Author J Roe

Writing quirky characters on redemptive journeys

Books Worth Reading

A Cheat Sheet for Fairy Tale Lovers

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What on earth is a “Cheat Sheet for Fairy Tale Lovers”? you may be wondering. Recently, a reader emailed me about a special project. Her family is reading aloud all the books that have been published so far in Rapunzel’s journey. For school, they are also researching the different fairy tales that Rapunzel and her friends get mixed up with. She asked if I could provide her with a cheat sheet of the fairy tales I use in each book.

I’m only too happy to provide that with a little insight as to why I chose those fairy tales and what you might expect as the series nears its end. So, buckle up as we explore some of my favorite fairy tales.

Fairy Tale Lovers’ FAVORITE Retellings

Not surprisingly, the best-loved of all fairy tales in Western culture have become popularized by Disney’s animated films. Since Snow White and the Seven Dwarves was released in 1937, Disney has taken fairy tales and retold them with happy endings. This is their brand, even if the first recorded tales didn’t have a happy ending. You can probably guess the top four: Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, Snow White, and Sleeping Beauty.

I’ll admit, I didn’t go near a single one of these well-loved stories for this series. Why? I’m not sure. Maybe I thought they already had enough books dedicated to them or (more likely) I couldn’t come up with a new way to reinvent their stories. I wanted to do something a little different when I first started writing. Funny thing is that I now have an interesting idea involving all of the four major fairy tales, but I’m going to save that idea for the next series I write.

The Hole in Rapunzel

When I began writing the first book in my series waaaaay back in 2003 (I didn’t publish it right away), I wanted to retell Rapunzel’s story by exploring the hole in the plot. It hadn’t yet been made into a movie by Disney, so I felt safe. Now, we all know every story is supposed to have a beginning, a middle, and an end. But Rapunzel’s middle doesn’t really exist. She is imprisoned in her tower by a witch, meets a man who climbs her braid, falls in love with said man and loses him. About two years later she finds him again. He’s blind, but her tears bring back his sight. Oh, and she might have twins with her, depending on which version you’re reading.

I couldn’t help being frustrated when I would read this story. I loved the idea, but what happened to her while they were separated? Where did she go? Who did she meet? How did that change her? Also, was she super-shy or maybe even awkward from all those years in her tower alone?

After some research, I realized if I wanted an answer to these questions, I’d have to discover it myself. So, I plunked myself down and began typing away. That short story became a long book that I eventually split up and turned into The Journey series.

Lesser Known Fairy Tales

In writing Rapunzel’s story, it seemed only natural for her to “happen upon” other fairy tale characters in the middle of their own stories. At first, I relied heavily on the works of The Brother’s Grimm and Hans Christian Andersen. But before long, my mind was composing original stories out of fairy tale elements. Evil, grief, greed, jealousy, and fear all seemed to rise up to greet Rapunzel as she journeyed along.

There was also the supernatural element inherit in most of these fairy tales. They had been told to children in order to encourage them to trust their parents and obey God. But if Rapunzel had been raised by a bitter witch, wouldn’t she have been taught to hate and distrust God? Many of the stories I began weaving into Rapunzel’s tale encounter the Christian God. His strange love story perplexes Rapunzel, how He sent His son to die for the sins of the people He created.

My Rapunzel struggles with all she learns in the world beyond her tower. It takes three books for her to really sort out what she believes and who she trusts. But once she has discovered this, she has also created a new family for herself. In that family are others from different fairy tales who are likewise weighing out what they believe in the face of evil and loss. The question of whether or not people can be redeemed becomes paramount. And, just so you know, I’m now wrestling with whether or not villains can be redeemed in these last two books I am writing.

A Cheat Sheet for Fairy Tale Lovers {WARNING: Spoilers ahead!}

Part of the fun and surprise of writing this series has been seeing what fairytales pop-up. I never want to spoil the fun of discovering those fairy tale myseries. So, if you haven’t read the books yet, you can grab the prequel free and the first book for 0.99 USD. But, if you have, read on for the cheatsheet for fairy tale lovers.

I tried to annotate the original source if I could verify it. Some are stories that I heard at different points and I don’t have an exact reference. If I have not specifically listed a story that you liked, then it was probably original from me.

I hope this helps and that you enjoy the journey. It has, thus far, been the joy of my life to bring Rapunzel’s misadventures to life for you.

Before the Tower, free book 0

Find the following books free to read in KU on Amazon

Beyond the Tower, book 1

Amidst the Castles, book 2

Within the Spell, book 3

Under the Curse, book 4

Among the Kingdoms, book 5

Upon the Throne, book 6 coming in 2022 (available for pre-order!)

Long, vertical image with the words "You love fairy tales" and two arrows, one pointing to a book of Brother's Grimm Fairy Tales, and another pointing to a book of Hans Christian Andersen fairy tales. Then the words beneath say "Now read" and two arrows pointing, one to the book Beyond the Tower and the other pointing to the book Amidst the Castles. Logo with colorful books authorjroe.com

Photo credit: Colton Sturgeon, Gaman Alice, and JacQueline Vaughn Roe.

About JacQueline

As the author of  The Journey series, a young adult fantasy retelling Rapunzel’s misadventures, JacQueline also wrote Memoirs of a Headcase: Held by the God of Hope, to share hope in the battle against chronic pain and depression. Currently she lives in North Alabama with her karate husband and three book-crazy kids. All opinions expressed on this website come from her own experience. Do not substitute it for professional therapy or medical advice. Any affiliate links used on this website will provide additional income to JacQueline’s family at no additional cost to you.

If you are a reader wanting to connect with JacQueline, you can get a free book here. Each month you will receive book recommendations and other booknerd fun.

Are you a writer or an author looking for help? JacQueline has been writing all her life and loves meeting others who think writing is living. As an author coach, helping other writers on their journey gives her joy. Schedule your free coaching call to learn what steps you should take next now.

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Our Need for Redemption in Fairy Tale Retellings

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When talking about the need for redemption in fairy tale retellings, I suppose it would make sense to start with “once upon a time in a faraway land,” and proceed with who was good, what was evil. But fairy tale retellings of our time are far more complicated than that. I’ve discussed before why we love to retell fairy tales and what makes them our favorite. Now I’d like to explore further and discuss light versus dark and the need of humanity for stories of redemption.

One of my favorite authors likes to say on his podcast, “I’m about to take things too seriously” and I completely relate. Imagine me raising my hand. I do take books seriously. Like, probably too seriously. These books that I love reading often have a dark edge, like a razor’s blade. That’s not always a bad thing! Stories are the expression of what we believe and feel, they can cut to the truth of the matter and I need that in my life. But what if the cutting isn’t clean, what if they mar or mutilate under the guise of telling an engaging story?

Does Redemption Mean Light and Fluffy?

Don’t get me wrong. I understand dark and twisty, I really do. My life has been dark and twisty at times, and like most people, I need to know I’m not alone. A great story is a reflection of the struggle of humanity since the fall of creation. For now in this fallen world, we cannot comprehend our need for the light until we recognize the darkness. But like the book of Romans says, I yearn for the day when that will no longer be the case.

If you are looking for dark and complicated stories that cause you to question what you believe, there’s nothing wrong with that as long as you’re up for it. Sometimes I am, sometimes my mental and spiritual health aren’t. Some of the more mature ya fantasy fairy tale retellings like Melissa Albert’s Hazel Wood series, Brigid Kemmerer’s Cursebreaker trilogy, even Erin A. Craig’s The House of Salt and Sorrow might intrigue you. Do I appreciate these books? I do. There is a quality to the storytelling that exceeded my expectations. Albert’s prose is gorgeous. Kemmerer’s pacing is fantastic. Craig’s world building is hypnotic.

Why We Need Redemption in Fairy Tale Retellings

My caution here is that books like these tend to get so dark, that we can miss the point. We probably need to discuss books like these in order to get to what the truth is. It doesn’t have to be a formal book club, but a trusted person or group of people who share your beliefs. What we consume and how we digest it matters. It has the power to transform or harden us.

Are you shaking your head at me, yet? I told you, I take books seriously and yes, I’m one of those people. I believe every tale has a theme, a distinct arrow directing us {hopefully} to the truth. Though it should never be beating you over the head with it, I want my stories, both those I read and write, to enlighten. To literally redeem and bring healing into what was broken.

