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forestidylls's review against another edition
5.0
Despite the many retellings of the goose girl, Melanie Cellier still manages to make this her own. I devoured it in three hours.
mcfoster's review against another edition
5.0
Melanie Cellier delivers again with another fairytale retelling set in the Four Kingdoms (and their neighbouring nations). This time, we follow Giselle as she has her identity stolen by her maid Sierra and is forced to become a goose girl.
All the elements of the original Grimm tale are there - the talking horse, the handkerchief with the spots of blood, the goose boy's hat and the iron stove. However, as always with Ms Cellier, there is a lot more, including a plot against the throne and a budding romance.
It's fun seeing Giselle explore what it means to be a princess even when you're viewed as a goose girl and you have none of the rights and privileges, and to get a look at life below stairs in Arcadia - something that we haven't seen much of since [b:The Princess Companion: A Retelling of The Princess and the Pea|36562225|The Princess Companion A Retelling of The Princess and the Pea (The Four Kingdoms, #1)|Melanie Cellier|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1510202918l/36562225._SY75_.jpg|48567822].
The plot flirts with the dreaded love triangle but it wasn't annoying enough for me to take a star off. Knowing who's related to who and how in royalty is also tricky if you haven't read the other books (or if your memory of them is hazy) but it's not essential to enjoy the book.
All the elements of the original Grimm tale are there - the talking horse, the handkerchief with the spots of blood, the goose boy's hat and the iron stove. However, as always with Ms Cellier, there is a lot more, including a plot against the throne and a budding romance.
It's fun seeing Giselle explore what it means to be a princess even when you're viewed as a goose girl and you have none of the rights and privileges, and to get a look at life below stairs in Arcadia - something that we haven't seen much of since [b:The Princess Companion: A Retelling of The Princess and the Pea|36562225|The Princess Companion A Retelling of The Princess and the Pea (The Four Kingdoms, #1)|Melanie Cellier|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1510202918l/36562225._SY75_.jpg|48567822].
The plot flirts with the dreaded love triangle but it wasn't annoying enough for me to take a star off. Knowing who's related to who and how in royalty is also tricky if you haven't read the other books (or if your memory of them is hazy) but it's not essential to enjoy the book.
frantically's review
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-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? No
3.0
It's not you, it's me 🙈
I had a good time with the Four Kingdoms ~2 years ago and thought I'd try the next series but it seems the spark has been lost.
This was a bit long-winded at times and we got little goose-ing for a Goose Girl retelling but it was still really sweet! And at the end all the drama makes up for the slowness 😉
I had a good time with the Four Kingdoms ~2 years ago and thought I'd try the next series but it seems the spark has been lost.
This was a bit long-winded at times and we got little goose-ing for a Goose Girl retelling but it was still really sweet! And at the end all the drama makes up for the slowness 😉
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping and Violence
Minor: Death, Confinement, and Injury/Injury detail
annettebooksofhopeanddreams's review
4.0
I'm not sure if the Goose Girl was in the fairytale books my mother read to me. I somehow can't remember the tale from my childhood. However, I do know that after reading loads of different retellings of this story and after reading fanfics based on this story and after watching the episode in the German Grimm series based on this fairytale, that it's one of my favorites. Because just like Cinderella I always found this a story of true nature always shining through, no matter the circumstances. And just like Cinderella, I also always found this a story about humbleness and the talent to be content with little.
And Cellier fitted this story into her Four Kingdoms series brilliantly! The way everything happens and is done feels very natural and not once does Giselle seem stupid. Maybe she's a little naive at first, but that's not a too bad character trait. And like Cellier already did with other tales, she also managed to give Giselle a lot of power and strength. Giselle is not just pouting and waiting for things to change, she's actively taking matters into her own hands, not always with success, but at least she's always trying.
Of course the plot of the book is quite predictable. I mean, if you don't want predictable you shouldn't read fairytale retellings. However, all the elements of the well known Goose Girl tale are present, but not all of them are in the well known way. There are some surprises in the story and some reveals that I didn't see coming until quite late. I love it when a retelling manages to do that, to hide some nice turns while keeping the core of the story very much intact.
And Giselle and Philippe have a really nice kind of chemistry. For me they were not the most passionate couple in this series, but their love really grows slowly, but steadily. They take the time to talk and get to know each other. They don't just say and promise things, but also show that they mean all those things and that they're keeping their promises. There might be some attraction at first sight, but the more only follows during the rest of the story. And that makes it very believable that this is the start of another very happy ending.
I can't wait for the next book in the series!
And Cellier fitted this story into her Four Kingdoms series brilliantly! The way everything happens and is done feels very natural and not once does Giselle seem stupid. Maybe she's a little naive at first, but that's not a too bad character trait. And like Cellier already did with other tales, she also managed to give Giselle a lot of power and strength. Giselle is not just pouting and waiting for things to change, she's actively taking matters into her own hands, not always with success, but at least she's always trying.
Of course the plot of the book is quite predictable. I mean, if you don't want predictable you shouldn't read fairytale retellings. However, all the elements of the well known Goose Girl tale are present, but not all of them are in the well known way. There are some surprises in the story and some reveals that I didn't see coming until quite late. I love it when a retelling manages to do that, to hide some nice turns while keeping the core of the story very much intact.
And Giselle and Philippe have a really nice kind of chemistry. For me they were not the most passionate couple in this series, but their love really grows slowly, but steadily. They take the time to talk and get to know each other. They don't just say and promise things, but also show that they mean all those things and that they're keeping their promises. There might be some attraction at first sight, but the more only follows during the rest of the story. And that makes it very believable that this is the start of another very happy ending.
I can't wait for the next book in the series!
netsirk35's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
ameserole's review against another edition
4.0
I think this is my second book about The Goose Girl and I'm hoping it wont be my last. There's just something about retellings that makes me feel all happy and pure inside. Even if they give me characters to despise or love - I enjoy it all.
That being said, The Secret Princes was a delight to read. I mean devour because if I'm being honest here - I couldn't put it down. In it, you will meet Princess Giselle. She is on her way to visit a kingdom, and meet a prince, when her crew is under attack. Luckily for her, she has a guardian angel (of some sort). Her horse Arvin. Without him, I don't know if I would've gotten my comedic relief. He was downright hilarious and honestly.. Giselle should never question him.
Just like most books, this one has some twists, turns, and betrayals flying around. Some were pretty easy to spot and other's blew my mind a little bit. Just know that I really enjoyed this book and plan to dive into the next one. Only because I really want to know what happened to the other girls from the beginning and what their own adventure will look like.
That being said, The Secret Princes was a delight to read. I mean devour because if I'm being honest here - I couldn't put it down. In it, you will meet Princess Giselle. She is on her way to visit a kingdom, and meet a prince, when her crew is under attack. Luckily for her, she has a guardian angel (of some sort). Her horse Arvin. Without him, I don't know if I would've gotten my comedic relief. He was downright hilarious and honestly.. Giselle should never question him.
Just like most books, this one has some twists, turns, and betrayals flying around. Some were pretty easy to spot and other's blew my mind a little bit. Just know that I really enjoyed this book and plan to dive into the next one. Only because I really want to know what happened to the other girls from the beginning and what their own adventure will look like.
riellareads's review against another edition
4.0
The first in her newest series, Return to the Four Kingdoms, The Secret Princess brings Giselle, a princess of Eldon to the Four Kingdoms, Archaia of The Princess Companion, in her own story. Giselle is part of a group headed to make and strengthen connections between lands. However, as she along with her brother, Prince Oliver, sister-in-law, Princess Celine, and representatives of other kingdoms beyond the sea, journey, they experience a host of frightening and unforeseen events. Giselle finds herself trapped, stuck in the place of her servant, while her servant takes her place as princess. However, more is occurring than she originally suspects as trouble infiltrates Archaia. As a goose girl, Giselle is still determined to discover the truth with the help of another servant, Philip. However, who can she truly trust and what secrets is she still unaware of?
I love fairytale retellings, and I have loved Melanie Cellier’s other fairytale series. However, mistaken identity and secrets always makes me apprehensive. That is why Goose Girl retellings are hard for me to start, I go in already nervous for everyone in the story, especially the main character. But once I really started reading The Secret Princess, I was hooked. I couldn't wait to see what would happen! I really appreciated how Giselle understood her responsibilities and the weight of them. She felt the burden of them and sought to protect her kingdom and the kingdom she finds herself in. She understood the value of those in different positions. It was also so nice to see Alyssa again! And from a different perspective, from an outsider to the kingdom. They have a beautiful family! I am so so excited for this new series! The Secret Princess is a great first book that has a lovely story while setting up the stories of others!
I love fairytale retellings, and I have loved Melanie Cellier’s other fairytale series. However, mistaken identity and secrets always makes me apprehensive. That is why Goose Girl retellings are hard for me to start, I go in already nervous for everyone in the story, especially the main character. But once I really started reading The Secret Princess, I was hooked. I couldn't wait to see what would happen! I really appreciated how Giselle understood her responsibilities and the weight of them. She felt the burden of them and sought to protect her kingdom and the kingdom she finds herself in. She understood the value of those in different positions. It was also so nice to see Alyssa again! And from a different perspective, from an outsider to the kingdom. They have a beautiful family! I am so so excited for this new series! The Secret Princess is a great first book that has a lovely story while setting up the stories of others!
darkfantasyreviews's review against another edition
4.0
Good Story
This Is The Second Book I Am Reading By Melanie Cellier And It Has Not Disappointed Me. Being A Kindle Unlimited Member I Decided To Read This Book For Free And I Think It Is Absolutely Worth Buying. There Are So Many Twists And Turns In This Book That I Could Not Stop Myself From Reading This Book Till The End. There Is Also A Small Love Triangle Between The Characters Giselle, Phillip And Damon Which Was Also Very Interesting To Read. There's just something about retellings that makes me feel all happy and pure inside. Giselle proved to be a very fun character to whom I could relate and I have to say I'll miss her now that I've finished the book. Overall I Feel It Is An Absolutely Amazing Book. Thankyou For Reading My Review.
This Is The Second Book I Am Reading By Melanie Cellier And It Has Not Disappointed Me. Being A Kindle Unlimited Member I Decided To Read This Book For Free And I Think It Is Absolutely Worth Buying. There Are So Many Twists And Turns In This Book That I Could Not Stop Myself From Reading This Book Till The End. There Is Also A Small Love Triangle Between The Characters Giselle, Phillip And Damon Which Was Also Very Interesting To Read. There's just something about retellings that makes me feel all happy and pure inside. Giselle proved to be a very fun character to whom I could relate and I have to say I'll miss her now that I've finished the book. Overall I Feel It Is An Absolutely Amazing Book. Thankyou For Reading My Review.