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The Solitaire Prince
'Once upon a time there was a King who never listened to his daughter, ' begins "The Solitaire Prince," a medieval fairy tale with a twist. Princess Christine's fairy-godmother, Eloise, gives her incredible beauty, intelligence, wit, and a definite knack for the lonely game of Solitaire. Christine's mother, Queen Isabella, lost her throne over 18 years ago to her husband, King Henry, who has determined only males are fit to rule. He plots to secure his daughter a husband who will succeed the throne after his death and enlists the aid of his niece, Agnes, to keep his head-strong daughter in line. Christine's fairy-godmother, Eloise, encourages the princess to require any prospective husband to win three games of solitaire or lose his head trying! Things go awry when two princes, Charles and Peter try their luck and Christine loses her heart to the wrong prince while her cousin Agnes falls in love with the winner! How this medieval tale of chance ends will be anyone's call, but one thing's for certain; King Henry and his kingdom will never be the same!
- GenresFantasy
167 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 15, 2013
14 people are currently reading
93 people want to read
About the author
Tyan Wyss
7 books14 followersTyan Wyss longed to be a writer since the age of 14 when she wrote the first chapter of a never-ending novel still aching to be completed. Educated at the University of California with a Master's Degree in Literature she has been a teacher for over 31 years. After working 12 years in California instructing Middle and High School English she moved overseas with her family to teach in International Schools living in Saudi Arabia, Russia, Hungary, and South Africa. Tyan concentrates mostly on children's fiction, picture books, short stories and adult mysteries. She also writes romantic mysteries featuring dynamic women sleuths and heroines under the pen name of Loren Lockner. Tyan is married and has two adult children.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
September 12, 2018
This would have garnered more stars because for it's target audience, tweens and barely teens, it's pretty good, HOWEVER - 2 glaring mistakes early on keeps me on the 3 star mark. If you're writing for adolescents PLEASE get your terminology, editing, grammar correct! The word 'shuttered' when the girl actually "shuddered" in revulsion (pg 27 location 415) and then 'intermittedly' when actually meaning "intermittently" winning big (pg 39 loc 567). Other errors paled in comparison.
The story was good with a nice moral message and everything tidied up with a big bow at the end. There are other genres this author writes in and I will check them out and hope this was a one time deal because I like a good story and clever writing as long as your grammar is correct!
The story was good with a nice moral message and everything tidied up with a big bow at the end. There are other genres this author writes in and I will check them out and hope this was a one time deal because I like a good story and clever writing as long as your grammar is correct!
October 10, 2015
Kept me reading despite flaws
This story kept me reading even though it seemed childish. This story has two princesses and each of their romances is vague. The game descriptions were interesting. The slow personality improvement of one of the main characters was a good idea but I didn't believe it at the end.
Not something I will read again.
PG
This story kept me reading even though it seemed childish. This story has two princesses and each of their romances is vague. The game descriptions were interesting. The slow personality improvement of one of the main characters was a good idea but I didn't believe it at the end.
Not something I will read again.
PG
October 27, 2014
Wow, what a tightly script story of enchantment! It's like how feminism is well worded within fairy tales so that the women drive the story, and in the end, the men still make the decisions, but how the women end up with happiness and respect in a old-fashioned fairy tale. My favourite character was Queen Isabella, who is both intelligent and ruthless, and sets to right wrongs over the past several yeas so that her daughter can be happy and in charge of her own destiny.
The game of solitaire is woven into the story so well, and it becomes the framework of the battle of wits between the king and his teenage daughter.
The only thing I would change is perhaps take out the punishment given to unsuccessful suitors and replace it with--perhaps a dowry, forfeited, of five thousand gold coins, which in those lands would bankrupt a kingdom? But fairy tales are known for weaving in some gruesome antics, so it didn't seem out of place here.
A magical, wonderful story proving that this author can weave a spell on her readers. Loved the cover too!
The game of solitaire is woven into the story so well, and it becomes the framework of the battle of wits between the king and his teenage daughter.
The only thing I would change is perhaps take out the punishment given to unsuccessful suitors and replace it with--perhaps a dowry, forfeited, of five thousand gold coins, which in those lands would bankrupt a kingdom? But fairy tales are known for weaving in some gruesome antics, so it didn't seem out of place here.
A magical, wonderful story proving that this author can weave a spell on her readers. Loved the cover too!
September 15, 2017
This was amazing! It's been a bit since I read it, but I clearly remember the story plot. This story was a striking one. I despise the king. He's so annoying... I like how this story stood out about how females can be strong and brave as well.
December 14, 2017
Outstanding
The Solitaire Prince by Than Wyss is an outstanding adventure. This story will keep you turning pages. I really enjoyed reading this awesome story. My free opinion. Thanks
The Solitaire Prince by Than Wyss is an outstanding adventure. This story will keep you turning pages. I really enjoyed reading this awesome story. My free opinion. Thanks
December 24, 2014
King Henry cannot see further than the length of his own nose. “All his life he’d been the one in control, barking out flippant orders and fickle whims to his subordinates. It would be a nightmare indeed to lose his power and control to another man; to a mere woman, inconceivable and humiliating.” (Page 46).
What the king fails to realize is how clever his own daughter is because he never wanted a princess, he wanted a son. She must grow up in the shadow of his rules. No chess! She might beat him. No climbing trees! It’s not ladylike. Only solitaire is allowed, and with that game she might be able to bend the rules to get what she wants, but according to the king, one can’t cheat at solitaire.
Tyan Wyss shows us that she is very skilled at her back story without being boring or overly descriptive. The back story is told in the perfect rhythm and with the perfect progression of time to arrive at the heart of the struggle.
Wyss gives us an entire world within King Henry’s castle and is able to place the reader into the Princesses’ predicaments (yes there is another Princess). I loved the specific food descriptions, they really put me into the world of King Henry and Princess Christine.
It is a special story indeed that can deliver a full and complete novel without a true evil villain or one that is able to redeem himself by the end. With so many villains, once evil always evil pervades, but Wyss is able to construct a character that is conflicted enough, through a story that is different enough, that the ‘villain’ is able to transform.
This story is a true young adult novel for all ages, as it’s written in a clever style. Wyss delivers a clever twist on the last line, summing up the slight bending of a Princess fairy tale in this delightful novel. “Their voices faded softly away as everyone tried their best to live happily ever after.” (Page 158). The voice of the writing style is more than just warm and intimate to the story, but is also a great translator of the truth of the characters’ struggles.
What the king fails to realize is how clever his own daughter is because he never wanted a princess, he wanted a son. She must grow up in the shadow of his rules. No chess! She might beat him. No climbing trees! It’s not ladylike. Only solitaire is allowed, and with that game she might be able to bend the rules to get what she wants, but according to the king, one can’t cheat at solitaire.
Tyan Wyss shows us that she is very skilled at her back story without being boring or overly descriptive. The back story is told in the perfect rhythm and with the perfect progression of time to arrive at the heart of the struggle.
Wyss gives us an entire world within King Henry’s castle and is able to place the reader into the Princesses’ predicaments (yes there is another Princess). I loved the specific food descriptions, they really put me into the world of King Henry and Princess Christine.
It is a special story indeed that can deliver a full and complete novel without a true evil villain or one that is able to redeem himself by the end. With so many villains, once evil always evil pervades, but Wyss is able to construct a character that is conflicted enough, through a story that is different enough, that the ‘villain’ is able to transform.
This story is a true young adult novel for all ages, as it’s written in a clever style. Wyss delivers a clever twist on the last line, summing up the slight bending of a Princess fairy tale in this delightful novel. “Their voices faded softly away as everyone tried their best to live happily ever after.” (Page 158). The voice of the writing style is more than just warm and intimate to the story, but is also a great translator of the truth of the characters’ struggles.
September 30, 2016
I’ve read a number of this author’s books now, and they’ve all been a joy, but this is hands down my favorite. The writing is sublime and among the most fluid I’ve ever encountered. While some books may take a few chapters to warm to, this one is addictive almost from the first sentence.
It’s clearly written for kids, but in a Disney-film kind of way, where all ages can read along and enjoy. I image nine-year-olds to twelve-year-olds are the target audience. But younger kids who enjoy being read to would also love this one. You can read aloud and the entire family will enjoy.
There’s a wonderful kernel of feminism in this one, where though we are lost in history and ages gone by, a smart woman can still get her way and thrive in a man’s world. And she can make them rue the day they chose to treat her as a second class citizen. So any mother with a young girl who’s looking to bolster their self-esteem should consider this required reading.
The king’s daughter, who has been mistreated since a child, locked away and ignored, is, later in life, forced to marry someone she has no desire to marry, as if to add insult to injury. But she plots ingeniously against the king’s desires to ensure she inherits the throne and not her betrothed. She has had a lifetime of disempowerment and is determined to see it doesn’t continue. But though much smarter than the king she may be, and assisted by a fairy godmother no less, still she runs into complications that even her Machiavellian machinations may not be enough to get around. Will fate play her another cruel card that no amount of cunning on her part will be enough to get around? Frustrating both her desire for love and for equality in a world dominated by men? Read on and see why this tale truly is for all ages—pun intended.
It’s clearly written for kids, but in a Disney-film kind of way, where all ages can read along and enjoy. I image nine-year-olds to twelve-year-olds are the target audience. But younger kids who enjoy being read to would also love this one. You can read aloud and the entire family will enjoy.
There’s a wonderful kernel of feminism in this one, where though we are lost in history and ages gone by, a smart woman can still get her way and thrive in a man’s world. And she can make them rue the day they chose to treat her as a second class citizen. So any mother with a young girl who’s looking to bolster their self-esteem should consider this required reading.
The king’s daughter, who has been mistreated since a child, locked away and ignored, is, later in life, forced to marry someone she has no desire to marry, as if to add insult to injury. But she plots ingeniously against the king’s desires to ensure she inherits the throne and not her betrothed. She has had a lifetime of disempowerment and is determined to see it doesn’t continue. But though much smarter than the king she may be, and assisted by a fairy godmother no less, still she runs into complications that even her Machiavellian machinations may not be enough to get around. Will fate play her another cruel card that no amount of cunning on her part will be enough to get around? Frustrating both her desire for love and for equality in a world dominated by men? Read on and see why this tale truly is for all ages—pun intended.
March 5, 2015
The Solitaire Prince has a familiar premise: a neglected princess who's an only child is forced to marry by her unthinking father the king so there's a man to run the kingdom for the next generation. After that, nothing about this wild and captivating tale is ordinary. A brief reprieve of the princess's plight is given because she can select three stipulations for her husband, so of course she makes the nearly impossible task of winning three games of solitaire (with other conditions). Candidates come, they try, they fail, and they're beheaded one-by-one. Until finally not one but two princes have incredible outcomes of their games of chance --- a mess which the resolution of is a very clever and satisfying plot turn.
The book is impeccably edited and written in clean, easy to read prose. Every character is well drawn, including their inner lives being much richer than standard fairytale fare, even the evil king himself. I found that once I started I couldn't put the book down and ended up forgoing lunch and reading the entire thing through in one sitting. The book has a beautiful cover, a beautiful story, and a beautiful telling style that you'll love. I can't wait to read more from Tyan Wyss.
The book is impeccably edited and written in clean, easy to read prose. Every character is well drawn, including their inner lives being much richer than standard fairytale fare, even the evil king himself. I found that once I started I couldn't put the book down and ended up forgoing lunch and reading the entire thing through in one sitting. The book has a beautiful cover, a beautiful story, and a beautiful telling style that you'll love. I can't wait to read more from Tyan Wyss.
October 25, 2014
From the beautiful cover to the lyrical writing, this is a fairytale which wraps itself around you and holds you tight. I notice that another reviewer said that they could picture the castle and surroundings very clearly as they read and I would absolutely agree. I think that's partly because the cover suits the style of the story absolutely perfectly and so it feels very natural to picture extensions to the cover whilst reading. But also, because the authors talented and descriptive style really draws you in to the story and therefore immerses you into its surroundings.
The same can be said therefore about the characters who are developed well, likeable, entertaining and easy to engage with. The traditional style of writing in terms of it being in a historical/ fairytale context was very pleasing and the story itself was very well executed making it a thoroughly entertaining read.
The same can be said therefore about the characters who are developed well, likeable, entertaining and easy to engage with. The traditional style of writing in terms of it being in a historical/ fairytale context was very pleasing and the story itself was very well executed making it a thoroughly entertaining read.
March 2, 2015
'The Solitaire Prince' is a wondrous, atypical fairy tale, full of wonderful, rich characters. Most modern fairytales take the classic roles and just slap a fresh coat of paint on them. Tyan Wyss has taken the old archetypes and given them all full personalities. That alone is worth the read.
There's magic, princes, princesses, horrible kings and quests, but I really enjoyed the use of the game of Solitaire. We've all played it, we all have various versions, and we all cheat from time to time. (Dropping down to one card deals after running out of options with three...come on, we've all done it.) I appreciated how this classic card game, when poker and blackjack are heavily promoted as the A-Listers of the card game world, is given so much play in this fine story.
I also enjoyed Wyss's rich vocabulary. It's a small note, and not one that should affect a story's enjoyment, but it enriches a world, and it did so in 'The Solitaire Prince.'
There's magic, princes, princesses, horrible kings and quests, but I really enjoyed the use of the game of Solitaire. We've all played it, we all have various versions, and we all cheat from time to time. (Dropping down to one card deals after running out of options with three...come on, we've all done it.) I appreciated how this classic card game, when poker and blackjack are heavily promoted as the A-Listers of the card game world, is given so much play in this fine story.
I also enjoyed Wyss's rich vocabulary. It's a small note, and not one that should affect a story's enjoyment, but it enriches a world, and it did so in 'The Solitaire Prince.'
March 4, 2015
Almost immediately, the story grabs you with Princess Christine’s marriage stipulation declaiming her vying suitors to win at solitaire or die. Luckily, we get to see blood early on and know that this is no joke. But what’s even better is that the story doesn’t stop there. Each chapter, instead of rehashing the same idea, it twists and alters, pitting our characters more and more against each other.
Although it may start out sounding like a run-of-the-mill fairytale, it departs greatly from this template with a villain, King Henry, who is not diabolic like a witch or conniving like a distrustful advisor. He is a true product of his place and time. In this way, there are no stock fairytale caricatures. Each character is unique and distinct.
All in all, it took me two days to finish it and it would’ve been shorter had I more free time to do so. It is gripping and adventurous from the beginning and always keeps you guessing. I highly suggest it.
Although it may start out sounding like a run-of-the-mill fairytale, it departs greatly from this template with a villain, King Henry, who is not diabolic like a witch or conniving like a distrustful advisor. He is a true product of his place and time. In this way, there are no stock fairytale caricatures. Each character is unique and distinct.
All in all, it took me two days to finish it and it would’ve been shorter had I more free time to do so. It is gripping and adventurous from the beginning and always keeps you guessing. I highly suggest it.
October 5, 2016
"The Solitaire Prince" reminded me of one of the old Brothers Grimm fairy tales. You have a self-centered, arrogant, short-sighted King... his long-suffering, overlooked wife... and beautiful, neglected daughter. And she has to "choose" a prince, so she can be married directly after her 17th birthday.
Not wanting to suffer the fate of her mother, who was never viewed as an equal by the king or allowed to rule by his side, Princess Christine made some difficult stipulations. The prince who wins her hand must first win a certain number of points in the game of Solitaire - or lose his head. And trust me, heads do roll!
The story dragged a little at times during the Solitaire games. But, I like the revelation the King finally ends up having about the women in his life. And, the story ended happily for almost everyone, which is just how it should be in a fairy tale. If your kid likes fairy tales, he or she will really enjoy "The Solitaire Prince."
Not wanting to suffer the fate of her mother, who was never viewed as an equal by the king or allowed to rule by his side, Princess Christine made some difficult stipulations. The prince who wins her hand must first win a certain number of points in the game of Solitaire - or lose his head. And trust me, heads do roll!
The story dragged a little at times during the Solitaire games. But, I like the revelation the King finally ends up having about the women in his life. And, the story ended happily for almost everyone, which is just how it should be in a fairy tale. If your kid likes fairy tales, he or she will really enjoy "The Solitaire Prince."
November 4, 2014
I’ve not read many fairy tales, and this book reminded me what I’ve been missing. Solitaire Prince is an enchanting tale of two lovely pairs trying to survive under the nose of a cruel king. Akin to many stories in the similar line, this one has a princess waiting for her prince charming. The story has an interesting twist involving the game of Solitaire.
I found the characters very real and consistent to their positions. The plot is involving and overall the story has a feel good effect and that’s why I think this book is not restricted to any particular age or genre. The writing is very lucid, and enjoyable and to the point.
Even if you don’t like Solitaire or have never played the game before, you’ll still enjoy the book for sure.Read it to your kids and they’d love it.
I found the characters very real and consistent to their positions. The plot is involving and overall the story has a feel good effect and that’s why I think this book is not restricted to any particular age or genre. The writing is very lucid, and enjoyable and to the point.
Even if you don’t like Solitaire or have never played the game before, you’ll still enjoy the book for sure.Read it to your kids and they’d love it.
Read
February 13, 2016168p Imprisoned in a castle tower with only the lonely game of Solitaire to keep her company, the lovely Princess Christine languishes away. Freedom is only a birthday away, until her wicked father determines that she must marry or die! In this medieval fairy tale with a twist, Princess Christine 19s fairy-godmother, Eloise, encourages the princess to require any prospective husband to either win three games of solitaire or forfeit his head! When two princes, Charles and Peter, try their luck, Christine loses her heart to the wrong prince while her cousin Agnes falls in love with the winner! How this medieval tale of chance will end up is anyone 19s call, but one thing 19s for certain; King Henry and his kingdom will never be the same!
October 16, 2014
The Solitaire Prince was an unique fairytale unlike any other that I have ever read. I love the book cover for starts.The cover itself grabs the reads attention and peaks their curiosity. Then when you open the book, the author pulls you right into the book. It is as if you were a character in the book or that the story was alive. I could picture the castle and the kingdom. I could feel the characters' emotions and practically see everything they were doing. It was simply amazing. I commend the author on writing such a wonderful fairytale.
I recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a charming fairytale like the ones told so long ago.
I recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a charming fairytale like the ones told so long ago.
March 8, 2015
The Solitaire Prince is an original, wonderfully conceived story with a strong message. I'm tempted to say it's about gender equality, but that might make it sound somewhat dry and unappealing when in fact it's an extremely engaging and entertaining tale, so let's just say it's about doing the right thing. Like all the best stories, it shows someone evolving and changing into a better person. Add romance, love and a little magic (of the old-fashioned, fairy godmother variety!) and you end up with a story which discerning readers will find irresistible.
October 8, 2014
This was a great book, putting an interesting spin on many traditional fairy-tale motifs.
First off, what happens if the Princess that the king is eagerly marrying off simply does not want to get married?
What happens to the bride and groom of a royal wedding 18 years down the line? We find out by seeing the king and queen in this book.
I would recommend this book primarily to kids at the early end of the "Young Adult" range, but folks of all ages can enjoy this off-beat fairy tale.
First off, what happens if the Princess that the king is eagerly marrying off simply does not want to get married?
What happens to the bride and groom of a royal wedding 18 years down the line? We find out by seeing the king and queen in this book.
I would recommend this book primarily to kids at the early end of the "Young Adult" range, but folks of all ages can enjoy this off-beat fairy tale.
Read
December 28, 2015Tyan Wyss' writing style is easy to enjoy. Once I started reading it, I didn't stop until I finished. It kept my interest to the very end, which was not from a 'cookie-cutter' mold. The characters are believable, the descriptions are luxurious, and the cover is fantastic! The book reminded me of a Grimm's fairy tale and would be good for anyone 8-120.
I picked the book up when it was free on Amazon for a day. That, in no way, altered my review.
I picked the book up when it was free on Amazon for a day. That, in no way, altered my review.
November 29, 2008
Geared for Middle School and above, this delightful, 'factured' fairytale is a feminist glimpse into how we value our children. A delightful read with a clever end.
April 7, 2013
Was an ok shortish story was great with great character development and good story for a free kindle book.
March 2, 2015
I enjoyed this book. It was well written and a quick read. The plot was unique and accessible and it kept me interested. I would recommend this to others.
September 19, 2015
3.75
A sweet tale of wits and strong female characters!
A sweet tale of wits and strong female characters!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews