The Twelve Dancing Princesses

by Jenni James

Twelve princesses, one gardener, and a mysterious secret . . .

As the castle gardener, Aleck is paid well, has his own room above the stables, and he is able to support his mother and younger brothers and sisters. Why would he risk it all for one girl?

For weeks now, Princess Cascadia and her eleven sisters have awakened each morning to swollen feet and tattered dancing slippers without any recollection of what happened. Why would someone do this to them? The king calls all the worthy men in the land to come and help solve the riddle of the twelve dancing princesses. The man who is able to sort the mystery will be allowed to choose one of the princesses to wed.

Cascadia immediately turns to Aleck for assistance. If anyone can help her, she knows it is him, and she knows of no man she would rather marry. But will Aleck be able to unravel the mysterious happenings and save the kingdom before those behind the scheme succeed?

Genres: Fantasy, Fairy Tales, Young Adult, Romance, Retellings, Fairy Tale Retellings, Magic

104 pages, Nook

First published November 17, 2013

About the author

CLEAN ROMANCE FOR TEENS:

*The Jane Austen Diaries*
Pride & Popularity (Aug 2011)
Persuaded (Aug. 2012)
Emmalee (Jan 2013)
Mansfield Ranch (Dec 2013)
Northanger Alibi (Feb. 2012)
Sensible & Sensational (July 2015)
Sand & Sun (2016)
The Wilsons
Queen Sydney

*Jenni James Faerie Tale Collection*
Beauty and the Beast
Sleeping Beauty
Rumplestiltskin
Cinderella
Hansel and Gretel
Jack and the Beanstalk
Snow White
The Frog Prince
Twelve Dancing Princesses
Rapunzel
The Little Mermaid
Peter Pan
Return to Neverland
The Forgotten Princess
The Princess With the Golden Touch
Little Red Riding Hood
(and more...)

MIDDLE GRADE READERS:
Prince Tennyson (May 2012)

EARLY READERS:

*Andy & Annie Collection*
A Ghost Story
Greeny Meany

WOMEN'S FICTION:

*Revitalizing Jane Series*
Drowning
Swimming
Crawling
Walking
Running
Soaring


CLEAN ROMANCE FOR ADULTS:

*Eternal Realm Series*
Eternity
Destiny
Divinity

Reviews

[Jenni James · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has finally been released! YAY! I hope you love it. It's definitely a fun twist on the adventure of one of my favorite fairy tales ever. :)

[Nikki H · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book i have never read a retelling of the twelve dancing princess before but as always Jenni james does not disappoint with this one and I would highly recommend it

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read several of these books and have enjoyed them all! I was excited to get The Twelve Dancing Princesses because it is one of my favorite fairy tales and I love to read re-tellings of this one in particular.

Princess Cascadia (Casey) is one of the princesses and has been making frequent trips to the garden lately to be around Aleck, one of the gardeners. During one of their conversations, she lets him in on the secret happening in her house: the princesses shoes are all worn through every morning, as if they've been dancing all night, but none of them remember leaving their beds. The King will allow whoever solves the mystery to wed one of his daughters so Aleck promises Casey that he will try his best to solve the mystery.

We meet Aleck's family and see how they play into the story. The basics to this fairy tale are all there but there some twists and the reason behind the dancing is original. The length is perfect for me. I was able to read it in one sitting and, since it is short, the story moves quickly. I was thoroughly entertained from beginning to end! This is a great collection to read if you enjoy fairy tale re-tellings. I'm excited for the books that are still to come and look forward to reading more!

I received a copy of this book via Singing Librarian Book Tours for an honest review. My opinion is 100% my own.

Mel's Shelves

[Amanda · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have always liked the story of the twelve dancing princesses, so I thought it would be fun to read this one. Ugh. Ugh, ugh, ugh. How has Jenni James got all these books published?

The basic bones of the story are there, but her explanation of why the princesses are dancing is dumb, the hero is insipid, and can I just say, I have almost never read worse dialogue in a book.

Ghastly, do not recommend.

If you want to read a great retelling of this story, check out Robin McKinley's version in the book A Door in the Hedge.

[Cindi · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was a very quick read for which I am grateful...the dialogue was as if the people lived I older days but it just bugged me. I'm not planning on reading anymore in this series any time soon. Ages 8+

[Sophie Lyons · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not one of the best in the series but it was ok

[Diksha Patel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Jenni James' rendition of 'The Twelve Dancing Princesses' presents a modern twist on a classic fairy tale, but unfortunately, it falls short of expectations, earning a two-star rating. While the concept of reimagining fairy tales for a contemporary audience is intriguing, the execution in this case leaves much to be desired.

One of the primary issues is the lack of depth in character development. The princesses, who could have been vibrant and multi-dimensional, come across as one-dimensional and lacking in individual personalities. As a reader, it was challenging to connect with or root for any of the characters.

The narrative pacing is another area of concern. The story moves swiftly, but it lacks the necessary build-up and tension that would make the reader invested in the fates of the characters. Subsequently, the climax and resolution feel rushed, leaving a sense of unfulfillment.

James attempts to infuse a contemporary feel into the fairy tale setting, but the execution feels forced at times. Modern elements and language occasionally clash with the fairy-tale ambiance, creating a disjointed reading experience.

Additionally, the dialogue, which is a crucial element in any fairy tale adaptation, often lacks the charm and wit that make such stories timeless. The interactions between characters lack the sparkle and magic that one expects from a fairy tale.

While the premise of reimagining classic tales is a commendable endeavor, 'The Twelve Dancing Princesses' fails to capture the enchantment and allure that make fairy tales endure through generations. For readers seeking a fresh take on timeless stories, this adaptation may not fully satisfy their expectations.

[Isabel · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was slightly better than the others, but not by much. I actually sort of liked Aleck in the beginning when we learned about him and his family. Once Casey came into the picture, I started to dislike him more as the book went on. The plot line is once again rushed, the characters have almost no depth, the “villain” is defeated in just s few pages, love that isn’t really love(more like infatuation), etc....

Oh and also this charming line: “Shh. Listen to me, you headstrong woman.”

This author is in the same league for writing bad fairytale retellings with Melanie Dickerson.

[Rrshively · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is perfect for many fifth and sixth grade girls. It takes a fairy tale and turns it into a chapter book. As an adult, I felt it was a little simple, especially the ending, but I would give it to any girl of that age who was interested.

[Rachael · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this retelling of the twelve dancing princesses. I have always loved the fairy tale ever since I saw the Barbie movie. I loved the twist she put on this story with the dancing enchantment and the romance. I'm now caught up to book 12 in the series.

[Ann Marie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This started out so good but as soon as he got into the castle it was like everything sped up super fast and he was a different person with his thoughts and actions. Disappointed in how the ending happened.

[Jalissa Mooney · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very different take on the story of the twelve dancing princesses, including the Barbie version. I like how a simple man who worked as a gardener at the castle is the hero. Also nice to see him get the girl in the end. Not every hero has to be a white knight in shinning armor.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Jenni James’s books! They are clean and well written. So far I have not read one I didn’t like. I am not overly familiar with the story of the dancing princesses so I can’t compare to the original. I needed this fluffy but exciting yet predictable love story right now.

[Jacqueline SG · Rating 2 out of 5]

The pretext is rather weak. The plot unoriginal......the only attraction is my fascination with the fairytale itself! So I have read several and this is the weakest.

[Leya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I dont recall the details extacly on the orignal version of this story, but i love Jenni James take on the classic tale.
very easy to read, could not put the book down.

[Rmsooon · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ive read " the twelve dancing princeses" ,, it was my least favorite ,, i ddnt enjoy it much ,, i gave it 1.5 out of 5

[Crystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute and quick.

[aem · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice retelling of Twelve Dancing Princesses with a little twist.

[Danni · Rating 4 out of 5]

good book

[Lenni Jones · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wasn't feeling this book at all. It's actually kinda sad since I have been dying to read this book forever. I don't have much more to say than that it was kinda disappointing and boring.

[Lauren · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just felt meh about this. Maybe younger readers would like it more, but it felt too simple to me. I didn't connect with any of the characters - they all felt flat, and it felt like I was just skimming the surface of the story, even though I know it was a novella. I needed more depth, more emotion. I wanted to see more of the relationship, not just the plot of the fairy tale over again.

I might still check out another from the series, though. The covers are lovely and I've heard the author speak at conferences and liked her, so maybe this just wasn't the right one for me. I also might have been spoiled by Jessica Day George's version, which I love.

[Katelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was great! The love story was cute and simple. A little fast and not as developed as Cinderella but still good. Again, no love-at-first-sight business going on. The gardener was a dear and ever so kind to everyone he was with. The author didn't go much in to Cascadia's character but she was good nonetheless. The story left on a good note, though a little to quick. The romance was romantic and the there were some touching parts to the story. For those looking for an in depth book with complex characters, don't bother. But it's a nice simple book and an easy read for a nice afternoon. Jenni James has done it again!

Moral note: some kissing and no cussing

[Addison Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh how I love this book! The characters are so wonderful and the story is so engaging! I flew through this book (kind of regretfully) but I just enjoyed it that much. The author of the Jane Austen Diaries does not disappoint in her Faerie Tale Collection! To say the phrase "I could not put it down" is an understatement. The story is so magical, charming, elegant (within the contents), and romantic. Aleck is such a great person and his devotion to Casey is absolutely sweet! An awesome read!

Highly, highly recommended!

[Jassa Myne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great fairy tale by this wonderful lady! I never would have thought that the 12 princesses didn't know what was going on. That is a great twist and turns out that it was much bigger than just the girls. I loved that too. Well done!

[Abdmoody · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the story and that it was slightly different than the story line most thought of. The ending was a bit flat. Or I possibly would have given it 4stars. It was the first of her Faerie tale collection that I read. I look forward to more.

[Jacklynn Pragosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was glad to re-read Casey’s and Aleck’s story again and solving the mystery of the dancing princesses. Since I just started reading this book yesterday, I somehow finished it today. I guess when you’re enamored in a book time flies pretty quickly.

[Emily Thibert · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you're looking for a disney or classic fairy tale, than look no further. If you're looking for a book that has character, action, mystery, romance and deep development, you might want to take a pass. All depends what you want to read and what you are craving at the moment. Lovely all the same.

[Maddie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.8 stars
Not bad, cute ending though

[Claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful tale :)