For years, Tangled fans have wondered what happened after Rapunzel escaped Mother Gothel’s tower and began her new life with Eugene Fitzherbert. While Disney expanded the story through the animated series Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure, many fans still hoped for another official continuation that captured the spirit of the beloved 2010 film. Sixteen years after the movie’s theatrical debut, that wish has finally been granted in a new format.
Disney has released Rootbound: A Tangled Novel, an official hardcover adventure written by Little Thieves author Margaret Owen. Rather than retelling familiar events, the 320-page young adult fantasy sends Rapunzel and Eugene on an entirely new journey filled with political conspiracies, magical mysteries, and revelations that reshape Eugene’s own past, making it the closest thing fans have received to a true sequel in years.
Rootbound Finally Gives Rapunzel And Eugene A Brand-New Adventure
Set only a month after Rapunzel leaves her tower, Rootbound finds the newly crowned princess still adjusting to royal life after losing the magical healing powers that defined much of her childhood. When the isolated island kingdom of Astera unexpectedly invites her to Princess Verette’s coming-of-age ceremony, Rapunzel eagerly accepts, hoping to finally prove she can still make a difference.
Eugene has his own reasons for joining the trip. With his criminal history still hanging over him, he fears his future with Rapunzel could be cut short before it truly begins. What begins as one final adventure quickly transforms into something much larger as the pair uncover hidden connections between Astera, its secretive ruler King Enver, and startling truths surrounding Eugene’s family history.
The deeper Rapunzel and Eugene investigate, the more dangerous the mission becomes. The novel introduces a kingdom divided by political unrest, a mysterious secret society operating in the shadows, and an ancient magical threat that could endanger not only Astera but Rapunzel’s own homeland. While expanding Disney’s fantasy world, the story maintains the humor, romance, and adventurous spirit that made Tangled such an enduring favorite.
Rootbound Captures Everything Fans Loved About Tangled
Margaret Owen successfully translated the film’s distinctive charm into novel form. Reviewers, via Goodreads, have praised the way Rapunzel and Eugene’s dialogue feels authentic, with both characters retaining the personalities audiences remember. The alternating points of view also allow readers to spend meaningful time inside both protagonists’ heads while preserving the playful chemistry that carried the original movie.
Critics have also highlighted the healthy relationship between Rapunzel and Eugene as one of the novel’s greatest strengths. Rather than relying on unnecessary misunderstandings, the pair communicate honestly even when confronting fears about their uncertain future. Alongside emotional moments, the book delivers plenty of comedy, from Eugene critiquing his own kidnappers’ knot-tying skills to Pascal once again stealing scenes with his familiar mischievous personality.
Although Rootbound tells a complete story, readers have noted that it quietly plants seeds for future adventures before the final pages. Combined with positive early reviews, including praise for its exciting action, inventive magic system centered around mysterious roots, and faithful characterization, the novel feels less like a one-off tie-in and more like the beginning of a new chapter for Disney’s Tangled universe.
- Release Date
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November 24, 2010
- Runtime
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100 minutes
- Director
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Byron Howard, Nathan Greno
- Writers
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Dan Fogelman