Reviews

The Princess in Black and the Mysterious Playdate by Shannon Hale, Dean Hale

mehsi's review against another edition

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3.0

A new mysterious monster-defeating-princess appears, a playdate, dancing, and goats!

Well, it was still very fun, but I am not sure if I will continue with this series. I was already happy that (miraculously) one of my libraries had this book in their collection, because I just wasn't up to buying it. But in the end I am just disappointed at this book.

Sure, it was also fun (at times), but the formula is just the same (monster appears, Princess in Black (with one and now two helpers) defeat it and done). Plus I am getting tired that NO ONE gets who the person is in the disguise. That kind of thing is fun once, but in book 5 with yet another avenger to the party? No. Come on, you can easily see who they are, not only because their disguises often just are terrible, but also with how they act. Not to mention the fact their normal/non-avenger sides are conveniently away and never show up at the same time as the superhero. Really? So much obvious hints.

Also, before anyone goes to talk about how this is a children's book and that I am too old to read those. Sorry, but I read enough Children's books + I quite liked most of this series.

I did like the monster in this one. How he could camouflage into objects or stuff and then try to take a nibble out of pets/animals. :P I loved that he followed the princess (because she smelled like goats) to her playdate and then went to create havoc there.

The fight scenes are still fun, especially the attack names: Playtime Romp! Unicorn Ram!

Also I loved the playdate between the girls. They are such good friends!

And of course the illustrations! I still adore those to bits. They are cute, sweet, but also kick-ass.

But yeah, all in all, I am not going to continue. I am stopping at this one so I at least leave with mostly good memories. :)

Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/

wintermote's review against another edition

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adventurous hopeful lighthearted mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

A fun fast-paced first chapter book. My first introduction to the series and I love that girls are the heros and save the day!

papidoc's review against another edition

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5.0

Another enjoyable read with my granddaughter.

abe25's review against another edition

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5.0

Great children’s read!

This is a interesting book about what royalty doesn’t usually do. There’s also a shape shifting monster that takes a verity of shapes and tries to eat shaggy animals.

chelse34's review against another edition

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4.0

This one was fun! The princess in blankets shows up!

channywax's review against another edition

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These books are so fun. Such a great series!

barbarianlibarian's review against another edition

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2.0

wanted more action

allmadhere106's review against another edition

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5.0

This installment is another amazing title! I love that the princess from the last book makes another appearance, and that she gets to shine here even more than our title character. I think it's getting a little silly saying that no one knows who the Princess in Black really is--especially since there are more and more people getting close to her. However, the book is compelling and I adored the monster. Dramatic irony abounds!

For: fans of princesses and superheroes; fans wanting a quick starter chapter book; readers wanting a book filled with dramatic irony.

Possible red flags: monster fighting.

biscuitbun132's review against another edition

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funny medium-paced

4.0

internationalkris's review against another edition

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4.0

This was my first Princess in Black and I adored this crafty monster.