Tag: princesses

THROW BACK: The Princess and the Pig by Jonathan Emmett

THROW BACK: The Princess and the Pig by Jonathan Emmett

Posted on by Jaymie

This review was originally posted on my Bring on the Books blog on March 8, 2013. This is another book that was a hoot to read aloud with students. 

Summary

On the same day, a farmer discovers a small pig in his wagon and a queen is holding her baby girl. In one rash move, the baby tumbles from the tower into the wagon and the piglet is bounced from the hay up into the princess’s crib. The farmer and his wife believe a fairy has turned their pig into a child as a gracious and benevolent act while the king and queen believe an angry fairy has turned their princess into a pig because she wasn’t invited to the christening. The girl grows up sweet and charming while the pig is just a pig. Eventually, the farmer and his wife realize what has happened. Sadly they head off to the castle to make things right….

Review

I won’t spoil the fun by telling the end. Instead I’ll only say this book was a delight to read from beginning to end. I found this one at the Scholastic Book Fair at our church and my first thought after reading this was, “Why wasn’t THIS book in my preview pack!” I thought it was far better than anything else Scholastic had included in their pre-packaged preview sets for advertising their spring fairs. I can’t wait to read this one to my students and rave about it to every teacher and parent who comes through our fair at the end of the month. This was a winner!

5 out of 5 stars

 

THROW BACK: The False Princess by Eilis O'Neal

THROW BACK: The False Princess by Eilis O’Neal

Posted on by Jaymie

This review was originally posted on my Bring on the Books blog on April 11, 2011. Reading this review again makes me want to pull the book out for a re-read some time soon!

 

Summary

For 16 years, she was Nalia, princess of Thorvaldor. Then, in one moment, she becomes Sinda, the princess’ “stand in,” put in place through a magic spell, in order to protect the princess from prophesied disaster. Once the magic is removed, Sinda is sent to live with an aunt she’s never known who thought she was dead all this time. Sinda’s lost the only family she’s ever known, her home, her best friend, her very identity.

As Sinda struggles to redefine her life, she must make peace with an immense amount of previously unknown magic. She returns to Thorvaldor to learn to master her magic, and stumbles into a plot to overthrow the rulers of Thorvaldor. Can a displaced false princess ever hope to save her kingdom?

 

Review

Fantastic!! Great characters. Increasing levels of distress – personal, then interpersonal, then national – pull the reader through the story. Amazing plot twists. Mild romantic story line. Sinda is a great character, realistically dealing with the upheaval in her core identity and the doubts she battles. I would happily share The False Princess with others and would read it again some time. Excellent story.

5 out of 5 stars

Recommended for: readers 12 and up, readers who like princess stories that are more intricate than the typical princess story for younger kids, mystery lovers

 

 

REVIEW: Castles in Their Bones by Laura Sebastian

REVIEW: Castles in Their Bones by Laura Sebastian

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Triplet princesses, trained for conquest, turn 16 and head to the countries of their betrotheds.

Daphne heads north to Friv. But the wedding and life she’s been preparing for falls apart before she even arrives.

Beatriz heads to Cellaria, the one place where magic is outlawed. She disguises her silver, stardusted eyes as any hint of magic could get her killed. But her betrothed couldn’t be less enthused about their wedding and life together. How can she work her plans if she can’t even get him to look at her?

Sophronia heads to Temarin, the only one of the princesses with feelings for her intended. Of course, her mother is dismayed instead of pleased. Her girls have jobs to do for the next year to move the Empress’ plans forward so she can take over all three countries for herself.

Each princess has her assignment. But the Empress’ spies couldn’t prepare them for everything.

Review

This was outstanding!! Absolutely fantastic! I was captivated from the start. The set up/world building is excellent, and I loved the princesses. I was fascinated as I watched their journeys begin. And when everything started to shift and twist, I couldn’t put it down until I finished.

And what a finish!

I can’t get book 2 into my hands fast enough.

I said recently that the best sort of book for me is science fiction or fantasy (check) with sharp, sassy characters who don’t take any crap (check), and who are trying to solve a mystery or save the day. While these characters are scheming for the Empress’ plans, this still fit that final requirement, too. The fact that there’s royalty involved is just a bonus for me. I adore books like this – like the author’s Ash Princess (I still need to finish that series) as well as the Wickery series, Crown of Shards, Ruined, etc.. This is by far the best book I have read so far this year – don’t miss this one!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥♥ = Outstanding! Amazing! Special!

REVIEW: Capture the Crown by Jennifer Estep

REVIEW: Capture the Crown by Jennifer Estep

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Harper Voyager in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Princess Gemma works at keeping her pampered princess persona and reputation in place. It disarms people, and they tell her things – things that help her work as a spy.

Her latest mission has her posing as a miner as she tracks missing stockpiles of tearstone. But her mission puts her directly in the path of her nemesis, Prince Leonidas Morricone of Morta. HIs family was behind the Seven Spires Massacre (Kill the Queen), an event that still haunts Gemma, 16 years later.

When someone tries to kill Leonidas, Gemma reluctantly saves him. When her life is in danger, he returns the favor. It makes sense for them to team up against the actual villain. And once they’ve thwarted *his* plan, the two royals can go back to hating each other.

Review

I loved this! I wanted to pick it back up and start over as soon as I finished it. And I would have if I didn’t have so many other stories vying for my attention. I’m so happy this is the first review to post after the completion of my blog sabbatical.

This is NOT a fourth book in the Crown of Shards series – after Kill the Queen (♥♥♥♥♥), Protect the Prince (♥♥♥♥½), and Crush the King – but a spin off. Gemma is a child in those books, but now she is an adult, ready for her own adventure – and romance. There are references to the events of the Shards series, but this kick off to the Gargoyle Queen series is all about Gemma, and I adored it!

I am enjoying the magic system in this world as much as the heat and tension between Gemma and Leo. I’m trying to puzzle out what Leo’s family is up to – and especially what the story is with his sister. The teaser for book 2 – Tear Down the Throne – gave me no answers, and only made me whine all the more about the long wait until it releases.

Crown of Shards fans should run right out and pick this one up. I don’t know that you have to have read that series to dive into this one, but I think it helps. Besides, it’s an outstanding series that fantasy fans should not miss. I re-read the original series after finishing this, and it was so helpful for filling in little story gaps I had forgotten. Now that my autographed copy of Capture the Queen has arrived, I am ready to read it again! Don’t miss this one. (Language, violence)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥½*

*♥♥♥♥½ = I loved it! Would re-read.

SATURDAY SMORGASBORD: A Princess for Christmas by Jenny Holiday

SATURDAY SMORGASBORD: A Princess for Christmas by Jenny Holiday

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Avon in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. This book will release on October 13, 2020.]

Summary

Leo Ricci drives a New York City cab and also is the super of the building where he lives. He’s raising his eleven-year-old sister, Gabby. His neighbor and cousin-in-law, Dani, is a huge help as he feels out of his league almost all of the time.

Her Royal Highness Marie Joséphine Annagret Elana, Princess of Eldovia, is in New York to speak at the United Nations about the refugee crisis and then to handle some negotiations with American businesses, one in particular. Failing to fix the relationship between Eldovia and the businessman will be devastating to her country. And she’s not sure how much more of her father’s disapproval she can take.

Leo and Maria meet when she gets in his cab. His sister is gaga over meeting a real life princess. And Leo’s always had a thing for rescuing damsels in distress. He agrees to help Maria out by serving as her driver while she is in the city. In return, she invites Leo and Gabby to Eldovia for Christmas, like they are in some sort of Hallmark Christmas movie. But Leo and Maria come from two vastly different worlds. He’s barely making ends meet, and she’s a princess with an obligation to marry “strategically.” What business do they have spending Christmas together?

Review

This was delightful! It definitely has a Hallmark Christmas Movie feel to it (though far steamier than Hallmark Channel would ever allow), which is exactly what the author was going for. In fact, according to the acknowledgements, there are going to be two more books in the series. And if I am reading the signs right in the epilogue about where the sequel is headed, I am absolutely here for book 2!

I adored Leo and Marie. They really “get” each other. And they have great chemistry complete with excellent banter. They connect over their lost family members, care well for Gabby, and Leo helps Marie find her way through several conflicts. He sees her as a person, not just as a princess.

The story here is great. I loved that the conflicts are around the differences in their status and in the expectations of Marie in her role. There’s no secret identity or lying involved which is a nice change of pace.

This is another winner for Christmas 2020. Don’t miss this sexy holiday romance! (Language, sex, CW: grief/loss)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥½*

*♥♥♥♥½ = Loved it! Would read again!

BONUS REVIEW: Princesses Versus Dinosaurs by Linda Bailey

BONUS REVIEW: Princesses Versus Dinosaurs by Linda Bailey

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Tundra Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary and Review

As a group of princesses celebrates being in a book about all tiaras, gowns, and glass slippers, they encounter a rival group of dinosaurs who believe the book is all about them.