In recognizing the darkness and depravity of the fallen world, we need stories that make room for light, that focus on what’s right and pure, that allow and encourage the growth in the characters as good fights evil. If something is going to get very dark, then I hope and pray for the light that will eradicate the dark.

Just For You

In case you are wondering what I mean about redemption at play in a story, I have included this theme throughout my Rapunzel retelling. Click through and discover Rapunzel’s story of redemption by starting with Beyond the Tower and I’m sure you’ll want to follow it up with Amidst the Castles to see how light eradicates the darkness. Then, decide for yourself. Should light triumph over darkness in fairy tale retellings, or not?

3 books on blue gradient background. You loved House of Salt and Sorrows, now read Beyond the Tower and Amidst the Castles for $.99

Photo Credit: Nana Kim, Christina Woc, Jayalekshman.

About JacQueline

As the author of  The Journey series, a young adult fantasy retelling Rapunzel’s misadventures, JacQueline also wrote Memoirs of a Headcase: Held by the God of Hope, to share hope in the battle against chronic pain and depression. Currently she lives in North Alabama with her karate husband and three book-crazy kids. All opinions expressed on this website come from her own experience. Do not substitute it for professional therapy or medical advice. Any affiliate links used on this website will provide additional income to JacQueline’s family at no additional cost to you.

If you are a reader wanting to connect with JacQueline, you can get a free book here. Each month you will receive book recommendations and other booknerd fun.

Are you a writer or an author looking for help? JacQueline has been writing all her life and loves meeting others who think writing is living. As an author coach, helping other writers on their journey gives her joy. Schedule your free coaching call to learn what steps you should take next now.

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5 of Our FAVORITE Quiet Heroines

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In a day and age when feisty women full of courage ready to fight to the death fill bookshelves and Bookstagram’s feed, one might wonder where our favorite quiet heroines have gone. Have they disappeared completely, never to be heard from again? Are they still on this journey with us making their way quietly, but learning powerful lessons of strength and endurance?

When the topic comes around, each book nerd has their own curated list of what they are looking for in a heroine. I, like so many others, appreciate a good fight scene with a brave woman brandishing her weapon, making her enemy kneel before her. But the truth is that lately I have picked up too many books with self-absorbed heroines who use too much violence and seduction to get their own way. And, to be honest, they rarely seem to learn anything.

I like my characters to learn, grow, develop, become more than they thought possible. Give me a book with depth and keep the rest somewhere far from me! My favorite characters can be the feisty ones when they learn great things, but often the greatest growth happens in those underestimated “quiet girls.”

Favorite Quiet Heroines: The Goose Girl

I just completed reading The Goose Girl. Can you hear my happy sigh? It was lovely and, as I told my favorite readers in my newsletter (sign up here and receive a free book!), lyrical and engaging. I love when the main character of a fairy tale retelling is a female who doesn’t understand her worth and must fight for it in order to save those she loves. I applaud an author who in this day and age dares to write a woman who is unsure of herself at the beginning and has no talent with swords. Not that I don’t like and applaud strong, loud women. We need people of all kinds! But this was a wonderful change of pace.

I don’t want us all to have to be Spartans, or Vikings, or fierce Celts. Let’s just say, I take karate and have worked with various weapons. Therefore, I can safely say some of us are just not great at it no matter how wonderful our instructors are. (Yes, I’m raising my hand.) Not that it’s not a blast, but I’m better at reading and writing. So finding a book with a female who learns to use other talents was affirming for me and if you pick up the book, I bet it will be for you, too!

The Blue Castle‘s Valancy

Let’s not dismiss L.M. Montgommery’s lesser known favorite quiet heroine, Valancy Stirling from her book, The Blue Castle. Considered an “old maid” by her stodgy clan of kinfolk, Valancy escapes her boring life in an imaginary blue castle. People forget she is sitting next to them or that she has feelings because she is so painfully shy and quiet. What they don’t realize is that she is witty and bright, just too timid to share herself with the world.

When she receives a terminal diagnosis, she loses all her fears and begins to live the life she always wanted. She says what she is thinking, begins caring for others outside herself, and even proposes to a man she’s in love with. She doesn’t embrace a wild, reckless life, but finds the beautiful, quiet life that she’s always wanted. The question is, how long will it last?

