The Princess Fugitive: A Reimagining of Little Red Riding Hood by Melanie Cellier
Fairy Tale. 354 Pages. 5 Stars
Synopsis:
Princess Ava used to be a weapon – sharp, strong and beautiful. But when she fails at her most important task, she’s forced to flee from her own family.
Only her personal bodyguard, Hans, remains loyal. Hans claims to know the real Ava but she finds that hard to believe – after all, she’s been the villain so long that she can’t remember anything else.
But deep in exile, Ava learns her kingdom needs a hero and she might be the only one who can save it. The catch? She’ll have to ally herself with the very people she blames for her downfall.
But in a game of life and death where the stakes are an entire kingdom, winning over her enemies will only be the beginning. Can one fugitive save her people, her kingdom and, hardest of all, herself?
In this reimagining of the classic fairy tale, Little Red Riding Hood, the girl in the red hood has been swallowed up by the wolf and must decide if she’s willing to fight for her freedom, no matter the cost.
The books in The Four Kingdoms series can be read as stand alone stories, however, for greatest enjoyment, they should be read in order.
My Review:
Ohmygooooooddddnnneeeessss! Okay, had to get that emotion out. Now, for the much more coherent review. 😀
So, Red Riding Hood is not my least favorite fairy tale, but it’s also not one of my favorites. It’s kinda lost there in the meh category for me. That said, I’ve been exposed to some clever and unusual variations. The tale has a lot of room for interpretation and twisting, which makes it appealing in a new light. I must confess that upon hearing this was Ava’s tale, my initial reaction was actually dismay. I thought, there’s no way this will be as good as The Princess Companion. Annnnd wrong!
New cast of characters: ah-mazing! Ava was complex and getting inside of her head was so much fun, probably more than it should have been. Hans was a worthy hero and very deserving of the role. The side characters made this story even more fun. Sarah and Evelyn were quite the entertaining, and characteristic duo. There were also a few well-placed returning characters, whom I will allow to remain a surprise. Let’s just say YESH! And, as I am coming to expect from Cellier, the brilliant plot was both intriguing and enthralling. I absolutely loved the idea of the Trials and there was plenty enough suspense and surprising twist to keep me on edge. The setting of the new kingdom was just as unique as the previous kingdoms have been and only proved to make me more excited to see Lanover and Northhelm. I must add, that aside from my usual points–well-written, fantastic characters, excellent plot, and well-crafted setting–this story expanded on the High King, whom I had been suspicious of in the last few books I’ve read. I have to say, He proved just as I thought He would and that only endears me further to this author and series. Good gracious, I know I’m gushing, but y’all! How have we not had these books until just now?!
No language, clean romance, mild, tactful violence. Excellent redemptive lesson and threads of justice, kindness, and love as true morals to live by.
More:
Book 1 of The Four Kingdoms is The Princess Companion: A Retelling of the Princess and the Pea (5 Stars)
Novella 2.5 is Happily Ever Afters: A Reimagining of Snow White and Rose Red (4 Stars)
Book 3 is The Princess Pact: A Twist on Rumpelstiltskin (5 Stars)
Novella 3.5 is A Midwinter’s Wedding: A Retelling of the Frog Prince (4 Stars)
Book 4 is The Princess Game: A Reimagining of Sleeping Beauty (5 Stars)
Book 5 is The Princess Search: A Retelling of The Ugly Duckling (4 Stars)
I have reviewed each of the above on Goodreads. Follow the links to find more info on the books and then scroll down to see the reviews. Mine is among them.
Although these stories are each technically independent of one another, I would highly recommend reading them in order. The later books do include spoilers for the previous ones. It isn’t necessary to read the novellas in order with the series, but it’s a nice touch.
Also, you can check out the spin-off series Beyond the Four Kingdoms!
ON GRACEBOUGHT
If you missed it, check out my review of the previous book here! And stay tuned next week for my thoughts on the next book in the series.