Book review: Princess of the Wild Swans by Diane Zahler

Princess of the Wild Swans by Diane Zahler (Published by HarperCollins, January 31, 2012)

Twelve-year-old Princess Meriel is the only girl in a family with five older brothers. Her mother died when she was very young, so it has just been Meriel, her brothers, and their father, the King, for as long as she can remember. Then one day her father returns home with a new wife, Lady Orianna. From the start, Meriel hates Lady Orianna. She doesn't trust her, especially after overhearing her argue with her father over the fact that if she has a son, he will never be king with five older brothers. The next day, when Meriel wakes up, her brothers are all gone. Lady Orianna says they have been sent away to school, but Meriel doesn't believe her.

Meriel is determined to find out the truth, but when she does, it is more awful than she ever could have imagined. Lady Orianna is a witch, and has cursed Meriel's brothers, transforming them all into swans. Meriel is the only one who can break the curse, but the task will be difficult. And she is running out of time, for it will soon be winter, and then her brothers will have to fly to a warmer land or they will die from the cold.

I was really looking forward to reading this book, since I enjoyed Diane Zahler's previous two fairy tale retellings, The Thirteenth Princess and A True Princess. I was not disappointed and enjoyed Princess of the Wild Swans as much as the previous two books. One of the things I really like about this author's books is that even though they are all set in magical lands, the settings are inspired by real places and cultures, and along with the traditional fairy tale stories she retells, she mixes in folklore and mythology from those places. The setting for this book reads like a fairy tale version of medieval Ireland, due to the Celtic names and folklore. I think readers who enjoyed Diane Zahler's previous books, or who enjoy fairy tale retellings or historical fantasy, would enjoy this book.

Disclosure: Review copy provided by publisher.

Book review: The Merchant's Daughter by Melanie Dickerson

The Merchant's Daughter by Melanie Dickerson (Published by Zondervan, November 29, 2011)

Seventeen-year-old Annabel Chapman grew up as the daughter of a wealthy merchant in 14th century England. Several years ago, her family’s fortune was lost when her father’s ships sank in a storm. Soon after that, her father died from the pestilence. Since then, her family, who believed themselves better than the other villagers because they were once wealthy, has refused to do their share of the required fieldwork. Until now they have managed to get away with it, but with the death of the absent old lord, and the arrival of the new lord, his son, they now must accept the punishment for their actions. They must either pay a fine they cannot afford, or one of them must go to work for three years as a servant to the new lord of the manor. Annabel's family wants to force her to marry Bailiff Tom, a repulsive, cruel man who is old enough to be her father, because he says he is willing to pay their fine if he can marry her. To avoid being forced into an unwanted marriage, Annabel volunteers herself as an indentured servant. Although the new lord is said to be beastly, she knows anything would be better than marrying Tom, even though she would prefer to become a nun so she can study the Bible and learn about God’s word.

Lord Ranulf le Wyse is the new lord now that his father has died. Although he is young, he is very bitter. He was badly scarred by a wolf several years ago. His wife, who married him only for his wealth, was repulsed by him and was unfaithful, and died only two years into their marriage. As a result, he doesn’t trust women and vows never to marry or fall in love again. At first, he sees Annabel as just another beautiful young woman who is not to be trusted. However, soon a friendship grows between Annabel and Ranulf, a friendship that could become something more, if they can overcome their fears of love and marriage.

The Merchant’s Daughter is an enjoyable and very sweet historical romance set in England in 1352. It is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast, so there is a bit of a fairy tale feel to the story too. I think I enjoyed this book even more than the author’s first book, The Healer’s Apprentice, which I read last year. I love anything set during the Medieval era and I loved how sweet and touching the romance was. I felt so badly for the characters and so wanted them to have a happy ending - Annabel because her family was so cruel and wanted her to marry such an awful man, and Ranulf because he was so kind and noble yet had been treated so badly by his wife. If you enjoy historical fiction, fairy tale retellings, or more “clean” romance novels, I highly recommend The Merchant’s Daughter.

Disclosure: Review copy provided by author.

Book review: The Princess Curse by Merrie Haskell

The Princess Curse by Merrie Haskell (Published by HarperCollins, September 6, 2011)

This creative and original retelling of "The Twelve Dancing Princesses" is set in Sylvania, a fictional region of Romania, in the fifteenth century. Thirteen-year-old Reveka has recently arrived at Castle Sylvian, where she is an apprentice to the castle's herbalist. Because her mother died when she was a baby and her father was a soldier, Reveka grew up in a convent until her father retired from the army, and it was there that she was first trained in herbalism. Unlike most girls, Reveka hopes never to marry and would prefer to become the herbalist for a convent, but she is not wealthy enough to obtain such a position.

For several years now, the twelve princesses of Sylvania have been cursed. Their dancing shoes are worn out every morning, but no one knows where they go at night. Anyone who stays with them at night to try to find out is cursed with a sleep that no one has woken from. Their father, Prince Vasile, is desperate to break the curse so his daughters can leave the castle to marry, because he has no sons and needs a grandson to be his heir. So he has offered a reward - if a man solves the mystery, he can marry one of the princesses, and if a woman solves the mystery, she will receive a dowry. Reveka knows she could use that dowry to join a convent as an herbalist, so she decides to investigate, and discovers a far more complicated msytery than she ever expected, leaving her with difficult choices.

I love fairy tale retellings, and The Princess Curse is now among my favorites in the genre. It's a wonderful mix of fairy tale, mythology, and historical fantasy, and Reveka is a delightful and entertaining narrator. I also loved the unusual setting of Medieval Romania, which really came to life. The Princess Curse is an enchanting debut novel by Merrie Haskell, and I look forward to reading her future books - in particular, I'd love to read a sequel to this book, because while it has a satisfying conclusion, I'd definitely love to read more of Reveka's adventures.

Disclosure: Review copy provided by publisher.

Book review: Entwined by Heather Dixon

Entwined by Heather Dixon (Published by Greenwillow, March 29, 2011)

Princesss Azalea is the oldest of twelve sisters. Although they are princesses, they are poor and their castle is not very elegant. Azalea hopes to fall in love, but as the oldest daughter, she must marry the man Parliament chooses to be the next king. Shortly after the birth of the youngest girl, Lily, their mother dies. They must now observe a year of mourning, which includes wearing black, putting dark curtains over all the windows, no parties, no going outside, and worst of all, no dancing. Their mother loved to dance, and dancing reminds the girls of her, but their father, who has become cold and distant, forbids it.

One day, by chance, Azalea comes across a secret passageway that leads to an enchanted pavilion where the girls can dance all night. The pavilion is watched over by the Keeper, who always prepares it for the girls' arrival. At first, Azalea and her sisters are just happy to have a place where they can dance again. But soon the Keeper becomes sinister and demanding and Azalea begins to fear him. Meanwhile, Azalea can't forget Mr. Bradford, a handsome gentleman she met at the last ball before her mother's death, but he thinks she is her sister and Azalea knows it is unlikely she will be able to marry for love.

As you may have already guessed if you enjoy fairy tale retellings, Entwined is a retelling of "The Twelve Dancing Princesses." This book is rather long and so it was a bit slow to get into at first, but I ended up really enjoying it. One of the reasons it is so long is the character development of the twelve sisters. Each girl has her own unique personality. The sisters are very close and it was touching how they comforted each other and tried to find some happiness after their mother's death. The world the story is set in seems to be based somewhat on Victorian England, with the beginnings of industrialization as well as the strict, complicated mourning customs. Recommended for readers who enjoy fairy tale retellings or historical fantasy.

Disclosure: Review copy provided by publisher.

Book review: A True Princess by Diane Zahler

A True Princess by Diane Zahler (Published by HarperCollins, February 1, 2011)

Lilia has never known her true identity. When she was around two years old, she was found floating down the river in a basket. The man who rescued her took her home and raised her alongside his own children, Kai and Karina. However, the man’s cruel wife, Ylva, the children’s stepmother, insisted on treating Lilia like a servant. Now that Lilia is almost thirteen years old, and Ylva is pregnant, she has decided Lilia must leave to work as a servant for another family, for there is not enough food and money. Lilia decides to leave on her own and try and find her lost family, and Kai and Karina, who hate their stepmother, too, decide to come along on the journey.

All goes well at first as Lilia, Kai, and Karina travel north, hoping to find Lilia’s family there, for travelers they have met from the North Kingdoms have the same dark hair and violet eyes that Lilia has. But then, while traveling through the Bitra Forest, said to be a cursed place, become lost and stumble into the territory of the Elf-King, who is powerful and cruel, and has stolen many children from their families and used his magic to enslave them. His selfish and spoiled daughter sees Kai and decides she must have him for her own. The only way Lilia and Karina can save Kai is to find a jewel the Elf-King’s daughter wants even more.

A True Princess is a very charming and sweet story. It is inspired by Scandinavian mythology and legends as well as the classic fairytale The Princess and the Pea. Lilia is a likable and brave heroine who never gives up in her quest to save her best friend, Kai, as well as the other children held captive by the Elf-King. This book is sure to be enjoyed by readers who enjoy fairytale retellings by authors such as Shannon Hale and Gail Carson Levine as well as readers who enjoyed Diane Zahler’s first novel, The Thirteenth Princess.

Disclosure: Review copy provided by publisher.

Book review: The Healer's Apprentice by Melanie Dickerson

The Healer's Apprentice by Melanie Dickerson (Published by Zondervan, September 14, 2010)

In 1386 in the town of Hagenheim, Germany, seventeen-year-old Rose is thankful to have found work as the apprentice of the town healer. If she can prove her worth, she will someday be the town healer, which means she would not be forced into an unwanted marriage with one of the horrible suitors her mother keeps forcing on her. However she often feels sick at the sight of blood and worries she will not be able to be a good healer, and thus lose her position. Wilhelm, Lord Hamlin, is the duke’s son and the future ruler of their region. He has been betrothed since childhood to a mysterious young noblewoman in hiding, whom he has never met. He must find and defeat the evil conjurer Moncore, so that his future wife may come out of hiding and they can marry.

When Wilhelm is injured and the healer is away, Rose, as the apprentice, must care for his injuries. The two find themselves drawn to each other from the start, but a love between them would be forbidden. Wilhelm is a nobleman and already betrothed, and he has an obligation to his betrothed, his family, and his people. Rose knows she is far below his social class and must focus on becoming a good healer so that she can avoid marriage to the most recent, horrible suitor her mother has chosen for her, a disgusting merchant, rather than spending her days longing for a love that can never be. But despite that, neither Wilhelm or Rose can stop thinking about each other.

The Healer’s Apprentice is a very romantic fairy tale inspired love story with a charming Medieval setting. The love between Rose and Wilhelm was very sweet, and both were strong and likeable characters. They seemed so real as they struggled with their feelings for each other which conflicted with their responsibilities and obligations to others. I highly recommend this very sweet and romantic love story to both teen and adult readers who enjoy fairy tale retellings or sweet historical romances.

Disclosure: Review copy provided by publisher.

Book review: The Thirteenth Princess by Diane Zahler

The Thirteenth Princess by Diane Zahler (Published by HarperCollins, February 2, 2010)

For as long as she can remember, all Zita knew was the life of a servant girl in the castle of the harsh King Aricin. But when she is seven years old, she learns a secret that changes her life forever: she is the youngest daughter of the king, banished to the servant’s quarters after her birth. And over the next four years, she learns the reasons why: her father only wanted sons, and when his wife died giving birth to their thirteenth daughter, he wanted nothing to do with the newborn Zita and sent her off to be cared for and live among the palace servants. But Zita’s twelve older sisters know the truth, and still love her. When they realize that she has learned the truth, they decide to secretly spend time with her, which brings much happiness to Zita’s dreary life.

Shortly after Zita’s twelfth birthday, however, strange things begin to happen to the princesses, causing Zita to be deeply worried for her sisters. First, they are unable to speak in the presence of suitors. Then, they begin to become very tired and pale, but show no visible signs of illness. And though they spend all day resting in the palace, their shoes are mysteriously worn through. Zita soon suspects someone may be using magic against the princesses. Aided by her best friend Breckin, a stable boy at the castle, and Babette, a kind witch who lives in the nearby woods, Zita sets out to solve the mystery and save her sisters.

The Thirteenth Princess is a delightful middle grade retelling of the story “The Twelve Dancing Princesses," filled with mystery, adventure, magic, and a bit of romance. It is sure to be enjoyed by young girls who love books by Gail Carson Levine or Shannon Hale, and by anyone who loves fairy tale retellings. Zita is a charming heroine, and readers will cheer her on during her quest to save her sisters. This book is the first by debut author Diane Zahler, and I look forward to reading more from this promising new writer.

Disclosure: Review copy provided by publisher.

Book review: The Wild Orchid by Cameron Dokey

Wild Orchid by Cameron Dokey (Published by Simon Pulse, Feburary 10, 2009)

Mulan is not like most other girls in ancient China. She has grown up without a mother, and rather than spend her days doing ladylike tasks and dreaming of marriage, she has learned to fight using a sword and bow. Her father is somewhat distant and doesn’t like to speak of his late wife, and Mulan often wonders if she is a disappointment to him.

When the Emperor forms an army to fight the Huns, every household must send one male to fight. Mulan’s aging father has recently remarried, and Mulan remembers well that her own mother died giving birth while her father was away at war. Fearing for her father’s safety and not wanting her stepmother to go through what her mother did, Mulan decides to disguise herself as a boy and go in her father’s place. She becomes close to Prince Jian, the commander of her unit, but telling him that she is really a girl, and her feelings are deeper than friendship, could lead to disaster.

This was an overall enjoyable book from the Once Upon a Time series. I liked that it had a very unusual setting compared to other books in the series, and the story isn’t one that has been retold many times. Although this book wasn’t among my top favorites, it was a solid, enjoyable read that should appeal to readers who enjoyed other books in this series.