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Crisanta Knight #1
Crisanta Knight: Protagonist Bound
I was going to be a great protagonist. At least that's what my mom, Cinderella, kept telling me. I, however, had my doubts. Unlike most main characters at Lady Agnue's School for Princesses & Other Female Protagonists, I was opinionated, bold, and headstrong. Moreover, for a princess, I had a lot of issues. I'm talking vicious nightmares about people I've never met, a total stalker prince, and a Fairy Godmother for an enemy. But I digress. Because here's the thing about living in an enchanted realm of fairytale characters, crazy junk you never planned on happens all the time. One minute you could be practicing fainting exercises in Damsels in Distress class, sword fighting in a field, or flying on a Pegasus, and the next, BAM! Your book has begun and you're saddled with a prophecy that changes everything. I still don't know if I will be a great protagonist one day. But I know one thing about my fate, for certain. Despite what The Author and the antagonists have in store for me, whatever it costs. . .I'll be the one taking charge of my own story.
434 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 10, 2016
427 people are currently reading
1513 people want to read
About the author
Geanna Culbertson
13 books88 followersGeanna Culbertson is the award-winning author of The Crisanta Knight Series, a fairytale fantasy epic told from the empowering perspective of Cinderella’s daughter. Since Book One’s release in May 2016, the series has won many awards, including a Mom’s Choice Award for best family-friendly media, a Living Now Choice Award for “best lifestyle and world-changing books” in adventure fiction, a Benjamin Franklin Award for best books in Teen Fiction, and many more.
Culbertson graduated USC with the Discovery Scholar honors thesis "Beauty & the Badass: The Origins of the Hero-Princess Archetype." Her passion for both hero and princess main characters sent her on a quest to understand the core pillars of the hero-princess, and in accordance, create a unique series that captures these ideals while also exploring themes such as the power of change, taking fate into your own hands, self-acceptance, trust, the morality of taking life vs. mercy, love interest dynamics, and more.
Culbertson and her series are proud sponsors of various nonprofits including Girls on the Run, Read to a Child, and Girl Scouts. Culbertson is a strong advocate of the missions of these organizations and first got involved with Girls on the Run because of their shared vision of “a world where every girl knows and activates her limitless potential.” The Crisanta Knight series has been featured in Girls’ Life Magazine as recommended reading for preteen and teen girls. And Culbertson is a regular speaker at schools for an array of age groups (from elementary schools to major universities). She has also given keynote speeches and spoken on panels at many book festivals and bookseller conventions. Her series (six books released as of November 2019) has earned acclaim in 16 countries.
In addition to authoring The Crisanta Knight Series, Culbertson is a full-time manager at a leading digital marketing firm, representing over 25 clients from an array of industries. When Culbertson is not working or writing, she can likely be found at her local karate studio (she is a black belt), getting into shenanigans with her closest friends, or exploring delicious foods across the land!
Culbertson graduated USC with the Discovery Scholar honors thesis "Beauty & the Badass: The Origins of the Hero-Princess Archetype." Her passion for both hero and princess main characters sent her on a quest to understand the core pillars of the hero-princess, and in accordance, create a unique series that captures these ideals while also exploring themes such as the power of change, taking fate into your own hands, self-acceptance, trust, the morality of taking life vs. mercy, love interest dynamics, and more.
Culbertson and her series are proud sponsors of various nonprofits including Girls on the Run, Read to a Child, and Girl Scouts. Culbertson is a strong advocate of the missions of these organizations and first got involved with Girls on the Run because of their shared vision of “a world where every girl knows and activates her limitless potential.” The Crisanta Knight series has been featured in Girls’ Life Magazine as recommended reading for preteen and teen girls. And Culbertson is a regular speaker at schools for an array of age groups (from elementary schools to major universities). She has also given keynote speeches and spoken on panels at many book festivals and bookseller conventions. Her series (six books released as of November 2019) has earned acclaim in 16 countries.
In addition to authoring The Crisanta Knight Series, Culbertson is a full-time manager at a leading digital marketing firm, representing over 25 clients from an array of industries. When Culbertson is not working or writing, she can likely be found at her local karate studio (she is a black belt), getting into shenanigans with her closest friends, or exploring delicious foods across the land!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews
May 7, 2016
Crisanta Knight is the daughter of Cinderella and attends Lady Agnue's School for Princesses & Other Female Protagonists with her friends S.J. and Blue. S.J. stands for Snow White Jr. and Blue is Little Red Riding Hood's sister. The girls all attend the school because they are among the ones that have been written to eventually become future protagonists much like their famous family members.
Every protagonist is chosen and trained because one day the author will begin to write their story. They will have no choice in the life that they will lead because what is written cannot be changed.... or can it? Crisa and her friends are headstrong and determined that no one will tell them what to do and Crisa has a much different future in mind than being a princess.
This was a great young adult fantasy fairy tale read. The plot somewhat reminded me of the television show Once Upon a Time when they were trying to find the author to change their stories but this went a few steps further giving a lot more life to the whole idea. Their land is known as "Book" where everyone is waiting for their book to be written whether they will be a protagonist, antagonist or just a minor character.
The characters in this story are all the next generation of offspring from the tales we all know and love. Crisa is Cinderella's daughter so of course her mother is correcting her behavior and she's expected to become a Princess in her own tale. Crisa however is stubborn and far from princess material. This generation does not want to sit around and let someone else tell them how to live their lives and take matters into their own hands to try to change things.
A great read that quite often had me laughing and enjoying what was going on. There's plenty of action and great characters. Definitely one I'd recommend checking out if you enjoy fairy tales to meet this next generation and root them on in their journey!
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
Every protagonist is chosen and trained because one day the author will begin to write their story. They will have no choice in the life that they will lead because what is written cannot be changed.... or can it? Crisa and her friends are headstrong and determined that no one will tell them what to do and Crisa has a much different future in mind than being a princess.
This was a great young adult fantasy fairy tale read. The plot somewhat reminded me of the television show Once Upon a Time when they were trying to find the author to change their stories but this went a few steps further giving a lot more life to the whole idea. Their land is known as "Book" where everyone is waiting for their book to be written whether they will be a protagonist, antagonist or just a minor character.
The characters in this story are all the next generation of offspring from the tales we all know and love. Crisa is Cinderella's daughter so of course her mother is correcting her behavior and she's expected to become a Princess in her own tale. Crisa however is stubborn and far from princess material. This generation does not want to sit around and let someone else tell them how to live their lives and take matters into their own hands to try to change things.
A great read that quite often had me laughing and enjoying what was going on. There's plenty of action and great characters. Definitely one I'd recommend checking out if you enjoy fairy tales to meet this next generation and root them on in their journey!
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
dnf
April 5, 2016When you see that I marked this book like a dnf, please don't think''Oh, one more bad book.'' Because this one is not that.
If you like/love YA, please continue with reading this review because I'm going to give you a reason why you should read this one.
Yes, I DNF this book, but that is only because I can't feel YA anymore. It is like when I'm reading it all time I'm thinking ''I need more!!''. And no, that is not only with new YA books that I was reading, it happened with my old favourites one,too!! I want more adult conversation, more adult problems, more kissing and .... other things.
That is reason why I DNF this book. But like I said, if you like YA I would recommend this one for you.
All girls, have that one favourite fairy tail from when we were kids. Cinderella, Snow White, Beauty and The Beast, and much,much more. In this one, our characters are living in world called Book. Are you jealous, right now?? You are, aren't you??
Don't be. Book is not that magical like it is sounds. You see, people there don't really live their lives. It is what author choose from them, that will happen. From the pen of the Author to the real lives of people. It is something like we call fate, but maybe more cruel. I mean you now that you wouldn't do what Author wants from you, you wouldn't want to be with that person, but author say that you will, and there is no way around it. You are puppet of Author. Not even all people will have they own story. They will just be side characters.
Our heroine know that she will be main characters, but that is not something she likes at all. Her mother, Cinderella, can talk how much she wants, but our heroine wants more. She wants her free will. She wants to be fighter no damsel in distress.
What was interesting is that her best friends are SJ aka Snow White junior and Blue aka Red sister. We have a lot characters that are connected with famous character over the world. Daughter of Sleeping Beauty is just a bitch. Daughter of Jade is nothing better. And so on, so on.
There was a lot of funny scene and it was enjoyable. Like I said only problem was me not anymore in YA phase (maybe combination of YA/NA can work).
I will repeat again, if you like YA, if you want story about strong heroine, sword fights, stupid school and, here and there, hot boys- give a try to this one.
***I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.***
If you like/love YA, please continue with reading this review because I'm going to give you a reason why you should read this one.
Yes, I DNF this book, but that is only because I can't feel YA anymore. It is like when I'm reading it all time I'm thinking ''I need more!!''. And no, that is not only with new YA books that I was reading, it happened with my old favourites one,too!! I want more adult conversation, more adult problems, more kissing and .... other things.
That is reason why I DNF this book. But like I said, if you like YA I would recommend this one for you.
All girls, have that one favourite fairy tail from when we were kids. Cinderella, Snow White, Beauty and The Beast, and much,much more. In this one, our characters are living in world called Book. Are you jealous, right now?? You are, aren't you??
Don't be. Book is not that magical like it is sounds. You see, people there don't really live their lives. It is what author choose from them, that will happen. From the pen of the Author to the real lives of people. It is something like we call fate, but maybe more cruel. I mean you now that you wouldn't do what Author wants from you, you wouldn't want to be with that person, but author say that you will, and there is no way around it. You are puppet of Author. Not even all people will have they own story. They will just be side characters.
Our heroine know that she will be main characters, but that is not something she likes at all. Her mother, Cinderella, can talk how much she wants, but our heroine wants more. She wants her free will. She wants to be fighter no damsel in distress.
What was interesting is that her best friends are SJ aka Snow White junior and Blue aka Red sister. We have a lot characters that are connected with famous character over the world. Daughter of Sleeping Beauty is just a bitch. Daughter of Jade is nothing better. And so on, so on.
There was a lot of funny scene and it was enjoyable. Like I said only problem was me not anymore in YA phase (maybe combination of YA/NA can work).
I will repeat again, if you like YA, if you want story about strong heroine, sword fights, stupid school and, here and there, hot boys- give a try to this one.
***I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.***
June 5, 2016
I'm obviously in the minority on this book, but I really, really didn't enjoy it. I thank Netgalley for offering me an ARC, but honestly, had to skim most of it, because I was not a fan of the writing style. The idea of a "fairy tale school" was done better by Somain Chainani, and the author really beat the reader over the head with the concepts that maybe women don't need men to rescue them.
Not a fan, don't recommend.
Not a fan, don't recommend.
February 17, 2021
Oof I read this some time back in october and found it on my to be read shelf still!
Full review is up on blog but here is my IG blurb:
A princess in the world of Book, she is bound by her fate to a rather dull life. Or is she? I love how Crisa challenges her path in life and knows that she can be more than a prince's wife, a damsel in distress, or one of the other princess-like things that female protagonists in Book can be. She wants to be a hero! You guys know how I love clean reads too, i would happily hand this to a reader of any age level.
🌟
I wish there was a little more action but it was cool learning all about the world, princess school, the group of friends, and of course all the Pegasus used for magical lacrosse! If you like coming of age, strong young women, adventure, a bit of mystery, and magic schools, this one is for you
Full review is up on blog but here is my IG blurb:
A princess in the world of Book, she is bound by her fate to a rather dull life. Or is she? I love how Crisa challenges her path in life and knows that she can be more than a prince's wife, a damsel in distress, or one of the other princess-like things that female protagonists in Book can be. She wants to be a hero! You guys know how I love clean reads too, i would happily hand this to a reader of any age level.
🌟
I wish there was a little more action but it was cool learning all about the world, princess school, the group of friends, and of course all the Pegasus used for magical lacrosse! If you like coming of age, strong young women, adventure, a bit of mystery, and magic schools, this one is for you
August 23, 2016
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and Boutique of Quality Books in exchange for an honest review.
This is both the first book I've read by this author and the first book in this series. I found the book somewhat randomly when I was searching through NetGalley to see if there was anything interesting to read. This one caught my eye, and I'm glad it did.
There's some kind of addictive/hypnotic quality to the writing that caused me to want to keep reading, to continue following along as the story unfolded. This is a good thing, since the lead character had a tendency to do something that I normally find annoying - she was in her head a lot. Not little snippets here and there, but massive amounts of words trapped inside the lead character's head. but, as I noted something was addictive about the whole process so I just shrugged off that specific annoyance.
Characters
Crisanta Knight : is the lead character in this book, and sole point of view. She's a 16 year old girl, and has spent a good bit of her life going to a specific school. One for young pincesses and other protagonists. I'll mention more what that means in the plot section. For now I'll just leave it at (1) 16 year old girl; (2) is a princess - the daughter of Cinderalla and Prince Charming (though the father's given a different name, I didn't really catch why though); (3) Crisanta has spent a good part of her life attending the school I already referenced; (4) she, and the vast majority of the others in this book live in a place called 'Book', which, in it's way, is a fantasy land; (5) Crisanta is not happy with the concept of being a 'princess, a damsel in distress, who must be rescued by her prince' and fights that fate as much as she can, despite her position in the world.
SJ : is both a good friend to Crisanta and her roommate. She is also a princess. The daughter of Snow White (SJ's actually Snow Junior, hence SJ). Of the three girls who live in the same dorm room at the school, she's the most 'princess-y' of the lot. Crisanta's more half and half - half princess-y; half rebelleous. SJ, as part of her being the perfect princess, does the things expected of a princess - which includes following the rules, speaking correctly, singing perfectly, and having many animal friends who do her bidding.
Blue : the third roommate, is a 'common' protagonist and one of the very rare few allowed the very slight chance of being some form of minor heroic figure (though not a hero, apparently). Even though she's a 'common' protagonist, she's also a 'half-legacy', because her sister was a protagonist - her sister being little red riding hood (Red wore a red cape all the time, Blue wears blue all the time).
Jason : is a prince at the male version of the school Crisanta attends. He's friends with the three, though closest to Blue.
Daniel : is a 'common' protagonist, a roommate of Jason's, and something of an antagonist to Crisanta (though not really, they just get on each other's nerves).
Setting
This book takes place in a land of 26 kingdoms called Book. There are some adjacent realms, mostly unspecified, though one of them is a place called 'Earth.' There are also two other places mentioned in this book, though I'm not certain if they are adjacent realms or in Book.
The people in 'Book' grow up in a society wherein they know that some of the people will end up being 'protagonists' in books (though it is not specificed as to whether or not they know what that means). Royals and select commoners become protagonists. The rest are left to being something like side characters.
Plot
Crisanta is quite annoyed with the idea of being a 'damsel in distress' and fights constantly to try to change her fate, despite knowing that there is no way to change her fate. At least, that's what everyone tells her. So, instead of saying do not, she says don't (as in she uses contractions, 'princess do not use contractions). She'd prefer to take classes in sword-fighting rather than classes in fainting, but that isn't her fate. For she's a princess.
The majority of the book takes place at this 'Lady Agnue's School for Princesses & Other Female Protagonists' place. There are a few 'balls', 'field trips' and other such events during the school year, and a summer vacation of some unknown number of months.
So the book follows Crisanta as she attempts to navigate this school; while being constantly 'attacked' in her dreams by rather vivid nightmares (and some blurry ones as well). The nightmares are where I pull in the part wherein I noted that most of the action takes place in Book. Well, some takes place in Crisanta's dreams of a specific girl who happens to live on earth.
The school year proceeds, events unfold, places are visited on field trips, sporting events occur, and finally a quest is attempted involving a few young women and a few young men.
Overall
I rather enjoyed the book and wish to immediately continue the story. Alas I cannot for the next book isn't due to appear until, I believe, December 2016. For the most part I liked the people I was supposed to like, and the only real negative I can think of, well two negatives: (1) there are a lot of pages in which Crisanta is 'thinking' a lot in her brain. Not exactly whimpering like thoughts, but bordering on them; (2) there are a lot of pages in this book, there is a bunch of stuff that occurred but it didn't really feel like the story actually got going until the endish parts. Then the book was done. The book ended on something of a cliff-hanger (in terms of the story not being wrapped up, not in terms of literally having a scene cut in half; I've had that happen to me before. Being in the middle of the scene, someone is thrusting their fist forward . . . .book ends, have to wait until next book to see what happens (in one specific case involving a story by David Weber, the book ended mid-invasion, and the invasion wasn't picked up again until like three books later). So yeah, this ended without the story being wrapped up, but not mid-scene.
It's a good neat interesting book. I recommend it for one and all. Or something like that.
March 27 2016
This is both the first book I've read by this author and the first book in this series. I found the book somewhat randomly when I was searching through NetGalley to see if there was anything interesting to read. This one caught my eye, and I'm glad it did.
There's some kind of addictive/hypnotic quality to the writing that caused me to want to keep reading, to continue following along as the story unfolded. This is a good thing, since the lead character had a tendency to do something that I normally find annoying - she was in her head a lot. Not little snippets here and there, but massive amounts of words trapped inside the lead character's head. but, as I noted something was addictive about the whole process so I just shrugged off that specific annoyance.
Characters
Crisanta Knight : is the lead character in this book, and sole point of view. She's a 16 year old girl, and has spent a good bit of her life going to a specific school. One for young pincesses and other protagonists. I'll mention more what that means in the plot section. For now I'll just leave it at (1) 16 year old girl; (2) is a princess - the daughter of Cinderalla and Prince Charming (though the father's given a different name, I didn't really catch why though); (3) Crisanta has spent a good part of her life attending the school I already referenced; (4) she, and the vast majority of the others in this book live in a place called 'Book', which, in it's way, is a fantasy land; (5) Crisanta is not happy with the concept of being a 'princess, a damsel in distress, who must be rescued by her prince' and fights that fate as much as she can, despite her position in the world.
SJ : is both a good friend to Crisanta and her roommate. She is also a princess. The daughter of Snow White (SJ's actually Snow Junior, hence SJ). Of the three girls who live in the same dorm room at the school, she's the most 'princess-y' of the lot. Crisanta's more half and half - half princess-y; half rebelleous. SJ, as part of her being the perfect princess, does the things expected of a princess - which includes following the rules, speaking correctly, singing perfectly, and having many animal friends who do her bidding.
Blue : the third roommate, is a 'common' protagonist and one of the very rare few allowed the very slight chance of being some form of minor heroic figure (though not a hero, apparently). Even though she's a 'common' protagonist, she's also a 'half-legacy', because her sister was a protagonist - her sister being little red riding hood (Red wore a red cape all the time, Blue wears blue all the time).
Jason : is a prince at the male version of the school Crisanta attends. He's friends with the three, though closest to Blue.
Daniel : is a 'common' protagonist, a roommate of Jason's, and something of an antagonist to Crisanta (though not really, they just get on each other's nerves).
Setting
This book takes place in a land of 26 kingdoms called Book. There are some adjacent realms, mostly unspecified, though one of them is a place called 'Earth.' There are also two other places mentioned in this book, though I'm not certain if they are adjacent realms or in Book.
The people in 'Book' grow up in a society wherein they know that some of the people will end up being 'protagonists' in books (though it is not specificed as to whether or not they know what that means). Royals and select commoners become protagonists. The rest are left to being something like side characters.
Plot
Crisanta is quite annoyed with the idea of being a 'damsel in distress' and fights constantly to try to change her fate, despite knowing that there is no way to change her fate. At least, that's what everyone tells her. So, instead of saying do not, she says don't (as in she uses contractions, 'princess do not use contractions). She'd prefer to take classes in sword-fighting rather than classes in fainting, but that isn't her fate. For she's a princess.
The majority of the book takes place at this 'Lady Agnue's School for Princesses & Other Female Protagonists' place. There are a few 'balls', 'field trips' and other such events during the school year, and a summer vacation of some unknown number of months.
So the book follows Crisanta as she attempts to navigate this school; while being constantly 'attacked' in her dreams by rather vivid nightmares (and some blurry ones as well). The nightmares are where I pull in the part wherein I noted that most of the action takes place in Book. Well, some takes place in Crisanta's dreams of a specific girl who happens to live on earth.
The school year proceeds, events unfold, places are visited on field trips, sporting events occur, and finally a quest is attempted involving a few young women and a few young men.
Overall
I rather enjoyed the book and wish to immediately continue the story. Alas I cannot for the next book isn't due to appear until, I believe, December 2016. For the most part I liked the people I was supposed to like, and the only real negative I can think of, well two negatives: (1) there are a lot of pages in which Crisanta is 'thinking' a lot in her brain. Not exactly whimpering like thoughts, but bordering on them; (2) there are a lot of pages in this book, there is a bunch of stuff that occurred but it didn't really feel like the story actually got going until the endish parts. Then the book was done. The book ended on something of a cliff-hanger (in terms of the story not being wrapped up, not in terms of literally having a scene cut in half; I've had that happen to me before. Being in the middle of the scene, someone is thrusting their fist forward . . . .book ends, have to wait until next book to see what happens (in one specific case involving a story by David Weber, the book ended mid-invasion, and the invasion wasn't picked up again until like three books later). So yeah, this ended without the story being wrapped up, but not mid-scene.
It's a good neat interesting book. I recommend it for one and all. Or something like that.
March 27 2016
October 8, 2016
One word, delightful.
Crisanta Knight: Protagonist Bound is sort of a fairytale descendant version of Harry Potter, but unlike Harry, Crisanta isn’t a chosen one or unfamiliar with her lot in life. She knows exactly what’s expected of her, but she doesn’t plan to succumb to that fate easily. Her friends Blue and SJ are in the same situation, mostly, but Crisanta is the leader among them.
So what did I like? First off the tone and conversational first person perspective, youthful, but not corny. Crisanta was a fun narrator, not too angsty, not too irreverent, but just right. I felt the connection, cared what happened to her and her friends, and cared about what might happen in the next book.
I also thought the story was intriguing. The suspense builds up a little at first, and then bam, excitement and adventure as Crisanta actually does something to change her fate, all in the novel, fairytale realm of Book, where fairy godmothers, prince charmings, and happily ever after aren’t all they’re cracked up to be.
What I didn’t like so much was just how literal the literary terms are taken in the story. I guess it was just kind of an ejection from fantasy to have the world called Book and the fates of the inhabitants determined by Author. Still, the story manages it well, I just wasn’t quite sold on it.
Anyhow, I loved this book, mainly because it was so much fun, but also because it was well written, richly developed, and exciting. Fans of reading and fantasy, particularly those with a fondness in their hearts for fairy tale princesses, will likely enjoy this book. The youthful tone will likely appeal to both young adults and the young at heart.
I received the review copy of this book from NetGalley.
Crisanta Knight: Protagonist Bound is sort of a fairytale descendant version of Harry Potter, but unlike Harry, Crisanta isn’t a chosen one or unfamiliar with her lot in life. She knows exactly what’s expected of her, but she doesn’t plan to succumb to that fate easily. Her friends Blue and SJ are in the same situation, mostly, but Crisanta is the leader among them.
So what did I like? First off the tone and conversational first person perspective, youthful, but not corny. Crisanta was a fun narrator, not too angsty, not too irreverent, but just right. I felt the connection, cared what happened to her and her friends, and cared about what might happen in the next book.
I also thought the story was intriguing. The suspense builds up a little at first, and then bam, excitement and adventure as Crisanta actually does something to change her fate, all in the novel, fairytale realm of Book, where fairy godmothers, prince charmings, and happily ever after aren’t all they’re cracked up to be.
What I didn’t like so much was just how literal the literary terms are taken in the story. I guess it was just kind of an ejection from fantasy to have the world called Book and the fates of the inhabitants determined by Author. Still, the story manages it well, I just wasn’t quite sold on it.
Anyhow, I loved this book, mainly because it was so much fun, but also because it was well written, richly developed, and exciting. Fans of reading and fantasy, particularly those with a fondness in their hearts for fairy tale princesses, will likely enjoy this book. The youthful tone will likely appeal to both young adults and the young at heart.
I received the review copy of this book from NetGalley.
May 17, 2022
Exciting adventures abound! Grab your combat boots and wand and get ready to turn the fairy tale world upside down! A fresh and delightful take on fairy tales that hooked me from the first page. Crisanta Knight is not your ordinary princess, she is one that kicks butt with sass and determination, yet is also very grounded to the reader in a relatable perspective. Stereotypes are challenged and feminism is strong. Geanna Culbertson has created a worthy heroine, an interesting world, and a really powerful moral to the story. There is plethora of memorable quotes, ones that really tickle your heart and make you smile. Girls of all ages and backgrounds are empowered, whether it's the characters or the readers themselves! I seriously wanted to high-kick some baddies after I finished.
Geanna expertly creates believable and interesting characters, and the world-building I seriously cannot get enough of, everything is just so seamless and woven with intrigue, magic, adventure, and laughs.
A great new series which I can't wait to follow more Crisanta Knight and her motely crews adventures!
IG Post: https://www.instagram.com/p/CNOSuV-gh...
Geanna expertly creates believable and interesting characters, and the world-building I seriously cannot get enough of, everything is just so seamless and woven with intrigue, magic, adventure, and laughs.
A great new series which I can't wait to follow more Crisanta Knight and her motely crews adventures!
IG Post: https://www.instagram.com/p/CNOSuV-gh...
December 17, 2016
There seems to be a lot of books that have come out recently that have that 'I am princess, hear me roar" thing going on, and it is getting a little played out, but...
Crisanta Knight is not your average feminist fairytale remake. There is a lot of originality with the characters, setting, and the storyline in general. We're talking daughters of famous princesses, and other protagonist relations! So cool!
Culbertson's writing is fresh and fun, and she has a way of adding enough sass to her girls without making them annoying, enough humor without it being silly, and enough description without it becoming a bore.
Crisanta Knight is not your average feminist fairytale remake. There is a lot of originality with the characters, setting, and the storyline in general. We're talking daughters of famous princesses, and other protagonist relations! So cool!
Culbertson's writing is fresh and fun, and she has a way of adding enough sass to her girls without making them annoying, enough humor without it being silly, and enough description without it becoming a bore.
January 4, 2020
“I was not opposed to being a princess. I was simply against the idea that it was the only thing I could be. I was fighting to be something more, not necessarily something else.”
•
•
Thank you to the author for gifting me with a digital copy of her novel.
This book was extremely fun. Crisanta is Cinderella’s daughter and she goes to a school where they teach her how to be a perfect princess, a damsel in distress. Together with Snow White’s daughter and Little Red Riding Hood’s sister, she dreams to be something more than a helpless girl that needs to be saved, she wants to save herself and, more than that, she wants to write her future. Apparently, in her world, called Book, the story of every future protagonist is already decided by the Author, who lives isolated and undisturbed. Crisanta is sure that she is destined to be a great hero, but when the Author writes the prologue of her story she finds out she is doomed to live a boring life in her castle with a prince she despise. So she and her friends decide to go find the Author and change Book’s rules, but they’ll find out unexpected truths about their apparently flawless world.
The premise of this book is absolutely interesting, I loved how this world is constructed and I can understand why Crisanta is frustrated. She dreams to be the hero in her own story and every girl, in every world, should have the chance to realize her dreams and to have strong female characters as examples. But she and her friends are quite young and very impulsive, they put themselves in a mission that can change everything and that will make them face all the evils people are willing to do to maintain things as they are. Because it is simpler to live following the same rules and never breaking routine. It’s simpler to control society if girls are only good dancing and swooning and faking smiles. I can’t wait to see how Crisanta will find a way to fulfill her destiny in her own way!
•
•
Thank you to the author for gifting me with a digital copy of her novel.
This book was extremely fun. Crisanta is Cinderella’s daughter and she goes to a school where they teach her how to be a perfect princess, a damsel in distress. Together with Snow White’s daughter and Little Red Riding Hood’s sister, she dreams to be something more than a helpless girl that needs to be saved, she wants to save herself and, more than that, she wants to write her future. Apparently, in her world, called Book, the story of every future protagonist is already decided by the Author, who lives isolated and undisturbed. Crisanta is sure that she is destined to be a great hero, but when the Author writes the prologue of her story she finds out she is doomed to live a boring life in her castle with a prince she despise. So she and her friends decide to go find the Author and change Book’s rules, but they’ll find out unexpected truths about their apparently flawless world.
The premise of this book is absolutely interesting, I loved how this world is constructed and I can understand why Crisanta is frustrated. She dreams to be the hero in her own story and every girl, in every world, should have the chance to realize her dreams and to have strong female characters as examples. But she and her friends are quite young and very impulsive, they put themselves in a mission that can change everything and that will make them face all the evils people are willing to do to maintain things as they are. Because it is simpler to live following the same rules and never breaking routine. It’s simpler to control society if girls are only good dancing and swooning and faking smiles. I can’t wait to see how Crisanta will find a way to fulfill her destiny in her own way!
July 24, 2023
Thank you NetGalley for sending me a free copy of this book
4.5 stars
This book was really good and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who loves a good fairytale. It has an awesome princess/badass heroine protagonist, a fairytale mixup and a great moral backstory. What more do you want?
Crisanta Knight is Cinderella's daughter, destined to become a new princess, who should be completely complacent, submissive and above all, extremely princess-like. This is what she gets taught at her fairytale-finishing school Lady Agnue, and she absolutely despises it, because she believes she is more than just a proper royal.
This story definitely had a lot of character, and teaches a wonderful lesson to us women: we can be princesses and kick ass, and still look absolutely gorgeous (especially seeing as there is a charm for that! - but I won't reveal too much, shhh...)
With her combat boots and her magical wand, Cristanta ventures out to change her destiny which the mystical Author has picked out for her and shows that women should take charge of their own lives with a passion, feistiness and a burning fire that is untamable. Not only that, she also manages to show a more vulnerable and open side - especially in regards towards a certain boy who sees right through her.
I also loved the fact that the author wrote this book in a way that made it feel like Crisanta was speaking directly to the reader through her thoughts - it made her sassy comments just that much funnier.
The only two, tiny issue I had with this book was that firstly I would have liked to see a bit more of Lady Agnue's fairytale stereotypical day (maybe getting to meet more the protagonist and see more of their classroom interactions) and I also thought that - although I loved the ending - it felt like it didn't resolve any of the plot points that I had wanted to know about.
Nevertheless, I think that the fact that this is only the first book in a series sounds extremely promising, and I am excited to get my hands on the second one (which is also why plot points getting resolved is only a small issue).
Favorite Quotes:
Warning! Possible mild spoilers
4.5 stars
This book was really good and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who loves a good fairytale. It has an awesome princess/badass heroine protagonist, a fairytale mixup and a great moral backstory. What more do you want?
Crisanta Knight is Cinderella's daughter, destined to become a new princess, who should be completely complacent, submissive and above all, extremely princess-like. This is what she gets taught at her fairytale-finishing school Lady Agnue, and she absolutely despises it, because she believes she is more than just a proper royal.
This story definitely had a lot of character, and teaches a wonderful lesson to us women: we can be princesses and kick ass, and still look absolutely gorgeous (especially seeing as there is a charm for that! - but I won't reveal too much, shhh...)
With her combat boots and her magical wand, Cristanta ventures out to change her destiny which the mystical Author has picked out for her and shows that women should take charge of their own lives with a passion, feistiness and a burning fire that is untamable. Not only that, she also manages to show a more vulnerable and open side - especially in regards towards a certain boy who sees right through her.
I also loved the fact that the author wrote this book in a way that made it feel like Crisanta was speaking directly to the reader through her thoughts - it made her sassy comments just that much funnier.
The only two, tiny issue I had with this book was that firstly I would have liked to see a bit more of Lady Agnue's fairytale stereotypical day (maybe getting to meet more the protagonist and see more of their classroom interactions) and I also thought that - although I loved the ending - it felt like it didn't resolve any of the plot points that I had wanted to know about.
Nevertheless, I think that the fact that this is only the first book in a series sounds extremely promising, and I am excited to get my hands on the second one (which is also why plot points getting resolved is only a small issue).
Favorite Quotes:
Warning! Possible mild spoilers
"We were like the Three Musketeers - the beauty, the brawn, and the - Wait. What was I exactly?"
"But no one ever taught us any curse words around here so witch was about all we had to work with."
"Needless to say that while catching up with the other girls around the table throughout dinner was great, what was really satisfying was shoveling way-too-large amounts of food in my mouth when my teachers weren't looking."
"As much as it pained me to admit it, the closest we ever came to mortal peril around here was when we wore heels on the lawn just after it'd been watered."
"I finally find something that comes easily to me at this school and it involves horse dung. Just perfect."
"Maybe a girl can strive to be more than what she is."
"Tiny waist be darned; I happen to be very fond of not having my diaphragm crushed."
"Because you could give a dirt-bag a pearly white smile and a fancy suit, but he'd still be a dirt-bag."
"A face peel, huh? You should be careful, Mauvrey. Even for a royal those can get pretty expensive when a girl has two faces."
"Shouldn't there be some kind of cosmic rule that says if you're that annoying you at least have to have a bad hair day every once in a while?"
"All I had to show for my fairytale bloodline was a fondness for pumpkins and a talent for cleaning my room that I was ashamed of."
"Nice trick. Overcompensating for something?"
"You keep this. I'll keep my heart. And we'll call it even. I don't care what classics you believe in, Chance. But I do now they have no place here. I'm not saying they don't matter at all. Goodness knows we're reminded of their shadow every day. I'm just saying that i'm not going to live in it. Not now. Not ever. And certainly not with you."
"Never underestimate the infinite power of a good pair of boots, I guess."
"It was always nice to meet someone you had stuff in common with even if, you know, species wasn't one of those things."
"Wishes don't change anything. But actions can."
"Who I am isn't written yet. And the only person who will have a say in it when it is, is me."
"Victory getaway music anyone? No? Well, all right then, creaking staircases and cricket chirps it is I suppose."
"Now I was beyond its grasp. Now I was moving out of its shadow. Now - the parameters, the lines, the walls - they were crumbling more with every added meter of distance I put between us. And soon enough, I knew they would never have the authority or the strength to contain me again."
"Change, was possible. I'd seen it. I'd lived it. And darn it, I was going after it."
"I could find the Author. I could rewrite my story. And I, Crisanta Knight, could become something more. I only needed to be brave enough to see it through."
June 4, 2016
"The idea to change our lives, take our fates into our own hands, and decide who we were for ourselves - it was an insane, beautiful, tempting idea that could not be extinguished now that we'd given life to it."
My rating: 3.5
Crisanta Knight: Protagonist Bound by Geanna Culbertson is an interesting take on fairytale lore and a fun adventure story that will appeal to all fairytale or fantasy lovers.
As a daughter of the famous Cinderella and Prince Charming, Crisanta Knight is predestined to become a protagonist in her own story, a beautiful princess waiting for her handsome prince to come and save her. But she isn't like other people her age, who attend Lady Agnue's School for Princesses & Other Female Protagonists and prepare to follow their prophecy. Instead of letting the Author decide her fate, Crisanta decides to take her life in her own hands and write her own story.
The premise of this book caught my attention immediately. The idea of a world where fairytale characters are actual living people and The Author decides their fate by writing their story and assigning each of them a role sounded amazing, and world building was my favourite thing about this book. It felt like a look "behind the scenes" of fairytale stories. The whole world of Book is extremely detailed, well thought-out and very creative. It's one of those books that would translate to the big screen beautifully.
The story was a bit slow at the beginning but it picked up in the second part and kept me engaged. Aside from the main plot, there was some mystery going on and I'm curious how it's going to work out in the next books. I adored Crisanta as a character and her friendship with SJ and Blue. Crisa was strong-minded, courageous and ambitious, with a fun sense of humour and unafraid to go against the grain. I also love the main theme of the book - that everyone should be allowed to decide of their own fate.
One thing I wasn't a particular fan of was how the beginning of the book felt like this cliche teenage drama. It felt just too stereotypical and I was happy once the main plot picked up. Another thing that I have to point out is the writing style, which was a bit inconsistent, in my opinion. The overall tone of the book and the way the characters speak most of the time is rather serious, the way it was in the past, but from time to time Crisanta would switch to a very modern way of speaking and it threw me off. There was also a lot of inner monologue, since the book is written in first person pov, but very often they felt too long and distracted me from what was really going on at that time.
Overall, Crisanta Knight is a great debut and a start of a very promising series! It's a story full of fantastic, magical adventures and friendship, with inspiring characters and a fresh and interesting take on the fairytale universe. If, like me, you love fairytale retellings, you should give a it a try and I'm looking forward to the second book!
To end my review with on of my favourite quotes :) :
"You think I'm irritating. Well, isn't that the pretzel calling the cracker crunchy."
I have kindly received a copy of this book from netgalley and Boutique of Quality Books Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
The quote included in this review has been taken from an advanced reader copy and therefore might be subject to change.
The review also appeared on my blog.
My rating: 3.5
Crisanta Knight: Protagonist Bound by Geanna Culbertson is an interesting take on fairytale lore and a fun adventure story that will appeal to all fairytale or fantasy lovers.
As a daughter of the famous Cinderella and Prince Charming, Crisanta Knight is predestined to become a protagonist in her own story, a beautiful princess waiting for her handsome prince to come and save her. But she isn't like other people her age, who attend Lady Agnue's School for Princesses & Other Female Protagonists and prepare to follow their prophecy. Instead of letting the Author decide her fate, Crisanta decides to take her life in her own hands and write her own story.
The premise of this book caught my attention immediately. The idea of a world where fairytale characters are actual living people and The Author decides their fate by writing their story and assigning each of them a role sounded amazing, and world building was my favourite thing about this book. It felt like a look "behind the scenes" of fairytale stories. The whole world of Book is extremely detailed, well thought-out and very creative. It's one of those books that would translate to the big screen beautifully.
The story was a bit slow at the beginning but it picked up in the second part and kept me engaged. Aside from the main plot, there was some mystery going on and I'm curious how it's going to work out in the next books. I adored Crisanta as a character and her friendship with SJ and Blue. Crisa was strong-minded, courageous and ambitious, with a fun sense of humour and unafraid to go against the grain. I also love the main theme of the book - that everyone should be allowed to decide of their own fate.
One thing I wasn't a particular fan of was how the beginning of the book felt like this cliche teenage drama. It felt just too stereotypical and I was happy once the main plot picked up. Another thing that I have to point out is the writing style, which was a bit inconsistent, in my opinion. The overall tone of the book and the way the characters speak most of the time is rather serious, the way it was in the past, but from time to time Crisanta would switch to a very modern way of speaking and it threw me off. There was also a lot of inner monologue, since the book is written in first person pov, but very often they felt too long and distracted me from what was really going on at that time.
Overall, Crisanta Knight is a great debut and a start of a very promising series! It's a story full of fantastic, magical adventures and friendship, with inspiring characters and a fresh and interesting take on the fairytale universe. If, like me, you love fairytale retellings, you should give a it a try and I'm looking forward to the second book!
To end my review with on of my favourite quotes :) :
"You think I'm irritating. Well, isn't that the pretzel calling the cracker crunchy."
I have kindly received a copy of this book from netgalley and Boutique of Quality Books Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
The quote included in this review has been taken from an advanced reader copy and therefore might be subject to change.
The review also appeared on my blog.
September 9, 2016
4.5 Stars.
I received a copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Usually when I'm reading a NetGalley book, I'm aware that it is a review copy. This leads to me being more aware of potential mistakes and elements of the book that I didn't like. However, when I was reading Crisanta Knight I didn't find this to be the case. I actually found that I kept thinking that it was an e-book I had just bought off of Amazon.
This book was well written, and I enjoyed the first person POV. I saw that a lot of people thought that the main character was in her head a lot, but as this was written from a first person perspective, it was a good way to develop the character.
There were multiple subplots that kept you reading, wondering what was going to happen in regard to them. And while you find out a few details about each, the mysteries still remain at the end of the book, ready to be continued in the rest of the series.
That is something else that I wanted to mention. I really wish that all 8 books in this series were already published; I am eager to read more. I must know what happens with the main character's prologue.
That is how things work in this fairy-tale realm. Some of the people who are born in this place are 'protagonists', people who will have their stories and destinies decided and written by the 'Author'.
Crisanta, a girl who wants to write her own story, be a hero, gets the least exciting, most princess-y prologue of all. A prologue is an overcap of your destiny.
I'm curious as to what the author (of this novel, not the one in the book) is going to do with the prologues received by two of the main characters. Are they going to be able to change them? Or are they simply going to follow their prologues prophecies despite their best efforts to avoid doing so?
Lastly, I want to talk about the characters.
I enjoyed all of them. Some of the characters are the children of fairy tale characters such as Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty (It kills me to call her that; I prefer Briar Rose), Snow White, etc. Unlike in many books, these characters don't necessarily take after their parents, and are not named for something in their parent's tale.
I loved all of the main characters. Crisanta (Crisa) and her two best friends (Blue and SJ) are all very different personalities. Blue is the sister of Red Riding Hood, and resents what happened to her sister in regards to being eaten by a wolf. To assure that no such thing happens to her, she has essentially become the master of every weapon and every fighting style imagineable. Blue is spunky, knows what she wants, and isn't afraid to break rules. SJ, however, is a model student and princess. Even so, she will use her potion making talent to help Blue and Crisa in any of their risky missions.
These three are very different, but somehow fit together perfectly, united in their goal to change their destinies.
The supporting and secondary characters I found to be just as enjoyable as these three. I enjoyed the mutually irritated relationship of Crisa and Daniel, as it led to some amusing conversations between the two.
I found myself trying to keep from laughing out loud multiple times while reading.
This was good fairy tale fun, with enough subplots, action, and suspense to give it some substance. I recommend this if you're looking for an engaging fairy tale.
I received a copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Usually when I'm reading a NetGalley book, I'm aware that it is a review copy. This leads to me being more aware of potential mistakes and elements of the book that I didn't like. However, when I was reading Crisanta Knight I didn't find this to be the case. I actually found that I kept thinking that it was an e-book I had just bought off of Amazon.
This book was well written, and I enjoyed the first person POV. I saw that a lot of people thought that the main character was in her head a lot, but as this was written from a first person perspective, it was a good way to develop the character.
There were multiple subplots that kept you reading, wondering what was going to happen in regard to them. And while you find out a few details about each, the mysteries still remain at the end of the book, ready to be continued in the rest of the series.
That is something else that I wanted to mention. I really wish that all 8 books in this series were already published; I am eager to read more. I must know what happens with the main character's prologue.
That is how things work in this fairy-tale realm. Some of the people who are born in this place are 'protagonists', people who will have their stories and destinies decided and written by the 'Author'.
Crisanta, a girl who wants to write her own story, be a hero, gets the least exciting, most princess-y prologue of all. A prologue is an overcap of your destiny.
I'm curious as to what the author (of this novel, not the one in the book) is going to do with the prologues received by two of the main characters. Are they going to be able to change them? Or are they simply going to follow their prologues prophecies despite their best efforts to avoid doing so?
Lastly, I want to talk about the characters.
I enjoyed all of them. Some of the characters are the children of fairy tale characters such as Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty (It kills me to call her that; I prefer Briar Rose), Snow White, etc. Unlike in many books, these characters don't necessarily take after their parents, and are not named for something in their parent's tale.
I loved all of the main characters. Crisanta (Crisa) and her two best friends (Blue and SJ) are all very different personalities. Blue is the sister of Red Riding Hood, and resents what happened to her sister in regards to being eaten by a wolf. To assure that no such thing happens to her, she has essentially become the master of every weapon and every fighting style imagineable. Blue is spunky, knows what she wants, and isn't afraid to break rules. SJ, however, is a model student and princess. Even so, she will use her potion making talent to help Blue and Crisa in any of their risky missions.
These three are very different, but somehow fit together perfectly, united in their goal to change their destinies.
The supporting and secondary characters I found to be just as enjoyable as these three. I enjoyed the mutually irritated relationship of Crisa and Daniel, as it led to some amusing conversations between the two.
I found myself trying to keep from laughing out loud multiple times while reading.
This was good fairy tale fun, with enough subplots, action, and suspense to give it some substance. I recommend this if you're looking for an engaging fairy tale.
June 27, 2018
2.5 Stars
The premise of the book is actually a really good one. The Fairytales we grew up with are all true and the people in them real; so real that they inhabit a land called Book where time passes differently so even the oldest heroes and heroines are still alive and kicking. The thing is they have had children now and this is the tale of some of them - Crisa is Cinderella's daughter and her BFF is none other than Snow White's daughter and the other is Red Riding Hood's. Stuck in boarding school and learning how to fulfil their prophecies (trust me it's all explained) they are bored with being the DID and want rather more from their lives.
Unfortunately the telling of the tale really doesn't work that well and the action is very drawn out and I did find my mind wandering off at tangents quite frequently as we go through another passage about etiquette or how miserable Crisa feels. It is also not helped by engendering comparisons with both the Harry Potter series and the Hunger Games series and the author not being quite up to the challenge of meshing them together to produce a cohesive whole.
We have magic and potions, we have Pegasi and Dragons, we have strange premonitionary dreams, we have quests, we have full on fights and fantastical cities and buildings. What we don't have is a real connection with any of the characters so you don't really care about how things work out. We also don't have an editor to curb the worst of, what was to me, unnecessary waffle. You could shave probably 100 pages from this book and still get the point across.
Most disappointingly is in an attempt to create a cliffhanger ending there is a start to the main quest but only the start. To find out if they ever manage to get their hands on the second and third items to disable the In and Out spell over the Indexlands you will need to purchase further books. Sadly the writing is not such that I really felt like that was going to be an option. Whilst there are some good ideas here (The Author being responsible for their prophecies and therefore how their lives will turn out and the whole fairytale folk are real) the execution is poor and rather uninspiring. If you can think of other books that have done something similar whilst reading then you know it can't be good. Yes there are, purportedly, only 7 stories to be told in the whole of history but it is all in the telling and that is where this book fell down.
Sorry, but as much as I love a good fantasy/magic story this one really doesn't tick enough boxes for this reader.
The premise of the book is actually a really good one. The Fairytales we grew up with are all true and the people in them real; so real that they inhabit a land called Book where time passes differently so even the oldest heroes and heroines are still alive and kicking. The thing is they have had children now and this is the tale of some of them - Crisa is Cinderella's daughter and her BFF is none other than Snow White's daughter and the other is Red Riding Hood's. Stuck in boarding school and learning how to fulfil their prophecies (trust me it's all explained) they are bored with being the DID and want rather more from their lives.
Unfortunately the telling of the tale really doesn't work that well and the action is very drawn out and I did find my mind wandering off at tangents quite frequently as we go through another passage about etiquette or how miserable Crisa feels. It is also not helped by engendering comparisons with both the Harry Potter series and the Hunger Games series and the author not being quite up to the challenge of meshing them together to produce a cohesive whole.
We have magic and potions, we have Pegasi and Dragons, we have strange premonitionary dreams, we have quests, we have full on fights and fantastical cities and buildings. What we don't have is a real connection with any of the characters so you don't really care about how things work out. We also don't have an editor to curb the worst of, what was to me, unnecessary waffle. You could shave probably 100 pages from this book and still get the point across.
Most disappointingly is in an attempt to create a cliffhanger ending there is a start to the main quest but only the start. To find out if they ever manage to get their hands on the second and third items to disable the In and Out spell over the Indexlands you will need to purchase further books. Sadly the writing is not such that I really felt like that was going to be an option. Whilst there are some good ideas here (The Author being responsible for their prophecies and therefore how their lives will turn out and the whole fairytale folk are real) the execution is poor and rather uninspiring. If you can think of other books that have done something similar whilst reading then you know it can't be good. Yes there are, purportedly, only 7 stories to be told in the whole of history but it is all in the telling and that is where this book fell down.
Sorry, but as much as I love a good fantasy/magic story this one really doesn't tick enough boxes for this reader.
July 2, 2017
Finished!
This is a great start to a new series. I was also correct in the fact that it wouldn't take me very long to read (I probably finished it ten minutes ago from when I started this review.
Crisanta Knight is a very fun character. She's sassy and bold and more like a normal teen girl than a princess. Her relationships with other characters were very well developed, and I like the fact that it's not just a fairytale school, it's a protagonist school. But they're still sexist, so yeah. But it's pretty believable, because of the world. I will probably go into more detail later, but typing on my tablet is infuriating.
YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I won this book and it came some time this week (the mail was checked once, on like Tuesday or Wednesday) and it's so PRETTY!!!! My mom laughs at me every time I say that, but it's true!!! It's new and glossy and SOOOO colorful!!!!!! It'll probably take me all of Sunday afternoon to read (despite the fact that it's 450 pages long). I'm so excited!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This will actually get reviewed when I'm done, per Goodreads/Boutique of Quality Books request.
This is a great start to a new series. I was also correct in the fact that it wouldn't take me very long to read (I probably finished it ten minutes ago from when I started this review.
Crisanta Knight is a very fun character. She's sassy and bold and more like a normal teen girl than a princess. Her relationships with other characters were very well developed, and I like the fact that it's not just a fairytale school, it's a protagonist school. But they're still sexist, so yeah. But it's pretty believable, because of the world. I will probably go into more detail later, but typing on my tablet is infuriating.
YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I won this book and it came some time this week (the mail was checked once, on like Tuesday or Wednesday) and it's so PRETTY!!!! My mom laughs at me every time I say that, but it's true!!! It's new and glossy and SOOOO colorful!!!!!! It'll probably take me all of Sunday afternoon to read (despite the fact that it's 450 pages long). I'm so excited!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This will actually get reviewed when I'm done, per Goodreads/Boutique of Quality Books request.
June 30, 2016
Phenomenal book! It was was fun, funny, exciting, and there were plenty of ongoing plot mysteries that I look forward to delving into in future books. I wish the second book was coming out sooner. I need answers, like now!
I loved the main character of Crisa. She is super bad-ass and sassy, but she also had a really good heart and was easy to connect with. There's a lot of good underlying themes in the book--taking fate into your own hands being a big one. And the world was super interesting--very detailed and well thought out and magical. Can't wait to read the rest of this series and learn more about Crisa, her friends, and the world of Book.
I think this is one of those books that pretty much any age of girl will be able to enjoy and relate to. And this series has some seriously big potential (like Hunger Games, but less dark and scary). Or like a more lady-focused Harry Potter series that mutated with ABC's Once Upon a Time to form some sort of fairytale, epic-adventure hybrid...
I loved the main character of Crisa. She is super bad-ass and sassy, but she also had a really good heart and was easy to connect with. There's a lot of good underlying themes in the book--taking fate into your own hands being a big one. And the world was super interesting--very detailed and well thought out and magical. Can't wait to read the rest of this series and learn more about Crisa, her friends, and the world of Book.
I think this is one of those books that pretty much any age of girl will be able to enjoy and relate to. And this series has some seriously big potential (like Hunger Games, but less dark and scary). Or like a more lady-focused Harry Potter series that mutated with ABC's Once Upon a Time to form some sort of fairytale, epic-adventure hybrid...
March 28, 2016
A great beginning for a new series Crisanta Knight: Protagonist Bound is an outstanding book the writing, pace and premiss are very well done the story keeps you turning the page in antisipaton of what will happen next. While the book is a little long, not a page of it is waisted so you don't mind the length and it can be enjoyed by all ages.
I can't wait for the next one in the series.This review was originally posted on Books In Brogan
I can't wait for the next one in the series.This review was originally posted on Books In Brogan
October 3, 2016
Bold, imaginative, interest-grabbing and all around superb. As I read though this book the story kept me involved as I attempted to form theories about the connections between characters and what will happen next. I'm a huge fan of books in a series, so I am ecstatic to know that this is an 8 book series!! I highly recommend to anyone who likes fiction and fairy tales. My little cousin is reading the book, and my mom already finished it--both are also in love with Geanna's book (she's the author)! Looking forward to the next one coming out this winter.
September 4, 2017
Absolutely loved it. The premise was imaginative and I really enjoyed reading about the characters and the world of Book. The world itself was fantastic and I hope to learn more about the different kingdoms as the characters pursue their journey towards the Author and the outside world. I thought that it was a very clever concept to have some characters be protagonist bound and others able to live their lives freely. I can't wait to read the second book.
This book was sent to me by Netgalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
This book was sent to me by Netgalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
September 12, 2016
Book is a land of fairytales; princesses, heroes and heroines... plus the other people that stay on the sidelines and make up the world that the protagonists live in. All sounds perfectly magical until you're hit by your prologue prophecy and you find out what the authors have in store for you. WARNING - this is book 1 of a series, which I didn't realise until about 5 pages to the end so I've been left hanging until the next is released!
September 5, 2017
Told not Shown
I really wanted to like this book-- the premise and creativity had great promise for a fun read. However it became incredibly boring after the novelty wore off. Everything was explained-- told and not shown. Information was frequently repeated, why she had these feelings of dread regarding her visions, etc. Ally Carter's Gallagher Girls has a similar storyline and has a stronger, more engaging writing style.
Also, frogs are amphibians, not reptiles...
I really wanted to like this book-- the premise and creativity had great promise for a fun read. However it became incredibly boring after the novelty wore off. Everything was explained-- told and not shown. Information was frequently repeated, why she had these feelings of dread regarding her visions, etc. Ally Carter's Gallagher Girls has a similar storyline and has a stronger, more engaging writing style.
Also, frogs are amphibians, not reptiles...
May 30, 2016
A good story to get lost in.
May 30, 2016
I read this book with the help of NetGalley.This book is very different and amazing.I look forward to reading the next book.
April 27, 2017
2. 5 stars.
Interesting, really interesting (here comes the cursed but, ooops) BUT it could've been a lot better.
Give it a try *shrugs*
Interesting, really interesting (here comes the cursed but, ooops) BUT it could've been a lot better.
Give it a try *shrugs*
November 26, 2017
It is a great book to read
March 28, 2019
I liked Crisa and her friends adventures so much.
Book was awesome.
Book was awesome.
October 16, 2020
Average storytelling (not better than similar tries elsewhere), let down by badly misused (in the sense of “erm, this word really does not mean that”) purple prose.
May 17, 2021
What a fun twist on fairytales!
Protagonist Bound is the first in the Crisanta Knight series that revolves around Crisanta, the daughter of Cinderella and Prince Charming. The world in which the book is set is called Book, and its citizens are either secondary characters or protagonists of the stories the mysterious Author decides to write. Crisanta attends Lady Agnue's School for Princesses & Other Female Protagonists, where other princesses and commoners are trained for the moment the Author begins writing their story.
Though most of the girls at school seem content with the idea that their fates are decided by this mysterious entity, Crisanta isn’t of the same opinion. She’s a princess, yes, but she believes she could be more than a damsel, a princess and the love interest of some prince or hero. She could carve her own path and be a hero. Crisanta is a very head-strong young woman who refuses to back down from a challenge and let other people define who she is, which is something I greatly admired about her.
I also loved her friends, Blue and S.J, who are respectively Little Red Riding Hood’s sister and Snow White’s daughter. Both these girls had very distinct and lovable personalities, and like Crisanta, they both try in their way not to be defined by their famous fairytale relative. Another character I liked was the new arrival in the boy’s school, Daniel. He and Crisanta immediately start as sort-of rivals, but they also grow to have mutual respect and understanding of one another. I hope this connection leads somewhere on a romantic level because the two together make sense.
I’m sure I’m not the only one who’s ever tried to imagine what happens after the Happily Ever After. Seeing the daughters, sons and relatives of famous fairytale characters allowed for some funny spins on fairytale clichés and anecdotes. The whole idea of a school where girls (and boys, in a different school) are trained to be protagonists was very original. The names of some of the classes, like the Damsel In Distress class, was hilarious and I felt for Crisanta. Honestly, I would hate learning how to faint, too.
Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of this book. Opinions are my own.
Protagonist Bound is the first in the Crisanta Knight series that revolves around Crisanta, the daughter of Cinderella and Prince Charming. The world in which the book is set is called Book, and its citizens are either secondary characters or protagonists of the stories the mysterious Author decides to write. Crisanta attends Lady Agnue's School for Princesses & Other Female Protagonists, where other princesses and commoners are trained for the moment the Author begins writing their story.
Though most of the girls at school seem content with the idea that their fates are decided by this mysterious entity, Crisanta isn’t of the same opinion. She’s a princess, yes, but she believes she could be more than a damsel, a princess and the love interest of some prince or hero. She could carve her own path and be a hero. Crisanta is a very head-strong young woman who refuses to back down from a challenge and let other people define who she is, which is something I greatly admired about her.
I also loved her friends, Blue and S.J, who are respectively Little Red Riding Hood’s sister and Snow White’s daughter. Both these girls had very distinct and lovable personalities, and like Crisanta, they both try in their way not to be defined by their famous fairytale relative. Another character I liked was the new arrival in the boy’s school, Daniel. He and Crisanta immediately start as sort-of rivals, but they also grow to have mutual respect and understanding of one another. I hope this connection leads somewhere on a romantic level because the two together make sense.
I’m sure I’m not the only one who’s ever tried to imagine what happens after the Happily Ever After. Seeing the daughters, sons and relatives of famous fairytale characters allowed for some funny spins on fairytale clichés and anecdotes. The whole idea of a school where girls (and boys, in a different school) are trained to be protagonists was very original. The names of some of the classes, like the Damsel In Distress class, was hilarious and I felt for Crisanta. Honestly, I would hate learning how to faint, too.
Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of this book. Opinions are my own.
June 8, 2020
Protagonist Bound is a fun and intriguing story following Crisanta Knight, Cinderella's daughter. She lives in a world called Book, a land of 26 Kingdoms, a fairytale setting where some of the people who live here know how their story will turn out (their lives being constructed by the Author). But Crisanta is not happy with knowing that she will end up living a dull life, locked up in a castle with a prince she doesn't care for in the least. She wants to carve her own destiny and not become a damsel in distress. So she and her two friends (SJ and Blue) embark on a quest to find the Author and convince him to change the way the stories are written and maybe bend the rules, but by doing that they have to face perils they don't see coming.
I loved the protagonist, she's sassy, strong-headed and relatable. The story is told in first person Pov which is always enjoyable when it comes to YA novels. The idea that a princess can save herself is well presented and I was immediately drawn into the plot. The world-building was great, the action developed at a fair pace, leaving room for an intricate plot to develop. While there were moments that we're predictable there was enough mystery and intrigue to keep me guessing. It's fair to say that this book captured my attention enough that I am interested to read more in the series.
*Many thanks to the author for gifting me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I loved the protagonist, she's sassy, strong-headed and relatable. The story is told in first person Pov which is always enjoyable when it comes to YA novels. The idea that a princess can save herself is well presented and I was immediately drawn into the plot. The world-building was great, the action developed at a fair pace, leaving room for an intricate plot to develop. While there were moments that we're predictable there was enough mystery and intrigue to keep me guessing. It's fair to say that this book captured my attention enough that I am interested to read more in the series.
*Many thanks to the author for gifting me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
June 29, 2020
I have mixed feelings about this book.
Cristana Knight, Cris, is Cinderella's daughter. Living in the land of "book", Cristana attends school like every other girl. The only difference is, Cristana's classes include D.I.D. (Damsels in Distress classes). Within this world, it is known that some people are main characters and others are support characters. Each character is under the control of the Author who lives in Indexland. Cristana wants to take control of her own life, She doesn't want to be a Damsel in Distress. She wants to be the hero, along with her best friends, S.J. (Snow White Junior) and Blue (Little Red Ridinghood's sister).
I loved how positive and determined Cristana is. It is very empowering for young girls to read. She wants to tackle the world head-on. The storyline is very creative and original.
On the other hand, the pace of this book was too slow for my liking. In my opinion, the actual story didn't really start until about 30% into the book. In the beginning, I found it captivating and interesting, however, as the chapters went on I found myself skimming parts.
Overall I enjoyed the storyline and I praise the author for writing such an inspirational book. The pace was my only issue.
Thank you to the author for providing me with this ebook in exchange for an honest review.
Cristana Knight, Cris, is Cinderella's daughter. Living in the land of "book", Cristana attends school like every other girl. The only difference is, Cristana's classes include D.I.D. (Damsels in Distress classes). Within this world, it is known that some people are main characters and others are support characters. Each character is under the control of the Author who lives in Indexland. Cristana wants to take control of her own life, She doesn't want to be a Damsel in Distress. She wants to be the hero, along with her best friends, S.J. (Snow White Junior) and Blue (Little Red Ridinghood's sister).
I loved how positive and determined Cristana is. It is very empowering for young girls to read. She wants to tackle the world head-on. The storyline is very creative and original.
On the other hand, the pace of this book was too slow for my liking. In my opinion, the actual story didn't really start until about 30% into the book. In the beginning, I found it captivating and interesting, however, as the chapters went on I found myself skimming parts.
Overall I enjoyed the storyline and I praise the author for writing such an inspirational book. The pace was my only issue.
Thank you to the author for providing me with this ebook in exchange for an honest review.
October 8, 2018
I'm sorry. I tried to give this book a solid chance. I think I read about 30% before giving up. I may possibly come back to it someday but for now, it's just not making the cut. I didn't feel the main character was in any peril. There was no driving force that made me anxious to find out what was happening next.
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