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The Moonlit Lands #2
Barefoot on the Wind
A companion title to Zoë Marriott's critically acclaimed Shadows on the Moon, BAREFOOT ON THE WIND is a darkly magical retelling of "Beauty and the Beast" set in fairytale Japan.
There is a monster in the forest...
Everyone in Hana's remote village on the mountain knows that straying too far into the woods is a death sentence. When Hana's father goes missing, she is the only one who dares try to save him. Taking up her hunting gear, she goes in search of the beast, determined to kill it - or be killed herself.
But the forest contains more secrets, more magic and more darkness than Hana could ever have imagined. And the beast is not at all what she expects...
There is a monster in the forest...
Everyone in Hana's remote village on the mountain knows that straying too far into the woods is a death sentence. When Hana's father goes missing, she is the only one who dares try to save him. Taking up her hunting gear, she goes in search of the beast, determined to kill it - or be killed herself.
But the forest contains more secrets, more magic and more darkness than Hana could ever have imagined. And the beast is not at all what she expects...
313 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2016
About the author
Zoë Marriott
15 books795 followersZoë has known that she wanted to be a writer since she read 'The Magic Faraway Tree' by Enid Blyton at age eight. She's never changed her mind in all the years since then.
She completed her first manuscript - a truly embarrassing romance novel - at age sixteen, and kept on writing books and submitting them until she had collected rejections from nearly very publisher in the UK and two in Australia. She eventually got her first publishing contract when she was twenty-two - but had to wait until she was twenty-four to see that book published (The Swan Kingdom). Her books have been longlisted for the Branford Boase Award, shortlisted for the Leeds Book Award and the Lancashire Book of the Year, and have won a Junior Library Guild Selection, a USBBY Outstanding International Listing, the Hillingdon Book Award and the Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation Prize. Over the years she's worked as an admin assistant, a dental nurse, a civil servant, and a reader for a literary scout. She has designed and run over one hundred creative writing workshops in schools and libraries, and from 2017-19 she was the Royal Literary Fund Fellow at York St. John University.
She lives in a little house in a town by the sea, with a manic spaniel called Ruskin (otherwise known as Demon Dog, Trash Puppy, Snaggletooth, or the supervillain in training) and far too many books. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Creative Writing at the Open University, and working on her first novel for adults.
She completed her first manuscript - a truly embarrassing romance novel - at age sixteen, and kept on writing books and submitting them until she had collected rejections from nearly very publisher in the UK and two in Australia. She eventually got her first publishing contract when she was twenty-two - but had to wait until she was twenty-four to see that book published (The Swan Kingdom). Her books have been longlisted for the Branford Boase Award, shortlisted for the Leeds Book Award and the Lancashire Book of the Year, and have won a Junior Library Guild Selection, a USBBY Outstanding International Listing, the Hillingdon Book Award and the Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation Prize. Over the years she's worked as an admin assistant, a dental nurse, a civil servant, and a reader for a literary scout. She has designed and run over one hundred creative writing workshops in schools and libraries, and from 2017-19 she was the Royal Literary Fund Fellow at York St. John University.
She lives in a little house in a town by the sea, with a manic spaniel called Ruskin (otherwise known as Demon Dog, Trash Puppy, Snaggletooth, or the supervillain in training) and far too many books. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Creative Writing at the Open University, and working on her first novel for adults.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
September 12, 2016
I've been a huge fan of Zoe Marriott's writing ever since I read Shadows on the Moon five years ago, it's a fairytale retelling of Cinderella set in a fictional Japan where magic is real and it's one of my all time favourite books so you can only begin to imagine how excited I was when I found out she was writing a companion novel set in the same world. Barefoot on the Wind is a feminist retelling of Beauty and the Beast (which happens to be my favourite fairytale!) and it's just as wonderful as Shadows on the Moon.
Although both books are set in the same world and are linked by the same beautiful writing and the fairytale feel to them there is no crossover of characters so you don't have to read them in any particular order but I want to go out and place a copy of both of these books into the hands of every fantasy fan I come across. Zoe was writing YA fantasy long before it became so popular and she really doesn't get the recognition she deserves considering how absolutely amazing her stories are so I want to see her at the top of the best seller charts where she should be.
Let's get back to Barefoot on the Wind though, this is the tale of a young girl called Hana who lives in a remote village in the middle of a dark and dangerous magical wood. Everyone in her village knows that there is a monster in the forest and they live every day with the knowledge that leaving the safety of home means certain death. Hana's family have lost more than most to the monster, she is still grieving after the deaths of her grandmother and her brother but when her father is taken too something inside her snaps. Her grief and the additional pressure of survivor's guilt have combined into a reckless desperation to do something, anything, to try and save her father's life. She knows that she is unlikely to survive an encounter with the monster but when the rest of the village turn their back on her pleas for help she just has to try and fight for what is right.
I'm not going to tell you much more than that so you're going to have to read the story for yourself to find out whether Hana manages to slay the monster and rescue her father. Instead I'm going to talk about the rich world building, the evocative and beautiful writing, the fantastic three dimensional characters that each have their own fears and sorrow, the heartbreak you'll feel as Hana talks about her grief, the joy and pride you'll feel for everything she accomplishes, how you'll fall be drawn totally into this world and find yourself wishing it was real just so you could live there. Barefoot on the Wind is a Beauty and the Beast retelling unlike any you've read before, it's utterly captivating and so, so beautiful that it makes my heart hurt just thinking about it. There is no doubt in my mind that this is going to be in one of the top slots when I'm trying to pick my favourite books of the year and I can't wait to reread Shadows on the Moon when the new extended version is published in November.
Source: Received from Walker in exchange for an honest review
_____________________________
Thoughts before reading:
Shadows on the Moon is one of my favourite books, it's an absolutely beautiful Cinderella reimagining and I just love everything about it. So you can imagine my excitement when Zoe Marriott announced she was writing another book in the same world! It feels like I've been waiting forever to read Barefoot in the Wind, a feminist reimagining of Beauty and the Beast (which happens to be my favourite fairytale to boot!), but the wait is nearly over and even better, we have a gorgeous cover to drool over!!
Just look at that gorgeous work of art! Isn't it stunning. I CAN'T WAIT to have that beauty on my shelves!
Zoe's thoughts on the cover (taken from her blog post HERE):
Is that gorgeous, or is it gorgeous? I love it. Everything on this cover - the white, red and green colours, the frosty white thorns, the moths, the red butterflies and the falling snow - is symbolic (Google 'butterflies in Japanese mythology' for a hint) and comes directly from stuff that's in the story. I want to burble on endlessly about how much they nailed making the cover represent the book, but it's basically all spoilers so I'll just be over here quietly squeeing while you absorb this
As if that wasn't exciting enough Zoe had even more news to share with us. Because it's been five years since the original release of Shadows on the Moon Walker Books have decided to give it a revamp, with a brand new cover to match Barefoot in the Wind and EXTRA CONTENT! OMG I can barely contain my excitement today! Zoe will be sharing the new cover for Shadows on the Moon sometime next week so I'll be sure to post about it as soon as I spot it but in the meantime I strongly suggest you get your pre-orders in now.
Barefoot in the Wind will be available from the 1st of September and the new version of Shadows on the Moon will follow not long afterwards. These books are both set in the same fairytale realm but there is no overlap of characters so you can read them in any order but I can't recommend Shadows on the Moon highly enough and I'm desperately looking forward to reading Barefoot in the Wind for the first time.
