The Fairy Godmother

Tales of the Five Hundred Kingdoms, Book 1

By: Mercedes Lackey

Narrated by: Gabra Zackman

Length: 12 hrs and 59 mins

Publisher's summary

From the best-selling author of the Heralds of Valdemar series comes an enchanting new novel.

In the land of Five Hundred Kingdoms, if you can't carry out your legendary role, life is no fairy tale....

Elena Klovis was supposed to be her kingdom's Cinderella - until an accident of fate left her with a completely inappropriate prince! Determined not to remain with her stepfamily, Elena set out to get a new job - and ended up becoming the Fairy Godmother for the land.

But "Breaking with Tradition" was no easy matter. True, she didn't have to sleep in the chimney, but she had to deal with arrogant, stuffed-shirt princes who kept trying to rise above their place in the tale. In fact, one of them was so ornery that Elena could do nothing but change him into a donkey.

Still, her practical nature couldn't let him roam the country, so she brought the donkey - er, the prince! - home to her cottage to teach him some lessons. All the while keeping in mind that breaking with tradition can land everyone into a kettle of fish - sometimes literally!

And so begins a whole new tale....

©2004 Mercedes Lackey (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

Another Good One

This was great to listen to and I enjoyed Debra Zackman’s audio of this story. I’ve read it before, but it’s fabulous to hear it while I’m doing my artwork. Mercedes Lackey is one of my favorite authors, I enjoy both these fairytale retellings and the Valdemar series.

Too much romance for me.

This book is fine if you prefer a book that really is a romance novel. But if, like me, you like the romance to be secondary to the plot, then you may find this is just too fluffy.

Totally Unexpected

What did you love best about The Fairy Godmother?

I decided to give this book a shot on one of the discount book sales. Had no expectations but this one was a pleasant surprise. It took a while to get into, but it was a very clever twist on some old fairy tales. I enjoyed how many familiar fairy tales are woven into this story. Thoroughly enjoyed the moral lessons taught to the middle son and how it was done. Loved her trusty steed, and the cast of house characters. If you are looking for a unique fairy tale, give this one a shot!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Loved the house elf Rose, and the trusty steed that pulled the Fairy Godmother's wagon. Oh, and the Mirror...just classic!

What three words best describe Gabra Zackman’s performance?

Wonderful accents, great energy, kept me up way too late on many nights listening.

Great Escape!

I love this series. I have read the book before but I truly enjoyed the characters gaining a voice and coming to life.

Very entertaining fantasy

Would you consider the audio edition of The Fairy Godmother to be better than the print version?

I didn't read the print version. I got this audio in an on sale offer.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Fairy Godmother?

The whole twist from the original "Cinderella" story.

Which character – as performed by Gabra Zackman – was your favorite?

The Prince charming character was well done in that it was a totally masculine view to the plot,

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The point in the story when she knew that the"fairy godmother" was real and she would no longer be in servitude. The angst,loneliness, fortitude and hope of this charcacter carried the story.

Any additional comments?

This is a fresh perspective to an old story. I truly enjoyed every aspect, Well done from beginning to end without getting so far from the fable that it isn't recognizable. Looking forward to Part 2.So refreshing not to deal with all the overt sex scenes and vulgar language that have infiltrated the written word.Thanks.

Enjoyed

I really enjoyed the story and think the narrator did a good job. Will be listening to the next one tomorrow.

Tremendous Twist on a Time-old Tradition (or 50)

I really enjoyed having a kind of behind-the-scenes look at traditional tales! The telling of the tales within a tale was filled with twists and some bit of humor. I CANNOT imagine anyone other than Gabra Zackman reading this to us. Every age of every gender led by a strong female protagonist was excellently narrated as Ms. Zackman went about unfolding this fantastic story of old! And the unicorns! What a hoot!

This is an honest consumer review.

A pleasant retread of old tropes made new.

A pleasant retread of old tropes made new. the classic is subverted and guided down paths both expected and not breathing a bit of life into the idea of fairy tales.

Made me realize I'm not a Lackey fan

Where does The Fairy Godmother rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Second lowest after Divergent

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

ABC's Once Upon a Time with no evil characters.

Any additional comments?

I bought this book because I remember enjoying Lackey as a teenager, but listening to The Fairy Godmother made me realize I'm no longer a Lackey fan. The story is a bit too predictable and the characters have little depth-- no one is particularly likable. It was particularly disappointing that there was so much that Lackey could've played with or manipulated from the rich fairy traditions, but alas, there's shamefully little imaginative transformations. This may be a unfair/harsh assessment though, because I'd just finished the Mistborn trilogy before starting this one, and eating crackers after a gourmet meal is just not that appetizing.

Really good

I had read the book first and loved it. I was just discovering different readers, and I found I liked her voices. I know I will listen to this book over and over again.