Lisa Dawn's Blog: The Princess Blog, page 3
July 27, 2025
Review: The Arrow and the Sword
Realms of Caelia by Sara Farnsworth is my favorite new series. Each book combines two well-known fairy tales to create a story filled with magic, adventure, and romance. I was thrilled to receive an ARC of her latest book,
The Arrow and the Sword
. Instead of fairy tales, this book combines two well-known British legends, King Arthur and Robin Hood. It follows the popular trend of turning Robin Hood into a woman. I think I've read more books about female Robin Hoods at this point than male ones. What makes this book unique is that it combines the character of Robin Hood with Lady Guinevere, or Gwynn, as she is referred to here. As a child, I was a huge fan of Princess Gwenevere and the Jewel Riders, which loosely combined the King Arthur legends with the magical girl genre and made Princess Gwenevere a strong leader. This book brought back many of the feelings I got from watching that show.
Lady Gwynn is a master archer who can't seem to stay out of trouble. As she is trying to come to terms with her romantic feelings toward a squire named Arthur, who is friends with her brother, Lancelot, the Sheriff of Nottingham disrupts her life by attempting to force her into marriage. When she overhears something she wasn't supposed to, she must flee for her life and go into hiding. In doing so, she gathers a band of ragtag peasants whose lives have been negatively impacted by the sheriff and the corrupt Prince John. As their vagabond population grows, they build a shelter and come up with a plan to rob rich, corrupt nobles for survival until a better king can be found by way of the magic sword, Excalibur, according to the wizard Merlin's legend.
At first, I wasn't sure about the warrior princess archetype that this book touted because it was so different from Sara Farnsworth's other books, but she won me over yet again with her strong writing. Gwynn is a believable character who is far from perfect. Although she is brave, skilled, and snarky, she is also reckless and tends to get into trouble despite the fact that she hates being a damsel in distress. She has a strong sense of guilt about her actions as Robin Hood, but her friends support her and stand by her no matter what. In fact, it is Will Scarlet who creates the Robin Hood legend, and she merely goes along with it. The only thing the book lacked was sufficient justification for Arthur to be the true king, which could have been easily resolved with a few extra chapters.
Compared to the rest of the Realms of Caelia series, this book is most similar to Lake of the Wild Swans, despite the protagonist characters being polar opposites in personality. Both stories have a creepy villain who wants to force a much younger girl to marry him, causing her to need help from her true love. Each heroine comes to terms with their feelings after it's too late to escape the villain's schemes. The main difference is that in this book, Gwynn can defend herself to an extent. She isn't strong enough to overpower the sheriff, which is more realistic than most modern princess stories, but that doesn't mean she can't rough him up a little. She is a plucky heroine who provides a good complement to the studious Arthur.
The Arrow and the Sword by Sara Farnsworth is an exciting adventure that blends King Arthur and Robin Hood legends, with a unique twist that turns Robin Hood into Lady Gwynnevere. Gwynn is a refreshingly realistic strong female character who must navigate her feelings for Arthur while fighting against the corrupt Sheriff of Nottingham. Farnsworth's writing shines in this warrior princess tale, bringing to life a relatable heroine who is both brave and flawed. With its blend of magic, adventure, and romance, this book is a compelling addition to the Realms of Caelia series, and fans of the series will not be disappointed.
Lady Gwynn is a master archer who can't seem to stay out of trouble. As she is trying to come to terms with her romantic feelings toward a squire named Arthur, who is friends with her brother, Lancelot, the Sheriff of Nottingham disrupts her life by attempting to force her into marriage. When she overhears something she wasn't supposed to, she must flee for her life and go into hiding. In doing so, she gathers a band of ragtag peasants whose lives have been negatively impacted by the sheriff and the corrupt Prince John. As their vagabond population grows, they build a shelter and come up with a plan to rob rich, corrupt nobles for survival until a better king can be found by way of the magic sword, Excalibur, according to the wizard Merlin's legend.
At first, I wasn't sure about the warrior princess archetype that this book touted because it was so different from Sara Farnsworth's other books, but she won me over yet again with her strong writing. Gwynn is a believable character who is far from perfect. Although she is brave, skilled, and snarky, she is also reckless and tends to get into trouble despite the fact that she hates being a damsel in distress. She has a strong sense of guilt about her actions as Robin Hood, but her friends support her and stand by her no matter what. In fact, it is Will Scarlet who creates the Robin Hood legend, and she merely goes along with it. The only thing the book lacked was sufficient justification for Arthur to be the true king, which could have been easily resolved with a few extra chapters.
Compared to the rest of the Realms of Caelia series, this book is most similar to Lake of the Wild Swans, despite the protagonist characters being polar opposites in personality. Both stories have a creepy villain who wants to force a much younger girl to marry him, causing her to need help from her true love. Each heroine comes to terms with their feelings after it's too late to escape the villain's schemes. The main difference is that in this book, Gwynn can defend herself to an extent. She isn't strong enough to overpower the sheriff, which is more realistic than most modern princess stories, but that doesn't mean she can't rough him up a little. She is a plucky heroine who provides a good complement to the studious Arthur.
The Arrow and the Sword by Sara Farnsworth is an exciting adventure that blends King Arthur and Robin Hood legends, with a unique twist that turns Robin Hood into Lady Gwynnevere. Gwynn is a refreshingly realistic strong female character who must navigate her feelings for Arthur while fighting against the corrupt Sheriff of Nottingham. Farnsworth's writing shines in this warrior princess tale, bringing to life a relatable heroine who is both brave and flawed. With its blend of magic, adventure, and romance, this book is a compelling addition to the Realms of Caelia series, and fans of the series will not be disappointed.
July 23, 2025
Review: Time Princess - Mirror of Masks
Since I have a tendency to binge things, it's difficult for me to keep track of newer visual novels in Time Princess when they keep getting split into two separate releases. Even though I completed the Mirror of Masks story, I had a hard time following it. Still, I have received positive feedback on my other Time Princess reviews, so I will cover this one as well. If nothing else, I love the overall vibe that Mirror of Masks gives off. Its 2D cover is a work of art, and it does a great job of creating a metaphor for espionage under the guise of fake and pretentious Hollywood glamour. That said, this story bit off more than it could chew by attempting to cover too many genres at once.
Leila Federer is a young ingenue who just got her big break in a major motion picture. Nothing on set is what it seems when an actress is mysteriously murdered, and Leila is recruited to join a secret organization investigating the scandal. Suddenly, her ambitious quest for stardom turns into a dangerous game of cat and mouse with an unknown murderer. While this sounds like a great concept for a story that I have personally drawn inspiration from, the plot gets overloaded with so many characters and scandals that I had a difficult time following the motive of the murderer even after completing the game's multiple endings. Time Princess has done several other murder mysteries in the past that were easier to follow than this one.
Like most visual novels in Time Princess, this story introduces three new companions, but I didn't care much for any of them. Herman Cornwell is a sketchy guy who likes to hang out on set. Even after completing his story path, I had a hard time figuring out what his deal was. It always seemed like he couldn't be trusted. Josephine Scarlett is Leila's co-star as well as a secret agent for a different organization from the one that recruits Leila. She provides positive queer representation for the game, but the overall complexity of the plot leaves her personality undeveloped. Elvis Schneider, the movie director, is the most traditional love interest as well as the most laid-back. As friendly as he was, it felt weird to pursue a romance with him because he was still the main character's boss.
Since this game takes place in a fictional world with satirical versions of America, Russia, and Switzerland, it doesn't technically cover a real historical era. However, the fashions and setting felt most reminiscent of the 1930s during the Golden Age of Hollywood. While I like the fashion from that era in general, I thought the dress-up options were underwhelming compared to other stories Time Princess has done in similar settings. The most frequently used outfit in this story is a simple trench coat. Although it goes with the genre, it isn't very exciting as a fashion option for a Hollywood starlet. Leila has one glamorous dress that shows skin in some odd places compared to other Oscar-style gowns. She also has a winter look, which was one of the cuter options for this story.
Time Princess's Mirror of Masks visual novel offers an intriguing blend of Hollywood glamour and espionage, but its ambitious plot ultimately feels overstuffed and hard to follow. Despite its stylish 2D cover and intriguing premise, the story's numerous characters, scandals, and complex twists make it challenging to fully engage with. While the game's setting and fashion evoke the Golden Age of Hollywood, the outfit options feel underwhelming compared to other Time Princess stories. Overall, this visual novel's potential is hindered by its convoluted narrative and underdeveloped characters.
July 22, 2025
The J-Lo Cinderella Series Is Still Happening, Apparently
It's been three years since the announcement that Jennifer Lopez was working on a serial adaptation of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella. At this point, it seemed like the project was cancelled, given that nothing else was announced since then. Impossible things are happening every day, and Disney+ has landed the rights to it after a bidding war with Amazon. It looks like the pumpkin is still fresh. When it was first announced, three other Cinderella adaptations were released within the same year. Enough time has passed that it isn't as derivative now as it was at the time. Still, the serial format is perplexing, not to mention the fact that it has been in production for at least three years and still doesn't have a release window.
There have been new developments since the project was first announced, namely that it will be the backstory of the Fairy Godmother, which is reminiscent of another series that got announced years ago. The Deadline article states that the series will be told "from the perspective of the fairy godparents," which is already a diversion from the original fairy tale. While the new angle is certainly interesting and could make for a unique retelling, I'm wondering why this isn't a brand-new "Cinderella" adaptation and instead references a specific musical that has had three film adaptations already. If it's veering in such a different direction, why call it Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella at all? Did she just want the rights to use the music?
Although J-Lo's name is attached to this project, she will probably not be donning the glass slippers this time. Instead, she is producing it, and good for her! I love seeing creative women take on new challenges in their careers. None of the actors have been announced yet, meaning there is a possibility that she may star in it, but she would be more likely to take on the role of the Fairy Godmother than Cinderella. The 1997 adaptation of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella was produced by Whitney Houston, who played the Fairy Godmother after a little persuasion from its star, Brandy. If J-Lo takes on the role as well, this would mark the second time a producer of this musical plays this iconic character.
Satisfying both the fairy tale and pop culture angles, it's no wonder Disney was determined to snatch this series from Amazon Prime. As long as they don't take creative control from J-Lo, their ownership will be beneficial since the series' target audience is more likely to consist of Disney+ subscribers. The limited serial format is common on Disney+ with shows like WandaVision, which told a complete story in just nine episodes. Episodic retellings of "Cinderella" are rarer than movies, but there have been some, including an obscure anime in 1996. Since this adaptation is based on a musical and produced by a singer, it will likely contain songs. They may be the same ones as the Rodgers and Hammerstein show, along with some new ones to fill the longer timeframe.