I love Valancy and how she throws off the constrictions of those who don’t have her best interests at heart. I totally cheered her on when she discovered a quiet, moving faith in God instead of blindly following her family’s traditions. If you haven’t added this book to your TBR, I highly recommend you do!

Another of Our Favorite Quiet Heroines: Rapunzel

When I first began writing what would become Beyond the Tower, I met the imprisoned Rapunzel. She was a lonely young woman living on books and waiting for visits from her witch. Rapunzel dreamed of great things, but lacked the courage to take her life in her hands. Until, that is, she met Paul, who climbed her braid to meet her.

Quiet characters can be tricky and I worried people might underestimate my Rapunzel and her dry wit. As her story continued, I learned more about her. She revealed why she held people away from her, how she didn’t trust herself because of the way she was raised. I also learned of her hopes, her dreams. Like a flower she slowly unfurled, revealing a depth of character I had not fathomed. It has been a great adventure to write the tale of such a creature, and I love offering her first book for free in KU or .99 USD on Amazon. If you prefer paperback or hardback, you can find them on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or in my little Bookshop that supports indie bookstores.

The Quiet, but Passionate Jane Eyre

I have a confession to make, my Rapunzel may have been subconsciously based a little on Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre. I discovered my love for this classic in eighth grade, slogging my way like a typical adolescent through the first quarter of the book. But then, once the composed and quiet Miss Eyre arrived at Thornfield I could not put it down. The mysteries surrounding her life at Thornfield shocked and horrified me, keeping me turning those pages.

Though Jane had a passionate temper as a child, life taught her to be almost silent and withdrawn. She was awkward in company and had a horrible time making and keeping friends. But once she left behind the odious boarding school of her miserable childhood, this quiet woman grew to embrace life. She made friends as she served as a governess, she began to trust herself and her worth. Though she was tempted to leave behind her self worth for the temptation of love, she fought her way through until she found true love at the end.

And Finally, Cress from The Lunar Chronicles

Our last of the favorite quiet heroines is a different take on Rapunzel. Whereas my Rapunzel has grown up isolated in a tower, Cress has grown-up in space on a satellite all alone. Given to fits of fancy based on the vid-dramas she consumed daily, her life is upended when she is “rescued” and made part of the rebel group. Her tale is book 3 in The Lunar Chronicles, and Cress is the quiet heroine that some may find a little too simpering. (My bestie and I had this disagreement, and I had to laugh at how differently we viewed her). But considering her upbringing, I love Cress’s quiet courage as she leaves all she knows behind. She is literally stranded in a desert, later kidnapped, and falls in love with a bit of a rogue captain.

I enjoy a fairy tale retelling with a different twist, don’t you? A tech-geek Rapunzel grown up in space who has to use her neediness to defeat the lunar queen while learning how to socialize? Yep, that makes Cress a favorite quiet heroine!

Now Your Turn

I have by no means exhausted the list of our favorite quiet heroines. There may need to be many more additions or parts to this particular post. Who are some of your favorite quiet heroines and what sets them apart?

Don’t forget, if you are still wanting to make this your best reading year, just go download your free book tracker here. There is no obligation to sign up to my newsletter, unless you want to join the fun!

About JacQueline

As the author of  The Journey series, a young adult fantasy retelling Rapunzel’s misadventures, JacQueline also wrote Memoirs of a Headcase: Held by the God of Hope, to share hope in the battle against chronic pain and depression. Currently she lives in North Alabama with her karate husband and three book-crazy kids. All opinions expressed on this website come from her own experience. Do not substitute it for professional therapy or medical advice. Any affiliate links used on this website will provide additional income to JacQueline’s family at no additional cost to you.

If you are a reader wanting to connect with JacQueline, you can get a free book here. Each month you will receive book recommendations and other booknerd fun.

Are you a writer or an author looking for help? JacQueline has been writing all her life and loves meeting others who think writing is living. As an author coach, helping other writers on their journey gives her joy. Schedule your free coaching call to learn what steps you should take next now.

Photo Credit: Kelly Sikkema, JacQueline Vaughn Roe (2 book flatlay), Til Jentzsch, and Kristina Flour.

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Make 2021 Your Best Reading Year So Far!

