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The Four Kingdoms #1
The Princess Companion: A Retelling of The Princess and the Pea
One dark and stormy night, lost and alone, Alyssa finds herself knocking on the door of a castle.
After a lifetime spent in the deep forest, Alyssa has no idea what to expect on the other side.
What she finds is two unruly young princesses and one very handsome prince. When Alyssa accepts the job of Princess Companion she knows her life will change. What she doesn’t know is that the royal family is about to be swept up in unexpected danger and intrigue and that she just might be the only thing standing between her kingdom and destruction.
This retelling of the classic fairy tale, The Princess and the Pea, reimagines the risks and rewards that come when one royal family goes searching for a true princess.
Danger and romance await a woodcutter’s daughter in a royal palace.
After a lifetime spent in the deep forest, Alyssa has no idea what to expect on the other side.
What she finds is two unruly young princesses and one very handsome prince. When Alyssa accepts the job of Princess Companion she knows her life will change. What she doesn’t know is that the royal family is about to be swept up in unexpected danger and intrigue and that she just might be the only thing standing between her kingdom and destruction.
This retelling of the classic fairy tale, The Princess and the Pea, reimagines the risks and rewards that come when one royal family goes searching for a true princess.
Danger and romance await a woodcutter’s daughter in a royal palace.
335 pages, ebook
First published January 2, 2016
1770 people are currently reading
8417 people want to read
About the author
Melanie Cellier
126 books2,765 followersMelanie Cellier grew up on a staple diet of books, books and more books. And although she got older, she never stopped loving children’s and young adult novels.
She always wanted to write one herself, but it took three careers and three different continents before she actually managed it.
She now feels incredibly fortunate to spend her time writing from her home in Adelaide, Australia where she keeps an eye out for koalas in her backyard. Her staple diet hasn’t changed much, although she’s added choc mint Rooibos tea and Chicken Crimpies to the list.
She writes young adult fantasy including her Spoken Mage series, and her Four Kingdoms and Beyond the Four Kingdoms series which are made up of linked stand-alone stories that retell classic fairy tales.
She now feels incredibly fortunate to spend her time writing from her home in Adelaide, Australia where she keeps an eye out for koalas in her backyard. Her staple diet hasn’t changed much, although she’s added choc mint Rooibos tea and Chicken Crimpies to the list.
She writes young adult fantasy including her Spoken Mage series, and her Four Kingdoms and Beyond the Four Kingdoms series which are made up of linked stand-alone stories that retell classic fairy tales.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,089 reviews
January 6, 2022
(0.5/5 my braincell experienced permanent damage)
Whatever this book was, it was not fun.
The Princess Companion is essentially a Princess and the Pea retelling, which sounds good in theory, except make everything trope-y as fuck and all of the characters infuriating, which doesn't sound good at all. Plus insta-love, because all great books have that involved to some degree /s .
The very first problem with this book is its main character - if the main character of a book isn't interesting or, as with this case, gets on your very last nerve, you're pretty much guaranteed that the rest of the book will be a torturous experience.
Alyssa, our main character, is a woodcutter's daughter. The reason I mention this is because you just might forget it in the time it takes to flip a page. But worry not! Alyssa herself is here to remind you, as well as all of the other characters stuck with her, that she is, in fact, a woodcutter's daughter. Seriously. Hearing the phrase "woodcutter's daughter" every four seconds did something to me. If I never have to read, hear, or say the words "woodcutter's daughter" ever again, I will die happy.
On top of all of that, she doesn't have any character growth to speak of. She starts the book as a happy-go-lucky wOoDcUtTeR's DaUgHtEr with no sense of decorum or how to deal with royalty (I mean, not that I've ever met royalty either, but even if they invited you into their winter home because you were stranded in the woods doesn't mean y'all are suddenly the best of pals????), and ends the book in pretty much the same way.
Unfortunately, the rest of the characters are not much better.
Prince Max is Alyssa's love interest throughout this novel. I'm going to say it right now: this wasn't a romance, it was insta-love. Alyssa and Max pretty much fall in love with each other tHe MoMeNt ThEy LaY eYeS oN oNe AnOtHeR, except Max decides that he needs to be the literal manifestation of the cold, bAd BoY archetype and hIdE hIs EmOtIoNs even though he SeCrEtLy CaReS fOr HeR.
That, of course, isn't to mention his childish jealousy about literally everything Alyssa does and the people she interacts with, which Alyssa herself doesn't address as a problem. Instead, she was pretty much ga-ga heart eyes over everything Max said or did. It was disturbing, to say the least.
Max also happens to have two younger twin sisters, to whom Alyssa is the "Princess Companion". We're told that the princesses are eleven years old, but they certainly don't act like it - or are treated like it, for that matter. I actually thought that they were six or seven until it was mentioned. 🤡🤡
I actually had a huge problem with the whole "Princess Companion" role, seeing as to how Alyssa takes it upon herself to teach the girls to be good royals with morals and humility. First off, how the hell would Alyssa know how to be a good royal??? She's literally been living in the forest her entire life because she's a wOoDcUtTeR's DaUgHtEr, remember??? Plus, there's the part where these girls are literally princesses?? They should have proper instructors that are employed solely for teaching them these things???
Regrettably, the King and Queen aren't much better either.
The Queen doesn't do much, so I guess she's not that bad. She seemed to have an interesting story at first, but as more was revealed, it became clear that she was a character that was inserted into the book solely for the sake of creating problems and unnecessary misunderstandings between the wOoDcUtTeR's DaUgHtEr and the Prince.
Fortunately for us, however, the King was a complete and utter idiot. :D
I remember very vividly that there was a scene where he implied that she was one of his most trusted advisors. And by "she" I mean Alyssa herself. The woodcutter's daughter. Who they found in the forest. And is only there to read bedtime stories to the princesses. ??? Idk, it doesn't make sense to me either.
But on top of that, Alyssa was caught listening to some important conversation on state matters and basically got out of it scot-free because Max said so??? Even though she was teaching herself political sciences by reading books in the library??? And that's literally spy behavior right there????
I'm genuinely surprised that their kingdom has even been functioning for as long as it has. The King and Queen are actually so oblivious, and it makes no sense that they're frequently referred to as these gReAt and WiSe rulers when none of their behaviors indicate that. I mean, I get that this is a fantasy novel, but still. Some parts of it should at least be relatively believable??
All of that aside, I truly believe that even if the characters of a novel don't deliver, there's still potential for an enjoyable read if the plot does. This book is an example of when neither do and you're left questioning all of your life's choices while struggling through online classes.
After the royal family embarks from their winter house where they met Alyssa, the WoOdCutTeR's DaUgHtEr, they all go back to the castle, where it's decided that Max is in need of a suitable wife. So, until they find one, princesses from the other nations will be brought to court and basically be put on display.
And that's pretty much how the rest of the book goes.
There's a fair bit of girl-on-girl hate that ensues, especially between Alyssa and the other ladies at court, although the whole longing-glances and simping thing that Alyssa and Max have going on with each other isn't exactly unnoticeable. Or goes not commented on. Which, of course, leads to a lot of secondhand embarrassment I went through while listening to this.
The plot really doesn't pick up at all, or changes until the very end. Up until that point, actually, it's extremely repetitive. The book in general was quite predictable, in fact, but until a certain princess was introduced to the mix, nothing interesting really happens.
But, just as things get interesting, everything is resolved rather quickly. Max and Alyssa confess their undying love for one another, no one is surprised, and the wOoDcUtTeR's DaUgHtEr and the Prince get their happily ever after. This was, however, one of the biggest problems that I had with this book. No matter what situation the characters get involved in, whether it be big or small, it's very quickly solved, and everyone resumes going about their day. This results in no meaningful conflict and left the book feeling extremely hollow and pointless.
I'm disappointed to say that on top of everything else, the writing was absolutely atrocious and resulted in lasting brain damage for me.
Pretty much the entire book was centered around Max and Alyssa's romance and all of the tRiAlS that they experience before GiViNg In To ThEiR lOvE fOr OnE aNoThEr. To put it simply, it was filled (no joke) with insufferable longing and cringeworthy dialogue between the two, but especially in Alyssa's thoughts.
One of the worst scenes was, I think, when Max asked Alyssa to call him by his name rather than whatever formality she was using with him. As a result, Alyssa "practiced" saying his name to herself?? Over and over again?? In the middle of a random room??? Because that's normal, apparently????I literally feel so embarrassed thinking about this and it's been so long since I've read this book hELP-
Ahem.
Many other crimes against braincells were also committed, including:
✧ repeated descriptions of Max's dEeP, bLuE, gLaSsY oRbS that Alyssa couldn't resist LoSiNg HeRsElF in (just the usual YA things, you know how it is)
✧ repeated descriptions of Max's muscles, to the point where I started to wonder whether he was secretly a bodybuilder in disguise or something (yes, it was very excessive)
✧ repeated descriptions of Max's scent ???? (the number of times I heard the words wOoDsMoKe and PaRcHmEnT used to describe how a teenaged boy smells is actually unholy)
✧ repeated usage of the phrase "wOoDcUtTeR's DaUgHtEr" (yes, I am still salty about this)
Overall, this book was so unbelievably bad that I'm not entirely sure how I survived the nine hours it took to get through the audiobook. I used to think that I was a loyal and supportive fan of all fairytale retellings but this book has single-handedly changed my mind. I have no idea what's going on with all of the five-star rave reviews that this book has, but on second thought, I'm not sure I want to know. I would never recommend this book unless it was for April Fool's, and even then, I'd probably include a warning about impending brain damage.
~~~~~~~~~~
this book reminded me that there are things worse in life than finals (not a good thing).
rtc.
shoutout to my besties who suffered through this with me <3
Whatever this book was, it was not fun.
The Princess Companion is essentially a Princess and the Pea retelling, which sounds good in theory, except make everything trope-y as fuck and all of the characters infuriating, which doesn't sound good at all. Plus insta-love, because all great books have that involved to some degree /s .
The very first problem with this book is its main character - if the main character of a book isn't interesting or, as with this case, gets on your very last nerve, you're pretty much guaranteed that the rest of the book will be a torturous experience.
Alyssa, our main character, is a woodcutter's daughter. The reason I mention this is because you just might forget it in the time it takes to flip a page. But worry not! Alyssa herself is here to remind you, as well as all of the other characters stuck with her, that she is, in fact, a woodcutter's daughter. Seriously. Hearing the phrase "woodcutter's daughter" every four seconds did something to me. If I never have to read, hear, or say the words "woodcutter's daughter" ever again, I will die happy.
On top of all of that, she doesn't have any character growth to speak of. She starts the book as a happy-go-lucky wOoDcUtTeR's DaUgHtEr with no sense of decorum or how to deal with royalty (I mean, not that I've ever met royalty either, but even if they invited you into their winter home because you were stranded in the woods doesn't mean y'all are suddenly the best of pals????), and ends the book in pretty much the same way.
Unfortunately, the rest of the characters are not much better.
Prince Max is Alyssa's love interest throughout this novel. I'm going to say it right now: this wasn't a romance, it was insta-love. Alyssa and Max pretty much fall in love with each other tHe MoMeNt ThEy LaY eYeS oN oNe AnOtHeR, except Max decides that he needs to be the literal manifestation of the cold, bAd BoY archetype and hIdE hIs EmOtIoNs even though he SeCrEtLy CaReS fOr HeR.
That, of course, isn't to mention his childish jealousy about literally everything Alyssa does and the people she interacts with, which Alyssa herself doesn't address as a problem. Instead, she was pretty much ga-ga heart eyes over everything Max said or did. It was disturbing, to say the least.
Max also happens to have two younger twin sisters, to whom Alyssa is the "Princess Companion". We're told that the princesses are eleven years old, but they certainly don't act like it - or are treated like it, for that matter. I actually thought that they were six or seven until it was mentioned. 🤡🤡
I actually had a huge problem with the whole "Princess Companion" role, seeing as to how Alyssa takes it upon herself to teach the girls to be good royals with morals and humility. First off, how the hell would Alyssa know how to be a good royal??? She's literally been living in the forest her entire life because she's a wOoDcUtTeR's DaUgHtEr, remember??? Plus, there's the part where these girls are literally princesses?? They should have proper instructors that are employed solely for teaching them these things???
Regrettably, the King and Queen aren't much better either.
The Queen doesn't do much, so I guess she's not that bad. She seemed to have an interesting story at first, but as more was revealed, it became clear that she was a character that was inserted into the book solely for the sake of creating problems and unnecessary misunderstandings between the wOoDcUtTeR's DaUgHtEr and the Prince.
Fortunately for us, however, the King was a complete and utter idiot. :D
I remember very vividly that there was a scene where he implied that she was one of his most trusted advisors. And by "she" I mean Alyssa herself. The woodcutter's daughter. Who they found in the forest. And is only there to read bedtime stories to the princesses. ??? Idk, it doesn't make sense to me either.
But on top of that, Alyssa was caught listening to some important conversation on state matters and basically got out of it scot-free because Max said so??? Even though she was teaching herself political sciences by reading books in the library??? And that's literally spy behavior right there????
I'm genuinely surprised that their kingdom has even been functioning for as long as it has. The King and Queen are actually so oblivious, and it makes no sense that they're frequently referred to as these gReAt and WiSe rulers when none of their behaviors indicate that. I mean, I get that this is a fantasy novel, but still. Some parts of it should at least be relatively believable??
All of that aside, I truly believe that even if the characters of a novel don't deliver, there's still potential for an enjoyable read if the plot does. This book is an example of when neither do and you're left questioning all of your life's choices while struggling through online classes.
After the royal family embarks from their winter house where they met Alyssa, the WoOdCutTeR's DaUgHtEr, they all go back to the castle, where it's decided that Max is in need of a suitable wife. So, until they find one, princesses from the other nations will be brought to court and basically be put on display.
And that's pretty much how the rest of the book goes.
There's a fair bit of girl-on-girl hate that ensues, especially between Alyssa and the other ladies at court, although the whole longing-glances and simping thing that Alyssa and Max have going on with each other isn't exactly unnoticeable. Or goes not commented on. Which, of course, leads to a lot of secondhand embarrassment I went through while listening to this.
The plot really doesn't pick up at all, or changes until the very end. Up until that point, actually, it's extremely repetitive. The book in general was quite predictable, in fact, but until a certain princess was introduced to the mix, nothing interesting really happens.
But, just as things get interesting, everything is resolved rather quickly. Max and Alyssa confess their undying love for one another, no one is surprised, and the wOoDcUtTeR's DaUgHtEr and the Prince get their happily ever after. This was, however, one of the biggest problems that I had with this book. No matter what situation the characters get involved in, whether it be big or small, it's very quickly solved, and everyone resumes going about their day. This results in no meaningful conflict and left the book feeling extremely hollow and pointless.
I'm disappointed to say that on top of everything else, the writing was absolutely atrocious and resulted in lasting brain damage for me.
Pretty much the entire book was centered around Max and Alyssa's romance and all of the tRiAlS that they experience before GiViNg In To ThEiR lOvE fOr OnE aNoThEr. To put it simply, it was filled (no joke) with insufferable longing and cringeworthy dialogue between the two, but especially in Alyssa's thoughts.
One of the worst scenes was, I think, when Max asked Alyssa to call him by his name rather than whatever formality she was using with him. As a result, Alyssa "practiced" saying his name to herself?? Over and over again?? In the middle of a random room??? Because that's normal, apparently????
Ahem.
Many other crimes against braincells were also committed, including:
✧ repeated descriptions of Max's dEeP, bLuE, gLaSsY oRbS that Alyssa couldn't resist LoSiNg HeRsElF in (just the usual YA things, you know how it is)
✧ repeated descriptions of Max's muscles, to the point where I started to wonder whether he was secretly a bodybuilder in disguise or something (yes, it was very excessive)
✧ repeated descriptions of Max's scent ???? (the number of times I heard the words wOoDsMoKe and PaRcHmEnT used to describe how a teenaged boy smells is actually unholy)
✧ repeated usage of the phrase "wOoDcUtTeR's DaUgHtEr" (yes, I am still salty about this)
Overall, this book was so unbelievably bad that I'm not entirely sure how I survived the nine hours it took to get through the audiobook. I used to think that I was a loyal and supportive fan of all fairytale retellings but this book has single-handedly changed my mind. I have no idea what's going on with all of the five-star rave reviews that this book has, but on second thought, I'm not sure I want to know. I would never recommend this book unless it was for April Fool's, and even then, I'd probably include a warning about impending brain damage.
~~~~~~~~~~
this book reminded me that there are things worse in life than finals (not a good thing).
rtc.
shoutout to my besties who suffered through this with me <3
March 21, 2025
Clean fairytale retelling with no Christian faith content, language, or sexual innuendoes.
4.5 ✨ (I stayed up past four am to finish this, which doesn’t sound that impressive if you know me, but I’ve been *trying* to go to bed earlier. …okay, at least before two. This book ruined that goal.)
I was craving a Barbie movie (one of the originals—particularly Princess Charm School) so I picked up the next best thing. A fairytale retelling. And not to toot my own horn or anything, but I think it was an excellent selection.
Because really. This was just so much fun?? And oh my goodnessssss! This was so cute?! So humor?! Such a good read!
So many of my friends have raved about this author’s retellings and I see the hype now. I understand and agree just based off of this book. I honestly don’t see how any other one could top it? I mean, I’ll read the other books in this series, but this was excellent in so many ways. I was literally giggly at so many times and I love when a book does that to me!
There’s something absolutely ridiculous about the fairytale of The Princess and the Pea that I just adore. Picking the girl to marry the Prince because she was sensitive to a lump in the bed? The fairy godmother was iconic in that choice—and quite possibly also done with her charges by then. (I picture Burndee from The Reluctant Godfather pulling this kind of stunt and making disbelieving faces when his charges actually do it and accept the results. “They’re idiots.” I can hear him now.)
When Harrison entered the plot?? I got giggly at the thought of the jealousy Max would have to feel when he sees Alyssa with him. *guy putting down a chair meme*
Alyssa was fantastic. Completely fantastic. Adored her. She was everything I wanted to see in a retelling. Truly, this book was better than I even expected—even with all the hype for this author (sorry to my friends who were completely right. I was expecting a little retelling that wasn’t bad, wasn’t great. I apologize for my lack of awareness because this was so much fun. 🥰)
Off with a skip and a hop in my step to order my own copy of this book! 😁
Main Content:
Clean fairytale retelling with no Christian faith content, language, or sexual innuendoes.
Fairytale magic with a godmother appearing and disappearing with a certain phrase being said but no other magic shown; There’s apparently a High King who tasks all the godmothers to find true love for their charges; A few mentions of Christenings; A mention of someone being a gift from heaven.
No language stronger than stupid and idiot; A made-up curse of “what in the kingdoms”; There’s a handful of mentions of others cursing but it’s not written out.
Being hit, Being tied-up, Pain, Injuries, Blood/Bleeding, & Passing out (a few sentences each in details); Seeing a fight & someone being held at gunpoint; Alyssa imagines someone being shot and bleeding out; Alyssa is ashamed by her thoughts of a princess not being pretty & feeling relief about it (stems from jealousy); Alyssa and a friend giggle over a princess being as “dumb as a doorpost” (they are glad they’ve never been called that); Alyssa is sadden by a mother not spending time with her children ().
A man is kidnapped, threatened, sees other killed, & killed himself on-page (actual details being about a few sentences at most); Mentions of potential war & attacks; Mentions of bandits & stealing; Mentions of gunshots & shooting; Mentions of treason, spies, & assassins; Mentions of gossip; Mentions of hunting & a hunting accident that killed a prior king; Mentions of alcohol, drinking, drunks, & getting sober; A couple mentions of an attempted murder; A couple mentions of the cruelty of a woman’s step-family.
A couple hand kisses, a kiss lasting a couple sentences, a kiss that lasts a handful of sentences in details (three paragraphs with emotions as well); Remembering a kiss (up to a few sentences); Touches, Embraces, Dancing, Hand holding, Nearness, Smelling, & Noticing (up to a few sentences in details); Flirting, Blushes, & Winks; Alyssa notes that Max looks at her almost like in hunger; The twin princesses (who are eleven years old or thereabouts) comment on handsome/cute friends of their brother; Alyssa notes a man with a predatory glint in his eyes & the man tries to touch her; Alyssa feels uncomfortable at being alone near a shady guy; A side-character is a flirt but he means no harm in it (he’s self absorbed); Mentions of a kiss & kissing; Mentions of crushes, flirting, courting, & a guy two-timing two girls; Mentions of jealousy; A mention of a girl making eyes at a guy.
See my content reviews of the rest of the series & spin-off series here:
The Four Kingdoms series:
Book #1, Book #2, Book #2.2, Book #2.5, Book #3, Book #3.5, Book #4, and Book #5.
Beyond the Four Kingdoms series:
Book #1, Book #2, Book #3, Book #4, Book #5, and Book #6.
Return to the Four Kingdoms series:
Book #1, Book #2, Book #3, Book #4, Book #5, and Book #6.
The Four Kingdoms Duology:
Book #1 and Book #2.
4.5 ✨ (I stayed up past four am to finish this, which doesn’t sound that impressive if you know me, but I’ve been *trying* to go to bed earlier. …okay, at least before two. This book ruined that goal.)
