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A Fairly Fairy Tale
Here's a little secret: Sometimes the dragon saves the princess from the princes...
In the kingdom of Marshwood, everybody lives happily ever after – orphans, stepmothers, everybody. King Wesick and Queen Mattea are wise and beloved rulers, even if the queen is a terrible cook. The adventurous Prince Nolan is such a good stepbrother that he doesn’t mind Princess Littagale inheriting the kingdom. As for Littagale, all she wants is to build things and have adventures of her own. But, alas, it’s time for her to marry.
That’s when the horrible dragon, Tor the Intolerant, flies down from Mount Shadow, kidnaps the princess, and flies her to his dark lair!
“Oh, no! The horror! Who will save her?” cry the townspeople.
With great fanfare and the cologne of testosterone, princes arrive in Marshwood and vow to rescue the princess – in exchange for the honor of becoming her husband. The townspeople rejoice, place bets, and everyone waits to see who will defeat Tor and save Princess Littagale.
But what secret is Queen Mattea hiding? And can Prince Nolan and his bashful friend Casper solve the biggest question of them all: Why does Tor have a spa in his lair?
In the kingdom of Marshwood, everybody lives happily ever after – orphans, stepmothers, everybody. King Wesick and Queen Mattea are wise and beloved rulers, even if the queen is a terrible cook. The adventurous Prince Nolan is such a good stepbrother that he doesn’t mind Princess Littagale inheriting the kingdom. As for Littagale, all she wants is to build things and have adventures of her own. But, alas, it’s time for her to marry.
That’s when the horrible dragon, Tor the Intolerant, flies down from Mount Shadow, kidnaps the princess, and flies her to his dark lair!
“Oh, no! The horror! Who will save her?” cry the townspeople.
With great fanfare and the cologne of testosterone, princes arrive in Marshwood and vow to rescue the princess – in exchange for the honor of becoming her husband. The townspeople rejoice, place bets, and everyone waits to see who will defeat Tor and save Princess Littagale.
But what secret is Queen Mattea hiding? And can Prince Nolan and his bashful friend Casper solve the biggest question of them all: Why does Tor have a spa in his lair?
181 pages, Paperback
Published December 20, 2016
About the author
Sunshine Somerville
17 books114 followersSunshine Somerville is a Science Fantasy author who loves blending genres. She has a degree in English Literature and self-published her first book at the ripe old age of nine. She currently lives on the beachy side of Michigan with her husband, two fur babies, and two human daughters.
The Kota Series is a Science Fantasy epic based on youthful obsessions with X-Men, Star Wars, The Chronicles of Narnia, Dark Angel, and A Wrinkle in Time.
The Alt-World Chronicles is an Urban Fantasy series inspired by weird recurring dreams, a brainstorming session in the shower, and one ridiculously hot summer lived in Kansas City.
A Fairly Fairy Tale is Sunshine’s first Middle Grade Fantasy book. She got the idea from her family’s crest, which portrays a dragon shooting flames from both ends, and from a niece whose second favorite word is farts.
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The Kota Series is a Science Fantasy epic based on youthful obsessions with X-Men, Star Wars, The Chronicles of Narnia, Dark Angel, and A Wrinkle in Time.
The Alt-World Chronicles is an Urban Fantasy series inspired by weird recurring dreams, a brainstorming session in the shower, and one ridiculously hot summer lived in Kansas City.
A Fairly Fairy Tale is Sunshine’s first Middle Grade Fantasy book. She got the idea from her family’s crest, which portrays a dragon shooting flames from both ends, and from a niece whose second favorite word is farts.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
January 2, 2017
I rarely laugh out loud when I read humorous books, but A Fairly Fairy Tale had me chuckling and even guffawing time and again. I appreciated the mixture of a 10th century tale with the modern references, the many connections to popular fairy tales, and the uncharacteristic talents of the Princess Littagale. The author’s creation of Tor the Intolerable and the motivation behind his name is another reason to appreciate this story. I thoroughly enjoyed reading A Fairly Fairy Tale.
February 2, 2017
I would like to first off to say that I started reading this with my seven year old and while it did hold her attention for a couple of nights, I could tell she wasn't ready for it. It was a fantastic read though and will definitely keep it for future use, when she gets older. I finished reading this book just yesterday and it has such an amazing concept. It takes the normal fairy tale and twists into a bright new idea.
Keeping in mind that this is a children's book, I loved that the author used today's children talk in the book because the "proper dialogue" would have been lost with children today. I would have to say Tor is my favorite character of the book because he not only has this bad reputation for kidnapping princesses, he does it to rescue them and doesn't take credit for it either.
I think the main point of this story is to be brave and that you don't have to be the most toughest or smartest, you just have to have the courage. I think the other point of the other story is hold out for true love and don't do anything that you aren't ready for and if that point comes, make sure you know a dragon!
Book Blurb:
Once upon a time and with surprising frequency, dragons kidnapped helpless princesses. As the ultimate romantic gesture, heroic princes fought the dragons and saved the damsels in distress.
At least, that's the story you've been led to believe. But here's a little secret: Sometimes the dragon saved the princess from the princes...
In the kingdom of Marshwood, everybody lives happily ever after - orphans, stepmothers, everybody. King Wesick is wise and beloved. Queen Mattea is beautiful and kind. Prince Nolan is handsome and brave, and his sister Littagale is smart and talented. But when it comes time for Princess Littagale to marry, suddenly the dragon Tor flies down from Mount Shadow, kidnaps the princess, and flies her to his dark lair.
"Oh, no! The horror! Who will save her?” cry the townspeople.
With great fanfare and the cologne of testosterone, princes from near and far arrive in Marshwood and vow to rescue the princess – in exchange for the honor of becoming her husband and inheriting the kingdom. The townspeople rejoice, place bets, and everyone waits to see who will defeat Tor and save Princess Littagale.
But what secret is Queen Mattea hiding? And why does Tor have a spa in his lair?
Keeping in mind that this is a children's book, I loved that the author used today's children talk in the book because the "proper dialogue" would have been lost with children today. I would have to say Tor is my favorite character of the book because he not only has this bad reputation for kidnapping princesses, he does it to rescue them and doesn't take credit for it either.
I think the main point of this story is to be brave and that you don't have to be the most toughest or smartest, you just have to have the courage. I think the other point of the other story is hold out for true love and don't do anything that you aren't ready for and if that point comes, make sure you know a dragon!
Book Blurb:
Once upon a time and with surprising frequency, dragons kidnapped helpless princesses. As the ultimate romantic gesture, heroic princes fought the dragons and saved the damsels in distress.
At least, that's the story you've been led to believe. But here's a little secret: Sometimes the dragon saved the princess from the princes...
In the kingdom of Marshwood, everybody lives happily ever after - orphans, stepmothers, everybody. King Wesick is wise and beloved. Queen Mattea is beautiful and kind. Prince Nolan is handsome and brave, and his sister Littagale is smart and talented. But when it comes time for Princess Littagale to marry, suddenly the dragon Tor flies down from Mount Shadow, kidnaps the princess, and flies her to his dark lair.
"Oh, no! The horror! Who will save her?” cry the townspeople.
With great fanfare and the cologne of testosterone, princes from near and far arrive in Marshwood and vow to rescue the princess – in exchange for the honor of becoming her husband and inheriting the kingdom. The townspeople rejoice, place bets, and everyone waits to see who will defeat Tor and save Princess Littagale.
But what secret is Queen Mattea hiding? And why does Tor have a spa in his lair?
February 17, 2017
The princess is captured by the evil dragon but rescued bravely by the prince. Her father is so grateful he gives his kingdom over to the prince and everyone lives happily ever after . . . Not quite. Sometimes the princess wants to be captured to avoid all the kingdom hungry prince. Sometimes a princess needs an adventure of her own. And that is just what Littagale gets when her mother arranged to have the same dragon who “captured” her to capture Littagale. While tucked away for safe keeping, Littagale finally gets what she is looking for but in the most unlikely of places.
A Fairly Fairy Tale is a story that gives a different, much needed, twist on a fairy tale. The princess needs to save herself sometimes. We get more of that now in Disney movies so it's great to see the same ideal in books. Littagale isn’t interested in marriage and she has an unconventional job with the blacksmith. She is described as pretty but we aren’t harping on what makes her beautiful. I also liked that she isn’t afraid to be queen, she just doesn't want it right now. This story was refreshing and easy to read. It has the sound of a fairy tale and it even has it’s happily ever after but it's fun. Adults and children will enjoy this story.
However, there are some things about the story I didn’t like.There is one passage that the author tells us what’s going to happen; she tries to keep the readers from “worrying” about anything. That short paragraph almost made me stop reading. I don’t want to be told what is about to happen, just let me keep reading. I’m smart enough to realize it was a scheme. Also, I want to know what happens to Littagale’s mother. The queen is her stepmother, who also had a son prior to her marriage to the king, Littagale’s father. It maybe wouldn’t have added to the plot but since the point was made to mention these where step relationships, it made m curious. Lastly, the mention of the second dragon wasn’t necessary. Tor, the dragon who helps princesses in the story has plenty to be mad about when it comes to the antagonist. Mentioning that the antagonist also happened to kill Tor’s cousin was not needed info. Tor didn’t need any more reason to be mad given the events of the story.
I’m glad I finished this book. If was a fun read and had a few laugh out loud moments. Once I get passed the paragraph that tore the first moment of suspense from the story I enjoyed the story more. I would rec this book to anyone who loves fairy tales or like to see stories flipped upside down.
I give this story 3 / 5 Open books.
(origionally posted at www.bychallaf.tumblr.com)
A Fairly Fairy Tale is a story that gives a different, much needed, twist on a fairy tale. The princess needs to save herself sometimes. We get more of that now in Disney movies so it's great to see the same ideal in books. Littagale isn’t interested in marriage and she has an unconventional job with the blacksmith. She is described as pretty but we aren’t harping on what makes her beautiful. I also liked that she isn’t afraid to be queen, she just doesn't want it right now. This story was refreshing and easy to read. It has the sound of a fairy tale and it even has it’s happily ever after but it's fun. Adults and children will enjoy this story.
However, there are some things about the story I didn’t like.There is one passage that the author tells us what’s going to happen; she tries to keep the readers from “worrying” about anything. That short paragraph almost made me stop reading. I don’t want to be told what is about to happen, just let me keep reading. I’m smart enough to realize it was a scheme. Also, I want to know what happens to Littagale’s mother. The queen is her stepmother, who also had a son prior to her marriage to the king, Littagale’s father. It maybe wouldn’t have added to the plot but since the point was made to mention these where step relationships, it made m curious. Lastly, the mention of the second dragon wasn’t necessary. Tor, the dragon who helps princesses in the story has plenty to be mad about when it comes to the antagonist. Mentioning that the antagonist also happened to kill Tor’s cousin was not needed info. Tor didn’t need any more reason to be mad given the events of the story.
I’m glad I finished this book. If was a fun read and had a few laugh out loud moments. Once I get passed the paragraph that tore the first moment of suspense from the story I enjoyed the story more. I would rec this book to anyone who loves fairy tales or like to see stories flipped upside down.
I give this story 3 / 5 Open books.
(origionally posted at www.bychallaf.tumblr.com)
May 9, 2017
This book took a different spin on fairy tales. The dragon wasn’t the ‘bad guy’ in this story. In fact, he was an ally to the queens. When it came time for Littagale to marry, she begged her parents not to make her marry somebody she didn’t love. Her parents devised a plan – one that had been used by many queens.
The dragon kidnapped Littagale and took him back to his lair. The lair actually consisted of very comfortable living quarters decorated and stocked by the queens before Littagale. It was the dragon’s job to protect her and stop any potential suitors from rescuing her. None succeeded except for Prince Deke who was a sly devil who used magic and treachery to get his way. However, good prevailed and Littagale found her true love – not in Prince Deke, but somebody she’d known for a long time.
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book, through Reading Deals, so I could give an honest review.
The dragon kidnapped Littagale and took him back to his lair. The lair actually consisted of very comfortable living quarters decorated and stocked by the queens before Littagale. It was the dragon’s job to protect her and stop any potential suitors from rescuing her. None succeeded except for Prince Deke who was a sly devil who used magic and treachery to get his way. However, good prevailed and Littagale found her true love – not in Prince Deke, but somebody she’d known for a long time.
