This is the 12th book of the twisted tale series but the first that I have read. If you are a fan of tangles you will love this!

Mother Gothel locked Rapunzel away in a tower because her parent believed that she was cursed. Rapunzel was born with silver hair instead of golden with power to hurt instead of heal! This was because the queen drank from the moon drop flower instead of the sun drop flower.

Knowing that her hair can hurt people Rapunzel doesn’t mind living in the tower for the most part. She has always wanted to see the floating lights. Well on the night that Mother Gothel intends to auction Rapunzel, Rapunzel leaves ( without Mother Gothel) to go see them.

Along her way to the floating lights Rapunzel meets Flynn and Gina. During their adventure Rapunzel learns evil and death are not the only things that come from her hair. But what she learns isn’t necessarily good either. Rapunzel is left with her glowing hair and her own truths along the way to find her true family again, she just doesn’t know it will cost her.

This books just reminded me that Disney is just as much for adults as it is for kids. This twist to this tale came with humor too! I highly recommend!

Thank you NetGalley for my ARC. This book is available on September 7th.

Another Twisted Tale that didn't disappoint! These are always so good.
In this story Mother Gothel convinces the King and Queen to let her lock Rapunzel away in the tower after the Queen drinks from the wrong flower. They tell the towns people that the princess has passed. She lives alone all her childhood minus regular visits from Mother Gothel and her trusty sidekick Pascal, until her 18th birthday. On her birthday she sees a mysterious man and decides she wants him to take her to see the Floating lights.
From there she runaways and finds herself on a crazy adventure.
This story was a great read. My only negative thought was how much rapunzel seemed to know for a girl who grew up in a tower with only 35ish books to teach her about the world.
Can't wait to see what the next story will be!

Tangled is by far my favorite Disney film, so I was sooo excited to read this retelling! Despite the page count, I found it to be a very quick read. I loved how the subtle shifting of the tale threw the story in an entirely new direction and loved this book tremendously! This was the first twisted tale I’ve read and can’t wait to read more!


Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

An amazing spin on the beloved Disney film, Rapunzel. Growing up I was obsessed with the movie so when I heard that there was going to be a twisted tale novel come out I could not hold in my excitement. Let me tell you that it did not disappoint! Giving Rapunzel such a power that contrasted with her cheery and upbeat personality was something that I loved to see, the progression of who she is versus how she sees herself wad beautifully put. The changes made to the original Disney film didn’t feel so out of place or out of character in fact it flowed really well and that was amazing to see. I would recommend this book to anyone who loved the Disney film and was looking for any more content that would be given over the beautiful Rapunzel

I LOVED this twisted tale more than any of the others so far. The twist was definitely there and super intriguing, while the characters ànd plot held true to the Tangled tale we have all grown to love so much. What Once Was Mine will make you fall in love with this classic all over again. Highly Recommend this one! 5 stars!

The Review

What a fun and truly entertaining take on the classic story of Rapunzel and the Disney version in the film Tangled! Truly, the story does a great job of laying the groundwork for this retelling by introducing a brother whose sister is in the hospital being treated for cancer and decides to retell her the story of her favorite movie while adding his own twists on it to help keep her mind occupied. This really added a personal and human element to this fantasy retelling, especially when readers learn of this story point’s origin in the author’s afterward.

The haunting, atmospheric tone that the author lays down in the tale of Rapunzel is great to see unfold. The inclusion of magic and witchcraft into the narrative to explore this twist on her origins was great to see unfold. Yet it was the characters that really sold this story, from the inclusion of characters like Countess Bathory, a new villain based on the historical figure to be included alongside Mother Gothel, to Gina, whose strength and partnership with Flynn give them both a stronger voice in the narrative overall.

Yet it was Rapunzel and Gothel who stole the show. The protagonist’s knowledge of her origins (up to a point), and her desire to keep others safe was a unique twist on her character, as was her complex and emotional relationship with her “mother”. Gothel’s manipulations and selfishness took up all-new levels in this retelling, and the action-packed final confrontation these two had in the midst of a shockingly larger confrontation was powerful for the story Tangled began all those years ago.

The Verdict

A haunting, magical, and engaging dark fantasy take on this Disney classic, author Liz Braswell’s “What Once Was Mine” is a brilliant story and one of the year's top contenders for the fantasy novel of 2021. A gripping tale of magic gone wrong, betrayal, and the bonds between mothers and their daughters, the addition of a more grounded narrator and a rich tapestry of mythology from beyond Disney’s typical storytelling background made this story shine brightly.

This retelling was so much fun!!

I personally love Rapunzel and the Tangled movie is one of my favorite Disney movies. I could not appreciate the hospital setting in the beginning or throughout the book. There was a bit of a disconnect for me but it didn't cut up the book too much. This is the first 'Twisted Tale' book I have read, so I am not entirely sure if this is how they are all formatted. Otherwise, this was super fun. I loved the different outlook on Rapunzel and that she was still a good person in the end. This is a great YA book but I also enjoyed it very much as an adult. A major complaint I have about the book was the length. This YA took me entirely way too long to read. I feel that the fluff could have been cut and the book would not have suffered. Overall a great time and I can't wait to pick up another Twisted Tale.

I want to thank netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to have a copy of this book! I have read a few other twisted tales from Disney and LOVED them so I was very excited when I got a copy of this!

I went in with maybe too high of hopes that this book would be everything twisted and dark. I think it follows the original story line very well, but maybe that is why I have mixed feelings? Tangled is probably my least favorite movie and Rapunzel isnt my favorite story so that could also be why.

However, I do think this is a good addition to the twisted tales collection and if you REALLY love Rapunzel, I am sure you will love this book.

This is my first Twisted Tale and I'm very happy that this is the book to start me in the series! I wasn't entirely sure what to expect, but Tangled is my absolute favorite Disney movie. I was worried I wouldn't be able to enjoy the story if it was changed from the one I've come to love, but that was not the case. This book is about what would happen if Rapunzel was given medicine from a Moon Flower instead of the Sun Flower. This obviously gives her drastically different powers, so without spoiling any of the story, that is what leads the events of this book. I was so happy to see familiar faces, but also happily surprised with new characters brought in. I also had no idea that this story would feature and storyline centered in our own world. In this case, it was a brother visiting his twin sister in the hospital while she was being treated for cancer. It added another element to the story, which I enjoyed. I'm not sure if the other Twisted Tales do anything like this, since this is my first one, but I loved the realness it added! I would definitely recommend this book to both avid Twisted Tale fans as well as newcomers alike!

*Thank you to Netgalley for providing me an e-arc of this book*

First, I liked how the format of the story gives a nod to the princess bride. It is a fun to have a brother changing up his sisters beloved classic story to keep her entertained while getting treatment for cancer. . I also like how this twisted tale took one key element of the original story and changes it causing a ripple effect of change to the over all story. While this version is darker, it felt fitting with how a brother might change up a story. I was surprised by the length of the book. I am aware that I checked how far I was in the book more than normal, which I would attribute to some scenes being too long and me being ready for a scene change.

While there are new characters (Gina and her mother) that I loved. I was glad that Rapunzel remained the sweet original person I love. Overall, I was happy with this retelling as it was different enough from the original story, while staying truthful to the heart of the tale.

Thank you Netgalley and Disney-Hyperion for the e-arc. This is my honest review.

I was so delighted to be given the opportunity to read and review this book. This is my first time reading the Twisted Tales series and it will certainly not be my last. I found the book to be delightful, entertaining and new. The age range for this book is set correctly and the story line flows nicely. I found it very easily to follow yet still found my self trying to guess the twists the author would write. If you are looking for a cute, fast paced, cheesy story this is for you. My hope is that all Repunzel fans will give this read a try.

Okay y'all, I am HUGE Disney fan! Give me the chance to experience anything Disney and I'm in. So, of course, I jumped at the chance to not only read this book but listen to the audiobook. There is just something about returning to childhood and reading along while listening to someone else reading. The narrator was spot on with her tone and emotions. Add to her fabulous reading all of the extras like musical interludes and I was in hog heaven.
This story retold Rapunzel's story as put forth by Disney as Tangled. It also had a Princess Bride feel where there was a brother reading this exact story to his sick sister. There is just something about being immersed in the story only to be brought back out and have the story mention the sibling duo. It makes you realize how far in the story your brain went.
This story is absolutely perfect for the young and old alike. Well done!
Many thanks to Net Galley for not only granting me an ARC of the book but the audiobook as well.

I feel like any review of media related to “Tangled” I need to preface with my absolute love of the original movie. During one of the worst times of my life, I went to a movie theater for the first by myself. And I got lost in this beautiful movie that made me forget my troubles. It was the first time in weeks I had laughed. I came out of the theater feeling lighter and calmer. To this day, Tangled is my comfort movie. I’ve watched the television read the books based on it. I’ve sat in the Tangled restroom area and watched the fireworks at Magic Kingdom because it made me feel for a little while I was in Rapunzel’s world.

I’m also a fan of “A Twisted Tale,” an anthology series of books based around alternate "what-if" spins based on Disney animated movies. Think “Marvels’ What If,” but in young adult book format with Disney Princesses. So I was thrilled when they announced the Tangled version as their 12th entry in the series. The excitement rose when I found out Liz Braswell was writing this book since she wrote my favorite in the series “Part of Your World.”

The premise of “What Once Was Mine” is what if Queen Ariana was given the Moondrop blossom instead of the Sundrop? She and her daughter Rapunzel still live but things are very different. Rapunzel now has the dark power of the Moon. Her golden healing hair is now silver “murder hair” as the characters call it.

I was at first disappointed the book didn’t use any characters or lore from the series “Rapunzel's Tangled Adventure,” like my favorite characters Cassandra and Varian. The TV series shows what happens when someone harnesses the power of the moon with the moonstone. However, the unique way the story is framed makes it work.

The book as a whole is surprisingly dark. There were many moments where I was shocked Braswell was allowed “to go there.” I don’t want to give anything away but this is not your usually Disney story. The original Grimm stories where step-mothers are made to dance to death and princes are blinded, come to mind.

The best compliment I can give this book is when reading the dialogue I heard the iconic voices of Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi in my head. Even though these characters meet in a different situation they are still at heart the characters I fell in love with over a decade ago.

Mother Gothel is still one of the most terrifying Disney villains. The new characters fit right into the world, even the historic Elizabeth Báthory, who is best known for the legend of bathing in women’s blood to keep herself youthful.

Overall the book is compelling and a must-read for all Disney fans, especially those who like a darker story.

Thanks to Disney Publishing Worldwide, Disney Hyperion & NetGalley for the early copy.

I enjoyed the writing style of the author. I always enjoy a good fairytale retelling, and this did not fall short of the story of Rapunzel at all. This is a very worthy read for anyone who enjoys retellings.

Thank you very much to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!

What Once was Mine is a fractured fairytale based off of Rapunzel. It’s what happen if Rapunzel’s mother drank the essence of the moondrop flower, a flower that has the power to kill rather than heal. For Rapunzel’s own safety as well as the rest of the kingdom, she’s locked up in a tower. Wanting to see the floating lights, she plans an escape and soon meets some companions who will help her along the way.

Pros:
-I absolutely love fractured fairytales and this was no exception! The story was different enough from the original that I had no clue what to expect and was surprised time after time.

-the book was super fast-paced and there didn’t seem to be any dull moments/scenes

-the book has multiple povs. Mother Gothel’s povs were the most interesting to read. It was cool to see her motivations in everything she does.

-Gina. She was my favourite character because she was so multi-dimensional.
I’m super glad Liz Braswell added some new characters because it helped to keep the story engaging.

Cons:
-I don’t have any, would recommend this book to anyone!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

What Once Was Mine tells the story of Disney's Tangled, but with a twist: the flower that Rapunzel's mother takes is not the golden Sundrop flower, but rather the silver Moondrop. When the flower's magic gives Rapunzel seemingly deadly powers, she is sequestered away with Mother Gothel for everyone's safety.

I thought the premise of this twisted tale was quite interesting, and overall it did not disappoint in execution. Rather than Flynn teaming up with Maximus the horse, we see Flynn team up with another rogue, Gina. There's more magic, more mystery, and more Pascal.

Although I ultimately liked Gina as a character, I was somewhat disappointed that the story did end up featuring an attempt at a love triangle. While Tangled does involve romance between Flynn and Rapunzel, it involves a lot more than just romance, so it was just a bit of a letdown that the romance got so much more complex.

The best part about this piece was the fact that it was darker, and despite that fact, Rapunzel remained her genuine, bright self. With the power of death in her hands, fear of her power, and a plot involving selling her to the highest bidder, it was wonderful how the author kept Rapunzel's spirit through it all. I do think this was also helped by the frame story, which offered a moment of bittersweetness and served to continually center the original story.

Overall, this was a solid installment in the Twisted Tales series, and I look forward to what subsequent installments will have to offer.

What Once Was Mine by Liz Braswell

Another installment in Disney’s Twisted Tale series, “What Once Was Mine” gives its readers a look into what may have happened had Rapunzel’s mother taken an herb that gave Rapunzel’s hair the power to take life rather than heal it. Rapunzel is so filled with guilt and fear that she may accidentally take a life that she resides up in her tower not seeking release but seeking solitude and protection. There are so many twists and turns on the <I>original</I> story with a good mixture of new characters!

Tangled is one of my favorite Disney films of this era so I was overjoyed that this was to be released. This was my first experience in the Twisted Tale series and I quite enjoyed it, more than likely I will pick up another in the future. This is a hefty read coming in at over 500 pages and a bit slow on the uptick so readers beware! I would recommend it to my fellow Tangled lover and twisted tale fans alike! Also has some Princess Bride vibes when it comes to the actual, physical storytelling.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

What Once Was Mine is a fun romp and a quick read despite it's lengthy page count. A retelling of Rapunzel, the story does follow the traditional tale fairly closely for the first section of the novel, but then spins off into it's own version of the tale with new twists, new characters, and a lot of really cute and adventurous fun.

The story is told in two timelines, with the narrative of Rapunzel being a story within a story a la the movie The Princess Bride. After reading the author's note, I understand the reason for this construction choice, but I didn't feel it was executed well. These sections instead pulled me out of the story and made the overall tale feel a bit more juvenile. In addition, it wasn't really fully fleshed out and felt more like a commercial interlude. For me, it was wasted space. I would have preferred to solely have the central Rapunzel tale from start to finish.

Despite my issues with the modern storyline interruptions, the writing was good and easy to breeze through with decent atmosphere and great character descriptions. The characters do, for the most part, follow the traditional tale, but there are some additional heroes and villains at work who really made the story fun. The story does get a little dark and maybe slightly too aggressive, but I found it interesting.

There is definitely a middle grade/younger YA feel to the majority of the writing and there are some pretty cheesy moments, but What Once Was Mine is an enjoyable guilty pleasure read and I had a good time. Time to pick up the rest of the series.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. *

This was such a fun and darker retelling of the story we all know and love, Tangled. I felt the book lagged in a few areas once we reached the middle, but it would pick right back up, so I cannot complain too much. I loved how the author was able to incorporate all of the original characters and still kept their original personalities. I think this was exactly what you could want from a Tangled retelling. This is my favorite Twisted Tale that I have read so far!

Thanks to NetGalley for the arc!

Tangled is probably my favorite Disney film, so getting to read this retelling was so much fun. I loved how the author's subtle shifting of the tale threw the story in an entirely new direction. I almost preferred this version of Rapunzel over the original story.

That being said, I cannot wait to get my hands on a finished copy soon!