The Princess Test - Gail Carson Levine

The Princess Test

Gail Carson Levine

The Princess Tales, #2

Where to Purchase: Amazon

Official Blurb:

King Humphrey has decided it's time for his son, Prince Nicholas, to marry. But he must make sure the bride is a real princess. So he devises a series of princess tests, designed to weed out the phonies and the fakes. Meanwhile, Nicholas has fallen in love with Lorelei, a mere blacksmith's daughter. She's no princess, but he wants to marry her all the same--but how will she ever pass the terrible tests? 

As a Retelling: This is a retelling that seeks to explain the history behind the poor little princess, caught in the rain. And, turns out, she's not a princess, but a blacksmith's daughter who just happens to be very sensitive, and happens to have caught the prince's eye. His parents are the ones determined that he'll marry a "true" princess, and so she winds up competing alongside several actual princesses.

Arista's Thoughts:
It's a quick, short, and sweet story that turns the fairy tale on its head in a hilarious way. While not my favorite of the collection, I highly recommend it.

True Retelling - The Princess and the Pea

Magical

Traditional European

Have you read The Princess Test? If so, leave a comment below with your own short review to help future readers!

The Fairy's Mistake - Gail Carson Levine

The Fairy's Mistake

Gail Carson Levine

The Princess Tales #1

SPOILER WARNING For "As a Fairy Tale"

Where to Purchase: Amazon

Official Blurb: Two very different sisters have two very different encounters with the fairy Ethelinda. Rosella is kind and helpful. Her reward: Jewels and gems tumble out of her mouth whenever she speaks. Myrtle is rude and spiteful. Her punishment: Bugs and vipers slither out of her mouth. The fairy Ethelinda feels she's meted out justice just right--until she discovers Rosella has been locked up by a greedy prince and Myrtle is having the time of her life!

As a Retelling: This short little story, like the others in the series, seeks to expand and explain the fairy tale more than to present any great changes. It does, however, present it with a view "maybe things aren't always as they seem," allowing for both girls to grow over the course of the book and end in a better place. Oh, and it also employs the "false bride" trope that is sometimes found connected to fairy tales similar to Toads and Diamonds. 

Arista's Thoughts: While it isn't quite my favorite of the collection, it's a sweet little story about unforeseen consequences and a fairy tale that deserves more retellings.

True Retelling - Toads and Diamonds
Magical
Children's
Illustrated
Traditional European


Have you read The Fairy's Mistake? If so, leave a comment below with your own short review to help future readers!