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justcatherine's review
5.0
This took a bit for me to get into the story, but I really liked how Melanie developed the story and characters in this retelling.
violetrosemary's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
deanie's review against another edition
4.0
Melanie Cellier can certainly write a fairy tale retelling. Her The Four Kingdoms and Beyond the Four Kingdoms novels are fabulous, and now she's returning to her popular series for more stories. This book is about Princess Giselle, younger sister to Prince Oliver from [b:A Crown of Snow and Ice: A Retelling of The Snow Queen|41434908|A Crown of Snow and Ice A Retelling of The Snow Queen (Beyond the Four Kingdoms, #3)|Melanie Cellier|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1534961486l/41434908._SY75_.jpg|64661501]. She is accompanying her brother and sister-in-law (as well as others) on a diplomatic tour of the Four Kingdoms when their ship starts leaking. They decide that most of the crew (including the ill and pregnant Celine) will go directly to her home country of Lanover, leaving a small diplomatic party (led by Giselle) to explain to the royal family of Arcadia what happens. However, when they're attacked, Giselle's maid Sierra takes advantage and impersonates Giselle, enchanting the real princess so she can't tell anyone what really happened.
This s a great story. There's a lot of palace intrigue, spying, and action, along with romance, character development and fun. Anyone who likes fairy tell retellings should really like this book.
This s a great story. There's a lot of palace intrigue, spying, and action, along with romance, character development and fun. Anyone who likes fairy tell retellings should really like this book.
jrv45's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
verasbokhylla's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
clarabooksit's review
adventurous
lighthearted
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
2.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Death, Murder, and Toxic relationship
eliza_dannie's review against another edition
5.0
The Secret Princess:
I love The Goose Girl, and Cellier’s latest fairy tale retelling is beautifully done. We’re back in Arcadia, where we meet plenty of old characters from the previous two series, which made me so happy, plus plenty of new intriguing characters. This might be Cellier’s most plot heavy book in the overall series yet, but the characters are what it make it happen.
-The Plot: The plot moved at a really nice pace, so that I was always interested and taking in new information without feeling overwhelmed or bored. The story followed the plot of the original fairy tale while still keeping me plenty surprised at the different twists throughout the story. And the villain (I’ll count them as part of the plot here) might be Cellier’s best villain; they were definitely well-thought out.
-The characters: Giselle was a great protagonist. I enjoyed that she was determined without being annoying and resourceful even when she was in a tough situation. Arvin, her horse, was a great personality who I enjoyed every time he appeared, and the plethora of side characters help make the world building of the castle really come alive.
-The world building: The world building here is mainly focused on Arcadia, and I really loved how Cellier included little details from the previous books that helped make the plot and the world building very convincing.
-The romance: Giselle and Philip seemed like they went together well. The mystery of Philip’s identity fit the plot of the Goose Girl well.
Overall, I enjoyed it immensely and would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a fairy tale retelling with well-done world building and a very likeable protagonist. 5/5 stars.
I love The Goose Girl, and Cellier’s latest fairy tale retelling is beautifully done. We’re back in Arcadia, where we meet plenty of old characters from the previous two series, which made me so happy, plus plenty of new intriguing characters. This might be Cellier’s most plot heavy book in the overall series yet, but the characters are what it make it happen.
-The Plot: The plot moved at a really nice pace, so that I was always interested and taking in new information without feeling overwhelmed or bored. The story followed the plot of the original fairy tale while still keeping me plenty surprised at the different twists throughout the story. And the villain (I’ll count them as part of the plot here) might be Cellier’s best villain; they were definitely well-thought out.
-The characters: Giselle was a great protagonist. I enjoyed that she was determined without being annoying and resourceful even when she was in a tough situation. Arvin, her horse, was a great personality who I enjoyed every time he appeared, and the plethora of side characters help make the world building of the castle really come alive.
-The world building: The world building here is mainly focused on Arcadia, and I really loved how Cellier included little details from the previous books that helped make the plot and the world building very convincing.
-The romance: Giselle and Philip seemed like they went together well. The mystery of Philip’s identity fit the plot of the Goose Girl well.
Overall, I enjoyed it immensely and would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a fairy tale retelling with well-done world building and a very likeable protagonist. 5/5 stars.
maddiepalmer443's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-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
4.0
867_5309's review against another edition
5.0
Goose Girl is one of my favorite fairy tales so I was a little apprehensive starting this one. I shouldn't have worried. The author did not steer me wrong. I heartily approve of the minor plot changes in this version. Excellent read for any fairy tale aficionado.
ecamaselli's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5