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The Princess and the Fawn
In a story of corrupt power, adventure, and romance, not everyone will find their happy ending.
When a young prince and his sister discover their evil stepmother's plan to take over the throne by having them killed, they are forced to flee their kingdom and take refuge in the mysterious Woodland. But her dark magic is far-reaching with disastrous consequences, and together the siblings must face their new fate and prepare for a life in hiding.
In the neighboring kingdom of Caedryn, Prince Evander is desperate for adventure. But when he embarks on a special birthday hunt for the fabled Silver Stag, he soon finds himself on a dangerous quest to take down an evil queen and free a trapped kingdom.
Inspired by the Grimm’s Brothers fairytale, 'Brother and Sister', secrets and lies will be uncovered, courage and self-belief will be tested, while the fate of two Kingdoms hangs in the balance.
If you enjoyed the daring and magical world of The Princess Bride, you'll love the captivating adventures of The Princess and the Fawn.
When a young prince and his sister discover their evil stepmother's plan to take over the throne by having them killed, they are forced to flee their kingdom and take refuge in the mysterious Woodland. But her dark magic is far-reaching with disastrous consequences, and together the siblings must face their new fate and prepare for a life in hiding.
In the neighboring kingdom of Caedryn, Prince Evander is desperate for adventure. But when he embarks on a special birthday hunt for the fabled Silver Stag, he soon finds himself on a dangerous quest to take down an evil queen and free a trapped kingdom.
Inspired by the Grimm’s Brothers fairytale, 'Brother and Sister', secrets and lies will be uncovered, courage and self-belief will be tested, while the fate of two Kingdoms hangs in the balance.
If you enjoyed the daring and magical world of The Princess Bride, you'll love the captivating adventures of The Princess and the Fawn.
- GenresFantasy
Kindle Edition
Published October 31, 2023
5 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
Danielle Hughes
9 books60 followersBusy mum to four gorgeous kids, Danielle loves reading, watching and writing fantasy stories for middle-grade and YA readers. She also dabbles in sweet, cozy romance and loves a classic Hallmark movie.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
November 2, 2023
I had the incredible honor of being an ARC for this book and it was amazing!
It had everything you need for a fairytale. Intrigue, magic, an evil step mother, and a mythical animal! This is going to be a must reread for me!!
It had everything you need for a fairytale. Intrigue, magic, an evil step mother, and a mythical animal! This is going to be a must reread for me!!
November 13, 2023
I really loved reading this book. I highly recommend this book for readers who enjoy reading fantasy and fairytales.
October 9, 2023
This was a very sweet story at a novella length making it a quick read. The reading level I perceived was for middle school.
The story follows Prince Torin and Princess Calia of Aldric as they escape from their Evil Stepmother. After a run in with a Prince from another kingdom do they accept his friendship and rescue their kingdom?
The plot was well done and kept my interest. I loved all of the characters in this novella and the imagery was beautiful. I did wish that the book was longer so that we could have had more depth on the characters and their motivations as well as a little more world building details. I was definitely left wanting more, hoping that there may be a follow up novella.
The story follows Prince Torin and Princess Calia of Aldric as they escape from their Evil Stepmother. After a run in with a Prince from another kingdom do they accept his friendship and rescue their kingdom?
The plot was well done and kept my interest. I loved all of the characters in this novella and the imagery was beautiful. I did wish that the book was longer so that we could have had more depth on the characters and their motivations as well as a little more world building details. I was definitely left wanting more, hoping that there may be a follow up novella.
October 23, 2023
Enchanted Royalty,Castles, & Woodlands
Yes, this review will be glowing.
I loved it.
Paraphrasing this beautifully written book:
Enchanting plot line with a fairytale feeling.
I was in awe of all it's descriptions. Legendary Stag, Castles, and the heroics displayed. Everything that a child would beg for before going to sleep at night.
Honored to have been able to ARC read this.
This review is 100% my honest opinion and I hope more readers love it too.
My inner child is so happy right now.
Yes, this review will be glowing.
I loved it.
Paraphrasing this beautifully written book:
Enchanting plot line with a fairytale feeling.
I was in awe of all it's descriptions. Legendary Stag, Castles, and the heroics displayed. Everything that a child would beg for before going to sleep at night.
Honored to have been able to ARC read this.
This review is 100% my honest opinion and I hope more readers love it too.
My inner child is so happy right now.
October 29, 2025
This is a quick read about princes, princesses, kingdoms and curses. This wasn’t written for young kids, but teenage and above should enjoy it if you like royal tales. I enjoyed it and will read more by this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 30, 2023
I became absorbed in this wonderful fantasy world.
Such a well-paced story with beautiful language and descriptions.
A terrific read for children as well as adults.
This tale provides a perfect escape from everyday life.
Such a well-paced story with beautiful language and descriptions.
A terrific read for children as well as adults.
This tale provides a perfect escape from everyday life.
Read
February 4, 2025I stopped at page 12.
As soon as a book introduces a demon that disrobes an evil queen to show her naked and implies that...stuff...happens, I'm outta there.
Yuck.
As soon as a book introduces a demon that disrobes an evil queen to show her naked and implies that...stuff...happens, I'm outta there.
Yuck.
September 17, 2023
This was a great story. The author created some wonderful characters, both good and evil. The world building was fantastic and the plot kept me turning the pages.
Once upon a time in the Kingdom of Aldric, lived King Brennus & Queen Faelyn. They were blessed with 2 children Torin & Calia. When Calia was 5 the Queen became ill and passed away. The king was concerned about his children growing up without a mother so he decided to marry again. He married Caradin and she came to live at the castle along with her disfigured daughter Avaleen. The children didn't like the new Queen and soon their father passed as well. Then life became unbearable because they were always being punished and food was with held. One night Torin saw Caradin doing something evil and he took his sister and they ran away. The Queen was furious when she found them missing so she placed a curse on them. That's when things got really bad. So many surprises in this one and it's a great read.
Once upon a time in the Kingdom of Aldric, lived King Brennus & Queen Faelyn. They were blessed with 2 children Torin & Calia. When Calia was 5 the Queen became ill and passed away. The king was concerned about his children growing up without a mother so he decided to marry again. He married Caradin and she came to live at the castle along with her disfigured daughter Avaleen. The children didn't like the new Queen and soon their father passed as well. Then life became unbearable because they were always being punished and food was with held. One night Torin saw Caradin doing something evil and he took his sister and they ran away. The Queen was furious when she found them missing so she placed a curse on them. That's when things got really bad. So many surprises in this one and it's a great read.
March 27, 2024
I love this Author, another fantastic book to transport me into her imagination and beautiful book cover to add to my bookshelf.
Clever story that had Cinderella vibes at the start and then by part 2 we were let loose in a fantasy world with magic both good and evil and how communication and understanding along with a good love story or two is the recipe to success.
It was really easy to read and I enjoyed it a lot.
Clever story that had Cinderella vibes at the start and then by part 2 we were let loose in a fantasy world with magic both good and evil and how communication and understanding along with a good love story or two is the recipe to success.
It was really easy to read and I enjoyed it a lot.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 29, 2024
Review to follow!
September 30, 2025
I loved this story. I loved that it reminded me of a book I read many years ago. The sweet love stories of the main characters is perfect. I wanted to read it in one sitting but did it in two. If you want to just let your mind drift to days gone by this stories for you. It is good for any age.
December 4, 2024
A few typos, but this story was amazing!! If you love darker fairytales with wicked queens that need to be taken down to save people and dark spells cast that need to be overthrown… This is the book for you! Also it’s not a super long read! Really enjoyed this one!
September 28, 2025
A Fawn-tasy for the Tween Scene
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (if you're a tween)
⭐️⭐️ (if you're older and expecting depth beyond deer)
This fairy tale retelling is like a warm mug of cocoa with a hint of cinnamon—and maybe a shadow lurking in the woods. It’s sweet, a little spooky, and clearly crafted for the middle-grade crowd. If you’re a tween who likes your fantasy with a sprinkle of danger and a dash of heart, this one delivers. If you’re older and craving complexity, you might find yourself wishing the fawn had sharper teeth.
The story walks the line between cozy and eerie, which works well for its intended audience. There’s a gay couple included, but the representation is subtle—more background than banner-waving. It’s nice to see inclusivity handled with quiet normalcy, though blink and you might miss it.
Overall, it’s a gentle, slightly haunting tale that feels like it belongs in a bedtime stack for kids who’ve outgrown picture books but aren’t quite ready for full-blown YA drama. A solid pick for younger readers who want a fairy tale with a twist—and for grown-ups who enjoy peeking into the genre without expecting fireworks
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (if you're a tween)
⭐️⭐️ (if you're older and expecting depth beyond deer)
This fairy tale retelling is like a warm mug of cocoa with a hint of cinnamon—and maybe a shadow lurking in the woods. It’s sweet, a little spooky, and clearly crafted for the middle-grade crowd. If you’re a tween who likes your fantasy with a sprinkle of danger and a dash of heart, this one delivers. If you’re older and craving complexity, you might find yourself wishing the fawn had sharper teeth.
The story walks the line between cozy and eerie, which works well for its intended audience. There’s a gay couple included, but the representation is subtle—more background than banner-waving. It’s nice to see inclusivity handled with quiet normalcy, though blink and you might miss it.
Overall, it’s a gentle, slightly haunting tale that feels like it belongs in a bedtime stack for kids who’ve outgrown picture books but aren’t quite ready for full-blown YA drama. A solid pick for younger readers who want a fairy tale with a twist—and for grown-ups who enjoy peeking into the genre without expecting fireworks
September 30, 2025
This book has a nice concept, but it felt unfinished. First, I must commend the author for choosing to retell "Brother and Sister" from the Brothers Grimm because I rarely see adaptations of that story. Yet, the first section of this book reads like a slightly more detailed version of the fairy tale, making it feel more like a short story than book. In fact, the book itself is hardly even long enough to consider a novelette. The second half picks up more with dialogue and a few nice twists, such as taking down the protagonists' wicked stepmother who became queen, but then the ending is rushed again. There are also a few portions that seemed too mature for such an innocent story and pulled me out of the book, including (non-descriptive) nudity and some light swearing. Overall, I think this book could have been better if the author had spent more time fleshing out the story and length so it doesn't feel like just an extension of the fairy tale.
October 17, 2023
This novella had everything you'd expect in a good fairy tale:
Evil stepmother ✔️
Magic ✔️
A house in the woods ✔️
A mythical beast ✔️
Prince Charming ✔️
A hero ✔️
A happily ever after ✔️
Torin and Calia's story was filled with despair, betrayal, adventure, trust, and most importantly (what every good fairy tale needs) love.
There was, of course, a lesson to be learned: Brothers should listen to their sisters. Having two brothers of my own, I know this beyond the shadow of a doubt.
Hughes does a good job of giving enough imagery to make the reader feel like they're not missing anything which can be difficult in short stories.
I wouldn't mind reading a longer, more fleshed-out version someday, though. One where I could dive deeper into the characters and setting.
I recommend this for anyone that enjoys classic fairy tales.
Evil stepmother ✔️
Magic ✔️
A house in the woods ✔️
A mythical beast ✔️
Prince Charming ✔️
A hero ✔️
A happily ever after ✔️
Torin and Calia's story was filled with despair, betrayal, adventure, trust, and most importantly (what every good fairy tale needs) love.
There was, of course, a lesson to be learned: Brothers should listen to their sisters. Having two brothers of my own, I know this beyond the shadow of a doubt.
Hughes does a good job of giving enough imagery to make the reader feel like they're not missing anything which can be difficult in short stories.
I wouldn't mind reading a longer, more fleshed-out version someday, though. One where I could dive deeper into the characters and setting.
I recommend this for anyone that enjoys classic fairy tales.
October 31, 2025
What a beautiful, sweet fairytale!
I have to admit, I am one of those people who are drawn to books by their covers and this one definitely pulled me in. I couldn’t wait to read it with the amazing cover of the deer with the majestic antlers and the beautiful maiden riding it. Surprisingly, the story lived up to the cover and then some. We have the brother and sister, the evil stepmother, the father—who also happens to be the king—dying, except in this case, we also have a stepdaughter also abused by the evil stepmother, and a demon. The writing style just fits the story perfectly too and pulled me in from the very beginning and kept my interest throughout the tale. I cannot recommend this story highly enough to all lovers of fairytales.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I have to admit, I am one of those people who are drawn to books by their covers and this one definitely pulled me in. I couldn’t wait to read it with the amazing cover of the deer with the majestic antlers and the beautiful maiden riding it. Surprisingly, the story lived up to the cover and then some. We have the brother and sister, the evil stepmother, the father—who also happens to be the king—dying, except in this case, we also have a stepdaughter also abused by the evil stepmother, and a demon. The writing style just fits the story perfectly too and pulled me in from the very beginning and kept my interest throughout the tale. I cannot recommend this story highly enough to all lovers of fairytales.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 3, 2023
I loved this tale of love, dedication, and sacrifice between a sister and her brother. They once possessed everything and lost it all after their wicked step mother takes their kingdom. The story develops to show how the princess and prince are forced to leave for fear of death but through everything they survive and choose to make the best of a bad situation. I loved Avaleen’s character and how she chooses to be strong and courageous enough to make decisions that were super difficult yet life changing. She is a true champion in this story. This is definitely a book I would share with others.
I read the advanced e- copy and am leaving my honest opinion of this book.
I read the advanced e- copy and am leaving my honest opinion of this book.
September 27, 2025
Forget “once upon a time”—The Princess and the Stag reinvents the fairy tale with wit, surprise, and heart. Every character is fresh and unforgettable, every chapter holds a twist you don’t see coming, and beneath it all beats a powerful message about family and love. If you’re tired of fairy tales that feel the same, this one will remind you why we fall in love with stories in the first place.
A spellbinding tale where "once upon a time" opens the door to twists, courage, and a love that defies expectations.
A spellbinding tale where "once upon a time" opens the door to twists, courage, and a love that defies expectations.
November 1, 2025
the book was good for its length but being a bit of a shorter book it felt rushed and incomplete in some parts and just didn’t hold my attention the way longer books do but other than that personal preference it was a fairly good take on the classic evil stepmother trope. But there were definitely some scenes that were weirder and felt out of place in a book that initially reads like it is for early middle school reader.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 1, 2025
What a lovely tale of sibling love and loyalty.
The hunger for power corrupts and some will stop at nothing to gain absolute power. Even sacrificing their own child is seen as a means to an end.
Fortunately there are still those who will do whatever they can to overthrow evil and restore peace and balance to the world in which they live.
I received a free copy of The Princess and the Fawn through BookSprout and have chosen to leave a review.
The hunger for power corrupts and some will stop at nothing to gain absolute power. Even sacrificing their own child is seen as a means to an end.
Fortunately there are still those who will do whatever they can to overthrow evil and restore peace and balance to the world in which they live.
I received a free copy of The Princess and the Fawn through BookSprout and have chosen to leave a review.
November 9, 2025
Very sweet story. As a fairytale lover, I enjoyed a lot of the classic fairytale elements and vibes. However, it felt a little unpolished - there were a lot of typos floating around and a couple plot elements that felt rushed or a bit messy. I did enjoy it and I’ll definitely read more from this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review.
Cry count: 0 times.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review.
Cry count: 0 times.
October 14, 2023
Good morning, I was given the honor of reading your book and I enjoyed it immensely!! You made the characters seem realistic! Thank you so much for letting me be one of the first to read your book!! :)
March 1, 2024
This was certainly an enjoyable fairy tale. The author will get you rooting for the princess and the prince. It did have the expected fairy tale high points. As a fairy tale the detail was light and could leave the user with questions. Certainly an enjoyable read for those who love fairy tales.
November 2, 2025
I enjoyed this twist on an old fairy tale. A good tale full of drama, intrigue, surprise and an evil Queen. Had me reading to see how the Queen would be defeated and enjoyed the surprises that unfolded as I read the story. Loved the feel of the story and the characters.
November 8, 2025
This story was completely delightful. I enjoyed it from page one. A lovely piece of escapism back to childhood.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 16, 2025
Super cool. I like how it was a retelling in a way and was very whimsical and interesting. I really enjoyed this book and I can’t wait to read more like it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 30, 2024
I was pretty disappointed with this book. The writing quantity is mediocre, the characters felt underdeveloped, cliched, and predictable. I thought the resolution was too easily achieved.
I was going to rate it three stars because it was average but not terrible.
But what really took it down to 2 stars was some of the content. The dark magic was weird and included nudity and I wasn't sure if something more intimate was also implied (definitely alluded to and there were weird sexual overtones), there was swearing, and the kiss between the two mains was really awkwardly written. It got too intimate too quickly and with very prosaic writing, and it was just weird and seemed out of character especially for the FMC.
Content that includes some swearing or intimacy doesn't usually cause me to take a star off a review, but it did here because it really seemed to not fit the overall tone of the book which is quite cutesy and simple, and it was incredibly jarring and unexpected. I felt sideswiped by it and like it was a bad fit for the rest of the book.
I was going to rate it three stars because it was average but not terrible.
But what really took it down to 2 stars was some of the content. The dark magic was weird and included nudity and I wasn't sure if something more intimate was also implied (definitely alluded to and there were weird sexual overtones), there was swearing, and the kiss between the two mains was really awkwardly written. It got too intimate too quickly and with very prosaic writing, and it was just weird and seemed out of character especially for the FMC.
Content that includes some swearing or intimacy doesn't usually cause me to take a star off a review, but it did here because it really seemed to not fit the overall tone of the book which is quite cutesy and simple, and it was incredibly jarring and unexpected. I felt sideswiped by it and like it was a bad fit for the rest of the book.
November 19, 2025
The Silver Stag and his sister
A lovely sweet fairytale romance with love and loyalty. The story of a prince and princess who have to escape their evil stepmother, only for him to become cursed. After years of hiding they're found by the prince of the neighbouring kingdom, who's willing to do what he can to help them.
"Most people just buy flowers or jewellery. But a mission to save an entire kingdom from a maniac works too."
I really enjoyed reading this and found it hard to put down. A great one to pick up if you enjoy fairytales, good for children and adults alike, with some great characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A lovely sweet fairytale romance with love and loyalty. The story of a prince and princess who have to escape their evil stepmother, only for him to become cursed. After years of hiding they're found by the prince of the neighbouring kingdom, who's willing to do what he can to help them.
"Most people just buy flowers or jewellery. But a mission to save an entire kingdom from a maniac works too."
I really enjoyed reading this and found it hard to put down. A great one to pick up if you enjoy fairytales, good for children and adults alike, with some great characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 8, 2025
If you're short on time but looking for a fun fantasy getaway, here's your book. I read this delightful story on my lunch break at work. It fulfilled my fantasy fix and gave me a great break from work.
Royal families band together to help get rid of a bad Queen trying to usurp the throne. Sorcerers, curses, transmutation, and love, all in a fun fantasy fairy tale.
Royal families band together to help get rid of a bad Queen trying to usurp the throne. Sorcerers, curses, transmutation, and love, all in a fun fantasy fairy tale.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews