Twice Upon a Time

Twice Upon a Time (Half Upon a Time #2)

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4.29 of 5 stars 4.29  ·  rating details  ·  161 ratings  ·  33 reviews
Pirates and mermaids face off in this fractured-fairy tale sequel to Half Upon a Time!Jack and May are back for another adventure in the world of fairy tales with a twist. Now that they know about May’s grandmother’s real intentions, they’re on the hunt to learn May’s true identity. The search for answers leads Jack and May to the world of the Sea King, where they land rig...more
Hardcover, 352 pages
Published April 24th 2012 by Aladdin
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Valerie
Dec 22, 2012 Valerie rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Percy Jackson fans who are into fairy tales
Should I be embarassed that I read books like this for fun even though I'm technically an adult? Probably, but since this is the internet I'm not that worried. Everyone who knows me in real life on this site already knows I'm a huge dork who can't seem to grow up properly.

So, I as I mentioned above if you like Rick Riordan's stuff I really think you should give this a try. He kind of has that silly satire that I love. If you are the kind of reader that can't take slow paced stories, than this is...more
Paul Lunger
What happens when you mix the stories of "Peter Pan" & "The Little Mermaid"? You end up with this entertaining novel by James Riley. This time around Jack, May & Phillip start off in the realm of the Fairy Homelands in their continued quest to determine who May really is. Their adventures take them to the land of Never here we encounter Pan & Captain Bluebeard. From there we go under the sea to the realm of mermaids & mermen in order to find the Sea Witch who can help break the s...more
Julia
I can only say--OHMYFREAKINGGAWD, WHAT THE HECK JUST HAPPENED??!!
Okay, so I read this book maybe a few months ago and to say that I adored it would simply be the understatement of the century. Upon reading it again just this afternoon, even after knowing how it ends, my reaction remained the same (see above in all capital letters).
I mean, never-before-known-sisters, new fairy-tale identities, true loves... what more could you ask from a book? That is, besides for its conclusive volume to come ou...more
Melinda
If you like twisted fairy tales, you will like this book! It's probably upper elementary level, though both I and my high schooler enjoyed it as well. If you don't mind fairy-tale style magic, there is nothing objectionable in it--except for the fact that the story doesn't end in the first book! Nor in the second, and the third isn't out yet!!! We can't wait for the third.....
(Be sure to read the author blurb on the inside back cover. It's as funny as the book is!)

If you haven't read the first...more
Saru (Queen of Bookland)
WHAT?????? Just... Just WHAT????!!!!!

Initial reaction after finishing this book:


Did Jack just...? And did Phillip...? And is May...? And Lian is...?

I NEED THE LAST BOOK NOW.

You have to be kidding me I-I-I just, I...


I am going crazy right now!!!!!!!

fAUKD,v.kfhbvk.fjb.kvl.s

James Riley just totally leaves the reader to wonder what's going to happen next. (view spoiler)[Will May end up with Jack? Will Phillip end up with Penelope or will he die? Will Jack and his SISTER (Still trying to process t...more
Bella9Tink
WHAT?!?!? WHAT?!? WHAT?!? NOOO!!! You can't just leave me hanging like that Mr. Author! You never even mentioned Mariella appearing! And you seriously did not just have Jack leave like that! Like, what a about May?! She is not going to the ball! I won't let her! Why couldn't you have made her the princess in Princess and the Pea instead!? :( But truly, I have to say that you did a fabulous job! I mean, who else would've made fairy tales as awesome :D But seriously dude, that cliffy was not amusi...more
Jason
If anyone knows that James is coming up with a third book, please comment on where I can get a sneak peek. I don't think that this book is the end of Jack, May and Philip's adventure! Jack IS a good guy, so how can he turn into a bad guy? May has yet to see the prince that Merriwheater (I don't know how to spell her name!) has said. Philip ? I don't know about him and Penelope. I really hope that James can come up with a third book. It could be named as "Thrice upon a time"!
Jared
Much like the first book (Half Upon a Time). The plot moves along nicely -- perhaps a bit too nicely; it would be good to have a little more description. The plot is interesting. May and her friends stumble from disaster to disaster, only seeming to dig themselves deeper into the muddle as they try to defeat the Wicked Queen.
Margaret McGregor
This author is just too funny! I found myself again having to suppress my laughter while reading late at night as to not waken up my family. This is the sequel to Half Upon a Time - the further adventures of Jack, Phillip, and May. It turns out that May is really - no, I will not tell you. This book is hilarious and really worth the time to read. I look forward to the next book. The identity of Lian will surprise you.
Lacey
More crazy adventure in book two of this three book series. May, Jack and Phillip have trouble after trouble along their journey. Thankfully we find out some very important information about our main characters and who they are. Now we just have to wait to find out the rest of the story when the third book comes out next year! I hate waiting!
Heather
I thought I remembered Half Upon a Time fairly well, but I guess I didn't, because I often felt lost while reading this book. Definitely read the other first or brush up if it's been a while! It is a cute story, but not super memorable. It will probably appeal to fans of E.D. Baker's humorous fractured fairy tales.
Rachel
Sep 14, 2012 Rachel rated it 3 of 5 stars  ·  review of another edition Recommends it for: young teens
Recommended to Rachel by: Katie
Shelves: junior, humor, fantasy
Jack and May (and assorted associates) continue in their quest to find out where May belongs, and what Jack's potential destiny is. I preferred the first book to this one, although it's hard to put my finger on exactly why. I did like it enough to finish the series, assuming it wraps up in the third.
Jessica
James Riley has done it again! He's woven fairy tales into one amazing, charming, and epic read. That's right, epic. The ending left me with so many emotions! It was just too perfect for words and everything tied together so perfectly! I absolutely cannot wait for the next one!
Elevetha Houre
3.5 stars.

