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Andari Chronicles #3
Pirouette
You have probably heard the tale of twelve princesses who loved to dance…
This is the story of what happened when they stopped.
Princess Ilani might as well be invisible. Her crippled leg has made her an outcast, while her twelve sisters dance for the Caelani court and dream of the future. But when the time comes for their father to choose his heir, it is Ilani whose secrets will haunt their steps, along with a devilishly charming foreigner who seems to know far more than he should.
Lord Kyril Seagrave wishes he had never heard of Caelan. He embarked on a secret mission into the heart of the Caelani Empire, hoping for intrigue and adventure. What he finds is an empire on the brink of catastrophe. Armed with nothing but determination and a set of ill-matched companions, Kyril soon realizes there is far more at stake than his own quest, and one misstep could prove disastrous to everyone he loves.
Words—and sparks—fly when Kyril and Ilani meet and find themselves fighting not only for their lives, but for the future of Caelan itself. Unless these two unlikely allies can prevent the Caelani empire from falling into the hands of an old enemy, they could end up on opposite sides of a war.
Pirouette is the third book in The Andari Chronicles, a series of interconnected fairy tale retellings that evoke the glittering romance of the originals, while infusing them with grit, humor, and a cast of captivating new characters.
This is the story of what happened when they stopped.
Princess Ilani might as well be invisible. Her crippled leg has made her an outcast, while her twelve sisters dance for the Caelani court and dream of the future. But when the time comes for their father to choose his heir, it is Ilani whose secrets will haunt their steps, along with a devilishly charming foreigner who seems to know far more than he should.
Lord Kyril Seagrave wishes he had never heard of Caelan. He embarked on a secret mission into the heart of the Caelani Empire, hoping for intrigue and adventure. What he finds is an empire on the brink of catastrophe. Armed with nothing but determination and a set of ill-matched companions, Kyril soon realizes there is far more at stake than his own quest, and one misstep could prove disastrous to everyone he loves.
Words—and sparks—fly when Kyril and Ilani meet and find themselves fighting not only for their lives, but for the future of Caelan itself. Unless these two unlikely allies can prevent the Caelani empire from falling into the hands of an old enemy, they could end up on opposite sides of a war.
Pirouette is the third book in The Andari Chronicles, a series of interconnected fairy tale retellings that evoke the glittering romance of the originals, while infusing them with grit, humor, and a cast of captivating new characters.
398 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2016
340 people are currently reading
1164 people want to read
About the author
Kenley Davidson
35 books940 followersKenley Davidson is a romantic fantasy author and unrepentant caffeine addict who believes in the power of storytelling and loves nothing more than a good book hangover. Her books include romantasy, urban fantasy, fairy-tale retellings, and sci fi, but no matter the genre, she writes stories of hope and redemption with characters you can root for, heart-pounding romance without the spice, and happy endings that might just make you cry.
Her favorite things (besides books) are coffee, k-dramas, cats, and playing cozy video games. And also scones.
Kenley currently lives in Oklahoma, where she cares for a menagerie of misfit house plants while waiting for her adult children to occasionally pop in for laundry and a home-cooked meal.
Find out more about Kenley’s books at her website: kenleydavidson.com
Her favorite things (besides books) are coffee, k-dramas, cats, and playing cozy video games. And also scones.
Kenley currently lives in Oklahoma, where she cares for a menagerie of misfit house plants while waiting for her adult children to occasionally pop in for laundry and a home-cooked meal.
Find out more about Kenley’s books at her website: kenleydavidson.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
March 25, 2021
One of my favorite fairytales is the 12 Dancing Princesses. So when I found out that Pirouette by Kenley Davidson is a retelling of the 12 Dancing Princesses, I was ecstatic! It is the 3rd book in the Andari Chronicles and we FINALLY get Kyril’s story!!! Kyril and a few other spies are on a mission to find out more about the country of Caelan. One of his fellow spies, Brenna seems to have some sort of vendetta against him. It could be that he has quite the reputation at court. But that is the least of his worries. The Caelan palace is massive, magic is forbidden, and they have arrived right in the midst of the scandal. The King seems to be losing his mind, and his 12 daughters refuse to dance. Dancing is an important part of their culture. The only thing is, there are 13 daughters. The king refuses to acknowledge Ilani. Ilani was beaten when she was 7, causing her leg to be damaged for the rest of her life, so she can’t dance. Kyril is bewitched by Ilani’s beauty, wit, and strength. He has a mission but now will stop at nothing to help her.
I think this book has to be my favorite book in the series so far! We have a main heroine that has a disability, we visit a land that is not similar to English culture but to Middle-Eastern culture. I am loving all the diversity represented. I thought Kyril would be the highlight of this book because I have been looking forward to his story, but I was wrong. First, let’s discuss Ilani. She can no longer dance, walks with a cane, and is condemned by her family. She uses her invisibility to investigate what is happening in the palace. I love how the author discusses Ilani’s disability, but not making it the focus of the novel and she also doesn’t create some magical cure. Ilani accepts her disability, exudes strength, and has incredible smarts and wit! I want to see more characters like her.
Second, most fairytale retellings take place in a European-like setting. We get a different culture, different beliefs, and different rituals and our spies need to navigate this world. While there is something sinister behind the scenes, it is actually the work of a single villain. No spoilers. But the country itself isn’t sinister. It is a beautiful country with a fascinating heritage, that is ready for progress.
Overall, the pace is outstanding from beginning to end. I was desperate to figure out the mystery. The author does like to keep the readers guessing. I highly recommend this fairytale-fantasy-mystery-romance. It is delightful from beginning to end. 5 out of 5 stars!
I think this book has to be my favorite book in the series so far! We have a main heroine that has a disability, we visit a land that is not similar to English culture but to Middle-Eastern culture. I am loving all the diversity represented. I thought Kyril would be the highlight of this book because I have been looking forward to his story, but I was wrong. First, let’s discuss Ilani. She can no longer dance, walks with a cane, and is condemned by her family. She uses her invisibility to investigate what is happening in the palace. I love how the author discusses Ilani’s disability, but not making it the focus of the novel and she also doesn’t create some magical cure. Ilani accepts her disability, exudes strength, and has incredible smarts and wit! I want to see more characters like her.
Second, most fairytale retellings take place in a European-like setting. We get a different culture, different beliefs, and different rituals and our spies need to navigate this world. While there is something sinister behind the scenes, it is actually the work of a single villain. No spoilers. But the country itself isn’t sinister. It is a beautiful country with a fascinating heritage, that is ready for progress.
Overall, the pace is outstanding from beginning to end. I was desperate to figure out the mystery. The author does like to keep the readers guessing. I highly recommend this fairytale-fantasy-mystery-romance. It is delightful from beginning to end. 5 out of 5 stars!
August 10, 2016
After browsing through the self-published fairy tale retellings available on Kindle Unlimited, I'd started to get a bit depressed. It seems as though anyone with a word processor and a copy of Grimm's can pound out a retelling, filling the world with hundreds of half-baked versions of the same stories.
This book restored my faith in the genre.
"Pirouette" is a retelling of "The Twelve Dancing Princesses". That's pretty much all I knew before starting. I love this fairy tale, but didn't have high hopes for the book, due to the "prom dress" look of the girl on the cover. When I started the first chapter, my expectations were blown away. This wasn't a generic, fluffy fairy tale kingdom, and this wasn't a half-baked retelling.
"Pirouette" takes place in a Middle-Eastern style kingdom, with a rich culture and harsh realities. In the prologue, our main character, Ilani, encounters these harsh realities at the age of seven, when she goes to dance for her father the malek (the king of Caelan) and accidentally reveals a forbidden magical talent. Due to this, her father orders the death of Ilani's mother and baby brother, and orders that Ilani never dance again. Ilani's leg is badly broken, and she grows up alone and outcast, with no hope for a future, since her culture has no place for a woman who cannot dance.
Meanwhile, a small group of spies from the more British-flavored country of Andar are traveling to learn more about Ilani's mysterious, powerful homeland of Caelan, and to keep tabs on the exiled Andari Prince Rowan, who might be planning further villainy. Lord Kyril Seagrave has a reputation as the court flirt, but as the best friend of the prince, he was placed in charge of this mission, much to the disapproval of Brenna, a fiery lady spy who already hates him due to his reputation. They're joined by the mysterious, magical Alexei (a man with his own agenda for the mission), and the taciturn bodyguard, Quinn. The latter three all have some experience with diplomatic intrigue, but Kyril feels out of his depth, especially since he doesn't know the language of Caelan. Instead of serving as leader, he's barely respected, as has to follow the rest of the group in disguise as the soldier and bodyguard to their identities as foreign merchants.
Soon after their arrival at the Caelani palace, scandal erupts, when the malek's twelve daughters (thirteen, actually, but no one counts the crippled Ilani) refuse to dance the traditional dance that allows their father's chosen heir to choose a wife. The malek orders that anyone who discovers why the princesses do not dance will be able to marry one of his daughters and choose the fates of the rest. The spies suspect this strange contest is part of Prince Rowan's evil plans, and Ilani worries that this contest will only cause her doom. Soon, Ilani and Kyril meet, and work together to investigate the many mysteries behind this strange contest and untangle the political intrigues of the two kingdoms.
This book has a highly complex plot, full of spies and political intrigue and conflicting personal agendas and plans within plans within plans, and takes place within a unique and well-thought-out world. It also has vivid, layered and likeable characters, and is full of sharp wit and humor and just a touch of romance. It leaves out or vastly alters many of my favorite parts of the original fairy tale, but the ways in which it twists the original story are so creative and fun that I can't complain about the differences.
There are some flaws. The characters tend to ruminate repetitively on their insecurities or parts of their history, especially in the first few chapters. I don't find it quite believable that Andar would know so little about Caelan, since the two countries share a border, and I find it strange (though the author does a pretty decent job of justifying it) that an important point of the magic system is largely unknown to the Caelanis who have lived with it for centuries. Plus, the interlocking intrigues get a bit too complicated near the climax, when setbacks for side characters distract from the buildup of the main plot. But these are small points that barely detract from a rich and enjoyable book.
"Pirouette" is not just a retelling. It's a novel, with a well-built world and three-dimensional characters. It has more depth and scope and a better plot and characters than most of the traditionally published fairy tale retellings that I've read. Though it's the third in a series, I was able to follow the plot just fine without reading the first two. But I immediately rushed to pick up the other books.
This book restored my faith in the genre.
"Pirouette" is a retelling of "The Twelve Dancing Princesses". That's pretty much all I knew before starting. I love this fairy tale, but didn't have high hopes for the book, due to the "prom dress" look of the girl on the cover. When I started the first chapter, my expectations were blown away. This wasn't a generic, fluffy fairy tale kingdom, and this wasn't a half-baked retelling.
"Pirouette" takes place in a Middle-Eastern style kingdom, with a rich culture and harsh realities. In the prologue, our main character, Ilani, encounters these harsh realities at the age of seven, when she goes to dance for her father the malek (the king of Caelan) and accidentally reveals a forbidden magical talent. Due to this, her father orders the death of Ilani's mother and baby brother, and orders that Ilani never dance again. Ilani's leg is badly broken, and she grows up alone and outcast, with no hope for a future, since her culture has no place for a woman who cannot dance.
Meanwhile, a small group of spies from the more British-flavored country of Andar are traveling to learn more about Ilani's mysterious, powerful homeland of Caelan, and to keep tabs on the exiled Andari Prince Rowan, who might be planning further villainy. Lord Kyril Seagrave has a reputation as the court flirt, but as the best friend of the prince, he was placed in charge of this mission, much to the disapproval of Brenna, a fiery lady spy who already hates him due to his reputation. They're joined by the mysterious, magical Alexei (a man with his own agenda for the mission), and the taciturn bodyguard, Quinn. The latter three all have some experience with diplomatic intrigue, but Kyril feels out of his depth, especially since he doesn't know the language of Caelan. Instead of serving as leader, he's barely respected, as has to follow the rest of the group in disguise as the soldier and bodyguard to their identities as foreign merchants.
Soon after their arrival at the Caelani palace, scandal erupts, when the malek's twelve daughters (thirteen, actually, but no one counts the crippled Ilani) refuse to dance the traditional dance that allows their father's chosen heir to choose a wife. The malek orders that anyone who discovers why the princesses do not dance will be able to marry one of his daughters and choose the fates of the rest. The spies suspect this strange contest is part of Prince Rowan's evil plans, and Ilani worries that this contest will only cause her doom. Soon, Ilani and Kyril meet, and work together to investigate the many mysteries behind this strange contest and untangle the political intrigues of the two kingdoms.
This book has a highly complex plot, full of spies and political intrigue and conflicting personal agendas and plans within plans within plans, and takes place within a unique and well-thought-out world. It also has vivid, layered and likeable characters, and is full of sharp wit and humor and just a touch of romance. It leaves out or vastly alters many of my favorite parts of the original fairy tale, but the ways in which it twists the original story are so creative and fun that I can't complain about the differences.
There are some flaws. The characters tend to ruminate repetitively on their insecurities or parts of their history, especially in the first few chapters. I don't find it quite believable that Andar would know so little about Caelan, since the two countries share a border, and I find it strange (though the author does a pretty decent job of justifying it) that an important point of the magic system is largely unknown to the Caelanis who have lived with it for centuries. Plus, the interlocking intrigues get a bit too complicated near the climax, when setbacks for side characters distract from the buildup of the main plot. But these are small points that barely detract from a rich and enjoyable book.
"Pirouette" is not just a retelling. It's a novel, with a well-built world and three-dimensional characters. It has more depth and scope and a better plot and characters than most of the traditionally published fairy tale retellings that I've read. Though it's the third in a series, I was able to follow the plot just fine without reading the first two. But I immediately rushed to pick up the other books.
March 7, 2017
Where do I even begin? The third addition to Kenley Davidson's Andari Chronicles was an adventure in and of itself. (Side note: If you've read Shadow Spinner by Susan Fletcher, then this book is going to feel very familiar.)
In Pirouette, I finally got the world-building I was looking for. Caelan is a magical, middle-eastern type country straight from a Scheherazade tale, full of spicy princesses and sultry gardens. I liked the setting a lot, and was intrigued to see how the plot would turn out.
A few rules for reading this book:
Rule #1. Things are never as they seem.
Rule #2. If you're worried things are about to get worse, then you can stop worrying. They do get worse. A lot worse.
Seriously, the plot was full of all sorts of twists and turns that left me mystified, relieved, and worried by turns. Not necessarily in that order. And the author again left me applauding her audacious use of unfamiliar vocabulary words.
The characters were, of course, magnificent. I've come to expect nothing less than well-rounded, complex characters from Kenley Davidson, and she has not disappointed me. There may have been a touch of insta-love (one-sided) from a character in this story, but it fits with his/her character, so I'll let it go. ;) We also saw the return of a much-despised villain
One thing I have yet to mention about Davidson's style of writing is the way she writes point-of-view. Her books usually feature 2-3 main characters, and we get turns with each to see from their point-of-view. Sometimes we even see the same scene again, but from a different character's pov. Sometimes she throws in an extra scene written from someone other than the main character's pov to add a twist or further muddy the shark-infested waters. It's very unique, given that a lot of YA books are written these days in first-person, or deep pov from only one character.
However, there is a few caveats. Davidson has an unfortunate tendency to sprinkle profanity liberally throughout her books, and this one was no exception. She added in some crude, obscene curses as well, that would have been better left unsaid.(I'm really tired of profanity in books-any books. Writers, you have a thesaurus. Use it. And NOT in an obscene or offensive way! There are lots of better ways to express emotion than turning to crude language-- and most will enhance your writing talent and grow your audience.) A star deducted for language concerns. There was a good bit of violence as well .
Overall, Pirouette was a fantastic story, marred only by the unfortunate choice to include obscenities. A well-developed culture, complex characters, and a touch of magic make this story worth reading. (With a Sharpie handy.)
Rating: 4 stars
Recommended: 15 and up (mostly due to language concerns and violent/disturbing deaths)
Content guide (may contain minor spoilers):
Language: 8/10 (profanity used fairly regularly. addition of crude, obscene phrases)
Violence: 6/10 (violent deaths, a bit gruesome. characters incur serious wounds. murder.)
Sexual Content: 0.5/10 (barely any--only thing that comes to mind was a man thinking he wants to kiss a woman)
*Many thanks to the author for providing a copy to review!*
For more reviews, see gabriellenblog.wordpress.com and fullofbooks.com
In Pirouette, I finally got the world-building I was looking for. Caelan is a magical, middle-eastern type country straight from a Scheherazade tale, full of spicy princesses and sultry gardens. I liked the setting a lot, and was intrigued to see how the plot would turn out.
A few rules for reading this book:
Rule #1. Things are never as they seem.
Rule #2. If you're worried things are about to get worse, then you can stop worrying. They do get worse. A lot worse.
Seriously, the plot was full of all sorts of twists and turns that left me mystified, relieved, and worried by turns. Not necessarily in that order. And the author again left me applauding her audacious use of unfamiliar vocabulary words.
The characters were, of course, magnificent. I've come to expect nothing less than well-rounded, complex characters from Kenley Davidson, and she has not disappointed me. There may have been a touch of insta-love (one-sided) from a character in this story, but it fits with his/her character, so I'll let it go. ;) We also saw the return of a much-despised villain
One thing I have yet to mention about Davidson's style of writing is the way she writes point-of-view. Her books usually feature 2-3 main characters, and we get turns with each to see from their point-of-view. Sometimes we even see the same scene again, but from a different character's pov. Sometimes she throws in an extra scene written from someone other than the main character's pov to add a twist or further muddy the shark-infested waters. It's very unique, given that a lot of YA books are written these days in first-person, or deep pov from only one character.
However, there is a few caveats. Davidson has an unfortunate tendency to sprinkle profanity liberally throughout her books, and this one was no exception. She added in some crude, obscene curses as well, that would have been better left unsaid.(I'm really tired of profanity in books-any books. Writers, you have a thesaurus. Use it. And NOT in an obscene or offensive way! There are lots of better ways to express emotion than turning to crude language-- and most will enhance your writing talent and grow your audience.) A star deducted for language concerns. There was a good bit of violence as well .
Overall, Pirouette was a fantastic story, marred only by the unfortunate choice to include obscenities. A well-developed culture, complex characters, and a touch of magic make this story worth reading. (With a Sharpie handy.)
Rating: 4 stars
Recommended: 15 and up (mostly due to language concerns and violent/disturbing deaths)
Content guide (may contain minor spoilers):
Language: 8/10 (profanity used fairly regularly. addition of crude, obscene phrases)
Violence: 6/10 (violent deaths, a bit gruesome. characters incur serious wounds. murder.)
Sexual Content: 0.5/10 (barely any--only thing that comes to mind was a man thinking he wants to kiss a woman)
*Many thanks to the author for providing a copy to review!*
For more reviews, see gabriellenblog.wordpress.com and fullofbooks.com
May 28, 2016
So, I'll admit it, even though Ramsey was brilliant, I'm pretty sure Kyril caught my attention the moment he was mentioned. Pirouette is set a few months after the marriage of both Trystan and Ramsey, and Kyril has found himself in an awkward position.
The dreaded third wheel!
I KNOW! That's what I said!
Although he is still friends with Ramsey, he finds himself longing for more excitement. Checking out a foreign empire doesn't sound like too shabby of an adventure, right? Right. Especially when some blonde, blue-eyed exile may be there too. However, this is more than adventure to Kyril. This is a chance to prove himself; show that he is capable, efficient, and that his loyalty his unparalleled. Add along a motley crew (Branna, Quinn, and Alexei) and we are all set!
Erstwhile, Princess Ilani is facing her own crisis of another nature (she is most definitely not a third wheel because she has no friends and little to no relationship to her sisters). Rather, she is a cripple. Not by accident. She revealed she had magic at a young age.
Nearly immediately when I first met Ilani I was moved to instant sympathy (and of course instant shipping between her and Kyril). Here was a girl who had been stripped of the most important thing in her culture (dancing), and because of her deformity was shunned by nearly everyone. (Despite being the seventh, and thereby, luckiest daughter). Although Ilani is somewhat bitter and prickly (like Trystan), she is entirely her own character.
Pirouette centers on court intrigue, secrecy, and lies as the plot progresses. No character is who he or she says they are. I found all the plot twists enjoyable, and can wholeheartedly say I didn't see any of them coming.
One, especially had me like this:
It was a great addition to the series and I look forward to seeing more of the Andari Chronicles in the future.
Davidson has done it again!
(My one criticism is the mild curse words that are used in the series, I believe anything can be said without the use of swearing.)
Now I have to wait until the next one comes out...
The dreaded third wheel!
I KNOW! That's what I said!
Although he is still friends with Ramsey, he finds himself longing for more excitement. Checking out a foreign empire doesn't sound like too shabby of an adventure, right? Right. Especially when some blonde, blue-eyed exile may be there too. However, this is more than adventure to Kyril. This is a chance to prove himself; show that he is capable, efficient, and that his loyalty his unparalleled. Add along a motley crew (Branna, Quinn, and Alexei) and we are all set!
Erstwhile, Princess Ilani is facing her own crisis of another nature (she is most definitely not a third wheel because she has no friends and little to no relationship to her sisters). Rather, she is a cripple. Not by accident. She revealed she had magic at a young age.
Nearly immediately when I first met Ilani I was moved to instant sympathy (and of course instant shipping between her and Kyril). Here was a girl who had been stripped of the most important thing in her culture (dancing), and because of her deformity was shunned by nearly everyone. (Despite being the seventh, and thereby, luckiest daughter). Although Ilani is somewhat bitter and prickly (like Trystan), she is entirely her own character.
Pirouette centers on court intrigue, secrecy, and lies as the plot progresses. No character is who he or she says they are. I found all the plot twists enjoyable, and can wholeheartedly say I didn't see any of them coming.
One, especially had me like this:
It was a great addition to the series and I look forward to seeing more of the Andari Chronicles in the future.
Davidson has done it again!
(My one criticism is the mild curse words that are used in the series, I believe anything can be said without the use of swearing.)
Now I have to wait until the next one comes out...
May 20, 2018
Where to begin with this lovely story? Pirouette takes its time to introduce the world, the characters, and the drama, bringing in characters (good and bad) from earlier in the series (which is fun), and introducing a new cast of characters in a previously unseen part of the world. I would advise a new reader to stick with the story and simply enjoy the lovely writing and description--the payoff is coming!
Kai is an unusual hero--charming and intelligent yet filled with self-doubt, particularly after spending the first part of the story horribly seasick! Ilani is sweet and tragic, longing to be loved and accepted. The two of them are adorable together. :-)
I also loved the side characters and look forward to seeing them again in later books.
I thoroughly enjoyed the dramatic climax that tied together numerous storylines and loose ends for a satisfying conclusion. This book, its world, and its characters are complex and beautifully constructed.
Read and enjoy!
Kai is an unusual hero--charming and intelligent yet filled with self-doubt, particularly after spending the first part of the story horribly seasick! Ilani is sweet and tragic, longing to be loved and accepted. The two of them are adorable together. :-)
I also loved the side characters and look forward to seeing them again in later books.
I thoroughly enjoyed the dramatic climax that tied together numerous storylines and loose ends for a satisfying conclusion. This book, its world, and its characters are complex and beautifully constructed.
Read and enjoy!
May 11, 2020
This book is a really neat re-imagining of the twelve dancing princesses fairy tale. In some versions of the story, there are actually 13 princesses, and this retelling runs with that idea.
I was hooked from the very beginning. I wasn't sure how all the threads were going to pull together or how the main characters were going to survive at various points!
Highly recommend this series for those who love fairy tale retellings!
I was hooked from the very beginning. I wasn't sure how all the threads were going to pull together or how the main characters were going to survive at various points!
Highly recommend this series for those who love fairy tale retellings!
January 27, 2022
This was a tough one for me. It started out so slow. It took awhile to take off and when it did the main focus of this book was the four characters stories. I can tell this is to set up other books to come but it sure did bog this one down. The story was so good! The way this retelling was told was very different then any I have read. I did love that we got to know so many characters. The action at the end was very well done for a YA. It was easy to follow. I read this so I can read the next. B and B retellings are a fav of mine.
May 13, 2021
2.5 stars.
I found this author's take on the twelve dancing princesses fairy tale interesting, and the twists, while predictable, were fun. However, the first half of the story really dragged and one of the MCs, Brenna, wasn't likable at all. And I realize this is a series and we're probably going to see the villain of this story again, but I really dislike it when the villain doesn't get his just deserts. Overall, this wasn't one of my favourites.
I found this author's take on the twelve dancing princesses fairy tale interesting, and the twists, while predictable, were fun. However, the first half of the story really dragged and one of the MCs, Brenna, wasn't likable at all. And I realize this is a series and we're probably going to see the villain of this story again, but I really dislike it when the villain doesn't get his just deserts. Overall, this wasn't one of my favourites.
dnf
February 3, 2022Nope, I can’t do it. DNF @ 8% because I just cannot handle the audiobook narrator’s ‘Arab’ [read: vaguely West Asian] accent.
May pick this back up as an ebook at some point, but for now I’m skipping straight on to the next book in the series (and hoping it’s better…)
May pick this back up as an ebook at some point, but for now I’m skipping straight on to the next book in the series (and hoping it’s better…)
February 3, 2018
This book was my least favorite in the series, by a lot. Which makes me sad/mad because it is the one I was most looking forward to. The 12 Dancing Princesses is my favorite fairytale and one that doesn’t get retold that often. But getting through this book was grueling. It dragged by at a snail’s pace and was way too long. I was aggravatingly waiting for something to take away from it.
Like the 1st two in this series this one is NOT a romance. This one had even less romance than the first two. Ilani and Kyril didn’t even meet until over 30% of the way through. They then meet briefly (60 seconds tops), meet for maybe 30 minutes, then maybe 15 and that’s it until the end. They don’t even kiss at all. COME ON!!! Even Disney gives me a kiss at the end!
There were so many twists and turns it felt like a roller coaster, and while that may appeal to some readers I was so uninvested in the characters that I couldn’t care less and just wanted it to stop. It doesn’t have to be that complicated! I am all for adding background and plot to fairy tales but it loses its fairy tale quality when you make so complex that you have to get a pen and paper to map out all the plot twists. It also makes it more likely to be contrived and full of plot holes. For example, Ilani is injured for having magic and her sisters completely ignore and exclude her for 12 years because they "think she prefers it that way." What? No.
There is way too much dialogue. Almost the whole story is told through dialogue.
This story, unlike the books 1 & 2, is really more of ensemble cast rather than a story about a Hero & heroine. We get the perspective of several characters throughout the book and almost more of the story focuses on all the surrounding characters than the “main” 2.
I liked Kyrill in Traitor’s Mask but didn’t feel like he was even the same character in Pirouette. He was weak and whiney. Ilani was a nice character who made me feel something. Brenna was strongly featured in the book, maybe more than the other 2, and really is the hero of the story and the best character.
I really can’t figure out who this author’s target audience is. I would recommend to YA readers since the romance is so G-rated, but there is quite a bit of swearing and violence. I’m not sure why you would include cursewords but ZERO physical romance. I just can’t figure it out, but I have decided after 3 of these that I will not be reading any more.
Davidson’s writing is very good, and her character development is well done. And, at least this one was a fantasy. I feel bad for giving 2-stars, I know the author worked hard on it, but I just cannot justify even 1 more star. Others may appreciate this book more than me, I encourage you to read through the reviews and give it a try if you are a fan of the 1st two in the series.
Like the 1st two in this series this one is NOT a romance. This one had even less romance than the first two. Ilani and Kyril didn’t even meet until over 30% of the way through. They then meet briefly (60 seconds tops), meet for maybe 30 minutes, then maybe 15 and that’s it until the end. They don’t even kiss at all. COME ON!!! Even Disney gives me a kiss at the end!
There were so many twists and turns it felt like a roller coaster, and while that may appeal to some readers I was so uninvested in the characters that I couldn’t care less and just wanted it to stop. It doesn’t have to be that complicated! I am all for adding background and plot to fairy tales but it loses its fairy tale quality when you make so complex that you have to get a pen and paper to map out all the plot twists. It also makes it more likely to be contrived and full of plot holes. For example, Ilani is injured for having magic and her sisters completely ignore and exclude her for 12 years because they "think she prefers it that way." What? No.
There is way too much dialogue. Almost the whole story is told through dialogue.
This story, unlike the books 1 & 2, is really more of ensemble cast rather than a story about a Hero & heroine. We get the perspective of several characters throughout the book and almost more of the story focuses on all the surrounding characters than the “main” 2.
I liked Kyrill in Traitor’s Mask but didn’t feel like he was even the same character in Pirouette. He was weak and whiney. Ilani was a nice character who made me feel something. Brenna was strongly featured in the book, maybe more than the other 2, and really is the hero of the story and the best character.
I really can’t figure out who this author’s target audience is. I would recommend to YA readers since the romance is so G-rated, but there is quite a bit of swearing and violence. I’m not sure why you would include cursewords but ZERO physical romance. I just can’t figure it out, but I have decided after 3 of these that I will not be reading any more.
Davidson’s writing is very good, and her character development is well done. And, at least this one was a fantasy. I feel bad for giving 2-stars, I know the author worked hard on it, but I just cannot justify even 1 more star. Others may appreciate this book more than me, I encourage you to read through the reviews and give it a try if you are a fan of the 1st two in the series.
July 6, 2019
What delightful characters! This is my favorite retelling of The Dancing Princesses fairy tale. I was pleasantly surprised to see the misogynistic elements of the original tale addressed without feeling the least bit preachy. 4.25 stars :)
February 9, 2024
I can't tell if I liked this story more than Traitor's Masque or if they rank the same in my head, but I absolutely loved it. The only interaction I've had with the tale of the Twelve Dancing Princesses up until now was the Barbie movie (which is amazing). Although I've never read the Grimm Brothers fairytales, reading this series is making me want to.
July 4, 2025
3.5 stars
I didn’t expect it to be “why wouldn’t the princesses dance” instead of “why do they dance?”
And Brenna’s identity was pretty obvious
I would like a story on Quinn tho he was pretty confusing
I didn’t expect it to be “why wouldn’t the princesses dance” instead of “why do they dance?”
And Brenna’s identity was pretty obvious
I would like a story on Quinn tho he was pretty confusing
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 22, 2019
I finally completed the third book in Kenley Davidson's Andari Chronicles, and I am pleased to say that Pirouette had everything I felt that the first book, Traitor's Masque, was lacking. Not only is it my favorite adaptation of "The Twelve Dancing Princesses" that I've read so far, but it also boasts a disabled princess as the book's main heroine instead of making her a friend or supporting character. The biggest surprise to me after reading the other two books was that the world of the Andari Chronicles does indeed contain magic. It's just that no one in Andar knew about it because their kingdom had magic-blocking properties that they were unaware of. This opened up a whole new set of conflicts that made the story of Pirouette the most engaging, exciting, and suspenseful one in the series so far. I savored every paragraph and finished it wanting more.
Most adaptations of "The Twelve Dancing Princesses" alter the original fairy tale by turning the princesses' nightly outings into a curse that they want to escape from. I had seen this so many times that I was beginning to despise the trope that sucked the sense of wonder and pleasure out of one of my favorite fairy tales. Kenley Davidson is a daring author who does not follow any common trends in adaptations. As such, Pirouette features twelve princesses who love to dance and an overlooked thirteenth who also loves dancing but cannot do it because she is crippled. Princess Ilani was abused after dancing in public for the first time due to exhibiting signs of prohibited magic use. Her leg was damaged so far beyond repair that she was forced to walk with a cane for the rest of her life and became shunned by royal family because of the importance that her kingdom's culture placed on dance. She displays an incredible amount of inner strength while never making excuses for her disability or downplaying the negative effects it has on self of self-worth.
Lord Kyril was introduced Traitor's Masque, the first of the Andari Chronicles, as the insecure best friend of Prince Ramsey. In Pirouette, Kyril takes the helm as an Andari spy who wishes to make sure that Ramsey's wicked brother, Rowan, does not spread his malicious seed on the kingdom of Caelan. He winds up with a lot more than he bargained for when he uncovers several secrets about his own past and finds himself falling for the forsaken Caelani princess. Though they speak different languages, he is able to communicate with Ilani using a magic talisman that is given to him at the beginning of the book. Their romance is incredibly touching because both Ilani and Kyril look down on themselves and lift each other's spirits in a way that they could never accomplish on their own. Kyril refuses to see Ilani as a pitiful crippled damsel in distress, and Ilani likewise refuses to see Kyril as an ignorant foreigner, allowing them to draw strength from each other.
Pirouette contains a few painful lessons about family and trust. Both Kyril and Ilani have relatives that left permanent scars on their lives in one way or another. In the end, they must both decide who they can place their trust in. In some ways, the story reminded me of Disney's Pocahontas because Ilani introduces Kyril to a completely new world of magic and dance, and they learn to care for each other and navigate each other's cultures despite appearing to have nothing in common. Kyril's mission to uncover Rowan's plot in Caelan dragged a little toward the end of the book, but Ilani's resolve to be seen and heard again after being ignored for thirteen long years made it worth reading to the end. Most of her twelve sisters are barely mentioned, but her relationship with Varinda, the oldest, goes through a fascinating metamorphosis that always keeps you guessing.
If you're are longing for a fairy tale that supports girls with disabilities, Pirouette is the book for you. If you want an exciting story about two unlikely lovers who are brought together from vastly different cultures, Pirouette is also a fantastic choice. I've never seen an adaptation of "The Twelve Dancing Princesses" with this sort of twist, and I thought it was so clever to include a princess who can't dance while never apologizing or making excuses for Ilani's physical disability. She is an incredibly brave, smart, and resourceful character with a story worth telling to any girl who ever felt like she wasn't good enough.
Most adaptations of "The Twelve Dancing Princesses" alter the original fairy tale by turning the princesses' nightly outings into a curse that they want to escape from. I had seen this so many times that I was beginning to despise the trope that sucked the sense of wonder and pleasure out of one of my favorite fairy tales. Kenley Davidson is a daring author who does not follow any common trends in adaptations. As such, Pirouette features twelve princesses who love to dance and an overlooked thirteenth who also loves dancing but cannot do it because she is crippled. Princess Ilani was abused after dancing in public for the first time due to exhibiting signs of prohibited magic use. Her leg was damaged so far beyond repair that she was forced to walk with a cane for the rest of her life and became shunned by royal family because of the importance that her kingdom's culture placed on dance. She displays an incredible amount of inner strength while never making excuses for her disability or downplaying the negative effects it has on self of self-worth.
Lord Kyril was introduced Traitor's Masque, the first of the Andari Chronicles, as the insecure best friend of Prince Ramsey. In Pirouette, Kyril takes the helm as an Andari spy who wishes to make sure that Ramsey's wicked brother, Rowan, does not spread his malicious seed on the kingdom of Caelan. He winds up with a lot more than he bargained for when he uncovers several secrets about his own past and finds himself falling for the forsaken Caelani princess. Though they speak different languages, he is able to communicate with Ilani using a magic talisman that is given to him at the beginning of the book. Their romance is incredibly touching because both Ilani and Kyril look down on themselves and lift each other's spirits in a way that they could never accomplish on their own. Kyril refuses to see Ilani as a pitiful crippled damsel in distress, and Ilani likewise refuses to see Kyril as an ignorant foreigner, allowing them to draw strength from each other.
Pirouette contains a few painful lessons about family and trust. Both Kyril and Ilani have relatives that left permanent scars on their lives in one way or another. In the end, they must both decide who they can place their trust in. In some ways, the story reminded me of Disney's Pocahontas because Ilani introduces Kyril to a completely new world of magic and dance, and they learn to care for each other and navigate each other's cultures despite appearing to have nothing in common. Kyril's mission to uncover Rowan's plot in Caelan dragged a little toward the end of the book, but Ilani's resolve to be seen and heard again after being ignored for thirteen long years made it worth reading to the end. Most of her twelve sisters are barely mentioned, but her relationship with Varinda, the oldest, goes through a fascinating metamorphosis that always keeps you guessing.
If you're are longing for a fairy tale that supports girls with disabilities, Pirouette is the book for you. If you want an exciting story about two unlikely lovers who are brought together from vastly different cultures, Pirouette is also a fantastic choice. I've never seen an adaptation of "The Twelve Dancing Princesses" with this sort of twist, and I thought it was so clever to include a princess who can't dance while never apologizing or making excuses for Ilani's physical disability. She is an incredibly brave, smart, and resourceful character with a story worth telling to any girl who ever felt like she wasn't good enough.
August 29, 2020
Actual rating: 4.75 stars
OH MY GOD!! I NEARLY SOBBED AT THE END. Kenley Davidson just is so incredible at making just genuinely good people. In the two book before (The Traitors Masque and Goldheart) there are stong female characters that weren't afraid to say what they meant, but still were totally aware of their surrondings and what those words meant, and Pirouette was no different. Though the only complaint about Ilani was that I didn't exactly know how to pronounce her name when I read it in my head.
I totally loved the plot, but there were more than a few slow parts were I considered just putting the book down. It was a bit too wordy for my taste, and wished that it focused a little more on the action, as I felt that it was too packed with words, and just made the actual suspense a little boring. I thought the whole "Virinda" concept was a bit unclear-but hey that's just me.
Ok back to the fan girling :)
Davidson literally weaves magic. She can take the stories we all know and love and turn it into something entirely new. I, personally, am a fan of retellings of The Twelve Dancing Princesses, but I have never seen a book anything like Pirouette.
OH MY GOD!! I NEARLY SOBBED AT THE END. Kenley Davidson just is so incredible at making just genuinely good people. In the two book before (The Traitors Masque and Goldheart) there are stong female characters that weren't afraid to say what they meant, but still were totally aware of their surrondings and what those words meant, and Pirouette was no different. Though the only complaint about Ilani was that I didn't exactly know how to pronounce her name when I read it in my head.
I totally loved the plot, but there were more than a few slow parts were I considered just putting the book down. It was a bit too wordy for my taste, and wished that it focused a little more on the action, as I felt that it was too packed with words, and just made the actual suspense a little boring. I thought the whole "Virinda" concept was a bit unclear-but hey that's just me.
Ok back to the fan girling :)
Davidson literally weaves magic. She can take the stories we all know and love and turn it into something entirely new. I, personally, am a fan of retellings of The Twelve Dancing Princesses, but I have never seen a book anything like Pirouette.
February 26, 2018
Really nice and an interesting twist on the classic "The 12 dancing princesses"
This book was a bit of a challenge to keep on reading since the first 6 chapters were really boring, becoming maddening, there almost no action and we spent most of the time in the head of the characters, Kyril and Brenna was a nuisance to read.
From the seventh chapter, things became more interesting and easy, so it was pretty awesome.
This book was a bit of a challenge to keep on reading since the first 6 chapters were really boring, becoming maddening, there almost no action and we spent most of the time in the head of the characters, Kyril and Brenna was a nuisance to read.
From the seventh chapter, things became more interesting and easy, so it was pretty awesome.
February 24, 2018
The world that Kenley has written is so captivating. I'll admit I wasn't sure where things were headed after reading Goldheart, but Pirouette picked up on what was built with Traitor's Masque nicely and it felt like a beautiful flower opening up to see more of the world she sees. The characters are well thought out with their strengths and their weaknesses. I can't wait for Shadow & Thorn, next!
July 15, 2021
My library only has this in audiobook format, so that's what my review is based on. Forgive any incorrect spellings of people or places, as I'm basing my spelling on how my American ear deciphers a British author's pronunciations.
It's funny that just after mentioning in my review of the previous book that I really liked how all of these fairy tales were being so successfully set in a non-magic world, this book would not only be set in a land of magic but include it as such a vital part of the plot. I love books about magic, but I think I ended up being a little disappointed that it's now in the series.
Although I liked Kyril (25?) and Ilani (20), I didn't find this book as engaging and enjoyable as the previous two. I'm not sure why, aside from what I already mentioned. For some reason, though, it just felt kind of long. I still enjoyed it, just not as much as the other books so far. I also liked Brenna (27) and seeing more of Alexei, and I hope that other books in the series follow at least one of them as main characters.
How it ends:
Note: Maybe a little mild swearing?
AUDIOBOOK:
Narrator: Esther Wane
She’s a good narrator and switches between accents well.
It's funny that just after mentioning in my review of the previous book that I really liked how all of these fairy tales were being so successfully set in a non-magic world, this book would not only be set in a land of magic but include it as such a vital part of the plot. I love books about magic, but I think I ended up being a little disappointed that it's now in the series.
Although I liked Kyril (25?) and Ilani (20), I didn't find this book as engaging and enjoyable as the previous two. I'm not sure why, aside from what I already mentioned. For some reason, though, it just felt kind of long. I still enjoyed it, just not as much as the other books so far. I also liked Brenna (27) and seeing more of Alexei, and I hope that other books in the series follow at least one of them as main characters.
How it ends:
Note: Maybe a little mild swearing?
AUDIOBOOK:
Narrator: Esther Wane
She’s a good narrator and switches between accents well.
June 14, 2021
After the shorter, fluffier stand-alone interlude that was Goldheart, we return to the more courtly political intrigues of Traitor's Masque. Not read book one? Well, you likely don't need to as though there are returning characters, this is an all-new adventure far from the Andari court. Though book one was excellent and things will be all the better for knowing the backstory; go read it. Now.
Done? Good.
We follow one Lord Kyril Seagrave, best known as a flirt and dilettante, as he travels overseas in the service of his king. He and his companions (a quiet bodyguard, a mysterious man of mystery, and a spy with a grudge) are to scout out the neighbouring Caelani Empire, as they fear an exiled, disgraced prince of their realm may be plotting nefarious deeds. The two lands aren't exactly on friendly terms, what with Andar frowning upon the slave trade that is widely accepted across the borders. At the same time, Princess Ilani of Caelan faces the knowledge that the next ruler of her lands will likely be a man who took everything from her. Her twelve sisters must perform the ritual dance so that he may select one of them as a bride. Crippled as she is, she cannot dance. For that, amongst other reasons, she is an outcast, disgraced. But when her sisters learn her secret shame they step in to protect her by refusing the ritual, causing a political rift that the Andari delegation will walk right into the heart of, exposing a whole world of lies and deceptions.
This truly is my kind of fairy tale retelling: fantastical, political, grounded with characters who feel like they have 3 dimensions (at least!), and doesn't feel like on overly heavy read. Young Adult-appropriate without being dumbed down, full of foreshadowing and delicious moments where you know what's going on without being explicitly told. The romance is gloriously understated, yet fairy tale in it's simplicity.
You don't even need to be overly familiar with the fairy tale being retold, as it's only loosely done. It's got twelve princesses and dancing and something about the whole hand-in-marriage thing fairy tales love to do. Otherwise it's a richly imagined original and compelling story set in a world so full of its own lore and history I don't see why you'd need it to stick close to the original.
Of the three characters we follow closely, Kyril was one of those clever, glib, but ultimately fragile guys who will likely win over your heart. The grumpy, stubborn Breanna is a little harder to like, but she's an intelligent character whose chapters started slowly before ramping up the tension. Princess Ilani is neither your stubborn spunky YA cliche nor a swooning, sobbing damsel. I loved how they all felt so real, and their interactions flowed in such a way that I wasn't reminded I was reading "characters" because they were too clever or witty. Side characters and potential antagonists are all more than they seem, with plenty of depth to lend their motives credibility.
If you've come for a swoony romance-fest, maybe best to tone down your expectations. This is a gorgeous political fantasy that just happens to have a romance occur within it. It's up there with some of the best YA-friendly books of it's kind. You seriously would not think this was indie-published it is so well plotted, paced and perfected.
Criticism? Well, a couple of lore things could sound a bit odd , a bit of back/side story that just sorta jumps out of nowhere and there is the Big Argument Because of A Misunderstanding that did feel a bit like a capital letter plot device rather than a completely logical reaction (though it is understandable, it just seemed a bit OTT for the characters involved).
The ending is a little more foreshadowing/cliffhanger-y than the previous books, though fear not as everything for our main characters is tied up in one. The epilogue just serves as a hook for more to come from... other sources.
Overall this was a book I just had to keep coming back to read. Each chapter ends so perfectly, making you want to know more. I looked forward to sitting down with this misfit crew and watching as they worked out all the secrets that were so obvious to me without making them feel disappointing to know in advance. The payoff was worth it. I can't wait to read more of the Andari Chronicles!
Done? Good.
We follow one Lord Kyril Seagrave, best known as a flirt and dilettante, as he travels overseas in the service of his king. He and his companions (a quiet bodyguard, a mysterious man of mystery, and a spy with a grudge) are to scout out the neighbouring Caelani Empire, as they fear an exiled, disgraced prince of their realm may be plotting nefarious deeds. The two lands aren't exactly on friendly terms, what with Andar frowning upon the slave trade that is widely accepted across the borders. At the same time, Princess Ilani of Caelan faces the knowledge that the next ruler of her lands will likely be a man who took everything from her. Her twelve sisters must perform the ritual dance so that he may select one of them as a bride. Crippled as she is, she cannot dance. For that, amongst other reasons, she is an outcast, disgraced. But when her sisters learn her secret shame they step in to protect her by refusing the ritual, causing a political rift that the Andari delegation will walk right into the heart of, exposing a whole world of lies and deceptions.
This truly is my kind of fairy tale retelling: fantastical, political, grounded with characters who feel like they have 3 dimensions (at least!), and doesn't feel like on overly heavy read. Young Adult-appropriate without being dumbed down, full of foreshadowing and delicious moments where you know what's going on without being explicitly told. The romance is gloriously understated, yet fairy tale in it's simplicity.
You don't even need to be overly familiar with the fairy tale being retold, as it's only loosely done. It's got twelve princesses and dancing and something about the whole hand-in-marriage thing fairy tales love to do. Otherwise it's a richly imagined original and compelling story set in a world so full of its own lore and history I don't see why you'd need it to stick close to the original.
Of the three characters we follow closely, Kyril was one of those clever, glib, but ultimately fragile guys who will likely win over your heart. The grumpy, stubborn Breanna is a little harder to like, but she's an intelligent character whose chapters started slowly before ramping up the tension. Princess Ilani is neither your stubborn spunky YA cliche nor a swooning, sobbing damsel. I loved how they all felt so real, and their interactions flowed in such a way that I wasn't reminded I was reading "characters" because they were too clever or witty. Side characters and potential antagonists are all more than they seem, with plenty of depth to lend their motives credibility.
If you've come for a swoony romance-fest, maybe best to tone down your expectations. This is a gorgeous political fantasy that just happens to have a romance occur within it. It's up there with some of the best YA-friendly books of it's kind. You seriously would not think this was indie-published it is so well plotted, paced and perfected.
Criticism? Well, a couple of lore things could sound a bit odd , a bit of back/side story that just sorta jumps out of nowhere and there is the Big Argument Because of A Misunderstanding that did feel a bit like a capital letter plot device rather than a completely logical reaction (though it is understandable, it just seemed a bit OTT for the characters involved).
The ending is a little more foreshadowing/cliffhanger-y than the previous books, though fear not as everything for our main characters is tied up in one. The epilogue just serves as a hook for more to come from... other sources.
Overall this was a book I just had to keep coming back to read. Each chapter ends so perfectly, making you want to know more. I looked forward to sitting down with this misfit crew and watching as they worked out all the secrets that were so obvious to me without making them feel disappointing to know in advance. The payoff was worth it. I can't wait to read more of the Andari Chronicles!
June 10, 2020
Lovely story, Enjoyed it thoroughly!!
Love Kyril, fantastic storyline, great characters and intriguing plot.
It took me a bit long to be fully emerged in the story, but there were great scenes, especially at the ending!
The story is about Ilani, princess of Caelani empire. she is the seventh princess of the 12 dancing princesses. When she was seven she was to dance before her father the Marek, but there was a golden glow and she was punished by breaking her leg (by Janard) and to never dance again. Later is revieled the glow was magic and she is a mage. Mages are considerd slaves who must wear silver for that will take the magic away. Ilani lives in solitude and is invisible to her father and sisters. Only her eldest sister Varinda is kind to her. She tells her the silver bracelet (girft mother) protects mages and a servant removed it. Ilina tells her and her sisters that Janard was the one to break her leg (her father wanted to kill her, but the gods forbids it) janard is to be the new heir! The sosters form a pact to tart this. They refuse to dance. The king punished them by taking away their privileges everyday when they defy him.
Kyril is on the mission to spy on prince Rowan (exciled prince book 1) together with his crew Brenna, Alexei (who knows everything about silver and magic) and Quin they sail to the empire. Much later he finally meets Lani and helps her by searching for the servant. Rowan knows it's Kylir and not 'Kai' he decieves him.
