Crane (Legends Saga, #1)

by Stacey Rourke

[inlibrisveritas]

Re-tellings are one of my favorite things to read as we get to see old stories with new twists. It’s like a mix of an old comfort and a new experience that can’t be beaten. Crane is no exception.

Now I readily admit I haven’t read the original Sleepy Hallow or Rip Van Winkle, but at this point, I know the stories well enough to enjoy Crane and see the parallels without issue. I think what Stacey Rourke has done here is pretty clever in its delivery and the cool little parallels to the original without being a reprint simply set in modern times. I liked the inclusion of Rip Van Winkle and the unique part he plays in the story along with Ichabod and Washington Irving. Given that this is a retelling (in a sequel sort of way) it was really nice to settle in and be surprised at the way it all played out. I don’t expect a lot of surprises in retellings, so it’s always nice to find new little turns and fun departures from the source text. It has some dark moments to be sure, but it also includes some really great humor and the pace keeps a nice clip.

Karen Kruse did a wonderful job as the narrator of this tale. Ireland is a snarky character and she nails it perfectly. Each character is distinct and it’s apparent that she has a gift for voices.

I’m definitely looking forward to delving even farther into the story of Ireland and seeing if the curse of the headless horseman can be broken. If you are a fan of shows like Sleepy Hollow or of retellings, in general, this series would be one worth checking out.