The second set of interconnected stand-alone fairy tale retellings from the Four Kingdoms series
Book 3--The Princess Pact: A Twist on Rumpelstiltskin: Marie, the dutiful princess of Northhelm, chafes under the rigid protocol that governs her life. Then a growing darkness threatens the kingdom and uncovers the lie at the center of her whole life--a single pact that changes everything.
Novella 3.5--A Midwinter's Wedding: A Retelling of The Frog Prince: Princess Cordelia is used to being overshadowed by her many brothers and sisters. So when she's offered the chance to attend her brother's wedding in a faraway kingdom, she leaps at it. In Northhelm, she'll finally have the chance to stand out. And maybe, just maybe, she'll even find romance.
Book 4--The Princess Game: A Reimagining of Sleeping Beauty: In this reimagining of the classic fairy tale Sleeping Beauty, it's only the princess's mind that is asleep. And sometimes appearances can be deceiving.
Melanie Cellier grew up on a staple diet of books, books and more books. And although she got older, she never stopped loving children’s and young adult novels. She always wanted to write one herself, but it took three careers and three different continents before she actually managed it.
She now feels incredibly fortunate to spend her time writing from her home in Adelaide, Australia where she keeps an eye out for koalas in her backyard. Her staple diet hasn’t changed much, although she’s added choc mint Rooibos tea and Chicken Crimpies to the list.
She writes young adult fantasy including her Spoken Mage series, and her Four Kingdoms and Beyond the Four Kingdoms series which are made up of linked stand-alone stories that retell classic fairy tales.
These books are awesome, even better than the first three (which is saying a lot because those are so good too) Some of the BEST fairytale retellings out there in my opinion. They're really unique and super intriguing, keeping me on the edge of my seat until I had finished them. I loved these three particularly so much, not only the stories but the characters!! This series is on my favorites list for sure.
3 - Rumpelstiltskin (4 stars) This was a good and enjoyable book, though far from my favorite. I didn’t like Marie’s character quite as much, and the True Love relationship was a bit rushed and underdeveloped. The story was good, though, and I enjoyed the twist on Rumpelstiltskin.
4 - Frog Prince (5 stars) I really enjoyed this one. It was actually refreshing to have the male romantic interest be unattractive, and to see a relationship form that wasn’t based on initial physical attraction. The book was engaging with a nice flow, despite the sudden ending.
5 - Sleeping Beauty (5 stars) This one was probably my favorite of the series. I really liked Celeste’s character, with her fighting skills, intelligence, and spymaster activities. The dual relationship with William may have been a little odd, but it pulled together at the end. Overall most excellent.
Content: There’s no foul language or sex. The romance is clean and there was minimal violence. There is a High King and godmothers that appear to act as gift-bestowing guardian angels… but I wouldn’t call it truly Christian.
This is a fun read! I love fairy tales and The Four Kingdoms are semi-modern day versions. There are a few spots that the narration shifts from third person to first person and back, and this pulled me out of the story. The romance is just enough to be sweet, the danger is just enough to cause tension, and most of the time I couldn’t fully predict the ending to all the story threads.
Beyond the Four Kingdoms Box Set 2: Books 4–6 ~~ This set raised the stakes and the magic even higher! I didn’t think I could love these fairytale retellings more, but Box Set 2 completely enchanted me. The storytelling is richer, the world broader, and the characters even more complex. These aren’t just pretty princess tales—they’re full of hard choices, clever plans, deep bonds, and powerful themes of growth.
Book 4 gave a darker, more emotional twist on “Snow White,” with a heroine who refuses to be anyone’s victim. Book 5 was full of longing and beauty—“Sleeping Beauty” reimagined as a tale of lost time, trust, and finding your own strength. And Book 6? It’s like “The Little Mermaid” mixed with court intrigue and a fiercely independent heroine. Absolutely magical.
Esther Wane continues to shine as the narrator, giving voice to every kingdom with elegance and heart. If you loved the first set, this one will blow you away. I couldn’t stop listening or reading, and I didn’t want it to end.
I've read this series twice now, and loved it both times. The first time I read it, I read it out of order, just reading according to the fairy tale. It's better to read them in order - it sure makes more sense as far as the characters go! For as young as Melanie is, she writes a very polished story. I am swept up into the plot and fall in love with the characters (well most of them, then there are the ones that I'm not so thrilled with - like Uncle Horace in this last one - he is just plain mean!)
Now onto Beyond the Four Kingdoms (which I've also read and loved).
These books have everything kids and adults alike will love. There’s funny bits and action along with amazing characters you want to know more about out. I know it’s a retelling but each is brilliant redone.
Highly recommend grabbing your own copy - and don’t forget to grab the audio as it’s so worth it!!
I have enjoyed all three of the stories in this set and the way they link with the stories from the previous set. I am looking forward to seeing how things evolve when I go beyond the 4 kingdoms.
I recently completed (re)reading box set 1 and now 2. The stories just get better and better! Good clean romance sounds so boring to contemplate, but these fairy tales reimagined (and improved) are fantastic.
It was very well written I enjoyed the story line. She writes all over books eloquently and she adds just the write amount of danger and drama. Her couples are so romantic.
I loved this boxset and have to admit that I cried in the last story. What a great story of redemption! I loved seeing Ferdy and William get their happy endings! Now on to Celine and the twins!
Once again I loved this series. One thing though, and it might be just me. In one book, the princess chewed her tongue. In another the princess chewed her cheek. It conjured up cows chewing their cuds. Not a pretty sight. No more please.
Congratulations to Melanie Cellier for another amazing series. It’s hard to find such an interesting and exciting author who not only writes intelligently but also provides top rated plots, characters and excitement in the stories.
I have submitted reviews for each of the titles contained within this series set box. If you wish to read those reviews refer to the individual titles. I have listened to this set box via audiobooks under Audible Membership.
It's just as good as the first three books. I recommend reading these all in order. I love the different personalities and how everything seems to connect.
I LOVE her retellings!! Melanie Cellier really knows what she’s doing!! Ava and Celeste’s stories are my favorite!! They are so beautiful and have so much growth. I love all the beautiful parallels to faith and Christianity in these books.
Once again, Ms. Cellier wind the day with her marvelous twisting of old familiar fairy tales. I highly recommend these stories, along with the sequel series.
Another re-read by audiobook — I had a lot of fun revisiting these stories and piecing together the plots and mysteries faced by the characters. Glad I had this chance!