review; princess of glass

Princess Of Glass
by Jessica Day George

Hoping to escape the troubles in her kingdom, Princess Poppy reluctantly agrees to take part in a royal exchange program, whereby young princes and princesses travel to each other’s countries in the name of better political alliances–and potential marriages. It’s got the makings of a fairy tale–until a hapless servant named Eleanor is tricked by a vengeful fairy godmother into competing with Poppy for the eligible prince. Ballgowns, cinders, and enchanted glass slippers fly in this romantic and action-packed happily-ever-after quest from an author with a flair for embroidering tales in her own delightful way.

Review:
I took a break from Sarah Rees Brennan’s Unspoken when I found the copy of this novel in the library – having just finished the first in the trilogy, I wanted to reread the second and I am so glad I did! Took my less than two days to finish it, largely because Poppy is such an engaging character.

Continuing three years after the events of the first novel, Princess Of Glass sees Poppy, one of the middle sisters, now sixteen, on a exchange trip of sorts to a neighboring kingdom, where she is drawn into the intrigue of a young heiress-turned-servant, Ellen, or Eleanora. I think everyone knows where this is going.

The novel is split into different points of views – mostly we get Poppy, whose is a lively and fresh voice, blunt and to the point. She is sympathetic towards others and intelligent, and it is a joy to read a young heroine that is doing the saving of the prince rather than the other way around.

Christian’s point of view is also entertaining to read, especially as the novel goes on and we see magic take a hold of the kingdom, and the various characters try to combat it. The fact that Christian, who quickly counts Poppy as a close friend, can fight enchantment, or at least gain a more clear head when it comes to Poppy, shows the burgeoning feelings between the two better than any dialogue would.

I will admit though that it took me a while to warm up to Ellen’s character. She is petty and sullen towards people who do not deserve it, but as the story unfolds, I did warm up towards her. In large part because of her obviously genuine feelings towards Roger, and the fact that she was basically still a lost little girl trying to find love in all the wrong places.

Cinderella re-imaginings sometimes miss the mark, but Princess Of Glass – well, it’s got the aura of mystery the first book has, the charming characters and the peppy narrative. I love that there is still an undercurrent of the King Under Stone’s menacing presence throughout the novel.

I cannot wait to finish Princess Of The Silver Woods, which I just got from the library.