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ameserole's review
3.0
The Golden Ball is the second installment within the Tales from the Kingdoms of Fable. In this, we are following Natashya who is someone you meet in the first book of this series. Her story was definitely interesting and reminded me of the swan princess (the movie) somewhat.
After meeting Natashya, we are quick to see her go undercover. Sort of. While being trapped in a spell, she enters a magical dream world at night. In this world, she runs into Sienna and the other princesses. By day, she's pretending to be a servant to get information about Odette.
Now the book was okay but some parts of it could have been left out. Maybe it's just me thinking this way but the romantic interests do nothing for me. I did like reading about the curses though and trying to free Odette from being a swan.
In the end, I'm just going to suck it up and jump into the next book.
After meeting Natashya, we are quick to see her go undercover. Sort of. While being trapped in a spell, she enters a magical dream world at night. In this world, she runs into Sienna and the other princesses. By day, she's pretending to be a servant to get information about Odette.
Now the book was okay but some parts of it could have been left out. Maybe it's just me thinking this way but the romantic interests do nothing for me. I did like reading about the curses though and trying to free Odette from being a swan.
In the end, I'm just going to suck it up and jump into the next book.
pi_maker's review
5.0
Swan Lake, Cinderella, Snow Queen and Frog Prince... four fairytales that I would not have thought would fit well together, but they really do work in this fun mashup! I have not read many Swan Queen retellings, but really liked how she wove that story through. And it was only in looking back at the story that I caught how well Odette's nickname for Tobias fit into one of the other plots...
I loved Natashya so much, her poise and steadfastness, dedication to those she cares for and to doing the right thing, and how her desire to be a great queen like her mother means that she's actually willing to *listen* when her mother explains something she's misunderstood.
There wasn't as much screen-time for the League of Princesses this book, but what time there was held some very interesting revelations... And, these princesses really do like skirting the line of international incidents, don't they?
I loved Natashya so much, her poise and steadfastness, dedication to those she cares for and to doing the right thing, and how her desire to be a great queen like her mother means that she's actually willing to *listen* when her mother explains something she's misunderstood.
There wasn't as much screen-time for the League of Princesses this book, but what time there was held some very interesting revelations... And, these princesses really do like skirting the line of international incidents, don't they?
khaleesimod93's review
medium-paced
5.0
SPOILERS
Oh I loved this story more so than the last. Which I can't figure out how that is possible! Asha is amazing, just like Sienna. I love their friendship and the friendship of all the princesses. I love the twist of all the fairy tales. Definitely this series is one of my favorite twists on fairy tales! Just absolutely amazing. I was so worried I would get bored, but I didn't. I think Asha is one of my favorites because of her resourcefulness and the way she treats the staff. I like that she went under cover! She was so great. She handled Tobias and Vincent's advances like a champ even without her power as a princess. And not just any princess, but heir to the throne! I thought that the whole d'avigny family was in on Aoife's scheme, but it was nice to know that Tobias was genuine. I was pretty well shocked at the machinations of Aoife and how long she planned it. She definitely deserved what she got. And Odile deserves every bad thing. I just feel bad for both Tobias and his dad Ronald. And then of course the shock with who Asha is descended from and her mom is a full fae! That's why she is so strong! The ending was everything this book needed and so glad Tobais and Asha are together. Her mom is a genius and a saint!!
Oh I loved this story more so than the last. Which I can't figure out how that is possible! Asha is amazing, just like Sienna. I love their friendship and the friendship of all the princesses. I love the twist of all the fairy tales. Definitely this series is one of my favorite twists on fairy tales! Just absolutely amazing. I was so worried I would get bored, but I didn't. I think Asha is one of my favorites because of her resourcefulness and the way she treats the staff. I like that she went under cover! She was so great. She handled Tobias and Vincent's advances like a champ even without her power as a princess. And not just any princess, but heir to the throne! I thought that the whole d'avigny family was in on Aoife's scheme, but it was nice to know that Tobias was genuine. I was pretty well shocked at the machinations of Aoife and how long she planned it. She definitely deserved what she got. And Odile deserves every bad thing. I just feel bad for both Tobias and his dad Ronald. And then of course the shock with who Asha is descended from and her mom is a full fae! That's why she is so strong! The ending was everything this book needed and so glad Tobais and Asha are together. Her mom is a genius and a saint!!
emm_enchanted's review
5.0
My bookstagram: emm_enchanted
Consider my mind blown!
Princess Natashya is on a mission to save her friend. Disguised as a servant in a different kingdom, she is trying to unravel the secrets surrounding Princess Odette. The enchanted golden ball is the answer to her problems. Unfortunately, it is in the possession of the Prince. She is running out of time as the Midsummer ball approaches and she must risk everything to expose the truth.
This book is as good as the first one and I couldn't put it down. I'm literally struggling to find the words to describe what I'm feeling. This book was so action packed with twists and turns at every point. There was not a single moment where I was bored. It kept me on my toes, trying to guess what would happen next.
The characters are amazing! I loved Natashya and could relate to her struggle of being vulnerable in front of people for fear of getting hurt. Tobias was equally good and I liked how supportive he was and not threatened by Asha's power.
This series is considered to be feminist and it's interesting to see how each woman carves her own path and makes strong decisions.
The romance is well developed and I enjoyed the friendly banter between Asha and Tobias and everything that led to them falling in love. It wasn't easy due to Asha's fear of being hurt and there's a particular quote from the story that touched me immensely,
“That’s what love is: giving another person the power to hurt you, but trusting that they won’t.”
I got very emotional when I read it.
The plot and the mystery were well executed and the book concluded nicely.
I can't wait for the next one to come out and read Aurora's story which had been building since book one.
This book had elements of The Frog Prince, Swan Lake and Cinderella. I recommend it to all fantasy and fairytale romance lovers.
Consider my mind blown!
Princess Natashya is on a mission to save her friend. Disguised as a servant in a different kingdom, she is trying to unravel the secrets surrounding Princess Odette. The enchanted golden ball is the answer to her problems. Unfortunately, it is in the possession of the Prince. She is running out of time as the Midsummer ball approaches and she must risk everything to expose the truth.
This book is as good as the first one and I couldn't put it down. I'm literally struggling to find the words to describe what I'm feeling. This book was so action packed with twists and turns at every point. There was not a single moment where I was bored. It kept me on my toes, trying to guess what would happen next.
The characters are amazing! I loved Natashya and could relate to her struggle of being vulnerable in front of people for fear of getting hurt. Tobias was equally good and I liked how supportive he was and not threatened by Asha's power.
This series is considered to be feminist and it's interesting to see how each woman carves her own path and makes strong decisions.
The romance is well developed and I enjoyed the friendly banter between Asha and Tobias and everything that led to them falling in love. It wasn't easy due to Asha's fear of being hurt and there's a particular quote from the story that touched me immensely,
“That’s what love is: giving another person the power to hurt you, but trusting that they won’t.”
I got very emotional when I read it.
The plot and the mystery were well executed and the book concluded nicely.
I can't wait for the next one to come out and read Aurora's story which had been building since book one.
This book had elements of The Frog Prince, Swan Lake and Cinderella. I recommend it to all fantasy and fairytale romance lovers.
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