While this is sub-titled “A Flipped Fairy Tale”, and it begins with elements that resonate with Jack in the Beanstalk, this is a full novel that’s done with the initial premise by 1/3rd of the way in.
It turns out that where the book goes next is great; the book is a solid fantasy novel, and even the parts that overlap the traditional myth get twisted a bit. It’s never predictable, even when it’s on “fairy tale rails” to start; there’s often a bit of a twist to the fable. The rest of the book does flow out of the beginning–it’s not like the beanstalk is tacked on–but it delves into corrupted talents, a romance, wanderlust, a relationship with a long absent mom, and more.
It’s really well written and fun. I’ll pick up more of her flipped fairy tales going forward.
(I bought the book at Zappcon, where she gave out a tin of tea matching the book’s name with the book purchase. Her tea blend was also tasty.)