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Are you ready to make 2021 your best reading year so far? I hope so! 2020 has been full of crazy things none of us planned for and I think you will agree that it’s time to say goodbye. I want to plan for better things, and that means making plans for a year of wonderful reading.

Use What Motivates You

When I set up reading goals and exercise goals at the beginning of 2020, I had no idea that one would help me come up with a great idea for the other. But not only did I listen to more podcasts while exercising this year, but I also had fun listening to books. What was really great was printing off the fun exercise tracker that Fit2B created. I literally began counting down the hours each day till my work-out. All for the satisfaction of checking off those little boxes!

Now, not everyone is motivated the same way, but this year I actually set up my reading goals on Goodreads and it gave me the same satisfaction. I love seeing how the bar grows as I record how far I’ve gotten on each book I’m reading. And though some people easily consume a book a day, I couldn’t even read a book every week–until now! Thanks to Goodreads and some fun, bookish friends, I completed over 60 titles this year. And that doesn’t count the many times I reread my own books for editing purposes. 

What will it be?

I hope you have fun reading tons of great new books in the coming year. In fact, I hope that you will download the tracker I’ve attached here and/or you will follow me over on Goodreads so we can encourage each other.

What are your reading goals for this coming year? What book(s) are you looking forward to most?

 Can’t wait to hear all about it!

About JacQueline

As the author of  The Journey series, a young adult fantasy retelling Rapunzel’s misadventures, JacQueline also wrote Memoirs of a Headcase: Held by the God of Hope, to share hope in the battle against chronic pain and depression. Currently she lives in North Alabama with her karate husband and three book-crazy kids. All opinions expressed on this website come from her own experience. Do not substitute it for professional therapy or medical advice. Any affiliate links used on this website will provide additional income to JacQueline’s family at no additional cost to you.

If you are a reader wanting to connect with JacQueline, you can get a free book here. Each month you will receive book recommendations and other booknerd fun.

Are you a writer or an author looking for help? JacQueline has been writing all her life and loves meeting others who think writing is living. As an author coach, helping other writers on their journey gives her joy. Schedule your free coaching call to learn what steps you should take next now.

Photography: Ray Hennessey, Weston Mackinnon.

Social Media images: JacQueline Vaughn Roe

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5 of Our FAVORITE Feisty Redheads

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Horizontal image with laughing redheaded girl with messy hair in the wind. Text: Our FAVORITE Feisty Redheads

The Magic of Red Hair

Have you noticed a love in literature for a feisty redhead? I have started take note of them, and see that they have been influencing me for a long time. Once upon a time I was a plain, ordinary teenager with dull brown hair. When I became chronically ill with migraines, my normally conservative parents decided to let me try something new and different. I got to dye my hair. Red! And you know what? It did something for me. It changed how I viewed myself. I didn’t get well overnight, but you can ask my best friends, I became feistier. Those migraines weren’t going to hold me back forever!

Now, what on earth does this have to do with books, right? Well, like I said, I think my love of red hair can be traced back to some of my favorite literary heroines. I’ve been talking to other bookworms like me, and there does seem to be a great love for our favorite feisty redheads.

Feisty Redhead: Anne of Green Gables

Anne Shirley of L.M. Montgommery’s classic Anne of Green Gables books, is almost everyone’s favorite feisty redhead. The incorrigible orphan with an overactive imagination is constantly bumbling through one mishap or another. Her well-documented temper causes no end of trouble, but her sincere loyalty and devotion win us over.

What I found great was that even as an adult, I could pick up Anne’s books and begin to enjoy them all over again with a new appreciation. Having my own redhead made me think, what is it about redheads that makes them so fun and irrepressible?

Feisty Redhead: Molly or Genny Weasley from Harry Potter

I’m not sure that anyone else has this debate going on in their homes, but the question remains here: Molly or Ginny Weasley? My children love Ginny Weasley. I agree, Ginny is wonderful, but when compared to Molly Weasley . . . I just can’t see anyone being better than Molly Weasley. Fierce, devoted, it is Molly Weasley who not only raises a house full of mischievous redheads, but takes in orphan Harry Potter who is in desperate need of a mom. She is constantly feeding someone or arguing with them. And, spoiler alert, it is Molly Weasley who takes down one of the nastiest villianesses in the climatic conclusion to the whole series.

