I loved fairy tales back when I was a little kid- and I still do. Yes, I know I already reviewed a fairy tale back in January, but I couldn't help it! The Twelve Dancing Princesses was one of my favorites, and I've read it tons of times over and over again.
So why did I pick this certain book this month? Well, a few weeks ago, I read Entwined by Heather Dixon. It was a retelling of this certain fairy tale, but with a darker, more suspenseful edge. And I absolutely loved it. I also read Night Dance by Suzanne Weyn a few years ago, also a retelling of this, but with an Excalibur twist, and I also enjoyed it. So I got the idea of choosing this one, and went with it.
Okay, so as I said, its been a long time since I've last read this story, and through the years, I guess my mind has warped it, remembering all the great parts, and forgetting all the bad ones. It had magically become a perfect fairy tale in my head- but now? Not so much.
So first off, I loved the idea and the main plot of the story. I gotta admit, the thought of having a secret place where you danced all night, a place filled with magic, is simply enchanting. The story was mysterious, and even suspenseful!
But then again, the way the story was written- the narration was a bit dry. It was like the story was rushed and forced out, thus kinda ruining the experience for me. And also, the "romance". I don't really like the way the man who solved the puzzle just managed to marry the eldest princess like that. I dunno- it might have been nicer if the princess actually liked him back- but then, that's not even mentioned in thr fairy tale.
So... I guess I'm giving this one 3 stars. A good fairytale, with a really unique premise- it was just the way it was written that threw me off. A shame really, since I love most fairy tales. (And on a side note- I'm kinda hoping there will be an episode in Grimm about this fairytale. :D)
Jen @ Midnight Book Thief