I was craving a Barbie movie (one of the originals—particularly Princess Charm School) so I picked up the next best thing. A fairytale retelling. And not to toot my own horn or anything, but I think it was an excellent selection.
Because really. This was just so much fun?? And oh my goodnessssss! This was so cute?! So humor?! Such a good read!
So many of my friends have raved about this author’s retellings and I see the hype now. I understand and agree just based off of this book. I honestly don’t see how any other one could top it? I mean, I’ll read the other books in this series, but this was excellent in so many ways. I was literally giggly at so many times and I love when a book does that to me!
There’s something absolutely ridiculous about the fairytale of The Princess and the Pea that I just adore. Picking the girl to marry the Prince because she was sensitive to a lump in the bed? The fairy godmother was iconic in that choice—and quite possibly also done with her charges by then. (I picture Burndee from The Reluctant Godfather pulling this kind of stunt and making disbelieving faces when his charges actually do it and accept the results. “They’re idiots.” I can hear him now.)
When Harrison entered the plot?? I got giggly at the thought of the jealousy Max would have to feel when he sees Alyssa with him. *guy putting down a chair meme*
Alyssa was fantastic. Completely fantastic. Adored her. She was everything I wanted to see in a retelling. Truly, this book was better than I even expected—even with all the hype for this author (sorry to my friends who were completely right. I was expecting a little retelling that wasn’t bad, wasn’t great. I apologize for my lack of awareness because this was so much fun. 🥰)
Off with a skip and a hop in my step to order my own copy of this book! 😁
Main Content:
Clean fairytale retelling with no Christian faith content, language, or sexual innuendoes.
Fairytale magic with a godmother appearing and disappearing with a certain phrase being said but no other magic shown; There’s apparently a High King who tasks all the godmothers to find true love for their charges; A few mentions of Christenings; A mention of someone being a gift from heaven.
No language stronger than stupid and idiot; A made-up curse of “what in the kingdoms”; There’s a handful of mentions of others cursing but it’s not written out.
Being hit, Being tied-up, Pain, Injuries, Blood/Bleeding, & Passing out (a few sentences each in details); Seeing a fight & someone being held at gunpoint; Alyssa imagines someone being shot and bleeding out; Alyssa is ashamed by her thoughts of a princess not being pretty & feeling relief about it (stems from jealousy); Alyssa and a friend giggle over a princess being as “dumb as a doorpost” (they are glad they’ve never been called that); Alyssa is sadden by a mother not spending time with her children ().
A man is kidnapped, threatened, sees other killed, & killed himself on-page (actual details being about a few sentences at most); Mentions of potential war & attacks; Mentions of bandits & stealing; Mentions of gunshots & shooting; Mentions of treason, spies, & assassins; Mentions of gossip; Mentions of hunting & a hunting accident that killed a prior king; Mentions of alcohol, drinking, drunks, & getting sober; A couple mentions of an attempted murder; A couple mentions of the cruelty of a woman’s step-family.
A couple hand kisses, a kiss lasting a couple sentences, a kiss that lasts a handful of sentences in details (three paragraphs with emotions as well); Remembering a kiss (up to a few sentences); Touches, Embraces, Dancing, Hand holding, Nearness, Smelling, & Noticing (up to a few sentences in details); Flirting, Blushes, & Winks; Alyssa notes that Max looks at her almost like in hunger; The twin princesses (who are eleven years old or thereabouts) comment on handsome/cute friends of their brother; Alyssa notes a man with a predatory glint in his eyes & the man tries to touch her; Alyssa feels uncomfortable at being alone near a shady guy; A side-character is a flirt but he means no harm in it (he’s self absorbed); Mentions of a kiss & kissing; Mentions of crushes, flirting, courting, & a guy two-timing two girls; Mentions of jealousy; A mention of a girl making eyes at a guy.
See my content reviews of the rest of the series & spin-off series here:
The Four Kingdoms series:
Book #1, Book #2, Book #2.2, Book #2.5, Book #3, Book #3.5, Book #4, and Book #5.
Beyond the Four Kingdoms series:
Book #1, Book #2, Book #3, Book #4, Book #5, and Book #6.
Return to the Four Kingdoms series:
Book #1, Book #2, Book #3, Book #4, Book #5, and Book #6.
The Four Kingdoms Duology:
Book #1 and Book #2.
November 9, 2025
A few weeks ago, while searching for retellings, I came across the work of Melanie Cellier for the first time. I was astounded by her vast catalogue of reimaginings, for both very popular and some more obscure fairy tales.
The book I decided to pick up first was The Secret Princess, which is a retelling of The Goose Girl. It is also the first book in Cellier's Return to the Four Kingdoms series.
I was so excited to begin my journey with this author.
While I enjoyed it, I could tell that I was missing something. There were certain events alluded to in that story more than once that left me wondering, what do other people know that I don't know?
Thanks to a comment from one of my book friends, I discovered that what I was missing was an entire other series that predated that book. I mean I had an idea that The Secret Princess was the start of a companion series, but I guess I just didn't think about it that much.
Once the original series, The Four Kingdoms, was recommended to me, I decided I should go back and begin at the actual beginning. Let's do it right.
I'm glad I did. I had so much fun with this one. It has really reinvigorated my love for fairy tale retellings.
This story is actually a reimagining of The Princess and the Pea and follows a mild-mannered, woodcutter's daughter, Alyssa. As our story begins, Alyssa, gets lost at night in a storm while traveling and she's separated from her companions.
In search of shelter, she stumbles upon the Winter Castle, the off-season home of the royal family. Currently in residence, the King, Queen and their children, Prince Max and two twin Princesses, as well as their various servants.
After a bit of a mistaken identity moment, Alyssa is granted a room for the night and subsequently gets caught up in the dramatics of the royal family. They seem to take to her right away, even offering her the position of Princess Companion for the unruly twins.
Of course she accepts, it's a huge jump in status for a woodcutter's daughter, and Alyssa truly enjoys her time with the royal family, particularly her time with Prince Max.
This story follows Alyssa's time in their employ, as she grows closer with the royal family and fights to save the kingdom from malicious outside forces.
This was such a delight to read. I listened to the audiobook and the narration was fabulous. Esther Wane's voice work brought this story to life for me. I found it completely engaging from the very start.
I loved Alyssa as a character. She was so down-to-earth and pure of heart. Her circumstances got a little intense towards the end and I was actually biting my nails in anticipation. I didn't want anything awful to happen to her.
I think Cellier did a great job creating such likable characters over the course of this story. It's not that long, but I did find myself becoming quite attached to many of them. Additionally, the pace was really well done, with just enough at stake to keep it compelling throughout.
This also provided an excellent base set-up for the greater Four Kingdoms world. I am excited to continue on with this series. The next book follows a character that we met in this novel. She's not someone I cared for, so I am interested to see if Cellier can get me on her side in the next book.
I am so happy to have discovered this series and to have now picked it up in the proper place.
I think these books are going to be a great way to break up my many other darker reads. Every once in while you just need something light and fun. These books definitely check those boxes.
The book I decided to pick up first was The Secret Princess, which is a retelling of The Goose Girl. It is also the first book in Cellier's Return to the Four Kingdoms series.
I was so excited to begin my journey with this author.
While I enjoyed it, I could tell that I was missing something. There were certain events alluded to in that story more than once that left me wondering, what do other people know that I don't know?
Thanks to a comment from one of my book friends, I discovered that what I was missing was an entire other series that predated that book. I mean I had an idea that The Secret Princess was the start of a companion series, but I guess I just didn't think about it that much.
Once the original series, The Four Kingdoms, was recommended to me, I decided I should go back and begin at the actual beginning. Let's do it right.
I'm glad I did. I had so much fun with this one. It has really reinvigorated my love for fairy tale retellings.
This story is actually a reimagining of The Princess and the Pea and follows a mild-mannered, woodcutter's daughter, Alyssa. As our story begins, Alyssa, gets lost at night in a storm while traveling and she's separated from her companions.
In search of shelter, she stumbles upon the Winter Castle, the off-season home of the royal family. Currently in residence, the King, Queen and their children, Prince Max and two twin Princesses, as well as their various servants.
After a bit of a mistaken identity moment, Alyssa is granted a room for the night and subsequently gets caught up in the dramatics of the royal family. They seem to take to her right away, even offering her the position of Princess Companion for the unruly twins.
Of course she accepts, it's a huge jump in status for a woodcutter's daughter, and Alyssa truly enjoys her time with the royal family, particularly her time with Prince Max.
This story follows Alyssa's time in their employ, as she grows closer with the royal family and fights to save the kingdom from malicious outside forces.
This was such a delight to read. I listened to the audiobook and the narration was fabulous. Esther Wane's voice work brought this story to life for me. I found it completely engaging from the very start.
I loved Alyssa as a character. She was so down-to-earth and pure of heart. Her circumstances got a little intense towards the end and I was actually biting my nails in anticipation. I didn't want anything awful to happen to her.
I think Cellier did a great job creating such likable characters over the course of this story. It's not that long, but I did find myself becoming quite attached to many of them. Additionally, the pace was really well done, with just enough at stake to keep it compelling throughout.
This also provided an excellent base set-up for the greater Four Kingdoms world. I am excited to continue on with this series. The next book follows a character that we met in this novel. She's not someone I cared for, so I am interested to see if Cellier can get me on her side in the next book.
I am so happy to have discovered this series and to have now picked it up in the proper place.
I think these books are going to be a great way to break up my many other darker reads. Every once in while you just need something light and fun. These books definitely check those boxes.
April 5, 2020
I LOVE FAIRY TALE RETELLINGS - JUST NOT THIS ONE
I absolutely love fairy tale retellings and because I haven't ever before come across another Princess and the Pea retelling, I was super excited for this one. Sadly, my excitement fell flat.
👎 WHAT I DISLIKED 👎
Unsurprising: I don't think there was one single thing that happened in this book, that I hadn't anticipated in some way. It was just way to predictable.
Flat: Really, not a whole lot happened in this book. It was such a flat experience - the ending being the flattest point of all.
Alyssa: I am an advocate of strong, female characters. Sadly, this book only had Alyssa - an unassuming, boring heroine who had no character arc to speak of.
I absolutely love fairy tale retellings and because I haven't ever before come across another Princess and the Pea retelling, I was super excited for this one. Sadly, my excitement fell flat.
👎 WHAT I DISLIKED 👎
Unsurprising: I don't think there was one single thing that happened in this book, that I hadn't anticipated in some way. It was just way to predictable.
Flat: Really, not a whole lot happened in this book. It was such a flat experience - the ending being the flattest point of all.
Alyssa: I am an advocate of strong, female characters. Sadly, this book only had Alyssa - an unassuming, boring heroine who had no character arc to speak of.
December 6, 2025
December 2025 Re-read:
Oh my gosh. I always end up with happy tears at the end. I loved this book so much. My go to comfort read. I just can’t express how much this book means to be. I love it!!! Ahhh go read it ❤️❤️🫶🫶🫶
Oh and shoutout to @Jojo for buddy reading this with me. I kind of read faster than I expected 😅. Can’t wait to hear ur thoughtsss!!!
September 2024 Re-read:
I am so not crying tears of joy 🥹 🥹🥹🥹 I love this series so much!!! 😍😍😍😍😍
July 2024 1st read:
First reaction:
Gah! I loved it!
Full review:
I am literally sooooo excited to write this book review it’s not even funny 😄. I literally opened this review and said out loud oh my goodness this book ❤️.
Overview:
Alyssa is just a woodcutters daughter, nothing special about her at least she believes compared to the princesses of the fairytales she reads. But she’s been given an interesting gift, the ability to be extra sensitive to touch, a gift believed to be handed down from a godmother that she shouldn’t have. Max is just a young prince going into adulthood, trying to avoid being married off by his mother for the kingdom. He’s soon pulled into matchmaking events by his parents to secure him a Princess match for the future of the kingdom. But soon enough, he begins to fall in love with the only person who’s off limits and who certainly isn’t the princess the kingdom needs, or is she?
Characters:
- Max: AWHHHHHhhhhhhh maxxxxxx and can I just say his full name is so cool 😎. I literally read it like hmm that’s a good future child’s name 🤭. And he’s kind of so boyish that I laughed when he started falling for a certain someone. And he protected her like awhhhh tho I wish he was far more forgiving of others and less hot headed but oh well. Still love him tho ❤️❤️❤️
- Alyssa: She was one of my favorite characters. I feel like if I knew her in real life we’d be friends. And I liked how she was truly just a good person without being overly perfect. She’s sweet and kind and oh so funny, she has me cracking up especially when she fell through the doorway of the palace when it was raining and the door was swung open 😂
- Twins: 👯 Awh they were superrrr cute and mischievous they were my favorite. They were the definition of a handful but it was nice to see them grow and learn to have better manners. I just loved them!!!
**the other characters were minor so I’ll keep it to that 😁
My reading journey:
I read this book in 3 days (thanks to my need for sleep as I would have read it in two instead). I didn’t think any of it was slow to be honest like I enjoyed how “slow” it was in the beginning bc I laughed and got to learn and investigate from Alyssa’s perspective which was fun! And the scenes where they read together *faints and swoons* beautiful 😻. You know this review feels way more like fangirling than reviewing but oh well buckle in that seat belt cause we’ll be going a little longer hehehe 🤭. I think getting towards the second half of the book though the suspense and pace definitely started to pick up and had me reading so fast and long.
Christian Content:
There wasn’t much to be honest but there were multiple subtle hints like how the High King wants the kingdoms to rule in love. And how the godmothers serve the High King.
Dislikes:
There were only a few dislikes I had of this book (btw these are VERY minor in the book just pointed out here and there but I would feel bad if I didn't state it)
- Literally none other than the fact that Max drank beer which was a little disappointing since it was an unnecessary detail that could have been left out.
- And some of the wordage might not be meant to be wrong but it felt like some words should remain spiritual reverence but that might just be me.
Alright that’s all if you can’t tell I LOVEEEEEEEE this series I’m like so giddy and it just makes you feel so bubbly and ahhhhhh 😌. Yup I love them I don’t think any of the other books will top this one but we shall see. And if you haven’t go read em books 😁. I thank God for them bc I really needed a happy book at this point in my life and He sure delivered!!
Oh my gosh. I always end up with happy tears at the end. I loved this book so much. My go to comfort read. I just can’t express how much this book means to be. I love it!!! Ahhh go read it ❤️❤️🫶🫶🫶
Oh and shoutout to @Jojo for buddy reading this with me. I kind of read faster than I expected 😅. Can’t wait to hear ur thoughtsss!!!
September 2024 Re-read:
I am so not crying tears of joy 🥹 🥹🥹🥹 I love this series so much!!! 😍😍😍😍😍
July 2024 1st read:
First reaction:
Gah! I loved it!
Full review:
I am literally sooooo excited to write this book review it’s not even funny 😄. I literally opened this review and said out loud oh my goodness this book ❤️.
Overview:
Alyssa is just a woodcutters daughter, nothing special about her at least she believes compared to the princesses of the fairytales she reads. But she’s been given an interesting gift, the ability to be extra sensitive to touch, a gift believed to be handed down from a godmother that she shouldn’t have. Max is just a young prince going into adulthood, trying to avoid being married off by his mother for the kingdom. He’s soon pulled into matchmaking events by his parents to secure him a Princess match for the future of the kingdom. But soon enough, he begins to fall in love with the only person who’s off limits and who certainly isn’t the princess the kingdom needs, or is she?
Characters:
- Max: AWHHHHHhhhhhhh maxxxxxx and can I just say his full name is so cool 😎. I literally read it like hmm that’s a good future child’s name 🤭. And he’s kind of so boyish that I laughed when he started falling for a certain someone. And he protected her like awhhhh tho I wish he was far more forgiving of others and less hot headed but oh well. Still love him tho ❤️❤️❤️
- Alyssa: She was one of my favorite characters. I feel like if I knew her in real life we’d be friends. And I liked how she was truly just a good person without being overly perfect. She’s sweet and kind and oh so funny, she has me cracking up especially when she fell through the doorway of the palace when it was raining and the door was swung open 😂
- Twins: 👯 Awh they were superrrr cute and mischievous they were my favorite. They were the definition of a handful but it was nice to see them grow and learn to have better manners. I just loved them!!!
**the other characters were minor so I’ll keep it to that 😁
My reading journey:
I read this book in 3 days (thanks to my need for sleep as I would have read it in two instead). I didn’t think any of it was slow to be honest like I enjoyed how “slow” it was in the beginning bc I laughed and got to learn and investigate from Alyssa’s perspective which was fun! And the scenes where they read together *faints and swoons* beautiful 😻. You know this review feels way more like fangirling than reviewing but oh well buckle in that seat belt cause we’ll be going a little longer hehehe 🤭. I think getting towards the second half of the book though the suspense and pace definitely started to pick up and had me reading so fast and long.
Christian Content:
There wasn’t much to be honest but there were multiple subtle hints like how the High King wants the kingdoms to rule in love. And how the godmothers serve the High King.
Dislikes:
There were only a few dislikes I had of this book (btw these are VERY minor in the book just pointed out here and there but I would feel bad if I didn't state it)
- Literally none other than the fact that Max drank beer which was a little disappointing since it was an unnecessary detail that could have been left out.
- And some of the wordage might not be meant to be wrong but it felt like some words should remain spiritual reverence but that might just be me.
Alright that’s all if you can’t tell I LOVEEEEEEEE this series I’m like so giddy and it just makes you feel so bubbly and ahhhhhh 😌. Yup I love them I don’t think any of the other books will top this one but we shall see. And if you haven’t go read em books 😁. I thank God for them bc I really needed a happy book at this point in my life and He sure delivered!!
July 18, 2020
Did I stay up past 3am reading this book? Yes. Yes, I did. And I have few regrets. I downloaded this on a whim because it was free and was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed it. A fun, easy, clean read!
March 11, 2016
No matter what your go-to genre is, admit it, you still like well-told fairytales. Here’s your chance to enjoy the re-telling of The Princess and the Pea, thanks to Melanie Cellier’s The Princess Companion!
In unsettling times, political alliances must be made, but the Queen still wants true love for her son. Who knew a dark and stormy night would bring a bedraggled woodcutter’s daughter to the castle door? Who could have known that strong-willed and resourceful girl could change the destiny of her kingdom all by sleeping in the most uncomfortable bed, ever? Of course she is mindful enough to never mention it…and so our tale begins…
Alyssa, through a chain of events, has assumed the role of Princess Companion to two adorable, although unruly twin Princesses. Yet even Alyssa had no idea the impact that the handsome prince would have on her heart, not that she would even be considered to be his queen.
Follow along as Melanie Cellier weaves a tale of magic, intrigue, young love and danger as one princess after another is paraded before the court. Some will prove great allies while others may have their own brand of deceit that will put everyone in danger. It may be up to one woodcutter’s daughter and the alliances she has formed to try to save the day, even though it may be too late to save her heart from breaking.
Completely entertaining, magical and told in the true sense of great fairytales, Melanie Cellier has brought our childhood fantasies back to life with a fresh take, strong characters and one hard-headed, intelligent girl with a heart of gold.
I received this copy from the author, Melanie Cellier in exchange for my honest review.
Series: The Four Kingdoms - Book 1
Publisher: Luminant Publications
Publication Date: January 2, 2016
Genre: YA fantasy
Print Length: 244 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
In unsettling times, political alliances must be made, but the Queen still wants true love for her son. Who knew a dark and stormy night would bring a bedraggled woodcutter’s daughter to the castle door? Who could have known that strong-willed and resourceful girl could change the destiny of her kingdom all by sleeping in the most uncomfortable bed, ever? Of course she is mindful enough to never mention it…and so our tale begins…
Alyssa, through a chain of events, has assumed the role of Princess Companion to two adorable, although unruly twin Princesses. Yet even Alyssa had no idea the impact that the handsome prince would have on her heart, not that she would even be considered to be his queen.
Follow along as Melanie Cellier weaves a tale of magic, intrigue, young love and danger as one princess after another is paraded before the court. Some will prove great allies while others may have their own brand of deceit that will put everyone in danger. It may be up to one woodcutter’s daughter and the alliances she has formed to try to save the day, even though it may be too late to save her heart from breaking.
Completely entertaining, magical and told in the true sense of great fairytales, Melanie Cellier has brought our childhood fantasies back to life with a fresh take, strong characters and one hard-headed, intelligent girl with a heart of gold.
I received this copy from the author, Melanie Cellier in exchange for my honest review.
Series: The Four Kingdoms - Book 1
Publisher: Luminant Publications
Publication Date: January 2, 2016
Genre: YA fantasy
Print Length: 244 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
July 2, 2020
I have started another series! Guys, I think I have a problem. The afterlife is just an endless room full of books right? Because that will be the only way for me to catch up on all the books I want to read. So this new series is called The Four Kingdoms by Melanie Cellier. The first book is The Princess Companion: A Retelling of the Princess and the Pea. The book introduces Alyssa, a woodcutter’s daughter. She gets lost in the woods during the storm and finds herself at the castle and begging for shelter. This night would change her life. Turns out, she is great with the twin princesses, Sophie and Lilly. The King and Queen make her their companion since they tend to cause a little mischief. However, it is their older brother, Max that keeps Alyssa distracted. Alyssa is really wonderful at creating stories. Due to a sensitive nervous system, she also has great instincts. She uses these instincts to help protect the kingdom but may lose her heart.
You all know how much I love fairytale retellings. I have not read one inspired by the Princess and the Pea and I really love the creativity that the author took with it! There are some moments when the pace is slow and the language a little cheesy. However, I really love the characters. Alyssa is opinionated and not afraid to speak her mind, even to the Royal Family. I love her relationship with Lilly and Sophia. (These princesses will make an appearance in the spin-off series, Beyond the Four Realms.) The girls struggle with not being close to their family and Alyssa gives them care, love, and teaches them through her stories.
There is also a little action that adds an exciting layer to the story. There is political intrigue, spies, and betrayal. The ending does leave some storylines open since there are more books in the series. Also, do not be fooled. Not everyone gets a Happy Ever After. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.
You all know how much I love fairytale retellings. I have not read one inspired by the Princess and the Pea and I really love the creativity that the author took with it! There are some moments when the pace is slow and the language a little cheesy. However, I really love the characters. Alyssa is opinionated and not afraid to speak her mind, even to the Royal Family. I love her relationship with Lilly and Sophia. (These princesses will make an appearance in the spin-off series, Beyond the Four Realms.) The girls struggle with not being close to their family and Alyssa gives them care, love, and teaches them through her stories.
There is also a little action that adds an exciting layer to the story. There is political intrigue, spies, and betrayal. The ending does leave some storylines open since there are more books in the series. Also, do not be fooled. Not everyone gets a Happy Ever After. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.
November 25, 2025
Reading this a second time was so much fun!!! I even got excited over characters I didn't pay much attention to the first time (for example, Hans and Aldric)!
The first thing I gotta say is that I LOVED this book!!!!! I loved it so so much!!! It had a great plotline that kept me curious till the end! And it had WONDERFUL characters!! (Characters are my favorite thing in books, and these characters were superb!) I just can’t get enough of Max and Alyssa! Plus, it had a lot of side characters that I loved as well.
On top of loving the storyline and the characters, I was SUPER happy that this was a clean book! No bad words that I could tell (except I think "stupid" was used a couple times). And when Max became engaged to a princess, there was a moment he wanted to kiss the girl he really loved, but didn't. So, yeah, this book was very clean, and I wish I could rate it 10 stars. I think Melanie Cellier is going to be one of my favorite authors now, and I can’t wait to read more of her books!!! :D
The first thing I gotta say is that I LOVED this book!!!!! I loved it so so much!!! It had a great plotline that kept me curious till the end! And it had WONDERFUL characters!! (Characters are my favorite thing in books, and these characters were superb!) I just can’t get enough of Max and Alyssa! Plus, it had a lot of side characters that I loved as well.
On top of loving the storyline and the characters, I was SUPER happy that this was a clean book! No bad words that I could tell (except I think "stupid" was used a couple times). And when Max became engaged to a princess, there was a moment he wanted to kiss the girl he really loved, but didn't. So, yeah, this book was very clean, and I wish I could rate it 10 stars. I think Melanie Cellier is going to be one of my favorite authors now, and I can’t wait to read more of her books!!! :D
February 1, 2025
man it's been too long since i've read a fairytale-retelling 🥲 these are always my favorites
4.5 ⭐️
i.... i have no words. was it perfect?? no, the author was still learning when she write this book and there were a few times when u could tell and it took away from the experience. BUT! did i absolutely eat this book up love all the characters love the plot and love the relationship between max and alyssa??? why yes i did im glad you asked! 😇
i'm not good at making reviews based on plot and characters and stuff but i will tell you that there is absolutely no spice in here. like completely clean in every regard, other than SLIGHT violence, some toxic family traits, and someone ordered bear at an inn and at the same inn there was a group of drunk men. but like... that's it!!!
4.5 ⭐️
i.... i have no words. was it perfect?? no, the author was still learning when she write this book and there were a few times when u could tell and it took away from the experience. BUT! did i absolutely eat this book up love all the characters love the plot and love the relationship between max and alyssa??? why yes i did im glad you asked! 😇
i'm not good at making reviews based on plot and characters and stuff but i will tell you that there is absolutely no spice in here. like completely clean in every regard, other than SLIGHT violence, some toxic family traits, and someone ordered bear at an inn and at the same inn there was a group of drunk men. but like... that's it!!!
September 22, 2020
I couldn’t put it down!! I really liked Max and Alyssa and their love story. And all the books.😍 I love how they read together. *sighh* Getting the queen’s story was also a really neat addition!
I recently read the first two Beyond the Four Kingdoms books so seeing the twins as eleven-years-olds was so much fun.
I recently read the first two Beyond the Four Kingdoms books so seeing the twins as eleven-years-olds was so much fun.
April 26, 2020
I have started another series! Guys, I think I have a problem. The afterlife is just an endless room full of books right? Because that will be the only way for me to catch up on all the books I want to read. So this new series is called The Four Kingdoms by Melanie Cellier. The first book is The Princess Companion: A Retelling of the Princess and the Pea. The book introduces Alyssa, a woodcutter’s daughter. She gets lost in the woods during the storm and finds herself at the castle and begging for shelter. This night would change her life. Turns out, she is great with the twin princesses, Sophie and Lilly. The King and Queen make her their companion since they tend to cause a little mischief. However, it is their older brother, Max that keeps Alyssa distracted. Alyssa is really wonderful at creating stories. Due to a sensitive nervous system, she also has great instincts. She uses these instincts to help protect the kingdom but may lose her heart.
You all know how much I love fairytale retellings. I have not read one inspired by the Princess and the Pea and I really love the creativity that the author took with it! There are some moments when the pace is slow and the language a little cheesy. However, I really love the characters. Alyssa is opinionated and not afraid to speak her mind, even to the Royal Family. I love her relationship with Lilly and Sophia. (These princesses will make an appearance in the spin-off series, Beyond the Four Realms.) The girls struggle with not being close to their family and Alyssa gives them care, love, and teaches them through her stories.
There is also a little action that adds an exciting layer to the story. There is political intrigue, spies, and betrayal. The ending does leave some storylines open since there are more books in the series. Also, do not be fooled. Not everyone gets a Happy Ever After. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.
You all know how much I love fairytale retellings. I have not read one inspired by the Princess and the Pea and I really love the creativity that the author took with it! There are some moments when the pace is slow and the language a little cheesy. However, I really love the characters. Alyssa is opinionated and not afraid to speak her mind, even to the Royal Family. I love her relationship with Lilly and Sophia. (These princesses will make an appearance in the spin-off series, Beyond the Four Realms.) The girls struggle with not being close to their family and Alyssa gives them care, love, and teaches them through her stories.
There is also a little action that adds an exciting layer to the story. There is political intrigue, spies, and betrayal. The ending does leave some storylines open since there are more books in the series. Also, do not be fooled. Not everyone gets a Happy Ever After. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.
January 9, 2025
I LOVED this book!!!!!
I was a little unsure about it going into it but it was far better than what I was thinking!! It was so sweet and I absolutely adored the relationship between Max and Alyssa! Alyssa especially had an amazing personality and was someone I could admire. Max was the perfect match for her!
The adventure and intrigue was also on par! I was on the edge of my seat in many parts and gasping at others!! I did not expect everything that happened to happen...
Altogether an perfectly beautiful and amazing book! One that I would highly recommend!!!
Content warning: slight magical content
I was a little unsure about it going into it but it was far better than what I was thinking!! It was so sweet and I absolutely adored the relationship between Max and Alyssa! Alyssa especially had an amazing personality and was someone I could admire. Max was the perfect match for her!
The adventure and intrigue was also on par! I was on the edge of my seat in many parts and gasping at others!! I did not expect everything that happened to happen...
Altogether an perfectly beautiful and amazing book! One that I would highly recommend!!!
Content warning: slight magical content
April 21, 2021
I’ve been wanting to read Melanie Cellier for a long while now. For one, who could resist such beautiful covers? For two, that blurb sounds pretty amazing! For three, I’ve heard a lot of great things about her books, so put the three together, and it’s a no-brainer.
I had to at least give her a try.
I went into The Princess Companion very hopeful...then, about a page in, I was already prepped to throw in the towel. Throughout the first chapter (or was it the prologue?) in Max’s point-of-view, I could hardly make myself stomach it. I didn’t like his character, the style, the voice, all of it. There were a few (but forgivable) errors that only made the Elizabeth Bennet in me surge.
So I set it aside and came back to it later.
And, boy, am I glad I did! Once I met Alyssa, the story flew by! I couldn’t read it fast enough! Cellier’s style was so much more smooth and witty, engaging and friendly, from Alyssa’s POV, and I loved it—which is crazy, because y’all know I usually prefer the heroes to the heroines (even if I never get to read the hero’s perspective).
Especially the first chapter. Y’all, I cracked up seventy-five times over in one chapter. One chapter!
The amusement leveled out after a while, of course, as things got more serious. The story took some interesting turns, and the plot kept my attention. Even though Max just didn’t do it for me, Alyssa was a positively lovely heroine—so full of life, joyful, courteous, kind, considerate, and so good with Sophie and Lily! I did so love her character.
Which was a very good thing, because if it weren’t for her, I wouldn’t have made it past the first few pages. There were so many eh moments—mostly because there was very little world-building (if any), everyone had very strange names (meaning there were Claudes and Eleanors in the mix with Nikkis and Corinnas...like, make up your mind—21st century names, vintage British names, or fantasy-style names), and I couldn’t grasp the time period very well. Being fantasy, I had no eras to label the story’s setting, but I would’ve liked a firm comparison. Instead, we have carriages and guns, gowns and modern English. Maybe it was more like the 18th century, what with the addition of guns and all. Still, I would have liked a firmer grasp on where and when I was—you know? That tends to be the norm with most fairytale retellings, so maybe that’s why I haven’t read very many.
I can’t say the plot ever slowed or that I was truly bored. Between Alyssa and Max’s relationship and the obvious nefarious schemes being cooked up in the shadows, I was thoroughly entertained the entire time. I loved all of the secondary characters—from the king and queen to the twins to the princesses to the servants—and the subplots, like Henry and Eleanor’s relationship.
(*grins to herself as she realizes that the names of King Henry and Queen Eleanor might have been an allusion to the Henry and Eleanor of 12th century England* Who knows!)
What I appreciated the most, though, was how the retelling was done! It was obvious, but not glaringly so. I was terrified at how the Princess and the Pea might be pulled off—I mean, really? The girl sleeps on the mattress, feels the pea, and is proclaimed princess. Big whoop. But since Alyssa kept her mouth shut, she wasn’t revealed until much later, and she certainly proved her worth as a character long before then! Not to mention all the other subplots and events kept the story rolling without a hitch.