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book, through Reading Deals, so I could give an honest review.
February 18, 2019
Well perhaps I am missing something here, but I found this book quite poor. If you want an overview of the storyline you will find it in the other reviews. I would rather not force myself to revisit the nightmare.
Aside from the awful grammar, the lack of any structure at all, the constant need to describe everything that is mentioned in a secondary school english homework style, the terrible mix of modern urban dictionary slang in a book about fairies and the totally empty, unlikeable characters - the actual story itself is the final insult to anyone who picks it up and hopes for a fun little read.
If this book is worthy of the 4+ stars rating on here according to others, then I am going to sit down and write my own book tomorrow while i sit on the toilet, then get it off to a publisher pronto, as it seems that is all it takes to be called an author these days.
Aside from the awful grammar, the lack of any structure at all, the constant need to describe everything that is mentioned in a secondary school english homework style, the terrible mix of modern urban dictionary slang in a book about fairies and the totally empty, unlikeable characters - the actual story itself is the final insult to anyone who picks it up and hopes for a fun little read.
If this book is worthy of the 4+ stars rating on here according to others, then I am going to sit down and write my own book tomorrow while i sit on the toilet, then get it off to a publisher pronto, as it seems that is all it takes to be called an author these days.
January 19, 2017
At first I thought this would be very similar to Patricia Wrede's Dealing With Dragons, a longtime favorite of mine. But this story had some surprisingly unique moments. Since when is the stepmother kind and loving toward her stepdaughter? (Who cares if she can't cook!) Add that to a stepbrother who isn't jealous when his stepsister inherits the throne, several spunky heroines, talking animals, and a lactose intolerant dragon (who clearly shouldn't eat cows) and readers are in for a less-than-conventional, but very fun, fairy tale. If this is typical of her stories, I am looking forward to more of Somerville’s fairy tales.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 19, 2017
Didn't think I'd like...ended up loving it
Loved the touches of humor and everything else about this book I was smiling all the way through this book.
Loved the touches of humor and everything else about this book I was smiling all the way through this book.
January 3, 2017
Great story for anyone that loves dragons. Loved the way it was written.
December 22, 2016
Reviewed By Jack Magnus for Readers’ Favorite
A Fairly Fairy Tale is an adventure fantasy for preteens written and illustrated by Sunshine Somerville. Once upon a time, there was a princess who would one day rule her father's kingdom. This alone would have made her rather special, but Princess Littagale was a different sort of princess altogether. Although she was nineteen years old, she definitely wasn't ready to get married yet. Littagale wanted her own adventure and didn't think it at all fair that only princes were able to have quests and adventures. She was also a skilled carpenter and had taken shop classes while in school. Her parents, King Wesick and Queen Mattea, who was really her stepmother but not at all of the wicked sort, understood how she felt, but the rulers of the other kingdoms were getting impatient. There were young princes vying to be her consort. Finally, King Wesick took matters into his own hands and declared that he would hold a grand tournament. The winner would also win Littagale's hand in marriage and rule the kingdom with her. Littagale was aghast. She wanted to marry for love, just as her parents had. Worst of all, the dreadful Prince Deke was likely to win, and she'd never marry him. Then Queen Mattea came up with an idea.
Sunshine Somerville's adventure fantasy for preteens, A Fairly Fairy Tale, will have parents who've cringed at their little girls’ desires to be princesses cheering and feeling much better about things. Somerville's princess is smart, savvy and independent. I loved the fact that she was a carpenter and that she wanted her own adventures and quests. Littagale is no stereotypical damsel in distress, fainting at the merest hint of danger, and swooning over princes, and that's a very good thing indeed. Somerville's illustrations are incredible. I found myself looking forward to each new chapter to discover the newest illustration. They're marvelously detailed, brightly colored, and a lot of fun to explore. Littagale is not the only non-traditional character worth proclaiming about in A Fairly Fairy Tale. It's filled with remarkable princes and princesses, a witch, and a most unforgettable, lactose-intolerant dragon. While A Fairly Fairy Tale is written for a preteen audience, don't let that dissuade you from taking a look between the covers. This fairy tale rocks and it's most highly recommended.
A Fairly Fairy Tale is an adventure fantasy for preteens written and illustrated by Sunshine Somerville. Once upon a time, there was a princess who would one day rule her father's kingdom. This alone would have made her rather special, but Princess Littagale was a different sort of princess altogether. Although she was nineteen years old, she definitely wasn't ready to get married yet. Littagale wanted her own adventure and didn't think it at all fair that only princes were able to have quests and adventures. She was also a skilled carpenter and had taken shop classes while in school. Her parents, King Wesick and Queen Mattea, who was really her stepmother but not at all of the wicked sort, understood how she felt, but the rulers of the other kingdoms were getting impatient. There were young princes vying to be her consort. Finally, King Wesick took matters into his own hands and declared that he would hold a grand tournament. The winner would also win Littagale's hand in marriage and rule the kingdom with her. Littagale was aghast. She wanted to marry for love, just as her parents had. Worst of all, the dreadful Prince Deke was likely to win, and she'd never marry him. Then Queen Mattea came up with an idea.
Sunshine Somerville's adventure fantasy for preteens, A Fairly Fairy Tale, will have parents who've cringed at their little girls’ desires to be princesses cheering and feeling much better about things. Somerville's princess is smart, savvy and independent. I loved the fact that she was a carpenter and that she wanted her own adventures and quests. Littagale is no stereotypical damsel in distress, fainting at the merest hint of danger, and swooning over princes, and that's a very good thing indeed. Somerville's illustrations are incredible. I found myself looking forward to each new chapter to discover the newest illustration. They're marvelously detailed, brightly colored, and a lot of fun to explore. Littagale is not the only non-traditional character worth proclaiming about in A Fairly Fairy Tale. It's filled with remarkable princes and princesses, a witch, and a most unforgettable, lactose-intolerant dragon. While A Fairly Fairy Tale is written for a preteen audience, don't let that dissuade you from taking a look between the covers. This fairy tale rocks and it's most highly recommended.
December 29, 2016
A WISHING SHELF BOOK REVIEW
26th December, 2016
TITLE: A Fairly Fairy Tale
AUTHOR: Sunshine Somerville
Star Rating: 4.5
Stats:
Cover: 7/10
Story/Plot: 10/10
Writing Style: 10/10
Editing: 9/10
CATCHY QUOTE
‘Wonderfully witty and charming in every way. Highly recommended.’ A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
REVIEW
There are many wonderful elements to this story but by far the best is the fact it is different. Being a parent, I often feel exasperated by the endless Disney films full of big-eyed, ridiculously skinny damsels being saved by a tall, handsome prince. Well this story is different. Not only is it very funny and wonderfully illustrated, but the message to children, particularly to girls, is a message parents will want them to understand.
The refreshingly simple and often very clever writing style adds a lot to the story. The author has excellent comic timing and the book is full of little gems that will make any child giggle. I particularly liked this: If you looked up “prince” in the library scrolls, his picture would be there (literally, because he’d drawn pictures of himself in the scrolls as a kid).
There is a vast array of characters in the book, and most of them are interesting and well-developed. The author seems to know her characters very well, even if they were only in it for a line or two. I was particularly fond of Prince Nolan and the wily Princess Littagale; both are richly devised and have a depth often only discovered in books thirty chapters longer.
However, I must admit, I did not love the illustrations. They were okay but they looked a bit amateurish to me; almost too simple, too computer-generated, and they paled compared to the cunningly devised plot and rich character descriptions.
So, would I recommend this book? Absolutely! I would think any child aged 9 – 13 would find the characters intriguing, and the plot mesmerizing. Also, and this is important, I think parents would not only enjoy it too, but would be happy with the message cleverly hidden away in the folds of this quirky fairy tale.
I always like to end on my ‘favourite line’ Well, this is it: Littagale made a face. “But it’s such an archaic tradition.” “It’s the tenth century, dear. Everything’s archaic.”
