The 10th Kingdom

Those who have watched the full seven hours of the 10th Kingdom will have no problem filling some of the character mannerisms, dream sequences, and song lyrics neglected in the book, and will probably enjoy it as much as they have the movie. Otherwise, the author(s), Wesley being the pen-name for two best-selling writers, did a tremendous job in translating the gargantuan screenplay almost entirely word-for-word into a mere 479 pages, with the exception of one or two manglings, such as a completely revised swamp scene that, while probably bothersome to those who despise writers taking liberties with works, either in movies or in books, closes with no real altercation to further events leading to the story's end.
My enjoyment of the movie probably influences my rating of this book, but as one who wasn't new to the nine kingdoms, it kept my imagination active.

Textual and visual media have very different strengths, and only rarely can the same story function successfully as both a book and a movie. _The Princess Bride_ works both ways; _The 10th Kingdom_, tapping a similar vein of humorous fantasy, does NOT. Despite its length, the miniseries was truly enjoyable: entertaining, skillfully produced, nicely acted, clever. Unfortunately, the book does not meet that standard.
For instance, much of the movie's humor is visual: the outrageous costumes of the Peeps, the preening and pratfalls of the Troll children, Scott Cohen's skillful lupine gestures and over-the-top enthusiasms. The courtiers shielding their Emperor with feathers. An aging Cinderella. All of these things are better SEEN than described; the physical descriptions in the book are bland repetitions, without verve.
The writer was unable to capture the movie's humor -- its greatest strength -- and without that leavening, the story is rambling, discontinuous, and frankly dull. In addition to its un-funniness, the book doesn't tell a vivid story, or create compelling characters. Wesley spends too much time letting the characters whine about their insecurities, and not enough time exploring the potential strengths of a text. I find the movie fascinating because of its re-appropriation and re-imagining of fairy tales. It's also funny and entertaining, worthwhile for its own sake. The book, however, is entirely mundane.

I fell in love with "The 10th Kingdom". Unfortunately, this book is not as good as the miniseries. Of course it has the whole wonderful story and the wacky characters, but it wasn't particularly well written. However, there are a couple of nice photos inside, and it will tide you over until the series is available on video and DVD.

I was unfortunately not "with it" and missed the enitre series except the last night when it was being shown on TV, and the only reason I saw the last night was because my best friend called and told me I should watch it (she'd been watching from the start). Based on the last night, I was very intrigued and decided, what the heck - I'll go ahead and order the package.
Boy, was that one of the best decisions I ever made! I sat down and watched the series (over a period of 2 days) and fell absolutely in love with the story and the characters (especially Wolf! grrrr!). After watching the whole series - without commercials, thank goodness - I couldn't wait to read the book. Since the book came in the package, this was very convenient. I loved the book, but I would have to say that I liked the series better. The one thing I did love about the book, which is the case with just about any novel that is made into a movie, is the thoughts and feelings that the characters are going through are right there for you to see, and feel, and experience right along with them. That's something that no movie, no matter how good the actors, can do. I was taken on a glorious journey of adventure with Virginia, Tony, Wolf and Prince, and how nice of them to invite me along!

The book has some good points on things that weren't clear in the film, but in my opinion is lacking a great deal. The author took liberties with the story, changing scenes, dialog, even backgrounds that made me wonder why she even bothered. I understand that when you novelize something you have to make it book-size, but I think she could have done it better in sticking to the movie's placement of things. It answers a few questions, yes, but also has a lot more bad language than the film and is more suggestive. I'd give the author a smile for trying, but stick to the movie.

This story was the most amazing tale that could've ever been told! The way Kathryn Wesley molded the lives of the character's, into fiction and nonfiction was genius! After watching the mini-series, I ordered the movie and book. I've watched the movie three times total and I'm going to watch it again! The whole idea of fairy tales are enchanting to me! I love how I can pop the tape in and just forget about the confusing world around me! And the soundtrack that came with the package is just amazing! The tracks are beautiful! I got so entangled into the plot of the story, I couldn't get the tale off my brain! I love this fairy tale! I give 10 stars! Sincerely, Samantha

We often ask ourselves what happened after happily ever after. What happened to Cinderella and Snow White? This book gives a unique perspective on what happened. If you liked the movie you will like the book. You are transported to a world full of evil, magic, danger, and romance. You see as the characters travel around the 9 Kingdoms in search of a magic mirror that will take them home accompanied by a dog that used to be a prince and a wolf. They have to overcome many difficulties including their own emotions during thier adventures. Even people who do not enjoy reading will enjoy reading this book.

This book rocked. It was WONDERFUL, I totally fell in love with it. I've read it a million times already, and I think it's the greatest. The story line flows along nicely with the mini-series. There are some things here and there that I would change, like using more variation than just "He said" "she said", but all together, the book was great. I totally recommend you read it. It has a little bit of everything, mystery, romance, suspense, adventure. Buy it, you won't regret it!

I was a little intemidated @ first when I saw the length of this book, but it was well worth the while! Virginia, Wolf, Tony, & Prince are all imagnitive characters who all have a very important part this fun-filled, comical and romantic adventure story. Starting in modern NYC, and traveling through space and time to a far off land of trolls, Evil Queens, and magic of all sorts. This book really is a fairytail for anyone from 9-90! I couldn't put it down & I know you won't be able to either! I'm would love to read more books of this type, please e-mail me w/ suggestions!

