Some reviews:

The Thief and the Beanstalk:

“First-time novelist Catanese smartly plumbs this well-known story for all its moral ambiguity…this is the rare fairy tale variant that will appeal to boys--not a princess nor romance in sight--and the plot brims with perilous battles, narrow escapes and truly icky elements (e.g., the nightmarish creatures with spider bodies and human heads that trail Nick through the giant's castle). Fans of Tim Burton's movies will enjoy this, and will likely welcome Catanese's second adventure, The Brave Apprentice.” - Publishers Weekly

 “Catanese's first Further Tale is a rollicking adventure meshed with complex characters and an intriguing spin on a familiar tale...Vivid descriptions, especially of the giants and the enormity of the castle, bring the setting to life...Important themes of good and evil, sacrifice and personal worth, and guilt are addressed appropriately with a sensitive hand, shedding new light on a well-known story.” -VOYA

“A fast-paced, accessible entry in the burgeoning genre of novels based on fairy tales…clearly written and exciting. It will appeal to reluctant readers with its highly visual descriptions and will also make a successful read-aloud.” -School Library Journal

“This book was a fun read but not for the faint of heart. The writing uses vivid imagery providing deliciously gruesome people and creatures alike, one of my favorites being the baby head spiders…the adventure was exciting and worth the ride.’ - Midwest Book Review

The Brave Apprentice:

“The quick pace moves from one action-packed scene to another... Patch's awkwardness and lack of self-confidence make him all the more likable as he seeks to defeat the trolls and prove himself.” 
- VOYA

“With brains, luck, and the help of a charming fool, Patch sets out to do the impossible. A charming riff on The Brave Little Tailor, this is neither a spoof nor a retelling, just straightforward adventure in a land of magic and enchantment.” - KLIATT

“Language is crisp, with the occasional neat turn of phrase or surprising word…Readers will enjoy the battles, the nonstop action, and Patch’s slow maturation and growing confidence.”
- The Center for Children’s Literature, Carthage College