First let me say that I've never read a Patterson novel before, and now I'm not sure if I'll try another. I loved the premise of this book - was hoping for a well told adult fairy tale. And while I still think there is a story that can be told in that way at the heart of this book, I was profoundly disappointed in the writing style. It was clumsy, choppy, and amateurish. I've read young adult fiction and even early reader chapter books with more substance and finesse. I'm thinking that this trend of Patterson's, to add another author's name with his, is some attempt to help someone new, but if this is an indication of the pairing, he should stop! It is a fast read though, so if you still want to give it a go it's not like it will take up a lot of your time!