I'll Huff and I'll Puff and I'll Blow Out a Review

Today I want to do a review of Dreaming Anastasia by Joy Preble. But you all know me now, don't you? I can't do anything quite so boring as review the book on my own! No. So, I've invited a friend to do it for us. I'd like to turn things over to my buddy - the one, the only - Big Bad Wolf!

Thanks, Lisa. I have to tell you, it isn't easy being the bad guy. I should've hired someone for PR purposes a century ago. Everywhere I turn I've either got little kids crying, moms throwing tomatoes at me, or teenagers snickering because apparently, I come up short compared to their expectations (they all think I'm a werewolf, thank you very much Ms. Myer).

Anyhow, I say all this, not to complain, but because it certainly helped me when reading this book. The whole thing is based around this Russian folktale, see. The story of Vasilisa and the big bad witch, Baba Yaga. At first, I thought 'oh sure, they're gonna make Baba Yaga out to be some kind of monster, just cuz she likes to eat little meddling children who should be arrested for breaking and entering on her private property.' But then I realized, she's turning out to have more dimensions than I thought. So I keep reading.

I bet some of you out there are surprised I can read, right? Tell the truth! You all suck, man. Stereotypes. That's what I have to deal with on a daily basis, and what for? It's not like I ever actually catch little red or even a freakin' pig. Sheesh. I bet half you all had pig last night for dinner. Don't judge.

Sorry, I digress. The point is, at least this author understands that there's more to a bad guy than wanting to ruin the good guy's life. And for that reason alone, I give this book two out of three little pigs.

Well, thanks Big Bad Wolf. Except for the whole telling my readers they suck thing. You guys do realize of course that the wolf's opinion does not necessarily reflect my own, right? Speaking of which I want to tell you what I thought of the book.

I found the premise quite original, which is refreshing in this genre. It was a fun read and I liked learning a little about Russia, especially since I have some Russian blood myself. Not that I claim to be related to the Romanovs or anything, but it's still cool. My biggest complaint? I felt like at times there were too many POVs and time shifts to deal with. It was a little hard to keep track. I kind of wanted it to be all Ann and maybe Anastasia. Also, Anastasia's journal was really hard to read in the font they used which I found annoying, but I can't really fault Joy Preble for that. Overall, I enjoyed it. Enough that I'd be interested in the sequel that I understand is in the works.

Thank you all for "tuning in" and don't forget to come back Monday to see which fine author I take on for Monday Madness.