Lisa Dawn's Blog: The Princess Blog, page 7

Review: Amphibian's Kiss

Amphibian's Kiss by Lichelle Slater is the first ARC I received from an upcoming multi-author series of fairy tale retellings called All That Glitters. This entry in the sparkling series is a unique retelling of "The Frog Prince" with an organized magic system, a fairy realm, and lots of romantic tension. It does an excellent job of paying homage to the fairy tale while keeping the story fresh with surprises and drama. The main character is a witch living in a world where magic is banned, a plot thread that is near and dear to my heart. The book contains some fun animal sidekicks and a main character who is a vegetarian due to her innate ability to communicate with animals.

Elowyn cannot forgive Prince Kaison for her mother's imprisonment, and who can blame her? It isn't easy being a witch in a kingdom where magic is illegal. Though Kai was once her best friend, El now has only her talking hedgehog for companionship. That is, however, until Kai finds himself married to a wicked fairy who turns him into a frog. Now, El is the only person he trusts enough to free him from the spell. When his wicked bride blames El for the curse, the king sends her on a quest to recover his humanity alongside a royal guard named Garrett. Can El cast away her bitterness toward Kai aside to free both him and her mother and defeat and evil fairy?

What I liked the most about this story is how well it balanced the layers of storytelling and depth. The elements of the original fairy tale are there with the selfish princess, the golden ball, and the talking frog, and the original elements blend in perfectly with the story. El's family magic being a threat to the king creates the perfect source of tension between her and Kai, when they would otherwise be a perfect couple. The additional love triangle with Garrett createsadditional romantic tension, though it seems unnecessary overall. The worldbuilding in this book is top notch. I particularly enjoyed the descriptions of the fairy realm, which felt like a real place full of magic and wonder.

I also enjoyed that this book had plenty of levity, especially compared to the darker Tethered Hearts series, which I'm also on the street team for. The talking animals provide lots of funny wisecracks, and El knows just how come up with witty retorts thanks to a lifetime of communicating with them. Despite being a witch, El's powers are quite tame and rely mostly on healing and runes. The fairies are the more powerful magic threat in this world. Their unique powers are thoroughly described with lots of history and nuance. The fairy princess bride made a great villain and was just threatening enough without being overly intimidating.

Amphibian's Kiss by Lichelle Slater is a delightful and enchanting retelling of "The Frog Prince" that will captivate fans of fairy tale romance and fantasy. With its well-balanced layers, engaging world-building, and witty dialogue, this book is a sparkling addition to the All That Glitters series. Elowyn's journey from bitter witch to selfless heroine is a joy to follow, and her chemistry with Prince Kai and Garrett adds plenty of romantic tension. If you're looking for a lighthearted and fun read with a touch of magic and adventure, Amphibian's Kiss is a perfect choice.

Review: Ties of Shadow

Ties of Shadow by Alora Carter is another ARC I received from the Tethered Hearts multi-author series about characters who are binded together by magical ties. So far, this series has been surprisingly dark, especially in comparison to Sacrificed Hearts, which shares similar themes. Despite its simplistic nature, this book has some levity to it in the form of cute animal sidekicks that live the shadow world and make wisecracks to the main characters. It does a good job developing the romance and is thematically similar to Mask of Deception and Sacrifice, which was inspired by "Beauty and the Beast" and Phantom of the Opera. The dark/light dynamic of the lead characters works well, allowing them to balance out each other's strengths and weaknesses.

Lady Aelia has a hard time saying "no." She is dangerously loyal to the crown and Prince Leon who was once a dear friend to her. However, when those she is most loyal to ask her to sacrifice herself based on the loose interpretation of a prophecy, she decides she has had enough enough and runs straight into the arms of her kingdom's worst enemy. The Shade, a dark being who possesses shadow magic and lives on the outskirts of the kingdom, swears he will protect her at any cost. He gives her a home, teaches her about his dark powers, and helps her come to terms with some uncomfortable truths about the people she served. Ultimately, Aelia must realize that love does not mean giving up your freedom and happiness to make others happy.

Although the story gets more interesting after Aelia moves in with the Shade, it starts out pretty slow. I had a hard time understanding the mechanics of the world, its magic, and what her duties were for her father and the prince. It was only when she was asked to sacrifice herself that I realized she was in an abusive relationship with multiple people and needed to learn how to respect herself. Once the Shade takes her in, the book really picks up. His world is fully of fantastical beings like talking animals, monsters, and magical glowing objects. He helps her to understand the flaws in her philosophy and takes her under his wing.

The further I got in this book, the more interesting it became. The best parts of the story are not revealed until the final chapters. These parts gave me a much better understanding of the world and everyone's role within. There is a unique magic system in this book that does not feel fully fleshed out. For instance, I knew that the queen was sick due to her powers and they way they responded to the environment, but I was not clear on the details of her sickness and how her magic was affected by it. The Shade has shadow magic, which seemed to mean different things depending on the situation. The specifics of the magic system aren't that important overall because it's a love story first and foremost, but they still would have been nice to know.

Ties of Shadow by Alora Carter is an enlightening tale of self-discovery, loyalty, and the power of love. While the story takes its time to unfold, the world-building and character development ultimately pay off in a satisfying and romantic conclusion. Lady Aelia's journey from naive loyalty to empowered independence is a compelling one, and her dynamic with the enigmatic Shade adds depth and complexity to the narrative. Fans of dark fantasy romance will appreciate the unique magic system and the atmospheric world-building, even if some aspects feel slightly underdeveloped. Overall, Ties of Shadow is a solid addition to the Tethered Hearts series, and readers who enjoy slow-burn romances with a touch of darkness will find plenty to appreciate.

Adventures at Sherwood Forest Faire

The Renaissance Faire is always a great place to bring out your inner princess. I've been to several faires including the Renaissance Pleasure Faire in Los Angeles. This weekend was my first time attending the Sherwood Forest Faire in McDade, TX. True to its name, this faire is held in a large forest and is themed after Robin Hood. There were several areas named after parts of the legend, including Nottingham Castle, Maid Marian's chapel, and a humorous snack stand called Prince John's Nuts. The faire had an ongoing story that took place in multiple locations throughout the day about a wicked duke trying to tear down Robin Hood's good name and force a princess to marry him. There were numerous activities available for an additional fee, including a quest, an escape room, and some relaxing carnival rides mixed into the scenic labyrinth of buildings and vendors.

My first destination was the Faery Courtyard, where the mischievous fae failed to appear for their 11:00 meet'n'greet. Luckily, I was able to catch them later for a silly concert. They also made an appearance at the Faery Forest Stage on the other side of the faire, where they played tricks on Robin Hood and his friends for the ongoing story. The courtyard itself looked like a true wonderland with giant mushrooms, tiny benches decorated with forest critters, stone circles, and a rainbow-colored swing. The fae were silly and playful. They interacted with the children and hosted a tea party for them in the afternoon where they served lemonade. The faire had a lot of other fun things to offer to fantasy fans as well. Many of the shops featured art and trinkets with mermaids, faeries, and dragons. The escape room, which I did not do on this trip, was also dragon-themed.

I also decided to embark on the Quest, which involves solving a series of riddles hidden in six shops throughout the fairegrounds. The riddles were easy and involved decoding a series of homonyms. However, the shops that they were located in were difficult to find due to the confusing layout of the map. There were several clues in the quest that applied to multiple shops, and the hints within those shops were so well-hidden that I ended up going in circles and returning to the same places multiple times without realizing they were the right ones. I only managed to find all the hints by asking the shopkeepers, which is something I should have done much earlier. It was frustrating to learn I had been in some of the right places all along and simply missed the clues because they were so well-hidden. For our troubles, we received a sticker saying "I am so smart!" and a raffle ticket, which won us tickets to return to the faire on another day. Overall, I would say the quest was not worth the frustration. I greatly prefer the now-retired Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom game at Walt Disney World, which was similar in concept but more high-tech and player-friendly.

By far, the biggest selling point of the Sherwood Forest Faire is the entertainment. It seems like everywhere we went, there was a show happening. You could sit and watch or just pass by and still feel entertained. We saw a sword dancer, a joust, a humorous performance of Romeo and Juliet, and several instances of the continuing story of Robin Hood, the duke, and the princess. There were enough offerings to suit any taste, from the fantasy lover to the thrill seeker. The strategically placed theatres throughout the grounds made it so that no matter where you are, you're probably within hearing distance of a performance. I wish I had spent more time watching the Merlin show. When I walked by, he was singing a lovely duet with Morgana about Avalon. Several key performances, including the finale, took place at Nottingham Castle, which has an interior that looks similar to Medieval Times. Although not as big as Newman's Castle, Nottingham Castle contains a themed event hall with suits of armor, chandeliers, and tapestries that can be rented out for events.

The Sherwood Forest Faire is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to escape into a world of fantasy and adventure. With its lush forest setting, engaging entertainment options, and immersive themed areas, this Renaissance Faire truly transports visitors to the realm of Robin Hood. While some activities, like the Quest, may be more frustrating than fun, the overall experience is well worth a visit. Whether you're a fan of fantasy, folklore, or just looking for a unique day out, the Sherwood Forest Faire is sure to delight. And with its impressive entertainment lineup and picturesque setting, it's no wonder this faire has become a beloved tradition.
 

Review: Claiming the Princess

I received an ARC of Claiming the Princess by Charis Michaels through NetGalley. Although I usually read clean romance books, I was intrigued by the concept behind the Hidden Royals series, which involves exiled members of a royal family who live in hiding until they fall in love. This is the third and final book in the series, and it made me want to read the other two. The story reminded me a lot of Anastasia, which is one of my favorite movies. Even though there were three brief passages that I needed to skip over, it was surprisingly sweet, adventurous, and relaxing, with charmingly flawed characters and an enticing plot.

When Captain Luke Bannock saves a prized member of the royal court from a vicious nobleman, he is offered a reward of his choosing. He selects the hand of the princess that his enemy wishes to marry as a form of revenge. Little did he know that Princess Danielle was raised by surrogate parents who never told her of her royal roots. When he realizes that her life is already full of secrets, he finds himself unable to reveal his true intentions for marrying her. Meanwhile, Dani is blindsided by her betrothal, her history, and her secret family that she never knew she had. All she wants from Luke is answers that he is reluctant to provide.

Although the book had high stakes revolving around Luke's intent to rescue his surrogate father being held prisoner by his enemy, it was a surprisingly cozy read. Dani's quest for answers was fulfilled in gradual chunks, during which her feelings toward Luke grew to a crescendo. Before learning about her identity as a lost princess, Dani had a simple goal of helping the people in her small village by running a local estate. As luck would have it, that very estate was provided for Luke as part of his reward. Her goals change very little upon learning about her royal lineage other than helping Luke with his own quest.
The main theme of Capturing the Princess is what it means to be a family. Both Dani and Luke were raised by parental figures that they loved like real parents and would do anything for. When Dani learned that she had a brother and sister who were also in exile, she was eager to get to know them as well. Luke was a brooding, adventuresome type who had very little interest in romance until he met Dani. Suddenly, starting a family with her didn't seem so bad. Although I wish the book had included more details about the rescue mission at the end, it was interesting to read about Luke's adventures from Dani's perspective through the letters she received from him. The story led up to a thrilling and satisfying climax.
Claiming the Princess by Charis Michaels is a delightful, adventurous romance that will captivate fans of royalty-themed tales. With its charmingly flawed characters, gradual-burn romance, and an enticing plot, this book is a must-read for anyone looking for a sweet, relaxing read. The story's exploration of family, identity, and loyalty adds depth to the narrative, making it a satisfying conclusion to the Hidden Royals series. While it can be read as a standalone, it's clear that Michaels has crafted a rich, immersive world that will leave readers eager to explore the rest of the series.

Review: Snow White (Live-Action 2025)

I was on the fence about reviewing the new Snow White remake for a while, but since this is The Princess Blog, it's only fair. (See what I did there?) This movie has been the source of endless controversy over the past five years or so. Some of it was unfounded, particularly when it involved racist comments toward the lead actress, but some of it is justified. When the movie was first announced, I shared my thoughts about how the story of "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" has already been retold countless times by other studios in a way that modernized it with respect toward the original fairy tale and didn't step on Walt Disney's legacy. Creating a blatant copy of the first feature-length animated movie of all time and taking away the one thing that made it special—the animation—is an insult to the animation medium as an art form. My stance on this has not changed, so here are my thoughts on this sham of a film.

Ever since the backlash to Rachel Zegler's comments at the D23 Expo about how Snow White wouldn't be dreaming of true love or be rescued, Snow White has been in development hell, enduring countless delays and reshoots to shoehorn these things back into the movie. Snow White's forced relationship with a bandit named Jonathan, who invades her castle and robs her kitchen, is not the least bit believable and feels incredibly out of place with the rest of the story. Not only that, but the two characters look like they are from completely different worlds. Snow White dons a cheap Halloween costume with blindingly bright fluorescent colors, while every other character wears muted fabrics that display modern silhouettes. Costuming has been a recurring issue with Disney's last few live-action remakes, but at least those managed to create a cohesive aesthetic. When Snow White and Jonathan sing their "romantic" duet, "A Hand Meets Hand," they look like they are in two different settings.
The attempt to create nostalgia for the original movie while following the modern feminist trends gives the movie a sense of whiplash. Every single homage to the original film feels forced into the mold of everything that modern Disney stands for today. Disney feels the need to apologize for the original portrayal of the dwarfs by making them magical beings who have lived in the woods for 250 years and look like uncanny nightmare fuel. Grumpy calls himself "misunderstood," and Dopey is presented as a tragic figure who needs to overcome his speech anxiety instead of a simple and lovable comedic character. The few songs that remain from the original film are heavily edited, such as "Whistle While You Work," in which Snow White commands the dwarfs to clean their own house instead of doing them a favor for letting her stay in their home. Any song referencing love is replaced with more modern feminist melodies, but that doesn't explain the absence of "With a Smile and a Song," which could have been the perfect source of optimism to counteract all the hatred against this movie.
Even though this movie is far from an exact copy of the original, most of the additions are derivative of other versions of Snow White that have already been done. Over a decade ago, in 2012, both Mirror Mirror  and Snow White and the Huntsman  portrayed the legendary heroine leading a rebellion against the evil queen with a more satisfying downfall for the vain villainess. Disney even incorporated a similar climax to the one they used in this film in their Elena of Avalor premiere movie. At one point in the movie, Snow White thinks she might be able to seek the dwarfs' help to find her long-lost father. This same storyline took place in Red Shoes and the Seven Dwarfs . No matter which way you look, there is not an ounce of originality in this movie. If it had forsaken the original animation entirely by giving Snow White a costume that matched the setting and removing the hideous CGI dwarfs, it could have been more watchable. Even seamlessly recreating the original animation in live-action would have been somewhat of an accomplishment, though probably not one worth celebrating.
Disney's live-action Snow White remake is a mess of conflicting ideologies, poorly executed nostalgia, and unoriginal storytelling. By trying to appease both fans of the original and modern feminist sensibilities, the film ends up feeling disjointed and insincere. With its lackluster romance, cringeworthy attempts at homage, and derivative plot twists, this movie fails to deliver on even the most basic levels. Ultimately, it's a soulless retread of a classic tale, devoid of the magic and charm that made the original so beloved. If Disney wanted to truly reimagine "Snow White" for a new era, they should have taken more risks and offered something genuinely new instead of this uninspired, unoriginal, and utterly forgettable remake.

Review: Goodbye, My Princess

Although I am no stranger to ARCs or book reviews, Goodbye, My Princess by Fei Wo Si Cun is the first ARC that I completed for my new account on NetGalley. I had no idea what to expect from this one. It is an English translation of a Chinese story, so I was hoping for some fun Chinese mythology revolving around immortals and spirits in the vein of Ashes of Love or Love Between Fairy and Devil. This book contained very little of that lore, and the characters are quite human. There was one supernatural element, but it was more dark and depressing than fantastical. For those of you who enjoy Chinese dramas, it looks like there was a 2019 TV series inspired by the book. Overall, this book is a cautionary tale about trust and sacrifice.

The first thing that threw me off about this book is that it is published by Simon & Schuster's Children's Publishing, which led me to believe that it would be a quick and easy read. It is neither of those things. Although there are no explicit scenes, I do not think this book is appropriate for children due to the complexity and maturity of the content, which includes elements like forced abortion, innuendo, and assassination attempts. I even hesitate to say it's appropriate for a high school audience. Goodbye, My Princess is quite long and difficult to get through. Most of its chapters stretch over 50 pages, which makes it hard to find a stopping point or catch up across multiple devices. Although the translation is accurate, the story is told out of order, and it is not always clear what point in time is being narrated, which left me scratching my head trying to put the pieces together.

