Synopsis:
Jack Brenwin has one unbreakable rule: when he rises to the top of Westhaven Academy, it will be entirely without magic.
But when a mysterious alchemist offers him the chance to learn the secrets of goblin engineering straight from the source, Jack’s resolve begins to crack—even if getting there will require more magic than most people see in a lifetime. Worse, he must ally himself with Silas, a mage prodigy who embodies everything Jack despises: rich, royal, and magical.
At the top of the beanstalk lies a world of elves, goblins, giants, and fae, where nothing is as Jack was taught. The goblins are not the monsters of childhood tales, and the most dangerous creatures of all wear beautiful faces. When Jack and Silas uncover the true purpose of their mission, Jack must choose between protecting the future he has worked for and risking everything to become the hero he never meant to be.
With Silas’s faith in destiny, the friendship of a golden goose, and the steadfast kindness of a goblin girl, Jack must decide whether ambition matters more than courage.
Review:
I had to look up the original fairy tale this story is based on, and while some familiar elements are present, everything else is given a fresh and distinctive spin. The core ideas remain intact, but they’re reimagined in a way that feels original and intentional.
The story follows two companions who decidedly do not enjoy each other’s company, yet are sent on a journey together. Along the way, they’re forced to rely on one another’s strengths, build trust, and not only question the beliefs they were raised with, but also step up to protect innocent lives. That’s a lot to cover in a relatively short time, but the execution handles it well.
I especially enjoyed the character development. They never turn into instant friends, but they do grow beyond their initial prejudices and gradually accept one another for who they are, which feels authentic and earned.
The original fairy tale explores themes of risk and reward, bravery, greed, and survival, and all of these elements are neatly woven into the narrative. Add a good dash of entertainment on top, and this becomes another solid and engaging book by the author.
🌙 Recension: A Tale Beyond the Sky: Jack and the Beanstalk Retold (Part of: Fairy Tales of Westhaven) by Adelle Summers
📚 Genre: Fantasy
📅 Release Date: April 16, 2026
📗 included in Kindle Unlimited
📱 Read as: Kindle
💸 I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
🗣️ Language: English
📆 Pages: 249
⭐️ 4/5
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