Appease: Princess and the Pea Retold

Romance a Medieval Fairytale #8

by Demelza Carlton

A princess who refuses to be a prize. A prince's promise. Perhaps dragons aren't so bad after all.

Once upon a time...

Promised as a prize to any hero who can slay the dragon, Princess Sativa flees the palace in search of the prince she was betrothed to as a child. But there are many miles between her and the boy who has become a king.

Can a lone princess cross the sea and convince the king she's the princess of his dreams?


Romance a Medieval Fairytale series:
Each book is a standalone, so they can be read in any order:
(#1) Enchant: Beauty and the Beast Retold
(#2) Dance: Cinderella Retold
(#3) Fly: Goose Girl Retold
(#4) Revel: Twelve Dancing Princesses Retold
(#5) Silence: Little Mermaid Retold
(#6) Awaken: Sleeping Beauty Retold
(#7) Embellish: Brave Little Tailor Retold
(#8) Appease: Princess and the Pea Retold
(#9) Blow: Three Little Pigs Retold
(#10) Return: Hansel and Gretel Retold
(#11) Wish: Aladdin Retold
(#12) Melt: Snow Queen Retold
(#13) Spin: Rumpelstiltskin Retold
(#14) Kiss: Frog Prince Retold
(#15) Hunt: Red Riding Hood Retold
(#16) Reflect: Snow White Retold
(#17) Roar: Goldilocks Retold

Genres: Romance, Fantasy, Retellings, Fairy Tales, Audiobook, Historical Romance, Ebooks

231 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 3, 2017

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author Demelza Carlton has always loved the ocean, but on her first snorkelling trip she found she was afraid of fish.
She has since swum with sea lions, sharks and sea cucumbers and stood on spray-drenched cliffs over a seething sea as a seven-metre cyclonic swell surged in, shattering a shipwreck below.
Sensationalist spin? No - Demelza tends to take a camera with her so she can capture and share the moment later; shipwrecks, sharks and all.
Demelza now lives in Perth, Western Australia, the shark attack capital of the world.
The Ocean's Gift series was her first foray into fiction, followed by the Nightmares trilogy. She swears the Mel Goes to Hell series ambushed her on a crowded train and wouldn't leave her alone.

Reviews

[Mills · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

[*❆ Kαɾҽɳ ❆* · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic retelling!

The princess and the pea was a story that I liked as a child, it was cute and clever that the princess could feel a small pea over so many mattresses. But this retelling adds in dragons, pirates, adventures across the seas and hunting which is done amazingly!

We are introduced to Princess Sativa first in the previous book, Embellish: Brave Little Tailor Retold, when George slays the dragon that killed Sativa's sisters, and as a reward her father offers him knighthood and Sativa as his bride. And Sativa, furious that she is given away as a prize refuses to marry him, and Melitta helps her escape while Melitta finally marries the man she loves, George

But Sativa isn't only running away because of her father's offer, when she was only 6 years old, she was betrothed to a prince, Prince Reidar. Where in a stable they promise each other that they will be married no matter what and he gives her his ring, as a reminder of their promise. It is in this stable that he finds out she has rose fever, like hay fever, she sneezes when she is near pea straw.
So, it is this promise that she rides away from her home in search for her betrothed who she hasn't seen since that say he gave her the ring.

But the journey to find him is not easy. She faces more troubles and hardship than any princess should endure. She is kidnapped by pirates, disguises herself as a boy, and has to kill in order to survive. But she never gives up hope that she will be reunited with her beloved prince.

I adored this book, there is a nice twist to the story and it is full of fun, adventure and packed with suspense and action. And of course the sweet romance throughout. Had me turning the pages in one day!
Cannot wait to read more!

Received a copy from the author herself, in exhange for an honest review, thank you!

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (12/2/2020)! 🎁

[Sally906 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Would have been 5 stars - only there was a revolting part mid book that included rape and necrophilia.

I know the intent was to show what a dire situation the princess was in - but no.

[Rabid Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable story loosely based on the Princess and the Pea fairy tale. The princess is a feisty, strong female character who’s nativity sets her on a cross country adventure where she encounters dragons, seers, pirates, and eventually her Prince. Well written, with characters that appeal, it is a quick and entertaining read.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing retelling of the Princess and the Pea. It’s definitely short and sweet. Wished it was longer but enjoyable. Everyone should read it.

[Naurarwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic retelling of The Princess and the Pea, only this time with knights, dragons and pirates. Follow Sativa on her journey as she crosses the sea to reach her betrothed. I love the setting of this book and how the author describes the details of Sativa's journey as she fights to reach her betrothed, Reidar.

A great little read if you enjoy a slight twist on a medieval fairytale. I couldn't put it down until I'd finished!

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story and Setiva is a great character. She is strong and independent and fiesty. She may be betrothed to a Prince but she is not waiting for him to come and rescue her she sets about saving herself. She survives being captured by pirates and manages to get her happy ever. She even manages to piss off her future mother in law.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Princess and the Pea was my favorite book when I was a little girl. And I have to say that I absolutely love this retelling of it. I love how much detail is in this book as well as the journey that Sativa had to take in order to get to her prince.

[Patti · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this tale to be truly captivating. Thus author brought the princess to life quickly and I thoroughly enjoyed that the princess was not portrayed as picture perfect. A promise was made while she was just six years old, and the trials the princess endures trying to keep that promise had me glued to the pages!!! I think this just became my favorite from this series! Well done!

[Mary Lou Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

APPEASE is the eighth book in the Romance a Medieval Fairytale. Though loosely connected, each does stand on its own and can be read in any order. There is a strong tie in to EMBELLISH: BRAVE LITTLE TAILOR RETOLD as we see George and Melitta’s wedding night from Sativa’s point of view.

Sativa is brave, smart, feisty, and determined to have the life she has dreamed of having since she was six years old. Then he was a prince, now King, Reidar is a gentleman to his betrothed even when all others have given up hope…. SIGH. That is the stuff of fairy tales.

I loved this retelling of a favorite classic. Sativa was amazing… this princess isn’t waiting for her prince. After all, he’s too busy being a king (though she doesn’t know that.) Instead, she sets off to save herself, and in the process gives Melitta and George their HEA, too. Some parts were harrowing for any traveler and others even more so for a woman, but Sativa shows that she is more than meets the eye. I like to think we all are – more than meets the eye. Luckily, Reidar is just the kind of prince worthy of such devotion and determination.

There is also a whimsical touch of magic in mentions of her Fairy Godmother, Dalia, at the beginning and when she meets her again just before being reunited with Reidar. I am a sucker for any story with a Fairy Godmother.

I’m sorry that there are only a few more books left to go in this series, but I’m glad that I won’t miss a one of them!

Note: while I was given this book as a gifted ARC, my opinions are my own and are given freely.


Title: APPEASE
Series: Romance a Medieval Fairytale #8
Category /Genre: Adult Fairytales; Paranormal Romance
Recommended for: 18+ due to sexual content
Grammar/editing: A – near perfect
Grammar/editing: B – a few small errors
Grammar/editing: book received as an unedited ARC / errors excused
Received from: Demelza Carlton (as an ARC gifted copy)

[Carol 27 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fairytale retelling that’s strictly for adults…

This well written, quick read is the eighth installment in the Romance a Medieval Fairytale series. It’s also another entertaining retelling of a childhood tale we likely all know – The Princess and the Pea.

This version however, is strictly for adults as it contains several dark themes – conflict, violence, danger, and captivity. I enjoyed Princess Sativa’s action-and-adventure-filled journey as she fled her homeland to unite with her betrothed. I admired her determination, her strength of character and her rational thinking in reaction to the setbacks she encountered. She was one feisty princess!

[Crystal Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trials and tribulations and dangers, oh my--what's a Princess to do!
I just love Demelza Carlton's writing--she's great with plotting, describing and adding all the little bits of business to make an engaging story! Appease is a great, modern retelling of the Princess and the Pea tale. Sativa must endure and triumph over a number of ordeals before she is reunited with the (now) King she was engaged to at the age of six years. But what a woman she has become! And her betrothed King--he is truly worthy of her--kind, brilliant and his own man. Those are the basic facts, but Carlton's writing skill makes it all soar! Even though I thought I was over fairy tale retellings, I am really anxious to read this series--Carlton's so good! Grab a cuppa, some holiday treats and snuggle up and get to reading about these two engaging destined mates. Enjoy! I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Aurora · Rating 4 out of 5]

A six year old princess is promised in marriage to the heir to the throne of a neighbouring country. Years later, when her father offers her to another man, the naive princess flees her home to go to her betrothed.
That decision set in motion an adventure that crosses countries and seas and will leave her a much wiser and less innocent young woman.
The story is loosely based on the fairy tale of the Princess and the Pea and offers dragons, wild boars, widows, pirates, seers and of course the princess and her King, everything a lover of fantasy could want. It is well written with characters that are well developed and compelling.
In both her six year old and her grown up incarnations, Princess Sativa is a strong, competent, capable heroine who definitely does not need to be rescued and Prince/King Reidar is one of those strong but compassionate alpha leader who is every bit her equal.
I have enjoyed others of this series and I loved this one too.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Better than 4 stars, this fairytale retold is well-written and full of adventure. From dragons and their slayers to bloodthirsty pirates to constant battles with marauding troops from enemy kingdoms and a power hungry dowager queen, the author has provided an exciting and dangerous backdrop for Princess Sativa and Prince Reidar to navigate to reach their perfect fairytale ending. Both characters are the best of their bunch of kin, devoted, strong, brave and honorable, and prepared to fight their way back to each other to fulfill a betrothal arranged when they were children. If you are familiar with the traditional version of the Princess and the Pea, this story has many added features and plot twists that make it similar yet a fresh and unique retelling. An easy, quick and enjoyable read.

