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Available
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Publication
HarperCollins (2011), Hardcover, 336 pages
Description
Thirteen-year-old Reveka, an herbalist's apprentice in the Middle Ages, attempts to break the mysterious curse on the princesses of Sylvania and instead discovers a door to the Underworld. Based on The Twelve Dancing Princesses.
User reviews
LibraryThing member herdingcats
This book is a delightful, intriguing, romantic novel that is just tons of fun! It combines the story of the 12 Dancing Princesses and Beauty and The Beast with Roman mythology and humor and romance. Thirteen year old Reveka is an apprentice to the herbalist and she dreams of having her own
Reveka is brave and spunky and fun and I totally loved this book!
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herbarary at a nunnery. She is now living and working at a castle where the princesses are cursed. Every night they go to bed and when they awaken, their shoes are worn out. Everyone who has tried to investigate their curse has wound up either in a neverending sleep that eventually ends in death, or, they just disappear. Curious Reveka starts out wanting to break the curse in order to gain the promised monetary reward, but she later wants to break it in order to save the sleepers, those who disappeared, and the princesses themselves. Her adventure takes her to the underworld where she learns the meaning of sacrifice.Reveka is brave and spunky and fun and I totally loved this book!
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LibraryThing member allureofbooks
The Princess Curse by Merrie Haskell retells the story of the Twelve Dancing Princesses from a different point of view – an onlooker. A young herbalist apprentice named Reveka. Her devotion to herb lore makes her certain that there is something she can do to help end the curse, so she throws
This is one stand-alone I would give anything to see made into a series. Reveka is such a strong heroine – she is incredibly brave and plenty smart…but is also not without her faults. Part of it is that she is so young. But, in fact – one of the best things about the book is her age. We get to focus on the world and the story instead of getting tangled up with a bunch of romance and teenage angst. That right there is the best part about reading middle grade!
Of course, that isn’t to say that the story doesn’t contain a few men, y’all. What would be the fun in that? But the simple fact that Reveka is too young to prioritize romance keeps anything from really developing. However, she does come to imagine a future with someone, so we do get a glimpse into what her happily ever after might be! I’d hate to have left the book without a look into how Reveka’s life might turn out.
We don’t get to know most of the princesses on any level at all – this is definitely not (directly) their story. The consequences of their actions and the lengths they go to in order to keep others free of the curse definitely make for some intrigue though. I really appreciate the fact that the story has so many layers.
I always love reading about court politics – since Reveka is a part of it all as a herbalist, we get looks into several different interesting areas. From the gossipy servant in charge of bathing to her fellow herbalists to the princesses themselves, Reveka is constantly observing and obtaining as much information as she can! The things she ends up learning definitely cause her to make some crazy decisions…
I’m always up to read anything in the fantasy genre, especially when it comes complete with a worthy heroine and a complex world to discover…if you’re anything like me, this is definitely a book worth picking up!
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herself into the task with no concern for herself. What follows brings the best of fairy tale lore alive with fantasy and determination. I absolutely couldn’t get enough of the story!This is one stand-alone I would give anything to see made into a series. Reveka is such a strong heroine – she is incredibly brave and plenty smart…but is also not without her faults. Part of it is that she is so young. But, in fact – one of the best things about the book is her age. We get to focus on the world and the story instead of getting tangled up with a bunch of romance and teenage angst. That right there is the best part about reading middle grade!
Of course, that isn’t to say that the story doesn’t contain a few men, y’all. What would be the fun in that? But the simple fact that Reveka is too young to prioritize romance keeps anything from really developing. However, she does come to imagine a future with someone, so we do get a glimpse into what her happily ever after might be! I’d hate to have left the book without a look into how Reveka’s life might turn out.
We don’t get to know most of the princesses on any level at all – this is definitely not (directly) their story. The consequences of their actions and the lengths they go to in order to keep others free of the curse definitely make for some intrigue though. I really appreciate the fact that the story has so many layers.
I always love reading about court politics – since Reveka is a part of it all as a herbalist, we get looks into several different interesting areas. From the gossipy servant in charge of bathing to her fellow herbalists to the princesses themselves, Reveka is constantly observing and obtaining as much information as she can! The things she ends up learning definitely cause her to make some crazy decisions…
I’m always up to read anything in the fantasy genre, especially when it comes complete with a worthy heroine and a complex world to discover…if you’re anything like me, this is definitely a book worth picking up!
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LibraryThing member beserene
Merrie Haskell has taken a mid-range fairy tale, "The Twelve Dancing Princesses" and turned it into an ahead-of-the-pack middle grade novel. Rather than a wandering soldier or other male protagonist, we the readers meet Reveka, an herbalist's apprentice who is determined to break the curse of the
Haskell has created likable and unlikeable characters in equal measure, but each is more complex than he or she seems at first, which is a pleasure to find in a children's novel. The book isn't perfect: there are minor issues -- the conflation of Romanian and Greek mythic references, for example, though interesting and ostensibly logical through the Roman connection, comes across as muddled on occasion, but sorts itself out more or less by the end -- and more significant ones -- our protagonist frequently speaks like someone way older than her years -- but the story carries the reader through. Some of those imperfections even become interesting connections as the book unfolds.
While the end implies potential continuation, the story does have enough closure to stand on its own. There is a little turn toward the end, which I shall not spoil here, that may not sit well with everyone, but it was probably inevitable. On the whole, though, I found it refreshing to read a fairy-tale retelling in which the heroine is smart, kind, practical-minded and largely free from the romantic cliches and personality-squelching love triangles that seem to populate the genre in recent years. A pleasant read and one I can freely recommend to all ages who love a good fairy tale.
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dancing princesses in order to use the reward money in pursuit of her career. I was on board with this heroine from page one. Haskell has created likable and unlikeable characters in equal measure, but each is more complex than he or she seems at first, which is a pleasure to find in a children's novel. The book isn't perfect: there are minor issues -- the conflation of Romanian and Greek mythic references, for example, though interesting and ostensibly logical through the Roman connection, comes across as muddled on occasion, but sorts itself out more or less by the end -- and more significant ones -- our protagonist frequently speaks like someone way older than her years -- but the story carries the reader through. Some of those imperfections even become interesting connections as the book unfolds.
While the end implies potential continuation, the story does have enough closure to stand on its own. There is a little turn toward the end, which I shall not spoil here, that may not sit well with everyone, but it was probably inevitable. On the whole, though, I found it refreshing to read a fairy-tale retelling in which the heroine is smart, kind, practical-minded and largely free from the romantic cliches and personality-squelching love triangles that seem to populate the genre in recent years. A pleasant read and one I can freely recommend to all ages who love a good fairy tale.
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LibraryThing member marielovesbooks
As with Breadcrumbs I was expecting a light fluffy read with The Princess Curse about mythology and retelling but again, that is not what I got. Reveka is a very young herbalist apprentice who dreams of having her own herbery. In order to do this, she sets off to break the curse to be rewarded.
Reveka was a very refreshing character. For someone her age, she was very mature and sneaky! I loved that she had goals and she wouldn't let anyone stop her. She has a good and pure heart and even put in the situations she was put in, she still tried to see the best of everything. I really liked Lord Dragos and I wish we knew more about him. He didn't seem threatening or violet, just sad and lonely. Another character I wish we knew more about is Alethe. I absolutely was NOT a fan of Lacrimora. Every scene she was in was just... ugh!
It's hard to review this without giving too much away!
The Princess Curse is a wonderful weaved story of the Persephone/Hades myth and the Twelve Dancing Princesses. The descriptions of the Underworld were both beautiful and haunting as was the way the world works, how spirits are either locked in or wander around and how sometimes they vanish. I absolutely enjoyed this read and I enjoyed Reveka's journey and her determination to wake up the sleepers and save the Underworld. Even though this is suppose to be a middle grade/tween novel, it certainly didn't read like one.
The only thing I didn't like was the creepy scene where the sleepers would wake up and scream "Don't go!" when the princesses' light went out. Seriously, it had me checking my windows at night lol.
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Even though Reveka is very young, she's had her own share of struggles which is what I think makes her so brave.Reveka was a very refreshing character. For someone her age, she was very mature and sneaky! I loved that she had goals and she wouldn't let anyone stop her. She has a good and pure heart and even put in the situations she was put in, she still tried to see the best of everything. I really liked Lord Dragos and I wish we knew more about him. He didn't seem threatening or violet, just sad and lonely. Another character I wish we knew more about is Alethe. I absolutely was NOT a fan of Lacrimora. Every scene she was in was just... ugh!
It's hard to review this without giving too much away!
The Princess Curse is a wonderful weaved story of the Persephone/Hades myth and the Twelve Dancing Princesses. The descriptions of the Underworld were both beautiful and haunting as was the way the world works, how spirits are either locked in or wander around and how sometimes they vanish. I absolutely enjoyed this read and I enjoyed Reveka's journey and her determination to wake up the sleepers and save the Underworld. Even though this is suppose to be a middle grade/tween novel, it certainly didn't read like one.
The only thing I didn't like was the creepy scene where the sleepers would wake up and scream "Don't go!" when the princesses' light went out. Seriously, it had me checking my windows at night lol.
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LibraryThing member soraki
Reveka, an apprentice herbalist in the fifteenth century, wants to break the curse on the twelve princesses for the huge reward their father is offering. She experiments with mixing potions and searching for rare plants to find a way of rendering herself invisible in order to spy on the princesses
Part The Twelve Dancing Princess, part Beauty and the Beast, and part the myth of Hades and Persephone, this is a charming and delightful story, and I really hope there will be a sequel to Reveka's story.
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to find out what they're up to that wears out their slippers every night. She finally succeeds in creating an invisibility cap and follows the princesses down a secret passage into the Underworld, where the princesses are forced to dance with a dragon each night.Part The Twelve Dancing Princess, part Beauty and the Beast, and part the myth of Hades and Persephone, this is a charming and delightful story, and I really hope there will be a sequel to Reveka's story.
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LibraryThing member SunnySD
An adaptation of the Twelve Dancing Princesses tale with a fresh new spin. Revaka, the new herbalists apprentice in Prince Vasile's castle, is determined to solve the mystery of the twelve princesses and their tattered shoes, wake the sleepers, and claim the dowry offered by the grieving and
Revaka is a determined, clever, and very practical heroine - and her making the princesses smell like cabbage soup made me laugh. Haskell handles the age discrepancies handily, and the bits of history and folklore are intriguing. I was sorry to reach the end.
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beleaguered ruler. She wants to join a nunnery and have her very own herbary. Revaka is a determined, clever, and very practical heroine - and her making the princesses smell like cabbage soup made me laugh. Haskell handles the age discrepancies handily, and the bits of history and folklore are intriguing. I was sorry to reach the end.
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LibraryThing member Kewpie83
Well, this is a tough one. The Princess Curse is a solid read, but is tarnished by the fact that it clearly reads like the first book in a series and not a standalone. If a sequel were being published, this wouldn't be a problem, but as there is no planned sequel... Storylines are tied up to a
The beginning of the novel was a little slow for me. I wasn't hooked until I was about 1/3rd into the story. Other than that, the storytelling was filled with some great lines, some of which gave me a laugh. The main character in this novel is only 13, so while romance is discussed, we don't see much of it. Honestly, though, it would have been a little weird for me if they'd gone further into the romance storyline, with the main character being so young. The final chapters (epilogue, if you will) seemed a little rushed, but the pacing over all wasn't too bad.
Speaking of the characters, I quite liked them. They weren't all developed to the extent they could have been (like the Gardners apprentice), but overall, the main leads seemed pretty solid.
The main problem with this novel is that it just isn't complete. There is a complete story that is told, but it's clear to me that this is just the first of what should be at least two novels. However, I think I still may recommend this to young readers looking for a solid read. (At the very least, maybe it will help get us a sequel!)
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point, but there's a ton of things hinted at throughout the novel that are left open (and not all of those things are small, inconsequential things!). The beginning of the novel was a little slow for me. I wasn't hooked until I was about 1/3rd into the story. Other than that, the storytelling was filled with some great lines, some of which gave me a laugh. The main character in this novel is only 13, so while romance is discussed, we don't see much of it. Honestly, though, it would have been a little weird for me if they'd gone further into the romance storyline, with the main character being so young. The final chapters (epilogue, if you will) seemed a little rushed, but the pacing over all wasn't too bad.
Speaking of the characters, I quite liked them. They weren't all developed to the extent they could have been (like the Gardners apprentice), but overall, the main leads seemed pretty solid.
The main problem with this novel is that it just isn't complete. There is a complete story that is told, but it's clear to me that this is just the first of what should be at least two novels. However, I think I still may recommend this to young readers looking for a solid read. (At the very least, maybe it will help get us a sequel!)
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LibraryThing member Yona
This might actually be my favorite retelling of The Twelve Dancing Princesses and I've read a couple really good ones. Reveka is a great character and her story goes beyond a retelling of the tale.
LibraryThing member LibraryGirl11
Another new twist on the tale of the twelve dancing princesses, incorporating Romanian folklore into the story. Not as elegant as Marillier's Wildwood Dancing, but a good read with lots of interesting herb lore.
LibraryThing member TheDivineOomba
This is a cute novel that combines the 12 Dancing Princesses (Brothers Grimm) with the Greek Myth of Persephone. Its aimed at younger teens - 12 or so. Its solid writing, a great character who lives in a dark ages type world - where as a girl, she can only get married, or live in an abbey. While
Raveka is a very solid character - she is smart, able, and doesn't rush into a situation. She thinks things through. And while she is an outsider, she is still able to ask for help and gain the respect of the people around her. I like a book with a heroine that thinks before acting.
My only qualm is the ending - While it makes sense in the story, and in the culture of the society, it would have helped if Raveka was just a few years older. No, nothing like THAT happens - but the ending feels a bit wrong.
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there is magic, it is doesn't play a large part of the story. The story of the 12 princesses is nicely done - with an explanation of why they must dance. When the king offers a large award to whomever can break the curse - Raveka determines to be the one to do it, even though it might cost her her life.Raveka is a very solid character - she is smart, able, and doesn't rush into a situation. She thinks things through. And while she is an outsider, she is still able to ask for help and gain the respect of the people around her. I like a book with a heroine that thinks before acting.
My only qualm is the ending - While it makes sense in the story, and in the culture of the society, it would have helped if Raveka was just a few years older. No, nothing like THAT happens - but the ending feels a bit wrong.
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LibraryThing member CILLYart4U
I had fun reading this original fairy tale by Merrie Haskell. The characters are vivid and fun, as are the descriptive settings in this story. I look forward to reading more of her magical, fairytale creations.
LibraryThing member wealhtheowwylfing
Don't let the cover art fool you! This is a smart, thoughtful, and highly enjoyable fairy tale. Although the main character is thirteen, she's a medieval thirteen--old enough to be apprenticed, to have survived wars and famines and make her own plans for the future. Reveka wants nothing more than
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to be an herbalist, and has the perception, curiosity, and logical frame of mind to become a good one. With her as the main character, and a well-researched, fully-grounded medieval Europe as the context, the legends of the Twelve Dancing Princesses, Beauty and the Beast, and Hades and Persephone all become a seemless, fascinating whole. Show Less
LibraryThing member Cheryl_in_CC_NV
The cover is a bit unfortunate, as it implies something lighter and cuter than what is between the covers. ?�Yes, the mc is thirteen. ?áAnd, yes, there's not much of the romance one expects in YA. ?áBut this is a better fit?áfor readers at least 11 years old, not for the 8 year-old girls
Anyway, the first half or so seemed plodding to me. ?áAnd there was some political intrigue (though fortunately I didn't have to understand it clearly). ?áI almost put it down, but I did want to learn where the author was taking all these ideas. ?áAnd then things started happening, and actions were having consequences, and secrets were being exposed, and it got *very* engaging. ?áUnfortunately, many of the exposed secrets weren't explained, so I hope the implied sequel has been published...
I really liked all the herb lore, like 'invisible' fern seeds. ?áI liked how the author included real history, like Romanian culture, and Hildegard of Bingen, and the hennin headdress, along with the magic and the made-up little kingdom of Sylvania (adjacent Transylvania, you see). ?áAnd I appreciate the author's note to help us sort out the invented from the documented....
Rating this is a little difficult for me. ?áI'm rounding up to four stars because the author has a terrific imagination and created a world I really want to spend more time in.
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likely to be attracted to the cover.Anyway, the first half or so seemed plodding to me. ?áAnd there was some political intrigue (though fortunately I didn't have to understand it clearly). ?áI almost put it down, but I did want to learn where the author was taking all these ideas. ?áAnd then things started happening, and actions were having consequences, and secrets were being exposed, and it got *very* engaging. ?áUnfortunately, many of the exposed secrets weren't explained, so I hope the implied sequel has been published...
I really liked all the herb lore, like 'invisible' fern seeds. ?áI liked how the author included real history, like Romanian culture, and Hildegard of Bingen, and the hennin headdress, along with the magic and the made-up little kingdom of Sylvania (adjacent Transylvania, you see). ?áAnd I appreciate the author's note to help us sort out the invented from the documented....
Rating this is a little difficult for me. ?áI'm rounding up to four stars because the author has a terrific imagination and created a world I really want to spend more time in.
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LibraryThing member AnnaWaffles
I really enjoyed this! I had a few somewhat jarring "I see what you did there" moments, but maybe I'm just turning into a jaded children's librarian. My kid-self would have been obsessed with this book, and I could see it becoming a new go-to comfort read on the rare occasions that I'm tired of YA.
LibraryThing member linepainter
Read this one for work. It's a lovely fairy tale fanfic, perfect for young readers who still like their fairy tales sincere.
LibraryThing member Chelsea_K
This book was great! Beauty and the Beast is one of my favorites so reading a fairy tale retelling that combined it with another was really fun. This book had intriguing characters and an interesting plot that kept you guessing what would happen next.
Awards
Mythopoeic Awards (Finalist — Children's Literature — 2013)
Charlie May Simon Children's Book Award (Nominee — 2014)
Language
Original publication date
2011
Physical description
336 p.; 8.4 inches
ISBN
0062008137 / 9780062008138
Local notes
Twelve princesses suffer from a puzzling (if silly) curse, and anyone who ends it will win a reward. Reveka, a sharp-witted and irreverent apprentice herbalist, wants that reward. But her investigations lead to deeper mysteries and a daunting choice, and breaking the curse may come at the peril of her own soul.
A sweet and fun retelling.
A sweet and fun retelling.