Hey, bookish friends!
So, I’ve been diving headfirst into a new read this week, and I just have to share my thoughts. If you’re like me and have a soft spot for those classic Disney tales (seriously, who doesn’t sing along to “A Whole New World”?), then I think you’re going to love this one. I’m talking about Disney Twisted Tales: Aladdin, a reimagined version of the story we all know and love, but with a twist—literally!
A Whole New World…But Make It Twisted
Okay, so you know how Aladdin’s story goes, right? Street rat meets magic lamp, befriends a hilarious Genie, falls for a fierce princess, and goes up against the evil Jafar. But Twisted Tales asks the question that all of us “what-if” dreamers can’t resist: What if things didn’t go exactly as planned? What if a single decision or moment changed, shifting the entire course of the story?
I won’t spoil too much (because where’s the fun in that?), but let’s just say, this version of Aladdin has kept me on my toes from the very first chapter. The author takes familiar scenes and characters and gives them a brand-new depth—like peeling back the layers of a story you thought you knew by heart. It’s a bit darker, a bit more intense, and yet still keeps all the magic that made us fall in love with Agrabah in the first place.
Why This Version Has Me Hooked
I’ll admit, I went into this one with a bit of skepticism. I mean, how do you take a story as iconic as Aladdin and give it a twist without losing that classic charm? But let me tell you, this book delivers! One of my favorite parts has been seeing Aladdin and Jasmine face challenges that feel so much more… real. Like, they’re not just the charming thief or the princess with dreams of adventure—they’re layered, complicated, and facing tough choices that don’t always have easy answers.
And can we talk about the world-building for a second? The author really knows how to take us back to Agrabah but with a fresh perspective. It’s like revisiting an old friend, but this time, you notice little details you never saw before. The bustling markets, the hidden alleyways, the mysteries of the desert—everything feels richer and more alive. It’s as if the magic is there, but there’s a shadow over it, making every moment feel just a little more uncertain.
Reading This Feels Like…
You know that feeling when you’re rewatching a Disney movie, and you catch something new in the background or notice a small detail in the animation that you missed the first hundred times? That’s exactly how reading this feels. It’s nostalgic, yet surprising. Comforting, yet suspenseful. I keep finding myself thinking, “Okay, I know how this is supposed to go,” only to be proven completely wrong a page later. And honestly? I am living for it.
Who Should Pick This Up?
If you’re like me and have a soft spot for fairytale retellings—especially the ones that aren’t afraid to shake things up—this book is definitely worth checking out. It’s perfect for those rainy days when you just want to curl up with a cozy blanket and lose yourself in a familiar yet fresh story. And if you’re a Disney fan (seriously, join the club), it’s such a fun way to see these beloved characters through a new lens.
But fair warning: It might have you craving a Disney movie marathon by the time you’re done! I already found myself humming “Arabian Nights” after just a few chapters.
Let’s Chat!
Have you read any of the Twisted Tales series, or do you have a favorite fairytale retelling that you think I need to add to my TBR list? (Not that my TBR needs to get any longer, but who are we kidding, right?) I’d love to hear your thoughts!