Lisa Dawn's Blog: The Princess Blog, page 14
June 20, 2024
Review: A Healing Hope
I received a last-minute ARC for A Healing Hope by Selina De Luca and read it over the weekend. This is the second book I have read from the Hope Ever After series, a charity author collaboration to support O.U.R. (Operation Underground Rescue), which rescues children from exploitation and trafficking. The story supports this mission in its themes and worldbuilding. Though it is a retelling of "Rapunzel," it takes only the most basic elements of the fairy tale to weave a unique and original mythology similar to A Cascading Hope, the other book I've read from this series. Both of these stories take place in high fantasy worlds with complex magic systems and lore, which, though sometimes overwhelming, had a lot of love and planning put into them. This book does a particularly good job of providing hope to lost children who dream of returning home with its theming and plot.
Raíza is a lost princess trapped in a dragon-guarded tower with a solid escape plan in mind. However, when she reconfigures a discarded dragon wing into a harness to fly safely to the ground, she realizes that someone else is planning to come to her rescue, and he needs help. Thadeus is a little embarrassed to have traversed a deadly labyrinth to rescue a princess who has already rescued herself, but pride does not prevent him from allowing her to use her depleting source of magic hair to heal him so they can return home together. The biggest obstacle that stands in Raíza's way of opening her heart up to Thadeus completely is her desire to protect the child that the dragon induced upon her body with a magic potion, a rarely used throwback to the original fairy tale in which Rapunzel gave birth while locked in the tower.The book does an excellent job of creating an "otherworldly" feel through the use of poetic language and gem lore, which reminded me a little of Steven Universe. The people in this world are born with powers that are determined based on the color of their eyes, which is associated with a type of gem. For instance, someone born with green eyes has Emerald powers, which allows them to heal. Gold is considered the rarest and most powerful force in this world, which is why Raíza is so protective of her golden-eyed child whose powers are coveted by their captor. Thadeus is a Silver, which gives him the power of sight to navigate the labyrinth and help Raíza escape. Through their combined efforts, they help each other break down the walls of pride and defensiveness that make each of them so guarded.
One aspect of the book that I did not enjoy as much was the confusion behind Raíza's memories that were caused by psychological trauma. There were parts of the story that didn't make much sense until the truth was revealed later that I found confusing and difficult to follow at times. Although everything was explained at the end, Raíza's altered memory seemed extraneous to the story, and the cause of it was not elaborated upon during earlier parts of the book that would have allowed readers to sympathize more with her and better understand her motivations. That said, the trauma of living in a world where children are coveted and captured for their magic is a beautiful and poignant reflection of the charity that this series supports.
A Healing Hope by Selina De Luca is a whimsical retelling of "Rapunzel" that weaves a unique and original mythology in a high fantasy world. With its poetic language, gem lore, and complex magic system, this book transports readers to an otherworldly realm. Raíza and Thadeus's journey is a beautiful exploration of hope, resilience, and the power of combined efforts. While some aspects of the book may be confusing at times, the story ultimately shines a light on the important mission of O.U.R. and the resilience of children who have been exploited and trafficked. A Healing Hope is a must-read for fans of fantasy and fairy tale retellings, and a wonderful contribution to the Hope Ever After series.
June 17, 2024
Finding Anastasia Is the Best Tabletop Game You've Never Played!
It took three long years, but I finally received my copy of Finding Anastasia in the mail, a game I had backed on Kickstarter and promoted in my board game post last year. This game is breathtakingly beautiful and tons of fun at parties, so it's a shame that it isn't more widely available. Inspired by the historical legend that was popularized by the beloved 1997 animated movie, Finding Anastasia is a social deduction game in which players who claim to be Anastasia are given invitations to a tea party held by the Empress to find her long-lost granddaughter before Rasputin's spies can eliminate her. The Kickstarter campaign for this game ran for a long time, allowing many upgrades to pass into its final production, including a gorgeous custom teacup to hold the jewels, tarot-sized player cards with original artwork, and a beautiful box that can be mounted on a wall when not in use.
