Princess of the Midnight Ball

Title ~ Princess of the Midnight Ball

Series ~ Single Title

Author ~ Jessica Day George

Release Date ~ January 20, 2009

Age Group ~ Middle Grade

Publisher ~ Bloomsbury USA Childen’s Books

Source ~ Library

 Goodreads Summary

A tale of twelve princesses doomed to dance until dawn..

Galen is a young soldier returning from war; Rose is one of twelve princesses condemned to dance each night for the King Under Stone. Together Galen and Rose will search for a way to break the curse that forces the princesses to dance at the midnight balls. All they need is one invisibility cloak, a black wool chain knit with enchanted silver needles, and that most critical ingredient of all—true love—to conquer their foes in the dark halls below. But malevolent forces are working against them above ground as well, and as cruel as the King Under Stone has seemed, his wrath is mere irritation compared to the evil that awaits Galen and Rose in the brighter world above. 

Captivating from start to finish, Jessica Day George’s take on the Grimms’ tale The Twelve Dancing Princesses demonstrates yet again her mastery at spinning something entirely fresh out of a story you thought you knew.

Review

I have always liked the story of The Twelve Dancing Princesses, but I liked this retelling even more.  Sorry Grimm.  What I liked best is that Jessica Day George put just as much focus on Galen as Rose.  She also made it very clear that Galen had eyes for Rose and not just any princess.  Galen was one very driven soldier.  He knew what he wanted and there was no stopping him. 

Just like the original, this story plays off the number twelve.  So many references to twelve ~ 12 dancing princesses, 12 handsome princes, 12 years of war, 12 boats, 24 years of dancing for the Queen, and 24 dancing shoes.  I loved all the symbolism and how it was always there.

This story is filled with magical elements.  Galen’s magical white and black wool, his invisibility cloak, and the enchantments that kept the princesses dancing all added to the overall mystic feeling. 

Lovers of fairy tales will enjoy this retelling.  It mixes classical elements with characters who come alive with emotion. 

Rating

4 Liked

Cover Comments

In a word – regal.  The gold font and Rose’s dress are elegant.  I wish she was looking up so she looked braver though.