I've read a lot of fairy-tale re-tellings in my day, and I have to say Wendy Mass knows how to write a great one. The twice upon a time books are magnificent. The characters are fun, the themes are great, and they're very captivating. They're the type of book that takes two maybe three hours tops to read. Definitely recommended for fans of fairy-tale retellings. Don't let ll the bright cheery covers fool you- these books have some dark elements to them.