this handsome but boorish savior, even though her mother has warned her to never trust any man. Sir Gerek is equally captivated by Rapunzel's beauty, but his future plans are driven by a desire for wealth and status, something a peasant girl can never provide. Once in Hagenheim, Rapunzel secretly sets out to fulfill her lifelong dream of learning to read, which reestablishes a connection with Sir Gerek, who becomes her teacher. Rapunzel starts to question why Mother has always taught her to fear others, and she decides she must leave to pursue her destiny. As a servant to the royal family, Rapunzel soon begins to unravel family secrets. This retelling, set in the Holy Roman Empire in 1413, incorporates elements of romance, deceit, and revenge through a Christian fiction lens. VERDICT Fans of the author's previous works will adore this new tale.—Susan Harris, Ridgeway High School, TN

Product Details

BN ID:	2940170467587
Publisher:	Nelson, Thomas, Inc.
Publication date:	11/17/2015
Series:	Hagenheim , #6
Edition description:	Unabridged
Age Range:	10 - 13 Years

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