Nineteen-year-old Rapunzel is skilled at many things, but she does not enjoy assisting her midwife mother, Gothel, and she longs to learn to read. When she and her overprotective mother move once again to another town in medieval Germany, they are attacked on the road by two bandits, and only the intervention of a handsome knight r Gerek ves their lives. Initially haughty, Sir Gerek comes to appreciate Rapunzel's heart and so agrees to help her gain a maidservant position at Hagenheim Castle. Rapunzel learns to read under Gerek's tutelage, and their mutual attraction grows, even as Hagenheim Castle comes under attack. Dickerson breathes life into the age-old story of Rapunzel, blending it seamlessly with the other YA novels she has written in this time and place. While the pacing is a little uneven in spots, the character development is solid, and she captures religious medieval life splendidly. Christian readers in particular will enjoy the latest installment in this series.

Gr 9 Up-Rapunzel and her "mother" are always on the move, but this time they have a specific destination, the city of Hagenheim. As they journey, they are attacked by strangers. But luck is on their side when Sir Gerek, loyal knight of Duke Wilhelm of Hagenheim, comes to their rescue. He is injured in the attack and forced to depend on Rapunzel and her mother to return him to the city. Rapunzel is intrigued by this handsome but boorish savior, even though her mother has warned her to never trust any man. Sir Gerek is equally captivated by Rapunzel's beauty, but his future plans are driven by a desire for wealth and status, something a peasant girl can never provide. Once in Hagenheim, Rapunzel secretly sets out to fulfill her lifelong dream of learning to read, which reestablishes a connection with Sir Gerek, who becomes her teacher. Rapunzel starts to question why Mother has always taught her to fear others, and she decides she must leave to pursue her destiny. As a servant to the royal family, Rapunzel soon begins to unravel family secrets. This retelling, set in the Holy Roman Empire in 1413, incorporates elements of romance, deceit, and revenge through a Christian fiction lens. VERDICT Fans of the author's previous works will adore this new tale. Susan Harris, Ridgeway High School, TN