This was really dull. Which is a shame bc the movie is great. I couldn’t finish it bc Tiana seemed so not herself.

I always have a good time with these Disney retelling/extension stories. This one had a little bit of a more “obvious” ending. However, the writing did have me feeling emotional by the end. I did appreciate the dual narrative between the heroine and the villain. As always I will be continuing with this series. 4.5 Stars.

Wow, this one was worth the wait. From start to finish this was a masterpiece. With so much tradition and spirit it felt like I was living in New Orleans and eating with Tina. It had enough point of views from all your favourite characters, just the right amount of spookiness and history to keep it going. A must-read for any Princess and the frog fan. thanks, Farrah Rochon, now I am hungry for more!

Almost There by author Farrah Rochon is the 13th addition to Disney’s Twisted Tales series. It is full of intrigue, magic and tough lessons. The story is so good that I wish Disney would make it into an official film sequel to The Princess and the Frog. It builds on the animated film and the themes of hard work, shady bargains and deepest desires. It develops multifaceted characters and shows what it means to live in 1920s New Orleans. Almost There is, in my view, the most moving and mature Twisted Tale to date.

The twist on this The Princess and the Frog-based tale is: What if Tiana made a deal that changed everything? That deal evolves from Tiana’s encounter with the Shadow Man, Dr. Facilier, in the cemetery at the end of the film. Fans will recall from the film that Facilier attempts to entice Tiana to give him the vial containing Naveen’s blood in exchange for realizing her restaurant dreams. In Almost There, however, Facilier goes one step further, offering Tiana not only her restaurant, but her beloved daddy’s return as well. How could she possibly say no?

Tiana accepts Facilier’s deal but something is off. Her torment plagues her despite her best efforts to reassure herself that everything is fine while she basks in a world where she is running her own restaurant, “T&J’s Supper Club”, with her daddy working beside her. Rochon gives such power and voice to Tiana that she transcends any 2D-Disney Princess perception even more than she already did in the film. The reader experiences the hard work and long hours Tiana puts into her restaurant and the sacrifices she makes along the way. Speaking of voice, Naveen’s character is heavily explored and developed in this story. I will not say too much for fear of spoiling it, but readers should rest assured that, like Tiana, Naveen also becomes more real and relatable in Almost There. (And of course, he is still lots of fun and exudes charm.) Further, Rochon’s experience as a romance author shows in creating the perfect amount the tension between Tiana and Naveen. Fans will not be disappointed.

Almost There is a charming tribute to New Orleans and to hard work. There are countless references to the city and to Southern food and culture. Rochon is a native of south Louisiana and was the perfect choice for this story, not only for her ties to Louisiana but for her graceful and illuminating writing style. Rochon’s words paint a wondrous watercolor of one of the most magical cities in the world.

Critically, Almost There also addresses the unabashed racism Black people experienced in the late 1920s head-on. Readers are reminded of the Fenner Brothers’ criticism of Tiana from the film (“a woman of your… background”) and in this story, Tiana is accosted while on a shopping trip with Lottie because of her race. Tiana explains to Lottie how and why she feels – and is – “stuck” in life and why the worlds that Tiana and Lottie occupy are so different from one another. The dialogue between Tiana and Lottie in several chapters on this issue is impassioned, powerful and essential learning for all of us.

Almost There sets the record straight on the origins of voodoo. It makes clear that voodoo should not simply be associated with sly, Facilier-like dealings when it in fact derives from African polytheism and ancestor worship. It is practiced chiefly in Haiti, and such power is distinguished in this story between the magic wielded by Mama Odie and the dark forces exercised by Facilier. There are many interesting and relevant clarifications on various topics in this story that separate fact from fiction and seek to set the record straight.

The sentimentality in this story hits hard. From Ms. Rose’s family philosophies to Tiana’s warm-fuzzy relationship with her parents, this might be the first YA novel in recent years that made me cry (literally) for all the right reasons. Family values, work ethic, and the power of magic in the Bayou are key and the effective execution of those tug-at-the-heart-strings moments cannot be understated. It may not be a bad idea to have a tissue box nearby while reading!

While Dr. Facilier’s Emporium advertises “dreams made real,” Almost There is Disney made real. It takes storytelling and its importance as a teaching tool to the next level. Rochon balances the perceived charm of 1920s New Orleans with some important reality checks, providing a warm-yet-forthright lesson in Southern class and culture. On the surface, a simple twist on a Disney animation favorite may add entertainment and reunite readers with beloved characters, but Almost There goes above and beyond, compelling readers to dig a little deeper.

It didn't really feel like I was reading about Tiana, seemed like her character growth from the movie was just erased. I didn't love the flash of trying to make Facilier seem sympathetic by giving the little kid some money. I was really disappointed that Mama Odie didn't show up, and I wish it would have shown Naveen getting his memory back. Overall I thought the highlights of the book were Tiana and James's interactions and the chapters from Naveen's point of view. I liked getting more insight on how he changed.

Verdict: A fantastic twisted version of The Princess & the Frog. Highly recommended.

So, Tiana makes a deal with Facilier to get everything she wants: her own restaurant, T&J’s Supper Club, keeping her friends safe and getting her father back. But as time goes by, eerie things start happening in her town, and she starts to wonder if Facilier is behind them.

I never watched Disney’s Princess & the Frog movie, but I still enjoyed the book. The characters are unforgettable, and the world-building is fabulous. I do think I would have enjoyed the book more if I had the movie as a reference. If you love the Princess & the Frog, you will enjoy this twisted tale.

I enjoyed Tiana’s viewpoint and liked how she gently explained to Lottie that her life was different because of the color of her skin. Lottie loved Tiana but was still oblivious to the difficulties Tiana and her family faced. It’s good for young people to read about things like this because it reminds them that they may also be oblivious to these facts.

Wow, this one was worth the wait. From start to finish this was a masterpiece. With so much tradition and spirit it felt like I was living in New Orleans and eating with Tina. It had enough point of views from all your favourite characters, just the right amount of spookiness and history to keep it going. A must-read for any Princess and the frog fan. thanks, Farrah Rochon, now I am hungry for more!

Disney's Twisted Tales is such a fun YA series, and Almost There is another great installment! We join Tiana, Naveen, and Lottie in New Orleans after Tiana has made a deal with Dr. Facilier. She has everything she could want, but then strange thing start happening in New Orleans. In epic Disney fashion, good triumphs over evil and our heroine prevails. Highly recommend!!

I haven't read many of the books in the Twisted Tales series but out of everything I have read this one was the best. I loved that this story followed more than just Tiana's POV. I loved seeing what would have happened if Tiana had taken the easy route like anyone else would have and this novel does not disappoint. The pacing and writing style were great and I would love to see this author write more Disney favorites.

Almost there is a twisted retelling of the Princess and the Frog. This time Tiana gives into the temptation of Dr. Facilier. I really enjoyed this novel. It was very fast-paced! I did think that Tiana was selfish mostly throughout the novel, and I could not understand her. Still, I loved Naveen and Charlotte! Thus, this was one of the best Twisted Tales out there! I hope that these tales will soon be a movie!

"Almost There" was such a great book! This is an entirely different take on the story of Tiana that we know and love. If you like hearing a different side of the story and what could have happened. You are going to love this book.

Thanks to NetGalley & Disney Publishing Worldwide for the copy in exchange for an honest review.

This answers the question--"What if Tiana took the Shadow Man's deal and resurrected her father?" And it answers it quite beautifully!

New Orleans is painted as a vibrant, bustling city in the book and the characters felt alive! The characters from the movie have their voices captured in the words and sound exactly like their Disney counterparts, the author did a fantastic job with the book.

My only complaint is that it could have used a longer conclusion, especially in regards to Naveen's magical amnesia but it was still a really enjoyable book!

I did not finish Almost There but it had nothing to do with the writing or the characters, but the trigger that it had for me. I love the concept and I think it was a great idea, however it dealt with more grief and death of a parent than I can currently deal with.

The magic of New Orleans permeates this book. From the food, Mardi Gras, the people, and the vodou. My one complaint is the time in the swamp could have been cut down a bit - it kind of drug on with no real action. And for a Disney book, it hits surprisingly deep. I would recommend to any fans or historical fantasy, Disney fans or not.

This is perfect for fans of The Princess and the Frog! Overall, I would definitely recommend it!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

A pleasant addition to the twisted tales collection. While being instantly recognizable as the well known and beloved movie it takes a fun and wild turn that makes the ending exciting to anticipate.

I have to say I think this one is my favorite in the A Twisted Tale series. I've always loved Tiana spunk. I think she is indeed my favorite of the modern Disney Princesses. She worked hard for what she wanted she did wait for her prince.

I absolutely adore this series! I really enjoy seeing these fractured tales and this one was so good! I will take more tiana content always!

Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for providing me with an arc for an honest review!

We see Tiana in a tight spot at the start of this story. The Shadow Man makes her an offer, and it sounds too good to pass up. Then we jump to a year later and life for Tiana seems to be going great. Slowly it becomes clear that something nefarious is going on, and that New Orleans may be is serious danger. For things to go back to normal Tiana will have to make a huge sacrifice. As this tale comes to a close life for Tiana will never be the same.

My favorite princess is the star of a new tale in old New Orleans. Fans of the Princess and the Frog animated movie will enjoy this new story that brings Tiana into the unpleasant company of the Voodoo "Shadow Man". He offers her another tempting trade, but savvy readers know that to trade with the underworld always a bad idea. The author vividly describes the lush, spooky swamp atmosphere, as well as the New Orleans cityscape, and explores the inner struggles Tiana faces as she confronts challenges. A satisfying ending is consistent with my Disney-movie experience and expectations. I could see middle-grade readers enjoying this title. Also would be fun to read aloud....