Book cover for The Princess Game; image from the internet.

Title: The Princess Game: A Reimagining of Sleeping Beauty

Author: Melanie Cellier

Series: The Four Kingdoms

Tags: Young Adult, Fairy Tale

Reflections: I don’t usually like to read books out of order. I make a point of starting series with book one. This not always the best method, but one that I am a stickler for following. Except in this instance. Belonging to the Four Kingdoms series this was book 4 and I have not read the others. Though it does read comfortably as a stand alone novel.

The Princess Game was a cute re-imagining of Sleeping Beauty. It was safe and light but I rather liked it. I am a sucker for hidden identities. Particularly when a person pretends to be one thing during the day and something else at night. Not surprisingly I am a huge fan of Zorro. And there were elements of that dual identity throughout the book.

While I appreciate the idea of making Sleeping Beauty more of an active participant in her life, I did find the curse a little on the weak side. Granted, this was because of some interference of various fairy godmothers (to be discussed later). Instead of death or sleep, the princess is cursed to have her gifted intelligence put to sleep – in effect becoming an idiot. Only, through some more magical manipulations, Sleeping Beauty is forced to have the appearance of an idiot, while she keeps her fierce intelligence to herself.

Book cover for The Princess Game; image from the internet.

I appreciate that the book celebrates the importance of intelligence, but overall this a very low impact curse. Mostly it means that when seen by others who know who she is, our heroic princess must play the part of flighty airhead. This seemed to take the route of keeping her conversation on topics of clothes or in a pinch anything that is not related to the current topic of discourse. Cute, but not high stakes.

My other complaint comes in the form of an over abundance of fairy godmothers. It seems at times the characters are tripping over these gift-giving magical creatures. It feels a bit like a cheat to have everything solved so easily by someone else. Though, this re-imagining did try to stay rather close to the Disney version, complete with the requirement of True-Love’s Kiss. Like with many other stories, there was a lack of subtlety that would have made the simple, familiar plot a little more intriguing.

Still, with a target audience of young adults, there is nothing offensive in the story. And I did like the princess turn spy, so overall I would give this a 3 out of 5.

I know it is has been a long time since I posted a book review. The end of last year (October – December) was a little chaotic for and I simply had no time for reading. However, the New Year has brought a few days of binge reading. Now it is a matter of recording my thoughts about what I have read to share with you. Don’t worry, these will be very short as work is starting to pick up again.

The first book from my Winter Book Shelf Reading List up for review is Coiled.

Book cover for Coiled by H.L. Burke, taken from the internet.

Title: Coiled

Author: H.L. Burke

Tags: Young Adult, Fairy Tale / Myth

Reflections: Coiled was a cute, young adult fairy tale/romantic myth. Set in a world feeling like ancient Rome/Greece, Princess Laidra is cursed. While her sister dominates her Kingdom’s court and parents affection, Laidra is relegated to the shadows. Until the day she is taken as sacrifice for a monstrous serpent. Escaping her captors, Laidra washes ashore of the island guarding another cursed child. Prince Calen is isolated from the world even more than Laidra. But alone in the dark, they can become friends. At least until those tormenting Calen come to finish off the prince.

The book is cute, predictable and decently written. The target audience is younger and while I enjoyed having the time to read, it was not the most gripping of tales. The world is different from traditional medieval fairy tales, so that was a nice change. However, I would have prefered more focus on the character development. Instead the plot focuses on the convoluted relations of one rather dysfunctional family, how parents ruin the lives of their children and demigods are mostly selfish, vindictive jerks.

In the end, my biggest complaint was the seemingly random fetch-quest the main characters are set to solve their problems. And it does solve everything. All their personal problems are dealt with by collecting magic water from the well of life (or something like that). How this action changes the long standing opinions of others is a bit of mystery to me, but the story had to end somehow and in reality interpersonal relations are difficult to resolve.

Overall, this is a competent story that gets points for its less common setting but failed to inspire more than “it was fine” rating from me. I would give it 3.5 stars out of 5.

Image of the book cover, Schooled in Magic by Christopher Nuttall. Image from the internet.

Good news – I have gained more employment. Bad news – I will have even less time for reading and writing reviews. Thus I anticipate this is going to be my last post for a while.

Schooled in Magic is the first in a fantasy series by Christopher Nuttall. Our female protagonist, Emily, has a tragic sort of life when she is pulled into another world rife with necromancers, danger and magic. When it is discovered she also has sorceress potential, Emily is sent off to the prestigious Whitehall School.

The story is fine, the writing is sufficient and the characters are okay. This I realize is hardly a stellar review. Well, the book lacked that hook to engage my attention and perhaps I was not in the right mood for that style of book.

The plot was not the most interesting and is far from original. When we are introduced to Emily, we learn she leads the most sad of sad lives. She is a tragic high school student with nearly no friends. Teased and bullied by other students and verbally abused by her stepfather, Emily retreats into books. While I too love literature and libraries, I did not need my mother to fail as a parent for me to enjoy them. Emily’s mother not only married an abusive second husband (after the first one vanishes – I bet I can guess where he went!), but she remains in this abusive relationship. And while I recognize people do behave in this manner – it is becoming a bit of trope in the world of fantasy. At least it feels that way to me.

Image of the book cover, Schooled in Magic by Christopher Nuttall. Image from the internet.

Then suddenly, Emily is whisked away to another world where a necromancer plans on sacrificing her life because she is the Child of Destiny (her mother’s name is Destiny). While the book does try to play with this idea – even Emily recognizes she cannot be the person prophesized – the story also falls back to Emily being super special. You’re a Wizard Harry Emily! I suppose I should have known from the title of the book that much of it would revolve around Emily learning magic in a world reminiscent of Harry Potter – if more students died and the magic was a bit meaner. Harry Potter at high school I suppose. Even the teachers are meaner.

I appreciated the rather pragmatic view of the main character who is willing to sell the ideas of our world to this new land (with its more medieval structure). However, it was difficult for the American heroine to sell me on how there is no classism in the US. Yeah, for pointing out how the social structure of the past was bad. Sadly the presentation of such information was not interesting, and it was presented by a character whose home world is far from perfect.

Anyway, for a younger audience, I think this book would be more interesting. And perhaps the series picks up over time. For me it was mediocre, which was a bit sad as I actually paid for this book. But as I mentioned earlier, I may just not have been in the mood for the story. At this point I would give it 3 out of 5 stars. Nothing offensive but nothing noteworthy.

My book review of A Mortal Song will contain some spoilers – you have been warned. This young adult fantasy-fairy tale novel by Megan Crewe was, in short, good.

The book cover of A Mortal Song. Image from the internet.

I loved the Japanese setting, partly because I had been there. I have seen Mount Fuji – I have actually climbed it! I have been to Tokyo. I know what the inside of a high school looks like and I have certainly stopped at many of the numerous shrines that litter Japan’s landscape. Yes, they really are found everywhere.

I enjoyed the coming of age story as Sora discovers the truth about her family and heritage. The book took an interesting look at the idea of children swapped at birth. It explored the related emotions of learning your parents will tell lies, even though they still love you.

A Mortal Song has all the classic elements of a youth novel. The leads are children – well, I suppose at 17 they are more like young adults – who must save the world (or the mountain) including the adults. There is self-discovery, first loves, a bit of betrayal and monster fighting. I love that the ending does not hinge on the girl with the most powerful weapons. Words are just as strong as emotions and can overcome even the scariest of demons.

Our lead heroine, Sora, is believable. Her turmoil of emotions draw the reader through her joys, fears, and uncertainties. The relations she builds with the other characters are strong and realistic. The motivations are clear. The threat of Mt. Fuji’s anger is felt by the rest of the world. This creates a solid connection between the fantasy of the story and the world in which the story is set. The stakes are real for the characters.

From the book cover of A Mortal Song. Image from the internet.

