Galen is a soldier, who knits his own socks, has lost his entire family in the Analousian War, and has survived to begin a new life. He follows the tales of his dead mother to find her living sister. And his uncle, who happens to be the head gardener for the king. Thus Galen becomes an undergardener.

And privy to the most dramatic mystery in the kingdom.

For no one, especially the daughters of the king, can tell where they disappear each night. And why their slippers are always worn through. And why even when they are grievously ill, they are compelled to dance.

Jessica Day George’s rendering of the fairy tale, The Twelve Dancing Princesses, is smooth and romantic and a sheer pleasure to read.