*Thank you to Netgalley and Bonnier for an eARC in exchange for an honest review*
Return to the world of Disney’s Tangled in a brand new adventure, Rootbound by Margaret Owen (July 2026) – this is set around one month after the events of the film.. This new Young Adult adventure follows Princess Rapunzel and Eugene Fitzherbert off visiting neighbouring kingdom Astera after a mysterious invite piques their interest. When they visit the recluse island, old grudges resurface and a mystery is afoot as Rapunzel navigates her first Royal visit and Eugene grapples with his reformed rogue status.
I absolutely flew through this book! Right from the start the introduction of the mysterious kingdom kept me hooked. I loved how much emotional depth the characters had. Both Rapunzel and Eugene stay true to their characterisation from the film, while scratching deeper into their thoughts and feelings. The dual point of view also does well to balance both the action and mystery, I particularly enjoyed Eugene’s quips and commentary that despite his reformed life, he still has the cunning mind of a rogue.
As much as this was Rupunzel’s story of discovering what sort of princess she wanted to be, this is also Eugene’s story of coming to terms with his new life in the palace and his past as a thief. I loved the relationship dynamic between these them and how much they love and support one another no matter what, and how well they complement each another. I also adored the addition of new characters and locations that still felt in keeping with the original story.
I can definitely see room for a sequel with expansion of this world. Margaret Owen beautifully captured the essence of Tangled and places her own spin on things while still keeping Eugene’s quips and Rapunzel’s upbeat positivity at the forefront. Owen doesn’t shy away from confronting some of Rapunzel’s trauma with Mother Gothel and doesn’t gloss over her past, in fact, this bridges the gap between the ending of the film beautifully. Rapunzel is still getting to grips to life as a royal and learning the rules and etiquette but ultimately finds her unique style that makes her a blossoming princess.
Filled with secrets and magic, this book has so much heart and humour that will leave readers wishing they could join Eugene and Rapunzel on their next adventure!
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Amy is a writer and reviewer and her action-packed debut novel, CORNELIA FAIRFIELD AND THE DARKENED HEART is available in paperback from WATERSTONES and independent bookshops, and ebook (with an exclusive bonus chapter only on Kindle / Kindle Unlimited AMAZON).
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