After three years of silence, the Jennifer Lopez-produced serial adaptation of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella is moving forward on Disney+ after winning its bidding war against Amazon. This unique retelling will focus on the story from the perspective of the fairy godparents, offering a fresh take on the classic tale. With Jennifer Lopez as a producer and Rachel Shukert as writer, executive producer, and showrunner, the series promises an interesting blend of music and storytelling. Since no release date or casting details have been announced yet, fans will have to wait for more updates. Are you looking forward to this project? Let me know in the comments!
There have been new developments since the project was first announced, namely that it will be the backstory of the Fairy Godmother, which is reminiscent of another series that got announced years ago. The Deadline article states that the series will be told "from the perspective of the fairy godparents," which is already a diversion from the original fairy tale. While the new angle is certainly interesting and could make for a unique retelling, I'm wondering why this isn't a brand-new "Cinderella" adaptation and instead references a specific musical that has had three film adaptations already. If it's veering in such a different direction, why call it Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella at all? Did she just want the rights to use the music?
Although J-Lo's name is attached to this project, she will probably not be donning the glass slippers this time. Instead, she is producing it, and good for her! I love seeing creative women take on new challenges in their careers. None of the actors have been announced yet, meaning there is a possibility that she may star in it, but she would be more likely to take on the role of the Fairy Godmother than Cinderella. The 1997 adaptation of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella was produced by Whitney Houston, who played the Fairy Godmother after a little persuasion from its star, Brandy. If J-Lo takes on the role as well, this would mark the second time a producer of this musical plays this iconic character.
Satisfying both the fairy tale and pop culture angles, it's no wonder Disney was determined to snatch this series from Amazon Prime. As long as they don't take creative control from J-Lo, their ownership will be beneficial since the series' target audience is more likely to consist of Disney+ subscribers. The limited serial format is common on Disney+ with shows like WandaVision, which told a complete story in just nine episodes. Episodic retellings of "Cinderella" are rarer than movies, but there have been some, including an obscure anime in 1996. Since this adaptation is based on a musical and produced by a singer, it will likely contain songs. They may be the same ones as the Rodgers and Hammerstein show, along with some new ones to fill the longer timeframe.
After three years of silence, the Jennifer Lopez-produced serial adaptation of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella is moving forward on Disney+ after winning its bidding war against Amazon. This unique retelling will focus on the story from the perspective of the fairy godparents, offering a fresh take on the classic tale. With Jennifer Lopez as a producer and Rachel Shukert as writer, executive producer, and showrunner, the series promises an interesting blend of music and storytelling. Since no release date or casting details have been announced yet, fans will have to wait for more updates. Are you looking forward to this project? Let me know in the comments!
July 21, 2025
Winx Club and Other Upcoming Princess Releases
The transformation sequences from the upcoming Winx Club reboot were released a few months ago with a tease of the show coming "this fall." Now, the full trailer is available along with the official release date. We can expect to see this new iteration of the 2004 Italian Magical Girl series streaming on Netflix on October 2nd. To the best of my knowledge, this is the fourth time the show has been rebooted in the last twenty years, and hopefully it will be better than the previous attempts. The trailer reveals footage that is more reminiscent of the original series with some modern updates to the animation and characters, such as the transition from hand-drawn to CGI and the soft-spoken Flora's Spanish accent in an obvious attempt to add more diversity to the show.
A lot of the footage in the new Winx Club trailer had been leaked previously over the years that the reboot was in development, but the official trailer shows the finalized animation and designs, which look adequately polished in comparison to previous leaks. The brightly colored sparkly fluid animation is reminiscent of last year's Mermaid Magic, which makes sense since it was produced by the same animation studio. Although I've always preferred the hand-drawn releases of Winx Club to their uncanny CGI movies, I have to admit that the animation industry has come a long way. This newer style of CGI looks closer to the spirit of the original animated series than it did in the early 2000s. Plus, any new attempt at rebooting the franchise is liable to be better than the atrocious live-action Fate: The Winx Saga, which is best left forgotten.
If October is too long to wait, never fear! World Princess Week is coming up again, and Disney is celebrating it with yet another LEGO Disney Princess special, following up 2023's LEGO Disney Princess: The Castle Quest. On August 25th, LEGO Disney Princess: Villains Unite will have the Disney villains come back for revenge on the Disney princesses in a brand new bricktastic adventure. This Disney+ special will kick off this year's World Princess Week, an annual worldwide celebration of the Disney Princess brand and its impact on future generations that takes place every August. One of the biggest selling points of the LEGO specials is that they incorporate all the original voice actresses for the Disney Princesses who are still living. The previous special even made a subtle tribute to the recently deceased Samuel E. Wright by making Sebastian's character silent in the film.
In the world of live-action movies based on existing properties, The Legend of Zelda movie was announced for 2027. Based on the popular video game franchise, this movie follows in the footsteps of Super Mario Bros. by transforming the games into a cohesive film. It would be unfair to compare this film to a live-action Disney remake because the Zelda series has not had a solid film adaptation, giving this one the potential to be the first. Hopefully, it will be better than the animated series from 1989, which is only remembered for the silly catch phrase "Well, EXCUSE me, Princess!" The Zelda series is unique because it came out during a time when the only thing princesses did was get kidnapped. Yet, Zelda represents the wisdom of the Triforce and has proven herself capable of achieving great things for the Kingdom of Hyrule with the help of Link's strength. She will be an important and iconic character in the upcoming film adaptation.
Streaming services are a bit lacking right now in terms of princess content, but there is a lot to look forward to. The upcoming Winx Club reboot promises a blend of nostalgic charm and modern updates, premiering on Netflix on October 2nd. LEGO Disney Princess: Villains Unite is sure to spark joy and nostalgia on Disney+ on August 25th. In the realm of live-action adaptations, The Legend of Zelda holds potential to bring the iconic video game franchise to life, showcasing Princess Zelda's inner strength and wisdom. If you're itching to get to the theater sooner than 2027, don't forget Wicked: For Good comes out this November 21st to conclude the thrilling two-part Broadway saga. What upcoming princess media are you most looking forward to? Let me know in the comments!
A lot of the footage in the new Winx Club trailer had been leaked previously over the years that the reboot was in development, but the official trailer shows the finalized animation and designs, which look adequately polished in comparison to previous leaks. The brightly colored sparkly fluid animation is reminiscent of last year's Mermaid Magic, which makes sense since it was produced by the same animation studio. Although I've always preferred the hand-drawn releases of Winx Club to their uncanny CGI movies, I have to admit that the animation industry has come a long way. This newer style of CGI looks closer to the spirit of the original animated series than it did in the early 2000s. Plus, any new attempt at rebooting the franchise is liable to be better than the atrocious live-action Fate: The Winx Saga, which is best left forgotten.
If October is too long to wait, never fear! World Princess Week is coming up again, and Disney is celebrating it with yet another LEGO Disney Princess special, following up 2023's LEGO Disney Princess: The Castle Quest. On August 25th, LEGO Disney Princess: Villains Unite will have the Disney villains come back for revenge on the Disney princesses in a brand new bricktastic adventure. This Disney+ special will kick off this year's World Princess Week, an annual worldwide celebration of the Disney Princess brand and its impact on future generations that takes place every August. One of the biggest selling points of the LEGO specials is that they incorporate all the original voice actresses for the Disney Princesses who are still living. The previous special even made a subtle tribute to the recently deceased Samuel E. Wright by making Sebastian's character silent in the film.
In the world of live-action movies based on existing properties, The Legend of Zelda movie was announced for 2027. Based on the popular video game franchise, this movie follows in the footsteps of Super Mario Bros. by transforming the games into a cohesive film. It would be unfair to compare this film to a live-action Disney remake because the Zelda series has not had a solid film adaptation, giving this one the potential to be the first. Hopefully, it will be better than the animated series from 1989, which is only remembered for the silly catch phrase "Well, EXCUSE me, Princess!" The Zelda series is unique because it came out during a time when the only thing princesses did was get kidnapped. Yet, Zelda represents the wisdom of the Triforce and has proven herself capable of achieving great things for the Kingdom of Hyrule with the help of Link's strength. She will be an important and iconic character in the upcoming film adaptation.
Streaming services are a bit lacking right now in terms of princess content, but there is a lot to look forward to. The upcoming Winx Club reboot promises a blend of nostalgic charm and modern updates, premiering on Netflix on October 2nd. LEGO Disney Princess: Villains Unite is sure to spark joy and nostalgia on Disney+ on August 25th. In the realm of live-action adaptations, The Legend of Zelda holds potential to bring the iconic video game franchise to life, showcasing Princess Zelda's inner strength and wisdom. If you're itching to get to the theater sooner than 2027, don't forget Wicked: For Good comes out this November 21st to conclude the thrilling two-part Broadway saga. What upcoming princess media are you most looking forward to? Let me know in the comments!
July 20, 2025
Review: Gilded Locks
Gilded Locks by Julene Johnson is the final ARC I received from the All That Glitters multi-author series of fairy tale retellings. I was eager to read a clean retelling of "Goldilocks and the Three Bears" because the ones I had read previously were not. Yet, the book veers way more toward an adaptation of Robin Hood than Goldilocks, even though it is promoted as both, and the title gives off strong "Goldilocks" vibes. It is primarily a political drama with some romance and fantasy on the side. In that way, it differs from the other books in this series and may appeal to a different audience than the rest of the series. Still, it was a unique and interesting concept for the author's first novel.
Grace Robbins is a Protector whose family's goal is to protect their community from a dangerous substance that melts everything it touches into liquid gold. The substance has little use outside of its destructive purposes, but it could be deemed valuable to those who are selfish and greedy. The town is run by a corrupt mayor who exploits the people for taxes. That's where the mysterious Robin Hood figure comes in. The Rogue, a legendary superhero, can be anyone who dons a magical green cloak that hides their identity. Although Grace was next in line to take up the mantle, someone else beat her to it, and she is certain that it is someone she knows.
The romance in this story didn't cut it for me. I figured out who the Rogue was immediately, but that doesn't change the fact that Grace didn't know for most of the book. Until the end of the story, she was growing feelings toward someone she couldn't identify. When this trope is used in superhero stories, the love interest usually has a closer relationship with the superhero's alter ego, even though the hero's mystery is intriguing. Although Grace has some ties to the Rogue's potential identities at social gatherings, they communicate with stiff Regency era greetings, while all the important character-building discussions happen while he is in disguise.
The plot of this book works for what it is, which is not quite a fairy tale adaptation. It reminds me more of a medieval James Bond story, filled with espionage and political intrigue. I'm sure there is an audience for that. I just don't know if it's with a series of fairy tale retellings. While there are some fantasy elements, including the magical cloak and gold-like substance, it gives off more of a sci-fi or superhero vibe than a fairy tale one. It had no semblance of "Goldilocks and the Three Bears" that I could see, and I'm not sure how that was supposed to play into the story.
Gilded Locks by Julene Johnson is a unique blend of political drama, romance, and fantasy that draws more inspiration from Robin Hood than the implied Goldilocks. While it differs from other books in the All That Glitters series, the concept is interesting and showcases the author's creativity in her first novel. The story's blend of espionage, intrigue, and superhero elements may appeal to young adults who are looking for action-adventure stories with clean romance, but it may not fit the traditional fairy tale retelling mold of the series.
Grace Robbins is a Protector whose family's goal is to protect their community from a dangerous substance that melts everything it touches into liquid gold. The substance has little use outside of its destructive purposes, but it could be deemed valuable to those who are selfish and greedy. The town is run by a corrupt mayor who exploits the people for taxes. That's where the mysterious Robin Hood figure comes in. The Rogue, a legendary superhero, can be anyone who dons a magical green cloak that hides their identity. Although Grace was next in line to take up the mantle, someone else beat her to it, and she is certain that it is someone she knows.
The romance in this story didn't cut it for me. I figured out who the Rogue was immediately, but that doesn't change the fact that Grace didn't know for most of the book. Until the end of the story, she was growing feelings toward someone she couldn't identify. When this trope is used in superhero stories, the love interest usually has a closer relationship with the superhero's alter ego, even though the hero's mystery is intriguing. Although Grace has some ties to the Rogue's potential identities at social gatherings, they communicate with stiff Regency era greetings, while all the important character-building discussions happen while he is in disguise.
The plot of this book works for what it is, which is not quite a fairy tale adaptation. It reminds me more of a medieval James Bond story, filled with espionage and political intrigue. I'm sure there is an audience for that. I just don't know if it's with a series of fairy tale retellings. While there are some fantasy elements, including the magical cloak and gold-like substance, it gives off more of a sci-fi or superhero vibe than a fairy tale one. It had no semblance of "Goldilocks and the Three Bears" that I could see, and I'm not sure how that was supposed to play into the story.
Gilded Locks by Julene Johnson is a unique blend of political drama, romance, and fantasy that draws more inspiration from Robin Hood than the implied Goldilocks. While it differs from other books in the All That Glitters series, the concept is interesting and showcases the author's creativity in her first novel. The story's blend of espionage, intrigue, and superhero elements may appeal to young adults who are looking for action-adventure stories with clean romance, but it may not fit the traditional fairy tale retelling mold of the series.
July 15, 2025
Why I'm Learning to Play Piano
The princess lifestyle is a relaxing one that involves taking the time to admire the beauty in the world around us. Although the most obvious type of beauty is visual, which is typically through clothing, princesses also create auditory beauty through their songs. While I've always loved singing, I've never done it professionally or at an advanced level. Non-operatic singing is generally pretty easy. It doesn't require an understanding of music theory or the ability to perform multiple notes simultaneously (which I'm pretty sure is physically impossible). Since I have recently acquired a great deal of free time, I decided to take my musical know-how to the next level by learning to play piano.
My goal in learning piano is not necessarily to become an entertainer but to have a deeper and more intimate understanding of the songs I've known and loved for most of my life by being able to read and interact with the notes that comprise them. That's why I started my Princess Piano playlist on YouTube, which only has one video so far. I've spent the past three weeks teaching myself how to read sheet music and learning where each note is located on the piano through videos and apps. I picked Taylor Swift's "White Horse" as my first song because it has a slow pace, making it easy for beginners, especially with the sheet music I used. One day, I'd love to be able to play any princess song as long as I have the sheet music.
Although princesses did not historically spend their free time beating up bad guys like they do in modern movies, they didn't sit around all day just looking pretty either. They were trained in non-strenuous upper-class skills like embroidery, linguistics, and music. Learning to play the piano helps me to bring out my inner princesses by spending my days in a relaxing setting and creating something beautiful that doesn't create clutter or require replenishing supplies I recently acquired a Yamaha Arius, which looks and feels like a real piano thanks to its weighted keys, but doesn't take up as much space because of its digital keyboard. The piano can link directly to a tablet and included a free trial of the Flowkey app.
I plan to learn a wide range of princess-related songs, ranging from Disney to anime to showtunes. Some people might say this is the "wrong" way to learn since most lessons focus on classical music. However, the beauty of being self-taught is that you can learn in any way you find comfortable. My biggest challenge right now is playing quickly enough to keep up with the pace of the songs while trying to remember where all the keys are. Practicing individual songs until I have them memorized, like I did with "White Horse," is an effective technique for faster playing, but it takes a lot more time and practice to play any song upon reading or hearing it.
Learning to play the piano has been a delightful way to cultivate my inner princess, allowing me to create beautiful music in a relaxing setting. As I continue to practice and expand my Princess Piano playlist, I'm excited to bring beloved songs to life and further refine my skills. With patience and dedication, I look forward to playing a wide range of princess-themed songs with ease and confidence. Are there any princess songs you would like to hear me play or enjoy playing yourself? Let me know in the comments!
