I am a huge Disney fan, and I am raising my daughter to be one as well. I spend my day watching Disney shows, singing Disney songs and reading Disney books. When I saw that there was a YA series that takes beloved Disney tales and turns them on their heads, I was very excited to check it out. These twisted Disney tales bring your favorite characters to life with deeper backstories, emotions and issues. I started out reading the twisted version of Aladdin, and I’m so glad I did!

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A Whole New World: A Twisted Tale was written by Liz Braswell. This incredible tale begins very similarly to the Disney film. You learn a little more background on Aladdin’s life, but several of the classic scenes from the movie are written close to how you remember them. However, when Aladdin is bringing the lamp out of the Cave of Wonders, everything changes. Jafar takes control of the lamp and the genie, plunging Agrabah into a terrifying dictatorship. As Jafar’s scary reign continues to spread over Agrabah, Aladdin, Jasmine and their army of Street Rats must bring the people together to form a revolution.

What I loved about this book

Like most people of my generation, I have a special place in my heart for Disney classics of the early 90s. We wore those VHS tapes out. So I was a little worried about a darker, grittier version of these characters who meant so much to me. While this is definitely a darker take on the story, I was happy with what they did with the characters. Almost all of the characters from the original movie get a bigger backstory here. You learn more about Aladdin’s family and childhood, and the special connection he has with Abu. Even Rasoul, the palace guard, gets a backstory and a little empathy.

Get to know your favorite characters in a new light!

I was really impressed with the development of the characters. As much as I love Disney princesses (and I always will), some of them suffer a bit from the damsel in distress syndrome. I was really happy to see Jasmine written as a strong woman who can put her emotions aside and rise to the occasion. Aladdin is forced to take a backseat to the women in the story, but he is pretty okay with that.

The Genie is another character who gets a lot more backstory. In the movie, you learn that he has spent 10,000 years in the lamp, and you see him struggle with some of the things that Jafar makes him do. But in the book, you get to learn more about his life and his imprisonment. You also really see him suffer because of the things that he is forced to do as an enslaved genie.

Why Everyone Can’t Have a Happy Ending (Semi-spoiler alert!)

My only real issues with this book were some of the darker turns from the story I know and love. Honestly, this isn’t a bad thing! A few of the characters don’t fare as well, but this is more true to life than the fairy tale versions of these stories that we usually get. I tend to be a bit squeamish, so a couple of the scenes were a little tough for me. However, I am admittedly a big baby about anything resembling horror, so the average reader probably wouldn’t bat an eye!

I’m also one to appreciate an ending that is all tied up with happily ever after. But not all the characters in this book get that. However, in the case of this story, it is extremely fitting. It also rang truer to life than the fairy tale versions, because life doesn’t just end with happily ever after. The characters are left to deal with the aftermath of their actions and must learn to live in their new lives.

Growing Up with Your Favorites

Overall, I was really pleased with this book. Actually, I have even already started another in the series of Twisted Tales. (Beauty and the Beast, here i come!) I love the idea of childhood favorites growing up with me, and this series helps me see my favorite Disney tales in a new, more adult light. I definitely recommend this one to Disney fans who long to continue living in the world of magic for a while longer!

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