Tempestuous (Twisted Lit #1) by Kim Askew and Amy Helmes review

Recently banished, unfairly, by the school’s popular crowd, former “it girl,” Miranda Prospero, finds herself in a brave new world: holding dominion amongst a rag-tag crew of geeks and misfits where she works at the Hot-Dog Kabob in the food court of her local mall. When the worst winter storm of the season causes mall workers and last-minute shoppers to be snowed-in for the night, Miranda seizes the opportunity to get revenge against the catty clique behind her social exile. With help from her delightfully dweeby coworker, Ariel, and a sullen loner named Caleb who works at the mall’s nearby gaming and magic shop, Miranda uses charm and trickery to set things to right during this spirited take on Shakespeare’s The Tempest.

From Goodreads

The go-to queen was almost completely dethroned! That is, when Miranda Prospero gets busted for her part in a grades-for-cash scam, she finds herself in a whole new world. Forced to pay restitution in the amount that she earned as ringleader, Miranda finds herself the new go-to queen at the mall. Filled with plenty of people in need of her particular skill set, Miranda finds herself the center of their small world.

Unfortunately, fate has a funny way of messing with everyone's plans. A giant blizzard blows through and shutters the mall. Downside, everyone, including Miranda's former posse, ex-boyfriend, and her new preoccupation, are all stranded there overnight. Soon enough things go from hellish to hilarious as Miranda sets out for retribution with her helpers Ariel and Caleb. Mischief ensues as “Hell is empty and all the devils are here.” 

Another amazing retelling from Kim Askew and Amy Helmes! First let me say that, The Tempest has a very special place in my heart. Were it not for my love of Shakespeare (and the need for "production points" in drama class) I may never have worked on my high school's outdoor production of this play. I met my husband on the set the very first day I was there and we've been together ever since.

Back to the awesomeness that is this book! Kim and Amy have captured the essence of this story and breathed contemporary life into it. The characters were spot on representations of their classic forefathers. Even better though were the references that they wove into the story. Not just references to the original story (those were rather expected naturally) but they wove in some awesome pop culture references (like Doctor Who!!). The whole thing was seamless.

I really enjoyed watching Miranda struggle with her identity and who she believes herself to be. It's one thing to know that you're a spoiled brat, it's another thing entirely to know that you were a shallow, base-dwelling, cold-blooded wretch. Miranda has the best intentions, most of the time, but she's beginning to wonder about her plan executions.

A funny, unique, and all together entertaining tale of clashing groups, Temestuous is simply a must read. It takes no time at all and you'll be amazed at how much fun you can have reading a Shakespearean work.