In the end? Well, I’m definitely glad I read The Princess Companion. It was lovely, engaging, and basically all that I had expected. I can’t be sure I’ll ever get around to reading the rest of the Four Kingdoms, but I do so love the characters—so we’ll see! I do know that reading Ava’s story would be a treat one day!
I had to at least give her a try.
I went into The Princess Companion very hopeful...then, about a page in, I was already prepped to throw in the towel. Throughout the first chapter (or was it the prologue?) in Max’s point-of-view, I could hardly make myself stomach it. I didn’t like his character, the style, the voice, all of it. There were a few (but forgivable) errors that only made the Elizabeth Bennet in me surge.
So I set it aside and came back to it later.
And, boy, am I glad I did! Once I met Alyssa, the story flew by! I couldn’t read it fast enough! Cellier’s style was so much more smooth and witty, engaging and friendly, from Alyssa’s POV, and I loved it—which is crazy, because y’all know I usually prefer the heroes to the heroines (even if I never get to read the hero’s perspective).
Especially the first chapter. Y’all, I cracked up seventy-five times over in one chapter. One chapter!
The amusement leveled out after a while, of course, as things got more serious. The story took some interesting turns, and the plot kept my attention. Even though Max just didn’t do it for me, Alyssa was a positively lovely heroine—so full of life, joyful, courteous, kind, considerate, and so good with Sophie and Lily! I did so love her character.
Which was a very good thing, because if it weren’t for her, I wouldn’t have made it past the first few pages. There were so many eh moments—mostly because there was very little world-building (if any), everyone had very strange names (meaning there were Claudes and Eleanors in the mix with Nikkis and Corinnas...like, make up your mind—21st century names, vintage British names, or fantasy-style names), and I couldn’t grasp the time period very well. Being fantasy, I had no eras to label the story’s setting, but I would’ve liked a firm comparison. Instead, we have carriages and guns, gowns and modern English. Maybe it was more like the 18th century, what with the addition of guns and all. Still, I would have liked a firmer grasp on where and when I was—you know? That tends to be the norm with most fairytale retellings, so maybe that’s why I haven’t read very many.
I can’t say the plot ever slowed or that I was truly bored. Between Alyssa and Max’s relationship and the obvious nefarious schemes being cooked up in the shadows, I was thoroughly entertained the entire time. I loved all of the secondary characters—from the king and queen to the twins to the princesses to the servants—and the subplots, like Henry and Eleanor’s relationship.
(*grins to herself as she realizes that the names of King Henry and Queen Eleanor might have been an allusion to the Henry and Eleanor of 12th century England* Who knows!)
What I appreciated the most, though, was how the retelling was done! It was obvious, but not glaringly so. I was terrified at how the Princess and the Pea might be pulled off—I mean, really? The girl sleeps on the mattress, feels the pea, and is proclaimed princess. Big whoop. But since Alyssa kept her mouth shut, she wasn’t revealed until much later, and she certainly proved her worth as a character long before then! Not to mention all the other subplots and events kept the story rolling without a hitch.
In the end? Well, I’m definitely glad I read The Princess Companion. It was lovely, engaging, and basically all that I had expected. I can’t be sure I’ll ever get around to reading the rest of the Four Kingdoms, but I do so love the characters—so we’ll see! I do know that reading Ava’s story would be a treat one day!
December 11, 2017
I don't like fairytale retellings. I don't read books with dramatic girls in even more dramatic poses on the cover.
...I adored this story.
There, that's enough enigma for one day.
So, scat, go read it while I go off to devour the next one.
My only complaint on this lovely was that the middle dragged ......... on ........ horribly. But the climax was well worth my few chapters of boredom.
...I adored this story.
There, that's enough enigma for one day.
So, scat, go read it while I go off to devour the next one.
My only complaint on this lovely was that the middle dragged ......... on ........ horribly. But the climax was well worth my few chapters of boredom.
August 9, 2020
2.5 Stars
A simple and sweet fairy tale retelling. I like the slightly feminist makeover but sadly it ultimately still felt like the Prince got the girl. Our heroine was undoubtedly smart and courageous and the warmth of her character oozed off the page. I prefer a bit of attitude in my heroines but I still appreciated Alyssa. An enjoyable read.
A simple and sweet fairy tale retelling. I like the slightly feminist makeover but sadly it ultimately still felt like the Prince got the girl. Our heroine was undoubtedly smart and courageous and the warmth of her character oozed off the page. I prefer a bit of attitude in my heroines but I still appreciated Alyssa. An enjoyable read.
April 25, 2016
(Downloaded for free from Amazon.co.uk)
This was a fairy tale retelling of The Princess and the Pea.
Alyssa was an okay character, and she seemed fairly resourceful and able to turn her hand to anything. She was also quick to remind people that she wasn’t a princess and didn’t deserve special treatment.
The storyline in this was about Alyssa going to a castle for shelter when lost in the woods, and ending up getting a job there as a companion to the two young princesses, while the King and Queen had various princesses visiting in an attempt to find a bride for their son Prince Max. The pace in this was quite slow though, and the whole ‘pea’ storyline did seem to get forgotten a bit.
The ending to this was okay, although it seemed to take a long while to get there. We did eventually get back to the ‘Princess and the Pea’ storyline though.
6 out of 10
This was a fairy tale retelling of The Princess and the Pea.
Alyssa was an okay character, and she seemed fairly resourceful and able to turn her hand to anything. She was also quick to remind people that she wasn’t a princess and didn’t deserve special treatment.
The storyline in this was about Alyssa going to a castle for shelter when lost in the woods, and ending up getting a job there as a companion to the two young princesses, while the King and Queen had various princesses visiting in an attempt to find a bride for their son Prince Max. The pace in this was quite slow though, and the whole ‘pea’ storyline did seem to get forgotten a bit.
The ending to this was okay, although it seemed to take a long while to get there. We did eventually get back to the ‘Princess and the Pea’ storyline though.
6 out of 10
September 27, 2016
Source : received an e-book copy of the book in exchange of an honest review .
thanks to author Melanie Cellier
Actual Rating : 3.5 stars
a nice well-told retelling of the princess and the pea with some subsided retelling of cinderella story which was a bit different and i really did enjoy reading it .
the whole book is nice and it gave me warm fuzzies .
the story of alyssa who lost her way in the forest then found her self in front of the royal winter castle . the plot progresses and she is assigned the princess companion of the twin princesses .
i liked alyssa , she is nice and smart and she can read people well .
through all that there is also Max , prince maximilian ,who was an okay character .
and as the "pea" thing seemed a bit forgotten and it didnt affect the main story line , i think it was more of fairy tale of its own than a re-telling
but above ALL THAT there was this secondary re-telling of cindrella , the queen's story which i really liked .
someone would say , who can think of a life like that for cindrella ! who can expect after the And They Lived Happily Ever After sentence we watched dozens of times in the Disney movie ?
I Did .
this insta-love thing was never comfortable for my perception even as a child .
i always thought who knows ! what if he hates mouses while she loves them !
Yeah ! dont look me this way XD! I was but a child by then .
so with this re-telling i felt Sad , but i also felt like someone is respecting this one unconsidered possibility .
all in all , it was pretty nice light read .
thanks to author Melanie Cellier
Actual Rating : 3.5 stars
a nice well-told retelling of the princess and the pea with some subsided retelling of cinderella story which was a bit different and i really did enjoy reading it .
the whole book is nice and it gave me warm fuzzies .
the story of alyssa who lost her way in the forest then found her self in front of the royal winter castle . the plot progresses and she is assigned the princess companion of the twin princesses .
i liked alyssa , she is nice and smart and she can read people well .
through all that there is also Max , prince maximilian ,who was an okay character .
and as the "pea" thing seemed a bit forgotten and it didnt affect the main story line , i think it was more of fairy tale of its own than a re-telling
but above ALL THAT there was this secondary re-telling of cindrella , the queen's story which i really liked .
someone would say , who can think of a life like that for cindrella ! who can expect after the And They Lived Happily Ever After sentence we watched dozens of times in the Disney movie ?
I Did .
this insta-love thing was never comfortable for my perception even as a child .
i always thought who knows ! what if he hates mouses while she loves them !
Yeah ! dont look me this way XD! I was but a child by then .
so with this re-telling i felt Sad , but i also felt like someone is respecting this one unconsidered possibility .
all in all , it was pretty nice light read .
December 29, 2017
Adorably cheesy and I loved it. Sometimes you just need a simple fairytale story with an enormously happy ending.
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July 14, 2024
Y’all this book was so FUN and so CUTE!!!
I honestly loved everything about this book except maybe wanting to see more of Max and Alyssa in their happy ending🫶🏻✨
Alyssa was a gem of a character! She wasn’t perfect but was quick to realize when she messed up and seeks reconciliation or doing better on her part. I loved how good she was with the twins.
Y’all the romance. THE ROMANCE. I would say it was sort of a slow burn trope. It had me so giggly!!! I loved Max and the interactions between him and Alyssa. Oh and then the friendships which were so sweet! Especially Max’s guy best friends teasing him when it came to Alyssa!? ADORABLE
I’m excited to read the rest of the series but I don’t see how any of them could match this!? I guess I’ll have to read and find out! Definitely will be buying a copy of this book for my shelves😊📖✨
*I love reading on my kindle btw*
I honestly loved everything about this book except maybe wanting to see more of Max and Alyssa in their happy ending🫶🏻✨
Alyssa was a gem of a character! She wasn’t perfect but was quick to realize when she messed up and seeks reconciliation or doing better on her part. I loved how good she was with the twins.
Y’all the romance. THE ROMANCE. I would say it was sort of a slow burn trope. It had me so giggly!!! I loved Max and the interactions between him and Alyssa. Oh and then the friendships which were so sweet! Especially Max’s guy best friends teasing him when it came to Alyssa!? ADORABLE
I’m excited to read the rest of the series but I don’t see how any of them could match this!? I guess I’ll have to read and find out! Definitely will be buying a copy of this book for my shelves😊📖✨
*I love reading on my kindle btw*
August 31, 2018
Ehhhhhh. *shrug* so here's the truth of it: this is a fun read, and if you judge books by enjoyment, you'll probably love this one (maybe the rest of the series too). It's an easy, light read. There's romance. There are obvious villains. Good triumphs over evil, the guy gets the girl, etc etc. You know how it goes. This book is exactly what you think it is: entertaining and fun. I'm harsh with ratings, and I think I'm pretty up front about it. If you like light and fluffy reads from time to time, this will definitely be more your thing.
I think stories like this can't really be spoiled because the ending is obvious immediately...but I guess this will have spoilers if you've never read a book about a beautiful girl of humble origins who meets a handsome prince. Or if you've never heard the story of the princess and the pea, and a lumpy mattress shocks you, lol.
Some good stuff first:
• I liked that Alyssa and Max are allowed time to get to know each other in this story. Lots of fairytales endorse love at first sight, and I really like that this one not only rejected that, but directly stated that anything immediate isn't love. Three cheers for hindsight?
• while I definitely had some issues with Lily and Sophie's characterization, I liked that they still played with dolls and caused trouble and such. I've read some books with the heir's younger siblings being either weak and resentful or mini grown-ups, forced to train as some sort of understudy to the heir in case they ever have to play the part. The twins were excluded from things 11 year olds shouldn't attend, but they were also just smart kids. I'm not explaining this well. Lol.
• Mathilde!! She was lovely, and I think the most interesting and complete character in the whole book. I do love seeing royals struggling with the burden of responsibility, but I also adore seeing the often undervalued staff doing all the behind the scenes sort of stuff that is just as vital.
• I enjoyed Alyssa's intelligence and wisdom. She teaches the twins life lessons through playtime and stories, and it's so clever. Even though the girls likely know what she's up to, they at least see the value in her lessons. It was nice to see her discover a library and NOT throw herself into romance and classics. She begins to study so she can keep up with the dinner conversation. She educates herself. Lovely. And it was so nice to see how much she truly cared about the princesses - her position could've easily been used to impress Max or something, but when Alyssa misses things or has a selfish moment, her first thought is how she failed the twins.
• I LOVED all the bits about studying people's behavior and also trusting instincts about them. I'm a people watcher and am very rarely fooled. It made me identify with Alyssa.
Dislikes:
• yikes. Okay. Lack of depth, I'll say. Most of the story DRAGGED, even when things were happening. I didn't care about visits to the inn. So many things served almost no purpose, yet important things are sometimes merely hints. There were some political things, but they were quickly resolved. Characters sometimes argued but then made up quickly. Occasionally, Alyssa did something out of character and it was infuriating. And Max legit dropped the "I'm tired of fighting this" line. UGH.
• while I did appreciate the longer timeline for love (gag), the whole thing with the pea really dragged as well. Alyssa shows up in the first chapter or two and sleeps on the super uncomfortable bed...she tells a few people about it...but it doesn't come up plot-wise until like TWO pages until the end. ?!?!
• damn romance focused books. Lol. I think most books would be better without romance, but on occasion I'll pick up a fluffy retelling or something like this. I know romance is kind of the whole point, and that's okay. But then it gets into like, unbelievable territory. The amount of times Alyssa and Max just so happen to run into each other in a giant castle is silly. Everything is oh so convenient. And yeah, I know, that's kind of the point and possibly all teen romance shit is like this, but I don't like it. The heir to the throne just so happens to have all this free time to engage in intellectual debates and flirty banter DAILY? For hours at a time? In addition to all his studies and training and court responsibilities and obligations? Meh.
• the pace suddenly intensifies at the very end and then everything is resolved easily?! There's a bit of like "oh, two days have gone by and I still haven't solved this" but it just seems like everything just so happens to work out. And the villains have been carefully plotting since before this story picks up just HAHA! they are easily thwarted in favor of our happily ever after. *eye roll* don't tease me with political intrigue if conflicts can be solved with loopholes and whimsy.
• not many characters had depth. Things were explained about their pasts, sure, but no one was really complex. Max is an ass a few times in the beginning and I still don't know why or why it mattered, but I don't think a few douchey comments build any sort of depth.
I think stories like this can't really be spoiled because the ending is obvious immediately...but I guess this will have spoilers if you've never read a book about a beautiful girl of humble origins who meets a handsome prince. Or if you've never heard the story of the princess and the pea, and a lumpy mattress shocks you, lol.
Some good stuff first:
• I liked that Alyssa and Max are allowed time to get to know each other in this story. Lots of fairytales endorse love at first sight, and I really like that this one not only rejected that, but directly stated that anything immediate isn't love. Three cheers for hindsight?
• while I definitely had some issues with Lily and Sophie's characterization, I liked that they still played with dolls and caused trouble and such. I've read some books with the heir's younger siblings being either weak and resentful or mini grown-ups, forced to train as some sort of understudy to the heir in case they ever have to play the part. The twins were excluded from things 11 year olds shouldn't attend, but they were also just smart kids. I'm not explaining this well. Lol.
• Mathilde!! She was lovely, and I think the most interesting and complete character in the whole book. I do love seeing royals struggling with the burden of responsibility, but I also adore seeing the often undervalued staff doing all the behind the scenes sort of stuff that is just as vital.
• I enjoyed Alyssa's intelligence and wisdom. She teaches the twins life lessons through playtime and stories, and it's so clever. Even though the girls likely know what she's up to, they at least see the value in her lessons. It was nice to see her discover a library and NOT throw herself into romance and classics. She begins to study so she can keep up with the dinner conversation. She educates herself. Lovely. And it was so nice to see how much she truly cared about the princesses - her position could've easily been used to impress Max or something, but when Alyssa misses things or has a selfish moment, her first thought is how she failed the twins.
• I LOVED all the bits about studying people's behavior and also trusting instincts about them. I'm a people watcher and am very rarely fooled. It made me identify with Alyssa.
Dislikes:
• yikes. Okay. Lack of depth, I'll say. Most of the story DRAGGED, even when things were happening. I didn't care about visits to the inn. So many things served almost no purpose, yet important things are sometimes merely hints. There were some political things, but they were quickly resolved. Characters sometimes argued but then made up quickly. Occasionally, Alyssa did something out of character and it was infuriating. And Max legit dropped the "I'm tired of fighting this" line. UGH.
• while I did appreciate the longer timeline for love (gag), the whole thing with the pea really dragged as well. Alyssa shows up in the first chapter or two and sleeps on the super uncomfortable bed...she tells a few people about it...but it doesn't come up plot-wise until like TWO pages until the end. ?!?!
• damn romance focused books. Lol. I think most books would be better without romance, but on occasion I'll pick up a fluffy retelling or something like this. I know romance is kind of the whole point, and that's okay. But then it gets into like, unbelievable territory. The amount of times Alyssa and Max just so happen to run into each other in a giant castle is silly. Everything is oh so convenient. And yeah, I know, that's kind of the point and possibly all teen romance shit is like this, but I don't like it. The heir to the throne just so happens to have all this free time to engage in intellectual debates and flirty banter DAILY? For hours at a time? In addition to all his studies and training and court responsibilities and obligations? Meh.
• the pace suddenly intensifies at the very end and then everything is resolved easily?! There's a bit of like "oh, two days have gone by and I still haven't solved this" but it just seems like everything just so happens to work out. And the villains have been carefully plotting since before this story picks up just HAHA! they are easily thwarted in favor of our happily ever after. *eye roll* don't tease me with political intrigue if conflicts can be solved with loopholes and whimsy.
• not many characters had depth. Things were explained about their pasts, sure, but no one was really complex. Max is an ass a few times in the beginning and I still don't know why or why it mattered, but I don't think a few douchey comments build any sort of depth.
November 2, 2025
I found this book on a whim when I wasn't even looking for a new book, and I'm so glad I did! This gorgeous fairytale is probably my top book of 2016. Violet Eyes by Debbie Viguié, one of my favorite books in the world, is also a retelling of the Princess and the Pea. I hold that book to an extremely high standard and I was surprised to find this retelling almost, if not equally, matched to that retelling in terms of greatness. Reading this book was like spending 4 hours living in a Disney Princess movie. It was that good.
This book is loosely based on the Princess and the Pea, with a small tie in to Cinderella as well. The story begins just like the fairytale does, with Alyssa stumbling upon the Winter Castle, seeking shelter from the storm. The two young princess twins, Lily and Sophie, immediately take a liking to her. As a result, the King and Queen hire Alyssa as a Princess Companion (basically a nanny) to care for the princesses. She immediately wins over the hearts of the royal family, especially Prince Max.
My favorite part of the book was probably the world building, especially when the book moves from the Winter Castle to the Summer Palace in the capital of the Kingdom, Arcadie. After reading this book, I feel like I really did travel through a fairytale kingdom. The Summer Palace sounds like a dream come true for anyone who loves fairytales.
The soaring towers with their graceful spires mirrored the fairy tale castles of my imagination. I had never even dreamed of living in such a beautiful place and I felt overwhelmed by the thought that this was my new home.
The first quarter of the book in the smaller, more modest Winter Castle is used to set up the story and the characters. Once things move to the Summer Palace in the capital, the story really begins to pick up. Alyssa stumbles upon some shady political conspiracies going on amongst the kingdom, while dealing with her growing feelings for the prince. The story keeps up the fairytale world building aspect with descriptions of day to day activities in the Summer Palace, filled with balls and excursions. Life in the palace is exciting and I felt like I was living vicariously through the characters.
The foreign delegations would receive an official greeting in the throne room and then be entertained with a dizzying succession of parties, concerts, routs, and excursions culminating in a grand ball on their last night.
The Palace seemed to be an endless maze of rooms. Inside, the white marble was softened by beautiful rugs and wood accents. The style was elegant and simple but the furnishings and decorations conveyed a sense of age and wealth.
Seriously though, if I could live in any book, it would probably be this one.
Entering the ballroom felt like entering a fairytale. Lined with gilt-edged mirrors, the room appeared even bigger than it actually was, filled with a never ending sea of twirling dancers.
Another thing that I like about this book is what it says about love at first sight. It calls out the unrealistic notion of love at first sight that is present in many fairytales. This book, despite being a fairytale retelling, acknowledges this.
"The problem with love at first sight," she said, "is that it isn't really love. Infatuation, perhaps, but not love."
I recommend this book to anyone who likes a light, happy, Disneyesque type fairytale, similar to Annette Larsen's fairytale books. In my opinion, those are my favorite types of fairytale books to read and there are not enough of them around (since so many fairytales these days overload with the magic and fantasy aspect). It is refreshing to have a story with princes and princesses that takes place in a fairytale kingdom, but is not a high fantasy sword and knight type book. It is refreshing to read a fairytale that is considered a fairytale because of the setting and atmosphere, not because of a huge magical fantasy aspect. It is almost like reading regency, but in a more fairytale setting rather than in regency London (though I do see slight similarities).
In my rating system, 4 stars is hard to achieve, let alone 5. I chose to give this book a 5 star rating because this is just the type of fairytale that I like to read, and I do not come across those often. I loved the fairytale world, the characters, the way the story was written, and the world building. I am aware that I am extremely biased with these types of fairytale novels and it does not take as much to please me (to be honest, if a book has all the fairytale elements that I like, even if it is just halfway decent I would probably still give it 4 stars). I would not expect someone who is not fairy tale obsessed to rate this book as high. However, if you are also a fan of light fairytales, you will likely enjoy this book as much as I did. This book is yet another example of how sometimes, indie authors are the ones who write the best books and their books do not deserve to be overlooked.
This book is loosely based on the Princess and the Pea, with a small tie in to Cinderella as well. The story begins just like the fairytale does, with Alyssa stumbling upon the Winter Castle, seeking shelter from the storm. The two young princess twins, Lily and Sophie, immediately take a liking to her. As a result, the King and Queen hire Alyssa as a Princess Companion (basically a nanny) to care for the princesses. She immediately wins over the hearts of the royal family, especially Prince Max.
My favorite part of the book was probably the world building, especially when the book moves from the Winter Castle to the Summer Palace in the capital of the Kingdom, Arcadie. After reading this book, I feel like I really did travel through a fairytale kingdom. The Summer Palace sounds like a dream come true for anyone who loves fairytales.
The soaring towers with their graceful spires mirrored the fairy tale castles of my imagination. I had never even dreamed of living in such a beautiful place and I felt overwhelmed by the thought that this was my new home.
The first quarter of the book in the smaller, more modest Winter Castle is used to set up the story and the characters. Once things move to the Summer Palace in the capital, the story really begins to pick up. Alyssa stumbles upon some shady political conspiracies going on amongst the kingdom, while dealing with her growing feelings for the prince. The story keeps up the fairytale world building aspect with descriptions of day to day activities in the Summer Palace, filled with balls and excursions. Life in the palace is exciting and I felt like I was living vicariously through the characters.
The foreign delegations would receive an official greeting in the throne room and then be entertained with a dizzying succession of parties, concerts, routs, and excursions culminating in a grand ball on their last night.
The Palace seemed to be an endless maze of rooms. Inside, the white marble was softened by beautiful rugs and wood accents. The style was elegant and simple but the furnishings and decorations conveyed a sense of age and wealth.
Seriously though, if I could live in any book, it would probably be this one.
Entering the ballroom felt like entering a fairytale. Lined with gilt-edged mirrors, the room appeared even bigger than it actually was, filled with a never ending sea of twirling dancers.
Another thing that I like about this book is what it says about love at first sight. It calls out the unrealistic notion of love at first sight that is present in many fairytales. This book, despite being a fairytale retelling, acknowledges this.
"The problem with love at first sight," she said, "is that it isn't really love. Infatuation, perhaps, but not love."
I recommend this book to anyone who likes a light, happy, Disneyesque type fairytale, similar to Annette Larsen's fairytale books. In my opinion, those are my favorite types of fairytale books to read and there are not enough of them around (since so many fairytales these days overload with the magic and fantasy aspect). It is refreshing to have a story with princes and princesses that takes place in a fairytale kingdom, but is not a high fantasy sword and knight type book. It is refreshing to read a fairytale that is considered a fairytale because of the setting and atmosphere, not because of a huge magical fantasy aspect. It is almost like reading regency, but in a more fairytale setting rather than in regency London (though I do see slight similarities).
In my rating system, 4 stars is hard to achieve, let alone 5. I chose to give this book a 5 star rating because this is just the type of fairytale that I like to read, and I do not come across those often. I loved the fairytale world, the characters, the way the story was written, and the world building. I am aware that I am extremely biased with these types of fairytale novels and it does not take as much to please me (to be honest, if a book has all the fairytale elements that I like, even if it is just halfway decent I would probably still give it 4 stars). I would not expect someone who is not fairy tale obsessed to rate this book as high. However, if you are also a fan of light fairytales, you will likely enjoy this book as much as I did. This book is yet another example of how sometimes, indie authors are the ones who write the best books and their books do not deserve to be overlooked.
February 24, 2024
This may be the first Princess and the Pea retelling I've read.
I loved the kindness and selflessness of the heroine. Too many retellings power through on cheap, over-done female badassitude and arrogance. Package it with a "strong female lead" label and you've got yourself the making of a forgettable modern retelling. Alyssa is the kind of heroine we want young woman patterning after.
The story stayed interesting and moved along at a moderate clip. I never felt like the pace bogged down.
If you're looking for a strong retelling of the original fairy tale, this may not be for you. Although there were echoes of the original throughout the story, the nods towards the fairy tale are almost an afterthought.
Also, romance aspects...very chaste and discrete. No spice here. Take that however you will.
I'd rate this a PG.
Original review posted 2/21/24.
I loved the kindness and selflessness of the heroine. Too many retellings power through on cheap, over-done female badassitude and arrogance. Package it with a "strong female lead" label and you've got yourself the making of a forgettable modern retelling. Alyssa is the kind of heroine we want young woman patterning after.
The story stayed interesting and moved along at a moderate clip. I never felt like the pace bogged down.
If you're looking for a strong retelling of the original fairy tale, this may not be for you. Although there were echoes of the original throughout the story, the nods towards the fairy tale are almost an afterthought.
Also, romance aspects...very chaste and discrete. No spice here. Take that however you will.
I'd rate this a PG.
Original review posted 2/21/24.
July 27, 2019
The Princess Companion was a lovely retelling of The Princess and the Pea fairy tale. After Alyssa, a woodcutter’s daughter, finds shelter at the royal family’s winter castle, she becomes the Princess Companion to the young twin princesses, Lily and Sophie. In addition, she befriends the sweet Prince Max, who is expected by his parents to host several foreign princesses in order to find the perfect bride.
Alyssa was a kind and smart heroine with a flair for storytelling and tending her mischievous yet adorable royal charges, and Max was a heartwarming prince. The secondary characters were also well developed and I particularly found the king and queen’s Cinderella story background interesting. The story also had an element of political intrigue, which is not normally my favorite type of plot, but it wasn’t overpowering and thus served the story well.
While it almost didn’t quite feel like a fairy tale retelling with how little the fairy tale it was based upon was woven throughout, The Princess Companion still had a delightful fairy tale feel and was very charming. I enjoyed watching Alyssa’s deepening relationship with the royal family, particularly Max. I loved the slow buildup of their romance, beginning with friendship and gradually deepening into something more.
While the romantic buildup was strong, I did wish the romantic climax had been more developed; in particular, I would have liked to see more from the original The Princess and the Pea fairy tale and had experienced an ending that wasn't quite so rushed, but other than those minor quibbles, I thoroughly enjoyed the rest of the story and plan on reading more in both the Four Kingdoms series and Beyond the Four Kingdoms series, for I'm eager to see what other creative ways to retell fairy tale the author Melanie Cellier comes up with.
Alyssa was a kind and smart heroine with a flair for storytelling and tending her mischievous yet adorable royal charges, and Max was a heartwarming prince. The secondary characters were also well developed and I particularly found the king and queen’s Cinderella story background interesting. The story also had an element of political intrigue, which is not normally my favorite type of plot, but it wasn’t overpowering and thus served the story well.
While it almost didn’t quite feel like a fairy tale retelling with how little the fairy tale it was based upon was woven throughout, The Princess Companion still had a delightful fairy tale feel and was very charming. I enjoyed watching Alyssa’s deepening relationship with the royal family, particularly Max. I loved the slow buildup of their romance, beginning with friendship and gradually deepening into something more.
While the romantic buildup was strong, I did wish the romantic climax had been more developed; in particular, I would have liked to see more from the original The Princess and the Pea fairy tale and had experienced an ending that wasn't quite so rushed, but other than those minor quibbles, I thoroughly enjoyed the rest of the story and plan on reading more in both the Four Kingdoms series and Beyond the Four Kingdoms series, for I'm eager to see what other creative ways to retell fairy tale the author Melanie Cellier comes up with.
January 13, 2021
This is a retelling of the Princess and the Pea. This book was clean, fun, and goes along with the basic fairytale. I enjoyed it. It wasn't the best retelling, but I think it was really trying to go over the basics. It was light and fun, which is nice because a lot of retellings end up getting pretty dark. It did have its own uniqueness to it, though.
SPOILERS >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
I liked the fact that it wen't over the character having a sensitivity problem and that was why she felt the pea. It was a fun way to twist it. I also really enjoyed that the Prince and her didn't have this immediate love. It really grew from friendship. They would have these moments where you knew they both cared more, but I liked the restraint there.
One thing that really bugged me was the fact that the main character felt like she needed to go dress up before stopping bad things from happening. I jut kept thinking ARE YOU CRAZY! Like stopping the two from getting engaged or the wedding at the end. Is this really the time to put on a ball gown! Come on! I don't know if I am going to continue reading the series. I am intrigued by the next one because it is about the villain in this one. But I don't know if this book hooked me enough to continue reading.
June 3, 2023
4.5 stars.
January 13, 2025
3 ☆
⭢ age rec 12/13+
꒰ ”believe me,
i appreciate you more and more
with each passing,
blessedly quiet, moment.” ꒱
˚✿˖° initial thoughts / prologue
— why does this keep happening to me. like not counting rereads, all of my books have been 3 stars. (😭) and in most of them, i start off loving everything, but then i lose interest.
⋆౨ৎ˚ characters
— the characters were so cute, i loved max, he was SUCHHH a cutie <33 the way he cared for alyssa was too precious! like genuinely i loved him sm. alyssa was ok, i liked her and max’s dynamic, and how she was a book girlie ♡ other than that, i didn’t really care for her character. i felt fairly indifferent. but felix and nate were fun side characters!!! can we please have a novella of them and max goofing off🙏🙏tbh, i didn’t love the king and queen…they gave me odd vibes😭
˚✿˖° reasons why i didn’t rate it higher
— i think the main reason i didn’t love this was that 1) the chapters felt long imo. 2) a lot of the characters felt flat to me 3) idk i just felt myself losing interest around 30% percent?? to me personally it felt so long
if you have any clean 5⭐️ recommendations please comment them down below! ♡
⭢ age rec 12/13+
꒰ ”believe me,
i appreciate you more and more
with each passing,
blessedly quiet, moment.” ꒱
˚✿˖° initial thoughts / prologue
— why does this keep happening to me. like not counting rereads, all of my books have been 3 stars. (😭) and in most of them, i start off loving everything, but then i lose interest.
⋆౨ৎ˚ characters
— the characters were so cute, i loved max, he was SUCHHH a cutie <33 the way he cared for alyssa was too precious! like genuinely i loved him sm. alyssa was ok, i liked her and max’s dynamic, and how she was a book girlie ♡ other than that, i didn’t really care for her character. i felt fairly indifferent. but felix and nate were fun side characters!!! can we please have a novella of them and max goofing off🙏🙏tbh, i didn’t love the king and queen…they gave me odd vibes😭
˚✿˖° reasons why i didn’t rate it higher
— i think the main reason i didn’t love this was that 1) the chapters felt long imo. 2) a lot of the characters felt flat to me 3) idk i just felt myself losing interest around 30% percent?? to me personally it felt so long
if you have any clean 5⭐️ recommendations please comment them down below! ♡
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