There was a typo on page 154 of this edition. "Like we're best friends We just have this instant bond." There's no period between "friends" and "We".


My, my, Bluebeard. Do we have ourselves a pirate Hannibal on our hands?
"Ah, I love when me plans come together so easily!" Methinks so.

(view spoiler)[ WAH?? May would have been Cinderella, pending her abduction by the Wicked Queen? Jack is Jack from "Jack and Jill"? And Lian is Jill!? WELL PLAYED, SIR.


Jack is becoming an Eye, so that's ex
...more
Tricia
wow! There was a lot going on in this book. I can see it being a little overwhelming for kids who are just starting to read novels. The first book (from what I remember) was not nearly as complicated. Definitely a good read for older kids who love an adventure.
Mark Baker
Jack, May, and Phillip find themselves in a race against time to save the fairy kingdom so they can learn who May really is. It's a quest that will lead them to encounters with pirates and mermaids. Can they succeed? This twisted version of fairy tales is fun with plenty of grins and laughs plus action that will keep you glued to the page.

My full review at Epinions.
Nicole Hewitt
My full review can be found on my blog - Best Kids' Reads.

Twice Upon a Time finds May, Jack and Phillip trying to undo the wrongs that they caused during the first quest! This story is action-packed and full of suspense. The characters are still delightful and the story takes a few more twists and turns that will keep you guessing right up until the very end. My son and I can't wait until the final book of the trilogy comes out in May! If you haven't already, hurry out and get the first two book...more
Mary Lee
Just about more plot twists than I could keep up with, and a cliffhanger at the end that leaves the reader anxious for book number three!
Beth
This was a very fun read. I really like the way Riley mixes the fairy tales we know and love into something new!
Dawn Moore


How does Riley come up with this stuff!!! Everything I predicted was wrong in some way!! Can't wait for the third book next summer!
Kae
This is a good sequel to the first book. It is a fun novel full of twisted fairy tales.
Emyrose8
I liked this one just as much as the first one, if not, more!
Katelyn
Jun 15, 2012 Katelyn rated it 5 of 5 stars  ·  review of another edition Recommends it for: all
Recommended to Katelyn by: me
I hope that another one comes out soon!
Eleanor Kinsel
This book is sooooo good! OMG, I CAN'T BELIVE THE ENDING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I CANT WAIT FOR THE NEXT BOOK TO COME OUT IN 4 DAYSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!

Malia
Mylee and I can't wait for the next one! We love the combination of fairy tale stories and how they all intertwine. Very suspenseful and action packed with, of course, a few love stories.
Kylia
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.
Kelsey
What is the next one called??? I need to know!!!
Katie


Fun mix of fairy tales.
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Twice Upon a Time (Kindle Edition)
Twice Upon a Time (Hardcover)
Twice Upon a Time (Paperback)
Twice Upon a Time (ebook)
Half Upon a Time Once Upon the End

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“Whaaaaaat is going on?" May whispered out of the corner of her mouth.
"I'm sort of comforted by the fact that I can't figure it out," Jack responded.”
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“Listen, last time I talked to you three, you were all two oars short of having any oars, so I don't want to hear it.” 1 person liked it
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