July 13, 2025
Review: Lost Starlight
Lost Starlight
by Kayla Eshbaugh is the newest book in the All That Glitters multi-author series of fairy tale retellings. This book is a retelling of
Peter Pan
that veers drastically from the themes of its source material. The author put in her end notes that she wrote it because she wanted to see a version of Peter Pan where Peter and Wendy get together. While this made for a lovely fantasy romance, it detracts from the character's essence as the boy who never grew up. Still, this is a charming and sweet book that only touches on the J. M. Barrie play.
Lady Gwendolyn is a shy storyteller who enjoys reading books to children. One day, she is hired for an important job at the castle, where she becomes the official storyteller for Prince Peter. Peter is enamoured with her upon sight and looks forward to hearing her read to him each day. After spending enough time with her, he decides he wants her with him always. His desire to marry her is interrupted when she is kidnapped by pixies to read to a group of lost boys in a magical land. After sacrificing himself for the sake of his love, Peter must defeat a hook-handed pirate to return to Gwen and make arrangements for their upcoming nuptials.
This book is written in a non-linear format in the style of Once Upon a Time. It alternates between Peter getting to know Gwen and the rescue mission. The two timelines are different enough that it's easy to tell them apart, so I didn't find it confusing. Both elements were necessary to make up the full story. The "meet-cute" portions were simplistic in nature but lovely to read as the romance blossomed between the outspoken boy and the timid girl. The "Neverland" sequences were magical and exciting, making the book a significant contribution to the All That Glitters series.
Does it work as a Peter Pan adaptation? Eh... While it has pixies, lost boys, and a hook-handed captain, it is missing the most crucial element of the story--the boy who refused to grow up. While I believe that was by design because the author wanted to write a love story, it does not feel like a true Peter Pan retelling. Peter is frequently described as a "young man," and there is nothing written about his childhood. The Neverland elements are more of an inspiration than a basis for the story.
Lost Starlight by Kayla Eshbaugh is a charming fairy tale romance that draws inspiration from Peter Pan, but ultimately takes creative liberties to craft its own unique narrative. While it may not satisfy fans of traditional Peter Pan adaptations, the book's sweet and magical storytelling will likely delight readers looking for a romantic fantasy with a touch of whimsy. Overall, I would describe this book as a "cozy romance" perfect for someone looking for a light and uplifting read.
Lady Gwendolyn is a shy storyteller who enjoys reading books to children. One day, she is hired for an important job at the castle, where she becomes the official storyteller for Prince Peter. Peter is enamoured with her upon sight and looks forward to hearing her read to him each day. After spending enough time with her, he decides he wants her with him always. His desire to marry her is interrupted when she is kidnapped by pixies to read to a group of lost boys in a magical land. After sacrificing himself for the sake of his love, Peter must defeat a hook-handed pirate to return to Gwen and make arrangements for their upcoming nuptials.
This book is written in a non-linear format in the style of Once Upon a Time. It alternates between Peter getting to know Gwen and the rescue mission. The two timelines are different enough that it's easy to tell them apart, so I didn't find it confusing. Both elements were necessary to make up the full story. The "meet-cute" portions were simplistic in nature but lovely to read as the romance blossomed between the outspoken boy and the timid girl. The "Neverland" sequences were magical and exciting, making the book a significant contribution to the All That Glitters series.
Does it work as a Peter Pan adaptation? Eh... While it has pixies, lost boys, and a hook-handed captain, it is missing the most crucial element of the story--the boy who refused to grow up. While I believe that was by design because the author wanted to write a love story, it does not feel like a true Peter Pan retelling. Peter is frequently described as a "young man," and there is nothing written about his childhood. The Neverland elements are more of an inspiration than a basis for the story.
Lost Starlight by Kayla Eshbaugh is a charming fairy tale romance that draws inspiration from Peter Pan, but ultimately takes creative liberties to craft its own unique narrative. While it may not satisfy fans of traditional Peter Pan adaptations, the book's sweet and magical storytelling will likely delight readers looking for a romantic fantasy with a touch of whimsy. Overall, I would describe this book as a "cozy romance" perfect for someone looking for a light and uplifting read.
July 8, 2025
The Unassuming Princess Trope
With a multitude of new anime shows coming out every season, it's easy to spot trends in Eastern culture and observe how they differ from Western tropes. One trend that has been popular in anime for many years is the unassuming hero or heroine. This is a character who came from a life of emotional abuse, and is unexpectedly thrust into a supportive environment that they don't think they are worthy of. This is one of my favorite tropes because it often includes sweet and supportive romantic leads that blend well with the classic "Cinderella" story. It also adds more meaning to the glitz and glamour of royal life. The latest example of this trope is Betrothed to My Sister's Ex, which premiered as part of the Summer 2025 anime season.
Betrothed to My Sister's Ex is the story of a mistreated noblewoman named Marie who was brushed aside by her parents in favor of her sister, Anastasia. When Anastasia dies in a freak accident, Marie is sent to marry Anastasia's fiancé, Kyros, who is already in love with Marie and is aware of her previous abuse. When he asks her if she was abused, she tells him no in a way that clearly demonstrates her family's toxic positivity toward her sister. In the very first episode, she is given the princess treatment with a rose petal bubble bath and a full head-to-toe makeover, until she no longer even recognizes herself when she looks in the mirror. The show is reminiscent of my favorite anime of the past decade, I'm Giving the Disgraced Noble Lady I Rescued a Crash Course in Nauhtiness, in which a sorcerer takes in a renegade noblewoman who was framed for a crime she didn't commit and spoils her rotten.
Betrothed to My Sister's Ex premiered right on the heels of last season's series, The Too-Perfect Saint: Tossed Aside by My Fiancé and Sold to Another Kingdom, which followed the popular anime trend of broken engagements, which usually coincides with the "unassuming princess" trope. Philia from The Too-Perfect Saint came from an abusive family that valued her sister, Mia, over her. However, this series is unique in that it focuses equally on Mia and how her eyes are opened up to her sister's abuse when a wicked prince dumps Philia and tries to get with Mia instead. Mia chooses to be a supportive sister, plots revenge against the prince, and swears off her loyalty to her parents in favor of Philia. By the end of the show, Philia is not only celebrated as the powerful and talented saint she is, but also earns the love of a prince and the respect of her beloved sister.
One reason I think this trope works so well is that characters who don't see themselves as worthy of being princesses are more appreciative of this treatment than those who are spoiled and entitled. Every glamorous gown is a precious gift to bring out their inner beauty, and the romance they share is more meaningful because their love interests see something in them that they don't see in themselves. This allows more opportunity for growth as they gain confidence, and in some cases, such as Sacrificial Princess and the King of Beasts, transition from abuse victims to beloved leaders. This isn't something we see anymore in Western media, as modern feminism has completely taken over Hollywood. Today, female characters in the West must be seen as capable and confident from birth and will never allow anyone to treat them as anything less than a queen. This is in direct contrast to Eastern standards of humility and personal growth.
The unassuming heroine trope in anime offers a refreshing and poignant exploration of characters who, having faced emotional abuse, blossom in supportive environments. Shows like Betrothed to My Sister's Ex and The Too-Perfect Saint showcase the beauty of romance and emotional growth, highlighting the value of being seen and loved for who one truly is. This trope's popularity thrives in modern times, offering Eastern audiences a compelling narrative of transformation and empowerment. What are your thoughts on the unassuming princess? Do you have a favorite anime that follows this trope? Let me know in the comments!
Betrothed to My Sister's Ex is the story of a mistreated noblewoman named Marie who was brushed aside by her parents in favor of her sister, Anastasia. When Anastasia dies in a freak accident, Marie is sent to marry Anastasia's fiancé, Kyros, who is already in love with Marie and is aware of her previous abuse. When he asks her if she was abused, she tells him no in a way that clearly demonstrates her family's toxic positivity toward her sister. In the very first episode, she is given the princess treatment with a rose petal bubble bath and a full head-to-toe makeover, until she no longer even recognizes herself when she looks in the mirror. The show is reminiscent of my favorite anime of the past decade, I'm Giving the Disgraced Noble Lady I Rescued a Crash Course in Nauhtiness, in which a sorcerer takes in a renegade noblewoman who was framed for a crime she didn't commit and spoils her rotten.
Betrothed to My Sister's Ex premiered right on the heels of last season's series, The Too-Perfect Saint: Tossed Aside by My Fiancé and Sold to Another Kingdom, which followed the popular anime trend of broken engagements, which usually coincides with the "unassuming princess" trope. Philia from The Too-Perfect Saint came from an abusive family that valued her sister, Mia, over her. However, this series is unique in that it focuses equally on Mia and how her eyes are opened up to her sister's abuse when a wicked prince dumps Philia and tries to get with Mia instead. Mia chooses to be a supportive sister, plots revenge against the prince, and swears off her loyalty to her parents in favor of Philia. By the end of the show, Philia is not only celebrated as the powerful and talented saint she is, but also earns the love of a prince and the respect of her beloved sister.
One reason I think this trope works so well is that characters who don't see themselves as worthy of being princesses are more appreciative of this treatment than those who are spoiled and entitled. Every glamorous gown is a precious gift to bring out their inner beauty, and the romance they share is more meaningful because their love interests see something in them that they don't see in themselves. This allows more opportunity for growth as they gain confidence, and in some cases, such as Sacrificial Princess and the King of Beasts, transition from abuse victims to beloved leaders. This isn't something we see anymore in Western media, as modern feminism has completely taken over Hollywood. Today, female characters in the West must be seen as capable and confident from birth and will never allow anyone to treat them as anything less than a queen. This is in direct contrast to Eastern standards of humility and personal growth.
The unassuming heroine trope in anime offers a refreshing and poignant exploration of characters who, having faced emotional abuse, blossom in supportive environments. Shows like Betrothed to My Sister's Ex and The Too-Perfect Saint showcase the beauty of romance and emotional growth, highlighting the value of being seen and loved for who one truly is. This trope's popularity thrives in modern times, offering Eastern audiences a compelling narrative of transformation and empowerment. What are your thoughts on the unassuming princess? Do you have a favorite anime that follows this trope? Let me know in the comments!
July 6, 2025
Review: Diamond Wishes
Diamond Wishes by Abigail Manning is the next of many ARCs I have received from the All That Glitters multi-author series of fairy tale retellings. This gender-bent retelling of "Aladdin" gives a fresh new take on the story, and not because it's about a female thief. It follows a similar premise to many other gender-bent retellings of "Aladdin," in which a thief is transformed into a princess with the help of some magic and joins a group of potential royal prospects for a prince. However, the third act takes the story in an entirely new and surprising direction that I never saw coming, much like Abigail Manning's other retellings.
Kya is an orphaned thief who has been dodging the guards her whole life with a combination of skill and luck, as well as a mute guard she nicknames Jean, who was always looking out for her. Her pet parrot, Kipu, occasionally provides assistance as long as he can keep his beak shut. One day, Kya is propositioned by a mysterious man to sneak into the royal treasury and steal a magic wishing diamond that she finds on an expensive-looking ring. Although she gets caught in the act, Prince Adir comes to her rescue by telling the guards she is a visiting princess who is competing for his hand. Suddenly, Kya gets the royal treatment and some up-close personal time with both Jean and Adir. She must figure out whom to trust to protect the dangerously powerful ring hidden in an oil lamp before it's too late.
This book starts out like any other gender-bent "Aladdin" retellings, but it takes the story in a completely new direction that I cannot discuss without spoiling. All I can say is that the pleasant and unexpected twists were built up nicely throughout the story. The romance was subtle, but well done, and the author does a good job of making Kya a likable character despite being a thief, which can be challenging. The one thing the book lacked was female companionship. I would have liked to get to know some of the other princesses competing for Adir better. However, it was a pretty fast read and did a great job telling a complete story in a comfortable amount of time.
I liked that this book borrowed several lesser-known elements from "Aladdin and His Wonderful Lamp" that weren't in the Disney adaptation, but used them differently. It cleverly incorporated both the ring and the lamp from the original fairy tale, as well as the mysterious uncle who sent the main character on a quest to retrieve these items. Although this story made him the prince's uncle and not the thief's, the reference to the fairy tale was very much present. The "genie" character was incorporated in a clever and unexpected way that will probably make readers laugh when they figure it out. Overall, this was a fun story full of surprises for those familiar with the original fairy tale.
Diamond Wishes is a delightful and unexpected retelling of "Aladdin" that offers a fresh take on the classic tale. With its clever incorporation of original elements and surprising plot twists, this book is a must-read for fans of fairy tale retellings. Kya's likable character and the subtle yet well-done romance make for an enjoyable read. While it may have benefited from more development of the supporting characters, the story is well-paced and engaging. Overall, Diamond Wishes is a fun and surprising addition to the All That Glitters series.July 1, 2025
Where to Find Princess Clothes
I made a post here a long time ago about how to dress like a modern princess. However, I didn't provide many specific recommendations on where to find princess-themed fashions that can be worn casually in public. It is absolutely possible to have a princess wardrobe that isn't just Halloween costumes or fancy gowns. When I go out in public, the most common question people ask me is where I find my clothes. The good news is that in the years since I started my blog, it has become easier than ever to find affordable dresses inspired by or resembling classic princess gowns. As a disclaimer, this is not a sponsored post. My reviews of these vendors represent my honest opinions and experiences.
Retro Stage is a "fast fashion" website I saw advertised on social media a few months ago. They specialize in vintage fashion and feature many recreations of popular movie costumes, particularly Disney. They also have a large collection of themed bathing suits. All of their dresses are designed for everyday wear, allowing for stealth cosplay or "Disney bounding." I was nervous to order from them because fast fashion gets a bad reputation online, but their Briar Rose dress from Sleeping Beauty won me over. With the separate blouse and partially laced-up bodice, it looked more and felt authentic than the screen-printed character dresses from Hot Topic. I also ordered a floral teal 1950s-inspired dress that reminds me of modern princess fashion. Both pieces arrived faster than I expected, matched the size chart on the website, and were good quality for the price. I would definitely order from them again to fulfill my princess fashion needs.
Hot Topic has been my go-to source for princess-inspired fashion ever since I was a teenager, and that hasn't changed. They have business partnerships with major Hollywood studios, meaning that Hot Topic will release a new fashion collection whenever a new princess movie comes out. Sometimes I get more excited about the collections than I do about the movie! Many of their pop culture clothing is designed by Her Universe, which features additional themed dresses on its own website. What I love about Hot Topic's pop culture outfits is how subtle the theming is. Unlike Target or the Disney Store, they don't plaster giant pictures of the characters all over the outfit. Instead, they release pieces similar enough to what the characters wear for fans to recognize, but casual enough that the average person sees normal clothing. It's basically a secret signal for fellow geeks.
The final website I ordered from recently is Unique Vintage, which offered this adorable Ariel-inspired bathing suit. Like Retro Stage, they feature vintage-inspired dresses and swimsuits with licensed Disney collections that feature subtle theming, similar to Hot Topic. Unfortunately, I had a poor experience with this store and would not order from them again. Their prices are exorbitant compared to similar merchants. They are based in California, yet they had a longer shipping time than items I've ordered in the past from China. The bathing suit did not match the size chart, and it took them over a month to process my exchange and send me a new one. Although they offer a lot of cute original pieces, I would rather order similar items from a more affordable and reliable vendor.
Whether you're a fan of Disney Princesses or just love vintage-inspired fashion, websites like Retro Stage and Hot Topic make it easy to add a touch of magic to your everyday wardrobe. Dressing up in public can be a great way to express yourself and showcase your personality, and with the right pieces, you can create a look that's both elegant and effortless. So why not get creative, have some fun with fashion, and channel your inner princess – the world is your stage, after all! Do you have a favorite vendor for modern princess fashion? Let me know in the comments!
