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sallyavena's review against another edition
3.0
An interesting mash up and new take on some well know fairy tales. Fun quick read, that wasn't really that note worthy other than a fun summer read.
emerygirl's review against another edition
4.0
What a cute twist to a fairy tale. Princess Ben is a great heroine and I loved her transformation throughout the book. I was highly entertained with the whole story and loved the ending. A solid 4 stars for sure!
katie_chandler's review against another edition
4.0
Sleeping beauty meets the room of requirement. It was cute.
aoosterwyk's review against another edition
2.0
I read this book hoping for another book like Graceling, but was disappointed. The book could have used some firm editing and more plot development. For the most part, I felt as confused and ignorant as the main character.
I remember really enjoying Dairy Queen, but don't think the author is as comfortable in the fantasy/fairy tale genre.
I remember really enjoying Dairy Queen, but don't think the author is as comfortable in the fantasy/fairy tale genre.
amibunk's review against another edition
3.0
Overall, this book was a decent read. I liked that the main character wasn't a perfect princess, she had flaws and short-comings. However, the book shifted its direction too quickly (and too often) for me to feel comfortable with the story. For example: Ben hates her aunt because the aunt is evil and abusive, Ben changes her mind and the aunt's not that bad, finally Ben decides she can't live without her aunt nearby. The same sort of written whiplash happens with Ben's relationship with the prince.
Appropriate for 11-17 year olds.
Appropriate for 11-17 year olds.
katec9999's review against another edition
5.0
Princess Ben is not your typical princess. First of all, her name isn’t pretty and feminine – it’s Ben, short for Benevolence. Secondly, she is chubby and graceless. And her life is far from perfect, especially after her parents and her uncle, the king, die on the same day. It is assumed that they were killed by the neighboring Drachensbetts, long the enemy of Ben’s people. Ben goes to live with her widowed aunt, Sophia, who is now serving as the Queen until Ben is old enough to assume the throne. Ben soothes her grief with food and sullenness, causing her aunt to keep her in a tower room until she learns to behave. But this punishment turns into freedom when Ben discovers there is something very special about this room, and the castle as well. [return][return]The story is told from a future Ben’s point-of-view, as she attempts to set the story straight on the events that made her famous. The voice is authentic and old-fashioned, and beautifully written. All of the major characters are complex and well-drawn – we see the spoiled as well as the mature Ben, the aunt who is both cruel and caring, and the Drachensbett rulers who are both enemy and friend. This book has garnered rave reviews, and will be on many people’s short list for a Newbery honor.
captainbella's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
amyappy's review against another edition
4.0
A fun twist on classic fairytales. Princess Ben is a feisty, unconventional princess. It's also fun to catch the sly references Murdock makes to Sleeping Beauty, Rapunzel, Rumplestiltskin, and other classics.