What do you think of Barefoot in the Wind's cover? Do you love it as much as I did? Have you read Shadows on the Moon? I think it's one of the most underrated YA fantasy stories out there, Zoe was ahead of the trend and this was published before the genre really took off so I'm hoping that the re release is going to come at just the right time for it to have the success that it so rightfully deserves!
Although both books are set in the same world and are linked by the same beautiful writing and the fairytale feel to them there is no crossover of characters so you don't have to read them in any particular order but I want to go out and place a copy of both of these books into the hands of every fantasy fan I come across. Zoe was writing YA fantasy long before it became so popular and she really doesn't get the recognition she deserves considering how absolutely amazing her stories are so I want to see her at the top of the best seller charts where she should be.
Let's get back to Barefoot on the Wind though, this is the tale of a young girl called Hana who lives in a remote village in the middle of a dark and dangerous magical wood. Everyone in her village knows that there is a monster in the forest and they live every day with the knowledge that leaving the safety of home means certain death. Hana's family have lost more than most to the monster, she is still grieving after the deaths of her grandmother and her brother but when her father is taken too something inside her snaps. Her grief and the additional pressure of survivor's guilt have combined into a reckless desperation to do something, anything, to try and save her father's life. She knows that she is unlikely to survive an encounter with the monster but when the rest of the village turn their back on her pleas for help she just has to try and fight for what is right.
I'm not going to tell you much more than that so you're going to have to read the story for yourself to find out whether Hana manages to slay the monster and rescue her father. Instead I'm going to talk about the rich world building, the evocative and beautiful writing, the fantastic three dimensional characters that each have their own fears and sorrow, the heartbreak you'll feel as Hana talks about her grief, the joy and pride you'll feel for everything she accomplishes, how you'll fall be drawn totally into this world and find yourself wishing it was real just so you could live there. Barefoot on the Wind is a Beauty and the Beast retelling unlike any you've read before, it's utterly captivating and so, so beautiful that it makes my heart hurt just thinking about it. There is no doubt in my mind that this is going to be in one of the top slots when I'm trying to pick my favourite books of the year and I can't wait to reread Shadows on the Moon when the new extended version is published in November.
Source: Received from Walker in exchange for an honest review
_____________________________
Thoughts before reading:
Shadows on the Moon is one of my favourite books, it's an absolutely beautiful Cinderella reimagining and I just love everything about it. So you can imagine my excitement when Zoe Marriott announced she was writing another book in the same world! It feels like I've been waiting forever to read Barefoot in the Wind, a feminist reimagining of Beauty and the Beast (which happens to be my favourite fairytale to boot!), but the wait is nearly over and even better, we have a gorgeous cover to drool over!!
Just look at that gorgeous work of art! Isn't it stunning. I CAN'T WAIT to have that beauty on my shelves!
Zoe's thoughts on the cover (taken from her blog post HERE):
Is that gorgeous, or is it gorgeous? I love it. Everything on this cover - the white, red and green colours, the frosty white thorns, the moths, the red butterflies and the falling snow - is symbolic (Google 'butterflies in Japanese mythology' for a hint) and comes directly from stuff that's in the story. I want to burble on endlessly about how much they nailed making the cover represent the book, but it's basically all spoilers so I'll just be over here quietly squeeing while you absorb this
As if that wasn't exciting enough Zoe had even more news to share with us. Because it's been five years since the original release of Shadows on the Moon Walker Books have decided to give it a revamp, with a brand new cover to match Barefoot in the Wind and EXTRA CONTENT! OMG I can barely contain my excitement today! Zoe will be sharing the new cover for Shadows on the Moon sometime next week so I'll be sure to post about it as soon as I spot it but in the meantime I strongly suggest you get your pre-orders in now.
Barefoot in the Wind will be available from the 1st of September and the new version of Shadows on the Moon will follow not long afterwards. These books are both set in the same fairytale realm but there is no overlap of characters so you can read them in any order but I can't recommend Shadows on the Moon highly enough and I'm desperately looking forward to reading Barefoot in the Wind for the first time.
What do you think of Barefoot in the Wind's cover? Do you love it as much as I did? Have you read Shadows on the Moon? I think it's one of the most underrated YA fantasy stories out there, Zoe was ahead of the trend and this was published before the genre really took off so I'm hoping that the re release is going to come at just the right time for it to have the success that it so rightfully deserves!
January 21, 2018
T/W- Animal Death (Not a spoiler for the main story though)
Friends, I struggle to find any good retellings/reimagines of one of my favourite fairy tales (Beauty and the Beast) but I can happily say that Barefoot On The Wind was definitely one of the better ones. I fell in love with Zoe's writing style so early on in the story as well as the feminist retelling. The ending did make me tear up a little, it was simply beautiful. But, cutting to the chase now about the actual storyline! It's inspired by Japanese folklore and follows Hana, a young girl who lives in a village that has been cursed for a century. Her grandmother and brother went out in the dark woods one day and never came home. Her father despises her and their relationship has grown cold until the day he gets attacked in the woods. The only way to save him from death is for someone to travel out, track down the beast and kill him. Since no-one volunteers, Hana steps forward to save her father's life, running deep into danger and adventure in the process. It did have vibes from the original fairytale, however the plot twists made the retelling more exciting and intriguing. There was one scene of animal death that was a little uncomfortable to read but other than that, please someone make a movie of this book!!!
Friends, I struggle to find any good retellings/reimagines of one of my favourite fairy tales (Beauty and the Beast) but I can happily say that Barefoot On The Wind was definitely one of the better ones. I fell in love with Zoe's writing style so early on in the story as well as the feminist retelling. The ending did make me tear up a little, it was simply beautiful. But, cutting to the chase now about the actual storyline! It's inspired by Japanese folklore and follows Hana, a young girl who lives in a village that has been cursed for a century. Her grandmother and brother went out in the dark woods one day and never came home. Her father despises her and their relationship has grown cold until the day he gets attacked in the woods. The only way to save him from death is for someone to travel out, track down the beast and kill him. Since no-one volunteers, Hana steps forward to save her father's life, running deep into danger and adventure in the process. It did have vibes from the original fairytale, however the plot twists made the retelling more exciting and intriguing. There was one scene of animal death that was a little uncomfortable to read but other than that, please someone make a movie of this book!!!
January 3, 2017
Ahhh. So many thoughts. Review to come!
September 7, 2016
There is a monster in the forest!I really enjoyed this Japanese-flavored Beauty and the Beast retelling. I especially enjoyed the twist that Hana is not passively offered up by her father to save himself, but instead chooses a confrontation on her own terms. This almost felt like a gender-swapped Beauty and the Beast because of that.
Every family in Hana’s village has lost someone to the monster, and even the trees whisper the warning to Hana when she hunts at the edges of the wood. Hana herself lost her brother five years ago. No one dares enter the forest to find what lurks there. But when Hana’s father is put in thrall to the monster, and the only way to break the spell is to kill the beast, Hana takes it upon herself to do what no one else will.
I loved the setting, which is both beautiful and slightly eerie, especially as the isolation of Hana’s village became clearer. All of the characters felt real and multi-faceted, as they share their common fear of the forest, but nevertheless have their own concerns and self-interest, as well.
As always with Zoë Marriott’s books, the writing is beautiful and vivid, and the emotional tone is a firm foundation to the story. Hana's motives, partly impelled by the guilt she feels for playing a part in her brother's disappearance, are clear and direct. And her own personal journey, as she gains insight through her experiences with the beast, is moving and believable. She begins the story still a girl, but ends it a young woman, and a warrior.