Later the king declares a contest: the one who will tell the him why the princess defy, will be the next heir and diside the fates of the other princesses. The girls punished to men and later confess to Ilani that they are mages too!! They shoq her their power. (Except Varina) the father is a .age too and Varina wants revenge for they all had to hidetheir powers!!
Andil trades in the silver. Janard wants to save the slaves and to stop enslavement for he is an mage himself!!
Kyril leanrs by letter from prince ramsey Brenna who despise each other IS HIS SITER!! she was exchanged with his older brother for the father didn't want a girl!!
Brenna tried to trick Rowan, but he spelled her!!! He has magic too!!! He has the Marek under his thump!!Later he kipnapped Alexei (who kipnapped his valet) quin and Kyril save him, Janard now is an ally.
At the ending: brenna applied to the contest and tells the princesses she will help them and theirfore wins!! The marek is enraged, but he can't do anything about it. The 11 princesses twirl a pirouette!! But not Varina!! She betrays all by wanting to marry Rowan!!! But 12 must dance, so the '13th' invisible Ilina makes a pirouette with broken leg!! Brenna wins!! Rowan reveals a deadly injured Alexei (supposed husband brenna for coverstory) brenna tells people that she knows her ' husband would want her to save the empire, alexei says Rather. Die, so Rowan accepts defeat and betrays Varina, she is enraged and screams. Court falls dead!!! Everyone but the people with silver!!! She killed her father. But it was Rowan's plan all long, without an heir or Malek he would be the ruler!!!
Ilina puts a silver anklet on Varina and the screaming stops. She is defeated but can redeem herself by healing Alexei. Janard reveals the true heir: the brother who was thought killed!!! He savedthe child and raised him. Janard loved Ilani's mother and tried to save them. She forgives him.
Lastly Ilina goes to Andar as ambassidor with Kyril Epilogue they get married!!!
Love Kyril, fantastic storyline, great characters and intriguing plot.
It took me a bit long to be fully emerged in the story, but there were great scenes, especially at the ending!
The story is about Ilani, princess of Caelani empire. she is the seventh princess of the 12 dancing princesses. When she was seven she was to dance before her father the Marek, but there was a golden glow and she was punished by breaking her leg (by Janard) and to never dance again. Later is revieled the glow was magic and she is a mage. Mages are considerd slaves who must wear silver for that will take the magic away. Ilani lives in solitude and is invisible to her father and sisters. Only her eldest sister Varinda is kind to her. She tells her the silver bracelet (girft mother) protects mages and a servant removed it. Ilina tells her and her sisters that Janard was the one to break her leg (her father wanted to kill her, but the gods forbids it) janard is to be the new heir! The sosters form a pact to tart this. They refuse to dance. The king punished them by taking away their privileges everyday when they defy him.
Kyril is on the mission to spy on prince Rowan (exciled prince book 1) together with his crew Brenna, Alexei (who knows everything about silver and magic) and Quin they sail to the empire. Much later he finally meets Lani and helps her by searching for the servant. Rowan knows it's Kylir and not 'Kai' he decieves him.
Later the king declares a contest: the one who will tell the him why the princess defy, will be the next heir and diside the fates of the other princesses. The girls punished to men and later confess to Ilani that they are mages too!! They shoq her their power. (Except Varina) the father is a .age too and Varina wants revenge for they all had to hidetheir powers!!
Andil trades in the silver. Janard wants to save the slaves and to stop enslavement for he is an mage himself!!
Kyril leanrs by letter from prince ramsey Brenna who despise each other IS HIS SITER!! she was exchanged with his older brother for the father didn't want a girl!!
Brenna tried to trick Rowan, but he spelled her!!! He has magic too!!! He has the Marek under his thump!!Later he kipnapped Alexei (who kipnapped his valet) quin and Kyril save him, Janard now is an ally.
At the ending: brenna applied to the contest and tells the princesses she will help them and theirfore wins!! The marek is enraged, but he can't do anything about it. The 11 princesses twirl a pirouette!! But not Varina!! She betrays all by wanting to marry Rowan!!! But 12 must dance, so the '13th' invisible Ilina makes a pirouette with broken leg!! Brenna wins!! Rowan reveals a deadly injured Alexei (supposed husband brenna for coverstory) brenna tells people that she knows her ' husband would want her to save the empire, alexei says Rather. Die, so Rowan accepts defeat and betrays Varina, she is enraged and screams. Court falls dead!!! Everyone but the people with silver!!! She killed her father. But it was Rowan's plan all long, without an heir or Malek he would be the ruler!!!
Ilina puts a silver anklet on Varina and the screaming stops. She is defeated but can redeem herself by healing Alexei. Janard reveals the true heir: the brother who was thought killed!!! He savedthe child and raised him. Janard loved Ilani's mother and tried to save them. She forgives him.
Lastly Ilina goes to Andar as ambassidor with Kyril Epilogue they get married!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 2, 2021
It was quite enjoyable to see Caelan and it's people as it's been mentioned previously but we haven't had cause to journey there. I wasn't sure what to expect considering we start out on this voyage with a very seasick Kyril and an exceedingly disagreeable group of colleagues consisting of Brenna (Mrs. Delaney), Alexei (Mr. Delaney) and Quinn (the reticent assassin).
Kyril (Kai) was such a lovable doofus in The Traitor's Masque and I'm delighted he got his own adventure. It's nice to know he can be more serious when the need arises; though he certainly didn't believe in himself for the majority of the time. By the end his confidence is real rather than faked and he shines like the gem he is. It doesn't hurt that he also gained a plethora of new family members that will have his back.
Ilani is a character I feel deserves more page time than she got. I know she has magic, like her sisters do, but she never really gets to explore it. I would have liked to see what precisely her magic does. As far as I could tell, it doesn't seem to do much more than make gold butterflies when dancing which feels like a bit of a letdown considering her other sister's powers.
Alexei, Janard and Brenna are all such fascinating characters and I would love to learn more about them. I hope they all get to have their own stories at some point. Rowan on the other hand is a duplicitous traitor and he really needs the day of reckoning he so sorely deserves
I've said it before and I'll say it again, Kenley Davidson has a way with words. Every time I read one of her books I find myself highlighting large swaths of text that delight me so that I can go back and read them again and again.
Though the dance was for the malek and his heir and a chosen few others to view, the celebration would include everyone who could be reasonably crammed into the extensive palace grounds. Opulence and extravagance were but poor cousins to the display planned for that remarkable occasion.
Kyril (Kai) was such a lovable doofus in The Traitor's Masque and I'm delighted he got his own adventure. It's nice to know he can be more serious when the need arises; though he certainly didn't believe in himself for the majority of the time. By the end his confidence is real rather than faked and he shines like the gem he is. It doesn't hurt that he also gained a plethora of new family members that will have his back.
“That was a hand woven tapestry,” he informed Kyril. “A carefully crafted piece of art that probably took months to create.” “And I,” Kyril reminded him, “am an unshaven, uneducated mercenary. An unwashed barbarian. A foreign idiot and”—he shot a look at Brenna—“a lout. I wouldn’t know art if you smothered me with it. I am merely protecting you as you have hired me to do.”
Ilani is a character I feel deserves more page time than she got. I know she has magic, like her sisters do, but she never really gets to explore it. I would have liked to see what precisely her magic does. As far as I could tell, it doesn't seem to do much more than make gold butterflies when dancing which feels like a bit of a letdown considering her other sister's powers.
“I am a princess,” she told him loftily, “and I decree that you are to call me Lani. And as you are merely a subject, you will obey. Also,” she continued, “because I am a princess, I can have your head cut off whenever I choose, no matter what you call me.” It was not true, but it amused her to pretend.
Alexei, Janard and Brenna are all such fascinating characters and I would love to learn more about them. I hope they all get to have their own stories at some point. Rowan on the other hand is a duplicitous traitor and he really needs the day of reckoning he so sorely deserves
It was Janard’s turn to smile. A very small smile. Kyril suspected the man did not smile, or laugh, very often, except when serving deadly drinks to unsuspecting visitors. Being right-hand man to a dictator who had run mad was probably not a very amusing job.
I've said it before and I'll say it again, Kenley Davidson has a way with words. Every time I read one of her books I find myself highlighting large swaths of text that delight me so that I can go back and read them again and again.
A roving vendor with a deep tray of jewels, naked to the waist and dripping with his own wares, called out in another [language], guttural consonants rasping out of a throat wrapped in a king’s ransom.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 29, 2020
I still enjoy this series of fairy tale retellings: they are clean, they are creative, the plots are unexpected, and the characters are identifiable and likable for the most part. I think this was probably my least favorite thus far, though: it seemed to drag a bit, and it lacked that un-put-downable quality of the others.
The story is a retelling of the Twelve Dancing Princesses, a fairy tale I hardly knew before, though Davidson's retellings are so loose that I don't think it probably bears that much resemblance to the original. It is helpful to read the books in order, as a few characters introduced in "Traitor's Masque" appear in this one. Rowan, the rejected would-be crown prince of Andari, flees to a neighboring kingdom with the bizarre culture that requires all marriageable women, and particularly marriageable princesses, to dance. They also have the quirk of both harboring and despising magic. Their king, called the malek, has thirteen daughters, but he pretends the thirteenth does not exist, because her existence shames him. Ilani was at one time his favorite, but then when she danced before him at seven, she unknowingly released her magic. For this she should have been killed, but instead her legs were mangled in punishment, and she moved through the palace as a ghost ever since. When the man responsible for Ilani's punishment is named the malek's heir, and would-be husband, the twelve princesses refuse to dance for his ceremony. The malek is furious. Rowan, eager to exploit the situation to his own ends, quickly ingratiates himself with the malek and proposes a contest: the one who can tell the malek why his daughters refuse to dance shall be his next heir instead.
Meanwhile, the Andari prince sent spies to find out what Rowan is up to. One of them was a right-hand man and a playboy from "Traitor's Masque," Kyril Seagrave. He and another member of his party, Brenna, have a very contentious relationship, which hinders their ability to get their job done Later it turns out to have a good, if convenient, explanation. The rest of this party were not at all memorable. In the process of his role as spy, Kyril encounters Ilani and learns about the cultural intricacies that have kept her prisoner--and, of course, falls in love with her.
Some aspects of the story seemed forced to fit the fairy tale, and others seemed convenient or a little too tidy. I liked the characters, but I didn't truly identify deeply with any of them. Still, I really enjoy the series overall and intend to read on.
The story is a retelling of the Twelve Dancing Princesses, a fairy tale I hardly knew before, though Davidson's retellings are so loose that I don't think it probably bears that much resemblance to the original. It is helpful to read the books in order, as a few characters introduced in "Traitor's Masque" appear in this one. Rowan, the rejected would-be crown prince of Andari, flees to a neighboring kingdom with the bizarre culture that requires all marriageable women, and particularly marriageable princesses, to dance. They also have the quirk of both harboring and despising magic. Their king, called the malek, has thirteen daughters, but he pretends the thirteenth does not exist, because her existence shames him. Ilani was at one time his favorite, but then when she danced before him at seven, she unknowingly released her magic. For this she should have been killed, but instead her legs were mangled in punishment, and she moved through the palace as a ghost ever since. When the man responsible for Ilani's punishment is named the malek's heir, and would-be husband, the twelve princesses refuse to dance for his ceremony. The malek is furious. Rowan, eager to exploit the situation to his own ends, quickly ingratiates himself with the malek and proposes a contest: the one who can tell the malek why his daughters refuse to dance shall be his next heir instead.
Meanwhile, the Andari prince sent spies to find out what Rowan is up to. One of them was a right-hand man and a playboy from "Traitor's Masque," Kyril Seagrave. He and another member of his party, Brenna, have a very contentious relationship, which hinders their ability to get their job done Later it turns out to have a good, if convenient, explanation. The rest of this party were not at all memorable. In the process of his role as spy, Kyril encounters Ilani and learns about the cultural intricacies that have kept her prisoner--and, of course, falls in love with her.
Some aspects of the story seemed forced to fit the fairy tale, and others seemed convenient or a little too tidy. I liked the characters, but I didn't truly identify deeply with any of them. Still, I really enjoy the series overall and intend to read on.
December 30, 2025
I enjoyed the first two books in this series, but this one has too many annoying characters who inexplicably get to glide right past consequences for their awful behavior, and I can't suspend my disbelief that far. A good example of this is Kyril's reaction to finding out Brenna is his sister. “You’re stuck with me now, and I’m going to start by threatening the life of anyone who so much as breathes on you in a way I don’t like.” No. Nuh uh. This woman hated him for no fault of his own, constantly belittled him in front of everyone else on the mission, yet he immediately forgives her for being horrible to him because of something their father did? That simply doesn't make sense. It doesn't excuse her behavior at all.
Then there's Janard, who ordered the maiming of Princess Ilani after her father declared that she could never dance again: "Let it suffice to understand that I would have rather died than cause pain to the princess, but that I was able only to prevent her death that day." He contradicts the beginning of his sentence by the end of the same sentence. Janard caused her terrible pain and trauma, and he's still alive and well while she continues to suffer, so it's rather difficult to believe that he cares all that much about her. Her father didn't order him to break and mangle her leg. Janard chose that method of making sure she wouldn't dance again, and he claims it was because the other option was execution. He could have removed her from the palace, but instead, he left her there suffering under constant threat while he raised her brother, the future king, in secret. "It was not Janard who had hurt her." It was Janard, though. Refusing to execute someone is not equivalent to saving a life, and he most certainly is responsible for her pain. "I would plead with you to understand that I did not choose him over you. I did not abandon you for your brother because I foresaw this day. There was simply not enough time…”" That's exactly what he did. He gave the order to break Ilani's leg, and then he left her there to suffer while he raised her brother in health and comfort. Actions have consequences, regardless of intent. Still, she manages to forgive him by the end of the book. “My leg was a small price to pay for another’s life.” BS. It strains credulity to believe that Janard could secretly raise her brother and not get caught, but couldn't have found a way to smuggle Ilani out of the palace. It's deeply unsatisfying when characters do terrible things and readers are supposed to believe they're justified or easily forgivable.
Then there's Janard, who ordered the maiming of Princess Ilani after her father declared that she could never dance again: "Let it suffice to understand that I would have rather died than cause pain to the princess, but that I was able only to prevent her death that day." He contradicts the beginning of his sentence by the end of the same sentence. Janard caused her terrible pain and trauma, and he's still alive and well while she continues to suffer, so it's rather difficult to believe that he cares all that much about her. Her father didn't order him to break and mangle her leg. Janard chose that method of making sure she wouldn't dance again, and he claims it was because the other option was execution. He could have removed her from the palace, but instead, he left her there suffering under constant threat while he raised her brother, the future king, in secret. "It was not Janard who had hurt her." It was Janard, though. Refusing to execute someone is not equivalent to saving a life, and he most certainly is responsible for her pain. "I would plead with you to understand that I did not choose him over you. I did not abandon you for your brother because I foresaw this day. There was simply not enough time…”" That's exactly what he did. He gave the order to break Ilani's leg, and then he left her there to suffer while he raised her brother in health and comfort. Actions have consequences, regardless of intent. Still, she manages to forgive him by the end of the book. “My leg was a small price to pay for another’s life.” BS. It strains credulity to believe that Janard could secretly raise her brother and not get caught, but couldn't have found a way to smuggle Ilani out of the palace. It's deeply unsatisfying when characters do terrible things and readers are supposed to believe they're justified or easily forgivable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2020
I've read books number 1 and 4 and I absolutely loved them. Then recently, I read book 2 and, to be honest, I was a little disappointed. To me, the plot and the characters were just not compelling. However, Pirouette was entirely a different story. (haha)
The first thing that really grabbed my attention was our main character, Ilani. At a young age, it was revealed that she had magic, and since in Caelan this is considered a bad thing, she was terribly punished and left crippled. So often in YA, you get beautiful and strong heroines. And there's nothing wrong with that, but it was so interesting to see Ilani who was physically weak, be strong in other ways. She was brave and daring as she took on people who seemed to be mightier than she was. Honestly, I wish that we had more time with her. Every time the narrative flipped to Kyril, I found myself wishing we could go back to Ilani again. This flawed protagonist was so intriguing, I wish she had been developed more. Also, I wish we had seen more of her magic. I think that it could have complimented her so well and that as she changed her mind about magic, she learned to wield it too. I'm still not completely convinced about Kyril. Sure, he was nice, but I feel like he could have had more strength. He didn't really have any talents besides his wit and his good looks, which is mentioned repeatedly, and that kind of turned me off. I didn't have a reason to really like him. Besides, in the end, it was Brenna who saved the day and not Kyril.
I did like this change of scenery, though. It was fun to see how Davidson developed Andari and added elements that I know will compliment the following books. In addition, the writing was fairly good. Davidson has a nice clean style of writing. I think the only thing is that it felt like we got pieces of a larger story. What I mean by that, is that I wish that Ilani's story had been expanded and that Brenna got her own book. She was such a fascinating character with such an intriguing background!
Lastly, this was a nice clean read.
The first thing that really grabbed my attention was our main character, Ilani. At a young age, it was revealed that she had magic, and since in Caelan this is considered a bad thing, she was terribly punished and left crippled. So often in YA, you get beautiful and strong heroines. And there's nothing wrong with that, but it was so interesting to see Ilani who was physically weak, be strong in other ways. She was brave and daring as she took on people who seemed to be mightier than she was. Honestly, I wish that we had more time with her. Every time the narrative flipped to Kyril, I found myself wishing we could go back to Ilani again. This flawed protagonist was so intriguing, I wish she had been developed more. Also, I wish we had seen more of her magic. I think that it could have complimented her so well and that as she changed her mind about magic, she learned to wield it too. I'm still not completely convinced about Kyril. Sure, he was nice, but I feel like he could have had more strength. He didn't really have any talents besides his wit and his good looks, which is mentioned repeatedly, and that kind of turned me off. I didn't have a reason to really like him. Besides, in the end, it was Brenna who saved the day and not Kyril.
I did like this change of scenery, though. It was fun to see how Davidson developed Andari and added elements that I know will compliment the following books. In addition, the writing was fairly good. Davidson has a nice clean style of writing. I think the only thing is that it felt like we got pieces of a larger story. What I mean by that, is that I wish that Ilani's story had been expanded and that Brenna got her own book. She was such a fascinating character with such an intriguing background!
Lastly, this was a nice clean read.
April 20, 2019
The Twelve Dancing Princesses is not a fairy tale I'm familiar with, unlike Cinderella and Rumplestiltskin, which were the subjects of Davidson's previous two books. I won't say this impaired my enjoyment any, but it was a different experience to read the story fresh, without the added layer of trying to figure out who was who, and how the beats of the fairytale would figure in to the retelling.
Pirouette is a more ambitious tale than its predecessors. Where Traitor's Masque was interwoven with politics, it was smaller scale, and the heart of the story was in the relationship between the two main characters. In Pirouette, Kyril and Ilani barely get any screen time together - to the point that I began to wonder if they were going to be a romantic pairing at all. There are bigger things going on than one blossoming love affair, so the romance does take a bit of a back seat.
The main narrative is about the spy mission of Kyril's to Caelan to work out what Prince Rowan is up to - a familiar enemy if you've read the previous books - and the lies and betrayals that have kept the leader of the Caelani, Ilani's father, in power. The book also introduces the concept of magic - thus far left out of the retellings. The complex relationships between people of the Caelani court, and the actions they take leave you guessing what's actually going on for quite a long time, and there are some shocking revelations along the way.
Which all adds up to a great story, but for me, I missed the slow burn of the relationship developing between the two central characters that the first two books delivered. Pirouette is a different reading experience - and by no means a bad one. An exciting tale of politics and betrayal, just not quite as romantic.
Pirouette is a more ambitious tale than its predecessors. Where Traitor's Masque was interwoven with politics, it was smaller scale, and the heart of the story was in the relationship between the two main characters. In Pirouette, Kyril and Ilani barely get any screen time together - to the point that I began to wonder if they were going to be a romantic pairing at all. There are bigger things going on than one blossoming love affair, so the romance does take a bit of a back seat.
The main narrative is about the spy mission of Kyril's to Caelan to work out what Prince Rowan is up to - a familiar enemy if you've read the previous books - and the lies and betrayals that have kept the leader of the Caelani, Ilani's father, in power. The book also introduces the concept of magic - thus far left out of the retellings. The complex relationships between people of the Caelani court, and the actions they take leave you guessing what's actually going on for quite a long time, and there are some shocking revelations along the way.
Which all adds up to a great story, but for me, I missed the slow burn of the relationship developing between the two central characters that the first two books delivered. Pirouette is a different reading experience - and by no means a bad one. An exciting tale of politics and betrayal, just not quite as romantic.
April 14, 2020
This is my favorite in the series thus far.
It was an unusual retelling of the 12 dancing princesses, in that they refuse to dance out of rebellion towards their hypocritical father.
Caelan is a kingdom that fears magic and the mages that wield it. In order to keep the mages captive and magic at bay, they use silver in any form to control it. However, it goes horribly wrong when one unsuspecting 7-year old dances and magic is released all around her.
Fast forward 13 years later and we find the lovely Ilani crippled and unable to dance. She is shunned by her people, her father, and her sisters. Until her sisters welcome her and the truth slowly seeps out. It takes almost the entire book for all of the truth to come forth.
Kyril is in book 2 and is a scamp of a man. However, his flirty ways seem to be wasted on Ilani. However, they do find a mutual friendship even though the only way they can communicate is through a language talisman (thanks Alexei!).
Their story is sweet. The romance is practically non-existent even though with the suspense and drama of the story, you really don't miss it. I found myself longing for the scenes where they were together and loving their talks.
We find the traitor prince in this one too! Rowan did all he could to stir up strife and cause all kinds of trouble. Fortunately, he was ousted and Kyril & Ilani saved the day. Unfortunately, he is now free to infect other kingdoms. Where will he go next?
As in the other books, there was about a handful of profanities spread throughout the read.
This was a great story! Very adventurous!
It was an unusual retelling of the 12 dancing princesses, in that they refuse to dance out of rebellion towards their hypocritical father.
Caelan is a kingdom that fears magic and the mages that wield it. In order to keep the mages captive and magic at bay, they use silver in any form to control it. However, it goes horribly wrong when one unsuspecting 7-year old dances and magic is released all around her.
Fast forward 13 years later and we find the lovely Ilani crippled and unable to dance. She is shunned by her people, her father, and her sisters. Until her sisters welcome her and the truth slowly seeps out. It takes almost the entire book for all of the truth to come forth.
Kyril is in book 2 and is a scamp of a man. However, his flirty ways seem to be wasted on Ilani. However, they do find a mutual friendship even though the only way they can communicate is through a language talisman (thanks Alexei!).
Their story is sweet. The romance is practically non-existent even though with the suspense and drama of the story, you really don't miss it. I found myself longing for the scenes where they were together and loving their talks.
We find the traitor prince in this one too! Rowan did all he could to stir up strife and cause all kinds of trouble. Fortunately, he was ousted and Kyril & Ilani saved the day. Unfortunately, he is now free to infect other kingdoms. Where will he go next?
As in the other books, there was about a handful of profanities spread throughout the read.
This was a great story! Very adventurous!
January 19, 2019
I loved Kyril and Ilani's story. And am looking forward to read Alexis's story soon. This series is progressing so well. I author really has a gift of portraying things in a beautiful and devastating manner. With simple words she manages to show such depth and understanding and addresses to so many issues. It is commendable. There isn't really as much romance here as is in the first book but a deep connection and understanding that binds people more like the kind of companionship that is mostly found in the original fairy tales whivh is kinda vague and not really descriptive but more perceptive and I very much appreciate it. There is of course love and betrayal and political upheavals and adventure .....something that one can never forget......something that would truly touch your heart......you'll be hurt....you'll be frustrated and angry on behalf of the characters....... you'll love them because they just so loveable them......and you're bound to enjoy this journey. (Or so was the case with me )
This surely one of the best retellings of The Tweleve Dancing Princess that I have ever read!
I'm very much amazed by how well the author has connected all these stories in the series. And reading the description of the next book, I feel like I'm about to be surprised. I so look forward to it.
This surely one of the best retellings of The Tweleve Dancing Princess that I have ever read!
I'm very much amazed by how well the author has connected all these stories in the series. And reading the description of the next book, I feel like I'm about to be surprised. I so look forward to it.
March 30, 2024
This wasn’t my favorite retelling.
The spy mission was a disorganized joke. Every member of the mission had their own agendas and secrets, and the expedition’s leader had no idea what was going on.
The twelve (okay, thirteen) princesses were not quite as princessy, nor as sisterly, as I would’ve liked to imagine.
The info-dumps, and random unrelated secrets didn’t help, either. Nor did the many wives, murderous father, and many traitorous characters.
Recommended alternatives:
Entwined
The Princess Curse
Princess of the Midnight Ball
Content:
References to gods. Polygamy is practiced. They keep mages as slaves, with silver collars to prevent them from using magic. Non-graphic violence, and killing, including .
Many times Kyril is mentioned to flirt, though when he and Ilani get married they don’t even kiss.
Some cursing.
The spy mission was a disorganized joke. Every member of the mission had their own agendas and secrets, and the expedition’s leader had no idea what was going on.
The twelve (okay, thirteen) princesses were not quite as princessy, nor as sisterly, as I would’ve liked to imagine.
The info-dumps, and random unrelated secrets didn’t help, either. Nor did the many wives, murderous father, and many traitorous characters.
Recommended alternatives:
Entwined
The Princess Curse
Princess of the Midnight Ball
Content:
References to gods. Polygamy is practiced. They keep mages as slaves, with silver collars to prevent them from using magic. Non-graphic violence, and killing, including .
Many times Kyril is mentioned to flirt, though when he and Ilani get married they don’t even kiss.
Some cursing.
April 29, 2021
Highly Recommend
I wasn’t sure I’d be interested when I read that the “Andari Chronicles” series would be a retelling of several existing fairy tales. “Pirouette” is Book 3 of the series and is loosely based on the “Twelve Princesses” tale.
Ms. Davidson, in my opinion, has succeeded well beyond the efforts of others who’ve written in this genre. She has once again exceeded my expectations by creating another captivating world with characters that grabbed me and didn’t let loose until their story ended.
I believe each book in the series may have been written to be read as a stand-alone; but, I encourage you to start with Book 1 of the series as there’s a flow from each book to the next. Otherwise you won’t be familiar with all the characters or the background stories, which I believe enriched my reading experience.
If you are unfamiliar with Ms. Davidson’s books, I highly recommend you give them a try. As long as you enjoy fairy tales with happy endings you may enjoy her books as much as I do. And, they are free on Kindle Unlimited if you happen to be a member.
Now, I’m eager to open up and start reading the next book in this series.
I wasn’t sure I’d be interested when I read that the “Andari Chronicles” series would be a retelling of several existing fairy tales. “Pirouette” is Book 3 of the series and is loosely based on the “Twelve Princesses” tale.
Ms. Davidson, in my opinion, has succeeded well beyond the efforts of others who’ve written in this genre. She has once again exceeded my expectations by creating another captivating world with characters that grabbed me and didn’t let loose until their story ended.
I believe each book in the series may have been written to be read as a stand-alone; but, I encourage you to start with Book 1 of the series as there’s a flow from each book to the next. Otherwise you won’t be familiar with all the characters or the background stories, which I believe enriched my reading experience.
If you are unfamiliar with Ms. Davidson’s books, I highly recommend you give them a try. As long as you enjoy fairy tales with happy endings you may enjoy her books as much as I do. And, they are free on Kindle Unlimited if you happen to be a member.
Now, I’m eager to open up and start reading the next book in this series.
June 5, 2024
2.5 stars
One might wonder why I keep reading this series when I have not super enjoyed any of the books in it so far....and my answer at this point is most likely the sunk cost fallacy 😅
Davidson's writing is so good quality but I just like so few of her storytelling choices?? at least the big ones. As before I think the way she uses elements of the fairytale is interesting, and I think there are some interesting ideas explored - in this case about the different ways of using power.
I like our two leads separately, but I was really underwhelmed by their romance and how quickly it seemed to happen.
Also, the portrayal of the very Middle Eastern-coded setting left me really uncomfortable. There are some ways that this portrayal is challenged, but in my opinion 1) that should have been a much bigger focus of the book AND/OR 2) the setting should have been much more distinct from similar locations in our world / stories.
CW: Abuse, ableism, Orientalism, xenophobia, misogyny
One might wonder why I keep reading this series when I have not super enjoyed any of the books in it so far....and my answer at this point is most likely the sunk cost fallacy 😅
Davidson's writing is so good quality but I just like so few of her storytelling choices?? at least the big ones. As before I think the way she uses elements of the fairytale is interesting, and I think there are some interesting ideas explored - in this case about the different ways of using power.
I like our two leads separately, but I was really underwhelmed by their romance and how quickly it seemed to happen.
Also, the portrayal of the very Middle Eastern-coded setting left me really uncomfortable. There are some ways that this portrayal is challenged, but in my opinion 1) that should have been a much bigger focus of the book AND/OR 2) the setting should have been much more distinct from similar locations in our world / stories.
CW: Abuse, ableism, Orientalism, xenophobia, misogyny
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