This is darling! I enjoyed the split pages where each group convenes about the dilemma. Then they bring in the heavy hitters, which is my favorite part.

Things get silly for a moment, but in the end, the princesses and dinosaurs come to a delightful compromise.

This will be a fun read-aloud with a good message – that this is a book for everyone. But kids are definitely going to want a close up look at the fun illustrations, too, so be prepared for plenty of lap reading and read-to-self time.

Rating: ♥♥♥½*

*♥♥♥½= Good+

BONUS REVIEW: How Rory Thorne Destroyed the Multiverse by K. Eason

BONUS REVIEW: How Rory Thorne Destroyed the Multiverse by K. Eason

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and DAW in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

As a baby, Rory had a naming ceremony. And, as in the long ago history of her people, the fairies arrived to bestow their gifts and blessings – kindness, beauty, harp-playing, and the ability to “know the truth when she hears it” as well as the ability to see her way out of trouble. Odd gifts for a princess in some cases, but oh, so handy for Rory’s future.

For several years, that naming ceremony was one of the more interesting stories about Rory. She was a feisty, strong-willed princess, still too young for much responsibility in the kingdom. She did occasionally hang out with visiting royalty, though, especially kids like Prince Ivar.

The Prince’s visit is where everything changed. His father was killed by one of his own servants during the visit to Rory’s world, and Rory’s father was gravely injured in the incident. It set their world on the course to war. Rory’s father dies, and her mother delivers their second child – a son – who suddenly displaces Rory as the one to inherit the throne thanks to antiquated rules of inheritance. This leaves Rory to be married off when it becomes politically useful. When that times arrives, and Rory is sent to her betrothed’s world, the political secrets and royal maneuvering kicks up to a whole new level!

Review

This is a very long book. At times, it is wordy and overly self-aware. That threatened to derail my reading and enjoyment of this. The nature of the story – the world building, character development, and the time span from Rory’s birth to the end – is part of the issue. There’s a lot to cover! I’m not sure you could split the story in any good way that would make sense. So readers need to push through. When you can get into the rhythm and style of the narrator, and can move through the first section of the book which handles most of the set up (pretty much the whole summary above), then the story picks up cohesiveness and a good pace through to the end. (FYI, this is not a “multiverse” in the sense of multiple timelines or versions of the same characters.)

Once Rory gets to Urse to wait for her impending marriage, it was easier for me to hang onto the story, and I quite enjoyed it. There’s still a good bit of character development to come for Rory and a couple of the other characters who are in the whole novel. At 16, with her magic and fairy gifts and her training, Rory becomes a fantastic, fascinating character in act 2 and beyond. I especially enjoyed Rory and her relationship with her primary guards.

There’s a good deal of suspense in the second and third acts of the story. The Regent for the “Free Worlds” is a formidable adversary. And to him, Rory is a tool – a means to an end. She has to be smart, plan five steps ahead, and use her gifts to camouflage her intentions. I really enjoyed watching her work!  Fantasy and science fiction fans – settle in for a long story. Relax through the set up and then enjoy the great conclusion!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥

REVIEW: Kingdom Cold by Brittni Chenelle

REVIEW: Kingdom Cold by Brittni Chenelle

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received an electronic review copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Princess Charlotte of Besmium is horrified that her parents have arranged her marriage already. She’s only 16. But the armies of Drethen have been pressing in. A marriage alliance with Vires, with their vast armies, would help strengthen Besmium.

When Prince Young and his older brother Prince Minseo arrive, Charlotte catches the eye of a prince. Unfortunately it isn’t Young, her betrothed, but Minseo. Young knows it might take some time for warm feelings to grow between them, but he is committed to this match. Before they have a chance to see how things might go between them, though, the armies of Drethen are sending cannonballs at the castle walls.

Before long, Charlotte and Young are on the run, there are rumors that Charlotte’s father the king has been killed, and Minseo is missing.

Review

Wow! This was a twisty one! I didn’t go looking for this book; it was offered to me. And my luck with such books has been mixed, so I always approach them with some trepidation. It didn’t take long for me to leave that skepticism behind, though, on this one, and I was pulled into the story.

This book runs on two levels. First there’s the romantic level. Charlotte and Minseo have sparks, but Young is the intended groom. When Minseo goes missing, Charlotte and Young get to spend more time together. But they are still strangers. They don’t know how to “read” one another very well. And in the world of princes and princesses, there are always new alliances that can be made between various kingdoms, and this adds some extra twists to this level of the story.