Recommended if you like:
* Fairy tale retellings with original spins
* Strong heroines
* A great combination of action and character development
* Super sweet love stories (not saccharine! Just sweet!)
* Excellent worldbuilding and mythology
* Stories about family love
* Fantasy in a non-European setting
* Satisfying endings
I admit to being a teensy bit biased because I’m friends with Zoë. But I really loved every page of this book and was sorry to leave the story.
December 25, 2017
WELL. First of all I definitely enjoyed this about a hundred times more than the first book (although they’re different stories set in the same world so they’re not related in any way).
This was an AMAZING retelling of Beauty and the Beast set in a fairy tale version of Japan. I flew through it AND BOY WAS IT FUN. Fun in the heart wrenching painfully sweet way. All that jazz.
Then comes the ending. SORRY. WHAT.
I think they forgot to print the last page. Yup.
This was an AMAZING retelling of Beauty and the Beast set in a fairy tale version of Japan. I flew through it AND BOY WAS IT FUN. Fun in the heart wrenching painfully sweet way. All that jazz.
Then comes the ending. SORRY. WHAT.
I think they forgot to print the last page. Yup.
August 17, 2016
It’s a truth universally acknowledged that Zoë Marriott can do no wrong. I’ll freely admit that I am a huge fan, because honestly what’s not to love about Zoë’s books? (Answer: nothing – they are all wonderful).
Barefoot on the Wind is the companion book to Shadows on the Moon. Which is my absolute favourite and despite knowing how perfect every reading experience of a Zoë Marriott has been I was still a little apprehensive before starting this tale, because what if this time it isn’t everything I wished? I shouldn’t have been, because I utterly and completely loved every moment of it Barefoot on the Wind.
A retelling predominantly inspired by Beauty and the Beast (and another tale, but I won’t spoil that for you) contains:
* Hana – awesome narrator, hunter, inspiring character (whose name is brilliant if I may declare)
* A riveting story with magic, stunning word-building and a love story I utterly bought into
* Beautiful writing
* A Monster in the Forest (but who is the monster? It’s an most excellent discussion point. When you’ve read Barefoot on the Wind do let me know your thoughts…)
* Characters that you need to be real because it’s sad when you remember that Hana is not actually leading you through the Dark Woods
* Of course, phenomenal character development.
and so much more…
Barefoot on the Wind is a book that rewards you with so many things. I’m almost sad that I won’t be able to have the first-time reading experience again. Then again, I can re-read this book tale over and over and just fall in love even more. ♥
Also check out #readingBarefootOntheWind
Barefoot on the Wind is the companion book to Shadows on the Moon. Which is my absolute favourite and despite knowing how perfect every reading experience of a Zoë Marriott has been I was still a little apprehensive before starting this tale, because what if this time it isn’t everything I wished? I shouldn’t have been, because I utterly and completely loved every moment of it Barefoot on the Wind.
A retelling predominantly inspired by Beauty and the Beast (and another tale, but I won’t spoil that for you) contains:
* Hana – awesome narrator, hunter, inspiring character (whose name is brilliant if I may declare)
* A riveting story with magic, stunning word-building and a love story I utterly bought into
* Beautiful writing
* A Monster in the Forest (but who is the monster? It’s an most excellent discussion point. When you’ve read Barefoot on the Wind do let me know your thoughts…)
* Characters that you need to be real because it’s sad when you remember that Hana is not actually leading you through the Dark Woods
* Of course, phenomenal character development.
and so much more…
Barefoot on the Wind is a book that rewards you with so many things. I’m almost sad that I won’t be able to have the first-time reading experience again. Then again, I can re-read this book tale over and over and just fall in love even more. ♥
Also check out #readingBarefootOntheWind
March 25, 2018
Actual rating 3.5
A strong retelling, but overall I think I just wanted more. This is possibly just because I loved the first book in this sequence so much--in comparison, this retelling was much simpler and more straightforward. Still a fun read. Note that either book can be read as a standalone--they don't refer to each other, they're simply set in the same world.
A strong retelling, but overall I think I just wanted more. This is possibly just because I loved the first book in this sequence so much--in comparison, this retelling was much simpler and more straightforward. Still a fun read. Note that either book can be read as a standalone--they don't refer to each other, they're simply set in the same world.
May 1, 2018
When I was much younger I read ‘The Swan Kingdon’ and ‘Daughter of the Flame’ and really enjoyed them, I still have them on my bookshelves today. At YALC in London last summer Zoe Marriott was on the guest list, remembering how much I enjoyed those other books I knew I wanted to meet her. As I’ve been a bit out of the loop with YA releases the last couple of years as I’ve mainly been reading old classics for my English degree, I wasn’t aware that Zoe had any other books out. When I got to the convention I saw posters for this book ‘Barefoot on the Wind’ and another called ‘Shadows of the Moon’. They sounded so good, I love things to do with Fairy-tale retellings so I was desperate to get a copy, however by the time I got to the book stall at the convention both of these books were sold out – the supplier had underestimated their popularity. I was gutted, but I still had the other two original books with me so I queued up and got them signed. (Zoe by the way was absolutely lovely and a pleasure to talk to) I promised I would get hold of the books and read them and then write reviews, so once back I ordered the books from the library and waited eagerly for them to arrive.
This one arrived first and I dived in as soon as I could. Hana lives in a remote village surrounded by a forest, no one ever goes into the forest as there are rumours of a beast lurking within. Every now and then someone disappears and is said to have been captured and taken away by the beast. When Hana’s father is the next victim, she swears to put an end to it all once and for all. But nothing is ever as it first seems and Hana faces more than just a simple beast, and the beast himself is nothing like she expected.
The world in which this book is set is amazing, the imagery Marriott uses really lifts the small village off the page, I felt like I was walking down the dirt tracks by Hana’s side, playing in the river, going out hunting. I could picture everything and it was beautiful yet slightly ominous at the same time.
Obviously, knowing the story of Beauty and the Beast, there were some points that were going to be obvious and I was waiting for them to happen, but even the most obvious events were transformed into something exciting with Marriott’s own little twist to make you stop and think, nothing is as you expect.
Hana is a great character, strong, determined, and feisty and I felt myself connect to her and her story, the beast was also something else. The man is a gentle and calming spirit, he feels a connection to the earth around him and seems so helpful. How can a beast lurk within?
This book will sweep you into a world of magic and wonder, excitement and adventure and will leave you wanting to know what happens next.
An excellent read that I highly recommend.
This one arrived first and I dived in as soon as I could. Hana lives in a remote village surrounded by a forest, no one ever goes into the forest as there are rumours of a beast lurking within. Every now and then someone disappears and is said to have been captured and taken away by the beast. When Hana’s father is the next victim, she swears to put an end to it all once and for all. But nothing is ever as it first seems and Hana faces more than just a simple beast, and the beast himself is nothing like she expected.
The world in which this book is set is amazing, the imagery Marriott uses really lifts the small village off the page, I felt like I was walking down the dirt tracks by Hana’s side, playing in the river, going out hunting. I could picture everything and it was beautiful yet slightly ominous at the same time.
Obviously, knowing the story of Beauty and the Beast, there were some points that were going to be obvious and I was waiting for them to happen, but even the most obvious events were transformed into something exciting with Marriott’s own little twist to make you stop and think, nothing is as you expect.
Hana is a great character, strong, determined, and feisty and I felt myself connect to her and her story, the beast was also something else. The man is a gentle and calming spirit, he feels a connection to the earth around him and seems so helpful. How can a beast lurk within?
This book will sweep you into a world of magic and wonder, excitement and adventure and will leave you wanting to know what happens next.
An excellent read that I highly recommend.
November 30, 2016
Simply beautiful.
"I loved him the way that you love all the things which are both vitally necessary and absolutely reliable. Things that you never even have to stop to be grateful for, because they just are, and without them you would not be."
"I loved him the way that you love all the things which are both vitally necessary and absolutely reliable. Things that you never even have to stop to be grateful for, because they just are, and without them you would not be."
December 4, 2016
Disclaimer : This review has been sponsored by Walker Books Australia however all my thoughts, opinions and feels are my own and are in no way influenced by other sources. Thank you Walker for supporting me and allowing me to review this book for you, I am greatly humbled.
I have a cover fetish or perhaps for a more elegant term, obsession.
So before I get into the actual book reviewing I'd like to start by cover reviewing! I think that a clever cover should always portray the themes throughout the book, to hint at what is going to happen, allowing a glimpse into the book without giving away all to much. This cover is really quite artistic, the book is a beauty and the beast retelling and that is made evident with the wolf in the background and the delicate butterfly's. The thorns are a very effective concept throughout the book which they have craftily brought into the cover. All in all, I thought this was a beautiful and effective cover. In terms of cover rating/stars, I think I would give it a 3.5-4.
NOW, onto the important part of this review!
This book is a Beauty and the Beast retelling. The author included a note on the very first page to her readers about why she wrote this book and I really loved that idea. I kind wish that all authors did that! Marriott's reason behind writing this book was because and I quote, "as [she] got older, it began to seem more and more strange...that in the traditional fairy tale, it is innocent Beauty who is forced to learn to love the Beast while the Beast is rewarded for" his misconduct.
I don't know about you but I had to agree with that statement and it was so interesting to know how the author began to dream up the book.
This novel is set in a Japanese landscape with the characters baring traditional Japanese names, which is not at all what I had been expecting but it was certainly something I'd never experienced before and it worked quite well.
In terms of genre, I'm not sure if I believe this book is adequately placed as a YA title as it seemed a little too juvenile for my tastes. Personally, I believe this book is perfectly pitched to an audience of ages 10-16 perhaps a bit older or younger but I wouldn't really class this as YA, as you can see from my genre picks above.
Once I got past the fact that I had prepared myself for a YA read and found myself reading a children's book, I began to enjoy it a whole lot more. The book is quite elegantly written, it is not an advanced read but that is to be expected for the age group I'm pitching this for. The book doesn't feature a dramatic amount of dialect, a lot of the manuscript is internal monologue but that doesn't hinder the story in any way. If anything it gives Marriott a certain authors writing style and I like that it makes her stand out. But the little direct dialog we did get was very stiff and formal, which I guess is in line with Japanese culture but for a novel I felt like it created a barrier between reader and writer. despite this Marriott is so very good at communicating the thoughts and feelings of the character while also telling you every minuscule detail about the surrounding and the happenings of the scene. But somehow that wasn't quite enough for me. For a book with so much detail I found it lacked a certain amount of depth, emotion.
As a 313 page book, it is quite a small and quick read, but with being small it's harder to get as much depth into the book as you might get in a 500-600 page novel.
If you haven't read this book or are looking for a book for your niece or little sister or daughter, this is one that I highly recommend. It's an easy flowing read that is very appropriate and has a beautiful traditional story line.
And that is where my spoiler free section of the review shall end today. So if you haven't read this book yet and don't want to be spoiled - Toodaloo!
Throughout this book the main character Hana is plagued by guilt over the lose of her brother, we went into great detail on this and it was the principle reasoning the Hana used for a majority of her actions. So I found it odd that those emotions where so accurately conveyed whereas the connection between the Itsuki and Hana was more tiptoed around. For a children's book, it was appropriately pitched however I felt that there still could have been more depth to the bond that the main characters shared without being inappropriate. Perhaps I just wanted to see more of Itsuki's face throughout the book, his facial expressions would have given more emotion or added the spark that I felt the pages between these two characters were missing. But again, I guess the lack of seeing his face for the majority of the book added to the 'mysterious' side of him.
The way things were 'fixed' in the end and how the Yuki-Onna and Hana had a little chat and were suddenly best friends was a little to youthful for my liking but it was a good way to bring a to a close all the open ended questions that we still had.
I found Kyo's return a very cute and sweet way to end the story but I found it more interesting that he was the same age when he came back as when he'd left. Younger sister is now big sister and I would really like to see an elaboration on that!
All in all its a beautiful book with a unique fairy tale twist. Its beautifully written and thoroughly descriptive and I highly recommend it for the younger generation as I believe its more of a children's book.
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Thank you for reading!
Till next time,
xoxo Book Dragon Ash
I have a cover fetish or perhaps for a more elegant term, obsession.
So before I get into the actual book reviewing I'd like to start by cover reviewing! I think that a clever cover should always portray the themes throughout the book, to hint at what is going to happen, allowing a glimpse into the book without giving away all to much. This cover is really quite artistic, the book is a beauty and the beast retelling and that is made evident with the wolf in the background and the delicate butterfly's. The thorns are a very effective concept throughout the book which they have craftily brought into the cover. All in all, I thought this was a beautiful and effective cover. In terms of cover rating/stars, I think I would give it a 3.5-4.
NOW, onto the important part of this review!
This book is a Beauty and the Beast retelling. The author included a note on the very first page to her readers about why she wrote this book and I really loved that idea. I kind wish that all authors did that! Marriott's reason behind writing this book was because and I quote, "as [she] got older, it began to seem more and more strange...that in the traditional fairy tale, it is innocent Beauty who is forced to learn to love the Beast while the Beast is rewarded for" his misconduct.
I don't know about you but I had to agree with that statement and it was so interesting to know how the author began to dream up the book.
This novel is set in a Japanese landscape with the characters baring traditional Japanese names, which is not at all what I had been expecting but it was certainly something I'd never experienced before and it worked quite well.
In terms of genre, I'm not sure if I believe this book is adequately placed as a YA title as it seemed a little too juvenile for my tastes. Personally, I believe this book is perfectly pitched to an audience of ages 10-16 perhaps a bit older or younger but I wouldn't really class this as YA, as you can see from my genre picks above.
Once I got past the fact that I had prepared myself for a YA read and found myself reading a children's book, I began to enjoy it a whole lot more. The book is quite elegantly written, it is not an advanced read but that is to be expected for the age group I'm pitching this for. The book doesn't feature a dramatic amount of dialect, a lot of the manuscript is internal monologue but that doesn't hinder the story in any way. If anything it gives Marriott a certain authors writing style and I like that it makes her stand out. But the little direct dialog we did get was very stiff and formal, which I guess is in line with Japanese culture but for a novel I felt like it created a barrier between reader and writer. despite this Marriott is so very good at communicating the thoughts and feelings of the character while also telling you every minuscule detail about the surrounding and the happenings of the scene. But somehow that wasn't quite enough for me. For a book with so much detail I found it lacked a certain amount of depth, emotion.
As a 313 page book, it is quite a small and quick read, but with being small it's harder to get as much depth into the book as you might get in a 500-600 page novel.
If you haven't read this book or are looking for a book for your niece or little sister or daughter, this is one that I highly recommend. It's an easy flowing read that is very appropriate and has a beautiful traditional story line.
And that is where my spoiler free section of the review shall end today. So if you haven't read this book yet and don't want to be spoiled - Toodaloo!
Throughout this book the main character Hana is plagued by guilt over the lose of her brother, we went into great detail on this and it was the principle reasoning the Hana used for a majority of her actions. So I found it odd that those emotions where so accurately conveyed whereas the connection between the Itsuki and Hana was more tiptoed around. For a children's book, it was appropriately pitched however I felt that there still could have been more depth to the bond that the main characters shared without being inappropriate. Perhaps I just wanted to see more of Itsuki's face throughout the book, his facial expressions would have given more emotion or added the spark that I felt the pages between these two characters were missing. But again, I guess the lack of seeing his face for the majority of the book added to the 'mysterious' side of him.
The way things were 'fixed' in the end and how the Yuki-Onna and Hana had a little chat and were suddenly best friends was a little to youthful for my liking but it was a good way to bring a to a close all the open ended questions that we still had.
I found Kyo's return a very cute and sweet way to end the story but I found it more interesting that he was the same age when he came back as when he'd left. Younger sister is now big sister and I would really like to see an elaboration on that!
All in all its a beautiful book with a unique fairy tale twist. Its beautifully written and thoroughly descriptive and I highly recommend it for the younger generation as I believe its more of a children's book.
If you did enjoy this review, please do remember to give it a star and don't forget to hit follow if you'd like to keep updated for when I post new rambling blogs!
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Thank you for reading!
Till next time,
xoxo Book Dragon Ash
May 22, 2017
This book really grabbed my attention right off the bat. Of course, I loved the premise - a beauty and the beast retelling in Japan? Heck yes! I also loved the style of writing, and the characters felt real, flaws and all. I did get a little frustrated with the main character a few times (partially because I didn't really relate to her), but, in the end, I was really touched by her determination. I also loved the beast here - he really learned from his mistakes and changed as a person.
My one problem with this book is the way the curse played out. The wording of the curse was so specific, and I didn't really understand why the "fairy" (can't remember what she's called) chose to curse him in this way, except that the author needed the finale to play out a certain way.
Still a great read though, and a wonderful Beauty and the Beast retelling.
My one problem with this book is the way the curse played out. The wording of the curse was so specific, and I didn't really understand why the "fairy" (can't remember what she's called) chose to curse him in this way, except that the author needed the finale to play out a certain way.
Still a great read though, and a wonderful Beauty and the Beast retelling.
March 11, 2017
Asijská variace na Krásku a zvíře :) Prokletá vesnice. Monstrum, které si každý měsíc bere jednoho vesničana, který se už nikdy nevrátí. A jedna odvážná dívka, která chce bojovat za ochranu své rodiny před monstrem. Jenže jaké je její překvapení, když se po souboji se šelmou probere v tajemném bludišti, ve kterém je kromě ní už jen podivný chlapec? :)
Dále si to již jistě domyslíte, všechno se odehrává klasicky, jako v příběhu Kráska a zvíře. Při čtení vás tedy nečeká žádné překvapení, ale přesto to bylo zajímavě napsané :)
Dále si to již jistě domyslíte, všechno se odehrává klasicky, jako v příběhu Kráska a zvíře. Při čtení vás tedy nečeká žádné překvapení, ale přesto to bylo zajímavě napsané :)
July 5, 2018
Finally. I finished it. This book is one of the best fairytale retellings I’ve read in a while. I couldn’t stop reading it, and I woke up in the morning with a huge headache. Painful, but so worth it. Beautifully written, heroine who takes no shit from everyone, and breathtaking scenery that makes you feel you’re in there as you’re reading. I just have so much feelings for this book. :’)
May 13, 2017
3.5 stars
November 9, 2021
Still bedridden and feeling unwell—certainly not well enough to walk about—, but thankfully, stuck with the kind of illness that does not prevent one from reading (no fever, so that’s something!), I came across this title and felt I ‘had to read it’ as soon as I’d finished Shadows on the Moon (see that review for ramblings on YA books)
Barefoot on the Wind is a ‘companion’ book to shadows on the moon, which I had read in one very long sitting. It said it was the second opus in the Moonlit Lands series, so I was hoping to get a second chance to follow the characters from Shadows on the Moon.
However, this is a standalone novel and has nothing much to do with Shadows on the Moon. But I truly enjoyed it nonetheless. The world and the time period are the same in both novels. A sort of fantasy version of Japan, which I personally loved and thought was beautifully done. Although the author is not Japanese, she received grants and even an award I believe from Japan. She seems to have researched the subject matter in what I would call an academic way, which makes her books so much more enjoyable than your average YA fiction (and I do mean ‘average’ here, as there are certainly some very good YA novels out there. I meant that unfortunately, as with most genres, the bulk of it is not always that.. good, and the most popular books are not necessarily the best amongst what YA fiction has to offer)
Anyhow; I found something out about the plot early on and that bothered me. I hate it when that happens (see my m review of Shadows on the Moon for more ramblings on the topic!)
So I’m remaining very vague. Better to go in completely in the dark for this one.
It’s the same principle as the first one (if you’ve read it although you don’t have to).
If you like Japanese culture, folklore and mythology, mixed in with some Western references, with fleshed-out characters and excellent settings for the story, a strong storyline and a good bit of fantasy and folklore, both Japanese and Western, then look no further.
& same goes for Shadows on the Moon.
All in all, a very satisfying read, perfect for my current state (of body and mind).
Barefoot on the Wind is a ‘companion’ book to shadows on the moon, which I had read in one very long sitting. It said it was the second opus in the Moonlit Lands series, so I was hoping to get a second chance to follow the characters from Shadows on the Moon.
However, this is a standalone novel and has nothing much to do with Shadows on the Moon. But I truly enjoyed it nonetheless. The world and the time period are the same in both novels. A sort of fantasy version of Japan, which I personally loved and thought was beautifully done. Although the author is not Japanese, she received grants and even an award I believe from Japan. She seems to have researched the subject matter in what I would call an academic way, which makes her books so much more enjoyable than your average YA fiction (and I do mean ‘average’ here, as there are certainly some very good YA novels out there. I meant that unfortunately, as with most genres, the bulk of it is not always that.. good, and the most popular books are not necessarily the best amongst what YA fiction has to offer)
Anyhow; I found something out about the plot early on and that bothered me. I hate it when that happens (see my m review of Shadows on the Moon for more ramblings on the topic!)
So I’m remaining very vague. Better to go in completely in the dark for this one.
It’s the same principle as the first one (if you’ve read it although you don’t have to).
If you like Japanese culture, folklore and mythology, mixed in with some Western references, with fleshed-out characters and excellent settings for the story, a strong storyline and a good bit of fantasy and folklore, both Japanese and Western, then look no further.
& same goes for Shadows on the Moon.
All in all, a very satisfying read, perfect for my current state (of body and mind).
October 13, 2017
I really enjoyed this retelling of Beauty and the Beast. This Beauty and the Beast retelling is set in Japan which I thought was really unique.
I haven't read the previous novel in this series but that didn't matter as this is a companion novel that is set in the same world. I thought that this was really well written and I liked the author's take on this well-known story.
I thought that this was quite a fast paced read but the ending did feel a bit rushed. I would like to have seen a bit more from the ending. I felt that there could have been a couple more chapters to properly wrap up the story.
The romance in this book is very subtle and I really appreciated that. I think that the author did a really good job of creating her characters. Even the villain you felt sympathy for. I am looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.
I haven't read the previous novel in this series but that didn't matter as this is a companion novel that is set in the same world. I thought that this was really well written and I liked the author's take on this well-known story.
I thought that this was quite a fast paced read but the ending did feel a bit rushed. I would like to have seen a bit more from the ending. I felt that there could have been a couple more chapters to properly wrap up the story.
The romance in this book is very subtle and I really appreciated that. I think that the author did a really good job of creating her characters. Even the villain you felt sympathy for. I am looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.
September 28, 2021
4.5⭐️!!! I love this so much! Compared to Shadows on the Moon that tell Cinderella retelling, Barefoot on the Wind is Beauty and the Beast retelling!! Both of the books are not related at all!! You can read it as stand-alone:)
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Barefoot on the Wind story are less heavy than Shadows in the Moon 💓💓 so yeah I love it because it’s not so heavy.
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Barefoot on the Wind story are less heavy than Shadows in the Moon 💓💓 so yeah I love it because it’s not so heavy.
June 19, 2017
Very sweet and original retelling of beauty and the beast; Zoe Marriott's writing is sensitive and emotionally nuanced as always. This gets 4stars instead of five because she kills off a kitten.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 9, 2017
Beautiful.
October 23, 2018
Can't get enough of Beauty & the Beast retellings!!!
September 3, 2016
Before I begin to tell you my thoughts and feelings about this lovely book I have a big fat and horrible secret to admit to you all.... this is my first Zoe Marriott read
Yes I know shock horror and I should probably be burned at the stake for this treachery and massive YA offence; but before you get your pitchforks let me tell you what I thought, and let me solemnly promise that I will be making amends to right this terrible wrong!
Barefoot on the Wind is a wonderful and clever retelling of one of the best (in my humble opinion) fairy tales: Beauty and the Beast.
As with many retellings Zoe Marriott put her own imprint on this story. The transposition and adaptation of the original story line to a Japanese environment, lay out and way of life was incredibly faithfully done. The village, the villagers, the rules and regulations of that period in time down to the Japanese denominations for each member of society and status were respected, making me feel like I'd actually stepped into a Japanese mountain village that was being plagued by a beast and I was about to witness the unfurling of this story.
I was all geared up with my cup of green tea to sit back and enjoy what I thought was merely a transcribed and slightly altered fairy tale to suit the new set up, when Zoe decided that actually she hadn't quite finished with her adaptation.
It soon became clear that from the original tale, all that was taken were the bare bones, in a manner of speaking.
Now before I go any further I should tell you all that I am a massive fairy tale fan, and will happily read any retelling and any new story that comes my way, but what I came across here was pretty wonderful and a very original take on fairy tales with a pinch of modern thinking.
Although you will catch a glimpse of Belle in Hana-San's kindness and love for her family, and you will perceive some of the Beast's hard earned humility in Itsuki, these two sets of characters are as different as they are alike. Zoe Marriott's Belle is a fighter, a hunter and does not fear the dangerous dark woods that have claimed many a life. She is proud and strong and although her hierarchical society does not approve, she holds her ground steadfast and fights for what she believes is right even if that means going into the beast's lair alone. Zoe's Beast, that Hana dubs Itsuki, is the gentlest creature you will ever meet. He cares for all those that are harmed regardless of by whom and why. He has a big heart and has worked hard to learn what patience, humility, true love and respect mean.
Although initially perplexed I soon came to love these two characters and how their interactions were so similar and yet so different from those that I have loved and grown up with.
As I mentioned before Zoe merely used the bare bones of the classic and then built her own story giving it flesh and thoughts to shape it differently and make us readers reflect.
As per all fairy tales there is a lesson to be learned, and whilst deconstructing and recreating her tale our lovely author did not forget this vital part. Whilst the Disney we all know and love focused on romance and the signature happily ever after, Zoe Marriott decided to centre her story around Hana-San, her journey to self discovery, forgiveness and its ripple effect on the surrounding characters and, indeed, the story. Although romance and love is undoubtedly a main thread to it, Zoe Marriott reminds us that the types of love that can change someone also include the love between a family, siblings and friends. She reminds us that love's close counterpart and partner in crime is hate and the line between these two at times has been known to be thin, thin and full of its own emotions ranging from anger to sorrow.
You might ask be asking yourself what else is different aside from the characters, the set up, the nature of the beast, the strength of the belle and the society whose rules they live by?
Well I will let you figure that one out for yourself, but what I will tell you is that this is a very cleverly constructed Japanese fairy tale retelling, and that like Hana-San you will have to walk into the dark woods and tread lightly on the dark magic that has cursed more than just a man, and you will have to heed the advice of the trees and the wind that blows through them because a monster, a beast roams the woods but the two are not always one and the same and every individual is capable of monstrous things.
Barefoot on the Wind proved to be more than just a simple fairy tale with a different back drop. Zoe Marriott brought with it her own set of characters and morales to teach us. Despite the simplistic story, she managed to build into it new thoughts and feelings giving it a new dimension and complexity that I had not previously appreciated. I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of this tale and will happily be getting lost in these dark woods again with Hana-San and Itsuki.
A big thank you to the lovely people at Walker Books for sending me a copy of this wonderful book to read and review.
Yes I know shock horror and I should probably be burned at the stake for this treachery and massive YA offence; but before you get your pitchforks let me tell you what I thought, and let me solemnly promise that I will be making amends to right this terrible wrong!
Barefoot on the Wind is a wonderful and clever retelling of one of the best (in my humble opinion) fairy tales: Beauty and the Beast.
As with many retellings Zoe Marriott put her own imprint on this story. The transposition and adaptation of the original story line to a Japanese environment, lay out and way of life was incredibly faithfully done. The village, the villagers, the rules and regulations of that period in time down to the Japanese denominations for each member of society and status were respected, making me feel like I'd actually stepped into a Japanese mountain village that was being plagued by a beast and I was about to witness the unfurling of this story.
I was all geared up with my cup of green tea to sit back and enjoy what I thought was merely a transcribed and slightly altered fairy tale to suit the new set up, when Zoe decided that actually she hadn't quite finished with her adaptation.
It soon became clear that from the original tale, all that was taken were the bare bones, in a manner of speaking.
Now before I go any further I should tell you all that I am a massive fairy tale fan, and will happily read any retelling and any new story that comes my way, but what I came across here was pretty wonderful and a very original take on fairy tales with a pinch of modern thinking.
Although you will catch a glimpse of Belle in Hana-San's kindness and love for her family, and you will perceive some of the Beast's hard earned humility in Itsuki, these two sets of characters are as different as they are alike. Zoe Marriott's Belle is a fighter, a hunter and does not fear the dangerous dark woods that have claimed many a life. She is proud and strong and although her hierarchical society does not approve, she holds her ground steadfast and fights for what she believes is right even if that means going into the beast's lair alone. Zoe's Beast, that Hana dubs Itsuki, is the gentlest creature you will ever meet. He cares for all those that are harmed regardless of by whom and why. He has a big heart and has worked hard to learn what patience, humility, true love and respect mean.
Although initially perplexed I soon came to love these two characters and how their interactions were so similar and yet so different from those that I have loved and grown up with.
As I mentioned before Zoe merely used the bare bones of the classic and then built her own story giving it flesh and thoughts to shape it differently and make us readers reflect.
As per all fairy tales there is a lesson to be learned, and whilst deconstructing and recreating her tale our lovely author did not forget this vital part. Whilst the Disney we all know and love focused on romance and the signature happily ever after, Zoe Marriott decided to centre her story around Hana-San, her journey to self discovery, forgiveness and its ripple effect on the surrounding characters and, indeed, the story. Although romance and love is undoubtedly a main thread to it, Zoe Marriott reminds us that the types of love that can change someone also include the love between a family, siblings and friends. She reminds us that love's close counterpart and partner in crime is hate and the line between these two at times has been known to be thin, thin and full of its own emotions ranging from anger to sorrow.
You might ask be asking yourself what else is different aside from the characters, the set up, the nature of the beast, the strength of the belle and the society whose rules they live by?
Well I will let you figure that one out for yourself, but what I will tell you is that this is a very cleverly constructed Japanese fairy tale retelling, and that like Hana-San you will have to walk into the dark woods and tread lightly on the dark magic that has cursed more than just a man, and you will have to heed the advice of the trees and the wind that blows through them because a monster, a beast roams the woods but the two are not always one and the same and every individual is capable of monstrous things.
Barefoot on the Wind proved to be more than just a simple fairy tale with a different back drop. Zoe Marriott brought with it her own set of characters and morales to teach us. Despite the simplistic story, she managed to build into it new thoughts and feelings giving it a new dimension and complexity that I had not previously appreciated. I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of this tale and will happily be getting lost in these dark woods again with Hana-San and Itsuki.
A big thank you to the lovely people at Walker Books for sending me a copy of this wonderful book to read and review.
September 24, 2016
Review: https://heyitsbookishme.wordpress.com...
Let's face the fact, I love a good retelling. It transports me back to my childhood days. It reminds me of the crazy things I used to do as a kid. It takes me home to this little part of my soul which is forever stuck in Neverland. When I came across Barefoot on the Wind, I knew I just HAD to get my hands on it.... and guess what? I absolutely loved it!
"There is a monster in the forest..."
Set in fairy tale Japan, Hana lives with her parents in a remote village on the mountains. She is on the road of self-discovery, still torn by the death of her older brother, Kyo. Ever since he was taken away by the monster in the forest, her family was never the same again. Hana always tries to be the "son" of the family, doing her very best to impress her parents, especially her father who strongly believes Hana is the reason behind his only son's death. One night, Hana's father was captured by the monster too, and the villagers started despising her family, believing they bring bad luck. Not one person wanted to lend in a hand to help her father, not even the bravest of men.
Barefoot on the Wind is a Beauty and the Beast retelling from a feminist perspective - empowering and enthralling. To put it simply - in the traditional fairy tale, innocent Belle did not come to the Beast on her own free will. Yet, even after taking her father as a prisoner, the Beast was lucky enough to have been awarded with her love. In Barefoot on the Wind, dear Hana went into the forest on her own free will to save her father and falling in love is last on her list of priorities. This story is very empowering and you will definitely love Hana's brave ways.
Be wary if you ask favours of the Moon. She does not grant our wishes. She answers our prayers.
I really enjoyed the Asian twist to it. The characters are Japanese and you will get a fairly good glimpse of their culture and lifestyle. The food they eat, the clothes they wear; the little things which make them who they are. As an Asian myself, I really appreciate Zoë's research and effort in bringing these characters to life and closer to home.
The writing of the story is simple and very easy to follow. Believe it or not, this is the very same story I told my little 5-year-old cousin when she came over for a sleepover at my place. I told her about Hana, about Itsuki, and about the monster in the forest. She was instantly attached, just like how I was too. The flow is really good and you would find this book difficult to put down. I enjoyed how the chapters were not too long too. The scenes were straight to the point and fast paced, yet perfect in unraveling the mystery - who is the monster in the forest?
I feel very strongly for the characters. Each and every one of them introduced played a part in bringing everything together. It makes you feel whole. The development of the main characters were very in depth.
The romance was spot on too. It was gentle and kind. Attached and soulful. It is every bit of a mystery you would love in a good romance story. Every bit of sweetness you can find in the relationship between two people. And when they finally hold hands and it sends warmth in your heart, you know the writer did a magnificent job.
"And he will kiss me again, I thought, almost dizzy at the wonder of it. He will kiss me a thousand times more, and in a thousand ways."
Above all, this is a story on relationships and self-discovery. A story of faith restoration, forgiveness and determination. You will find love and comfort in every step and every turn, every chapter of this gripping tale.
"Because you still have work to do. You never needed to tell me that. Your father may have seen you in his dreams, my little flower, but I have always seen you in my heart."
You will feel drawn to the book, attached to the characters and immersed in their adventures. This is definitely a winner for me. This is one retelling you should not miss!
Let's face the fact, I love a good retelling. It transports me back to my childhood days. It reminds me of the crazy things I used to do as a kid. It takes me home to this little part of my soul which is forever stuck in Neverland. When I came across Barefoot on the Wind, I knew I just HAD to get my hands on it.... and guess what? I absolutely loved it!
"There is a monster in the forest..."
Set in fairy tale Japan, Hana lives with her parents in a remote village on the mountains. She is on the road of self-discovery, still torn by the death of her older brother, Kyo. Ever since he was taken away by the monster in the forest, her family was never the same again. Hana always tries to be the "son" of the family, doing her very best to impress her parents, especially her father who strongly believes Hana is the reason behind his only son's death. One night, Hana's father was captured by the monster too, and the villagers started despising her family, believing they bring bad luck. Not one person wanted to lend in a hand to help her father, not even the bravest of men.
Barefoot on the Wind is a Beauty and the Beast retelling from a feminist perspective - empowering and enthralling. To put it simply - in the traditional fairy tale, innocent Belle did not come to the Beast on her own free will. Yet, even after taking her father as a prisoner, the Beast was lucky enough to have been awarded with her love. In Barefoot on the Wind, dear Hana went into the forest on her own free will to save her father and falling in love is last on her list of priorities. This story is very empowering and you will definitely love Hana's brave ways.
Be wary if you ask favours of the Moon. She does not grant our wishes. She answers our prayers.
I really enjoyed the Asian twist to it. The characters are Japanese and you will get a fairly good glimpse of their culture and lifestyle. The food they eat, the clothes they wear; the little things which make them who they are. As an Asian myself, I really appreciate Zoë's research and effort in bringing these characters to life and closer to home.
The writing of the story is simple and very easy to follow. Believe it or not, this is the very same story I told my little 5-year-old cousin when she came over for a sleepover at my place. I told her about Hana, about Itsuki, and about the monster in the forest. She was instantly attached, just like how I was too. The flow is really good and you would find this book difficult to put down. I enjoyed how the chapters were not too long too. The scenes were straight to the point and fast paced, yet perfect in unraveling the mystery - who is the monster in the forest?
I feel very strongly for the characters. Each and every one of them introduced played a part in bringing everything together. It makes you feel whole. The development of the main characters were very in depth.
The romance was spot on too. It was gentle and kind. Attached and soulful. It is every bit of a mystery you would love in a good romance story. Every bit of sweetness you can find in the relationship between two people. And when they finally hold hands and it sends warmth in your heart, you know the writer did a magnificent job.
"And he will kiss me again, I thought, almost dizzy at the wonder of it. He will kiss me a thousand times more, and in a thousand ways."
Above all, this is a story on relationships and self-discovery. A story of faith restoration, forgiveness and determination. You will find love and comfort in every step and every turn, every chapter of this gripping tale.
"Because you still have work to do. You never needed to tell me that. Your father may have seen you in his dreams, my little flower, but I have always seen you in my heart."
You will feel drawn to the book, attached to the characters and immersed in their adventures. This is definitely a winner for me. This is one retelling you should not miss!
December 5, 2016
I received a copy of this title from Walker Books Australia for review.
3.5 stars
Ten Second Synopsis:
Hana lives in the shadow of her parents' grief for her lost older brother. When the opportunity arises for Hana to end the curse that plagues the people of her village, she sets off into the Dark Woods and discovers something she didn't expect.
This is a deeply atmospheric foray into family tragedy and having the strength to follow one's own mind in the face of opposition. As retellings of fairy tales go, setting one in a fantasy version of historical Japan is a stroke of genius. I will admit that this was the element that drew me in to this book. The first few chapters, in which we are introduced to Hana, her peculiar ability to talk to trees, and the shadowy curse plaguing her village, had me immediately hooked. The writing is laden with imagery and Hana is shown to be kept on the outer by her peers, troubled by grief and family tragedy and yet steadfast in knowing her own mind. The historical setting of the book felt so unlike any fairy tale I have read before that even though the book is a retelling (or re-imagining, I suppose), there is no deference to the usual tone and motifs typically seen in YA retellings of such familiar tales.
As I mentioned earlier, the strongest parts of the novel for me were the beginning and end, as both of these took place in Hana's village. In the beginning, as the story moved on and we discover more about the curse of the Dark Wood, I was a little bit sad to let go of the down-to-earth aspects of the story to engage with the fantasy elements, which is unusual for me, but I'm sure those that love fairy tale retellings will adore the unique setting for the Beast and the other forces that manipulate the Dark Wood. It was great to see a bit of influence of Japanese fantasy culture included here, with a truly frightening spirit throwing her weight around in the latter stages of the story. If I'm honest, I could take or leave the "romance" bit, which read more like a developing relationship and building of trust than romance (thank goodness!) but the atmosphere and imagery generated by the writing were absolutely absorbing and so I can definitely recommend this to those who love retellings, or indeed those who love a good historical fiction with a fantasy twist.
3.5 stars
Ten Second Synopsis:
Hana lives in the shadow of her parents' grief for her lost older brother. When the opportunity arises for Hana to end the curse that plagues the people of her village, she sets off into the Dark Woods and discovers something she didn't expect.
This is a deeply atmospheric foray into family tragedy and having the strength to follow one's own mind in the face of opposition. As retellings of fairy tales go, setting one in a fantasy version of historical Japan is a stroke of genius. I will admit that this was the element that drew me in to this book. The first few chapters, in which we are introduced to Hana, her peculiar ability to talk to trees, and the shadowy curse plaguing her village, had me immediately hooked. The writing is laden with imagery and Hana is shown to be kept on the outer by her peers, troubled by grief and family tragedy and yet steadfast in knowing her own mind. The historical setting of the book felt so unlike any fairy tale I have read before that even though the book is a retelling (or re-imagining, I suppose), there is no deference to the usual tone and motifs typically seen in YA retellings of such familiar tales.
As I mentioned earlier, the strongest parts of the novel for me were the beginning and end, as both of these took place in Hana's village. In the beginning, as the story moved on and we discover more about the curse of the Dark Wood, I was a little bit sad to let go of the down-to-earth aspects of the story to engage with the fantasy elements, which is unusual for me, but I'm sure those that love fairy tale retellings will adore the unique setting for the Beast and the other forces that manipulate the Dark Wood. It was great to see a bit of influence of Japanese fantasy culture included here, with a truly frightening spirit throwing her weight around in the latter stages of the story. If I'm honest, I could take or leave the "romance" bit, which read more like a developing relationship and building of trust than romance (thank goodness!) but the atmosphere and imagery generated by the writing were absolutely absorbing and so I can definitely recommend this to those who love retellings, or indeed those who love a good historical fiction with a fantasy twist.
August 22, 2016
I loved Shadows on the Moon, the author previous book set in a similar fantasy Japan, so I could hardly wait to get my hands on Barefoot on the Wind! Both books take familiar fairy-tales and look at them slant - Shadows on the Moon looked at Cinderella, while for Barefoot on the Wind, Beauty and the Beast is the tale given a twist.
Hana is a hunter, supporting her family in their dwindling village, cut off from the outside world by the dense forest that sprung up a hundred years ago. Tough and courageous, yet she carries the burden of the loss of her older brother, called into the woods by magic - never to return. So many of the villagers have suffered the same fate, and the whole village is terrified by the Monster in the Woods...but when Hana's father disappears, she is the only one bold enough to try to save him and end the enchantment of the Beast.
Wonderful, compelling and beautiful - I couldn't stop reading till I reached the final page!
Hana is a hunter, supporting her family in their dwindling village, cut off from the outside world by the dense forest that sprung up a hundred years ago. Tough and courageous, yet she carries the burden of the loss of her older brother, called into the woods by magic - never to return. So many of the villagers have suffered the same fate, and the whole village is terrified by the Monster in the Woods...but when Hana's father disappears, she is the only one bold enough to try to save him and end the enchantment of the Beast.
Wonderful, compelling and beautiful - I couldn't stop reading till I reached the final page!
February 3, 2018
Another retelling set in Zoe Marriott's Japanese fantasy world 'The Moonlit Lands', but this time she brings us a Beauty and the Beast story.
In no way do you need to read the first book (although I highly recommend it) they are both seperate stories with no crossover characters, they are just set in the same world, which is beautifully vivid and magical.
In this second book, a village has been cursed with a monster living in the surrounding forest, luring the innocent people out of their homes never to be seen again. Hana, having lost many family to the forest beast already, now faces the same fate happening to her father. This time however, his body is found but he is trapped in a sleep and cannot awake. Hana must set off into the forest to find and slay the beast in order to save him... but what she finds is a hidden maze full of magic and intrigue, and a monster she couldn't even imagine.
This was such a quick and exciting read with a beautiful ending. Ah I love these books.
In no way do you need to read the first book (although I highly recommend it) they are both seperate stories with no crossover characters, they are just set in the same world, which is beautifully vivid and magical.
In this second book, a village has been cursed with a monster living in the surrounding forest, luring the innocent people out of their homes never to be seen again. Hana, having lost many family to the forest beast already, now faces the same fate happening to her father. This time however, his body is found but he is trapped in a sleep and cannot awake. Hana must set off into the forest to find and slay the beast in order to save him... but what she finds is a hidden maze full of magic and intrigue, and a monster she couldn't even imagine.
This was such a quick and exciting read with a beautiful ending. Ah I love these books.
February 17, 2019
Had to skip read to the end. It is just me, but somehow I could not manage to sustain my interest - the writing just keeps pushing me out, i find myself thinking of other things mid-page. For me, the writing style somehow didn't work. It was just plain bland, but that is a personal thing and some things just don't work for some people.
Not a bad book - if i seriously dislike a book, for whatever reason, i would give it no more than 1 star - but just didn't work for me, even though i liked the Japanese setting and the mythology it created.
Not a bad book - if i seriously dislike a book, for whatever reason, i would give it no more than 1 star - but just didn't work for me, even though i liked the Japanese setting and the mythology it created.
July 10, 2017
I didn't love it as much as Shadows on the Moon, but I did like it. I have the same complaint that I did with the previous book in that I didn't feel like the magic was explored well enough. Hana has the ability to speak with the trees of the forest. This ability is shown at the beginning but then it almost seems forgotten for the majority of the story, until it's use to move the plot at the end. It was basically just a plot device.
September 27, 2016
Enjoyable, intriguing retelling of Beauty and the Beast. A little slow, maybe? But lovely, atmospheric writing, and wonderful Japanese folkloric elements. Couldn't help but picture the whole thing as a Ghibli movie. Will definitely be looking up Shadows on the Moon.
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August 21, 2016Gorgeously written fantasy and an interesting spin on Beauty and the Beast, full review to come.
April 27, 2017
5 Reasons Why You Should Read BAREFOOT ON THE WIND Right Now
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