Despite the Japanese influence in the setting, character names and religion, the books is not overwhelmed with Japanese words. It is very accessible. In fact, I would have enjoyed a little more reference to Japan’s culture and language, but recognize this may not be approachable for many readers. The notes and pieces that were included felt well-researched and authentic.

A Mortal Song is filled with solid writing, a fast-paced plot and characters the reader can relate to. The journey of Sora teaches us that being human is a good thing. In fact, even humans can help the kami and prevent mountains from erupting. The ending is bitter-sweet in the way that growing up is.

For a star rating, A Mortal Song gets 5 out of 5. Great writing and solid story.

Image of the book cover found on the internet.

I was perusing the online bookstore looking for things to read (preferably free) when I came across ~. I opened the digital book and scanned the first few pages posted online. I like this aspect of online book stores. You can get a lot of information from the first few pages of the book, though sometimes they can be deceiving. This time they struck a cord and I decided I really wanted to read this story. Only it wasn’t free. So I dithered over spending a whole $1.28 on the purchase. Since I am writing this review, I obviously did buy the book.

A Stolen Kiss by Kelsey Keating was exactly what the opening pages promised. It was a fairy-tale. Only, it didn’t stick just two one specific story. Instead it took elements of witches and wizards, of dark forests and magical creatures, of spells and curses and wove everything together into something new with a comfortable familiar feeling.

In this story we had a swan princesses and a newly wakened sorcerer. The story focuses on Princess Maria and apparent stable hand Daniel (also known as Derric, the son of the evil sorceress Gilda). They travel on a quest to free Maria of her swan-transformation curse with Prince Humphrey and Sarah. Humphrey is Maria’s betrothed. He is the younger prince of another kingdom with dreams of becoming an actor and marrying the girl he loves (who is not Maria). Sarah is Maria’s lady’s maid and Derric’s younger sister.

Only, as things are never quite what they seem, it turns out that Derric is not at all related to Sarah. Further, Sarah’s mother is not her biological parent (though her father really is her father). Yes, it is complicated, but the very best part is the strength of the relationship between the siblings. Even when they discover the truth of their bloodlines, Sarah states quite clearly that family is more than just blood, it is the people you love. And that doesn’t change. They are still siblings at the end of the story, fond of each other as close siblings can be.

I was also fond of Humphrey and his mysterious girlfriend. Who, in a surprising twist, was with them all the time. Well, sort of. Actually, for all the twists and reveals that came at the climatic end, it worked. Everything had been appropriately foreshadowed throughout the story so that nothing came from nowhere, even though much of it was a surprise.

A Stolen Kiss was a well written youth novel. I like the fairy-tale elements, which in the end support the strength of all the characters. For all the princess starts as the quintessential damsel in distress, she ends the story as her own strength and power. She returns to her kingdom, not to be married off to another prince who will then rule, but to rule herself. In fact, the author does a rather good job of marrying classic fairy-tale elements with modern ideals of equality.

The only drawback is the intended audience. This is clearly a young person story for ages 12 – 16 years old. Everything is spelled out neatly (and rather blatantly). But it is well done as a story. It is clean, crisp and engaging. While I might prefer a mode adult version, this is a good book and one I could easily recommend.

Manners and Mutiny marks the fourth and final book in the Finishing School Series by Gail Carriger. It is a brilliant read! I still love Carriger’s style of writing. Sure the naming is a bit silly, the plots are ridiculous, and the characters are not the most real (some are dead after all!), but it is wonderfully well done. She is a perfect example of good writing. It is quirky, inventive and set in a world that is detailed and internally consistent. As a result I love her work.

I started with her first series, the Parasol Protectorate. While I might not love the name of the series, I did like the title of the first book: Souless. I was drawn to the strong female lead, the slightly odd manner of description (which is endlessly entertaining to read and reread), and the fantasy/steampunk world Victorian world. So, the undead and shapeshifters are not always my thing. And there are definitely elements that I am not fussed over, but when faced with great writing that draws you into the world and the characters, well nearly all else is forgiven.

I would have expected writing a new series, with even more mechanicals, set a couple decades before the author’s original series would be problematic at best. Not only was there more technology, but the leads were younger and the writing was more for YA than adults. I confess I might have had my doubts at the beginning (stated in previous post). Fortunately the author had a plan, one that came to glowing fruition in this final installment. Manners & Mutiny neatly concluded the story arc of that had been started four novels earlier with Etiquette & Espionage. It cleaned up all the necessary loose ends and it hinted (or blatantly explained) a number of connections these characters have with those in the Parasol Protectorate. It was remarkably well done.

So, what was it all about? Well, in Etiquette & Espionage, young Sophronia is shipped off to an unusual, floating (dirigible) finishing school for young ladies. A school where they learn to … well, finish. They are being trained as intelligencers – spies, assassins, that sort of thing. At school they learn how to take out, or at least take down, humans, werewolves and vampires alongside other important subjects like correct dress, dancing, flirtation, and of course code-breaking. All the important traits any young lady of good breeding ought to know when she is presented to society. Sophronia is a headstrong, resilient and very active girl. She easily gets herself into trouble, and nearly as often gets herself back out. But she is not without friends (from various parts of society), and those friendships help to define her and her choices. Manners & Mutiny sees Sophronia through the end of her school and sets the table for her future happenings.

Manners and Mutiny is simply another excellent example of superb writing. Gail Carriger has a strong, clear voice. She as a wonderfully quirky style of writing that is never boring to read. Her characters are alive with strengths and failings. The relationships are real and relevant in modern times. She does really well with the constraints of her Victorian society and doesn’t use this as a lazy reason to keep with the perceived status quo of fantasy writing. There is a discussion of skin colour and sexual orientation – it is masterfully handled and neither glaring nor so subtle to be missed.

This is an author whose books I would recommend – highly!

Cover of the book. I do not own this image or the other book covers in this post.

Book Cover for the Golden Apple – borrowed from the internet.

The Golden Apple by Michelle Diener is a competently written young adult fantasy. It reads like a fairy tale with the classic elements of princesses, knights, sorcerers, witches and woodsmen. There is a Great Forest filled with strange and terrible magic, a quest and of course a magical Golden Apple. Unfortunately, the author also throws in some mythical creatures/races at the end of the book that seem incongruous with the rest of the world she was trying to create.

The plot moves along at a healthy clip. It does not waste time or drag out character growth and change. That is not to say there isn’t character development. The two leads develop much as I would expect them to, they just don’t dwell much on their troubles as they move purposefully through the plot. Things are constantly happening. And the characters spend just enough time talking with each other and dialoging internally to explain everything clearly to the reader. Things are certainly not slow. And that is good.

The only down side, is that it is not elegant. It is efficient, solid and just a little juvenile. However, considering the target audience, that is perhaps the intent. It is not poetic or beautifully written prose. But it is well done.

The princess is strong, brave and good. She is the modern princess who is taking charge of her life and not going to let her father or any other man tell her what to do. Well, outside of the Evil Sorcerer who has enchanted the princess to fetch a relic for him.

This book lacks Red Pandas, but it does have a giant bespelled house cat.

The woodsman is similarly heroic, strong and good. Sure he might have lied a little in the beginning, but that is because he is trying to save the life of another. Besides, he learns quickly the princesses is definitely worth protecting; even if he will need the rescuing towards the end.

After the prerequisite rough start our two protagonists discover they work best together. They fight the Evils sorcerer and Duke. They overcome the dangers of the Great Forest. They are reckless enough to have faults and good enough to show mercy and kindness to the fairy-required strangers. And naturally they fall in love. Though all intimate scenes are kept strictly PG.

The Golden Apple is a strong young adult fantasy, with no serious flaws and PG imagery. It is good and if I was to rate it I would give it 4 stars out of 5. Why? Because it was not special. It was not wonderfully written being generic much of the time. It was competently written – which is to say that is better than most things I have read in a while. But there are still far better works out there. So solidly good, just not spectacularly great.