Review of The Princess Spy

Title: The Princess Spy

Author: Melanie Dickerson

Series: Fairy tales book 5

 

Chapters: 32 plus epilogue

Pages: 293

Genre: Christian fairy tale retelling, Christian romance, teen

Rating: 5 stars

The Princess Spy was a retelling of The Princess and the Frog. Which was one fairy tale I never really liked. But I loved this retelling. Colin the hero of this novel is the grandson of the hero of The Merchant's daughter and Margaretha is the younger sister of the heroes from The Captive Maiden and The Fairest Beauty.

In The Princess Spy the princess moves a little bit beyond the traditional fairy tale role. To the point that in many ways she becomes a hero in her own right.  Proving that she's more than a pretty face.

I enjoyed this book and there was a scene in chapter eight that reminded me a bit of The Princess Bride. Melanie's books keep getting better. I can't wait for her next book.  

I received a copy of this book from the publisher as part of a blog tour. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone. 

Review of The Captive Maiden

Title: The Captive Maiden

Author: Melanie Dickerson

Series: YA Romance Fairy Tales series

Chapters: 31

Pages: 284

Genre: Christian teen romance, fairy tale retelling

Rating: 4.5 stars

The Captive Maiden is another fairytale retelling by Melanie Dickerson. This one is a Cinderella retelling.  It is the sequel to The Fairest Beauty which was a Snow White retelling. I didn’t think I would like this because Cinderella has always been my least favorite fairy tale. But I loved The Captive Maiden, though it wasn’t my favorite of Melanie’s that will always be The Merchant’s Daughter because Beauty and the Beast has always been my favorite fairy tale.

Valten the hero in this one is Gabe’s brother.  Gisele is the Cinderella character.  While it is a fairy tale retelling Melanie doesn’t focus on the magic of fairy tales instead her stories point to the power of faith and God’s amazing love.  While the stories are about love and true love she points towards the ultimate true love, the love of God. The love that God had for us to send his only Son to die for our salvation now that’s true love.

I am looking forward to reading Melanie’s next book The Princess Spy.  

I received a copy of this book from the publisher as part of a blog tour. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.