Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George is a sweet addition to the retold fairytale trend. The story follows Galen, a young man returning from a devastating war in search of the only family he has left, a distant aunt and uncle that might take him in. Though he finds his family, he also finds work as a gardener at the palace, a position both honored and hated. There he meets Rose, the eldest Princess, and her sisters, who every night, without explanation, wear through their dancing shoes. Their father, the King of Westfallin, frustrated with his daughters and their nighttime activities, offers the princes of the surrounding kingdoms a promise: find the reason why the princesses shoes are worn through and win the throne of Westfallin through marriage to the daughter of their choice. But when princes start dying after meeting with the princesses, tensions between kingdoms increase and witchcraft is rumored to be afoot in the castle. Galen, who has befriended the princesses and fallen in love with Princess Rose, is determined to find out the truth. Armed with his wits and some magical gifts, he will be forced to battle against powers beyond his imagining.
Retold fairytales can be difficult for readers to appreciate: a well-known and beloved fairytale that has been rewritten has the power to entice readers or turn them away completely. Readers will either be bored by its predictability or love that the retelling stayed faithful to the original story. Jessica Day George finds a sweet spot in between with her retelling. It is a satisfying story that is simple in its writing which makes this novel a great read that is easy to understand. As such, Princess of the Midnight Ball is a great starting off point for readers who are just beginning to become interested in fairytale retellings. However, if you are a seasoned reader looking for an exciting and innovative look at fairytales, this reader would suggest you look elsewhere.
Princess of the Midnight Ball is only book one in the three-part series which follows the other sisters on retold fairytale journeys of their own. The series has potential to expand upon forgotten characters and further enhance the personalities of the central characters. This reader can only hope that the rest of the series enhances the positives of Princess of the Midnight Ball while supporting what promises to be a fascinating series for fairytale lovers.
Does it have a Young Adult Label?: No.
Recommended if you like: Series, Retold fairytales, Dancing, Evil kings, Rival kingdoms, Magic, Curses, Secrets, Flowers, Romance, Adventure
Rating:
Retold fairytales can be difficult for readers to appreciate: a well-known and beloved fairytale that has been rewritten has the power to entice readers or turn them away completely. Readers will either be bored by its predictability or love that the retelling stayed faithful to the original story. Jessica Day George finds a sweet spot in between with her retelling. It is a satisfying story that is simple in its writing which makes this novel a great read that is easy to understand. As such, Princess of the Midnight Ball is a great starting off point for readers who are just beginning to become interested in fairytale retellings. However, if you are a seasoned reader looking for an exciting and innovative look at fairytales, this reader would suggest you look elsewhere.
Princess of the Midnight Ball is only book one in the three-part series which follows the other sisters on retold fairytale journeys of their own. The series has potential to expand upon forgotten characters and further enhance the personalities of the central characters. This reader can only hope that the rest of the series enhances the positives of Princess of the Midnight Ball while supporting what promises to be a fascinating series for fairytale lovers.
Does it have a Young Adult Label?: No.
Recommended if you like: Series, Retold fairytales, Dancing, Evil kings, Rival kingdoms, Magic, Curses, Secrets, Flowers, Romance, Adventure
Rating: