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All The Queen's Sons
"All the queen's sons have such a talent for spoiling their shoes, and no one can tell why. Not even the greatest detectives!" Lucerne is a great queen, beloved by her people, but constantly thwarted by her own sons and the secrets they keep. Verity Grandin is a feisty shoemaker’s daughter who just wants her family’s life back the way it was before they slaved to make shoes for six royal rebels. Add the princes themselves into the mix, and what could ensue but a merry-go-round of mischief, mystery, and mayhem? Expectations will be flipped upside down and backwards in this fresh spin on the classic fairy tale, The Dancing Princesses.
133 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 23, 2020
7 people are currently reading
756 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Kipps
1 book35 followersElizabeth Kipps is a lover of words and wonder who crafts stories for the young and young at heart. Small joys in her life include baking pies, addressing envelopes, and paying for things in exact change. She resides in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia with a mischievous white cat and an inordinate number of bookshelves.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
November 25, 2025
3.5 stars ⭐️ Clean Fiction - Fairytale Retelling (no actual magic)
At first, I didn’t know where this story was going with all the different characters and backgrounds mentioned, but I kept reading and I ended up really enjoying it! There was a major emphasis on family and sibling relationships which was very sweet and fun to read. I would have preferred a little more romance hints for Verity and a certain prince, but it ends in a way that there could be years in the future, so I’m not too upset about that. I need more gender-swapped retellings in my life and this was a good hidden gem with that!
Main Content:
No actual magic content, but there’s mentions and references to magic and faeries (which Verity doesn’t believe exist, but one of the princes does and teases her about it). A possible sighting of a faerie at the end.
A few mentions of witches (once which Verity notes that a friend would point out that “the witches in fairy tales turned out to be good fairies just as often as not”); A few mentions of a creature called a “grue” that has large wings and sharp fangs; A few mentions of the ruins of a chapel/abbey; A mention of a prayer (but not towards Whom).
No major language, other words like ‘hussy’, ‘shut up’, and ‘idiot’ are said; Some eye rolling & Sarcasm.
There is quite a bit of lies, lying, & keeping secrets with both Verity and the princes due to the secret of their nighty adventures; Apologizes for lying and forgiveness happen.
The princes do not feel close to their mother and view her more as their queen than a mother (noting that they do love her, but don’t feel like she cares for them as her sons).
Verity stops a group of boys from throwing rocks at an old woman.
Mentions of deaths & grief (including a mother in childbirth); Mentions of lies, lying, & deception; Mentions of wine & a kid drugging adults with a sleeping tonic; A few mentions of stealing; A couple mentions of people trying to murder a king; A mention of executions; A mention of a kidnapped baby that was found.
Hand kisses (greetings/thanks) & a cheek kiss.
Touches, Dancing, Nearness, & Noticing (up to a couple sentences, very light if any attraction); Blushes.
At the beginning, we are told about a young woman who got married at seventeen and just a year later has changed her opinion that marriage was overrated (as a bit more times passes, though, she falls in love with her husband and thinks that marriage isn’t so bad).
Hints of crushes & paying attention to someone of the opposite gender; Verity has an unwanted admirer; A guard winks at Verity when she enters the royal family’s private suites.
A few mentions of one of the prince’s looks driving all the ladies “mad”.
At first, I didn’t know where this story was going with all the different characters and backgrounds mentioned, but I kept reading and I ended up really enjoying it! There was a major emphasis on family and sibling relationships which was very sweet and fun to read. I would have preferred a little more romance hints for Verity and a certain prince, but it ends in a way that there could be years in the future, so I’m not too upset about that. I need more gender-swapped retellings in my life and this was a good hidden gem with that!
Main Content:
No actual magic content, but there’s mentions and references to magic and faeries (which Verity doesn’t believe exist, but one of the princes does and teases her about it). A possible sighting of a faerie at the end.
A few mentions of witches (once which Verity notes that a friend would point out that “the witches in fairy tales turned out to be good fairies just as often as not”); A few mentions of a creature called a “grue” that has large wings and sharp fangs; A few mentions of the ruins of a chapel/abbey; A mention of a prayer (but not towards Whom).
No major language, other words like ‘hussy’, ‘shut up’, and ‘idiot’ are said; Some eye rolling & Sarcasm.
There is quite a bit of lies, lying, & keeping secrets with both Verity and the princes due to the secret of their nighty adventures; Apologizes for lying and forgiveness happen.
The princes do not feel close to their mother and view her more as their queen than a mother (noting that they do love her, but don’t feel like she cares for them as her sons).
Verity stops a group of boys from throwing rocks at an old woman.
Mentions of deaths & grief (including a mother in childbirth); Mentions of lies, lying, & deception; Mentions of wine & a kid drugging adults with a sleeping tonic; A few mentions of stealing; A couple mentions of people trying to murder a king; A mention of executions; A mention of a kidnapped baby that was found.
Hand kisses (greetings/thanks) & a cheek kiss.
Touches, Dancing, Nearness, & Noticing (up to a couple sentences, very light if any attraction); Blushes.
At the beginning, we are told about a young woman who got married at seventeen and just a year later has changed her opinion that marriage was overrated (as a bit more times passes, though, she falls in love with her husband and thinks that marriage isn’t so bad).
Hints of crushes & paying attention to someone of the opposite gender; Verity has an unwanted admirer; A guard winks at Verity when she enters the royal family’s private suites.
A few mentions of one of the prince’s looks driving all the ladies “mad”.
October 25, 2020
A PURE DELIGHT. I haven't been into fairytale retellings for the last few months, but I think this book has sucked me back into the void! Kipps's writing style pulled me in from the very beginning. The princes were so much fun and distinct (the way the plot incorporates each of their characters into the story was fabulous!); Verity was a riot; and the twists on the original fairytale elements were tied in so neatly! The humor was spot-on and the plot-- not to mention the length-- of the book makes it easy to read in one or two sittings. The ending leaves you hoping for more! I can't wait to read more by this author :)
October 17, 2020
A gender-bender 12 Dancing Princesses retelling?
This book was delightful. From the clever heroine to the mischievous princes, everything about this book made for a charming read. It tells a really sweet tale in a fairly short amount of space, wrapping things up nicely but also leaving things for the imagination. (Or perhaps a sequel???)
I definitely recommend reading this one when it comes out October 23rd! I know I'll be back for a re-read in the future.
Until then I'm going to use this as an excuse to re-watch Barbie's 12 Dancing Princesses.
I received this book as an ARC from the author. * insert usual disclaimers here *
This book was delightful. From the clever heroine to the mischievous princes, everything about this book made for a charming read. It tells a really sweet tale in a fairly short amount of space, wrapping things up nicely but also leaving things for the imagination. (Or perhaps a sequel???)
I definitely recommend reading this one when it comes out October 23rd! I know I'll be back for a re-read in the future.
Until then I'm going to use this as an excuse to re-watch Barbie's 12 Dancing Princesses.
I received this book as an ARC from the author. * insert usual disclaimers here *
March 11, 2021
2021: Read aloud to my grands (girl 7, boy 10, boy 12, boy 15) and they LOVED it. Sometimes when I read a book aloud they humor me; I can tell when their attention wanders. This tale about six princes and the girl they all enjoy talking with held their interest 100% of the time. It elicited unsolicited praise.
2020: "Well," she said, "people do grow out of fairy tales. But they grow back into them, just as often as not."
Elizabeth Kipps has written a cracking good story that is pure pleasure to read. I haven't had so much fun with a book in a long time. I am eager to read it to my grandkids; it will delight the girl and all her brothers.
I look forward to more books from this author.
First response:
Unqualified praise! I loved reading this so much that I started over for a second read. I'll be back soon with more thoughts.
2020: "Well," she said, "people do grow out of fairy tales. But they grow back into them, just as often as not."
Elizabeth Kipps has written a cracking good story that is pure pleasure to read. I haven't had so much fun with a book in a long time. I am eager to read it to my grandkids; it will delight the girl and all her brothers.
I look forward to more books from this author.
First response:
Unqualified praise! I loved reading this so much that I started over for a second read. I'll be back soon with more thoughts.
December 9, 2021
Absolutely delightful the whole way through.
This book... it made me laugh; it was so innocent and funny and darling. The writing is not modern - rather, reading All the Queen's Sons made me feel like a child listening to a whimsical storyteller... fairytaleish to the uttermost. This book is a rousing romp, full of mischief and tenderness and heart. It did my heart good to read it.
This book... it made me laugh; it was so innocent and funny and darling. The writing is not modern - rather, reading All the Queen's Sons made me feel like a child listening to a whimsical storyteller... fairytaleish to the uttermost. This book is a rousing romp, full of mischief and tenderness and heart. It did my heart good to read it.
January 12, 2022
I really, really loved so much about this story! I don't know if it was intentional, but I fell in love with the princes from the moment we met them, never mind that Verity was extremely miffed with them at the time. I actually liked Verity better as she got to know them more, rather than the other way around. :)
The princes were absolutely wonderfully drawn--all their different personalities were excellent and SO true to life! And the brother banter was THE ABSOLUTE BEST! (I also happen to have six brothers, so I know brother banter, okay? This book completely nailed it!) The boys weren't perfect by any stretch, and some of their conduct was undoubtedly wrong, but seeing the state of things that had driven them to it just made me want to wrap them up in a hug. Christy especially--I ADORED Christy. <3<3<3 I hope that's not spoilers, but I don't know how anyone could help it, so...
As I said before, Verity grew on me more and more as the story went on and she began to see beyond her own perspective. Her Nonna was excellent as well, and I loved her responses to various situations. :D
As far as the plot went, I was amazed at how much change and character development the author was able to pack into such a short timeframe, when seemingly not that much had changed. But several points near the end had me actually tearing up, for multiple characters, and if you know me, you know that's really saying something. There were a few phrases that felt a little modern for the general feel of the rest of the setting, but not that many, and only one part of the mystery that bugged me a bit.
The only thing that knocks about a half-star off my personal rating was the way that references to things like magic and fairies were threaded around if not into the story. The story itself was non-magical, but there was talk about believing in fairies (which Verity thought was silly) or wishing magic was real so you could disappear in an uncomfortable situation and other things like that. It wasn't ever portrayed as real, but it was a little bit hard to get away from entirely, for someone whose personal convictions are strong on that point. There was also a mysterious old woman who was called a witch, although this was assumed not to be true, but her part in the story was odd and unexplained at best and left me a little unsure what the author meant by it and whether something more was happening under the surface that I didn't pick up on. But like I said, that whole issue only knocked half of a star off for vague discomfort for me.
That one minor issue aside, I really loved this story. Especially the characters. More especially the princes. Most especially Christy. That is all. ;)
4.5 stars
Content--see above for mentions of magic, etc.; some disobedience, lies, and disrespect (explained but not condoned); mentions of people drinking wine and being drugged; a young man pays unwanted attentions to a young woman (nothing over the line); a young woman sneaks around a young men's bedroom; mentions of arranged and loveless marriages; dancing (not sensual); one quick cheek kiss
The princes were absolutely wonderfully drawn--all their different personalities were excellent and SO true to life! And the brother banter was THE ABSOLUTE BEST! (I also happen to have six brothers, so I know brother banter, okay? This book completely nailed it!) The boys weren't perfect by any stretch, and some of their conduct was undoubtedly wrong, but seeing the state of things that had driven them to it just made me want to wrap them up in a hug. Christy especially--I ADORED Christy. <3<3<3 I hope that's not spoilers, but I don't know how anyone could help it, so...
As I said before, Verity grew on me more and more as the story went on and she began to see beyond her own perspective. Her Nonna was excellent as well, and I loved her responses to various situations. :D
As far as the plot went, I was amazed at how much change and character development the author was able to pack into such a short timeframe, when seemingly not that much had changed. But several points near the end had me actually tearing up, for multiple characters, and if you know me, you know that's really saying something. There were a few phrases that felt a little modern for the general feel of the rest of the setting, but not that many, and only one part of the mystery that bugged me a bit.
The only thing that knocks about a half-star off my personal rating was the way that references to things like magic and fairies were threaded around if not into the story. The story itself was non-magical, but there was talk about believing in fairies (which Verity thought was silly) or wishing magic was real so you could disappear in an uncomfortable situation and other things like that. It wasn't ever portrayed as real, but it was a little bit hard to get away from entirely, for someone whose personal convictions are strong on that point. There was also a mysterious old woman who was called a witch, although this was assumed not to be true, but her part in the story was odd and unexplained at best and left me a little unsure what the author meant by it and whether something more was happening under the surface that I didn't pick up on. But like I said, that whole issue only knocked half of a star off for vague discomfort for me.
That one minor issue aside, I really loved this story. Especially the characters. More especially the princes. Most especially Christy. That is all. ;)
4.5 stars
Content--see above for mentions of magic, etc.; some disobedience, lies, and disrespect (explained but not condoned); mentions of people drinking wine and being drugged; a young man pays unwanted attentions to a young woman (nothing over the line); a young woman sneaks around a young men's bedroom; mentions of arranged and loveless marriages; dancing (not sensual); one quick cheek kiss
February 18, 2024
This lovely novella-length fairy tale retelling emphasizes the importance of family, encouragement, and trust. It reimagines The Twelve Dancing Princesses, but gender-bent and with a more fantasyish-historical feel.
The main characters are delights, and Kipps did an amazing job making each prince distinct. Not to mention our charming heroine, who has her own motivation for wanting the princes’ nightly fun to end — and it’s not what you’d expect, and it’s not what motivated the old soldier in the original.
All the Queen’s Sons is such good fun — and it’s clean, and well-written enough to be enjoyed by preteens, teens, and adults alike. It’s cozy, funny, daring, darling, and happy.
I want more stories like this one!
The main characters are delights, and Kipps did an amazing job making each prince distinct. Not to mention our charming heroine, who has her own motivation for wanting the princes’ nightly fun to end — and it’s not what you’d expect, and it’s not what motivated the old soldier in the original.
All the Queen’s Sons is such good fun — and it’s clean, and well-written enough to be enjoyed by preteens, teens, and adults alike. It’s cozy, funny, daring, darling, and happy.
I want more stories like this one!
September 29, 2024
This book is so quaint, sweet, and satisfying. I have read it so many times, and I will keep reading it. The characters are so well-written (particularly the princes) that I can't help but compare them to those I know in my mind. If I could get anyone else to read it, I'm sure they'd love it too.
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September 18, 2020What a delightful twist on the Twelve Dancing Princesses (er . . . six dancing princes?) fairy tale! Sooo much fun! (I copyedited this, but as an unbiased reader I quite enjoyed it. ^_^)
January 16, 2021
5/5 stars
Six princes who manage to destroy their shoes in a fortnight. The shoemaker's daughter who is forced to spend her days making new shoes for them. One very frustrated queen who wants to know what her sons are up to. Verity, the shoemaker's daughter, agrees to attempt to solve the mystery of what the princes do to destroy the shoes--and what she finds is completely unexpected.
This gender-bent re-telling of the Dancing Princesses is so clever and intriguing! The author has a witty and amusing writing style that is very unlike other authors! I laughed aloud on several occasions as the book progressed! Verity's frustration with the princes was quite funny, but I loved how her sleuthing resulted in the truth behind the princes and their behavior. The princes themselves all have such different personalities, but I really liked all six of them by the end!
This fairytale re-telling has a little bit of magic mixed with a whole lot of heart. It was wholesome and amusing all at once! And it was completely clean!
Anyone who loves a good fairytale re-telling or just a quick, wholesome read should give this story a shot!
Six princes who manage to destroy their shoes in a fortnight. The shoemaker's daughter who is forced to spend her days making new shoes for them. One very frustrated queen who wants to know what her sons are up to. Verity, the shoemaker's daughter, agrees to attempt to solve the mystery of what the princes do to destroy the shoes--and what she finds is completely unexpected.
This gender-bent re-telling of the Dancing Princesses is so clever and intriguing! The author has a witty and amusing writing style that is very unlike other authors! I laughed aloud on several occasions as the book progressed! Verity's frustration with the princes was quite funny, but I loved how her sleuthing resulted in the truth behind the princes and their behavior. The princes themselves all have such different personalities, but I really liked all six of them by the end!
This fairytale re-telling has a little bit of magic mixed with a whole lot of heart. It was wholesome and amusing all at once! And it was completely clean!
Anyone who loves a good fairytale re-telling or just a quick, wholesome read should give this story a shot!
January 10, 2021
A charming non-magical retelling that left me feeling quite satisfied!
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December 16, 2020In All the Queen's Sons, Elizabeth Kipps uses the gender-bending technique to create a fresh new take on the story of the dancing royals. It's a clever premise, and the author's devotion to it is evident. Queen's Sons is a labor of love, and it shows on every page.
Verity Grandin, the female iteration of the original's soldier, is a particular stand-out. Her determination to become the queen's spy, and the series of events that led to her instatement, were uniquely and deftly handled.
That said, I would have appreciated a more original set of character motivations for the princes. A large part of the mystery inherent in the original fairytale is the question of why these siblings are so committed to reprising their clandestine dances every night -- and why the dances have to be clandestine in the first place. Unfortunately, most of the retellings I've encountered have used the same angle to explain it, and valid as that angle may be, I'd like to see a more complex exploration once in a while.
Additionally, while I'm not opposed to third-person omniscient narration, its role in this story seemed awkward. I felt that the author was telling me the characters' thoughts and emotions, when it would have been more effective for her to show me through subtler means. (I don't mind if an author tells me what is going on inside a character's head, but generally speaking I want the author to use hints rather than statements if they're going to do so.)
Finally, the writing itself read a touch too simplistic. I sensed that the author had a very specific vision for the way the story should be told, which I appreciated, but the execution of that vision occasionally faltered --at least, for me. (And I say this as someone who truly values simplicity in storytelling. It's a tricky balance to achieve.)
All in all: a quaint retelling in the tradition of old-fashioned, pastoral fairytale fantasy. A few weaknesses kept me from loving it, but it was soothing and whimsical. Many thanks to Ms. Kipps for allowing me to read it!
I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. It is my policy to only assign star ratings to indie books received for review if they are unqualified 5-star reads.
Verity Grandin, the female iteration of the original's soldier, is a particular stand-out. Her determination to become the queen's spy, and the series of events that led to her instatement, were uniquely and deftly handled.
That said, I would have appreciated a more original set of character motivations for the princes. A large part of the mystery inherent in the original fairytale is the question of why these siblings are so committed to reprising their clandestine dances every night -- and why the dances have to be clandestine in the first place. Unfortunately, most of the retellings I've encountered have used the same angle to explain it, and valid as that angle may be, I'd like to see a more complex exploration once in a while.
Additionally, while I'm not opposed to third-person omniscient narration, its role in this story seemed awkward. I felt that the author was telling me the characters' thoughts and emotions, when it would have been more effective for her to show me through subtler means. (I don't mind if an author tells me what is going on inside a character's head, but generally speaking I want the author to use hints rather than statements if they're going to do so.)
Finally, the writing itself read a touch too simplistic. I sensed that the author had a very specific vision for the way the story should be told, which I appreciated, but the execution of that vision occasionally faltered --at least, for me. (And I say this as someone who truly values simplicity in storytelling. It's a tricky balance to achieve.)
All in all: a quaint retelling in the tradition of old-fashioned, pastoral fairytale fantasy. A few weaknesses kept me from loving it, but it was soothing and whimsical. Many thanks to Ms. Kipps for allowing me to read it!
I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. It is my policy to only assign star ratings to indie books received for review if they are unqualified 5-star reads.
January 9, 2021
Extra star for the exceptionally satisfying ending. I disagree about how old a person has to be when they marry (having witnessed my aunt's marriage of 50+ years after she married at 15). Maturity, not age - and nothing will mature a person quicker than marriage (well, except having children). The characters were likable. I kept expecting a fairy tale. It isn't. It also isn't sappy.
edited to add: The more I reflect on this story, the more I identify with the queen. Not a happy thought, but valuable, none-the-less. I want to be more intentional and loving in my parenting. I want to nurture my children in ways that will cause them to flourish and mature AND feel loved. I have changed my rating to reflect this because, as all good books do, it has changed my mind for the better.
edited to add: The more I reflect on this story, the more I identify with the queen. Not a happy thought, but valuable, none-the-less. I want to be more intentional and loving in my parenting. I want to nurture my children in ways that will cause them to flourish and mature AND feel loved. I have changed my rating to reflect this because, as all good books do, it has changed my mind for the better.
April 12, 2021
This was a cute, happy fairy tale in a fairy tale sort of style. I would love more stories with the characters (especially the princes) the bro's relationships were awesome!
Heading into it, I didn't realize the majority of the characters were younger (I believe the main character, Verity, is fifteen and the princes are around that age or younger), also (semi spoiler: there are six princes, not twelve, which is probably a good thing because I would have gotten them mixed up end semi spoiler). Verity is the main character, although it also goes to the other characters' pov occasionally.
It did take me a few chapters to really get into it, but it was worth it. :) The ending made me happy. This is a clean read and I'm hoping to throw my phone at a younger sibling to read it.
Heading into it, I didn't realize the majority of the characters were younger (I believe the main character, Verity, is fifteen and the princes are around that age or younger), also (semi spoiler: there are six princes, not twelve, which is probably a good thing because I would have gotten them mixed up end semi spoiler). Verity is the main character, although it also goes to the other characters' pov occasionally.
It did take me a few chapters to really get into it, but it was worth it. :) The ending made me happy. This is a clean read and I'm hoping to throw my phone at a younger sibling to read it.
December 6, 2020
Such a fun retelling of one of my favorite fairy tales! Exceptional writing and endearing characters.
December 13, 2020
Well written, though it takes a bit for the story to get going. I enjoyed it very much.
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January 16, 2021
I have no words! It was AMAZING!
All the Queen's Sons is set in a fantasy land that is about as practical as you can get. There are bakers and really good schools and some speculation over whether fairies are real or not. All the usual. There are definitely the princes the village girls sigh over and one girl who is angry at them. I'm sure you'll find out why. (laughs because it's really obvious, but it makes for good prose)
Characters:
Verity - ambitious, loving of her family (mutters about my bleeding heart at the end)
the Sons - the princes (really, I'll let you find out on your own; it's better that way)
the Queen - sedate and proper, everything a queen
Plot:
ATQS is short, but it pulls you in with a style of writing that I haven't seen in a while. It was refreshing. The pacing was smooth, but the suspense built with every chapter that passed. (I stayed up until 2am until I made myself go to sleep)
Content Warnings:
The only thing that I would write is that the boys are latently mistreated my their mother. It's NOT abuse. But they are princes, so her standards are more stone-like, and less loving.
The Biblical aspect I found in this book was the constant reminder that we are more than what we are on the outside.
"...For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart." - Samuel 16:7
You are worth so much more that what you look like or what people think of you. The King of Kings loves you.
"...I have loved you with an everlasting love;..." - Jeremiah 31:3
All the Queen's Sons is set in a fantasy land that is about as practical as you can get. There are bakers and really good schools and some speculation over whether fairies are real or not. All the usual. There are definitely the princes the village girls sigh over and one girl who is angry at them. I'm sure you'll find out why. (laughs because it's really obvious, but it makes for good prose)
Characters:
Verity - ambitious, loving of her family (mutters about my bleeding heart at the end)
the Sons - the princes (really, I'll let you find out on your own; it's better that way)
the Queen - sedate and proper, everything a queen
Plot:
ATQS is short, but it pulls you in with a style of writing that I haven't seen in a while. It was refreshing. The pacing was smooth, but the suspense built with every chapter that passed. (I stayed up until 2am until I made myself go to sleep)
Content Warnings:
The only thing that I would write is that the boys are latently mistreated my their mother. It's NOT abuse. But they are princes, so her standards are more stone-like, and less loving.
The Biblical aspect I found in this book was the constant reminder that we are more than what we are on the outside.
"...For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart." - Samuel 16:7
You are worth so much more that what you look like or what people think of you. The King of Kings loves you.
"...I have loved you with an everlasting love;..." - Jeremiah 31:3
March 13, 2024
So, this book isn't bad by any means. It's cute, it's short, it had a beginning, middle, and end. I just wasn't as wowed as I wanted to be. I love fairytale retellings, and I specifically really wanted to find a 12 Dancing Princesses retelling (there are surprisingly few) so this book had been on my to read list for quite some time.
I think what this book does well is capturing the essence of a fairytale. I could imagine reading this to young readers and them having an absolute ball with it. It's sweet, it's straight to the point, and it doesn't hide what it's trying to be. It's a cute story. The plot is easy to follow and simple to understand. It's charming and it does read like a bedtime story, which I do enjoy.
I think my greatest wish was just for more. I wanted more time with the characters, I wanted to reach more depth with them, more time to establish relationships. For how long the story is, the pacing is fine, but I wish the entire thing was just stretched a little more. I wanted more from our main protagonist Verity especially, as she felt a tad bland, at times a vehicle to meet each prince and feel guilty about liking them. And while I would've loved more, I don't know if that was Kipps intention. She might've desired to create a charming simple fairytale that didn't need more to tell the story she wanted to tell.
It's far from an unenjoyable read. I'd say if you're debating whether to pick it up, I say go for it. It's a quick read that will have you smiling.
I think what this book does well is capturing the essence of a fairytale. I could imagine reading this to young readers and them having an absolute ball with it. It's sweet, it's straight to the point, and it doesn't hide what it's trying to be. It's a cute story. The plot is easy to follow and simple to understand. It's charming and it does read like a bedtime story, which I do enjoy.
I think my greatest wish was just for more. I wanted more time with the characters, I wanted to reach more depth with them, more time to establish relationships. For how long the story is, the pacing is fine, but I wish the entire thing was just stretched a little more. I wanted more from our main protagonist Verity especially, as she felt a tad bland, at times a vehicle to meet each prince and feel guilty about liking them. And while I would've loved more, I don't know if that was Kipps intention. She might've desired to create a charming simple fairytale that didn't need more to tell the story she wanted to tell.
It's far from an unenjoyable read. I'd say if you're debating whether to pick it up, I say go for it. It's a quick read that will have you smiling.
January 9, 2025
This was really enjoyable. It’s a gender-bent 12 Dancing Princesses retelling, which is something I haven’t seen done before!
I really liked the lighthearted nature of the book. There wasn’t a curse forcing the princes to dance, but Verity still had to figure out the why of it.
I loved the banter between the princes, and how they really did all love each other and wanted to be together.
Verity’s struggle with the truth had me rooting for the best outcome for everyone, and while I loved the ending, I did wish there was at least a little more romance (like maybe just a hint of what could be in the future)! But at the same time, Verity is 15, and this is definitely a good fit for younger teens!
I really liked the lighthearted nature of the book. There wasn’t a curse forcing the princes to dance, but Verity still had to figure out the why of it.
I loved the banter between the princes, and how they really did all love each other and wanted to be together.
Verity’s struggle with the truth had me rooting for the best outcome for everyone, and while I loved the ending, I did wish there was at least a little more romance (like maybe just a hint of what could be in the future)! But at the same time, Verity is 15, and this is definitely a good fit for younger teens!
September 2, 2025
All The Queen's Sons is a charming retelling of the Twelve Dancing Princesses.
Kipp's writing style fits wonderfully with the retelling and was super fun to read. Verity's no-nonsense character was fun, and you can't help but like the princes as you meet them.
The complexity of the story felt more middlegrade rather than YA, but I liked that. It was a little refreshing to read a simple (but not in a bad way) story. There also weren't any super unique elements to the retellings, but I still really enjoyed All The Queen's Sons. It was a fun, light-hearted, quick read.
Cautions: light romance
Kipp's writing style fits wonderfully with the retelling and was super fun to read. Verity's no-nonsense character was fun, and you can't help but like the princes as you meet them.
The complexity of the story felt more middlegrade rather than YA, but I liked that. It was a little refreshing to read a simple (but not in a bad way) story. There also weren't any super unique elements to the retellings, but I still really enjoyed All The Queen's Sons. It was a fun, light-hearted, quick read.
Cautions: light romance
January 16, 2021
This book surprised me in a good way. I wasn't sure what to expect but I found the characters really enjoyable. The story was fun and while there was no obvious magic, it felt magical in a way. I would have liked to see a little more character development of the Princes as well as the Queen but I really enjoyed getting to know Verity and watching her grow in wisdom and compassion. I wouldn't mind reading another story showing them several years down the road.
Content:
Sexual: none
Violence: none
Language: none
Content:
Sexual: none
Violence: none
Language: none
October 30, 2020
As the overly critical sister of the author, I have to say that I was disappointed at the lack of magic and invisibility cloaks in this retelling of the 12 Dancing Princesses. On the upside though, the story did stand on it's own, and the tale was well written. It would likely be greatly enjoyed by imaginative pre-teens, which I believe is the intended audience.
March 14, 2021
I met Liz through Bumble BFF and we both found out that we had writing in common! When I found out she had a book out I decided to give it a go. I will say that I’m very stingy with my five star ratings but I truly loved this cute YA story and feel is deserved it!
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April 5, 2021Unlike some of the other reviewers I never heard of this fairy tale, so I may have missed some subtleties in the text. Nevertheless, I enjoyed this tale immensely. The pacing is solid. The characters well thought out and developed. And the ending is satisfying and earned.
Kudos to Ms. Kipps!
Kudos to Ms. Kipps!
November 15, 2024
One of my absolute favorite magicless fairytale retellings!! It is soooooooooooo sweet!!! I LOVE the princes! They are each different yet have a bond that is so nice! I am kinda hoping there will be a sequel because I really want to see more of the characters.
December 1, 2020
I started reading this book without very much expectations. But going further and further into it I discovered such a beautiful story and I ended up loving Verity and the princes so much ❤️
December 20, 2020
Kipp’s unique style and voice adds a refreshing and enthralling perspective to a classic tale that reminds us all to take the time to see people for who they truly are!
March 25, 2021
A little heavy on backstory in the beginning but a very charming read. Definitely would read again.
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September 17, 2021cute lil filler read <3
March 1, 2022
really cute 🥺🥺🥺
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