Ella’s spent her life dreaming about adventure, but it’s hard to have adventures when you’re stuck with a stepfamily who treat you like a servant. When she unexpectedly wakes up in a land far, far away, she’s thrilled at the chance to embark on an epic quest. That is, until she finds herself trapped once more—this time in the castle of a dangerous beast.
Belle, meanwhile, has plans. Her family’s trading company is on the brink of ruin, and to save it, she’s going to enter—and win—a royal competition in the prince’s honor. But when she unexpectedly winds up in a cellar with a wicked stepfamily who have their own plans to keep her from the competition . . . things get complicated.
Happily-ever-after couldn’t feel farther away. Can Ella escape the beast’s clutches? And can Belle get rid of this stepfamily in time for the competition?
For other Princess Swaps, don't miss Snow White and the Dragon (or, Sleeping Beauty and the Seven Dwarfs)! ~ Goodreads
Source: Book provided by the publisher, Random House Books for Young Readers, in exchange for an honest review
Review: This is the first book I've accepted for review in over a year and I'm so glad I did! It was the lighthearted, adventure filled tale with heart that I needed.
The plot is right there in the series title, The Princess Swap, so I won't go too much into that - but think Freaky Friday meets Disney princesses. I'm also assuming that most of you know the basics of Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast.
This is more of a "riff" on the originals rather than a direct retelling - even with the swap - the princesses don't have the exact experience of the original.
The core of each princess is the same but several details are changed. Without getting into too many spoilers - (Cinder)Ella already knows, and is friends with, the prince and the ball is now an event for the whole village to compete in for a royal favor - rather than snagging a prince. And another ball - closer to the original Cinderella ball is to take place with the beast - for reasons. There is (hinted - sapphic) LGBQT rep and Ella has a glass leg that causes her some pain.
Cinderella and the Beast, (or Beauty and the Glass Slipper) plays liberally with the origin stories and the Disney retellings with it's own modern spin. The blending and blurring might annoy some purists but I found it to be a lot of fun and was pleasantly surprised by some of the twists the story took.
I've always preferred Belle over Cinderella but in this one, it was Ella (& the beast) who had the more complex (& surprising) story that really pulled me in and tugged at my heartstrings. But Belle still has her whip-smart, resourceful thinking in tact and has quite an adventure as well.
The way the two girls stories overlap and resolve was great. This book ages the princess down to 12 years old, so this is meant for younger readers. The romance is minimal, if at all. This tale is more about resourceful thinking, being brave, and forgiveness than the sole quest to get a kiss or be married.
So much fun! Books #2 - Snow White and the Dragon (or, Sleeping Beauty and the Seven Dwarfs) and #3 Rapunzel and the Sea Witch (or, The Little Mermaid and the Tower) sound fun too.
This sounds like fun. I know my daughter and I would have loved it when she was younger. Glad you enjoyed it so much!!
ReplyDeleteIt was a good one - especially for those that don't want to be overwhelmed by romance even though it's hinted at.
DeleteOh wow that sounds like a nice twist! Ithink book 3 would be more like me.
ReplyDeleteKristina @ books-and-dachshunds.com
I was surprised by how much more I liked Cinderella in this version. I plan on reading the others because I liked the twists and modern elements/diversity she brought to the story.
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