Book Review: Tempestuous - Hopelessly Devoted Bibliophile

Media Type: Print Book
Title: Tempestuous
Author: Kim Askew & Amy Helmes
Publisher: Merit Press
Pages: Hardcover; 224
Release Date: December 18, 2012
Source: Publisher
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Content Screening: Nothing of note

HDB Rating: 4 Keys to My Heart

Recommended to: Readers who enjoy modern day retellings of classic stories, and fun plots.

Add it on: Goodreads / Shelfari / Amazon / B&N

Recently banished, unfairly, by the school’s popular crowd, former “it girl,” Miranda Prospero, finds herself in a brave new world: holding dominion amongst a rag-tag crew of geeks and misfits where she works at the Hot-Dog Kabob in the food court of her local mall. When the worst winter storm of the season causes mall workers and last-minute shoppers to be snowed-in for the night, Miranda seizes the opportunity to get revenge against the catty clique behind her social exile. With help from her delightfully dweeby coworker, Ariel, and a sullen loner named Caleb who works at the mall’s nearby gaming and magic shop, Miranda uses charm and trickery to set things to right during this spirited take on Shakespeare’s The Tempest.

Miranda Prospero was high school royalty. Dating the most popular boy in school, complete with her own clique, and ready to take on the world. Then it all came crashing down when a cheating scam rocked her world. Forced to take a menial job to make up the money, Miranda has fallen from her perch. Can things get any worse?

I have to say that this was a pretty adorable take on the original Shakespeare play. I liked that Askew and Helmes managed to incorporate a lot of the original characters in new ways. When I originally read the synopsis I wasn’t sure if I’d like Miranda. Former mean girl, right? I was wrong! She’s funny, she’s intelligent, and honestly a ton of fun to follow. Pair her with her bubbly co-worker Ariel, and the rather sullen Caleb, and you have a cast of characters who make this read fly by.

What was even more clever was setting of the book. Rather than being stranded on a desert island, these teens end up snowed in at the mall. Whole stores full of items to use, no adults, does it sound like the perfect place to get up to all kinds of mischief? You’d be right, oh you’d be right. I laughed out loud more than a few times at the crazy things that Miranda and her cohorts were up to. No spoilers here, but I almost wish I’d get snowed in at a mall.

The mystery aspect was a little less prominent than I thought it would be, but that was really the only thing I noticed. Everything else about Tempestuous is fun, quick moving and easy to read. If you’re looking for a new read this weekend, give Miranda and her friends a place on your TBR.

FTC Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. I was not monetarily compensated for my opinion.

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