Book Review: "What Once Was Mine" is a surprisingly dark Disney tale
What Once Was Mine cover, published by Disney Hyperion
I feel like any review of media related to “Tangled” I need to preface with my absolute love of the original movie. During one of the worst times of my life, I went to a movie theater for the first time by myself. And I got lost in this beautiful movie that made me forget my troubles. It was the first time in weeks I had laughed. I came out of the theater feeling lighter and calmer. To this day, Tangled is my comfort movie. I’ve watched the television read the books based on it. I’ve sat in the Tangled restroom area and watched the fireworks at Magic Kingdom because it made me feel for a little while I was in Rapunzel’s world.
I’m also a fan of “A Twisted Tale,” an anthology series of books based around alternate "what-if" spins based on Disney animated movies. Think “Marvels’ What If,” but in young adult book format with Disney Princesses. So I was thrilled when they announced the Tangled version as their 12th entry in the series. The excitement rose when I found out Liz Braswell was writing this book since she wrote my favorite in the series “Part of Your World.”
The premise of “What Once Was Mine” is what if Queen Ariana was given the Moondrop blossom instead of the Sundrop? She and her daughter Rapunzel still live but things are very different. Rapunzel now has the dark power of the Moon. Her golden healing hair is now silver “murder hair” as the characters call it.
I was at first disappointed the book didn’t use any characters or lore from the series “Rapunzel's Tangled Adventure,” like my favorite characters Cassandra and Varian. The TV series shows what happens when someone harnesses the power of the moon with the moonstone. However, the unique way the story is framed makes it work.
The book as a whole is surprisingly dark. There were many moments where I was shocked Braswell was allowed “to go there.” I don’t want to give anything away but this is not your usually Disney story. The original Grimm stories where step-mothers are made to dance to death and princes are blinded, come to mind.
The best compliment I can give this book is when reading the dialogue I heard the iconic voices of Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi in my head. Even though these characters meet in a different situation they are still at heart the characters I fell in love with over a decade ago.
Mother Gothel is still one of the most terrifying Disney villains. The new characters fit right into the world, even the historic Elizabeth Báthory, who is best known for the legend of bathing in women’s blood to keep herself youthful.
Overall the book is compelling and a must-read for all Disney fans, especially those who like a darker story.
Thanks to Disney Publishing Worldwide, Disney Hyperion & NetGalley for the early copy.
Check out our fellow Waffle Arezou’s review of “What Once Was Mine” here.