Step into the enchanting world of Half Upon a Time, where fairy tales get a hilarious, modern makeover! James Riley’s captivating fantasy trilogy follows Jack, the son of the infamous beanstalk-climbing Jack, and May, a spunky girl from our world who lands in a magical realm wearing a Punk Princess sweatshirt. Packed with adventure, humor, and heart, this series reimagines classic tales like Snow White and Sleeping Beauty with unexpected twists that keep readers of all ages hooked.
With its fast-paced storytelling and clever blend of fairy tale tropes, Half Upon a Time invites you to explore a world where heroes aren’t always what they seem, and every quest comes with a side of sarcasm. Whether you’re a fairy tale fanatic or just love a good adventure, this trilogy is a delightful escape into a magical universe.
How Half Upon a Time Began
James Riley, a New York Times bestselling author, crafted Half Upon a Time to breathe new life into fairy tales. Inspired by his love for twisting familiar stories, Riley wanted to create a middle-grade series that combined action, humor, and relatable characters. Published by Aladdin, the trilogy kicked off in 2010 with the first book, Half Upon a Time, and quickly gained a following for its witty take on classic narratives. Riley’s knack for blending modern sensibilities with magical settings made the series a standout in children’s fantasy literature.
The Heart of Half Upon a Time
The trilogy consists of three books: Half Upon a Time (2010), Twice Upon a Time (2012), and Once Upon the End (2014). In the first book, Jack, a reluctant hero from the village of Giant’s Hand, meets May, who mysteriously appears from our world, searching for her kidnapped grandmother. Together, they embark on a quest filled with talking wolves, giants, and fairy queens, uncovering secrets about their own identities. Twice Upon a Time dives deeper into May’s mysterious origins, leading the duo to the Sea King’s realm and a battle with Pirate Bluebeard. The trilogy concludes with Once Upon the End, where Jack and May face the Wicked Queen in a thrilling finale packed with surprises.
The series shines through its themes of heroism, identity, and friendship. Jack’s journey from a farm boy avoiding his father’s notorious legacy to a courageous leader explores what it means to be a hero. May’s feisty, modern voice challenges traditional princess stereotypes, making her a standout character. The magical setting, a fractured fairy tale world where stories collide, is brought to life with Riley’s humorous prose and rapid pacing. Fans love the sarcastic banter and plot twists that keep the stakes high and the laughs coming.
Why Half Upon a Time Resonates
Half Upon a Time has carved a niche in middle-grade fantasy for its fresh take on fairy tales and its appeal to both boys and girls. Its action-packed adventures and strong characters, like the competent Prince Phillip and the fierce May, resonate with young readers, while adults enjoy the clever humor and nostalgic nods to classic stories. The series earned accolades like a nomination for the Sunshine State Young Readers Award, reflecting its impact on young audiences. Its enduring charm lies in its ability to balance heart, humor, and heroism, making it a beloved choice for family read-alouds.
- Publication Years: 2010–2014
- Number of Books: 3
- Awards: Nominated for Sunshine State Young Readers Award (2014–2015), Mark Twain Award Nominee
- Target Audience: Middle-grade readers (ages 8–12)
Ready to dive into a world where fairy tales meet adventure? Grab Half Upon a Time and join Jack and May on a quest filled with magic, laughter, and unexpected heroes!