Feisty Redhead: Scarlet from The Lunar Chronicles

As much as I enjoyed the different take on fairy tales in Marissa Myer’s Lunar Chronicles, the series didn’t really take off for me until book 2, aptly named Scarlet for the red-headed heroine. As a retelling of Little Red Riding Hood, Scarlet was everything a feisty redhead should be:

  • strong
  • sassy
  • fiercely loyal

I loved her complicated relationship with Wolf and the twist that Marissa Myers did to keep us guessing as to whether or not we should root for him.

Redhead with text: Aren't Redheaded Characters Feisty and Fun?

My 2020 Addition: Lady Gwynndolen in honor of my daughter

Now, I need to admit something. When I first began writing my retelling of Rapunzel long ago, I was newly married and had no children. But as the story grew and grew, my family did, too. My golden-haired Rapunzel came to resemble my dry-witted, introverted eldest daughter. In Beyond the Tower, we discover a young woman unsure of herself. She doesn’t know how to respond to people or God when she is cast out from her tower.

As the series progressed and Rapunzel matured, I found myself looking forward to telling the stories of the found family she develops. Not surprisingly, Lady Gwynndolen loudly asserted that she wanted her story told. Should it shock us that she resembles my red-haired, middle daughter? Not really. And when her ladyship is teaching swordplay to the difficult Prince Edmund, did I have my daughter help me stage the fights? Of course I did. With her own prowess in martial arts, it was fun to put some of that know-how to use and finally write action scenes that would cause Rapunzel to pale.

You can begin your own adventure traveling through The Journey series by downloading the free origin novella here or skip ahead to learn more about Lady Gwynndolen in book 4, Under the Curse.

Long, vertical image with Under the Curse book over ocean and cliffs

Bonus: My Sweet Romantic Comedy Feisty Redhead FMC: Juliana

After I completed writing several books in Rapunzel’s Journey, my brain hopped over to all things romantic comedy. And I could not stop thinking of this mischievous Abuelita who loved her girls so much, she tricks them into moving back to their small town in Texas so she do a little meddling and matchmaking. The best friend group has all the fun dynamics you’d expect shown from the very start in their first group chat over text. And you don’t have to see her to pick out my favorite feisty redhead, Juliana. Does she using her fiercely loyal heart as a lawyer to help fight for the rights of children? She does! Does she get a masquerade meet-cute so she can both be her sassy self AND allow herself to lower her walls a smidge? Also, yep. Witty banter? Check! Cinnamon Roll MMC? Check! Seeing God move through hard things to create good? It’s kinda what I’m becoming known for as an author.

So, please check out Juliana and Daniel’s love story, HEA guaranteed! Though The Trials and Triumphs of Love is third in the Love and Laughter series, each book can be read as a standalone, and you can find it here.

Your Turn

Now, I trust I’m not the only one who has cheered for redheads in different books. Maybe you’re a Pippi Longstocking fan. Maybe you adore the Weasley twins or another character I’ve left out. If so, share below or on social media who your favorite redheads are and what you like best about them. I’d love to hear all about it!

About JacQueline

As the author of  The Journey series, a young adult fantasy retelling Rapunzel’s misadventures, JacQueline also wrote Memoirs of a Headcase: Held by the God of Hope, to share hope in the battle against chronic pain and depression. Currently she lives in North Alabama with her karate husband and three book-crazy kids. All opinions expressed on this website come from her own experience. Do not substitute it for professional therapy or medical advice. Any affiliate links used on this website will provide additional income to JacQueline’s family at no additional cost to you.

If you are a reader wanting to connect with JacQueline, you can get a free book here. Each month you will receive book recommendations and other booknerd fun.

Are you a writer or an author looking for help? JacQueline has been writing all her life and loves meeting others who think writing is living. As an author coach, helping other writers on their journey gives her joy. Schedule your free coaching call to learn what steps you should take next now.

Photography: Johnny McClung, Christopher Campbell, Brad Lloyd, Jenna Anderson, Gabriel Silverio.

Social Media images: JacQueline Vaughn Roe

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3 of Our FAVORITE Flawed Heroes

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Horizontal image of dark ominous sky and sea with text: Our FAVORITE Flawed Heroes

My favorite stories are those with a flawed hero. As a genuinely flawed individual I find them relatable. This means I inadvertently fall in love with protagonists that have some serious issues. They may have issues with their fathers, they may struggle with a curse, they may even be so gifted with brilliance that they can’t seem to have normal human relationships. Yep, sign me up, these are the strange, difficult heroes I am here for.

Flawed Hero Jarron, The False Prince

I just want to go on the record as saying that no one writes complicated heroes like Jennifer A. Neilsen. Seriously, she is the best when it comes to showing you all the challenges and never smoothing them over. She lets each hero explain himself, but only after you want to smack him a dozen times or so. Then you think, “Oh! That’s why you are the way you are!” And, yes, that’s why her deeply flawed characters are some of my favorites, because they are real people.

Take, for example, Sage/Jarron from The Ascendence trilogy. Based on two of Neilsen’s real-life students, this complicated orphan/prince is constantly in trouble, causing trouble, and getting hurt. His mind never rests and as he strategizes several moves ahead of each foe he encounters, he keeps us flipping pages. If all heroes were as frustrating and as fun as Jarron, we might never go to bed but stay up all night reading.

Girl on bed reading with text: If all heroes were frustrating AND fun, we would stay up all night reading.

Flawed Hero Prince Edmund, Under the Curse

To say that Prince Edmund is deeply flawed would be putting things mildly. When he first appeared in the middle of my story about Rapunzel, I really didn’t know what to do with him. Even though he and Rapunzel kept parting ways, he always managed to reappear when I least expected him. I finally got the point, he wanted a chance to tell his own story. So after writing the first three books that tell the story from Rapunzel’s point of view, Under the Curse begins where we left Edmund and finally we get some answers.

Unlike Rapunzel’s beloved, Prince Edmund has a dark side, has been cursed by a sorceress, and struggles with some deep-seated anger towards his father. His backstory is messy, his intentions unclear, but his potential is evident. One might say that what he really needs is a good woman who can help him find his way. More about her in my next blog.

To receive the Rapunzel’s free origin novella, you can sign up for my newsletter here. Of course, you can skip ahead in the series and order your copy of Under the Curse to learn more about this unlikely hero.

Moodboard collage of flawed heroes with text: What Makes a Flawed Hero our FAVORITE? Bitter backstory, prideful downfall, guarded

Flawed Hero Prince Ren, A Curse so Dark and Lonely

Despite some of my misgivings about the inconsistent heroine in this book, the complicated hero won me over. A fairy tale retelling of Beauty and the Beast, Ren has been the beast caught in a curse that causes him to repeat the same season over and over until he can find a maiden to love him. But this season will be his last chance, the curse is coming to an end.

What Ren doesn’t plan for is a maid who comes not just from another world, but from another way of thinking. The best part of this book was not just how Ren related to the lady in question, but to his man-at-arms, Grey. The brotherhood between these two humanized Ren and caused me to long for him to be released from the curse. The agony that Ren went through knowing he had caused so much devastation each time he transformed into a beast also turned my heart towards him.

Vertical image with Spiderman taking off his mask with text: Our FAVORITE flawed heroes

What do you think?

So, what’s your take on any of these? Do deeply flawed heroes make you snap a book shut, or turn the pages faster? Are you someone who longs to know more about their motivations and backstories? Share your thoughts in the comments or on social media and tag me!

About JacQueline

As the author of  The Journey series, a young adult fantasy retelling Rapunzel’s misadventures, JacQueline also wrote Memoirs of a Headcase: Held by the God of Hope, to share hope in the battle against chronic pain and depression. Currently she lives in North Alabama with her karate husband and three book-crazy kids. All opinions expressed on this website come from her own experience. Do not substitute it for professional therapy or medical advice. Any affiliate links used on this website will provide additional income to JacQueline’s family at no additional cost to you.

If you are a reader wanting to connect with JacQueline, you can get a free book here. Each month you will receive book recommendations and other booknerd fun.

Are you a writer or an author looking for help? JacQueline has been writing all her life and loves meeting others who think writing is living. As an author coach, helping other writers on their journey gives her joy. Schedule your free coaching call to learn what steps you should take next now.

Photography: Kyle Johnson, Nicole Wolf, Ian, Hunter Newton, Joey Nicotra.

Social media images: JacQueline Vaughn Roe

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