Reviewed by ladygrey on
I can't tell you how excited I was to get this book and discover the story wrapped inside such a stunning cover.
This is a delightful retelling of The Twelve Dancing Princesses. I liked the twists and the way [a:Heather Dixon|386042|Heather Dixon|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1314682998p2/386042.jpg] reimagined it and made it her own. It delves into the intricacies of dancing more than any other version I've read and also spends more time with the sisters which is the best part. The sisters are funny and sweet and wild but also wonderful with each other. Also the King is a really good character. None of the men were quite dashing enough to fall in love with, but more than one of them were noble and good and in a way I liked that they weren't really the point.
My only complaint is her sense of magic, which seemed half formed. She knew enough for the parts that needed it, but there didn't seem to be a deeper mythology of how it all worked or why. Which is ok, except there's got to be a better way to reference it than that warm tingly bit, over and over - some different turn of phrase every now and then that gives it substance or power beyond the moments when it flitters to life.
But that's a small thing in an otherwise sweet, fun book. The dancing is very much alive and beautiful. And the characters are what really what makes this a good book.
Reading updates
- Started reading
- 24 April, 2011: Finished reading
- 24 April, 2011: Reviewed