I definitely think this book 'wins' the dubious award of the worst book I've read this year. I kinda hate saying it, but it was a bit of a slog. And I'm someone who usually utterly adores a good fairytale retelling.

I guess the caveat there is 'good'.

I figured out pretty early in this book that this is the story about the harp (I thought it was meant to be a golden harp in Jack and the Beanstalk, but maybe it was only a goose laying the golden egg). This, then, was a prequel story. That's fantastic. I really loved the interactions between Clarion, Elena and Krea. At the beginning, their friendship was nuanced and enjoyable. Actually, I could say that about basically all of the story that happened down in the normal world.

I don't know whether I don't remember the Jack in the Beanstalk story very well, or whether it was simply poorly laid out here. But the idea that just being in the clouds, in the giant's world, is enough to make people crazy? Does that seem like lazy story telling to anyone else?

The lack of reason behind the sudden changes in characters that I quite liked, particularly Mack and Elena, was enough to really spoil any enjoyment I had of them prior. And since I'm very much a character driven reader, that's really to say that I didn't enjoy the book at all. It didn't feel like an unreliable narrator in the end, but an unreliable author who was looking for an easy way to finish her story.

Don't get me wrong, the ending was just as fantastic a twist as everyone else in the reviews here seems to think. However, the internal integrity of the story leading to it ruined even that twist for me.

A magical harp, danger, and a lord's son who is best described as dashing. A fascinating prequel to Jack and the Beanstalk. Beautiful cover also!

Fairy tale retelling has become a popular subject for YA authors, and they often range in content in quality. I did find it unique in that Jack and the Beanstalk doesn't tend to be the top pick in a retelling (instead it is often the princess stories). This being a prequel to Jack's story was also unique; however, I found the plot and character development a bit lacking at times. With some flaws, I would still find this a possible title to add to a public library YA collection.

Didn't finish this book. The characters were annoying and I didn't like the dialogue. The plot didn't move quickly enough or grab my attention in any way.

A prequel to "Jack and the Beanstalk," detailing the origin of the golden harp.

Oh lordy this had issues. (view spoiler)

Aside from my issues with the portrayal of bisexuality, every character in this book (aside, perhaps, Elena), is completely unsympathetic. Also, lots of violence--not recommended for young kids.

I received this ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.

An interesting premise, that I just couldn't get into. It was slow to start, with a lot of character introductions that give you little time to adjust to who each character is. My biggest issue, however, came from how uncomfortable the relationship between Clarion and Elena - it was shallow and uncomfortable and in a way perpetuated the stereotype that those who identify as bisexual cannot be trusted not to run off with a member of the opposite sex. Whilst I'm sure intentions were good, it's not how it came across.

I got a copy of this book to review through NetGalley. I usually really enjoy fairy tale retellings or extensions, however this one was a tough read for me. This book is supposed to be a prequel to Jack and the Beanstalk.

There are a lot of characters thrown at you right away and it's not clear who is who. This could have been easily remedied by telling the reader straight off that so and so was Clarion’s friend or something like that. The beginning was just poorly handled in general.

The writing just doesn't flow very well either, it’s actually kind of a mess. I had to re-read sentences a lot to make sure I understood what was happening. It was just very awkward to read.

The above could have been forgiven if that story had been interesting but it really wasn’t. There aren’t any surprises in here and the story is pretty dull (especially since it involves magic and giants...which should be exciting). In general the whole thing was pretty boring and I was counting down the pages so I could just be finished with it. Luckily it’s not all that long.

The only positive aspect to this book is that is does a good job portraying same sex relationships without making a huge deal about it. However, even this gets a bit muddied because of the poor writing. I spent a while in the beginning trying to figure out what was up between Clarion and Elena because it was just written poorly.

Overall I wasn't a fan of this book and almost stopped reading this a number of times. It’s poorly written, doesn’t flow well, and is boring. The only positive in this story me was that it addresses same sex relationships in a realistic way. I wouldn’t recommend if you like fairy tale retellings and/or extensions...look elsewhere.

When Jack climbed up the magic bean stalk and acquired the golden harp, he never asked what magic had created it. That question is answered in Amy McNulty’s Ballad of the Beanstalk. (Amazon | B&N) Clarion’s family had once been lords of the land but they have fallen on hard times since and all that remains of their legacy is the beautiful harp which Clarion loves to play. When her mother sells the harp to the rich mayor of the village, she is devastated. While she has been assured that she will be able to play it as often as she wishes she knows that will mean running into Elena. The mayor’s beautiful, tumultuous daughter had once been her best friend and then her first love, but Clarion doesn’t know how to tell the girl she no longer wants to be her sweetheart.

Ballad of the Beanstalk by Amy McNulty
Ballad of the Beanstalk by Amy McNulty

Then Clairon discovers she may not have to. Seems the mayor has arranged Elena’s marriage to the handsome young Magnus (Mack) son of Destrian, lord of Rosewood. It becomes a real love triangle when Mack, rather than falling for the elegant Elena, finds himself completely drawn to Clair.

Mack grinned. “So. . .you fell in love with girls?”

The moment soured and there was a pain in Clarion’s stomach as she inched back just slightly. “Just one girl.”

“But no other boys?”

“No.” Clarion ran her tongue over her bottom lip, fighting the urge to kiss him again. “I didn’t think I even could.”

Squeezing her tighter with the one arm he had around her back, Mack laughed. “ Maybe you hadn’t met the right man yet.”

Then the local witch uses some magic beans and the members of the love triangle soon find themselves concerned with more than just who should be with whom as they enter a world of angry giants and dangerous magic.

An engrossing look at love and jealousy, acceptance and betrayal this is a story of Jack and the Beanstalk like we have never seen it before.

Jack and the beanstalk isn't a fairy tale often retold, which is why I jumped at the chance to read this book. However, about three chapters into reading this. I quickly realized that this book was not for me. Clarion was a difficult character to not only relate to but also to like. As I was reading, all I could hear was a whinny voice and then a voice that constantly was defeated. Hearing that was too much to really enjoy the book.

But despite that and after putting the book down for some time, I did picked it back and up and finished it. With that being said, I completely loved the ending and not because the book ended because it was a perfect tie to the fairy tale. Which although you say the tale throughout the book, you finally put the two together at that last chapter.

Unfortunately, finishing the book and loving the ending did not make me fall for the book but it made it better than a one star.

I am a big fan of the author's other work; however, I struggled to read this book and eventually gave up at 43%. There were several characters and many scenes that didn't feel pivotal to the story arc, which made it difficult to pay attention. I may try reading this at another time, because I'm sure it has potential.

I really did like this prequel to the story of Jack and the Beanstalk.

A fun and creative prologue to the story of Jack and the Beanstalk. We learn of the small town and its connection to the giant city. The magic that allows the two places to interact is discovered. The author does a great job of intertwining her story with the classic. We learn the history of the giant, his wife, the gold egg laying chicken and the harp as well as Jack himself. A quick, fun story.