I absolutely loved this book! It was sooo awesome! I really didn't have a favorite fairytale before this, but now I do! The mini-series that's out now is just as great. The character Wolf is sooo cute and his personality is fab! To tell you the truth...that's one of the main reasons that I fell in love with this story from the start. Also, the beginning song "Wish Upon A Star" is BEAUTIFUL! Keep in mind however that reviews are subjective and what I think is fab you may think is awful...if you don't like fairytales (like I ALWAYS have), then don't buy this book...seeing as how you found the title in the first place though, you must like them somewhat! :-)

' a delightful mixture of all things nasty and nice ' i think this describes the 10th Kingdom to a tee...from the beautifull Virginia abbandoned by her mother at an early age to the villinous huntsman with his bow that doesn't stop still it strikes the heart of a living thing, this story is a wonderfull cocktail of fairy tales and myths. It'll keep you hanging on till the last page and you'll be very upset when the end comes!

Okay, this was without a doubt the best book ever. I loved every rich, detailed page and held my breath as Virginia, Wolf and Tony got closer and closer to the mirror. Each triumph sent them spinning in a completely new direction and there's definitely something in here for everyone! Romance, adventure, comic relief, mystery...it's all there. There simply must be a sequel. Stories like this are too good to confine to one volume.

The 10th Kingdom is the most intriguing book I've EVER read; and I read constantly (about 5 books a week). I really, really hope there's a sequel to it. The movie was truly awesome, too. I fell instantly in love with Wolf. (If a sequel is written and made into another movie, I recommend that they have Scott Cohen play Wolf again. He was excellent!) Even if you don't like fairy tales or fantasy, I believe you will love this book (and movie) anyway.

This book is a fairytale with a modern twist. It intertwines many fairy stories to produce a wonderful tale about a young woman on a journey through the nine kingdoms. I loved the mini-series on tv so much that I bought the book. It's a wonderful story and I love the character Wolf. He's so hilarious and the actor who played him is really cute. I loved the romance between Wolf and Virginia. I look forward to a sequel to this wonderful book.

I loved what little I saw on the television. While waiting for the movie to come out on DVD so that I could see what I missed, I picked up the book. It was better than the movie. I love it when you are able to know what the character is saying. Now I own the book and the DVD version of the movie. I love them both!!!!! Yes the real world is nice, but now I have two forms of escape! It's a Dream Come True!!!!!!

The 10th Kingdom is the greatest book I have ever read in my entire life! It's a real page turner that will have you wanting to read every spare moment you have. For those people who've seen the movie, the book is better (with the exception that Scott Cohen isn't Wolf in the book). The book allows the reader to know what the caracters are thinking, so they can better understand feelings and emotions. You must read this book!

after reading this book i was astonished by the imagination it would take to write this book. it's filled with adventure and thrilling moments that get you on the edge of your seat. once you start reading it you can never put the book down! it's a fairy tale come to life! i recomend this book to everyone because it truly is a facinationg book where all fairy tales come together!

I loved what little I saw on the television. While waiting for the movie to come out on DVD so that I could see what I missed, I picked up the book. It was better than the movie. I love it when you are able to know what the character is saying. Now I own the book and the DVD version of the movie. I love them both!!!!! Yes the real world is nice, but now I have two forms of escape! It's a Dream Come True!!!!!!

The 10th Kingdom is the greatest book I have ever read in my entire life! It's a real page turner that will have you wanting to read every spare moment you have. For those people who've seen the movie, the book is better (with the exception that Scott Cohen isn't Wolf in the book). The book allows the reader to know what the caracters are thinking, so they can better understand feelings and emotions. You must read this book!

after reading this book i was astonished by the imagination it would take to write this book. it's filled with adventure and thrilling moments that get you on the edge of your seat. once you start reading it you can never put the book down! it's a fairy tale come to life! i recomend this book to everyone because it truly is a facinationg book where all fairy tales come together!

I absolutly loved the whole thing. I was hooked when I saw Prince Wendall turned into a dog.I watched the t.v. special,order the book,movie,and music,and I get blown away every time Wolf and Virginia kiss for the first time.I'm only 13,and I know I DON'T know everything,but I do know this. If your as big a "fantasy buff" as I am,and you haven't read this book.Well,You haven't read,seen,or heard anything yet.

I just finished watching "The 10th Kingdom"! I have NEVER been kept on the edge of my seat in a tv movie before! I didn't know about the book and I didn't even know about the movie until a friend of mine told me. If anyone knows more about this author I'd love to hear from you about anything from this show or about the book! Thank you!

This book is great! I usually only read romance and I just picked this book up because it had a good cover and I love it. The story line keeps you going and you don't want to put it down. I love it, it is like a fairy tale but not it has a lot more details and it isn't all happily ever after stuff. I would suggest that anyone read this book. I hope you enjoy.

This book takes you back to your childhood, with all of the fairy tales we learned as children. I saw the mini series on television, if you enjoyed that, you have to read this book. You will not be disappointed!!!

This was a very exciting book, and caught my attention from begining to end. THe characters and places were depicted very well, and made more sense once explained. If you didn't catch something in the movie, this book will explain it all!. A Great Read

The book adds stuff and deletes stuff that was found in the series. It made it so you knew what the characters were thinking, but it also mixed up some of the content. The book makes you want to watch the movie.

This is one of my favorite movies!!! Obviously Mr. Nicolous Knight pays more attention to Cinimentphotography then enjoying an ACTUAL film. He's a pitty-potter. Ignore him. This is an OUTSTANDING movie/book. Mr. Knight is a BLOOD LOVER!!! LOSER!

Oh, my God...this movie was horrible. Bad acting, sorry writing, and even worse cinematography. The production value looked like it had been made by the same crew that develops the Power Rangers. Frankly, I'd rather re-watch the first Spider-man movie, and we fans all know what a pathetic job Sam Raimi did on that project. He ruined the green Goblin character, just like these people ruined the Renaissance!