Another of books I have read lately (I am on a serious roll over here) is Jessica Day George's book Princess of the Midnight Ball. This story is a retelling of the 12 dancing princesses and is completely charming. In the back of the book the author answers a few questions and tells that one of the reasons she wanted to write the story was to right some questions and concerns she had with the original fairy tale (such as, why would princesses want to dance all night, night after night, when it certainly must have made them tired?). Personally, I like the storyline George proffers--the plot changes are an improvement to the tale overall. In fact, I enjoyed it so much I am currently half way through reading it to my kids.Description from the back of the book:
Galen is a young soldier returning from war; Rose is one of twelve princesses condemned to dance each night for the King Under Stone. Together Galen and Rose will search for a way to break the curse that forces the princesses to dance at the midnight balls. All they need is one invisibility cloak, a black wool chain knit with enchanted silver needles, and that most critical ingredient of all—true love—to conquer their foes in the dark halls below. But malevolent forces are working against them above ground as well, and as cruel as the King Under Stone has seemed, his wrath is mere irritation compared to the evil that awaits Galen and Rose in the brighter world above.
Captivating from start to finish, Jessica Day George’s take on the Grimms’ tale The Twelve Dancing Princesses demonstrates yet again her mastery at spinning something entirely fresh out of a story you thought you knew.
Other books by Jessica Day George include Princess of Glass, Dragon Glass, and Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow.
Scripture of the Day: 2 Nephi 31:16
I read this one too. It was a fun story. Good for you for sharing it with your kids.
ReplyDeleteThis is on my good read book list. After reading your review I want to check it out today and read it.
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