One-line summary:
Princess of the Midnight Ball is a captivating retelling of the classic fairy tale “The Twelve Dancing Princesses,” filled with enchantment, romance, and a courageous heroine.
The Curse of the Princesses:
In Princess of the Midnight Ball, author Jessica Day George weaves a magical tale centered around twelve princesses who are cursed to dance every night until their shoes are worn out. The story follows the youngest princess, Rose, as she navigates the challenges of the curse, finds unexpected love, and discovers the truth behind the enchantment.
The princesses, daughters of King Gregor and Queen Maude, are trapped in a nightly dance with twelve mysterious princes from an underground kingdom. Despite their efforts to hide their secret, the worn-out shoes and exhausted appearance of the princesses raise suspicions among the kingdom’s people. Desperate to break the curse, King Gregor offers a reward to anyone who can solve the mystery.
A Brave Heroine and an Unlikely Ally:
Enter Galen, a young soldier returning from war, who takes up the challenge to solve the mystery and win the princesses’ hands in marriage. Galen is a kind-hearted and resourceful hero who quickly becomes infatuated with Rose. Determined to save her and her sisters, Galen embarks on a dangerous journey to uncover the truth behind the curse.
As Galen investigates, he discovers an underground world ruled by King Under Stone, a powerful and sinister figure who has cursed the princesses. With the help of an old woman named Grandmother, Galen learns that the princesses are forced to dance each night in King Under Stone’s kingdom. Armed with this knowledge, Galen and Rose work together to find a way to break the curse and free the princesses from their nightly torment.
A Tale of Love, Sacrifice, and Courage:
Princess of the Midnight Ball is not just a story of curses and enchantment; it is also a tale of love, sacrifice, and courage. Rose, the youngest princess, emerges as a strong and determined heroine who is willing to risk everything to save her sisters. Despite the danger and the odds stacked against them, Rose and Galen’s love for each other grows, and they find strength in their shared determination to break the curse.
As the story unfolds, readers are treated to a world of magic and wonder, filled with intricate descriptions of the princesses’ gowns, the enchanting dances they perform, and the captivating settings they inhabit. George’s writing style is engaging and immersive, transporting readers into a fairy tale world where anything is possible.
Key takeaways from Princess of the Midnight Ball:
- Love and courage can conquer even the most powerful curses.
- True strength lies in selflessness and sacrifice.
- Appearances can be deceiving, and true heroes can come from unexpected places.
“She had been through so much, and yet she still had hope. She still had love. That was what made her beautiful.”
Princess of the Midnight Ball is a delightful retelling of a beloved fairy tale, filled with captivating characters, enchanting settings, and a heartwarming romance. It reminds us that love, courage, and sacrifice can overcome even the darkest of curses. So slip on your dancing shoes and join Rose and Galen on their quest to break the spell and find their happily ever after.
