A Whole New World by Liz Braswell

A Whole New World: A Twisted TaleThe story opens in Agrabah when Aladdin is a young boy. We have the opportunity to meet his mother and learn a little more about how he came to be a street rat. Fast forward to Aladdin rescuing Princess Jasmine in the market just as depicted in Disney’s animated movie, but, as the title suggests, the tale gets twisted. If you saw the movie, you might be pleased to note that most of the initial dialogue is the same. I could definitely hear Aladdin’s voice as he asks Jasmine, “do you trust me?”

As a street rat, Aladdin had street rat friends but they eventually part ways when he realizes they are stealing for more than survival. Years later when Agrabah is under seige by Jafar, he reunites with his friends in an attempt to protect his city. In this twisted tale, Jasmine is faced with tragedy early and finds the inner strength to lead those around her in the struggle to keep Agrabah safe from the crazed Jafar. With Aladdin at her side, they rally the people to take back their home and create A Whole New World.

I am a huge fan of twisted tales and was particularly intrigued by this one. The twist turns Agrabah itself into a significant character. Braswell breathes life into the walls and streets. I enjoyed meeting Aladdin’s mother and childhood friends. I also love when female characters are strong young women that inspire and that was definitely true here. I will always hear Robin William’s voice when I think of the genie, and Braswell did a fantastic job of making that possible. This was an excellent read that took me to A Whole New World.

 

Book Stats:

  • Age Range: 12 - 18 years
  • Grade Level: 7 - 12
  • Series: A Twisted Tale
  • Hardcover: 336 pages
  • Publisher: Disney Press (September 1, 2015)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 148470729X
  • ISBN-13: 978-1484707296

Buy a print copy of A Whole New World from Amazon by clicking here.
Buy a Kindle copy of A Whole New World from Amazon by clicking here .

 

The story opens in Agrabah when Aladdin is a young boy. We have the opportunity to meet his mother and learn a little more about how he came to be a street rat. Fast forward to Aladdin rescuing Princess Jasmine in the market just as depicted in Disney’s animated movie, but, as the title suggests, …

Review Overview

Overall Rating

Total

Summary : I am a huge fan of twisted tales and was particularly intrigued by this one. The twist turns Agrabah itself into a significant character. Braswell breathes life into the walls and streets. I enjoyed meeting Aladdin’s mother and childhood friends. I also love when female characters are strong young women that inspire and that was definitely true here. I will always hear Robin William’s voice when I think of the genie, and Braswell did a fantastic job of making that possible. This was an excellent read that took me to A Whole New World.

User Rating: No Ratings Yet !
100

About AJ

Blessed by parents who read to her in the womb, AJ learned to read by the age of 3. She now has an entire room dedicated to reading, with shelves of books stacked to the ceiling, in addition to a stack of books in every room. Her obsession with the written word eventually developed into the desire to write her own stories. Someone saw talent in her and she found work as a Writer/Editor. It was pure heaven. Her husband, who rarely read a book, caught the fever and is now engrossed in another series of books. Passing on the tradition of reading to her child in the womb, her daughter now sleeps in a room with stacks of books surrounding her and just won an award for logging the most reading time in a school with over 500 students.