kjrollins's review against another edition
4.0
I loved this retelling of 12 dancing princesses! I’ve never read one before and it was such a intrigue set up to the dancing every night trope. This series has me hooked in a great way. I’m not one for political intrigue so that stuff was boring but all the competition and magic was great!
leahegood's review against another edition
4.0
I think I'm hooked on Melanie Cellier stories. After listening to [b:A Tale of Beauty and Beast|36199298|A Tale of Beauty and Beast (Beyond the Four Kingdoms, #2)|Melanie Cellier|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1504824056l/36199298._SY75_.jpg|57828635], book two of this series, I knew I wanted to read the other books. (I'm a little sad that Hoopla does not seem to have the series that appears to precede this one--I'd read/listen to them in order--but I'll worry about that later.
[b:A Dance of Silver and Shadow|36186930|A Dance of Silver and Shadow (Beyond the Four Kingdoms, #1)|Melanie Cellier|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1504631497l/36186930._SY75_.jpg|57809764] is a retelling of [b:The Twelve Dancing Princesses|849287|The Twelve Dancing Princesses|Marianna Mayer|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1387739866l/849287._SX50_.jpg|29499]. But what if the twelve princesses were required to enter the enchanted kingdom instead of forbidden? And what if the ruined slippers came from something far more ominous than dancing?
It isn't love at first sight for Princess Lily and Prince Jonathan ... but it's pretty close! I have to admit that I prefer longer, almost unnoticed falling-in-love of Sophie and Dominick in the Beauty and the Beast retelling. There was also an awful lot of kissing. :P But Lily and Jonathan definitely had their own cuteness, attracted to each other's protective natures and feelings of responsibility for their countries.
I would definitely recommend reading the series in order. This book held my attention a little less than it might have because I knew some of the outcomes prematurely from having read book two first.
Overall, I'm still fully hooked on this series. You'll find me spending my evenings knitting Christmas presents and listening to book three.
[b:A Dance of Silver and Shadow|36186930|A Dance of Silver and Shadow (Beyond the Four Kingdoms, #1)|Melanie Cellier|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1504631497l/36186930._SY75_.jpg|57809764] is a retelling of [b:The Twelve Dancing Princesses|849287|The Twelve Dancing Princesses|Marianna Mayer|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1387739866l/849287._SX50_.jpg|29499]. But what if the twelve princesses were required to enter the enchanted kingdom instead of forbidden? And what if the ruined slippers came from something far more ominous than dancing?
It isn't love at first sight for Princess Lily and Prince Jonathan ... but it's pretty close! I have to admit that I prefer longer, almost unnoticed falling-in-love of Sophie and Dominick in the Beauty and the Beast retelling. There was also an awful lot of kissing. :P But Lily and Jonathan definitely had their own cuteness, attracted to each other's protective natures and feelings of responsibility for their countries.
I would definitely recommend reading the series in order. This book held my attention a little less than it might have because I knew some of the outcomes prematurely from having read book two first.
Overall, I'm still fully hooked on this series. You'll find me spending my evenings knitting Christmas presents and listening to book three.
connie_a's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
banana83854's review against another edition
3.0
**3.5 STARS** Really enjoyed this fairytale retelling, including fun plot surprises and plenty of lovable characters. Clever foreshadowing of other fairytale stories as well. Would be interested in reading more from this author. Probably not too memorable though.
mimela78's review
adventurous
funny
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
tallyvauthor's review
5.0
So admittedly, I did not know the story of the Twelve Dancing Princesses prior to reading this book. Part of me had inkling of what parts were from the fable just because of how out of pocket they were.
BUT A competition where no one wants to win but they all have to put their all into it regardless is an amazing story. I think what I love about this book is how it does exactly what it aims to do. It's a delightful retelling with lovable characters including Seline, Lily, The Prince, and all of his cousins/brothers.
I adore how it speaks to their honor without discounting the princesses and how powerful they were on their own.
Applause.
BUT A competition where no one wants to win but they all have to put their all into it regardless is an amazing story. I think what I love about this book is how it does exactly what it aims to do. It's a delightful retelling with lovable characters including Seline, Lily, The Prince, and all of his cousins/brothers.
I adore how it speaks to their honor without discounting the princesses and how powerful they were on their own.
Applause.
jacq_benoit's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
abbythebibliophile's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25