I received a complimentary advance copy of this book from the author; this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Princess Sativa was betrothed to Prince Reidar as a child so when her father promises her as a prize to any hero who can slay the dragon she decides to take matters into her own hand and set off to find him herself. Can she get over the sea and through all the barriers in her path to find him on her own?

I loved this story based on the Princess and the Pea fairytale. The story was quite charming and well told as the author described the characters, their thoughts, emotions and actions. I enjoyed the bravery of Sativa and the way she came through all of the adventures she encountered as part of her journey to find Reidar. As for his mother all I can say is what a total b*tch who deserved a lot more than she received after some of her stunts. Definitely recommended. You don't have to read the previous books in this series but there is a nice connection between the previous one to this one (Embellish: Brave Little Tailor Retold).

[LuAnn Rodriquez · Rating 5 out of 5]

APPEASE by Demelza Carlton is a fun, interesting retelling of the old princess and the pea tale. The heroine, Sativa, is a royal-born princess who not only knows her worth but also is not so consumed by her own importance that she is incapable of leaning new survival skills. At the age of six she is betrothed to Reidar, a prince of a kingdom with whom her father wants better diplomatic relations. They are both people of honor who will not break a vow easily. Reidar in the years over which they grow up has become King and is eager to marry Sativa so sends a search party to find her in her father’s kingdom.He is a person who not only keeps his word but is also a courageous man who learns to lead his kingdom in the best possible way. They each have major struggles to survive before they find each other but prove the merits of their noble characteristics in the process. I like this author, I like this book, and can highly recommend APPEASE for sheer entertainment!

I received an advance copy of this eBook in exchange for my honest review of it.

[Gypsy Madden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love fairy tale retellings (especially stories that are set in a fantasy world and not contemporary). So, this story was right up my alley, and not overloaded with fantasy terms and place names and politics that seem to drown so many epic fantasies (simple is good. It means there’s more time spent on characters and plot). It had plenty of thrilling adventure. I loved how strong willed Sativa was (without being a stereotypical tough chick in black leather who shoots first). Sativa stood up for what she wanted and had the courage to go after her dreams. And she was a real person and not super powered, so there were things that tripped her up and made life interesting without resorting to having her make dumb mistakes along the way. Admittedly, I was a bit bored with Raidar’s parts, mostly with him hanging out with his soldiers, but I did love his wonderfully over-bearing mother. I was expecting the Princess and the Pea story to dominate since that’s what the book is advertised as. So I was more than a bit surprised when we got this story of a journey instead through most of the book, which was practically a retelling of a gender reversal of The Odyssey (complete with the parade of suitors) and the Princess and the Pea story was really just contained to one chapter (surprised, but not unwelcome). The cat was a bit corny and too-convenient, but then what’s a fairy tale without a convenient fairy godmother? My final quibble was that the very last chapter felt gratuitous and out of character with the rest of the book (I’d probably be better with it if the sex had been in the story in several other chapters -which would be a bit impossible with the two characters being separated. But located in the book where it was though felt unneeded as if the author threw it in there to appeal to the market that likes those sorts of books, which also feels cheap). In all though, I will be searching out further books by Demelza Carlton and this one was very much worth reading and a worthy retelling.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This retelling of the Princess and the Pea is a great story. It follows on from Embellish (the Brave Little Tailor retelling), but can be read as a standalone story too. I'm not going to go into details about the story - most people know the story anyway, but you can also get a flavour of it in the story description above - but I will say how good the book is. Well-written with great characters that help drive the pace, action, adventure, and just a sprinkling of romance (I hate soppy romance books, so it was ok for me!), this book's a good read for anyone who loves fairytale retellings, and is suitable for all adult readers. Highly recommended, and can't wait for the next instalment in the series!
NB I received a complimentary copy of this book, but I always give an HONEST review based wholly on my own opinions

[Amanda Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story had a much darker aspect than I could have anticipated. The princess and the pea feels like a silly tale. This was not. I like how it was told, making the Princess see how life really is.

This book follows directly on the heels of Embellish and is not as stand-alone as the author makes it sound.

I would suggest if you suggest this book to anyone, or if you are reading the reviews before reading it, bear in mind that this should have a trigger warning.

I hope as a result of the Princess's ordeal that she rallies to women's cause for poor women and that she chooses to fight pirates in her future.

The part where the first Captain completely abandons the ship and gives all of his men shore leave at once was unrealistic, irresponsible. and just dumb. He never should have been a captain.

[The Mysterious Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fabulous retelling of a classic fairy tale by Demelza Carlton. Her Romance a Medieval Fairytale series is an absolute favorite of mine, with each of its retelling being wonderfully outstanding. This eighth book in this series, Appease: Princess and the Pea Retold, holds true to that record. It’s clearly based on the classic tale yet the characters, Princess Sativa, the heroine and her destined love Prince then King Reidar, are so much more “real” than in the classic tale and the battle for their love is so very much more powerful. This is a great story with a wonderful supporting cast and equally wonderful plot that is written beautifully. Lots of superlatives there, I know, but this take off of the classic tale is deserving of them and more.

Highly recommended.

[Lady The Owls · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not your usual story of a princess that can not handle herself. Sativa is strong in more ways than she herself would of ever thought of. She is the royalty that any young lady would look up too. Was so refreshing to read this story with all the bravery and perseverance shown by Sativa. I love to see when someone holds to their principals even in a story. This was great to read exciting and at times breathtaking. Demelza Carlton showed both sides the good and depravity of people but also the retelling of the Princess and the Pea was done excellently. I would so recommend this book but not one to read for a bed time to your children.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Appease is an interesting retelling of the Princess and the Pea fairy tale. Our heroine is indeed sensitive enough to be uncomfortable when forced to sleep on a mattress with hidden pea straw (lots of sneezing), but strong enough to get to her prince despite confrontations with a really sick pirate and a very large pig. The prince, our hero, is steadfast in his oath to marry Princess Sativa and make her his queen, even when she is missing and rumored to victim to a dragon. This is a familiar tale with some new villains and a few interesting twists and surprises. An enjoyable read.

Voluntary ARC review.

[Sophie Koufes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Appease: Princess and the Pea Retold is an absolutely stunning retelling of a classic. I actually don't remember the original tale but I loved this one. We follow Princess Sativa who is on a journey crossing the sea to reach her betrothed King Reidar. This novel is brimming with knights, dragons & pirates. With well detailed world building descriptions & settings. I love the characters & plot which keep you on the edfe of your spot until the end. A fabulous twist on a medieval fairytale that I couldn't put down till the end.The writing style fits the genre perfectly. Looking forward to reading the book in this series.

[Alex L Criddle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great addition to the series. I loved the additional material that led up to the more traditional Princess and the Pea aspects of the story—pirates, war, etc. Sativa and Reidar were both well developed characters, and I enjoyed reading from both of their points of view. They are not the typical prince and princess depicted in fairytales, but are both independent, strong-willed, capable, and more than able to think and decide for themselves. The writing flowed and was well edited as always. I would caution readers that there is some violence and intimate scenes throughout the novel.

[Brad · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Tale Retold Well!

The beginning of the story overlaps with the first book in the series. There is some old material interspersed with a lot that is new. Princess Sativa has an allergy to pea straw which substitutes for peas in the original version.

The character development is well done as is the world building. The story is new and fresh while still reminding us of its origins.

I enjoyed reading this story. The set up for the next book was nicely woven into the whole story instead of just being tacked on at the end.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Demelza Carlton has written a very creative and clever adult fairytale. I enjoyed the way she has taken the "Princess And The Pea" story and changed the pea to pea straw which caused an allergic reaction in the heroine. Her Medieval Fairytale Series always amazes and enthralls me, but I do want to point out that these fairytales are for adults as there are scenes described in the story that are not fit for younger readers. Mary Sarah's melodious narration adds to the listeners' enjoyment. I was given a free copy of the audiobook and I have voluntarily left this review.

[Leslie Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite, so far, of these fairy tales retold. I was so impressed with both Sativa and Reidar. Everything she went through to get to him and the crud he went through with his mother to be together says volumes. I was very impressed with Reidar's handle on the situation and his mother. OMG, the pirates were gross and I was so afraid for her. The struggles they went through for each other after all those years was soul soothing. Even after so many years. Do NOT miss this one.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Appease is a twist on The Princess and the Pea. I loved reading this version, there were dragons, knights, and pirates. Sativa goes on a journey to reach the King she was betrothed to as a child. I couldn't put this book down until I finished it. The action, adventure, and characters were so engaging I felt like I was a part of the story. I have loved every one of Demelza Carlton's fairytale remakes and this one was no different.

Voluntarily Reviewed an ARC of this book

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. Another fun read, this was an excellent retelling of the Princess and the pea. Love Princess Sativa, her character is feisty. She takes charge of her life and refuses to be a prize. She goes through a lot to get away and find her prince. She even gets away from the pirates in a most unique way. I would recommend this book to all who love fairy tales, this is the grownup version.