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user613's review against another edition
4.0
This is a cute, clean, magical adventure.
Darling Dimple was raised in the royal palace among the Under-servants. One day she's promoted to be an Under-presser. She moves to the Upper floors of the palace, near the princess.
There, Darling discovers a secret that could endanger the whole kingdom.
Darling tries to get help from the grown ups (the book gets major points for that. Not many books have children who know how to ask for help). No one believes her, though. They think it's another one of the stories she loves to tell.
So, it's up to her to save the day.
Which she does, with the help of a magical bird, dresses that come to life, and a secret magical word.
There was a cute twist in the end (that I saw coming. I am an adult, though). Just when Darling thinks she's getting to the bottom of the mystery, she discovers that she has the completely wrong idea.
There was also a princess. Dresses. Secrets. Trapped dragons. Cool magical powers. (Almost) talking animals. A brave heroine. And, a bunch of great characters and friendships.
Any young reader who likes princesses, magic and adventures will love this book.
Content Warning: clean
The book has a few minorly scary scenes and evil characters. There were also many animals either dead, or trapped in plaster and glass windows (magicall), and scary dragons trapped in stone. Darling is afraid the dragons will be released and kill the entire kingdom.
One character wants to marry the Princess to become King, and then kill her. We later learn that he's already married.
There are some mentions of boys liking girls, and a kiss between Lindy (Darling's new mistress) and her sweetheart.
Darling Dimple was raised in the royal palace among the Under-servants. One day she's promoted to be an Under-presser. She moves to the Upper floors of the palace, near the princess.
There, Darling discovers a secret that could endanger the whole kingdom.
Spoiler
On top of the palace are dragons trapped of stone. And, someone wants to free them and use them to take over their kingdom.Darling tries to get help from the grown ups (the book gets major points for that. Not many books have children who know how to ask for help). No one believes her, though. They think it's another one of the stories she loves to tell.
So, it's up to her to save the day.
Which she does, with the help of a magical bird, dresses that come to life, and a secret magical word.
There was a cute twist in the end (that I saw coming. I am an adult, though). Just when Darling thinks she's getting to the bottom of the mystery, she discovers that she has the completely wrong idea.
There was also a princess. Dresses. Secrets. Trapped dragons. Cool magical powers. (Almost) talking animals. A brave heroine. And, a bunch of great characters and friendships.
Any young reader who likes princesses, magic and adventures will love this book.
Content Warning: clean
Spoiler
The book has a few minorly scary scenes and evil characters. There were also many animals either dead, or trapped in plaster and glass windows (magicall), and scary dragons trapped in stone. Darling is afraid the dragons will be released and kill the entire kingdom.
One character wants to marry the Princess to become King, and then kill her. We later learn that he's already married.
There are some mentions of boys liking girls, and a kiss between Lindy (Darling's new mistress) and her sweetheart.
kaelyn_simone's review
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
kraley's review against another edition
4.0
This is a great pre-teen book. I loved all of the magic and the lovely characters.
beyondevak's review against another edition
5.0
Hard copy, here I come!
This book was so brilliant. I thoroughly enjoyed the writing and creativity. It's a new favorite for me. I'm certain kids of all ages will appreciate it.
NetGalley
This book was so brilliant. I thoroughly enjoyed the writing and creativity. It's a new favorite for me. I'm certain kids of all ages will appreciate it.
NetGalley
sunsess's review against another edition
4.0
I must admit - though I am now a young adult, my heart still years for simpler stories. Ones where creativity is whimsical and silly, where instead of the name Sally you get Sunpie and Jerry Jelly-Belly, and where the characters still believe their dreams are just a wish away. This is that book. A book with the entertainment factor of a kids book, but the writing style of a teen/YA book. The only part I didn't like was the resolution, which wasn't bad, but felt like it could've been better. Of course I'd already had a couple of endings written in my head so that probably influenced things. XD
Overall, great book. I will definitely be reading the second one. 4 cows!
Overall, great book. I will definitely be reading the second one. 4 cows!
liz_towery's review against another edition
5.0
I would put this book is the same group as Ella Enchanted. It was fun and magical and kept you guessing. I definitely recommend it to any one looking for a fun read.