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Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite
Jaclyn and the Beanstalk by Mary Ting is a twist on the classic fairy tale. Since turning sixteen, Jaclyn has been plagued by nightmares which come to life after she discovers a hidden sword and overhears her father at a secret meeting, speaking of the feared return of monsters. When her father and a few other men disappear, she takes off on her own to save them with only her sword and three magic beans to help her. As she journeys toward a dangerous beanstalk, she uncovers a shocking history, learns the truth about her nightmares, and joins forces with the handsome Jack.
Mary Ting twists the fairy tale of Jack and the Beanstalk into a fun and original adventure that gives the famed tale an origin story. Jaclyn is a strong-willed character who is constantly breaking the stereotype of women from the sixteenth century and proving herself to be this empowering heroine. Since childhood, she's trained with a sword and chosen to wear pants over dresses. She refuses to marry or to seek out suitors, instead choosing her own independence. Her strength and value make her the perfect role model and fantasy heroine. Her mother has moments where she's a little typical with a protective and doting nature, and she is subtly pushing her daughter to marry, but she's also self-assured and often breaks the stereotype by encouraging her daughter to be brave, as well as being the one who taught her husband how to use a sword.
Ting weaves in a religious tone as faith takes precedence through a connection to Mary Magdalene and through the villain's desperation to seek revenge for being cursed by God. The villain is filled with hatred and is driven by a thirst for vengeance. His personality is cruel, but Ting provides moments where his tragic backstory sets him up for a possible redemption ... if he were to choose it. Jaclyn does have a little romance throughout as her relationship with Jack focuses on their banter and their charming butting of heads, which adds humor throughout the story. Ting explores themes of faith and forgiveness in Jaclyn and the Beanstalk, an adventure about loss and family, bravery and power.