A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk
26th December, 2016
TITLE: A Fairly Fairy Tale
AUTHOR: Sunshine Somerville
Star Rating: 4.5
Stats:
Cover: 7/10
Story/Plot: 10/10
Writing Style: 10/10
Editing: 9/10
CATCHY QUOTE
‘Wonderfully witty and charming in every way. Highly recommended.’ A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
REVIEW
There are many wonderful elements to this story but by far the best is the fact it is different. Being a parent, I often feel exasperated by the endless Disney films full of big-eyed, ridiculously skinny damsels being saved by a tall, handsome prince. Well this story is different. Not only is it very funny and wonderfully illustrated, but the message to children, particularly to girls, is a message parents will want them to understand.
The refreshingly simple and often very clever writing style adds a lot to the story. The author has excellent comic timing and the book is full of little gems that will make any child giggle. I particularly liked this: If you looked up “prince” in the library scrolls, his picture would be there (literally, because he’d drawn pictures of himself in the scrolls as a kid).
There is a vast array of characters in the book, and most of them are interesting and well-developed. The author seems to know her characters very well, even if they were only in it for a line or two. I was particularly fond of Prince Nolan and the wily Princess Littagale; both are richly devised and have a depth often only discovered in books thirty chapters longer.
However, I must admit, I did not love the illustrations. They were okay but they looked a bit amateurish to me; almost too simple, too computer-generated, and they paled compared to the cunningly devised plot and rich character descriptions.
So, would I recommend this book? Absolutely! I would think any child aged 9 – 13 would find the characters intriguing, and the plot mesmerizing. Also, and this is important, I think parents would not only enjoy it too, but would be happy with the message cleverly hidden away in the folds of this quirky fairy tale.
I always like to end on my ‘favourite line’ Well, this is it: Littagale made a face. “But it’s such an archaic tradition.” “It’s the tenth century, dear. Everything’s archaic.”
A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk
January 13, 2017
A nineteen-year-old princess who only wants to travel the world is forced into waiting for the winning prince in the games to be her husband. But maybe her stepmother has a way out. Maybe there is a way out of waiting for the strongest prince to win her. Maybe there is a way she can marry someone of value. Maybe it involves a sneaky, old, tired but kind dragon. But maybe the person she loves was always right in front of her.
Opinion:
I thought this was a good book. The plot was genius and original. At times it was a little bit hard to follow who was talking, but I figured it out by rereading. I loved the personalities of the characters; they were very specific and showed the characters through actions and dialogue. The only downside was that there was not a lot of imagery or details about the setting; it was just events written out. I would have liked to see more description in this area, but it was still an enjoyable read. This book would be great for people who love an unconventional fairy tale where the princess can take care of herself.
Reviewed by a LitPick student book reviewer Age: 13
Opinion:
I thought this was a good book. The plot was genius and original. At times it was a little bit hard to follow who was talking, but I figured it out by rereading. I loved the personalities of the characters; they were very specific and showed the characters through actions and dialogue. The only downside was that there was not a lot of imagery or details about the setting; it was just events written out. I would have liked to see more description in this area, but it was still an enjoyable read. This book would be great for people who love an unconventional fairy tale where the princess can take care of herself.
Reviewed by a LitPick student book reviewer Age: 13
January 14, 2017
For disclosure purposes, I received an advanced copy through Goodreads' Giveaways.
I'm sure if I tried, I could make this a long-winded review. But I'll save us all, and just say that this was a cute and quirky read all the way around. The storyline was unique and charming, and the dry, sarcastic, and wry humor of Tor was a show-stealer.
(There were a few spelling and grammatical inconsistencies, but a final round of editing will easily rectify that.)
Great read!
I'm sure if I tried, I could make this a long-winded review. But I'll save us all, and just say that this was a cute and quirky read all the way around. The storyline was unique and charming, and the dry, sarcastic, and wry humor of Tor was a show-stealer.
(There were a few spelling and grammatical inconsistencies, but a final round of editing will easily rectify that.)
Great read!
January 22, 2017
This book will take you back to your childhood. It is a delightful fairy tale that will entertain and enchant you. It definitely will have you rooting for the dragon. Dragons can be so misunderstood.
December 12, 2016
Great story. Light hearted and fun for all ages. It really makes you rethink some of the behind the scenes action f I'm your favorite old-time fairy tales.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews