Lisa Dawn's Blog: The Princess Blog, page 2

Review: Twinkle Twinkle Little Scars

Abigail Manning is one of the most prolific fairy tale authors in the market right now, so I jumped at the chance to read an ARC of the latest book from her inspired Once Upon a Rhyme series. Twinkle Twinkle Little Scars  is a clever princess-themed interpretation of my favorite nursery rhyme that adds layers of depth behind the innocent childhood jingle. Set in a world where magic jewels are a hot-button issue, this original fairy tale features a princess who is not what she seems and a rogue who hides behind numerous identities to prevent the world from seeing his true self.

Princess Lyra has a big secret. By day, she's a model royal, following all the procedures her high status requires with grace and dignity. By night, she is the inventor, a mysterious supplier of magical tools powered by enchanted stones that are highly coveted on the black market. Her dealer is Stirling, a boy she met as a child when he snuck into the castle through her window and continued to do so for years to come. While this did make me question the security of her fortress, their late-night soirees were romantic and mysterious. If Lyra and Stirling didn't fall for each other, one of them would surely end up in prison.
Everything changes when Lyra's parents arrange a marriage for her with a foreign prince named Soren. On the night of her engagement ball, she and Stirling are kidnapped by a greedy band of thieves who want to take advantage of the inventor's skills. The only problem is that they don't know which of them is the inventor. Stirling takes the fall so Lyra can escape, but it isn't that easy since the villains refuse to let either of them go. This results in a "Rumpelstiltskin" type situation in which Lyra must do the work so Stirling can take the credit for the sake of their mutual survival.
This book's strong theme of identity is presented in a multi-faceted way. Lyra defines her secret identity by the scars covering her arms that she received from fearlessly working with unrefined magic stones despite the dangers they posed. Stirling's dissociative identities provide a challenge for Lyra to discover who he really is and to help him accept his true self. Even Prince Soren has a small arc, in which he must accept that love takes time and cannot be forced through political means.
Twinkle Twinkle Little Scars by Abigail Manning is a mesmerizing adaptation of a classic nursery rhyme, woven with intricate characters, complex relationships, and a richly detailed world. The story's exploration of identity, love, and self-acceptance adds depth and nuance to the fairy tale genre. With its engaging plot, memorable characters, and thought-provoking themes, this book is a must-read for fans of fantasy and romance. Manning's Once Upon a Rhyme series continues to delight with its creative reinterpretations of beloved childhood rhymes.

Disney Concludes World Princess Week with a Star-Studded Concert!

World Princess Week is almost over, and Disney decided to go out in a big way. In honor of the 70th anniversary of Disneyland Park, a star-studded princess concert was held in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle, complete with princess character performers and several of the original Disney Princess voice actresse,s including Jodi Benson, Paige O'Hara, Anika Noni Rose, and . The event was hosted by the incredibly talented Susan Egan, of Broadway and Hercules fame, and , Once Upon a Time's Snow White. I've heard many of these sirens of the stage and screen perform live at several events, and it was nothing short of magical.

For last year's World Princess Week, Disneyland hosted a performance from a brand new girl group introducing the new Disney Princess anthem, "Create Your World." Although the slogan stuck, the anthem itself was never heard again, despite this concert being a perfect opportunity to perform it. Instead, park attendees were treated to a medley of Disney Princess songs performed by the original artists, which is every bit as magical as it sounds. The four songstresses looked strunning in color-coded glittering gowns inspired by their respective princesses, concluding with a tour de force with all the park princesses reacting to their songs. That said, the concert itself was barely longer than ten minutes.

In some ways, this micro-concert was closer to the experience that parents were hoping to give their children when they attended Disney Princess - The Concert a couple of years ago. I received feedback in my review of the show from a mother who was disappointed that the princess character performers were not present for that show. This performance gave the people what they wanted with just about every park princess in attendance to present the performers. While I don't expect a free concert to be as long as a Broadway show, ten minutes seems a bit short to gather so many A-list princess stars in one place only to send them on their way. The video release had a countdown timer set up for its YouTube and Disney+ launch, implying that it was a much bigger special.

Overall, this year's World Princess Week is a reminder of the modern generation's shorter attention spans. The LEGO Disney Princess special was half the length of the previous one, and the grand finale was over in the blink of an eye. Last year's 2C2A Dream group got a multi-episode web series that aired throughout the week. Don't get me wrong. I love that the Disney Princess brand is still alive and well. Yet, it seems to have gone from feature-length masterpieces to short bursts of bite-sized content. Even next year's upcoming Sofia the First: Royal Magic sequel series will feature episodes that are half the length of the original.

World Princess Week may be coming to a close, but its impact won't soon be forgotten. Disney's grand princess concert, featuring iconic voice actresses and stunning performances, was a testament to the enduring magic of the Disney Princess brand. Though the brief concert length left some wanting more, the event's sparkle and shine reminded fans of all ages why these beloved characters continue to captivate audiences worldwide. Here's to hoping future celebrations will build on this momentum, bringing even more Disney Princess magic to fans everywhere.

Disney Released a New LEGO Special for World Princess Week!

World Princess Week is back, and that means fun new surprises from Disney! This year's princess treat was more of a throwback to 2023 when Disney launched an adorable LEGO special on Disney+ called The Castle Quest . In honor of World Princess Week, a sequel premiered on their exclusive streaming service called LEGO Disney Princess: Villains Unite, which is within the same vein as its predecessor. However, the new special is only half the length of The Castle Quest, falling at a paltry 23 minutes. This is a surprisingly short runtime considering that it took two years to create the star-studded sequel.

Villains Unite picks up where The Castle Quest left off, with the LEGO versions of the iconic Disney Princesses working together to protect a sparkly pink castle that they share. When Snow White comedically eavesdrops on Gaston in the marketplace, she overhears a plot in which he assembles four other classic Disney villains—Jafar, Ursula, Kaa, and The Evil Queen—to storm the castle and claim it for themselves. The whole thing is very tongue-in-cheek and not meant to be taken seriously since neither the princesses nor the villains share a castle in the universe. Still, the large cast of eight princesses and five villains seems like a convenient way to fill the brief 23 minutes with non-stop cameos of each character doing something cool in battle.

Ever since the gag scene in Wrek-It Ralph 2, which portrayed the princesses living together and later teaming up in an epic battle, there has been demand among fans and actors for an Avengers-style team-up special between the beloved heroines. 2023's The Castle Quest may have been Disney's answer to that, with lots of fun shenanigans between Snow White, Rapunzel, Ariel, Moana, and Tiana kicking villain butt using their unique princess powers. Villains Unite throws Cinderella, Aurora, and Belle into the mix, giving them even more potential for gags, including Cinderella's sweeping attack and Aurora's naptime after the battle. However, the shorter runtime does not give enough of an opportunity to take advantage of the extended cast.
The new LEGO special makes a notable effort to appeal to the shorter attention spans of modern audiences. Its snappy character introductions are meant to quickly remind younger viewers about characters from older, lesser-known films in as little time as possible. There was a surprise appearance from the "Bog Monster," who turned out to be a classic underused Disney character with "bog" at the end of his name. Another running gag was that Rapunzel didn't know who any of the Golden Age characters were, probably due to being the first CGI Disney Princess. The special's conclusion, which showed the princesses rebuilding, decorating, and reuniting their town, was reminiscent of the popular Disney Dreamlight Valley game, which came out in 2022.
LEGO Disney Princess: Villains Unite is a fun, action-packed special that's perfect for World Princess Week. With its star-studded cast of Disney Princesses and villains, this 23-minute short is packed with humor, adventure, and exciting team-up moments. Although its brief runtime limits character development, the special's fast-paced action and witty dialogue make it an enjoyable watch. Fans will appreciate the nods to classic films and the spunky LEGO interpretations of beloved characters. Overall, Villains Unite is a fun addition to the LEGO Disney Princess universe, inspiring kids and adults alike to unleash their imagination and creativity.

Review: A Gracious Hope

I've read roughly half the books from the Hope Ever After series, leaving a good handful of them on my TBR list. The latest one I got around to is A Gracious Hope by Robyn Sarty. This charming retelling is a surprising combination of "Sleeping Beauty" and The Wonderful Wizard of Oz with fae lore in the mystical land of Tír na nÓg. It's an interesting combination that makes for a lovely and whimsical story with beautiful visuals. Few people probably would have the imagination to combine two such different stories as these. There are also some fun twists and turns encompassing a unique read that's full of surprises.

This book picks up right in the middle of Disney's 1959 animated classic, Sleeping Beauty . For that reason, it is probably necessary to watch the film before reading the book, which is unlikely to be an issue for its target audience. Alora is a peasant girl living with her Aunt Em and Uncle Henry. On her nineteenth birthday, she learns that she is actually a princess who is betrothed to a prince. She secretly hopes that Prince Phillip might be the same peasant boy she had a prior dalliance with. While all this is happening, Alora also learns that she was cursed at birth and must find a way to break the it and save her people.

Between the two stories that this book combines, there is more of a focus on The Wonderful Wizard of Oz than "Sleeping Beauty." It handles this adaptation in a way that feels fresh and original. Instead of Oz, Alora is swept away through a magic portal to Tir na nÓg, where she encounters faeries, a magical unicorn, a kind woodsman named Zander, and his dog. Many of the same events from The Wonderful Wizard of Oz take place here, such as Alora being recruited by the Wizard to destroy a witch, a city where everyone wears green, and sleep-inducing flowers. The whimsy and magic of the world are further enhanced by the addition of Scottish fae lore.

The Disney inspiration is apparent throughout the book, which is filled with descriptive visuals reminiscent of old-school animation. Alora pays tribute to her aunt by insisting on wearing the over-the-top pink and blue dress she made for her birthday, which goes through several magical transformations. The beauty and wonder of the world are reminiscent of old school Disney. Yet, there are also many unexpected surprises. For instance, the true identity of the Wizard was a complete shock, as well as the budding romance that was built up nicely throughout the book.

A Gracious Hope by Robyn Sarty is a delightfully whimsical retelling of "Sleeping Beauty" and The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, set in the mystical land of Tír na nÓg. With its unique blend of fae lore and Disney magic, this book is a must-read for fans of fairy tale adaptations. The story adds some unique twists to the multi-author Hope Ever After series, which supports Operation Underground Railroad to help fight human trafficking.. Alora's journey is a beautiful and wondrous ride, filled with magic and romance. If you're looking for a charming and enchanting read, A Gracious Hope is definitely worth adding to your list.

Review: Princess Gwenevere and the Jewel Riders Vol. 2

It's been a little over a year since Jewel Riders was revived from the nostalgia archives with a new graphic novel from Maverick. Today, I am pleased to announce that the series has not been forgotten, and the second volume is about to make its debut. I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC from Maverick's mailing list and was able to read the new Magical Girl adventure in advance. The new Jordie Bellaire and Koi Carreon graphic novel is similar to the first one in the series, with beautiful manga-like illustrations, lots of nostalgic references to the '90s cartoon, and an erratic plot that jumps around from page to page. People who enjoyed the first volume of Princess Gwenevere and the Jewel Riders will probably enjoy this one as well, and vice versa, as little has changed.

The second volume of Princess Gwenevere and the Jewel Riders picks up after the cliffhanger ending of the first graphic novel, which implied that there was some sort of secret scheme happening between Gwenevere's wicked Aunt Kale and the Queen of Avalon, whom I refer to as Adri-Anya because I still haven't gotten over the name change. After her defeat in the first volume, Kale remains weakened and is recovering in a chamber of the Crystal Palace, which many characters have conflicting feelings about. Due to Kale's sisterly bond with Adri-Anya, which was hinted at in the previous volume, a Freaky Friday -inspired storyline ensues, in which the ordinarily gentle queen starts acting more like the short-tempered Kale, making it vital for Kale's body to recover and restore the good queen to her true self.

I've seen reviews for both volumes criticizing the inconsistent storytelling that jumps from one plot thread to another with no transitions. While I don't entirely disagree, I'm so happy to have more Jewel Riders in my life that my nostalgia goggles may make me immune to its flaws. Like the first graphic novel, this volume is chock-full of references to various episodes of the show, making those of us who loved it as children feel seen and appreciated. The first time we see our heroines, they are lounging in their mermaid tails from the episode "Jewel of the Sea," in which they received the ability to transform into mermaids at will. It's so cute to see them have a "girls' day out" where they decide to hang out as mermaids. Not only does it add to the lore of the show, but it also enhances the theme of friendship by demonstrating that they could have fun together in any form.

This new graphic novel series doesn't just contain old references to the show. It modernizes many of the characters with new ideas and philosophies. Some of these attempts pay off, while others are more questionable. For instance, seeing Tamara read a book about adult friendships and forgive Kale despite all the wicked things she's done in her past seems like a perfect way for her to grow as a character. She had always been the "mother" figure of the group, so it makes sense that she would devote her young adult years to enhancing her relationships with her friends. On the other hand, Drake handing over leadership of the Pack to Fallon and retiring to become a fishmonger is a bizarre decision that seems out of place in such a peaceful and magical world. Regardless, it's nice to see a future for these characters after 30 years of silence. There's also an adorable flashback scene that reveals how Gwenevere, Tamara, and Fallon first met as children.

The second volume of Princess Gwenevere and the Jewel Riders is finally here, and fans of the series won't be disappointed. With its beautiful manga-like illustrations and nostalgic references to the '90s cartoon, this volume is a must-read for anyone who loved the first book. There are many fun surprises for fans of the cartoon, though it isn't quite as newcomer-friendly. Despite some questionable plot decisions, the book shines with its themes of friendship and growth, and fans will appreciate the nods to the original series. If you're looking for a magical girl adventure that combines nostalgia with new ideas, Princess Gwenevere and the Jewel Riders Vol. 2 is definitely worth checking out.

Review: The Storm Dancer

When I received an ARC of The Storm Dancer by Valia Lind, I was eager to read a new retelling of "The Little Mermaid." This book contained the same romantic themes and strong characters that I enjoyed from her other Skazka Fairy Tales, along with some of the series' signature Russian mythology. However, the story lacks many of the elements that make "The Little Mermaid" such a dramatic and fantastical story, and doesn't incorporate enough new ones to make up for it. Thus, it is a strong love story like her other books, but not the ideal "Little Mermaid" retelling. I've seen the 1976 Russian film adaptation of "The Little Mermaid," Rusalochka, which followed the original fairy tale very closely, as well as its downright depressing Czech adaptation, Mala Morska Vila, which turned the merfolk into an aquatic species of water people like this book, but still followed the basic plot of the fairy tale.

Roksana is a Rusalka princess of an undersea kingdom. Rusalkas are a race of humans who spend most of their time in the water, though they are not described to have tails like traditional mermaids. This means they are capable of surviving on land but feel a constant pull toward the water. The Rusalkas participate in a coming-of-age tradition each year, where they are permitted to spend time on land to learn more about other cultures, similar to the "Other Walk" from The Other Kingdom series or the Amish tradition of Rumspringa. The tradition is long-rooted in the cultures of both races, and there are many misconceptions on each side. When Roksana embarks on this journey, she crosses paths with a human prince named Alexei, who decides to help her with her transition.

Though the majority of the book is about their budding relationship, Roksana and Alexei both have an ulterior motive in working together, which is to find a golden wish-granting fish. Roksana wants magic powers to go with her royal lineage, and Alexei wants to get out of a marriage alliance. However, Roksana's lack of magic and Alexei's mystery fiancée are hardly touched upon. Instead, the story is primarily a romantic comedy with all the usual tropes. Roksana pretends they are a couple to make their mutual goals easier, and Alexei has no choice but to go along with it. Luckily, he doesn't seem to mind very much since he finds Roksana irresistible from their first "meet cute."

This is a cozy story that gives off a different impression from the bittersweet vibes of "The Little Mermaid." There is virtually no conflict except for a brief scene near the end. Roksana must hardly sacrifice anything to be with Alexei. She has her voice for most of the story, aside from one obligatory reference scene, and she does not meet Alexei by saving him from a life-threatening circumstance. The book has a cutesy feel to it, especially thanks to the talking otter sidekick that follows Rosksana around. There is a lot of fun and entertaining banter between the two protagonists that makes it feel more like a romcom than a fairy tale retelling.

The Storm Dancer by Valia Lind is a charming, cozy romance that offers a fresh take on "The Little Mermaid," blending Russian mythology with a lighthearted, comedic tone. While it may not capture the dramatic essence of the original fairy tale, it shines as a sweet love story with engaging characters and witty banter. If you're looking for a feel-good romance with a touch of fantasy, this book is a delightful read, even if it doesn't fully embody the spirit of its classic inspiration.

Review: Tainted Beauty

Tainted Beauty by Alesha Adamson is the first book in the All That Glitters series and the last book for me to complete after receiving ARCs of every other book before I got to it. Ending with the beginning, this series has now come full circle for me. Tainted Beauty is a combined retelling of "Beauty and the Beast" and "King Midas." Both stories are blended together equally with no bias toward one or the other. It is a sweet romance with lots of magic and dragon lore. Among the All That Glitters series, this story shares the most similarities to Rapunzel's Gambit by Mary Mecham, but it still stands out as a unique and original dual fairy tale adaptation.

Aurelius seeks the aid of a dragon to restore his family's fortune. The ability to turn anything he touched into gold sounded like a great idea at first, until he accidentally froze his own mother in a gilded prison, turning the blessing into a curse. Soon, he realized that he was a threat to anyone he encountered and decided to cut himself off from society. He receives some solace in the ability to transform into a dragon once a day, rendering the curse null and void in his transformative state. However, this power comes with its own limitations, especially after he rescues the kind-hearted Melora from an arranged marriage and is afraid to tell her his true identity for fear that she will only see him as a monster.

Melora's stay at the castle is split between her time with Aurelius in his glittering human form and with the dragon, without realizing they are the same person. Though she cares for both of them, it isn't until he can be honest with her about who he is and come to terms with his past that a romance can start to blossom. The usually unassuming and humble Melora is not put off by the ostentatious display of gold surrounding her caretaker. Instead, she is more offended by Aurelius's refusal to touch her, even when she needs assistance, due to her ignorance of his curse. Overall, the biggest theme of the story is self-acceptance.

I never would have come up with the idea of combining "Beauty and the Beast" with "King Midas" on my own, yet it works quite well. Melora escapes an abusive father and fiancé to a world of glittering splendor. After a lifetime of being forced to earn her keep, it takes time for her to realize that Aurelius wants her to be comfortable in his domain. The book also incorporates one of the sisters from the original "Beauty and the Beast" fairy tale in a more positive light. Melora has a sweet bond with her little sister, Nerissa, and her desire to protect her from their father's abuse extends to the indomitable protection of Aurelius in his dragon form.

Tainted Beauty by Alesha Adamson is a glittering retelling of "Beauty and the Beast" and "King Midas," expertly blending the two classic tales into a unique narrative. With its sweet romance, magical world-building, and themes of self-acceptance, this book is a must-read for fans of fairy tale adaptations. The dual perspective of Aurelius and Melora adds depth to the story, and their bond is both tender and compelling. If you're looking for a fresh take on beloved fairy tales, Tainted Beauty is definitely worth adding to your reading list.

Blogiversary Book Release!

Can you believe I've been blogging about princesses for the past eight years? How time flies! I like to do something special each year for my blogiversary. A few years ago, I filmed a special music video. This time, it's something I haven't done in over five years. I wrote a new book! That's right, folks. We're finally getting a new fairy tale novella. Titania's Reflection is a combined retelling of "Fairer-than-a-Fairy" and Shakespeare's classic A Midsummer Night's Dream. It's currently available on Amazon in ebook, audiobook, and paperback formats. If you've enjoyed my other works in the past, you should absolutely check this one out! It's like nothing I've ever done before.

Titania's Reflection would not exist if it weren't for all the princess-related research I do for my blog. I first discovered "Fairer-than-a-Fairy" when I spent a winter reading all twelve of Andrew Lang's Fairy Books looking for hidden gems. This story stood out to me as one that should get more exposure. It had some fascinating imagery, including a talking rainbow and a castle suspended in the air by four chains, and was surprisingly progressive because it contained a princess who wakes a sleeping prince instead of the other way around. It also contains a fascinating love story in which the princess fell in love with the prince without ever knowing what he looked like, showing that real love isn't about appearances. I knew I wanted to explore this fairy tale further, but I wasn't sure how at the time. So I continued blogging and waited for inspiration to strike.

Among the book deals I received this year, no series stood out to me quite as much as Sara Farnsworth's Realms of Caelia, which begins with Beauty in the Tower, a combined retelling of "Rapunzel" and "Sleeping Beauty." Her books made me realize that the best way to enhance a story might be by combining it with other ones. That was when I remembered watching the 1999 film adaptation of A Midsummer Night's Dream. The world of the faeries presented there blended perfectly with the world that the young princess was spirited away to in "Fairer-than-a-Fairy." A Midsummer Night's Dream has been used as a backdrop for many other fantasy works, including Nickelodeon's The Other Kingdom, Disney's Gargoyles, and a series of novellas by Tara Grayce. The Shakespearean classic also helped me come up with built-in names for all of the characters, since only the wicked fairy in "Fairer-than-a-Fairy" had a real name, which I replaced with Titania. The princess in the book is named "Fairer-than-a-Fairy," but that's way too much of a mouthful, so I had Titania call her Hermia instead.

Another inspiration for this book was the musical Between the Lines, which was based on a novel and concluded with a lovely message about creativity and sharing your story with the world. I was obsessed with this musical for a few months. It was one of the biggest catalysts that motivated me to start writing again. Its plot about a fictional character who falls in love with a girl from the real world gave me a lot of ideas for developing the dynamics of Hermia's relationship with Lysander, a prince trapped in the reflection of a rainbow. Helena and Demetrius were fun characters to write because I based both of them on the modern warrior archetype, which wasn't as popular in Shakespeare's time, at least for female characters. They created just enough drama to flesh out the fairy tale into a full-length book.

As I celebrate eight years of blogging about princesses, I'm thrilled to share my latest creation, Titania's Reflection, a unique retelling of "Fairer-than-a-Fairy" and A Midsummer Night's Dream. This novella would not have been possible without the research and inspiration I've gathered over the years. With its blend of fascinating imagery, progressive themes, and Shakespearean magic, Titania's Reflection is a true labor of love. If you've enjoyed my previous works, I invite you to experience this new tale, now available on Amazon in ebook, audiobook, and paperback formats. Thank you for joining me on this journey, and I look forward to sharing more princess-themed adventures with you in the years to come!

Review: Whispers of the Starlit Sea

Whispers of the Starlit Sea is a Kickstarter campaign I helped to back for Robyn Sarty. It's an ambitious new take on "The Little Mermaid" with several unique twists. Instead of choosing to become human, the protagonist is forced to transform due to a magical bond her kind shares when they rescue humans. I found the story enjoyable and the characters pleasant overall, but there were parts of the lore that seemed confusing or underdeveloped. Since I received a very early copy of this book due to the campaign, these issues might be resolved when it is officially released in September. Regardless, it is a thrilling fantasy adventure with a sweet love story.

Sorcha has lived most of her undersea life with passivity toward humans. Some merfolk consider them dangerous, especially when many of the Watchers who travel to the surface to prevent humans from drowning during storms go missing. Sorcha never gave it much thought, unlike her aunt, Maeve, or her sister, Ciara, who actively dislike them. One day, Sorcha visits the surface and finds a human man about to drown in a violent storm. She heals him and thinks little of it until she learns that her selfless act caused a magical bond to form between them, forcing her beautiful tail to split into a pair of legs. Now, Prince Arick must help the lost maiden who appeared in the sea and is unfamiliar with his language. At the same time, he is struggling with a difficult decision on whether he should inherit the throne from his cousin, so he has a lot on his plate.

The plot threads about the mermaid not wanting to be human and the war between the two species have the most in common with A Little Mermaid by Aya Ling and Siren's Treasure by Suzanna Fowers. These twists provide additional drama and stakes to the story, making Sorcha's plight tragic in a different way from the original Hans Christian Andersen story. The bond forces her to get to know someone she never would have otherwise spent time with and learn about his world. The time he spends trying to understand her despite the language barrier is sweet and endearing. There are also some lovely descriptions of human clothing and other customs. From what we know about Sorcha's life under the sea, it's understandable that she would have little desire to leave. The overall theme of the book is about keeping an open mind and exploring new things.

That said, some important plot-related passages were missing from the story. I went back to see if I had simply overlooked them, but it seemed to gloss over some major parts near the end. Without spoiling too much, there was a character being rescued, and later, someone said the character had died, yet I couldn't find the part where this happened in the story. The reveal of the villain also seemed a bit rushed. The narrative had Sorcha jump react as though she were certain of the villain's identity because of a slight change in tone in response to a single question. The motivations of the villain were left to the reader's imagination. The lore behind forced transformation was questionable. Even though the Watchers regularly rescued humans, there was no mention of any of them turning human and forming a bond like Sorcha did.

Whispers of the Starlit Sea by Robyn Sarty is a pleasant retelling of "The Little Mermaid" with a unique twist. Sorcha's journey from mermaid to human is a thrilling fantasy adventure filled with romance and self-discovery. Although some plot points felt confusing or underdeveloped, the story's themes of keeping an open mind and exploring new ideas shine through. The chemistry between Sorcha and Prince Arick is undeniable, and their language barrier interactions are particularly sweet. With its blend of oceanic magic and high stakes, this book is sure to delight fans of fantasy romance. If you're looking for a fresh take on a classic tale with a dash of adventure and romance, Whispers of the Starlit Sea might be your next great read.

The Lost Feminine Aesthetic

There is a certain visual style associated with girly media containing soft pastel color palettes, floral motifs, and lots of sparkles. Although this style hasn't been lost to us entirely, and is still prevalent in magical girl anime it's never looked quite the same as it did in the late '80s and early '90s when it was first introduced. Maybe this is just nostalgia speaking, but the soft, tranquil environments of older cartoons never feel as relaxing as imagery from back then. The sharpness of HD resolution and modern CGI gets in the way of the fuzzy, dream-like feel of older cartoons. Even the wobbly, unrefined animation of older shows added to the charm in a way that we can't get today with crisp CGI models.

Pictured above is Lady Lovely Locks, a cartoon series from 1987 that encapsulates the look and feel of feminine nostalgia. Though it had short episodes with a simplistic story, the visuals of this series and others like it inspired a generation of girly girls that no longer exist in modern media. The heavy use of the color pink has gone out of style thanks to modern sensibilities, and the big, pretty dresses and hairstyles would get in the way of princesses who need to fight to save their kingdoms. It's no longer acceptable to portray princesses or animated heroines dancing around in flower fields just looking pretty and being happy. Another property I admire purely for the aesthetic is Peppermint Rose, which is pictured below. Her cartoon special from 1992 may be a confusing mess, but the artwork on her merchandise is lovely.


A few months ago, I participated in an interview for the YouTube channel The MaryLoo for her video essay about the downfall of girly media. The three-hour analysis of feminine media and culture is now available to watch online, taking a deep dive into the history of feminine media and when it began to decline around the end of the 2010s. Now, beautiful imagery like Peppermint Rose is frowned upon due to its overabundance of the color pink and hyperfeminine themes. Modern media in general has become more unisex, making it harder for people to gravitate toward either end of the spectrum, but there is still hope. The video is filled with interviews from independent creators who are still interested in producing and consuming girly media. Bookmark it or give it a watch below.

The increased diversity of modern shows isn't a bad thing. There should be more options for different tastes and interests. However, the purely pastel feminine aesthetic of early 2000s Barbie movies is harder to find in modern media than it once was, posing a problem for those of us who still crave it. Even the hit live-action Barbie movie had some harsh urban real-world imagery to contrast the feminine Utopia of "Barbie Land." When asked what I think the most important aspect of girly media is, I realized pretty quickly that it's all about the aesthetic. Portraying magical environments that are softer and more peaceful than the real world is important to those who consume girly media for the sake of escapism. Even remakes of girly properties seldom capture the same nostalgic feel of the originals due to the overusage of modern technology.

The nostalgic visual style of girly media, characterized by soft pastel colors, floral motifs, and sparkles, has become a rarity in modern media due to a shift towards more diverse and unisex content. The aesthetic of girly media plays a crucial role in providing escapism and a sense of magic and peace. While modern technology has improved animation, it often loses the soft, tranquil feel of older cartoons, leaving fans of girly media yearning for a return to this nostalgic visual style. As highlighted in The MaryLoo's video essay, independent creators are still interested in sharing their nostalgic visions with the world. What are some modern creations you've seen that remind you of the soft, feminine imagery of the past? Let me know in the comments!