Princess of the Midnight Ball

Author: Jessica Day George

Series: None; prequel to Princess of Glass

Genre: Young Adult/Fantasy/Fairy tale/Romance

Returning home from the war, young Galen finds work with his mother’s family in the royal gardens. There he learns that the king’s twelve daughters have a secret: every night they dance their shoes to tatters, but no one knows how or why. When prince after prince tries and fails to find the answer, and the family is haunted by accusations of witchcraft, Galen decides to help. Armed with a pair of silver knitting needles and an invisibility cloak given to him by a strange old woman, he follows the princesses and unlocks the secret of their curse.

This book includes knitting patterns for a shawl and a chain of black wool that are key to the plot. I will also be posting more knitting patterns here that correspond with with the story.

Positive Content: Galen genuinely loves Princess Rose and wants to rescue her and the sisters from their curse; no matter what it takes. He shows them thoughtful gestures and is respectful, polite, and gallant. The sisters all look out for each other, and their father the King loves them dearly.

Negative Content: Queen Maude placed a curse upon her self and her daughters because she wanted children so much. (She also wanted the war to end) Because of the King Under Stone’s curse, the girls cannot tell anybody about their midnight dancing trips. They are accused of Witchcraft after many princes who try to ‘solve the riddle’ end up dying mysterious deaths. The bishop Angier is malicious and conniving.

Summary: Another fantastic, squeaky-clean fairy-tale rewrite from Mrs. George. It’s so refreshing to have an appropriate and clean book like this!! I highly recommend this to fans of McKinley, Levine, Napoli, etc. looking for a quick, entertaining, good read.

Ages: 14+

5 out of 5 stars

Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow

Author: Jessica Day George

Series: None

Genre: Young Adult/Fairy tale/Adventure/Fantasy/Romance

Blessed-or cursed-with an ability to understand animals, the Lass has always felt estranged from her family, who struggle to make a living in the windswept north. So when an isbjorn (polar bear) seeks her out and promises that her family will be provided for if she accompanies him to his castle, she doesn’t hesitate. But the great white bear is not what he seems, nor is his castle. Slowly the Lass unravels the mystery of the bear’s enchantment and the spell connecting him with the strange symbols carved in the castle’s icy walls. But on a journey to a place where the four winds fear to travel, the true horror of the bear’s spell is revealed, and the Lass’s courage-and love-will be tested.

Positive Content: The Lass goes through many trials and dangers in order to rescue the White Bear. She has a very caring heart and has strong bonds with her  brother, her father, her wolf, and eventually, the bear. Several characters risk their lives for others. Love is a very strong theme as well. There is no language, no sexual content, and very mild violence.

Negative Content: The Trolls are, well, selfish and wicked. The Troll princess kills of many creatures simply for slips of the tongue. She has also cursed many men into Great White Bears.

Summary: I’m a huge fan of Jessica Day George’s fairy-tale rewrites, and this one did not disappoint me. A rewrite of one of my favorite fairy tales, it beat “East” by Edit Pattou and “Ice” by Sarah Beth Durst. When I say beat, I mean ‘pulled up ahead so far it lost them in the dust.’ I highly recommend this book.

Ages: 14+

5 out of 5 stars