Genre: YA Fantasy
Release Date: June 6th, 2023
Pages: 368 (9 Hr. 29 Min.)
Publisher: Disney Books
My Rating: ⭐⭐
Publisher’s Synopsis:
“Holly Black’s The Cruel Prince meets Jennifer Donnelly’s Stepsister in this fairytale reimagining about a kingdom on the brink of ruin, and one wicked stepsister’s journey from side character to heroine of her own quest
The story has reached it’s happily ever after, the peasant girl has married her prince and become queen, all is well in the kingdom. . . But for Aralyn, the princesses stepsister, the story is only just beginning.
The kingdom of Novador has had a streak of misfortunes, with drought, famine, and disease plaguing the lands. According to a prophecy, restoring an ancient magical artifact– the Protector’s Blade– is the only thing that can pull the kingdom back from the brink of destruction. With inside information from her fairy godmother, Aralyn teams up with lady knight Vee to go questing for the shattered pieces of the blade that have been scattered to the furthest reached of Novador. To win each element of the dagger, the girls must prove themselves by using their strengths to conquer their greatest fear. Aralyn uses wisdom, Vee physical prowess, and Queen Ellarose who is ruling the kingdom, uses benevolence. Together, these three powerful women fight to take their place as the rightful heirs to the kingdom.”
My Review:
I absolutely loved Curse of the Spector Queen! So when I saw Moke was writing something new, I just had to read it. But I’m sorry to say that this did not live up to my expectations in any way. I could not get into this.
It feels very much on the younger side of young adult. And it was a really weird retelling. I’m not even sure how to put it into words, but the whole thing just felt off to me.
Like, Cinderella is now an airheaded bimbo? Idk y’all but this just ain’t it. And the stepsister, who is the main character, is really annoying and petty.
I think I like it when retellings are more loosely inspired by certain things, rather than trying to stick so closely to the original with only a slight twist.
I’m really disappointed because I have been eagerly awaiting something new from this author. I really liked the darker aspects of her previous book, and this one just felt too light and whimsical.
And I want to be clear, this is just my experience in relation to my own personal reading tastes. I’m not at all saying this book is bad, but you know I’m always gonna be honest with my feelings, and it wasn’t great for me.
I also want to note that I listened to an audio version, and it’s entirely possible that part of my lack of enjoyment came from the way it was narrated.
Disclaimers:
Huge thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for gifting me an early copy of this amazing story! I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Have you read this book? Planning to add it to your TBR?
Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
I love a good book discussion. 🙂
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