Qu Xiaofeng is a princess trapped in a loveless marriage alliance with a prince named Li Chengyin. The book does not follow the current fantasy trope of postmarital love and instead leans toward infidelity. The book references Chengyin's concubines and two potential love interests for Xiaofeng outside of her marriage, but neither of those relationships go in a romantic direction. The most interesting character in the book is A'du, Xiaofeng's mute bodyguard and best friend who would give up her life for the princess in a heartbeat. Xiaofeng is every bit as protective of A'du as A'du is of her. Their relationship was the strongest and most interesting in the book even though it was not based on romance.

Although this book is not poorly written, I had a hard time following it. There were so many isolated events that I kept scratching my head trying to determine the main plot. Maybe someone smarter than me would have an easier time enjoying it, or maybe it helps to watch the drama series it inspired before diving into the book. The main character is missing some of her memories, which contributes to some of the confusion and causes it to read a little like the movie Memento, which was also told out of order. Once I figured that out, it became easier to follow, but I still found it hard to grasp the main theme. It appears to be a dramatization of a toxic relationship between a prince and a princess along the lines of Frozen.

Goodbye, My Princess by Fei Wo Si Cun is a complex and challenging read that defies expectations. Despite its publication under a children's imprint, this book tackles mature themes and features a non-linear narrative that demands close attention. While the story's exploration of toxic relationships and the bond between Qu Xiaofeng and her bodyguard A'du are compelling, the book's convoluted structure and isolated events may deter some readers. Ultimately, Goodbye, My Princess is a book that requires patience, persistence, and a willingness to piece together its fragmented narrative.

Review: This Rotting Heart

I recently received an ARC from Celeste Baxendell for This Rotting Heart, which takes place in the same original fantasy elf world as Ties of Starlight from the Tethered Hearts series. The book had a lot in common with Ties of Starlight and could have easily been another entry into the Tethered Hearts series. Both stories are about arranged marriages between a human woman and an elf king in which the woman is initially reluctant but grows to love her husband over time. The post-marital love trope seems to be a recurring theme in a lot of modern fantasy stories. This Rotting Heart contains many similarities to Celeste Baxendell's other stories, including romantic misunderstandings and characters being forced to make difficult decisions that hurt the ones they care about.

Princess Hellebore is an alchemist who is wholly devoted to her craft and wishes for nothing more than to study rotting plants day and night. When she is captured by the sun elves, she fights for her life but fails to escape before learning that she was selected for a marriage alliance with their king. King Taiyo reveals that he selected Hellbore for her alchemy abilities to save the rotting flowers that serve as the source of the elves' power. When Hellebore learns that the same rot also affects Taiyo's heart, she makes it her mission to save him as well. The two never intended to fall in love. It was merely meant to be a business transaction.

During her stay in the castle, Hellebore starts to uncover numerous secrets about Taiyo's past related to her family. Because elves live so much longer than humans, Hellebore's aunt had a history with Taiyo before she was born. Only by uncovering this history can Hellebore learn the truth and save the sun elves from losing their powers forever. The problem is that instead of staying focused on her mission, Hellebore finds herself distracted by nagging feelings she has toward Taiyo that she doesn't want or need. Meanwhile, Taiyo struggles to break through Hellebore's icy demeanor.

Although this is a spice-free romance, I wouldn't necessarily call it sweet. Like Celeste Baxendell's other books, the story centers around difficult decisions in which both Hellebore and Taiyo torment each other through the actions of themselves and others before they learn to accept their feelings. Both protagonists are cynical and dark through their personalities, values, and goals. Because of that, this book is not for everyone. However, if you prefer fantasy stories with mature themes but no mature content, it could be your perfect match.

In This Rotting Heart, Celeste Baxendell weaves a twisted tale of reluctant love, ancient secrets, and the transformative power of acceptance. While the story shares similarities with her previous works, its unique blend of fantasy, alchemy, and complex characters makes it a compelling read. With its mature themes and spice-free romance, this book will appeal to fans of fantasy and romance looking for a story with depth and nuance. If you're drawn to complex characters, morally ambiguous decisions, and a slow-burn romance, This Rotting Heart is definitely worth adding to your reading list.

Does Disney Have Princess Problems?

A few days ago, Disney released the full soundtrack of their controversial Snow White movie that comes out this week. Among the multitude of new songs that have been added to the butchering of this classic film is one performed by called "Princess Problems." This song has not been promoted nearly as much as the new "feminist" anthem, "Waiting on a Wish," and for good reason. With all the negativity surrounding this movie, anyone who sees the title of this song would have instant fodder to take it out of context and apply it to Disney directly, and they wouldn't be too far off. Disney does have princess problems, but not the ones described in the song.

A couple of weeks ago, Disney announced that they were ceasing production of their upcoming Tiana series, which had been in development hell for the past five years, upsetting many fans and even the voice actress for Tiana herself. The cause of this cancellation was their decision to no longer produce long-form content for Disney+, which could mean the end of animated series from them in general. Animated princess shows are something that has been celebrated for years with heartwarming and entertaining new stories featuring beloved characters from movies like  The Little Mermaid and Tangled . This announcement could have residual effects on other upcoming animated shows including Sofia the First: Royal Magic, which has also been kept under wraps for years. The cancellation of their animated princess shows and the fact that they haven't had an original animated princess since Raya and the Last Dragon  came out four years ago provide ample evidence of their "princess problems." The final nail in the coffin comes later this week when Snow White will premiere to potentially empty theaters.

Performed by a character named Jonathan, who appears to be Snow White's love interest despite Rachel Zegler claiming she would "not be dreaming of true love," "Princess Problems" is a classic Broadway-style song about cynicism that equates princesses to first-world countries where people are too caught up in themselves to know what's going on in the real world. This song is a perfect follow-up to the line "your princess is showing" from last year's Descendants: The Rise of Red, which paints a picture of how Disney presents princesses in the modern era. Being a princess is no longer something to strive for, but instead something to overcome. Their place as relatable role models has been stamped out by feminism. Now, if you are kind and gentle, you need to toughen up and become a queen.

It's also telling that Disney's latest princess movie is a live-action remake of the first movie that proved to the world that people are willing to watch feature-length animations. Taking away the one thing that made this movie so iconic is not a great look for the mouse house. That's not to say that there haven't been other live-action adaptations of "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," but the Disney version in particular was the beginning of a celebrated era of the film industry. In a way, it's poetic that the Disney Princess line should end with the same story that started it. At this point, it's best to look for other sources of wholesome princess content such as independent publishers.

As the live-action Snow White remake hits theaters, it's clear that Disney's "princess problems" run deeper than a single song or movie. The cancellation of animated series, the lack of original princess stories, and the rebranding of princesses as flawed and in need of "toughening up" all point to a larger issue. Disney's relationship with its princess franchise has become increasingly complicated, and it seems that the magic of Disney Princess is slowly fading away. As the curtain closes on this era of Disney history, it's hard not to wonder what's next for the beloved princesses who once captivated audiences around the world.

Review: Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon - The Super Live

Back when I was a pre-teen in the '90s borrowing recorded VHS tapes of Sailor Moon from my friends who had cable, I never imagined that one day I would see a cast of professional Japanese actresses portraying the characters in a live musical! Musical adaptations of anime are fairly common in Japan, whereas America just gets the occasional Disney on Broadway adaptation. The North American tour of Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon: The Super Live began in Pittsburgh last week on March 12th. I attended the official opening night yesterday in Austin and had my first introduction to the world of Japanese musical theatre. The show was presented to an enthusiastic crowd of cosplayers and life-long fans of the series. Light sticks that could be used to participate in the rave-style concert that took place after the main show were sold at the merchandise booth.

The musical is an abridged summary of the show's first arc, which covers the Dark Kingdom saga and introduces all of the inner sailor senshi and Tuxedo Mask. Because the musical is only 90 minutes long and covers an entire season of the anime, it might be hard to follow for someone who is not already familiar with the story. A lot of major events are skipped or glossed over, and many characters are only introduced with a single verse of a song. The majority of the show covers the climax of the arc, which was only an episode or two of the anime. My memory of that part was a bit fuzzy, so I was blown away by the story's emotional conclusion of love persevering across time and space.

Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon: The Super Live is promoted as a "2.5D show" due to the large theatrical screen in the middle of the stage. Relying on screens to tell stories is not uncommon in modern stage shows. It was particularly necessary for the North American tour to project English subtitles that are large enough for everyone in the theater to see. I had no trouble reading the translations and watching the actors, but there were some issues with grammar and song lyrics that didn't match the tempo of the songs. Although the translations may have been accurate in a literal sense, musicals are meant to be experienced rather than watched, and that was difficult when the English words projected on the screen either didn't make sense or didn't match the beat of what was being sung.

Other elements of the show, including costumes and animations, exceeded my expectations. Battles were performed through choreography that synced up with animated explosions or cartoony effects on the screen behind the actors. While spoken subtitles were presented as plain text, the song lyrics had special animations that would appear on word bubbles or moving text surrounded by matching animated icons to create more of an immersive effect. I was hoping at least one of the magical girl transformations would use a quick-change effect like Elsa in Frozen: The Musical, but there were no such practical effects in the show. Instead, the story was told through the emotional music and dialogue.

The post-performance concert was just as much fun as the show itself, encouraging audience participation and including some nostalgic performances such as the original anime theme song. The sailor senshi came out to greet the audience at one point, but since the Bass Concert Hall doesn't have aisles between the seats, they were able to get very far. Audience members loved waving their light sticks to the music and cheering for their favorite characters. There was even a bonus costume change in which all the girls came out in traditional Japanese yukata and sang a song about being Tokyo girls.

Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon: The Super Live is a nostalgic and immersive experience that brings the beloved anime to life in a new and exciting way. While some elements, such as the translations and practical effects, could be improved, the show's energetic performances, stunning visuals, and nostalgic value made for an unforgettable night. As the sailor senshi took their final bows and the audience cheered, it was clear that the magic of Sailor Moon continues to inspire and delight fans of all ages. If you're a Sailor Moon fan, this show is definitely worth checking out – just be sure to brush up on the story beforehand!

Review: Pearlina and the Water Faery

Over the years, I frequently referenced the mermaid stories by my long-time friend, Kae-Leah Williamson. Today, she has completed her longest mermaid book yet, Pearlina and the Water Faery, which is free to read on Wattpad! This is the latest story in her series of reimagined fairy tales that take place in undersea fantasy kingdoms of merfolk and talking fish. Pearlina is a loose retelling of "Thumbelina" that ties into the other books Kae-Leah has written on Wattpad and includes tons of Easter egg-style references to Don Bluth, Hans Christian Andersen, and "The Little Mermaid." Over the time I have known Kae-Leah, she has grown exponentially as a writer, and this is her best work yet.

When an ancient mermaid mourns the distant loss of her daughter, a prince's favor grants her a magic shell promised to grant her heart's desire. From the shell emerges Pearlina, a dark-skinned mermaid the size of a Barbie doll. Pearlina helps to care for her mother in the little time she has left in the world. At night, her dreams are haunted by a handsome water faery named Merrow Finless. Merrow is desperate to meet Pearlina, but his lack of fins make it impossible for him to travel the seas as she does. One day, the water faery is captured by pirates and desperately seeks Pearlina's help through their mysterious dream connection.

This story contains a rich fantasy world with lush descriptions of the kingdoms and cultures surrounding both the mermaids and the elemental faeries. The undersea world is a mostly benevolent place, but it still has its share of problems with racism and the ongoing threat of pirates. The elemental faeries protect the elements of fire, earth, air, and water, and reside on a magical island called La Isla Magica, which is never in the same place twice. Although most of the conflicts in the story are minor, there is one surprisingly dark chapter that serves as an homage to "The Little Mermaid."

I particularly liked this book's colorful cast of characters. Each fairy and mermaid presented has unique and memorable traits, from Pearlina's unusual size to her mother's disability and the uncharacteristic emotions of the primary faery characters. It was an unusual choice for the faeries to be a foot in height since it makes them larger than pixies but smaller than humans. If it weren't for that discrepancy, this world would be very similar to Neverland with its faeries, mermaids, and pirates. The love story between Merrow and Pearlina is like none I've seen before, and it ends with a surprise twist on the original "Thumbelina" fairy tale.

Pearlina and the Water Faery is a charming and imaginative retelling of "Thumbelina" that showcases Kae-Leah Williamson's growth and skill as a writer. With its richly detailed fantasy world, colorful cast of characters, and original love story, this book is a must-read for fans of mermaid tales and reimagined fairy tales. The way Kae-Leah weaves together elements of different stories and cultures, while still tackling complex themes like racism and disability, is truly impressive. I'm excited to see what Kae-Leah comes up with next, and I highly recommend checking out Pearlina and the Water Faery on Wattpad – it's a treasure worth discovering!