The second layer, which is strongly connected to the first, is the political. Besmium is a kingdom at war before the story even begins. Alliances are made and broken. Spies sneak and lie. Assassins and would-be assassins lurk. The cycle of security and danger, then security and more danger, runs right to the last page. I was captivated by the whole thing.

I enjoyed the political maneuvering more so than the romantic twists. Charlotte and Young’s “other options” never appealed to me in a way that would make a love triangle truly angsty for me as the reader. I had my clear preferences from the start, and in some ways I resented how the other characters tried to mess with my preferences!

I loved watching Charlotte and Young grow as individuals through the course of the story. They were young, but they represented their kingdoms and families well when it mattered. Clever reveals in the end made this a satisfying read. Don’t miss this one!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥

REVIEW: Misfits by Jen Calonita

REVIEW: Misfits by Jen Calonita

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

In the world of the Fairy Tale Reform School there is another school for fairy tale-related characters – the Royal Academy. And Devinaria Nile of Cobblestone Creek has been invited to attend. The headmistress is the famous fairy godmother, Olivina. Devin has less than no interest in princess training. She has a special gift for communicating with animals and feels her calling is creature care. But the Royal Academy, Olivina, and Devin’s mother won’t take no for an answer.

Devin is in way over her head! She hasn’t done any of the required reading, so she doesn’t know the rules and expectations for the Royal Academy. She doesn’t have the right clothes for all the balls and princess-y activities. And her gift for talking to animals and her drive to take charge and care for her friends have put her at risk for expulsion. But something about the Royal Academy is just not right. The question is whether Devin will fall in line with Olivina’s rules or if she’ll keep digging until she finds the truth.

Review

This was excellent! This has strong characters like the ones I loved at the start of the Fairy Tale Reform School series. I love the princess-saves-herself attitude from Devin. And Olivina’s efforts to squash it were infuriating. But there’s so much more going on that we still don’t understand even after the first book wraps up. I can’t wait to get to book 2! It’s been awhile since I wanted a middle grade sequel so badly.

Devin and her friends are characters you want to cheer for. Even when tensions arise as Devin’s choices lead to trouble for her friends, and they push her away, you know they will stand together when it truly matters.

This book does a terrific job of establishing the characters and the setting while teasing at the mysteries of the series. I am thrilled with how the author balanced those pieces. I never felt like the character pieces were drawn out or filler to drag out the mystery/questions of the plot. And there’s a ton of action and plot in this but only hints at what’s really going on. This is delightful and redeems all of my frustration at the last couple Fairy Tale Reform School books. Highly Recommend!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥½

REVIEW: Marabel and the Book of Fate by Tracy Barrett

REVIEW: Marabel and the Book of Fate by Tracy Barrett

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

The celebration of Prince Marco and Prince Marabel’s 13th birthday is a big deal. Moreso for Marco as the Book of Fate says he is the Chosen One. Sometimes Marabel feels like an afterthought.  She has to hide that she is taking fencing lessons because her father thinks it is a waste of time. On the day of the party, Marabel see something suspicious during the screening of party guests, but no one takes her seriously.

Just before the clock strikes 13:13 – the moment of Marco’s birth – at the party, Mab, the queen of the Evils of the Desolate Barrens reveals herself and kidnaps Marco.

Marabel is determined to go after her twin, but the king orders her to stay out of the way and locks her in her room. Marabel, her maid and best friend, Ellie, and Floriano the unicorn sneak out of the castle anyway to track down Queen Mab and rescue Marco, no matter what dangers the Barrens hold.

Review

This was a delight from start to finish. I loved that the author acknowledged the usual fairy tale clichés right from the beginning. The tone of the book was fun from page one.

My heart broke for Marabel. She had a great relationship with all her siblings, but she was shunted to the side – or forgotten – over and over again. Her twin had to remind the king it was her birthday, too! None of this made Marabel bitter or mean. She’s a smart, kind and determined girl. All of those qualities helped her on her quest.

This reminded me of the Hero’s Guide series (by Christopher Healy) or the Wide-Awake Princess series (by E.D. Baker) in tone. I adored both of those series. Marabel’s story fits in with them perfectly. If you have fans of either of those series, I think you can hand them this book confidently.

There’s plenty of adventure, some magic (but a lot more smarts), and some fantastic creatures (the dragon, Hotshot, is my favorite). There’s a thread of girl-power through the story. I loved that none of it was at the expense of the male leaders. The wrap up was terrific. I’d read more stories with Marabel and her friends!

Thanks to Netgalley and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for the opportunity to read an electronic copy of Marabel and the Book of Fate for review purposes.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥½