Lisa Dawn's Blog: The Princess Blog, page 20
October 30, 2023
After Nearly 30 Years, Jewel Riders Is Getting a Graphic Novel!
It's no secret that Princess Gwenevere and the Jewel Riders was my absolute favorite cartoon as a kid. There are few others who share this passion with me as the show is still obscure even in an era of countless nostalgic reboots, so when I first heard that Mad Cave Studios was partnering with 41 Entertainment to make a series of Jewel Riders graphic novels, I was skeptical. A few days ago, my cynicism was laid to rest when a press release revealed the cover art and release date for the novel. It's really happening! On May 28, 2024, the first issue of the brand new YA Princess Gwenevere and the Jewel Riders graphic novel will be available wherever graphic novels are sold. It's even available to pre-order on Amazon right now! Take a gander at the gorgeous new official cover art below that stays true to show's color palette and art style while adding a modern manga-inspired flare.
I am absolutely in love with this new Magic Girl anime-style cover art that features Fallon, Princess Gwenevere, and Tamara in slightly updated versions of their original jewel armor proudly holding up their enchanted jewels in cutesy poses. The book is described as "an updated YA take on the classic 90s animated hit, encouraging the magic of female friendship and perfect for fans of fantasy adventures." I love how few references there are to the second season, opting for the more popular designs and storylines from season one. Gwen's fiance is implied to be Drake, her original love interest before the show shoehorned a whirlwind romance with a werewolf named Ian in the second season. Even though it takes into account the better portion of the show, the official summary of the graphic novel follows the three girls when they are a bit older and take on new responsibilities, which is exactly what fans are eager to see. Gwenevere must face her responsibilities as the future queen of Avalon, Fallon becomes the new leader of the Pack, and Tamara questions her place in the world. That last one is a bit questionable, though, since I had always assumed that Tamara would eventually take over her parents' duty of raising magical animals at Heartland Farm after she retires from being a Jewel Rider.
This isn't the first time that the plot of Jewel Riders has migrated from the screen to the page, but it is the first time it has done so using the characters and setting from the original animated series. In 2008, Rachel Roberts released a respectably long-running series called Avalon: Web of Magic, which borrowed the rights to Jewel Riders to develop a similar story about three ordinary girls wielding enchanted jewels with ties to the magical land of Avalon. While it was a decent fantasy series in its own right, the three teenagers from the real world--Emily, Adriane, and Kara, fell flat in comparison to the regal Gwenevere, heartfelt Tamara, and adventurous Fallon, who grew up in a world of magic, friendship, and wonder that was so much gentler than our own. I am far more eager to learn about the twists and turns that the Jewel Riders' lives took after their adventures in the show than I would be to read more about the Avalon: Web of Magic girls, who felt more like reader-insertion characters than fully fleshed-out people. For many years, I thought that the Web of Magic books were the closest thing we would ever get to new adventures with the Jewel Riders, especially after celebrating the show's 25th anniversary a few years ago with my friends from the Jewel Riders Archive, but this is so much better!
The only vague thing in the graphic novel's description is who the new villain will be. It alludes to "a foe the Jewel Riders thought they'd once vanquished." As there were only two villains in the show, this can only mean either Lady Kale, Princess Gwenevere's aunt, or Morgana, the evil sorceress from Arthurian lore that the girls faced off against in the second season. Given how many references the graphic novel contains to the show's first season, Kale would make more sense as the new villain. However, Morgana was a more powerful and dangerous threat, which would make her a better choice despite the weak writing in the last season. Leaving this detail up in the air only makes me more excited to read the graphic novel next May to find out who it is and how they managed to return after the Jewel Riders defeated them. The summary also mentions Merlin acting strange as a result of wild magic, implying that a new rescue mission might be in order, resuming their primary goal from the series to free Merlin and sustain peace in the kingdom of Avalon.
The upcoming Princess Gwenevere and the Jewel Riders graphic novel is a dream come true for fans of this beloved '90s animated series. Despite the show's obscurity in recent years, the collaboration between Mad Cave Studios and 41 Entertainment is set to bring the magic and nostalgia of this girl-powered cartoon back to life. The cover art and release date announcement have already captured our attention, showcasing updated versions of our favorite characters in their jewel armor. With a focus on the magic of female friendship, this YA take on the classic cartoon promises to return fans to the colorful and charming world of Avalon. While the return to the original characters and setting is highly anticipated, the mystery surrounding the villain's identity and Merlin's strange behavior only adds to the excitement. With May 28, 2024, just around the corner, I can't wait to delve into this new chapter of Princess Gwenevere and the Jewel Riders and continue the quest for magic, friendship, and peace in the kingdom of Avalon. Do you plan on reading this brand-new graphic novel series when it comes out? Let me know in the comments!
October 29, 2023
Review: Time Princess - Magpie Tower
Magpie Tower is the newest visual novel in the Time Princess app. It came alongside a massive update that made the game even bigger and more comprehensive than it was already. This story is not based on any pre-existing property, so it isn't obvious what it will be about without playing through it. The story takes place in modern-day Korea like a few of Time Princess's previous visual novels and includes free Korean voices for several of the main characters during key scenes. It is a disability-friendly story that focuses on the hardships of living with numerous difficulties that are not obvious at first glance. Though it does not contain any royal characters due to its modern realistic setting, the story focuses on one of the most important themes of what it means to be a fairy tale princess: kindness and compassion.
Magpie Tower takes place from the perspective of Ha-yeon, who runs a fried chicken restaurant called Yummy Fried Chicken. While this setting seems a bit random for a princess game about dress-up, it emphasizes the story's theme that everyone matters no matter who they are or what they do. The key players in the story are regular customers at Ha-yeon's restaurant. Ha-jun is a visitor who comes to Ha-yeon in search of a job, Ga-eun is a workaholic with OCD who depends on Yummy Fried Chicken to get through the day, and Seon-woo is a male ballet dancer who also enjoys fried chicken. Ha-yeon enjoys helping people get through their day with delicious food. One day, she discovers a secret tower where she can do even more to make a difference in the lives of those around her. The premise is similar to the '90s show Touched by An Angel. Ha-yeon also has a unique ability that gives her super strength, but similar to the Marvel character Jessica Jones, she considers this strength more of a hindrance than a superpower and rarely uses it.
As much as I would have loved to see Ha-yeon get together with Ha-jun, this story is not a romance. Each companion has their own secret disability that they must overcome. Instead of romancing them, Ha-yeon's goal is to help them get through their problems and live their best life. Ha-jun, the character that introduces Ha-yeon to Magpie Tower, has a sensitivity to metal due to a traumatic incident from his past, which makes it difficult for him to interact with everyday objects. Ga-eun's OCD causes her to lash out irrationally when the things around her aren't perfectly neat and tidy. This makes it difficult for her to form relationships because most people who get too close to her have trouble putting up with all of her rules. Seon-woo has a rare case of male breast cancer that he is so embarrassed about that he wants to quit his career as a dancer. He also has a difficult relationship with his father. As a new inductee to Magpie Tower, it is Ha-yeon's job to help everyone overcome these difficulties.
Since this story takes place in modern day, the costumes are nothing special. There is a rare chef's outfit that represents Ha-yeon's uniform for Yummy Fried Chicken and one cute dress. After so many elaborate costumes from the more fantastical visual novels in Time Princess, this one seems rather lacking. The story focuses more on the morals of kindness and acceptance than it does on the fashions. The outfits range from kind of cute to downright sloppy, and nothing lives up to the glitz and glamour of many of the other stories in this game. The one thing I can say in its favor is that it offers some variety in terms of modern dress that appeals to different tastes. Aside from the work uniform, there is a pants outfit, a skirt and top ensemble, and a slightly more formal dress. All of these look rather ordinary in comparison to the other clothing options in the game.
In the world of Time Princess, Magpie Tower stands out as a refreshing departure from the enchanting tales of royalty and grandeur. This modern-day visual novel introduces us to Ha-yeon, a kind-hearted restaurateur, and her unlikely companions who grapple with hidden disabilities. Through acts of compassion and understanding, Ha-yeon strives to make a difference in their lives. While the costumes may lack the dazzle of other Time Princess stories, Magpie Tower excels in its exploration of themes such as kindness and acceptance. With its relatable characters and emphasis on personal growth, this visual novel reminds us that true beauty lies not in extravagant attire, but in acts of genuine empathy and support. Play this story to discover the power of compassion in Magpie Tower and unlock the potential of everyday heroes.
October 27, 2023
The Snow White Situation
I've been stepping around the controversies regarding Disney's new Snow White movie for some time now. Several new revelations have come out in the past few days, so it's time to discuss it. Everything about this movie has gone up in flames, sometimes quite literally. The fact that Disney is remaking the first feature-length animated movie of all time in live-action was already a sign of poor showmanship. After adding the fact that the lead actress Rachel Zegler seems to hate the original film and that the leaked photos so far have been less than flattering, many people are wondering if it's a good idea for this movie to still happen at all. As it turns out, so is Disney. As of today, Snow White has been officially delayed from its March 2024 release date to March 2025. Although Disney is blaming the Hollywood strikes for this more so than the controversy, it does give them some extra time to smooth out the movie's rough edges that have had countless fans up in arms about the mockery it has made of Walt's first cinematic masterpiece. One good thing that came out of this announcement is that it was accompanied by the first official promotional image of the film.
Following the tradition of Disney's other live-action remakes, the photo features a dimly lit room that requires the viewer to squint if they want to make out any details of the characters' facial expressions. Snow White sits in a chair in the dwarfs' cottage wearing her classic yellow and blue dress surrounded by seven crudely rendered CGI dwarfs that vaguely resemble the ones from the original movie. There was much conspiracy over whether or not the dwarfs would retain their original image or be replaced by seven "magical creatures" following some backlash caused by actor Peter Dinklage. The initial leaked image of the characters that represented the seven dwarfs portrayed something very different from this official photo and was never confirmed by Disney as the final look of the characters. However, this CGI catastrophe is allegedly the final look of the film in which Disney again opts for the easy way out with lazy animation instead of casting real actors with dwarfism who rarely have opportunities to portray such iconic characters.
The backlash against this movie has blown up so much that the conservative conglomerate The Daily Wire decided to make their own version of "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" to retaliate against Disney's. Their direct-to-streaming independent production, Snow White and the Evil Queen, was set to release the same week as Disney's until Disney announced the delay on their film earlier today. As much as I love the idea of new princess media, I personally do not think the best solution to an unnecessary film based on "Snow White" is to make another one. Even if they attest that this is not the Disney version but instead an alternate retelling of the fairy tale, this character has already been portrayed in many other films and media outside of Disney, so there is no need for another one outside of pure spite. If the Disney movie retained its original release date, the year 2024 would have been a repeat of 2012, in which there were two very different theatrical versions of "Snow White" out at the same time, Mirror Mirror and Snow White and the Huntsman. You can watch the trailer for Snow White and the Evil Queen starring below and form your own opinion.
As far as the reason I haven't made a post every time a new controversy came out revolving around Disney's Snow White, I don't think spite is very princess-like. Snow White teaches us to be gentle and optimistic. However, everything revolving around this upcoming movie and its star has been anything but. I believe that the original Disney version of this character would welcome any new adaptations of her story with open arms and an open heart, embracing all types of women to play her role. Unfortunately, Rachel Zegler seems to have the exact opposite attitude, slamming the 1937 animation with any opportunity she gets, creating the majority of backlash around the film. At the same time, I don't think a new version of the fairy tale is the best response to this problem when there are so many other great ones out there. 's portrayal of Snow White in ABC's Once Upon a Time is one of my personal favorites. The 10th Kingdom also provided some diversity with a rare plus-sized version of the character in .
The controversies surrounding Disney's new Snow White movie have caused quite a stir and raised doubts about its success. The decision to remake the first feature-length animated film in live-action already sparked criticism, and leaked photos of the film have not helped the situation. The delay of the movie's release gives Disney additional time to address the concerns raised by fans and smooth over any rough edges. However, the backlash against the film has been so significant that it led to the creation of an alternative version by The Daily Wire. While it's encouraging to see new adaptations, the abundance of existing portrayals of "Snow White" suggests that another film may not be necessary. It's important to embrace the spirit of Snow White's character, which teaches us to be gentle, optimistic, and inclusive, while also considering the diversity of interpretations already available. What are your opinions on these upcoming adaptations? Are you planning to see one of them, both of them, or rewatch some of the older classics instead?
October 15, 2023
Review: Feathers of Snow
I received Feathers of Snow by Alice Ivinya in a book promotion some time ago and recently got around to reading it. After reading her ARC of The Golden Prince I knew that Alice Ivinya was an expert at fantasy worldbuilding. This book is a retelling of "The Goose Girl" that puts a unique spin on it by switching the role of the oppressed protagonist from the princess who was forced to work as a goose girl to the lady-in-waiting who was forced to be a princess against her will. Though the princess role swap is an overused trope, it is less common for a girl to be forced into the role of a princess unwillingly. That said, the plot of this book is nearly identical to Camille Peters' Identity only with less focus on romance, making it less of an emotional journey.
Brianna is a lady-in-waiting to the spoiled and selfish Princess Elyanna who loves to manipulate people and get her own way. When a political marriage alliance is proposed for Elyanna to Prince Jian, whose family has a reputation for being violent brutes, she decides to send Brianna in her place. She shows no remorse about this and makes sure to make Brianna's journey as uncomfortable as possible, which includes a rare reference in fantasy adventure stories to periods. Brianna reluctantly goes along with it because she is terrified of her princess, especially after a traumatic incident she had experienced because of her when they were younger. Much of the book revolves around Brianna trying to get to know Jian while pretending to be Elyanna. She struggles with this immensely because Jian is cold and closed off due to trauma from his own past. As a result, the pacing of their relationship is not ideal.
I felt mostly neutral about both Brianna and Jian as characters. They don't have strong personalities, but their motivations are understandable enough to move the story along. Brianna wants to do what she is told for the sake of self-preservation and because she hates confrontation, and Jian is a soldier who learned to close off his emotions due to his difficult memories. Brianna's relationship with her horse, Falada, who is a direct reference to the original "Goose Girl" fairy tale, is far more interesting than her relationship with Jian. This is a problem for people who are picking up this book in the hopes of a fairy tale romance, although it might be a pleasant surprise to animal lovers. She is bonded to Falada due to her Old Blood, which allows her to understand him when most others cannot. Those who are familiar with the original story already know to expect a tragic outcome for the pair.
This book is a weak introduction to the Kingdom of Birds and Beasts trilogy. Though it ended on a cliffhanger, I did not feel emotionally attached enough to the characters to want to read the next book. The ending is somewhat predictable considering the circumstances. Though the author was most likely saving Elyanna's villainy for the rest of the series, her presence would have made this book much stronger. There are few evil princesses in fiction, and I would have enjoyed learning more about Elyanna's motivations and how she turned into the soulless psychopath that she became. "Princess Switch" stories work best when both characters are explored equally so the reader understands what they need to learn about their new lives when the roles are reversed. Even though Elyanna took on the role of the goose girl from the fairy tale, it is only revealed in dialogue near the end of the book, robbing viewers of the opportunity to experience her misadventures as a commoner.
Feathers of Snow by Alice Ivinya offers a fresh take on the classic tale of "The Goose Girl" by swapping the roles of the oppressed protagonist, presenting a lady-in-waiting forced to be a princess against her will. The plot resembles other princess swap stories with a lesser focus on romance and revolves around Brianna reluctantly standing in for Princess Elyanna in a political marriage alliance with Prince Jian. Their slow-building relationship and Brianna's unique connection with her horse, Falada, add intrigue, but overall character attachment is limited. The book serves as a weak introduction to the Kingdom of Birds and Beasts trilogy, with a predictable ending and missed opportunities to explore Elyanna's villainous motivations.
October 9, 2023
First Impressions of Fall 2023's Princess Anime
The new anime season has begun, and yet again, there are three new princess shows to follow for the next three months. Each of them has only aired a single episode so far, so opinions may change over time, but I believe I've already picked a favorite. Even though there are so many new shows each season, many of them follow similar formulas such as the isekai trope, in which a character is reincarnated into a story they are familiar with and must try to change the outcome in their favor, and the yuri harem trope, which often features an all-female or mostly female cast, most of whom idolize one specific heroine in a romantic or sexual way. Two of the princess shows this season follow these archetypes, making them familiar and trite despite boasting new stories and characters. The third is unique and stands out as my favorite new show of the season.
You wouldn't think that a show called I’m Giving the Disgraced Noble Lady I Rescued a Crash Course in Naughtiness would possibly come off as wholesome, yet that's the only way I can describe this adorable love story between a classic fairy tale princess archetype and a demon lord. Charlotte may not be a princess in title, but her personality and backstory are nearly identical to that of Cinderella. She is a kind and beautiful maiden who grew up in a noble household where she was bullied and forced to serve what was left of her family until she became engaged to a prince by a stroke of luck. In the vein of Just Ella, the prince turns out to be a jerk who decides her mixed bloodline makes her not good enough to be his wife, so he frames her for a crime she didn't commit and sends the whole kingdom after her. To her great fortune, she is discovered by Allen, a powerful demon sorcerer who decides she needs to learn a few lessons in naughtiness to become less subservient and stop letting people walk all over her. The first lesson involves a buffet of delicious cakes and desserts that make her eyes water in delight. It is a sweet and charming show that celebrates femininity and self-indulgence, and I can't wait to see what the future lessons will be.
The Vexations of a Shut-In Vampire Princess is this season's queer harem anime that is significantly more naughty than the one about the disgraced noble lady. Komari is a meek vampire noble who spends all day in bed with her plush dolphin and has no motivation to do anything until she mentions to her father that she'd be willing to work if it would put her in line for the throne. She never expected the shameless lesbian empress to make her a general to begin her rise to power. How can a shy and petite little vampire inspire an entire army to victory? As it turns out, pretty easily. In addition to the empress, Komari's handmaid is also crazy about her and writes her a compelling speech that strikes awe in the hearts of all the soldiers in the kingdom, who are an easy crowd to convince. The problem is that everything Komari said she was capable of was a complete fabrication. Will she be able to prove herself as a powerful general or find more ways to cheat through the efforts of her supporters? The answers will be revealed in the rest of the season.
Tearmoon Empire is one of several isekai series this season, although it takes this trope in a new direction. Instead of someone from the real world dying and being reincarnated into a fantasy world, the show features Princess Mia dying at the guillotine for her failures as a monarch and waking up as a child in her own body. Being intimately aware of her mistakes of the past, she sees this as her opportunity to redeem herself and prevent repeating the same fate this time around. Her personality and kingdom are very similar to that of Marie Antoinette, making this show similar to the Marie Antoinette visual novel in Time Princess, which also features a girl with knowledge of the future living in Marie Antoinette's body. The series focuses on Mia learning the positive personality traits that classic fairy tale princesses possess such as kindness, humility, and selflessness, essentially a reversal of the plot of the Disgraced Noble Lady show.
In a season filled with familiar tropes and archetypes, the standout princess show that breaks the mold and captures my heart is I’m Giving the Disgraced Noble Lady I Rescued a Crash Course in Naughtiness. Despite its unconventional title, the show manages to weave a charming narrative filled with lessons of self-discovery and empowerment. On the other hand, The Vexations of a Shut-In Vampire Princess offers a daring twist on the traditional harem genre, exploring themes of queer romance and ambition in an entertaining way. Lastly, Tearmoon Empire takes a unique approach to the isekai concept by placing the protagonist in her own body, giving her a chance at redemption and personal growth. These three princess shows, each with their own distinct qualities, demonstrate the richness and diversity of storytelling within the anime genre. What is your favorite standout anime of the new season? Let me know in the comments!
October 8, 2023
Review: The Scarecrow King
The Scarecrow King by Jill Myles was recommended to me a while ago, and I just recently got around to reading it. It is a delightful retelling of "King Thrushbeard" in a traditional fairy tale world where all stories are connected. Though there were few references to other fairy tales in this book, it was a clever touch that the main character was the daughter of the protagonist from "Rumpelstiltskin" who was blamed for her mother's incompetence of being unable to turn straw into gold after becoming queen. The book plays on a lot of the questionable elements of "King Thrushbeard," which was originally a pretty messed-up story about an abusive relationship with a princess who was lied to and manipulated to teach her a lesson. Here, the book expands upon why the princess acted the way she did and forces her husband to face the consequences of his actions, making for a more well-rounded story that fixes the problematic issues of the original fairy tale.
Princess Rinda spent most of her life in the shadow of her sister, Imogen. Her abusive father and those around her constantly reminded Rinda that Imogen was a better princess in every way possible. Unlike Rinda, Imogen had blonde hair that was valued throughout her kingdom as a sign of great magic. Her power to create water was a boon to their people, ensuring that everyone stayed safe and healthy in times of drought. Rinda, on the other hand, inherited a paltry power to bring luck to objects by touching them with her blood. She deems this ability useless and never gives it much thought. One day, her father decides to marry her off and throws a ball for Rinda to find a suitor. Rinda, not wanting to leave her cushy life in the palace, decides to act out and make herself as undesirable as possible to get revenge on her father. Unfortunately, the plan backfires, and her father marries her off to an unknown minstrel as punishment.
This book does a great job of fleshing out the two-dimensional personalities of the characters from "King Thrushbeard." Instead of being a spoiled brat who learns humility, Rinda reacts surprisingly well to her unfortunate situation when she realizes she is married to a dirt-poor minstrel who can't carry a tune. She is understandably upset when he gives away all her beloved dresses. However, she makes the most of their situation when they are forced to travel through dangerous terrain by using her magical ability to enchant firewood to ensure they stay warm and weapons to ensure they stay safe. Alek, her husband, is so impressed by her power that it makes her question why she ever thought it was useless. Anyone who is familiar with "King Thrushbeard" knows the truth about Alek's identity, but Rinda has few suspicions that he is not poor after being forced to sleep in the dirt and find a new home in a run-down shack. Over time, she comes to accept Alek for who she believes he is and falls for him as a person until her understandable reaction to learning that he had deceived her to keep her safe.
For a standalone fairy tale novel, this book takes place in a surprisingly robust world. I could easily see this being the start of a series of fairy tale retellings. It has a great deal of potential for other stories between the magical powers of the inhabitants of Rinda's kingdom and the political intrigue of Alek's kingdom. I would also be happy to read a prequel about Rinda's mother, who was forced to spin straw into gold despite having few powers of her own and likely came into contact with Rumpelstiltskin at some point before Rinda was born. There were so many descriptions of the terrain in the two kingdoms and the lands between them that it felt like a real place with the potential for many other adventures for future characters to face in other stories. Aside from the setting, the book has a strong and believable romance about an insecure princess recovering from trauma and learning to love herself through the eyes of someone who sees things in her that no one else does.
The Scarecrow King by Jill Myles is a delightful retelling of "King Thrushbeard" in a traditional fairy tale world where stories intertwine. Myles masterfully expands upon the questionable elements of the original fairy tale, breathing new life into the characters and mending problematic issues. Princess Rinda is a relatable and complex character burdened by an abusive past and overshadowed by her sister. As the story unfolds, Rinda's journey toward self-discovery and self-acceptance is beautifully portrayed, challenging the notion of spoiled princesses. The intricate world-building provides a captivating backdrop with the potential for more tales from this enchanting realm. Without relying on clichéd conclusions, The Scarecrow King presents a well-rounded and compelling narrative, reminding us of the power of redemption, resilience, and the ability to rewrite our own stories.
October 5, 2023
Review: Six The Musical
Something interesting I noticed about the playbill cover is that the show poster, which features the six queens belting into microphones, is different based on the actresses who are performing. Six always features a diverse cast. The races of the queens in the one I saw were different from the performers in the original Broadway cast, staying true to Broadway's long history of color-blind casting. Another thing that stands out about this show is that it regularly breaks the fourth wall. The queens repeatedly address the city and venue where they are performing and play off the audience's reactions in the hopes that they will pick a favorite queen before they ultimately conclude that it's better for women to support each other instead of making everything a competition, a very noble message indeed. For a one-act show with a small cast and simple staging, it's incredible that it has been so successful when it lacks many of the bells and whistles that stand out with high-budget Broadway productions.
For me, the thing that makes this show so appealing is its incredibly catchy tunes. Each queen's musical style is inspired by two contemporary pop artists, which makes it nostalgic to people who grew up in the '90s and early 2000s despite its Renaissance setting. The stylized color-coded costumes are a perfect blend of historical and contemporary fashion with each glittering ensemble strategically designed to match the personality of the queen wearing it. There are also references to social media and smartphones, which makes the show more relatable to modern audiences in the same vein as Hamilton. Two of the best numbers are the ones that the queens sing together at the beginning and end of the show, solidifying its girl-power theme of women uplifting each other instead of putting each other down. Anyone who is familiar with the soundtrack would have a hard time not singing along with the catchy melody and dance moves of "Six."
The biggest selling point of Six is the show's "her-story," which teaches audiences often who know very little about these queens what their lives were like and how they met their downfall. The show's opening "Divorced, Beheaded, Died, Divorced, Beheaded, Survived" adage is popular among British schools, but for audiences from America and other countries, it is the first time that many heard it. It quickly expands upon each queen's story and the events that led up to her famous ending. Before I became familiar with this show, the only wife of Henry VIII that I knew anything about was Catherine of Aragon thanks to the Starz miniseries, The Spanish Princess. Now I can confidently say I have a decent amount of knowledge about all six wives, and each one has her own personal appeal. The most inspiring of the group is Catherine Parr, the one who survived and went on to write books and become a powerful leader during the interim between Henry's death and the next monarch. She is the one who leads the queens into the empowering unity of the show's final number.
In a sea of contemporary Broadway musicals centered around royal ladies, Six has emerged as a standout that has endured and captivated audiences. While other productions may have faltered, Six shines due to its unique approach. Unlike the typical fairy tale narrative, Six delves into the historically tumultuous lives of the six queens of Henry VIII, shedding light on their struggles and inviting audiences to explore history. This ability to educate and entertain in equal measure is a significant factor in its success, drawing inspiration from the triumph of historical musicals like Hamilton. While I'm not usually a fan of one-act Broadway shows charging the same price as the traditional two-act shows that are nearly twice as long, Six's minimalist structure makes it a fun energetic concert-like spectacle that is well worth the price.
October 1, 2023
Review: The Wicked Prince
In this upside-down Robin Hood retelling, Robin is a noble lady who lost her family and possessions in a fire and became an outlaw when the kingdom's taxes grew too high for any commoner to make a living for themself. Aware of his kingdom's struggles and his own pitiful public image, Prince John decides that the best solution to healing the kingdom is by marrying the lovely Robin, who is deemed a hero by the people, and turning her into a princess to gain their approval. Robin, of course, thinks this is a trick at first and wants nothing to do with it. However, John manages to wear her down by proving that his intentions are genuine. She eventually agrees so long as her merry men are pardoned for their crimes. Due to John's reputation, both Robin's men and the rest of the kingdom believe that he had forced her to marry him against her will and was likely an abusive husband. Despite her worst expectations, Robin soon realizes that their marriage is quite the opposite.
Though I never thought I would say this, Robin Hood and Prince John make a very strong couple. They are complementary opposites between Robin's physical skill and strength and John's intelligence and taste for opulence. Robin is described in this story as a beautiful woman who likes to parade around disguised as a man. John sees her potential as a princess and dresses her in gowns that show off her femininity and grace. He also gives her an opportunity to enact the changes she fought for the people for so long, and in doing so, she realizes how difficult it is to be a monarch and that the things she once wanted were not as simple as they seemed. She also uses her skills with weaponry to help John get better at defending himself, which is a great feat considering how physically inept he is. What I liked the most about Prince John, who is typically a villain in the Robin Hood legends, is that he was very self-aware of his own cowardice and physical shortcomings. That sort of humility is rare for a villain who holds a position of power.
Another recurring theme in this book is the willingness to accept change, especially if it could lead to a better life. This version of Robin Hood was so exhausted from fighting all the time that she was in desperate need of a break. Yet, she was so used to an endless action-packed lifestyle that it was difficult for her to even consider an easier one. It took a lot of patience on John's part to wear her down and help her realize how much she needed a chance to rest, settle down, and maybe even accept his love. John, on the other hand, needed something that he believed in so strongly that it could overpower his own cowardice. The book's climax is similar to Laurel of Locksley by Mary Mecham, which is about the daughter of Robin Hood falling in love with her enemy's son. In the end, it didn't matter if anyone understood or accepted the relationship between the two natural enemies as long as they could learn to love and accept each other. That was the driving force behind this book that made it such a powerful love story.
The Wicked Prince by Celeste Baxendell breaks expectations and showcases a unique and heartfelt love story. By skillfully intertwining the enemies-to-lovers trope with a gender-swapped Robin Hood, the author brings a refreshing twist to the Once Upon a Prince series. Her carefully crafted narrative reveals the unconventional union between Robin, the noble lady turned outlaw, and the seemingly cowardly Prince John. Despite their initial differences, Robin and John's complementary qualities create a powerful, dynamic partnership. John's self-awareness and humility as a supposed villain add layers of depth to his character, while Robin's presence challenges perceptions and embraces the opportunity for change. The novel explores the transformative power of love, acceptance, and the willingness to let go of preconceived notions. Ultimately, The Wicked Prince serves as a reminder that genuine connections can flourish in the most unexpected circumstances.
September 24, 2023
Review: The Winter Prince
Revi is a fae prince of the Winter Court whose kingdom suffered under a curse that was enacted by their enemies. Though Revi already possessed the ability to shapeshift, the curse prevented him from returning to his human form, forcing him to remain a beast until it was broken. One of the weaker elements of this book was the convoluted nature of the curse. The prologue was very confusing and difficult to get through. It wasn't clear why Revi was cursed or how he was meant to break it, and I probably never would have understood it if I hadn't already been familiar with the original fairy tale. Fortunately, the book gets more interesting after Kienna appears at the castle in an attempt to protect her father. Even though Beauty tends to be the more relatable character in "Beauty and the Beast" in most retellings, I think her importance to this story detracts from the unique focus that the Once Upon a Prince series is supposed to have on the princes.
This book takes place from three different perspectives--Revi, Kienna, and Enlo. Enlo is the outlier that made it work as an original retelling of "Beauty and the Beast." He is Revi's cousin and plays a similar role to Gaston, but it is handled in a unique and creative way. Over the course of Kienna's stay in Revi's castle, Revi uses his fae magic to visit Kienna in her dreams, which was the only way he could appear to her in human form. Due to his embarrassment about the curse, he does not tell Kienna who he is when he appears as her "dream prince," leaving her to figure it out on her own. When she meets Enlo, Revi's cousin who bears a strong resemblance to him, she naturally assumes that he was the one who visited her in her dreams. Due to Enlo's womanizing nature and determination to break the curse, he encourages Kienna's mistake in an attempt to make her fall in love with him. Her ability to discern between the two princes is the true test of her love for Revi.
The setting of the Winter Court is similar to another book in this series that I read, The Golden Prince, but the two books do not seem to be connected due to the fact that everyone from the Winter Court in that book was an evil monster. Here, Winter is good, but it is dying, and it is up to Revi to save his people. The rose that Kienna's father steals to enact the events of the fairy tale is a frostrose, as a regular rose would not have been able to survive in Winter. The book follows the tropes of paranormal romance, which is one of my favorite genres, not only because Revi is trapped in the body of a beast, but also because he is fae and Kienna is human. The pride that Kienna takes in her humanity is a lovely theme that is empowering to readers. It also explains why Enlo thought she would be easy to manipulate. Therefore, Revi's respect for her Kienna's character is all the more meaningful when he comes from a race that typically believes itself superior to humans. The book does a great job of incorporating all the romance that one would expect from a "Beauty and the Beast" retelling.
In this enchanting retelling of "Beauty and the Beast," Constance Lopez weaves a tale filled with unique twists and captivating characters. The Winter Prince, though not my personal favorite in the Once Upon a Prince series, offers a pleasant read for fans of gothic romance and fantasy. While the prologue may be confusing, the story gains momentum as Kienna enters Revi's life. The introduction of Enlo adds a refreshing and creative element to the fairy tale. The story's multiple perspectives provide depth and contribute to the originality of this retelling. The setting of the Winter Court, although different from previous books in the series, brings a unique charm to the story. The theme of the Winter Court's struggle for survival and Revi's mission to save his people adds urgency and purpose to the narrative while his relationship with Kienna provides a delightful paranormal romance. Kienna's strength and Revi's respect for her character challenge conventions and make their connection all the more meaningful. The Winter Prince is a satisfying addition to the Once Upon a Prince series, blending romance, fantasy, and a touch of mystery. It offers readers a timeless tale with its own distinct flavor, perfect for those who enjoy exploring the depths of gothic romance and the allure of fantastical realms.
September 21, 2023
The Swan Princess Lasted Far Longer Than Forever, But It's Over Now
Far Longer Than Forever makes the mistake of focusing on the past instead of the future despite presenting itself as the ending note for the entire series. Now that Odette and Derek have come of age as Queen and King of Chamberg, future adventures in this magical fairy tale world should divert to Alise, their adopted daughter, who is the only princess left in the series. However, neither Alise nor Lucas, her betrothed, were seen or mentioned in this final movie even during a pivotal scene at the end in which the entire royal family is formally introduced to a key character. If Alise represents the future of the kingdom, it makes no sense not to include her in the final movie even if it's only for that one scene. The movie also conveniently fails to acknowledge that Queen Uberta was supposed to remarry at some point after Lord Rogers accepted her proposal in the seventh film. I had assumed that they had gotten married at some point since so much time had passed since then. Instead, this movie focuses on the mysterious disappearance of Derek's father, who was newly addressed in the eleventh installment, and proceeds to drag the investigation for almost the entire runtime.
When A FairyTale Is Born was released earlier this year, I acknowledged that King Maximilian was an interesting character with an engaging backstory. However, the few gems that were dropped about him in that movie were not enough to carry the drudgery of Far Longer Than Forever long enough to give the predictable resolution as big of an emotional impact as the writers intended. Most of the movie portrays Odette and Derek traveling around the kingdom in ridiculous disguises and talking to people to try to learn as much information as they can about Maximilian's whereabouts. The revelations that they discovered could have been presented in a more compelling way if the movie had used flashbacks showing us Maximilian's past like its predecessor did instead of telling us about it from bystanders. Showing one ridiculous interrogation after another performed by Odette, Derek, and Rogers in whacky disguises simply does not work as a storytelling device. I was bored and had trouble paying attention, so I can only imagine how confused the intended audience probably was. Do children even remember the original Swan Princess these days?
There are so many reasons that Far Longer Than Forever fails as a satisfying resolution to the twelve-movie Swan Princess franchise that I don't even know where to begin. By focusing so heavily on a character that was only introduced earlier this year, the film fails to acknowledge its roots as an animated adaptation of "Swan Lake" or the many other threads that had been developed over nearly 30 years of sequels. Some of these include Alise's future as the adopted daughter of Odette and Derek, Uberta's betrothal to Lord Rogers, or the dark arts that turned Odette into a swan in the original trilogy of films. The title makes little sense anymore because Odette has become a swan in over twenty years. The film uses easy shortcuts to create a contrived plot, cheap attempts at humor, and the same hideous animation that was introduced when the franchise went from 2D to 3D animation in 2012 with The Swan Princess Christmas . Only the last fifteen minutes of this movie are worth watching, but even then it fails to provide a proper conclusion to the series as a whole.
The twelfth and final installment in The Swan Princess franchise falls short of being a satisfactory conclusion. Despite its nod to the original film's romantic theme, this movie, like its predecessors, fails to acknowledge and tie up many other characters and plot points introduced over the course of the eleven previous movies. Instead of projecting the future of Odette and Derek's kingdom, the film dwells too much on the past, missing the opportunity to shift the focus toward the next generation, represented by Alise. The exclusion of Alise and Lucas, as well as the neglect of established storylines such as Queen Uberta's betrothal, leaves the audience questioning the direction of the series. Moreover, the excessive use of contrived plot devices, lackluster animation, and tedious narrative progression detract from the potential impact of a predictable resolution. In its attempt to tie up loose ends, Far Longer Than Forever misses the mark by disregarding the elements that made the original film engaging in the first place. Overall, it provides an unsatisfying end to the series, failing to deliver the proper conclusion that fans anticipated.
