Lisa Dawn's Blog: The Princess Blog, page 18
January 28, 2024
Review: Kingdom of Slumber
Like many princesses before her, Princess Azalea was born into a marriage alliance with Prince Bentleigh from a foreign kingdom. The two royals grew up together and formed a strong bond, but Azalea always resented her parents for making such an important decision for her before she was ready. She came to regret her resentment on her sixteenth birthday when the curse her wicked uncle had placed on her at birth was enacted, separating the young lovers for two years. During that time, the kingdom despaired Azalea's enchanted sleep each day, while Azalea woke up each night in frustration as the curse prevented her from leaving any signs for her loved ones that she was not asleep all the time. With no one to talk to and nothing else to do, she spent each night fighting off the vines that attacked her kingdom as a side effect of the curse. Little did she know that after two years, someone with ill intent would find a way to enter the sleeping kingdom at night during her waking hours.
What stands out about this book is the way that the curse is handled. Instead of a wicked fairy who tried to murder a newborn princess because she was angry about not being invited to the christening, this book had a male villain with a stronger motivation. Mortimer is a jealous cousin of the king who believes he should have been the rightful heir to the throne and husband to the queen. Cursing the princess is only a means to an end in which he plans to take the kingdom for himself. His spite over the events that took place before Azalea was born serves as a logical explanation for inciting the curse. Another great addition is the way that the curse was altered. Instead of another fairy, the curse is amended by Mortimer's twin brother, Montgomery, in a last-ditch attempt to save Azalea's life. He didn't expect that his alteration would put the rest of the kingdom into an enchanted slumber and did not know how to break the curse, giving Prince Bentleigh a hearty challenge when he decided to save Azalea no matter what it took.
Both Bentleigh and Azalea are fully fleshed-out heroes with strengths and weaknesses. Azalea does not wait patiently for someone to break the curse as she builds strength each night in fighting off the vines, and Bentleigh is a dashing "knight in shining armor" who can never be bested by another blade. Still, the two have insecurities that they must help each other work through. Azalea is ashamed that she hesitated when Bentleigh tried to confess his feelings toward her on the night of the curse because she had never considered just how much he meant to her. Meanwhile, Bentleigh must fend off pushback from his parents when they decide to end the marriage alliance due to the very real possibility that Azalea may never wake up. The romance in this book is heartwarming as the two never give up on each other and rely on each other's support to get through difficult times. It demonstrates the difficulties that some people have expressing what is in their hearts.
In Deborah Grace White's Kingdom Tales series, Kingdom of Slumber stands out as a captivating retelling of "Sleeping Beauty" that introduces a unique twist to the familiar tale. The story's creative reimagining, which features Princess Azalea cursed to eternal wakefulness during the night while her kingdom sleeps through the day, adds depth and complexity to the narrative. The character dynamics, particularly between Azalea and her betrothed Prince Bentleigh, are skillfully portrayed, with each facing personal challenges and insecurities that they must overcome together. The book's antagonist, Mortimer, presents a compelling and well-motivated villain, offering a fresh perspective on the origin of the curse. Through its engaging characters, intricate plot, and heartfelt romance, Kingdom of Slumber demonstrates the author's adept storytelling and marks a noteworthy addition to the Kingdom Tales series.
January 21, 2024
Review: Song of Moonrise (Singer Tales)
I have thoroughly enjoyed what I've read so far of the Singer Tales by Deborah Grace White, which is a more innovative and cohesive series than her previous collection of fairy tale retellings. For my next read, I picked Song of Moonrise to explore her take on "Little Red Riding Hood," a story often misinterpreted in other adaptations. Ever since the Red Riding Hood film came out in 2011, almost every new interpretation of this fairy tale turned it into a mystery story about a werewolf curse in the protagonist's family instead of an innocent coming-of-age story about learning who to trust. In fact, I got so frustrated by this trope that I wrote my own adaptation of the fairy tale back in 2013. While the Singer Tales version of "Little Red Riding Hood" does incorporate werewolves, it does so in a way that stays true to the themes of the story along with a princess twist and a heated romance.
Rosa was an adventurous girl living in the forest until her mother married a king, making Rosa a princess in a similar manner to Sofia the First. She struggles with the strict regulations of palace life and desires to be free to ride with the wind and go wherever her heart takes her, usually to her grandparents' forest estate. When the wild magic surrounding the forest becomes so potent that it could be a danger to those living near it, a royal courtier proposes a full evacuation of everyone living there. This turns Rosa into an activist to save the forest as she continues to frequent her grandparents' estate despite sighting one of the giant wolves rumored to roam near it. It is during one of these visits that she runs into Emmett, the crown prince of a neighboring kingdom. She takes spite of his concern for her safety, convinced that he is overreacting and that she will always be safe in the woods and wants nothing more to do with him. Unfortunately for Rosa and Emmett, their mothers see their acquaintance with each other as a matchmaking opportunity.
Meanwhile, Prince Emmett has been afflicted by a werewolf curse for years, struggling to keep it a secret while his brother searches desperately for a cure. Due to his naturally protective nature, he hates the idea that he might pose a threat to anyone and keeps the wolf well under control despite being inexplicably drawn to Rosa and her grandparents' estate. When he is forced to accept that he cannot stop Rosa from riding into danger at every available opportunity, he does his best to keep her safe from any dangers that lurk in the forest whether she likes it or not. Emmett and Rosa share a Bridgerton-style romance, constantly arguing and denying any romantic feelings they might have for each other even though it is plain to their families and anyone else around them that they are madly in love. This dynamic does not always work for love stories, but it does here because Rosa's main objection to Emmett rests in his determination to protect her, which comes from a place of genuine caring.
The twist at the end of the book was easy to see from a mile away, but that did not make it any less enjoyable. In fact, I appreciated that the author was more focused on the story and characters than she was on trying to outsmart her audience. I also liked that the book stayed true to the essence of "Little Red Riding Hood" while simultaneously making it a princess story by making Rosa both a girl from the forest and a princess later in life. Much of the book revolves around her learning to balance both sides of her life and finding a place where she can belong with the support of her mother, Emmett, and Otto, her well-meaning stepbrother. Though not important to the main story, I thought Otto was an excellent addition to the book. It is so rare to have strong brother or stepbrother characters in fairy tale adaptations. He comes off as a genuinely good person who does his best to get to know Rosa in the short time since she became part of his family and to be a supportive brother.
Song of Moonrise stands out as an innovative reimagining of "Little Red Riding Hood" and another excellent addition to the Singer Tales. The narrative skillfully intertwines familiar fairy tale elements with innovative twists, presenting a heartfelt exploration of identity, love, and courage. Through the compelling journey of Rosa, readers are drawn into a tale that honors the essence of the original story while adding layers of depth and emotion. The complex romance between Rosa and Prince Emmett lends an authentic charm to the narrative. Furthermore, the thoughtful inclusion of characters like Otto enriches the story, offering meaningful dynamics beyond the central plot. Song of Moonrise shines as a resonant princess tale that embraces tradition while carving its own path, leaving readers eager for more from the captivating world of Deborah Grace White's Singer Tales.
January 14, 2024
Reborn Princesses Abound the Winter 2024 Anime Season!
Like my favorite anime from last season, 'Tis Time for "Torture," Princess has an intentional misnomer, making the show sound far less innocent than it actually is. Its premise revolves around a generic unnamed warrior princess who has fallen in battle and now resides in the enemy's dungeon. However, the woman in charge of the captive maiden, ironically named Torture Tortura, has a very different idea of what it means to torture a prisoner. To get the princess to reveal secrets that would allow Torture's army to conquer her kingdom, she tempts her with decadent food. She does this three times in the show's pilot episode, and all three times, the princess enjoys a delicious meal followed by a shameless confession. The formula is similar to Sleepy Princess in the Demon Castle, an anime I have enjoyed in the past, only it revolves around food instead of sleep, and I personally prefer the latter. While it's a great show for foodies, it comes off as formulaic with the potential for new food torture in each episode and little progress in the ongoing war between the two kingdoms.
The most promising offering of the season is 7th Time Loop: The Villainess Enjoys a Carefree Life Married to Her Worst Enemy. I was sold by the gorgeous cover art for the show featuring a regal couple in a Cinderella-like ballroom scene over a reflection of an Oscar/Utena-like soldier fighting her partner in a war. This series follows the same formula as many other recent isekai anime, particularly last season's Tearmoon Empire. In that show, the protagonist gets reincarnated into a younger version of herself and has the opportunity to relive her life without making the same mistakes again. As the title implies, the protagonist in 7th Time Loop has relived her life seven times and is sick and tired of constantly dying in the same war. This time, she is going to charm the evil emperor who has killed her in at least one other previous life and prevent the war from ever happening so she can live to a ripe old age. It is a unique twist on the enemies-to-lovers trope that is filled with romantic potential. Doctor Elise: The Royal Lady with the Lamp, another new offering this season, has a similar premise except that the protagonist lives one lifetime as an expert surgeon in the modern world before returning to her fairy tale past, giving her incredible medical knowledge that no one else from her world has.
An honorable mention goes out to Tales of Wedding Rings, which features a male protagonist with a princess as the primary love interest. Satou, the main character, follows his high school crush, Hime, into a portal to another world, where he becomes the "Ring King," a hero who must save Hime's world from evil. Learning Hime's true identity as Princess Krystal and the huge responsibility of being the Ring King does nothing to deter his strong feelings toward her as her new husband. However, the second episode reveals that he must also marry five other princesses to receive the power of their wedding rings, which creates frustration because he is loyal only to Hime. A fun fact about this series is that it had a virtual reality demo that covered the first few pages of the original manga, but it was so short that it revealed almost none of the plot. I learned far more after watching the first episode of the anime. While it is another isekai series, it stands out that the main character chose to follow Hime into the magical world instead of being reincarnated there. It is also one of few princess love stories that focuses on the male lead instead of the princess herself.
Considering the current landscape of anime, it's intriguing to observe the prevalence of the isekai genre and the recurring themes of reincarnation and fantasy worlds. Amidst the array of new shows, 'Tis Time for "Torture," Princess stands out as one of few non-isekai series this season with a unique take on the concept of torture and confessions, albeit a potentially formulaic approach. The allure of 7th Time Loop and Doctor Elise lies in their intriguing twists on reincarnation and the opportunity to rectify past mistakes. 7th Time Loop is the more appealing of the two due to its untapped romantic potential. Additionally, the male-focused narrative of Tales of Wedding Rings brings a fresh perspective to the princess love story trope. As the anime landscape continues to evolve, it's evident that despite certain recurring themes, there are still innovative and compelling narratives to discover within the genre. Do you have a favorite new show from the current season? Let me know in the comments!
January 7, 2024
Review: The Abandoned Princess
I have a special place in my heart for Melanie Cellier's Four Kingdoms books. Her first novel, The Princess Companion, pulled me down an endless rabbit hole of independently published fairy tale adaptations and author collaborations that resulted in the past seven years of book reviews for my blog. The Abandoned Princess is the final book in the Return to the Four Kingdoms series, concluding an impressively long and successful run of interconnected fairy tale retellings about princesses. Though there is one more tie-in duology on the way, this book felt very much like a homecoming from an extended vacation full of adventure, romance, and magic. The Abandoned Princess is also a wonderful and creative reimagining of "Rapunzel" on its own merits. This book is a heartfelt and emotional journey that is an absolute must-read for anyone familiar with Melanie Cellier's fairy tale retellings.
With Easter eggs galore from the other Four Kingdoms books, The Abandoned Princess begins with a familiar carriage raid that turns the lives of several traveling princesses upside-down. The youngest royal of the group is Princess Daisy, who goes missing for the longest length of time. There is a good reason no one can find her for five years. Eulalie, the wicked sorceress who finds her, casts a spell on her that renders her invisible and inaudible to everyone except herself. In this inspired retelling of "Rapunzel," not only is the lost princess isolated due to being trapped in a tower, but also because she cannot contact her family or anyone from the outside world due to these magical limitations. Fortunately, the spell has an unexpected flaw that makes children immune to it, allowing Daisy to befriend the local kids. Yet, no matter how many people they tell about her, the adults rule out the story as childish play because they cannot the tower nor the maiden living within it.
Five years pass in this manner, and Daisy is now an adult. Prince Xander from the newly discovered kingdom across the desert is determined to find the missing princess and does something romantically daring in an attempt to break the spells. Thanks to his efforts, he becomes trapped under it alongside Daisy and her lady-in-waiting, Lori, who has a very similar personality to Cassandra from Tangled. Now that Daisy is no longer alone in her struggle, the threesome must work together to stop Eulalie from her malicious plans to take over the kingdom of Northelm, first introduced in the original Four Kingdoms series. But how can three people who are all but invisible to the general public warn them about a threat to the crown right in the middle of a high-profile coronation ceremony? Thus, Daisy and Xander begin their greatest adventure yet.
If you aren't already hooked on this book by now, you should be. The Abandoned Princess is only the best of what Melanie Cellier has to offer from her long-running experience of adapting fairy tales. All of the characters are full of personality and growth, the romance is as sweet as it is spicy, and the direction that she chooses to take the fairy tale is just as original as it is familiar. As someone who has read every book in the Four Kingdoms series, I felt overjoyed each time an Easter egg came up, referencing another character or adventure that I had read about over the years. The story ends with a tearful reunion that got me all choked up as I remembered how much fun I had reading about the other characters in these series and their rich and fulfilling adventures. This is more than just another fairy tale book. It is a reward for everyone who has taken the time to join these characters on their journeys over the last eight years.
The Abandoned Princess marks the heartfelt and triumphant culmination of Melanie Cellier's epic Return to the Four Kingdoms series, infusing vibrant reimaginings of classic fairy tales with a sentimental reunion. As the final installment in this remarkable saga, the book masterfully intertwines elements of adventure, romance, and magic while delivering a poignant and creative retelling of "Rapunzel." Through the spellbinding narrative, Cellier weaves a tale of emotional resonance, compelling growth of characters, and a love story that is both tender and intense. With a wealth of references to previous Four Kingdoms adventures, the story serves as a delightful tribute to loyal readers, offering a deeply satisfying conclusion that reverberates with the joys and sorrows of the series' cherished characters. Melanie is providing her readers with one more gift this May with a duology featuring Daisy's best friend, Charli that is inspired by the fairy tale "East of the Sun, West of the Moon."
January 1, 2024
Fans "Wish" Disney Had Used These Abandoned Concepts
Happy New Year, princess fans! When a new year begins, many of us think about things we can do better than the year before. There is no company this notion applies to better than Disney, which has been failing in every direction now more so than ever. Their latest feature, Wish, was a genuinely solid movie that sadly did not make the profits it deserved. Following its theatrical run, many fans noticed that the concepts presented in the official Art of Wish book would have elevated it from a good movie to a great one. Most of these concepts revolved around love and romance, which has been strategically removed from modern Disney Princess archetypes, despite being a staple of the brand prior to the past decade. Despite some early rumors that Asha might be the daughter of King Magnifico and Queen Amaya, the film's director Chris Buck explained in an interview why he was adamantly against making her a princess, which may have been another mistake that could have altered the movie's tragic fate.
The most egregious mistake in the production of the film that has everybody talking is the removal of "Star Boy," an anthropomorphic shapeshifting version of the "Star" character that would have served as a love interest for Asha. It is heavily rumored that "At All Costs," one of the strongest yet most out-of-place songs in the film, was originally meant to be a romantic duet between Asha and Star Boy due to the slightly altered lyrics in the demo version of the song. After all, there isn't a lot of ambiguity behind the lyric "I wanna love you as one does," which is why it was changed to "I wanna promise as one does" when the song was used to describe Maginifico's obsession with guarding the people's wishes instead. If they had gone with the original version involving Star Boy falling in love with Asha, it would not only have been a beautiful tribute to Disney's history of engaging love stories, but it also would have added a compelling new element of a seemingly impossible paranormal romance between a human girl a celestial boy who lives in the sky. Granted, a similar plot was used in 2007's Stardust, but that movie was mediocre at best in comparison to the Neil Gaiman novel it was based on. Regardless, it would have been an original plot for a Disney film that could have gone in a different direction. You can listen to the original demo of "At All Costs" below and decide for yourself.
The other scrapped concept for Wish was that Queen Amaya actually loved King Magnifico despite his villainous ways. A wife who is actually in love with her husband? What a novel concept! The official art book for the film reveals a concept sketch of the power couple imposingly scheming together and enjoying every second of it. Amaya was by far the weakest element of Wish, repeatedly forsaking her husband in favor of following the righteous majority despite being described as Magnifico's "loyal wife" in the opening narration. It would have made sense for her to be more similar to Magnifico than different since she did marry him, after all. It also would have provided a bigger challenge for Asha to go up against two powerful foes instead of one, which hearkens back to the rumored concept of her being their rebellious daughter, placing her squarely back in Disney Princess territory. Giving a villain a love interest would not only be a first for Disney, but it would also add an additional layer of depth to both characters, proving that even villains can still understand the concept of love despite being unwilling to share it with anyone other than a select few. As an added bonus, it would also pay tribute to Disney's long history of evil queens.
After writing a princess screenplay of my own, I understand the struggle of wanting to stay true to original ideas while also being open to feedback and popular demand. Considering the box office results of Wish, it's apparent that the filmmakers went about this the wrong way. It wouldn't be the first time that iconic princess film concepts were scrapped. Jeffrey Katzenberg is infamous for trying to convince songwriters Alan Menken and Howard Ashman to remove "Part of Your World" from The Little Mermaid after some children looked bored during the sequence at an early screening. Thankfully, the creative team won that battle. Another potentially iconic Disney Princess sequence that never saw the light of day was the "Princess Academy" short that featured a beautifully animated crossover of every Disney Princess and heroine character from the time gathering at a special school to bond over shared interests and experiences and improve their skills as princesses and heroic females. This 2009 short was a huge loss for princess fans. Other deleted concepts that are more widely available to the public are the demo songs from the Frozen soundtrack, which are arguably better than the ones that made it to the final film. Anna's deleted song, "More Than Just the Spare," was an excellent character study that was used to develop her personality despite not being used in the film, and the catchy duet, "Life's Too Short," did a much better job of showcasing the sisters' troubled relationship than "For the First Time in Forever (Reprise)."
By reflecting on various aspects of Wish in the new year, it becomes evident that the potential for a more compelling and resonant narrative was left unexplored. From the missed opportunity of a celestial romance between Asha and Star Boy and the intriguing complexities of Queen Amaya's character to the impact of scrapped songs and sequences, it's clear that there were significant unfulfilled possibilities. This serves as a reminder that even in the realm of beloved tales and princess stories, the creative process is not immune to missteps and unrealized potential. As we eagerly anticipate the future offerings from Disney and the evolution of the princess narrative, it is essential to appreciate the lessons learned from missed opportunities and the enduring value of staying true to the original spirit of these captivating tales. Would you have preferred the Wish that could have been? Let me know in the comments!
December 31, 2023
Review: Seaspoken
Seaspoken includes many traditional princess tropes including arranged marriages, forbidden love, and magical transformations. It contains elements of "The Little Mermaid," including an underwater rescue sequence and two lovers separated by land and sea, but it is not a true adaptation of the fairy tale and lacks the compelling stakes of Hans Christian Andersen's tragic romance. Evya, the female protagonist, comes from a race of mermaid elves with the ability to transform their tails into legs on dry land. Keliveth, who comes from a race of land-dwelling magic-wielding elves, can cast runes on himself that allow him to survive underwater. As a result, few obstacles are keeping the two lovers apart besides the rift between their two races, which is spurred mostly by their parents, the rulers of their respective tribes. The romance begins with a vision that Keliveth had of Evya. Though the two are conveyed as having deep feelings for each other, there are not nearly as many personal reasons for them to want to be together as there are political ones involving the desire to end the war between their races.
The biggest strength of this book by far is the worldbuilding. It does a beautiful job of creating two unique races of elves and developing their traditions, languages, and magic systems. Evya comes from the Tuath, an original race of elven mermaids who can adapt to land when necessary. As a princess, she must follow a strict ritual to select a mate in which her potential suitors are required to pass a series of challenges to prove themselves worthy of her hand and the throne. Her mother, the Seamother, has powerful magic over the ocean and uses it primarily for her own personal gain. The tuath also have a tradition of marking their bodies with tattoos to represent various things. Keliveth does not understand this tradition but respects it when Evya chooses to incorporate it to make him her mate. Keliveth's race uses magic runes to adapt to different situations and takes advantage of this power to be closer to Evya. He also has a unique ability to see visions of the future, which may be tied to his royal blood as the son of a king.
In the end, the magic of true love saves the day, of course. The climax of this book is pretty original for what it is and allows Keliveth to prove himself worthy of Evya's hand beyond a shadow of a doubt. I wish the two lovers had also made up with their parents at the end instead of defying them and forcing them to deal with the consequences, but one of the themes of the book is that the future generation of leaders can improve upon the previous one. In that respect, it instills a sense of hope for a more peaceful tomorrow. After reading so many other books about princesses choosing their own suitors, I found that the two lovers in this story bonded more over the idea of a political union to end the violence between their two factions than they did over common interests. While there is nothing wrong with that, it lacked the emotional core of other fairy tale-inspired stories about forbidden love.
In this whimsical tale of forbidden love and political strife, Seaspoken by Sarah Delena White immerses readers in a richly developed world where two races of elves navigate tradition, magic, and the tumultuous sea. While the romance between the protagonists, Evya and Keliveth, unfolds amidst the backdrop of an age-old conflict, it appears rooted more in a desire to improve the lives of their people rather than a deep emotional connection. Despite its enchanting worldbuilding and original climax, the narrative lacks the poignant stakes and emotional resonance found in classic fairy tale adaptations. As Seaspoken navigates the waters of interracial love, it ultimately sets sail on a hopeful course for a more peaceful future, reminding us that even amidst societal turmoil, the promise of a brighter tomorrow endures.
December 27, 2023
Review: The Heart of the Sea
There's been a lot of big news for The Little Mermaid this year. Not only did the live-action movie come out, but we also got a new stage show of the classic Disney musical with another one on the way for Disney's Hollywood Studios. With that in mind, I was excited to review a gender-bent version of the story from the Once Upon a Prince series, The Silent Prince, a few weeks ago. On that review, I was recommended another gender-bent adaptation called The Heart of the Sea by Chesney Infalt. In the spirit of the holiday season, I decided to treat myself to it. This book takes place in a more complex world than The Silent Prince but does not flesh out the details enough to make it an easy read. It relies on the same hit-or-miss storytelling technique as ABC's Once Upon a Time in which the timeline constantly shifts between the past and the present with no rhyme or reason. Still, the book presents a touching love story that stays true to the themes of the original fairy tale.
The Heart of the Sea is told from the dual perspectives of a merman prince named Caspian and a human princess named Sabine. The two are childhood friends who have deep-seated feelings toward each other that defy their duties as royalty, particularly in the case of Sabine, who must make a political alliance with another human kingdom. Several years after their relationship blooms, Sabine's kingdom decides to break off its alliance with the merfolk due to a sudden outbreak of the Condemned, cursed merpeople who attack humans at sea. The descriptions that the book provides for the Condemned are vague, but it is apparent that they are inspired by the "Poor Unfortunate Souls" that Ursula holds captive in her lair from the Disney version of the fairy tale. Caspian accidentally causes two of his brothers to transform into such creatures when he makes a deal with Maire, the sea witch, to provide Sabine with a magic "dream bracelet" that would make it easier for her to be with him. Though Sabine and Caspian's feelings toward each other are fully developed, the rest of this book's waters are murky. It isn't clear why Caspian needed to get Sabine a magic bracelet when the two were already close and saw each other regularly at a secret cave where the land meets with the sea. The bracelet doesn't turn Sabine into a mermaid or Caspian into a human, and its powers are just as vague as what happens to merfolk who become Condemned. It also doesn't help that the story constantly switches between two different timelines for no real reason--one timeline from when Caspian met with Sabine as a merman, and the other from when he became human five years later. Another thing that wasn't fully explained was why Sabine didn't recognize Caspian in his human form despite thinking of him constantly. One of the chapters from Caspian's perspective said he must look very different for Sabine to confuse him for someone else. Yet, from Sabine's perspective, it is never clear why his top half doesn't look enough like Caspian for her to recognize him without his tail aside from pure denial combined with the fact that he didn't have a voice to explain himselfDespite a rushed ending that comes off as forced, the book follows the basic structure of "The Little Mermaid" if the protagonist had been a merman who was in love with a princess he knew from his youth. The time the two spend together in their early days helps to enhance the love story and make the audience root for them to get together. This book could have been even stronger if it hadn't been based on "The Little Mermaid" because the original elements are fresher and more interesting than the ones that are pulled from the fairy tale. While Caspian's lack of a voice comes off as contrived and is easily resolved, there is no reason for Sabine not to recognize him after spending so much time with him as a merman. I particularly enjoyed the star-crossed lovers element of the story and how the kingdom's banishment of ties with merfolk creates a challenge for Sabine and Caspian's happiness. However, I think it would have been far more interesting if Caspian hadn't become human and had to work with Sabine to find a way to work through the obstacles between their kingdoms and reform the alliance.
The Heart of the Sea presents a reimagined take on "The Little Mermaid," weaving a touching love story between a merman prince and a human princess within a complex world. While the book effectively captures the depth of emotion between the protagonists, it struggles to provide clear explanations for pivotal elements such as the magical bracelet and the timeline shifts. The original elements of the story shine through, showcasing the potential for a more compelling narrative without relying heavily on established fairy tale motifs. The challenges presented by the kingdom's stance on relations with the merfolk add an intriguing layer to the star-crossed lovers' tale, yet the resolution was too abrupt. Overall, The Heart of the Sea offers a heartfelt interpretation of a classic tale whose potential could have been further realized by deviating more boldly from the source material and delving deeper into its own unique narrative.
December 21, 2023
Review: Time Princess - Infinite Shimmer
Infinite Shimmer is the latest visual novel in Time Princess. It was released in two parts and was well worth the wait. This is easily my favorite new visual novel this year. A great deal of time and effort went into making this an engaging story for long-time players of the app like myself. Infinite Shimmer is unique, beautiful, and insightful. It turns the science fiction genre, which is typically male-oriented, into something feminine and aesthetically pleasing, something that had never been done before except for the Barbie movie, Starlight Adventure, which was mediocre at best. When most people think of cyberpunk, they picture a bunch of depressed people walking around the remains of destroyed buildings carrying deadly weapons to pull on a dime wearing ripped leather and robotic limbs. Though this story takes place in a similar setting, it features an optimistic daydreamer who lives under the safety of a dome and dresses in glamorous pastel iridescent gowns that shift colors in the light.
In Infinite Shimmer, you play Aurora, a love psychologist who is one of the few people who still enjoys fairy tales despite living in a post-apocalyptic world. Aurora is incredibly relatable to those of us who have trouble identifying with the gloom-and-doom protagonists of most science fiction and cyberpunk universes. Instead of being guarded and standoffish, she focuses on the beautiful parts of life like love, kindness, and gorgeous fashion. It is for this reason that Theos, a tech developer, believes that Aurora is the perfect person to troubleshoot his latest product, an AI hologram named Novi whose sole purpose is romancing women. The story drops some obtuse references to Pygmalion, the Greek myth on which it is loosely based. Though this myth has been adapted before in various films such as One Touch of Venus , Mannequin , and the Disney Channel Original Movie, Pixel Perfect , it has never been done in a sci-fi setting like this. The story is incredibly relatable to anyone who has ever been in love with a fictional character. The visual novel's three lengthy chapters explore some insightful ideas such as what makes us human and whether fantasy can be just as moving and powerful as reality, especially when that reality has become a bleak dystopia. The exploration of AI's potential is particularly relevant for today's society in which AI has turned the entertainment industry on its head.
All three companions in this story are top-notch. An honorable mention also goes to KAITO, the lovable AI sidekick kitty with the brain of a dog. He is easily the most adorable sidekick out of all the visual novels in Time Princess. Novi and Theos serve as the primary love interests and allow players to choose between fantasy and reality if they wish to take a romantic route. Though Novi is programmed to love all women, he takes a liking to only Aurora and develops feelings toward her that seem to go beyond the limits of his programming. Theos teases Aurora about her love of romance novels but is clearly taken with the idea of such a light-hearted woman thriving in such a dark world. Personally, I prefer Novi between the two because this is one of the few stories that does not punish the player for choosing fantasy over reality, but the visual novel's multiple-ending mechanic allows players to choose whichever route is best for them. The third option, for players who are less interested in romance or more interested in exploring LGBT potential, is Selene, Aurora's childhood friend, who is an earthy mystic who loves reading tarot cards. Selene's route allows players to fully explore the corruption behind this post-apocalyptic world and find a way to make things better for everyone in it.
Alongside its inspired plot and setting, Infinite Shimmer also excels in the dress-up element of Time Princess. Far from the leather, metal, and grunge styles that cyberpunk characters typically prefer to wear, this story features stunning lavender, pink, and silver holographic pastels on each one of its out-of-this-world fashions. Even the most basic and easiest-to-obtain clothing items are breathtaking from the way they change colors as the player rotates them in the light to the unique silhouettes they create. As a fan of iridescent shades of lavender, I instantly fell in love with Aurora's Creed, the first gown that is available in the story, which forms a fit-and-flare silhouette of shimmering lavender starlight, long flowing iridescent hair, and a glowing tiara made of crystal. Other unique looks throughout the story include a galaxy-themed bodysuit with flared iridescent sleeves and train and a matching disc-like halo, a medieval-inspired shining armor ensemble complete with a golden gas mask to brave the destruction of the outside world, and some more casual two-piece outfits that are just as holographic and stunning as the more glamorous ones.
Infinite Shimmer stands out as a stunning addition to the Time Princess universe, captivating players with its unique blend of science fiction and feminine aesthetics. The visual novel's protagonist, Aurora, offers a refreshing departure from the typical brooding characters found in the genre, instead celebrating love, kindness, and enchanting fashion. The narrative deftly explores the boundaries between fantasy and reality in a post-apocalyptic world, while also delving into complex themes such as the nature of humanity and the potential of AI. The diverse range of companions and romantic options, coupled with the exquisite dress-up element featuring mesmerizing holographic pastel ensembles, further enhance the immersive experience. Infinite Shimmer succeeds in offering a compelling and inclusive storytelling experience that resonates with both longtime fans of the app and newcomers alike.
December 17, 2023
Review: Mazarine
I had seen some Facebook ads in the past for Mazarine, a mermaid fairytale romance by Cece Louise, so when it came up in a recent holiday promotion, I decided to check it out. Though it is not exactly a retelling of "The Little Mermaid," this book has a strong love story with lots of fantasy and adventure. It is part of the Forest Tales series, which contains many fairytale-inspired stories set in the same world. Even though this was the only book I've read so far, I saw several references to characters who were clearly from earlier books. Mazarine is not named after the main character, but after the Mazarine Sea, which is the area the two protagonists travel through for most of the story. Unlike most mermaid stories, this book follows the "road trip" archetype in which two unlikely heroes must go on a long journey and get to know each other intimately along the way. I did not care much for the male protagonist at first, but like in Tangled, the heroine saw past his flaws and helped him become a better person.
Marilee is a naive princess from a human kingdom who sees the good in everyone she meets. One day, her blind optimism led her into a trap set by a mermaid she had trusted, causing her to be stuck in an endless state of transformation between a mermaid each day and a human each night. When she rescues a mysterious stranger from a shipwreck, she hopes that he will be grateful enough to help her return to her home kingdom and find a way to break her curse. However, Darius is in no position to help anyone, having completely given up on life after not being able to forgive himself for his previous crimes. When he hears Marilee's story, he wants no part of it until she tempts him with a reward for returning the lost princess. The rest of the book is similar to Disney's Tangled except that most of the traveling is done by sea instead of by land.
Although Marilee is a bit of a stereotype, she is a far more likable character than Darius. A princess who longs for freedom from an arranged marriage who is kind and trusting to everyone she meets is far from a novel concept. Darius, while more interesting due to his tragic backstory, comes off as a drunken swindler who has done horrible things in the past. The first conversation the two have following the rescue is similar to that of Galavant and Princess Isabella from the series Galavant, in which she wants to see something greater in him than he sees in himself. At first, Marilee seems like a fool for trusting someone who so obviously has only his own interests at heart, but at the last moment, Darius chooses to be a better man as a result of Marilee's undying faith in him.
Though most of the book takes place on a ship, its brief descriptions of the mermaid kingdom are vibrant and lovely, giving mermaid fans something to look forward to. Ondine, the mermaid who tricked Marilee, is a dynamic character who becomes a better person as a result of Marilee's influence. The villain of the book, who is revealed gradually, is a formidable foe who unites the two worlds of land and sea over a shared enemy. His revelation and later downfall are extremely satisfying. In the climax of the book, all the breadcrumbs and open ends that are peppered throughout the story fall into place like puzzle pieces. Every character must come to terms with their past and decide what type of person they want to be in the future.
In Mazarine, Cece Louise crafts a captivating mermaid fairytale romance. Set against the backdrop of the enchanting Mazarine Sea, the narrative deftly navigates through themes of love, forgiveness, and self-discovery. While Marilee's unwavering optimism and Darius's tumultuous past initially define their characters, their evolving dynamics offer a refreshing take on traditional archetypes. Through vibrant descriptions of the mermaid kingdom and the resilient transformation of key characters, the story delivers a rich tapestry of fantasy and adventure. As the narrative unfolds towards a climactic convergence, it seamlessly weaves together disparate threads, culminating in a compelling resolution that underscores the profound impact of choices and redemption. Mazarine embraces the allure of mermaid lore and transcends the confines of its genre, leaving readers immersed in a compelling tale of resilience and transformation.
December 10, 2023
Review: Princess of Mirrors
One of my favorite series that I have had the pleasure to review is the Fairy Tale Adventures series by AG Marshall. Throughout these books, the author builds a unique fantasy world that breathes new life into many old stories, tying them together in unexpected ways. Princess of Shadows introduced a new version of "The Princess and the Pea" featuring a legendary shadow warrior who is anything but delicate. Princess of Secrets gave a fresh take on "The Frog Prince" in which the princess was a spy who used her selfishness and extravagance as a cover to hide her true intentions. It has been a long wait, but the fifth book in the series, Princess of Mirrors, AG Marchall's take on "Cinderella," is finally here. Like the others, the heroine in this book is not a typical Cinderella and has many secrets of her own, ones that a certain prince is dying to uncover.
When her father was on his deathbed, he told Gabriella two things: to guard the magic mirrors that fill their home and to beware of the Society of Evangelina. With so little information to work with, Bri spends most of her days living in fear and paranoia. It doesn't help when the family's finances mysteriously start to deplete, leaving her with no choice but to become a servant in her own household. Bri knows a few things about how the magic mirrors work, but not many. With the help of a mischievous donkey, she obtains her father's journal, which allows her to put the rest of the pieces together to determine what she is responsible for. She needs gems to power the mirrors, a difficult thing to obtain for a family going into poverty. To the best of her ability, she tries to guard the mirrors from the wicked goblins living in the shadow world on the other side and whatever nefarious forces her father tried to warn her about from the Society of Evangelina.
Anyone who has read the other books in this series is aware that the Society of Evangelina is a group of ancient royals with the same goal as Bri--to protect the realm from the monsters that live in the shadows. Evangelina, or Lina, was the protagonist from the first book in this series who is now married to Prince Alaric and is next in line to be queen. When Bri learns this, she is terrified of the unknown, fearing that Lina intends to use her power to attack the innocent citizens of the kingdom. She is afraid to trust anyone until she meets Henry while running errands one day. Henry presents himself as a goat herder and shares his lunch with her. In truth, he is a member of the Society of Evangelina who became a prince after his mother married the king, but Bri doesn't know that. Likewise, Henry believes her to be a mistreated servant as opposed to the troubled heir to a prestigious estate who was entrusted with a magical secret.
The "Cinderella" elements that come into play later in the book are only minor elements of the story. It follows the Grimm version in which there are three balls, but the balls are not held to find a bride for the prince. Instead, they are used as a way to demonstrate Lina's powers as a shadow warrior and her intent to protect the kingdom. As someone who is horribly paranoid about Lina's abilities, this is the worst possible situation for Bri, causing her to run away like her fairy tale counterpart. The book does a good job of incorporating the most common criticism of "Cinderella" that the prince hardly knew her. Henry is constantly reminded that he knows very little about Bri after his encounter with her in the mountains, but he has such strong feelings toward her after that chance meeting that he becomes determined to protect her at all costs. This desire is heightened when he witnesses her paranoia about Lina and her Society, creating a challenge to earn her trust so the two can be honest with each other and use their unique magical abilities for the good of the kingdom.
Princess of Mirrors, ingeniously reinterprets the classic "Cinderella" narrative, introducing a heroine with powerful secrets and a daunting quest to guard her family's magic mirrors. As the intricate plot unfolds, themes of trust, power, and destiny interweave, compelling the characters to navigate a world filled with mystery, peril, and the captivating allure of magic. Princess of Mirrors not only offers a compelling twist on a timeless story but also delves into the complexities of trust, empathy, and the strength found in unlikely alliances. Each installment of AG Marshall's Fairy Tale Adventure series breathes new life into familiar stories, weaving them together in unexpected and thrilling ways. This book is no exception, offering lots of callbacks and surprises for patient and loyal readers. The final epilog gives a scintillating teaser of the sixth and final book in the series, which will be inspired by the classic ballet, "Swan Lake."