Finding Anastasia is produced by Good Knight Games an independent game group that has experience selling high-quality games. The contents of the box itself make it worth the pledge money before any gameplay even begins. It contains a neoprene mat that lists all of the clues to discover Anastasia's true identity, including how she escaped the revolution, where she escaped to, and what trinket she brought with her. The teacup is a quality item with a gorgeous blue floral pattern surrounding an image of a young girl escaping the palace. Each player can choose from ten different screen-printed tokens that invoke fairy tale symbols that have become synonymous with princesses over the years, including a slipper, a rose, a gown, a castle, a mirror, and a royal coach. The character and clue cards are placed inside authentic-looking party invitation envelopes that list the actions that players can take, serving as an aid for gameplay as well as a way to hide their roles.
The game is advertised as supporting 1-15 players, but it is most enjoyable with at least five players. A fifth player invokes the use of the Empress card, who serves as the hostess throughout the game. I have played the single-player version and the four-player version and found it a lot more fun with multiple people. When playing with three people or less, the Automata deck is put to use, which allows the character cards, which are placed face-down, to perform actions to try to compete with the player. This version of the game is incredibly easy because no one is trying to mislead their identity with their actions. It also does not require the use of the lovely mat or tokens, which is a waste of good artwork. With four people, we were able to incorporate most of the game's features and mislead our fellow players about Anastasia's identity, depending on whether the character was good or evil. I got the Anastasia card in two out of three gameplays and was poisoned by Rasputin's Agent both times!. Without the fifth Empress player to act as a mediator, it can be difficult for Anastasia to defend herself against her enemies. You can watch a sample playthrough of the game on YouTube below:
It can take several playthroughs to get a full grasp of the rules. For instance, it's easy to forget to place gems on the clues that were not selected each time a question is answered about a player's identity. Some characters are also easier to play than others. Although most players can spend seven gems to reveal their character's identity, Anastasia is never allowed to reveal herself, meaning she has to depend on the other players to do so and hope that the person who figures it out is on her side and not an infiltrator who wants to kill her. Anastasia is the only character who has clues in all three categories, forcing other players to lie when asked about a clue that is not in their hand. Determining who the liars are is only the first step as that is not necessarily an indicator of where their loyalties lie. There are also neutral characters, such as the Collector, who only needs to collect the most gems to win the game regardless of who discovers Anastasia's identity.
Finding Anastasia is a stunningly beautiful and engaging social deduction game that is perfect for parties. Despite its limited availability, this game is a must-have for any board game enthusiast or princess fan. With its gorgeous artwork, quality components, and intricate gameplay, Finding Anastasia is a true masterpiece. While it may take a few playthroughs to fully grasp the rules, the game offers a unique and thrilling experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Whether you're a fan of social deduction games or just looking for a new challenge, Finding Anastasia is a game that will not disappoint. There are still some late pledges available to the party if you are brave enough to uncover the truth behind Anastasia's identity! Are you one of the lucky few to obtain a copy of this game? Let me know in the comments below!
June 16, 2024
Review: To Ride the Wind
Charlotte, who was first introduced in The Abandoned Princess is all grown up and ready to go on adventures of her own, in no small part to get away from her sisters, who treat her like an outsider in her own family. In all of her wildest imaginings, she was unprepared for that adventure that came in the form of a talking bear and an impromptu proposal. She thought her parents would reject such an absurd suggestion, so Charlotte was shocked when her entire family was swayed by the offer of money and comfort in exchange for her hand in marriage to a talking bear. Another misconception she had was that her new husband was a talking animal from the Palace of Light, a recurring mythological location in this series, instead of a cursed human. Henry brought Charlotte to a vast enchanted castle where she could have everything her heart desired except her fondest wish to see his human face at night.
This book is told from dual perspectives, but not from the two love interests. Instead, it switches between Charlotte and Gwen, a foreign princess who does not meet Charlotte until near the end of the book. This is a bold move, but it pays off when the girls become fast friends, and the reader doesn't need any expository dialogue to catch up. It also helps to build up hype for the second book, which will likely focus more on Gwen than Charlotte. Gwen represents the troll princess from "East of the Sun and West of the Moon," but the way she is described is the exact opposite. She is a traditional fairy tale princess with a desire to be free from the lies and secrets in the confines of her castle and to save her people from her mother's tyranny. Between Charlotte and Gwen, this book tells two very different stories about two different types of heroines to reflect the dual nature of this adapation.
The biggest challenge of "East of the Sun and West of the Moon" to have a likable protagonist takes place when she uses a candle to look at her husband because her family thinks she might have been tricked into marrying someone ugly. This book does not change that part too much, but it uses Gwen's limited knowledge of curses and magic to form suspicion and fear for her friend. Charlotte trusts Henry implicitly and only decides to use the candle to prove her parents' accusations wrong, which were fueled by her new friend. In the end, the mistake comes as a result of pride and willfulness as opposed to superficiality, which are better flaws for a modern heroine as the superficiality theme has been done to death, and most noble protagonists can see beyond appearances. The reunion at the end of this book was not what I expected. The book had focused so much on Charlotte's story that I thought Gwen's would come in the next book. I look forward to learning how both girls can resolve their differences.
To Ride the Wind by Melanie Cellier is a thrilling retelling of "East of the Sun and West of the Moon" that exceeded my expectations. With its dual perspectives, adventure, romance, and surprises, this book is a must-read for fairy tale fans. Charlotte and Gwen's stories may be different, but they complement each other perfectly, building up to a cliffhanger that will leave you eager for the next installment, To Steal the Sun. If you're a fan of fairy tale adaptations like I am, be sure to check out the Clean Fairytales group on Facebook and join the conversation. And if you haven't already, add To Ride the Wind to your reading list - you won't regret it!
June 10, 2024
Get Ready for a Mermaid-Filled Summer!
The mermaids have arrived! It's been a slow and painful wait, but the first trailer has finally dropped for the highly anticipated Mermaid Magic animated series. Rainbow SpA's foray into the underwater world is set to premiere on Netflix August 22nd. The show gives off strong H2O: Just Add Water vibes with the three heroines transforming into humans on dry land and mermaids in the water. H2O's attempt at its own animated series left much to be desired, allowing this show to kick it up a notch for mermaid fans everywhere to enjoy more exciting animated mermaid adventures. The teaser was launched alongside additional previews of another upcoming mermaid show, Disney Junior's Ariel, an original take on the classic character. Ariel has a series of ten recently released shorts called Mermaid Tales that give us a taste of what's to come. If you're more of a bookish type (and who can blame you?), there's also a great new mermaid story out on Wattpad!
The first official teaser for Mermaid Magic features series protagonist Merlinda narrating her quest to collect magical pearls and save her underwater kingdom of Mertropia. Her friends Sasha and Nerissa take a back seat to the princess's leadership skills, but they will hopefully have a larger role when the series premieres on August 22nd. A surprisingly large portion of this teaser takes place on land with the girls dressing and acting like normal humans, implying that they might already be familiar with the human world, giving the show less of a "fish out of water" vibe and more of a Magical Girl feel. The mermaids can be seen fighting evil in magical armor near the end of the teaser, implying that they might have Winx Club-style transformations as the Italian animation studio continues work on their latest Winx Club reboot. We also get a glimpse at Merlinda's supportive and attractive human love interest who looks like he will play a large role in her adventures as well as some powerful villains who draw inspiration from witches and pirate lore.
As for the Disney Junior Ariel series, these compiled "Mermaid Tales" shorts tell us all we need to know about the changes that have been made to the lore of Ariel's premier series. This version of Atlantica is vibrant, fun, and endearing for children, but the characters and environments look so different that it would make more sense to create an entirely new show. They could have even kept the references to the original by making Ariel a mentor figure for the younger mermaids and calling it something like "Ariel and Friends" with a similar dynamic to previous Disney Junior shows like "Jake and the Neverland Pirates" and "Alice's Wonderland Bakery." The only two characters who retain the original appearance and personality in these shorts are Flounder and Sebastian. The series features lots of fun gimmicks for kids like Ariel's shifting tale colors that change based on her mood and cute original songs. It just doesn't feel like the same Atlantica we've seen in the past. If they had given this kingdom a new name, it would have been perfectly believable that it takes place in the same world. After all, the ocean is a big place.
In this version of the show, Ariel is no longer an outcast who doesn't fit in with other merfolk. She fits in so well with her society that it seems unlikely that she would ever wish to leave Atlantica to turn human. Triton is no longer a powerful sea king with a fearsome temper and is instead an easygoing dad as seen in the "Palace Puzzle" short where he has a cavalier response to a human teddy bear. The "Magic Breakfast" short reveals Ursula's role as a beloved and non-threatening aunt who delights Ariel with her magic. "A Fashion Emergency" shows that Ariel's two new sisters, Alanna and Ayanna, share similar personalities as the six sisters from the original cartoon except that they have a much closer relationship with Ariel. There is a cute reference to Ariel's pink dress from the 1989 film in the "Dress Up Mess Up Short" that could have still worked as a reference if these had been original characters living in the same universe. Ariel's new friends Lucia and Fernie are wonderful additions to the show. Fernie is a nerd who likes to take notes on everything, and Lucia is a sorceress-in-training who has a pouch of magic powder that causes lots of magical mishaps.
If you don't want to wait for Mermaid Magic or Ariel to have some undersea fun, you're in luck! My friend Kae-Leah Williamson just completed her mermaid-themed retelling of "Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp" called The Sea Princess and the Storyteller that's completely free to read on Wattpad. This story is set in the same world as her other mermaid adventures and features a plus-sized mermaid princess heroine, an urchin merman with a heart of gold, a wish-granting pearl, the ring from the original story, twin villains, and an illicit trip to the surface in place of a magic carpet ride. It is such a fun and magical retelling of the fairy tale that I enjoyed every word of it! If you love mermaids and fairy tale retellings, this story is for you.
Which mermaid show are you most excited for? Are you ready to dive into the transformative world of Mermaid Magic on Netflix on August 22nd or swim along with Ariel's new adventures on June 27th? Let me know in the comments! Share your thoughts on the trailers, your favorite mermaid characters, and what you hope to see in these upcoming shows. If you're a fan of mermaid-themed fairy tale retellings, check out The Sea Princess and the Storyteller on Wattpad and share your thoughts on that too! Let's dive into the conversation and make some waves!
June 9, 2024
Review: Frozen The Musical
Most Disney on Broadway shows suffer from unnecessary padding to fill the extra hour that gets added to the 90-minute runtime of the feature films they adapt. There are often unnecessary musical numbers such as "Positoovity" from The Little Mermaid or "Babkak, Omar, Aladdin, Kassim" from Aladdin. Frozen also added some extra musical numbers to fill the extended runtime, but none of them felt egregiously out of place. In fact, several of the new songs, including "What Do You Know About Love," a duet between Anna and Kristoff, enhance the story and allow the audience to get to know the characters and their motivations better. I was amazed by how good the pacing is in this show. It opens with Anna and Elsa as children and allows just enough time to want to see more of their cute little faces before they grow up. The use of deleted lyrics from the song "We Know Better" is effective in enhancing the show with arguably superior scenes that were cut from the original film for time. The famous "Let It Go" sequence that everyone was waiting for was pushed to a later point in the show to be used as the Act 1 break, allowing the rest of the first act to gradually build up to it.
While this show uses some background projectors to create the wintry imagery, it also had beautiful set pieces used for the castle and icicles. The film version of Frozen has a scene where Anna and Kristoff walk under a tree with icicles hanging from it that look like sparkling crystals. This show uses the same effect for both that scene and Elsa's ice palace. The benefit of theater lighting makes these crystals sparkle and glitter like nobody's business in a way that simply cannot be recreated on film. These sparkling ornaments combined with Elsa's dazzling dress transformation create a stunning effect that appeals to everyone's primal urge for sparkly things. The show also uses creative techniques to portray Olaf and Sven. One of the biggest faults of the Aladdin musical is that it eliminated the beloved animal sidekicks from the film like Abu and Rajah. In this show, Olaf is accurately portrayed by a puppeteer who matches his facial expressions to the puppet similar to Avenue Q. Sven is presented as an impressive full-body reindeer suit with a skilled actor inside who walks on all fours with stilts.
The film's themes of sisterly love, fear of the unknown, and staying true to yourself shine through beautifully in this production. Anna's awkward quirks are conveyed by how comfortable she is stripping down to her corset in public. A particularly questionable scene where she dances around in nothing but a towel from an earlier version of the show was cut from the production I saw. She has more onstage chemistry with Kristoff in the musical than she did in the film thanks to its added length, and Hans' Act 2 betrayal has a little more foreshadowing than the movie did. Elsa's complexities shine through with additional songs like "Monster" and improved writing during the scene in which Anna confronts her in her ice palace. The ending scene where Anna turns to ice is difficult to replicate in person for obvious reasons, but the use of the ensemble cast, projections, and clever costume changes help bring it to life.
Despite my initial reservations, Frozen the Musical exceeded my expectations with its beautiful set pieces, entertaining musical numbers, and faithful adaptation of the film's themes and characters. The added musical numbers and scenes enhance the story, and the two-and-a-half-hour runtime seems appropriate. The use of creative techniques to portray Olaf and Sven onstage is impressive, and the talented cast brings the characters to life with their energetic performances. Overall, Frozen on Broadway is a must-see for fans of the film and musical theater enthusiasts alike. It's a testament to the power of adaptation and the magic of live theater.
June 7, 2024
Netflix Announces New Animated Princess Musical!
With the status of Disney's Penelope still up in the air, Skydance Media swooped in to the rescue yesterday with the announcement of a new animated princess musical coming out this year! Spellbound will be a direct-to-streaming Netflix original featuring a new princess named Ellian who goes on a quest to save her family after they get turned into monsters. Though Netflix originals tend to be hit or miss, this movie has some big names behind it that gives it the potential to surpass its theatrical competitors that are coming out the same weekend. This is the first original animated princess movie we've got since Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken came out a year ago, so it's pretty exciting news, especially considering that Disney's big holiday princess fare this year is a sequel and not an original story.
Get ready to learn about creative team behind Spellbound! The movie is begin directed by who worked on Shrek. The talent behind Princess Ellian is our future Snow White, . The most exciting news of all is the musical team. Alan Menken and , the creative duo behind the soundtrack of Disney's Tangled and its sequel series, are conjuring up some tunes for this new movie that are sure to enchant. Alan Menken is one of the biggest contributors to the Disney Renaissance era from 1989-1999, a period that inspired an entire generation to become involved in musical theater. He has largely retired from his Disney run in favor of the more modern-sounding melodies of Lin Manuel Miranda and soundalike composers. It's very exciting to see Skydance take on Menken's talents for a new project.
The film itself seems to be based on an original idea with some inspiration from fairy tale aesthetics and tropes. Based on the teaser images that have leaked so far, Ellian is a relatable character who doesn't reject pretty gowns or femininity just because she wants to be a "modern princess." This is exciting news for lovers of traditional princesses as it is a concept that would likely have been rejected if it had been proposed to Disney. The fact that she is seeking to save her parents also gives the film a wholesome family theme that we rarely seen with the modern independent princess trope. Other non-Disney movies such as Red Shoes and the Seven Dwarfs have also focused familial love, which is another excellent way to portray true love in a fairy tale. You can see a little bit of Ellian's story in action in this promo featuring clips of Netflix's upcoming animated fare.
If November 22nd is too long of a wait to watch Spellbound, Netflix also made another big announcement recently that has delighted Magical Girl fans. Sailor Moon Cosmos, the double-feature finale of Sailor Moon Crystal that came out in Japan last year, is finally making its way to streaming. Although I thought this two-part feature was was a little rushed in that it condensed in an entire season into a three-hour runetime, it is exciting that it will soon be available to a wider audience who can decide how they feel about it for themselves. If anime is not your favorite flavor of animation, just wait until Thanksgiving weekend, when there will be plenty of other options to choose from including Spellbound and Moana 2.
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In conclusion, the announcement of Spellbound is a thrilling surprise for fans of animated princess musicals. With its talented team, including Vicky Jenson, Rachel Zegler, Alan Menken, and Glen Slater, this movie is poised to enchant audiences with its unique blend of fairy tale aesthetics and modern themes. The film's focus on family love and traditional princess elements is a refreshing change of pace from the usual independent princess trope. With its release on November 22nd, Spellbound is shaping up to be a must-watch for the holiday season, alongside other exciting releases like Moana 2 and Sailor Moon Cosmos. Get ready to be spellbound by this magical adventure!
June 2, 2024
Review: To Break a Silence
Stella is a siren who is not supposed to be seen by humans. Dillon is the son of an admiral sworn to protect his fleets from sirens and other threats. By all intents and purposes, these two should be enemies, but fate has something else in store. When Stella visits the surface for the first time, she is shocked to find a prince who looks identical to the statue she had been obsessing over in her secret grotto. However, when she is spotted by the ship's crew, she is forced to sing and bring forth a storm that pulls her beloved prince into the depths of the sea. She brings him ashore, where he is discovered by a woman at an abbey that he believes to be his savior. Meanwhile, Dillon is reprimanded for failing to catch the siren and allowing the prince and his crew to fall victim to her song. These events create lasting ripples in both of their lives that bring the unlikely pair together.
When Stella expresses her desire to see the prince again and prove that she is the one who saved him, she is offered the opportunity to wear a magical necklace made of sea glass that will give her legs in exchange for debilitating pain from the glass shards in her feet and throat, making it nearly impossible for her to speak and agony for her to walk. When she uses the necklace in the middle of the sea, she is discovered by Dillon, of all people, who takes her in and patiently takes the time to understand who she is and what she wants. Due to a case of mistaken identity, he believes her to be Princess Lorilyn with whom Prince Percival has formed a marriage alliance and escorts her to the castle. After being received by the prince, Stella realizes that he has very little interest in getting to know her despite believing she is his future wife and that Dillon is a much better match.
This book stands apart from other "Little Mermaid" retellings in that it doesn't take shortcuts like writing or sign language to allow the voiceless mermaid to communicate with her love interest. Instead, he takes the time to interpret her feelings based on facial expressions and pointing, which makes Dillon someone worthy of Stella's affection due to his patience and understanding. He teaches her that there is more to love than falling for someone at first sight. The big twist at the end is genuinely surprising and gives off major Princess and the Pauper vibes. This a "cozy" retelling with very little violence, no real antagonist, and a happy ending for everyone. If you're looking for a dark retelling with a social commentary on the importance of women having a voice, this isn't it. Instead, this book is a sweet and unexpected love story that was right up my alley as a fan of romantic fairy tales.
To Break a Silence by Lydia Mae is a delightful retelling of 'The Little Mermaid' that offers a fresh and unique twist on the classic tale. With its sweet romance, endearing characters, and unexpected plot twists, this book is a must-read for fans of fairy tale retellings. By providing an alternate option for the mermaid's happy ending, this story shows that there's more than one way to tell a classic tale. With its focus on communication, understanding, and patience, this book stands out from other retellings and is a perfect read for those looking for a cozy and romantic fairy tale. If you're looking for a light and charming read, To Break a Silence is definitely worth diving into!
May 29, 2024
Moana 2 Joins the Upcoming Princess Trailers of 2024!
The princess movies of 2024 are few and far between, but there are still a few to look forward to. While it may not be the original princess story we were hoping for, Disney announced Moana 2 earlier this year along with a brief teaser. The full trailer that launched today does not give much more information about the film's plot, but it does reveal a bit more footage. Following the concept for a cancelled TV series, Moana 2 sees Moana reuniting with some old friends for a new adventure at sea. The movie is set for Disney's usual princess movie release date of Thanksgiving weekend, marking it as one of their biggest blockbusters planned for the year. The fact that they gave such a prestigious date to a sequel is somewhat disheartening but may imply a higher quality film than the Disney sequels of old.
The trailer portrays an aged-up Moana joining together with a new crew of Wayfinders to take on her biggest foe yet--an enormous whale covered in magical glowing symbols. The larger-than-life antagonist may be Disney's answer to the ever popular Nokk from Frozen 2 and may have additional significance in Polynesian mythology that is yet to be explained. Considering the modern-day princess trope of forgiveness and the ending of the original film, the whale is unlikely to be a villain for very long. Observant fans have noticed that Moana's parents are holding an unfamiliar little girl in the trailer, who is likely a little sister that Moana may need to rescue or recruit at some point in the film. Of course, the trailer's big reveal at the end includes a comeback from Maui, who seems pumped to go on a new adventure with his favorite travel companion. No Moana sequel would be complete without the demigod of the land and sea.
Disney has some big competition for Moana 2 as it is set for release on the same day as Wicked, the film adaptation of the first act of the hit Broadway musical that is a favorite amongst Disney Princess fans. Wicked recently released a new trailer that is fraught with familiar dialogue and musical numbers from the play. Based on a novel by Gregory Maguire, Wicked is an adaptation of The Wizard of Oz told from the perspective of the Wicked Witch of the West. Glinda, the most princess-like character from the show, will be portrayed in the new film by Ariana Grande and can be seen in the trailer sporting lots of frilly pink dresses and a big glittering crown. Elphaba, played here by Cynthia Erivo, embodies the princess trope of desiring freedom and love against seemingly impossible odds. Between the two films coming out this Thanksgiving, Wicked seems like the obvious winner, but considering that many fans are disgruntled about the show being split into two movies, Moana 2 might surprise everyone as the sleeper hit of the holiday season.
Another Disney Princess trailer that premiered a few days ago is Rise of Red, the newest chapter in the Descendants saga. This direct-to-Disney+ sequel has a lot going for it and may be the best Descendants movie yet, though thatt's a low bar to breach. It will see the official return of Brandy and Paolo Montalban as Cinderella and her Prince. Brandy's new look sporting blue hair and a massive crown can be seen in the new trailer along with a very different look for the Queen of Hearts. For a franchise that focuses mainly on villains, this movie is an anomaly for starring not one, but two princesses. Chloe, the daughter of Cinderella, and Red, the daughter of the Queen of Hearts, will team up to travel back in time using a magic pocket watch, where they meet with a younger version of the Queen of Hearts, who acts like a traditional Disney Princess. For Disney Channel teenybopper fare, no one is expecting high art, but this movie looks like a vast improvement over the Descendants films of the past. There won't be a long wait for this one. Descendants: Rise of Red will premiere July 12th on Disney+.
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The 2024 princess movie trailers are finally here! Moana 2 and Wicked will go head-to-head in theaters this Thanksgiving, and Rise of Red will dominate Disney+ streamers in just a little over a month. Which movie are you most excited for? Are you ready to set sail with Moana again, or are you more eager to experience the magic of Wicked? Or perhaps you're curious about the new generation of Disney Princesses in Rise of Red? Let me know in the comments below! Share your thoughts, predictions, and hopes for these upcoming movies. Join the conversation and let's get excited together!
May 27, 2024
Princess Gwenevere Is Back with a New Adventure!
I was incredibly pleased with the new art style that Koi Carreon provides for the novel. The cover art showcases the bright and glittery nature of the show with a few modern updates that remain true to the essence of the characters' designs. While most modern-day reboots strive for darker and grittier versions that risk losing what made the original content so appealing, this story is grounded in the same version of Avalon that I grew up with. The colors inside the book are slightly duller than the ones on the cover, particularly Gwen's hair, but it didn't take a long time to get used to once I became engrossed in the new story from Jordie Bellaire. The novel is written for a YA audience, which is perfect for people who grew up with the show as well as teenagers and young adults who are being introduced to it for the first time. Although the plot gets a tad darker than the cartoon, its primary appeal is to people who prefer noblebright fantasy stories like the original show.
The graphic novel picks up right where the series left off with the Jewel Riders having saved Avalon and are ready to move on to the next phase of their lives. Gwenevere is in a rocky engagement with Drake, which follows her flighty relationship with him in the show, and must face her responsibilities as Avalon's future queen. Fallon becomes the new leader of the Pack, and Tamara gets closer to Merlin as he grooms her to become his protégé. The true heart of the novel, however, derives from the backstory, when Gwenevere's mother and aunt were training to become Jewel Riders a generation earlier. Most of the angst and intrigue takes place on the queen's behalf, which was an excellent choice because her story was something that the show always hinted at but never quite delved into. This makes it all the more perplexing that the graphic novel gets her name wrong. Instead of Queen Anya, she is referred to only as Adrianna with no explanation for such a change. We now have yet another instance of a character from this franchise having two names, the first being Gwenevere herself, who was known as Starla in European countries, something that the graphic novel makes a cheeky nod to.
Despite the misnomer of a major character, the graphic novel does a great job of staying true to the essence of the world and its characters. The Jewel Riders remain in character, and Queen Anya/Adrianna and King Jared reveal some darker sides of their personalities. I was pleased to see cameos of some of my favorite characters from the episode "The Faery Princess." Lauren Hitzhusen, the editor of the graphic novel, revealed in an interview that she was a huge fan of the show as a kid, which may account for how true it stayed to its source material. The big villain reveal at the end hardly came as a surprise considering how much of the art style followed the show's more popular first season. However, the way the villain returned is a fascinating character study that will hopefully be continued in a future volume. Considering how obscure this series still is, I do not want to get my hopes up in case the first volume doesn't sell enough copies for a sequel. If you are a fan of the Jewel Riders franchise, I implore you to purchase a copy or Amazon or splurge on the silver foil-covered limited edition directly from Mad Cave Studios' website to ensure the series has a long and successful run.
The Jewel Riders graphic novel is a dream come true for fans of the original series. With its vibrant artwork, engaging storyline, and faithful adaptation of the beloved characters, it's a must-read for both old and new fans alike. While it may have some minor flaws, the graphic novel stays true to the essence of the show and its noblebright fantasy world. As a fan of the series, I implore you to support this new iteration by purchasing a copy, ensuring the continuation of this enchanting story. Let's ride again with Princess Gwenevere, Tamara, and Fallon, and relive the magic of Avalon!
May 26, 2024
Review: A Cascading Hope
Muírin is a merrow, which is a Scottish mermaid with the ability to transform between human and mer-forms by removing or putting on her "cap." It is similar to the mythology behind selkies, who must wear their skins to turn into seals and also come up in this book. Instead of trying to marry a prince to gain a human soul, Muírin's goal is to travel to the fabled land of Finfolkaheem to find a cure for her injured mother before it's too late and all of the merrows turn to sea foam. There is a bit of a murder mystery as well since she did not see the person who stabbed her mother, but it is easy to figure out who it is and doesn't use a big twist to mess with readers' heads. Although Muírin rescues a boy named Ciaran and has a rushed romance with him, it is far from the main focus of the book, making it a very loose retelling of "The Little Mermaid."
The author of this book put a great deal of effort into incorporating Scottish mythology into a believable world. There is a much stronger focus on worldbuilding than relationships. Nearly every character is associated with some sort of fae creature, which takes away the "fish out of water" element of a magical being on land. In fact, Muírin spent her time equally on land and in the sea from the very beginning. It is later revealed that she is even more powerful than she realizes due to her mother refusing to tell her the identity of her father. She is already the daughter of the Sea Mither, who protects all the merrows in the sea, but her hidden paternal roots give her another sort of magic as well to aid her on her quest. It is obvious why Muírin needs to rescue her mother before her own body slowly dissolves into seafoam, but there isn't a lot revealed of their relationship on a familial level, and her love story with Ciaran is developed even less.
As a lifelong fan of "The Little Mermaid," there was a lot to appreciate about this book despite it being such a loose retelling. Many other adaptations present the mermaid as selfish and irrational for making such a dangerous bargain with the Sea Witch after meeting the prince only once. Muírin is deeply selfless and wholly devoted to giving her life to save others, which is a theme that many people miss from the original fairy tale, especially thanks to Disney changing the ending. It also fixes the complaint that she fell in love with a man who was unconscious when she met him by building a history between Muírin and Cairan before she rescued him. Another thing I find disappointing in some "Little Mermaid" retellings is when the mermaids are eliminated entirely. This book does the opposite by incorporating all kinds of Celtic lore with loads of characters from fae backgrounds with various magical abilities. It was a lovely escape from reality that supports the series' hopeful nature.
A Cascading Hope by Yakira Goldsberry is a unique and whimsical retelling of 'The Little Mermaid' that shines with its rich Scottish mythology and selfless merrow protagonist, Muírin. While it veers far from the original story, it stays true to the themes of sacrifice and danger, and offers a refreshing take on the classic tale. With its focus on worldbuilding and Celtic lore, this book is a must-read for fans of fairy tale retellings and mythology as long as they take the time to review the guide at the beginning first. The Hope Ever After series is a wonderful initiative, and this book is a great addition to it, supporting a worthy cause and inspiring hope in its readers. If you're looking for an enchanting and meaningful read, A Cascading Hope is definitely worth diving into.
