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Return to the Four Kingdoms #6
The Abandoned Princess
When Daisy dreamed of leaving home on an adventure, she never imagined ending up trapped in a tower, cut off from the world and invisible to others. The years pass slowly, leaving Daisy desperate to reclaim her old life, however dull.
But her captor has bigger plans, and Daisy knows she can’t just rescue herself. She has to shatter her captor's enchantments forever. When opportunity comes, however, it arrives in an unexpected guise. Young and handsome, Prince Xander has come to rescue a princess from a tower. Instead, he finds himself battling at Daisy's side for the fate of a kingdom.
In this reimagining of the classic fairy tale Rapunzel, the princess in the tower can only be seen by the one she loves if she first saves an entire kingdom.
If you enjoy clean romance, adventure, and intrigue, then try the books in the Return to the Four Kingdoms series now! These interconnected fairy tale retellings each feature a different princess who has to fight for her happily ever after.
But her captor has bigger plans, and Daisy knows she can’t just rescue herself. She has to shatter her captor's enchantments forever. When opportunity comes, however, it arrives in an unexpected guise. Young and handsome, Prince Xander has come to rescue a princess from a tower. Instead, he finds himself battling at Daisy's side for the fate of a kingdom.
In this reimagining of the classic fairy tale Rapunzel, the princess in the tower can only be seen by the one she loves if she first saves an entire kingdom.
If you enjoy clean romance, adventure, and intrigue, then try the books in the Return to the Four Kingdoms series now! These interconnected fairy tale retellings each feature a different princess who has to fight for her happily ever after.
Unknown Binding
Published December 26, 2023
161 people are currently reading
786 people want to read
About the author
Melanie Cellier
126 books2,750 followersMelanie 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
March 21, 2025
4 stars ✨
Awww, it’s over. The final book is read. 🥹 I mean, I still have the spin-off duology to read now, but I’m not sure how connected they actually are to these characters? I see Charli is one of the girls, so I guess I’ll find out later, but it was so good to finally see Daisy in this book. In the prior books in this series, it kept being brushed off that “oh, well, the godmothers say Daisy is fine and she has her own adventure to happen”, but golly, y’all, did her family not find themselves in suspense and sadden by their missing youngest? I’m with Daisy on having a bone to pick with those godmothers!
So her abductor and enchanter is a complete wack-a-doodle. I really felt for Daisy when she was trying to deal with that woman. 😅 Honestly, I felt bad for Daisy during basically the entire book because not only is she abducted, locked in a tower by a crazy woman, and away from her family in a foreign country, she’s also been enchanted to be invisible. Tough, all that.
Our main couple was really were two peas in a pod and absolutely great together. 😂 I wasn’t expecting to like them together as much as I did. Definitely in my top five of books from the entire series line-up and couples too! It was also absolutely so much fun to meet some of the children of couples from the first series and see some of the couples again too. I loved meeting Danielle and that was definitely a highlight for this book. 🥰
The reunion at the end made me tear up but I’m a big softy for that kind of thing so it was no surprise at all. 🥹 So bittersweet to be done with this series—but it will time to officially say goodbye after reading the duology.
Main Content-
Daisy is under an enchantment to be invisible (with the tower) after a woman enchants her with a ring that was a godmother object (because the woman is using it wrongly, the enchantment has errors; *Spoiler* ); There’s a ton of mentions about these elements, enchantments, and godmothers as well because it’s a big part of the plot; Mentions of the High King a mind countries following his rule & the godmothers/wise women; Mentions of godmother gifts (including one prior girl’s ability to shoot fireballs) & objects (including ones rumored to force others under your control); Mentions of talking animals from the Palace of Light; Daisy comments on not being able to walk on water (which is a nod to her siblings marrying mer-folk); Daisy has had dreams while being held captive in the tower of others (*Spoiler* ).
Fighting, Being attacked, being chased, being held hostage/captive, & being drugged/passing out (up to a few sentences); Seeing a death (Mother Gothel dust style); Seeing someone pushed out a window (but is fine, up to a few sentences); Seeing a toddler in a dangerous situation (but will be okay); Daisy feels grief over the thought of missing her family.
Mentions of the enchanter killing past test subjects & being willing to kill others (including Daisy); Mentions of an attack & attackers; Mentions of drugs, being drugged, & passing out; Mentions of stealing & thieves; Mentions of jealousy (between siblings); A few mentions of possible assassinations & abductions; A few mentions of possible shipwrecks; A few mentions of injuries & blood/bleeding; A couple mentions of lies & lying.
No language other than a few mentions of others cursing (not written out) and the fictional world’s exclamation of “what in the kingdoms”; Some eye rolling & sarcasm.
1 palm kiss,
1 almost kiss (couple of sentences),
2 kisses lasting a few sentences (one is a surprised and awkward one),
Thinking about kisses, Staring at lips, & noticing another staring (2-3 sentences).
Touches, Embraces, Hand holding, Nearness, & Noticing (up to a few sentences); Blushes; Mentions of kisses, kissing, & the thought of it breaking an enchantment; Mentions of crushes; A few mentions of a man following a married woman around for her beauty (not romantically interested in her).
See my content reviews of the rest of the series & spin-off series here:
The Four Kingdoms series:
Book #1, Book #2, Book #2.2, Book #2.5, Book #3, Book #3.5, Book #4, and Book #5.
Beyond the Four Kingdoms series:
Book #1, Book #2, Book #3, Book #4, Book #5, and Book #6.
Return to the Four Kingdoms series:
Book #1, Book #2, Book #3, Book #4, Book #5, and Book #6.
The Four Kingdoms Duology:
Book #1 and Book #2.
Awww, it’s over. The final book is read. 🥹 I mean, I still have the spin-off duology to read now, but I’m not sure how connected they actually are to these characters? I see Charli is one of the girls, so I guess I’ll find out later, but it was so good to finally see Daisy in this book. In the prior books in this series, it kept being brushed off that “oh, well, the godmothers say Daisy is fine and she has her own adventure to happen”, but golly, y’all, did her family not find themselves in suspense and sadden by their missing youngest? I’m with Daisy on having a bone to pick with those godmothers!
So her abductor and enchanter is a complete wack-a-doodle. I really felt for Daisy when she was trying to deal with that woman. 😅 Honestly, I felt bad for Daisy during basically the entire book because not only is she abducted, locked in a tower by a crazy woman, and away from her family in a foreign country, she’s also been enchanted to be invisible. Tough, all that.
Our main couple was really were two peas in a pod and absolutely great together. 😂 I wasn’t expecting to like them together as much as I did. Definitely in my top five of books from the entire series line-up and couples too! It was also absolutely so much fun to meet some of the children of couples from the first series and see some of the couples again too. I loved meeting Danielle and that was definitely a highlight for this book. 🥰
The reunion at the end made me tear up but I’m a big softy for that kind of thing so it was no surprise at all. 🥹 So bittersweet to be done with this series—but it will time to officially say goodbye after reading the duology.
Main Content-
Daisy is under an enchantment to be invisible (with the tower) after a woman enchants her with a ring that was a godmother object (because the woman is using it wrongly, the enchantment has errors; *Spoiler* ); There’s a ton of mentions about these elements, enchantments, and godmothers as well because it’s a big part of the plot; Mentions of the High King a mind countries following his rule & the godmothers/wise women; Mentions of godmother gifts (including one prior girl’s ability to shoot fireballs) & objects (including ones rumored to force others under your control); Mentions of talking animals from the Palace of Light; Daisy comments on not being able to walk on water (which is a nod to her siblings marrying mer-folk); Daisy has had dreams while being held captive in the tower of others (*Spoiler* ).
Fighting, Being attacked, being chased, being held hostage/captive, & being drugged/passing out (up to a few sentences); Seeing a death (Mother Gothel dust style); Seeing someone pushed out a window (but is fine, up to a few sentences); Seeing a toddler in a dangerous situation (but will be okay); Daisy feels grief over the thought of missing her family.
Mentions of the enchanter killing past test subjects & being willing to kill others (including Daisy); Mentions of an attack & attackers; Mentions of drugs, being drugged, & passing out; Mentions of stealing & thieves; Mentions of jealousy (between siblings); A few mentions of possible assassinations & abductions; A few mentions of possible shipwrecks; A few mentions of injuries & blood/bleeding; A couple mentions of lies & lying.
No language other than a few mentions of others cursing (not written out) and the fictional world’s exclamation of “what in the kingdoms”; Some eye rolling & sarcasm.
1 palm kiss,
1 almost kiss (couple of sentences),
2 kisses lasting a few sentences (one is a surprised and awkward one),
Thinking about kisses, Staring at lips, & noticing another staring (2-3 sentences).
Touches, Embraces, Hand holding, Nearness, & Noticing (up to a few sentences); Blushes; Mentions of kisses, kissing, & the thought of it breaking an enchantment; Mentions of crushes; A few mentions of a man following a married woman around for her beauty (not romantically interested in her).
See my content reviews of the rest of the series & spin-off series here:
The Four Kingdoms series:
Book #1, Book #2, Book #2.2, Book #2.5, Book #3, Book #3.5, Book #4, and Book #5.
Beyond the Four Kingdoms series:
Book #1, Book #2, Book #3, Book #4, Book #5, and Book #6.
Return to the Four Kingdoms series:
Book #1, Book #2, Book #3, Book #4, Book #5, and Book #6.
The Four Kingdoms Duology:
Book #1 and Book #2.
January 2, 2024
My very last read for the year! Also the last book in this series!
I was so excited to FINALLY get Daisy's story after so long of waiting for it! This book wasn't exactly what I was expecting. Daisy is such a vibrant character, but this book starts out with her invisible to all but children, sort of locked in a tower, and pretending to be cowed by her captor. It takes her a while to find herself again once she sets out to save herself and the kingdom.
Xander made a great foil for her. He hasn't lost his adventurous ways, and I loved seeing them work together as a pair!
The ending was my favorite with all the cameos and people from previous books who came together!
I was so excited to FINALLY get Daisy's story after so long of waiting for it! This book wasn't exactly what I was expecting. Daisy is such a vibrant character, but this book starts out with her invisible to all but children, sort of locked in a tower, and pretending to be cowed by her captor. It takes her a while to find herself again once she sets out to save herself and the kingdom.
Xander made a great foil for her. He hasn't lost his adventurous ways, and I loved seeing them work together as a pair!
The ending was my favorite with all the cameos and people from previous books who came together!
April 9, 2024
The Abandoned Princess is an easy read Rapunzel retelling. I loved the atmosphere of adventure with this book. Cellier has a very unique way of retelling fairytales.
The magic system with the enchantment was very original but also hard to piece together at times who could see who etc. I wish the motive for the “witch” was more like the original fairytale, or had a bit more depth. An “experiment” didn’t seem good enough reason for kidnapping a girl for 5 years…
There’s definitely insta love with Xander and Daisy but overall they were still cute.
The writing was a bit too middle grade in this one for my taste. I do like some of the other books set in this world.
The ending was great for this world and the stories of the sisters.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
3 Stars
The magic system with the enchantment was very original but also hard to piece together at times who could see who etc. I wish the motive for the “witch” was more like the original fairytale, or had a bit more depth. An “experiment” didn’t seem good enough reason for kidnapping a girl for 5 years…
There’s definitely insta love with Xander and Daisy but overall they were still cute.
The writing was a bit too middle grade in this one for my taste. I do like some of the other books set in this world.
The ending was great for this world and the stories of the sisters.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
3 Stars
December 30, 2023
This was a great wrap up to this group of princesses and ladies. It was a believable story of why she had been missing so long! I liked her bringing the kingdoms full circle with the original stories too! This is my favorite fictional land!!
July 8, 2024
I have a special place in my heart for Melanie Cellier's Four Kingdoms books. Her first novel, The Princess Companion, pulled me down an endless rabbit hole of independently published fairy tale adaptations and author collaborations that resulted in the past seven years of book reviews for my blog. The Abandoned Princess is the final book in the Return to the Four Kingdoms series, concluding an impressively long and successful run of interconnected fairy tale retellings about princesses. Though there is one more tie-in duology on the way, this book felt very much like a homecoming from an extended vacation full of adventure, romance, and magic. The Abandoned Princess is also a wonderful and creative reimagining of "Rapunzel" on its own merits. This book is a heartfelt and emotional journey that is an absolute must-read for anyone familiar with Melanie Cellier's fairy tale retellings.
With Easter eggs galore from the other Four Kingdoms books, The Abandoned Princess begins with a familiar carriage raid that turns the lives of several traveling princesses upside-down. The youngest royal of the group is Princess Daisy, who goes missing for the longest length of time. There is a good reason no one can find her for five years. Eulalie, the wicked sorceress who finds her, casts a spell on her that renders her invisible and inaudible to everyone except herself. In this inspired retelling of "Rapunzel," not only is the lost princess isolated due to being trapped in a tower, but also because she cannot contact her family or anyone from the outside world due to these magical limitations. Fortunately, the spell has an unexpected flaw that makes children immune to it, allowing Daisy to befriend the local kids. Yet, no matter how many people they tell about her, the adults rule out the story as childish play because they cannot the tower nor the maiden living within it.
Five years pass in this manner, and Daisy is now an adult. Prince Xander from the newly discovered kingdom across the desert is determined to find the missing princess and does something romantically daring in an attempt to break the spells. Thanks to his efforts, he becomes trapped under it alongside Daisy and her lady-in-waiting, Lori, who has a very similar personality to Cassandra from Tangled. Now that Daisy is no longer alone in her struggle, the threesome must work together to stop Eulalie from her malicious plans to take over the kingdom of Northelm, first introduced in the original Four Kingdoms series. But how can three people who are all but invisible to the general public warn them about a threat to the crown right in the middle of a high-profile coronation ceremony? Thus, Daisy and Xander begin their greatest adventure yet.
If you aren't already hooked on this book by now, you should be. The Abandoned Princess is only the best of what Melanie Cellier has to offer from her long-running experience of adapting fairy tales. All of the characters are full of personality and growth, the romance is daringly sweet, and the direction that she chooses to take the fairy tale is just as original as it is familiar. As someone who has read every book in the Four Kingdoms series, I felt overjoyed each time an Easter egg came up, referencing another character or adventure that I had read about over the years. The story ends with a tearful reunion that got me all choked up as I remembered how much fun I had reading about the other characters in these series and their rich and fulfilling adventures. This is more than just another fairy tale book. It is a reward for everyone who has taken the time to join these characters on their journeys over the last eight years.
The Abandoned Princess marks the heartfelt and triumphant culmination of Melanie Cellier's epic Return to the Four Kingdoms series, infusing vibrant reimaginings of classic fairy tales with a sentimental reunion. As the final installment in this remarkable saga, the book masterfully intertwines elements of adventure, romance, and magic while delivering a poignant and creative retelling of "Rapunzel." Through the spellbinding narrative, Cellier weaves a tale of emotional resonance, compelling growth of characters, and a love story that is both tender and intense. With a wealth of references to previous Four Kingdoms adventures, the story serves as a delightful tribute to loyal readers, offering a deeply satisfying conclusion that reverberates with the joys and sorrows of the series' cherished characters. Melanie is providing her readers with one more gift this May with a duology featuring Daisy's best friend, Charli that is inspired by the fairy tale "East of the Sun, West of the Moon."
With Easter eggs galore from the other Four Kingdoms books, The Abandoned Princess begins with a familiar carriage raid that turns the lives of several traveling princesses upside-down. The youngest royal of the group is Princess Daisy, who goes missing for the longest length of time. There is a good reason no one can find her for five years. Eulalie, the wicked sorceress who finds her, casts a spell on her that renders her invisible and inaudible to everyone except herself. In this inspired retelling of "Rapunzel," not only is the lost princess isolated due to being trapped in a tower, but also because she cannot contact her family or anyone from the outside world due to these magical limitations. Fortunately, the spell has an unexpected flaw that makes children immune to it, allowing Daisy to befriend the local kids. Yet, no matter how many people they tell about her, the adults rule out the story as childish play because they cannot the tower nor the maiden living within it.
Five years pass in this manner, and Daisy is now an adult. Prince Xander from the newly discovered kingdom across the desert is determined to find the missing princess and does something romantically daring in an attempt to break the spells. Thanks to his efforts, he becomes trapped under it alongside Daisy and her lady-in-waiting, Lori, who has a very similar personality to Cassandra from Tangled. Now that Daisy is no longer alone in her struggle, the threesome must work together to stop Eulalie from her malicious plans to take over the kingdom of Northelm, first introduced in the original Four Kingdoms series. But how can three people who are all but invisible to the general public warn them about a threat to the crown right in the middle of a high-profile coronation ceremony? Thus, Daisy and Xander begin their greatest adventure yet.
If you aren't already hooked on this book by now, you should be. The Abandoned Princess is only the best of what Melanie Cellier has to offer from her long-running experience of adapting fairy tales. All of the characters are full of personality and growth, the romance is daringly sweet, and the direction that she chooses to take the fairy tale is just as original as it is familiar. As someone who has read every book in the Four Kingdoms series, I felt overjoyed each time an Easter egg came up, referencing another character or adventure that I had read about over the years. The story ends with a tearful reunion that got me all choked up as I remembered how much fun I had reading about the other characters in these series and their rich and fulfilling adventures. This is more than just another fairy tale book. It is a reward for everyone who has taken the time to join these characters on their journeys over the last eight years.
The Abandoned Princess marks the heartfelt and triumphant culmination of Melanie Cellier's epic Return to the Four Kingdoms series, infusing vibrant reimaginings of classic fairy tales with a sentimental reunion. As the final installment in this remarkable saga, the book masterfully intertwines elements of adventure, romance, and magic while delivering a poignant and creative retelling of "Rapunzel." Through the spellbinding narrative, Cellier weaves a tale of emotional resonance, compelling growth of characters, and a love story that is both tender and intense. With a wealth of references to previous Four Kingdoms adventures, the story serves as a delightful tribute to loyal readers, offering a deeply satisfying conclusion that reverberates with the joys and sorrows of the series' cherished characters. Melanie is providing her readers with one more gift this May with a duology featuring Daisy's best friend, Charli that is inspired by the fairy tale "East of the Sun, West of the Moon."
August 3, 2024
*4.75*
This was so adorable. By far, this is my favorite Rapunzel retelling (mind you, the retelling in general *cough*disney*cough* isn’t my absolute favorite).
Daisy was so sweet!! And the dresses?!? She had great resolve and a passionate personality.
Xander was amazing! Definitely not a thief, but so much better. And the way they meet (inset obnoxious giggling 🤭).
And that one moment when something happens and they *spoiler*
And we got to see so many familiar faces. Also… RAFE AND MARIE.
Content: minor violence, minor romance (a few kisses, up to lightly detailed), enchantments and slight allegory (think Disney magic).
This was so adorable. By far, this is my favorite Rapunzel retelling (mind you, the retelling in general *cough*disney*cough* isn’t my absolute favorite).
Daisy was so sweet!! And the dresses?!? She had great resolve and a passionate personality.
Xander was amazing! Definitely not a thief, but so much better. And the way they meet (inset obnoxious giggling 🤭).
And that one moment when something happens and they *spoiler*
And we got to see so many familiar faces. Also… RAFE AND MARIE.
Content: minor violence, minor romance (a few kisses, up to lightly detailed), enchantments and slight allegory (think Disney magic).
March 19, 2024
If you are particular about insta love or convenient plot set ups then you probably will not like this one. I enjoyed the simplicity and predictability. It is a clean romance that has elements of Rapunzel. Definitely recommend for a light cozy read.
June 19, 2024
I have waited a long time to read Daisy's book! I throughly enjoyed it. Once again Melanie created a very unique curse that added a very unique spin to this well known fairytale. I loved seeing old characters! I thought it was a perfect ending to this series!
March 29, 2025
Definitely darker than the others but enjoyable and again loved the little nods to the original as well as the Disney movie Tangled
April 26, 2024
The Abandoned Princess by Melanie Cellier is part of the four kingdoms series of clean fairytale romances. It is a retelling of Rapunzel with a few twists. It's definitely part of a series but can be read as a standalone.
I would say this book is best suited for younger tween and teens. I would definitely recommend it to my daughter or any of her friends. I appreciate the clean romance and enjoyed the innocence of the relationship between her and her prince.
I liked the narrator it felt like I was hearing her read back her story when she was an adult. Some of the voices particularly of the prince were a little strange and a little similar to the maids or even the villains voices.
Thank you to netgalley for the audiobook. All views expressed are my own.
I would say this book is best suited for younger tween and teens. I would definitely recommend it to my daughter or any of her friends. I appreciate the clean romance and enjoyed the innocence of the relationship between her and her prince.
I liked the narrator it felt like I was hearing her read back her story when she was an adult. Some of the voices particularly of the prince were a little strange and a little similar to the maids or even the villains voices.
Thank you to netgalley for the audiobook. All views expressed are my own.
January 6, 2024
I discovered Melanie Cellier about a year ago when I randomly checked out “A Dance of Silver and Shadow”. I was shocked at how much I loved her writing. In the last year I have completed 32 Cellier books, and I am currently working on a Mage’s Influence.
In addition to her fun plots, what really draws me to her books is her healthy, happy relationships. I have read several books by other authors thinking the star couple would never last due to certain red flags. Cellier has her characters overcome red flags, and grow into better, healthier versions of themselves. These Godly characters then are more capable of a deeper, healthier love.
As someone blessed with a happy marriage, it has been a delight to read stories with equally joyful relationships.
I want to specifically mention “The Abandoned Princess”. I was worried Daisy’s boisterous, joyful spirit would be diminished after the difficulties of the tower and the simple maturity of growing up. I was delighted to discover that her thrill for adventure was unchanged and she simply thought through her actions more, as is natural with maturity. She was not diminished. Only polished. It was a beautiful story of resilience and confidence. I also loved the nods to previous books in the series.
Thank you, Melanie, for blessing me with your books. I hope you have many more to come.
In addition to her fun plots, what really draws me to her books is her healthy, happy relationships. I have read several books by other authors thinking the star couple would never last due to certain red flags. Cellier has her characters overcome red flags, and grow into better, healthier versions of themselves. These Godly characters then are more capable of a deeper, healthier love.
As someone blessed with a happy marriage, it has been a delight to read stories with equally joyful relationships.
I want to specifically mention “The Abandoned Princess”. I was worried Daisy’s boisterous, joyful spirit would be diminished after the difficulties of the tower and the simple maturity of growing up. I was delighted to discover that her thrill for adventure was unchanged and she simply thought through her actions more, as is natural with maturity. She was not diminished. Only polished. It was a beautiful story of resilience and confidence. I also loved the nods to previous books in the series.
Thank you, Melanie, for blessing me with your books. I hope you have many more to come.
October 29, 2025
The Abandoned Princess was not only a wonderful Rapunzel retelling, but also the perfect conclusion to this amazing series!
I have long since loved Daisy. Ever since she turned up in A Dance of Silver and Shadow, I have wanted to know Daisy’s story. So, to finally be able to read her tale was amazing! Daisy was also a very lively character, and I am so happy with how it all played out. She learned some patience and restraint, which I thought was nice character growth. There was a similar theme in this book as in The Rogue Princess, where the main characters learn that wanting adventure and being more adventurous is not a bad thing. One of my absolute favorite parts of Daisy’s growth was her realizing how much the other princesses went through and that the only reason she was able to dream and get into as much trouble as she did when she was a kid was because her family loved her and kept her safe. I think these are two very important things, and I love this inclusion.
One of the other things I loved so much about this was the thing Daisy needed rescuing from the most was a solitary life. Not only through her time in her tower, but also being so much younger than her siblings, Daisy was often lonely. So, I loved how her being rescued was actually her being made part of a team. It was incredibly touching, and left Daisy freeing herself from her tower herself.
What caused Daisy to be in the tower was unique and interesting- a take I have not seen yet. I did enjoy that she wasn’t in the tower her whole life, but only five years. Part of the reason it has taken Daisy five years to leave her tower is that she has been rendered invisible to anyone under the age of thirteen. I thought this was a really unique idea and I loved the exploration of this. I did struggle a little bit with how she was in the tower for five years and feeling like her friends and family kind of forgot about her, but I thought this was handled nicely.
I loved Xander so much! He was so sweet and fun, and also was his own character! I was a little concerned that he would be just like Xavier, but he was very distinct. I especially liked how he took everything in stride.
By some fluke, Xander was pulled into the enchantment and turned invisible to people under thirteen as well. I loved this different magic system and how our main characters interacted with the world around them and how they solved their problems. I also think it was a nice way for Daisy and Xander to get to know each other.
I really enjoyed Lori, too! She was so loyal and dedicated to Daisy, and I loved seeing that. I also loved how her responsibility balanced Daisy and Xander’s more reckless approach.
We didn’t quite figure out what the antagonist, Eulalie’s, plan was until almost the end of the book. It actually connects back to The Princess Pact, but I thought it could have been explained a little more. I think the way this part of the story ended was a little sudden and could have used a little more.
We did get to see Celeste and William, Rafe and Marie, and Cordelia and Ferdy! I loved seeing these characters and it brought me a lot of joy. We also got to see their various kids, with the exception of Marie and Rafe’s youngest. It was so nice seeing the various elements of their parents in this new generation, and I loved the impact they made on the story. I was under the impression these characters would be in the story a little bit more than they were, but I loved seeing them. We now have gotten a sendoff for all of the original Four Kingdoms couples.
I will say that this book (and the author notes this in her acknowledgements) included way more references to other books than her previous books. You could totally read this book standalone, and it would make sense, but it will make more sense if you read it in order. There were so many references to other characters and stories, and I loved it. I especially loved getting to see Giselle, Daria, Cassie, Millie, and Teddy again. There were also many references to Celine!
Overall, I think the first time you read this series you should read it on order and back-to-back, though you could take a break in between each arc. However, if you wanted to reread, I think you could read whatever book you want and still understand what is happening.
Finishing this book is bittersweet. This is the true ending of this world, despite there being a duology still left to read. So, this was a little hard for me. However, usually when I finish series, I get a little sad, and I was totally expecting to finish this book and be devastated that it’s over. But I think Cellier did a wonderful job finishing up these stories and giving me some peace with each of their stories. These books also brought me some peace anyway, so there is that. I am so happy to have read these books and can’t wait to revisit these characters in the future!
The Abandoned Princess is a unique and inventive retelling of Rapunzel, with a focus on community and adventure! With a lively main character and love interest, a unique curse, and adventure, this is the perfect ending to a lovely series!
I have long since loved Daisy. Ever since she turned up in A Dance of Silver and Shadow, I have wanted to know Daisy’s story. So, to finally be able to read her tale was amazing! Daisy was also a very lively character, and I am so happy with how it all played out. She learned some patience and restraint, which I thought was nice character growth. There was a similar theme in this book as in The Rogue Princess, where the main characters learn that wanting adventure and being more adventurous is not a bad thing. One of my absolute favorite parts of Daisy’s growth was her realizing how much the other princesses went through and that the only reason she was able to dream and get into as much trouble as she did when she was a kid was because her family loved her and kept her safe. I think these are two very important things, and I love this inclusion.
One of the other things I loved so much about this was the thing Daisy needed rescuing from the most was a solitary life. Not only through her time in her tower, but also being so much younger than her siblings, Daisy was often lonely. So, I loved how her being rescued was actually her being made part of a team. It was incredibly touching, and left Daisy freeing herself from her tower herself.
What caused Daisy to be in the tower was unique and interesting- a take I have not seen yet. I did enjoy that she wasn’t in the tower her whole life, but only five years. Part of the reason it has taken Daisy five years to leave her tower is that she has been rendered invisible to anyone under the age of thirteen. I thought this was a really unique idea and I loved the exploration of this. I did struggle a little bit with how she was in the tower for five years and feeling like her friends and family kind of forgot about her, but I thought this was handled nicely.
I loved Xander so much! He was so sweet and fun, and also was his own character! I was a little concerned that he would be just like Xavier, but he was very distinct. I especially liked how he took everything in stride.
By some fluke, Xander was pulled into the enchantment and turned invisible to people under thirteen as well. I loved this different magic system and how our main characters interacted with the world around them and how they solved their problems. I also think it was a nice way for Daisy and Xander to get to know each other.
I really enjoyed Lori, too! She was so loyal and dedicated to Daisy, and I loved seeing that. I also loved how her responsibility balanced Daisy and Xander’s more reckless approach.
We didn’t quite figure out what the antagonist, Eulalie’s, plan was until almost the end of the book. It actually connects back to The Princess Pact, but I thought it could have been explained a little more. I think the way this part of the story ended was a little sudden and could have used a little more.
We did get to see Celeste and William, Rafe and Marie, and Cordelia and Ferdy! I loved seeing these characters and it brought me a lot of joy. We also got to see their various kids, with the exception of Marie and Rafe’s youngest. It was so nice seeing the various elements of their parents in this new generation, and I loved the impact they made on the story. I was under the impression these characters would be in the story a little bit more than they were, but I loved seeing them. We now have gotten a sendoff for all of the original Four Kingdoms couples.
I will say that this book (and the author notes this in her acknowledgements) included way more references to other books than her previous books. You could totally read this book standalone, and it would make sense, but it will make more sense if you read it in order. There were so many references to other characters and stories, and I loved it. I especially loved getting to see Giselle, Daria, Cassie, Millie, and Teddy again. There were also many references to Celine!
Overall, I think the first time you read this series you should read it on order and back-to-back, though you could take a break in between each arc. However, if you wanted to reread, I think you could read whatever book you want and still understand what is happening.
Finishing this book is bittersweet. This is the true ending of this world, despite there being a duology still left to read. So, this was a little hard for me. However, usually when I finish series, I get a little sad, and I was totally expecting to finish this book and be devastated that it’s over. But I think Cellier did a wonderful job finishing up these stories and giving me some peace with each of their stories. These books also brought me some peace anyway, so there is that. I am so happy to have read these books and can’t wait to revisit these characters in the future!
The Abandoned Princess is a unique and inventive retelling of Rapunzel, with a focus on community and adventure! With a lively main character and love interest, a unique curse, and adventure, this is the perfect ending to a lovely series!
May 23, 2024
I have been wanting to read Daisy's story ever since she was first introduced. And Rapunzel is a fairy tale I know well, so I'm excited to see what spin this author puts on it.
RMCWR:
Been a minute since I've read one of these so the royal family trees in the front are helpful.
This is not at all going in the direction I thought it would.
It's slightly unfortunate that my primary association with the name of the villain is Eulalie Mackechnie Shinn from The Music Man and so rather than find her menacing it makes me want to giggle.
....I'm sorry, FIVE YEARS LATER?! Have any of her other books had such a drastic time jump? Also...poor Daisy.
The idea that children grow out of being able to see her is actually heartbreaking. (And also--STRONG Big Bird/Snuffy vibes: when a child tells you they saw something that you didn't: BELIEVE THEM. If you know you know.)
Again, I prefer "wise women" to "godmothers".
“You climb down using your dresses?” he asked.
I rolled my eyes.
"What were you expecting me to use? My hair?”
He looked at me with a grin. "It is rather long.”
I groaned. “That’s because my parents always insisted I wear it long so that it could be put up in elaborate styles for formal occasions. Of course, it was still a manageable length back then, but after five years without a cut, it’s practically at my feet.”
“Feel free to grow your own hair out if you like long hair,” I muttered.
This is rapidly becoming one of my favorites in the series. (Though technically there are multiple series at this point so what is the plural of series?)
Aw. Daisy being thrilled that Xander is pleased to include her in an adventure is too cute.
"Apparently part of me did want to be rescued after all. And what’s so wrong with that? I asked myself. I had always envied the way my twin siblings always had each other. We all needed other people sometimes." THANK YOU. And it's so well-balanced with this: "I didn’t need a prince who thought the role of a princess was to sit around meekly and wait for a prince to rescue her...I refused to marry anyone unless we would have an equal partnership...I had finally escaped my tower, and I would rather marry a commoner than find myself in a larger, fancier cage."
I really love how this is addressing the terrible toll five years of isolation in a tower would take.
I am IMPRESSED, Melanie Cellier. That scene in the market in chapter 18? For a second I was SURE twin Xavier had shown up unexpectedly. But no, just Xander being clever to throw Eulalie off.
The speech about children and their limited control over their world...yes.
Not sure why you would use Ara instead of Bella as a nickname for Arabella, but whatever.
Ohhhh....making it so ONLY Xander can't see her?? Diabolical.
....and now a sprinkling of Rumpel(stiltskin) with a dash of Sleeping (not quite) Beauty to spice up our villain origin story
GO DANIELLE!
"...at my side was the man who had rescued me. Not from the tower—I had climbed out of that myself—but he had reached into my solitary life and made me part of a team."
A joint Arvin and Puss cameo! Though no doubt each of them would be offended not to get top billing.
I think I forgot to mention how I love that each dress Daisy sewed corresponds to a previous princess' adventure (some of which she dreamed about except apparently the dreams turned out to be visions of what was actually happening and...you know what, loving this less, maybe best to just leave it there...though it is kind of amusing how that would literally make Xander the man of her dreams...)
The next book (the first in a duology) will be about Charli! Cannot wait!
RMCWR:
Been a minute since I've read one of these so the royal family trees in the front are helpful.
This is not at all going in the direction I thought it would.
It's slightly unfortunate that my primary association with the name of the villain is Eulalie Mackechnie Shinn from The Music Man and so rather than find her menacing it makes me want to giggle.
....I'm sorry, FIVE YEARS LATER?! Have any of her other books had such a drastic time jump? Also...poor Daisy.
The idea that children grow out of being able to see her is actually heartbreaking. (And also--STRONG Big Bird/Snuffy vibes: when a child tells you they saw something that you didn't: BELIEVE THEM. If you know you know.)
Again, I prefer "wise women" to "godmothers".
“You climb down using your dresses?” he asked.
I rolled my eyes.
"What were you expecting me to use? My hair?”
He looked at me with a grin. "It is rather long.”
I groaned. “That’s because my parents always insisted I wear it long so that it could be put up in elaborate styles for formal occasions. Of course, it was still a manageable length back then, but after five years without a cut, it’s practically at my feet.”
“Feel free to grow your own hair out if you like long hair,” I muttered.
This is rapidly becoming one of my favorites in the series. (Though technically there are multiple series at this point so what is the plural of series?)
Aw. Daisy being thrilled that Xander is pleased to include her in an adventure is too cute.
"Apparently part of me did want to be rescued after all. And what’s so wrong with that? I asked myself. I had always envied the way my twin siblings always had each other. We all needed other people sometimes." THANK YOU. And it's so well-balanced with this: "I didn’t need a prince who thought the role of a princess was to sit around meekly and wait for a prince to rescue her...I refused to marry anyone unless we would have an equal partnership...I had finally escaped my tower, and I would rather marry a commoner than find myself in a larger, fancier cage."
I really love how this is addressing the terrible toll five years of isolation in a tower would take.
I am IMPRESSED, Melanie Cellier. That scene in the market in chapter 18? For a second I was SURE twin Xavier had shown up unexpectedly. But no, just Xander being clever to throw Eulalie off.
The speech about children and their limited control over their world...yes.
Not sure why you would use Ara instead of Bella as a nickname for Arabella, but whatever.
Ohhhh....making it so ONLY Xander can't see her?? Diabolical.
....and now a sprinkling of Rumpel(stiltskin) with a dash of Sleeping (not quite) Beauty to spice up our villain origin story
GO DANIELLE!
"...at my side was the man who had rescued me. Not from the tower—I had climbed out of that myself—but he had reached into my solitary life and made me part of a team."
A joint Arvin and Puss cameo! Though no doubt each of them would be offended not to get top billing.
I think I forgot to mention how I love that each dress Daisy sewed corresponds to a previous princess' adventure (some of which she dreamed about except apparently the dreams turned out to be visions of what was actually happening and...you know what, loving this less, maybe best to just leave it there...though it is kind of amusing how that would literally make Xander the man of her dreams...)
The next book (the first in a duology) will be about Charli! Cannot wait!
![Profile Image for Jacquelyn 💐 {This Rapunzel Reads} [Jesus Christ, my Living Hope].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1766269624i%2F169222098._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
March 6, 2025
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I’m beyond excited for this one!! I’ve been waiting to read about Daisy’s story ever since I was first introduced to her!! Rapunzel is my favorite fairytale ever so I can’t wait!! This cover is STUNNING and by far one of my favorites! Wow, this started out action packed and exciting! Daisy was wonderful! I’ve loved her since she was first introduced! Xander was delightful! He made me smile and laugh! I loved him so much! He is hands down one of my favorite MMC of all time! I was so excited to finally read his story! How Daisy and Xander met was hilarious! Oh my goodness, it was not what I was expecting! They are so perfectly matched for each other and I loved seeing them fall in love! It was absolutely delightful! The part with the jewel and the king was so funny! Her birthday surprise was perfect and so sweet! Okay, I did wince when she cut her hair…personally, I wanted her to keep it long. But that scene did give me some Rapunzel vibes. It was great to see a bunch of people from the previous books again and I loved it! I loved seeing their kids grown up and wanting to help! This was a very interesting retelling of Rapunzel. Nothing can compare to Disney’s Tangled which I absolutely adore!! With that being said, I throughly LOVED this!! Oh my goodness!! It was fantastic!! It was thrilling and heart pounding!! 5 stars!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Quotes that I liked:
💜 "You climb down using your dresses?" he asked. I rolled my eyes. "What were you expecting me to use? My hair?" He looked at me with a grin. "It is rather long."
💛 "Can you see Lori?" Xander leaned out the window to get a better look, and I instinctively grabbed him before he toppled out. He looked back at me. "Don't worry, I have excellent balance."
💜 "Fine!" I called down, making his eyes light up. "Don't drop me!" “Never" he assured me, unusually serious.
💛 "Thank you," I said to Xander with so much earnestness that he stared at me in surprise. “What for?" “For everything." I beamed at him. "For being you." “You're welcome," he said with a bemused return smile that slowly grew warmer. "Very welcome."
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I’m beyond excited for this one!! I’ve been waiting to read about Daisy’s story ever since I was first introduced to her!! Rapunzel is my favorite fairytale ever so I can’t wait!! This cover is STUNNING and by far one of my favorites! Wow, this started out action packed and exciting! Daisy was wonderful! I’ve loved her since she was first introduced! Xander was delightful! He made me smile and laugh! I loved him so much! He is hands down one of my favorite MMC of all time! I was so excited to finally read his story! How Daisy and Xander met was hilarious! Oh my goodness, it was not what I was expecting! They are so perfectly matched for each other and I loved seeing them fall in love! It was absolutely delightful! The part with the jewel and the king was so funny! Her birthday surprise was perfect and so sweet! Okay, I did wince when she cut her hair…personally, I wanted her to keep it long. But that scene did give me some Rapunzel vibes. It was great to see a bunch of people from the previous books again and I loved it! I loved seeing their kids grown up and wanting to help! This was a very interesting retelling of Rapunzel. Nothing can compare to Disney’s Tangled which I absolutely adore!! With that being said, I throughly LOVED this!! Oh my goodness!! It was fantastic!! It was thrilling and heart pounding!! 5 stars!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Quotes that I liked:
💜 "You climb down using your dresses?" he asked. I rolled my eyes. "What were you expecting me to use? My hair?" He looked at me with a grin. "It is rather long."
💛 "Can you see Lori?" Xander leaned out the window to get a better look, and I instinctively grabbed him before he toppled out. He looked back at me. "Don't worry, I have excellent balance."
💜 "Fine!" I called down, making his eyes light up. "Don't drop me!" “Never" he assured me, unusually serious.
💛 "Thank you," I said to Xander with so much earnestness that he stared at me in surprise. “What for?" “For everything." I beamed at him. "For being you." “You're welcome," he said with a bemused return smile that slowly grew warmer. "Very welcome."
💜💛💜💛💜💛💜💛💜💛💜💛💜💛💜💛💜💛💜
June 27, 2025
I loved this book! It was a fantastic retelling with enough elements from the original story to make it still a Rapunzel story but enough really interesting original ideas to make it really engaging and enjoyable. I really liked the twists to the story that the author came up with. I read this in one day, practically in one sitting!
Daisy was the perfect balance of a strong, courageous young woman who took action and did what needed to be done while also leaning on the prince to help and protect her in moments when she needed it and that's what I like in my heroines. And man, that girl had been through a lot!
Xander was fantastic. I wasn't sure how I'd feel about him because I wasn't super impressed with him in The Golden Princess where we first meet him and his twin, Xavier, but I absolutely adore him in this book, he was the sweetest and most encouraging and adventurous love interest for Daisy and I loved how he was equally protective of her and also empowered her and recognized her strength. I loved the daring of the first awkward kiss, seriously had me grinning, and the sweet affection shown throughout the story (the palm kiss and leading up to it!) and about died that moment when it looked like they might be forever separated (I won't say more than that!), my heart seriously ached for Xander and loved the twist on that part in the original story where the prince is blinded.
I got a bit choked up when reading about the dresses Daisy made in tribute to princesses she'd known that are the characters I have also been getting to know as I've read these books. It was like a moment to revisit each of them and their incredible stories and I loved the strength Daisy drew from their stories. It's a little bittersweet to be nearing the end, I've loved these books so much! I also loved getting to revisit some characters and their babies from previous books! Overall, this either ties as my favorite or comes as a close second, with The Secret Princess, from the books in the Return to the Four Kingdoms series. I was thoroughly satisfied and loved how this book was done.
Daisy was the perfect balance of a strong, courageous young woman who took action and did what needed to be done while also leaning on the prince to help and protect her in moments when she needed it and that's what I like in my heroines. And man, that girl had been through a lot!
Xander was fantastic. I wasn't sure how I'd feel about him because I wasn't super impressed with him in The Golden Princess where we first meet him and his twin, Xavier, but I absolutely adore him in this book, he was the sweetest and most encouraging and adventurous love interest for Daisy and I loved how he was equally protective of her and also empowered her and recognized her strength. I loved the daring of the first awkward kiss, seriously had me grinning, and the sweet affection shown throughout the story (the palm kiss and leading up to it!) and about died that moment when it looked like they might be forever separated (I won't say more than that!), my heart seriously ached for Xander and loved the twist on that part in the original story where the prince is blinded.
I got a bit choked up when reading about the dresses Daisy made in tribute to princesses she'd known that are the characters I have also been getting to know as I've read these books. It was like a moment to revisit each of them and their incredible stories and I loved the strength Daisy drew from their stories. It's a little bittersweet to be nearing the end, I've loved these books so much! I also loved getting to revisit some characters and their babies from previous books! Overall, this either ties as my favorite or comes as a close second, with The Secret Princess, from the books in the Return to the Four Kingdoms series. I was thoroughly satisfied and loved how this book was done.
July 3, 2024
This is a YA re-telling of a fairytale. There's a tall tower with no entrance except a window on the highest floor and no rooms below that floor. It's never explained why someone would build such a tower, but the villain knew it existed and somehow got Daisy up there and then expected that she wouldn't use that or another method to leave the tower when left to fend for herself. The only reason the plan worked is because Daisy, at 13 years old, was so young that she convinced herself that cooperating was the one way to get free of the enchantment.
Xander finds her, but the kiss of a stranger (him) only got him wrapped into the same enchantment. He's the smart one and quickly learned that the smart thing to do was to compliment Daisy rather than point out when she's acting like a 13-year-old when she's nearly 18. She gets angry at the poor fellow for practically anything. Not sure why they 'fall in love' except for a shared love of traveling around. Daisy discovered that she doesn't like the discomforts of an adventure, which may be another reason she didn't leave the tower until Xander shook things up. Anyway, while Daisy did use her knowledge of the enchantment and the villain to save the day at the end, usually she was being shown up by resourceful maids and children.
I sometimes had trouble following the descriptions of the action, which made whole scenes end up rather confusing. The author spent so much time talking about the adventures and characters from the other books that it felt like very little happened in this one. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this fantasy to fans of the series.
Xander finds her, but the kiss of a stranger (him) only got him wrapped into the same enchantment. He's the smart one and quickly learned that the smart thing to do was to compliment Daisy rather than point out when she's acting like a 13-year-old when she's nearly 18. She gets angry at the poor fellow for practically anything. Not sure why they 'fall in love' except for a shared love of traveling around. Daisy discovered that she doesn't like the discomforts of an adventure, which may be another reason she didn't leave the tower until Xander shook things up. Anyway, while Daisy did use her knowledge of the enchantment and the villain to save the day at the end, usually she was being shown up by resourceful maids and children.
I sometimes had trouble following the descriptions of the action, which made whole scenes end up rather confusing. The author spent so much time talking about the adventures and characters from the other books that it felt like very little happened in this one. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this fantasy to fans of the series.
February 27, 2024
Since these are amongst my guiltiest of pleasures, I dislike reviewing them beyond their re-readability.
However...
This was the weakest of them all.
Daisy has been a constant since the beginning, and I won't lie: I expected her story to be a retelling of Pirates of the Carribean, or something equally as thrilling (obviously not as high staked or violent!). She needed a story to be as wild as she expected adulthood to be, and I really wanted that for her!
So for her to become the invisible, half-forgotten princess...I was disappointed.
And while it could be argued her story forced her wild self to chill (a maturing foil), I just...
I don't care! I wanted action! Thrills! A moment of clarity when she realized danger isn't the allure it seems!
She got ONE sentence of "oh no, this is too exciting-", and that's it.
I would have even taken a side story about how she fell into Celeste's spy ranks, finally using her nosiness and flippancy in a mature way. In fact, writing this makes me realize I would have LOVED that.
And speaking of love: ugh. Her 'love' story. What really hammered the final nail was how *forced* her romance felt. There was no chemistry, just two halves of a sandwich jammed together with the expectation that everyone enjoys any kind of sandwich so long as it's completed.
I won't be rereading this, which is an actual bummer. Some retellings need an entire rewrite to work, and Repunzel is definitely one that shouldn't be literal.
However...
This was the weakest of them all.
Daisy has been a constant since the beginning, and I won't lie: I expected her story to be a retelling of Pirates of the Carribean, or something equally as thrilling (obviously not as high staked or violent!). She needed a story to be as wild as she expected adulthood to be, and I really wanted that for her!
So for her to become the invisible, half-forgotten princess...I was disappointed.
And while it could be argued her story forced her wild self to chill (a maturing foil), I just...
I don't care! I wanted action! Thrills! A moment of clarity when she realized danger isn't the allure it seems!
She got ONE sentence of "oh no, this is too exciting-", and that's it.
I would have even taken a side story about how she fell into Celeste's spy ranks, finally using her nosiness and flippancy in a mature way. In fact, writing this makes me realize I would have LOVED that.
And speaking of love: ugh. Her 'love' story. What really hammered the final nail was how *forced* her romance felt. There was no chemistry, just two halves of a sandwich jammed together with the expectation that everyone enjoys any kind of sandwich so long as it's completed.
I won't be rereading this, which is an actual bummer. Some retellings need an entire rewrite to work, and Repunzel is definitely one that shouldn't be literal.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 13, 2024
I listened to this Rapunzel retelling while also reading another book about a princess confined in a tower, and I had to put one on the back burner until I was far enough into one story to stop getting them confused (even though that was literally the only real similarity). Because I listened to this, forgive me for any misspellings of names or places.
Adventurous Princess Daisy was 13 when she left with a delegation for another land. A leaky ship followed by an attack in the woods led Daisy and her maid Laurie to try to sneak their way through towns to get back home. Unfortunately, Daisy is suspicious of a fellow traveler, Eulalie, and her curiosity leads to her getting caught in an invisibility curse. The only ones who can see her are children under the age of 13, and Laurie, who managed to get herself “caught” in the curse.
Five years later, Daisy is still in the tower, contemplating how to escape, when she meets Prince Xander, who followed rumors to find the missing princess. He can’t see her, but a well-intentioned, interfering child from the nearby village pushes him into Daisy, and suddenly Xander is caught in the curse as well.
Eulalie’s plot is more in-depth than Daisy originally realized, and Xander and Daisy, along with some children they meet along the way, must figure out how to stop her.
As with all Cellier books, this has light, sweet romance and a guaranteed HEA.
Adventurous Princess Daisy was 13 when she left with a delegation for another land. A leaky ship followed by an attack in the woods led Daisy and her maid Laurie to try to sneak their way through towns to get back home. Unfortunately, Daisy is suspicious of a fellow traveler, Eulalie, and her curiosity leads to her getting caught in an invisibility curse. The only ones who can see her are children under the age of 13, and Laurie, who managed to get herself “caught” in the curse.
Five years later, Daisy is still in the tower, contemplating how to escape, when she meets Prince Xander, who followed rumors to find the missing princess. He can’t see her, but a well-intentioned, interfering child from the nearby village pushes him into Daisy, and suddenly Xander is caught in the curse as well.
Eulalie’s plot is more in-depth than Daisy originally realized, and Xander and Daisy, along with some children they meet along the way, must figure out how to stop her.
As with all Cellier books, this has light, sweet romance and a guaranteed HEA.
August 9, 2024
There are only two authors whose books I buy automatically and Melanie Cellier is one of those two authors. Her books have never failed to live up to my expectations of something fun, entertaining and led by a competent female character. The Abandoned Princess is no exception.
Daisy and Xander were so so cute. I was very taken with the romance from the moment Xander appeared. The development of the plot and the resolution was satisfying as always. Something I always appreciate about Cellier's books is that the main characters contribute to the resolution of the problems in the story. There are so many books, especially ones with female leads, that do not meet this incredibly low bar. I also really appreciated the ways Cellier wove in elements from versions of the original fairytale into the story. She always does so very creatively.
The only bad thing I could say about this book is that there are so many cameos from characters in other books in the series that it can be difficult to keep them straight and remember why the names are familiar. But there is a handy family tree at the start of the book and on the author's website so that's a huge help if you're like me and want to remember why you're supposed to know who someone is.
Great book! I would certainly recommend it (and any of Cellier's books) if you like fun, cute romance, and strong female leads.
Daisy and Xander were so so cute. I was very taken with the romance from the moment Xander appeared. The development of the plot and the resolution was satisfying as always. Something I always appreciate about Cellier's books is that the main characters contribute to the resolution of the problems in the story. There are so many books, especially ones with female leads, that do not meet this incredibly low bar. I also really appreciated the ways Cellier wove in elements from versions of the original fairytale into the story. She always does so very creatively.
The only bad thing I could say about this book is that there are so many cameos from characters in other books in the series that it can be difficult to keep them straight and remember why the names are familiar. But there is a handy family tree at the start of the book and on the author's website so that's a huge help if you're like me and want to remember why you're supposed to know who someone is.
Great book! I would certainly recommend it (and any of Cellier's books) if you like fun, cute romance, and strong female leads.
January 13, 2025
Entirely unsurprised that this ended up being the best of this quartet - all the groundwork was laid, from giving us new kingdoms to draw love interests from, enough time to establish how long it’s been since the first quartet (fucking 15-17 ish years what in the fuck thats insane) and setting up the next generation of royals or royals to be to follow. Add on top the fan service that’s been this and the last book’s judicious sprinkling of characters from older books and you’ve got a recipe as sure to be enjoyable as you can get. That all of course assumes that you like the fairly rote formula of how every prince/princess will inevitably get their matching half, but i enjoy it and wonder on what cutting room floor the other part of cellier’s formula landed (big celebration=makeover scene. Arguably the reveal of daisy’s sewing projects was that in miniature but I won’t argue very hard.)
Best part was getting a revisit to princess Celeste, who remains the most interesting of the southern royals by leaps and bounds, who fucking vaults over walls and smashes her fist through a window using her coronation gown as padding. Sick as hell. Could’ve used like one more page of her being insane but I’m glad we got her at all. Can’t say the same for Marie who’s my 2nd favorite of the original princesses who didn’t get nearly enough screen time (read: more than a sentence).
Best part was getting a revisit to princess Celeste, who remains the most interesting of the southern royals by leaps and bounds, who fucking vaults over walls and smashes her fist through a window using her coronation gown as padding. Sick as hell. Could’ve used like one more page of her being insane but I’m glad we got her at all. Can’t say the same for Marie who’s my 2nd favorite of the original princesses who didn’t get nearly enough screen time (read: more than a sentence).
January 2, 2024
The Abandoned Princess is an incredibly creative and delightful take on Rapunzel. It expertly balances adventure, suspense, romance, and humor in a way that keeps the reader moved and engaged throughout the story. The Rapunzel curse is unique and allows for some great reflections on what it means to see someone and what it means to grow up while staying true to the the core of who you are. I like how Daisy acknowledges the struggle and tough moments without being totally overcome by them. It was especially great to watch Daisy's love of adventure grow and mature with experience, wisdom, and love.
The Abandoned Princess is the last book in multiple series that build on each other and thus has a lot of cameos so this book is best read in order even though it could be read as a stand-alone. The cameos were spectacularly fun and exciting. What a delight to see how so many beloved characters have grown and to get a glimpse of some of their children. Fans have loved Daisy for a long time and they have looked forward to Xander's story. The Abandoned Princess did not disappoint and provided a satisfying and epic conclusion to the Return to the Four Kingdoms Series. The book also takes the chance to introduce a character that gets the reader excited for the upcoming duology which will take place in the same world but in new kingdoms.
The Abandoned Princess is the last book in multiple series that build on each other and thus has a lot of cameos so this book is best read in order even though it could be read as a stand-alone. The cameos were spectacularly fun and exciting. What a delight to see how so many beloved characters have grown and to get a glimpse of some of their children. Fans have loved Daisy for a long time and they have looked forward to Xander's story. The Abandoned Princess did not disappoint and provided a satisfying and epic conclusion to the Return to the Four Kingdoms Series. The book also takes the chance to introduce a character that gets the reader excited for the upcoming duology which will take place in the same world but in new kingdoms.
January 9, 2024
Years of waiting to find out what happened to princess Daisy. Turns out she was put in a tower for five years by some crazy lady who also made Daisy invisible. She can, however, be seen by children and her maid who is trapped in the enchantment with her.
I liked seeing how headstrong and willful Daisy grew into herself throughout the story. She seemed so mature, but still inclined to her childish impulses and thoughts at times ( aren’t we all?) Coming into her own and helping prince Xander save a kingdom was a nice touch instead of having her be a complete damsel in distress.
All the ties to the original four kingdoms series was nostalgic and I enjoyed getting to see some “old” familiar faces ( especially getting to know what happened to a certain man obsessed with beauty)
It wasn’t a five star read for me because sometimes the writing had too many explanations or back track reminders. And well it was too short.
I do look forward to finishing out the world with the upcoming duology. And I can’t express enough how the four kingdoms opened my eyes to the joy of fairytale retellings. I am blessed to have these books as a part of my forever collection. Thanks Melanie!
I liked seeing how headstrong and willful Daisy grew into herself throughout the story. She seemed so mature, but still inclined to her childish impulses and thoughts at times ( aren’t we all?) Coming into her own and helping prince Xander save a kingdom was a nice touch instead of having her be a complete damsel in distress.
All the ties to the original four kingdoms series was nostalgic and I enjoyed getting to see some “old” familiar faces ( especially getting to know what happened to a certain man obsessed with beauty)
It wasn’t a five star read for me because sometimes the writing had too many explanations or back track reminders. And well it was too short.
I do look forward to finishing out the world with the upcoming duology. And I can’t express enough how the four kingdoms opened my eyes to the joy of fairytale retellings. I am blessed to have these books as a part of my forever collection. Thanks Melanie!
April 18, 2024
Thank you to Melanie Cellier, Luminant Publications and Dreamscape Select along with NetGalley for a review copy of this audiobook.
Princess Daisy has been missing for five years! When her party was touring the old kingdoms trouble came and she was separated from all of her party. Prince Xander is on a mission to find her. He finds her invisible and in an invisible tower. He kisses her believing it will break the enchantment. Instead he is added to her enchanted. They figure out what her captor has been up to and start a journey to stop her and find a way to break the enchantment.
This book does a wonderful job wrapping up Daisy’s story which started in the first book of the Return to the Four Kingdoms Series. I have enjoyed all three series of Melanie’s fairytale retellings. I hope she will continue to write more books that have a similar feel.
Esther Wane did an awesome job of narrating this audio book. Her voice is the perfect match for these books. She will be on my list of favorites for sure.
I would recommend this book/audiobook for anyone looking for a clean ya fantasy book. If clean books aren’t your thing then this book isn’t for you.
Princess Daisy has been missing for five years! When her party was touring the old kingdoms trouble came and she was separated from all of her party. Prince Xander is on a mission to find her. He finds her invisible and in an invisible tower. He kisses her believing it will break the enchantment. Instead he is added to her enchanted. They figure out what her captor has been up to and start a journey to stop her and find a way to break the enchantment.
This book does a wonderful job wrapping up Daisy’s story which started in the first book of the Return to the Four Kingdoms Series. I have enjoyed all three series of Melanie’s fairytale retellings. I hope she will continue to write more books that have a similar feel.
Esther Wane did an awesome job of narrating this audio book. Her voice is the perfect match for these books. She will be on my list of favorites for sure.
I would recommend this book/audiobook for anyone looking for a clean ya fantasy book. If clean books aren’t your thing then this book isn’t for you.
January 9, 2024
I loved this book! I’ve been waiting a long time for this book to come out and downloaded it the day it was released. Had to wait a bit to read it because I was halfway through another series, but as soon as I got a break, switched back to this world. Loved all the stories in this world so much and so sad that these characters’ stories have come to an end. I had been hoping for some other minor characters to continue the stories in this world, and I guess we’ll get that in a way with Charli’s story- but I’ll miss these characters. Definitely will reread the series a third time at some point in the future. I’m also excited to hear about how there is a kingdom/group of people living in the mountains and why they aren’t part of this set of kingdoms. And if there is more land beyond the mountains with more stories to come. These series also made me very grateful for airplanes so that I can visit friends and family very far away and not take months to travel across an ocean and then by foot/carriage for another month or two. 😂
Can’t wait to keep reading Melanie’s stories!
Can’t wait to keep reading Melanie’s stories!
April 8, 2024
This book was so bittersweet for me, on the one hand I was so excited to learn what happened to Daisy, and on the other it meant saying goodbye to a world that I had fully immersed myself in for the past few years. I have loved and raved about the four kingdoms since I first read the princess companion in 2021 and I will always continue to do so, and bring other people into this fantastical world, but it is definitely very hard for me to say goodbye. I loved Daisy’s story. It was beautifully written, and I can’t wait to see what Melanie has in store for us next. Thank you Melanie for this incredible series of books and characters, reading your books is what made me into the reader I am today and I wouldn’t be who I am without the four kingdoms. If you are reading this review and you haven’t read the four kingdoms go pick up the princess companion, and start this amazing journey. You won’t regret it.❤️
April 13, 2024
I think this is my first retelling of a fairytale and I was not expecting it to be this good.
I haven’t actually given retellings many thoughts but for some reason I chose to give this one a chance.
This book made me want to read the “four kingdoms”, “beyond the four kingdoms” and “return to the four kingdoms”. I basically enjoyed this books, it was a retelling I for sure never would have come up with myself. I liked that the book was in parts I don’t know why but it kind of made it feel like the book was much faster than it actually was.
The book was also funny not laugh out loud funny but still, it was entertaining, and it wasn’t a audiobook that made me look at how much I had left every minute.
I will probably recommend it if somebody want to read a retelling of a fairytale, but I will most likely recommend it as an audio.
3,4 stars
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I haven’t actually given retellings many thoughts but for some reason I chose to give this one a chance.
This book made me want to read the “four kingdoms”, “beyond the four kingdoms” and “return to the four kingdoms”. I basically enjoyed this books, it was a retelling I for sure never would have come up with myself. I liked that the book was in parts I don’t know why but it kind of made it feel like the book was much faster than it actually was.
The book was also funny not laugh out loud funny but still, it was entertaining, and it wasn’t a audiobook that made me look at how much I had left every minute.
I will probably recommend it if somebody want to read a retelling of a fairytale, but I will most likely recommend it as an audio.
3,4 stars
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 7, 2025
This was a cute story and a solid ending to the series. The only reason it's getting four stars instead of five is that the magic McGuffins used in this one were a little distracting. I could buy the magic ring that's the main focus of the plot, but the other two magic items were rather ridiculous. They also highlighted one of the minor issues I've had with the whole series: the godmother items seem to cause more harm than good. I was able to ignore that when people were misusing ancient godmother items that had been around for years, but two of the misused items in this book were pretty new. One was about 10 years old and other other about 40 and neither of them seemed to have had a strong reason for their creation outside of the plot of this book. Not a show stopper, but distracting enough for me to knock off a star.
Still, the main plot was fun, the lead couple was cute, and it was nice to see the series wrap up with some solid cameos.
Still, the main plot was fun, the lead couple was cute, and it was nice to see the series wrap up with some solid cameos.
December 29, 2023
Cute story!
I loved Daisy and Xander! Have been a fan if then both since previous books and their first meeting did not surprise me in the slightest 😂 They were so funny and resourceful and loved how they took children seriously. Also, LOVED seeing the royals kids in the mix 😍 They were SO funny! And we could totally tell who their parents were haha
My only complaint is that it was a bit slow in parts and it was very very looooosly based on Rapunzel to the point it didn't seem like a Rapunzel retelling at all. But I did enjoy the plot so I didn't mind that too much.
What did throw me off a little was Daisy's compliance. I didn't take her for one to sit and wait so it seemed a bit out of character for her but things started moving once she met Xander 😊
Great conclusion and can't wait to read Charli's story next 🤩
I loved Daisy and Xander! Have been a fan if then both since previous books and their first meeting did not surprise me in the slightest 😂 They were so funny and resourceful and loved how they took children seriously. Also, LOVED seeing the royals kids in the mix 😍 They were SO funny! And we could totally tell who their parents were haha
My only complaint is that it was a bit slow in parts and it was very very looooosly based on Rapunzel to the point it didn't seem like a Rapunzel retelling at all. But I did enjoy the plot so I didn't mind that too much.
What did throw me off a little was Daisy's compliance. I didn't take her for one to sit and wait so it seemed a bit out of character for her but things started moving once she met Xander 😊
Great conclusion and can't wait to read Charli's story next 🤩
November 10, 2024
This one isn't up to the standard of the Four Kingdoms and related series and is only recommended for completionists. My main issue was from the very start. Princess Daisy was a vivacious and precocious secondary character from this series. Yet, the young girl at the start of this book lacked those qualities, coming across as listless and indecisive. Even assuming that the reader knows nothing about this character, it was strange to have the same first-person narrative "voice" for a 13-year-old and an 18-year-old, making it impossible to tell that the girl was a tween. Then, there was the strange plot element where Daisy's maid On top of this, the plot plods, added random stuff such as helping to rescue a boy to added pages.
February 10, 2024
4.5 stars
A perfect ending to the Return to the Four Kingdoms series! I have been waiting for this book for so long! I wondered what had happened to Daisy and as always, Melanie Cellier stayed true to the original tale while also making it her own.
Daisy and Xander were perfect for one another and I could see it from the start. I loved watching them fall for each other, I loved everything Lori added, and I had fun reading this book. It also gave nods to all the other books in the past few serieses and had a beautiful feeling of ending an Era, of course while teasing the duology that comes after this.
I can't say enough good things. I had fun, I love Xander and Daisy, and I'm happy with how everything ends.
A perfect ending to the Return to the Four Kingdoms series! I have been waiting for this book for so long! I wondered what had happened to Daisy and as always, Melanie Cellier stayed true to the original tale while also making it her own.
Daisy and Xander were perfect for one another and I could see it from the start. I loved watching them fall for each other, I loved everything Lori added, and I had fun reading this book. It also gave nods to all the other books in the past few serieses and had a beautiful feeling of ending an Era, of course while teasing the duology that comes after this.
I can't say enough good things. I had fun, I love Xander and Daisy, and I'm happy with how everything ends.
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