What do you think?
Rate this book
Birds of Fae #1
The Princess and the Peacock
The first time I fell in love with Princess Mele was when I saw her smile, and I fell in love with her the second time the moment I heard her sing.
Two memories burn within Kaipo's heart -- the death of his mother, which left him alone to die, and the arrival of Princess Mele, which gave him a new reason to live. Together with his adopted brother, Kaipo seeks out Jaya, the Fae Queen who lives on the Forbidden Mountain, in order to gain the beauty he requires to win Mele's heart. But Jaya has other plans for the scarred outcast who climbs up her mountain ...
The Princess and the Peacock is the first in Birds of Fae, a fantasy fairy tale novella series from C. S. Johnson.
Two memories burn within Kaipo's heart -- the death of his mother, which left him alone to die, and the arrival of Princess Mele, which gave him a new reason to live. Together with his adopted brother, Kaipo seeks out Jaya, the Fae Queen who lives on the Forbidden Mountain, in order to gain the beauty he requires to win Mele's heart. But Jaya has other plans for the scarred outcast who climbs up her mountain ...
The Princess and the Peacock is the first in Birds of Fae, a fantasy fairy tale novella series from C. S. Johnson.
106 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 25, 2019
9 people are currently reading
237 people want to read
About the author
C.S. Johnson
113 books631 followersC. S. Johnson is the award-winning, genre-hopping author of several novels, including sci-fi and fantasy adventures such as the Starlight Chronicles series, the Once Upon a Princess saga, the Divine Space Pirates trilogy, and more. With a gift for sarcasm and an apologetic heart, she currently lives in Atlanta with her family. Find out more at http://www.csjohnson.me.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
January 29, 2019
The Princess and the Peacock by C.S. Johnson was a remarkable book. While short, you get to know and care about the characters, and not just the main characters. It has a great story, and although parts are familiar, the story line, characters and message are unique. It is a great look at how looks are only skin deep and true worth is worth looking for and waiting for. Wonderful read!!
I was given an advanced copy of this novel and this is my honest review.
I was given an advanced copy of this novel and this is my honest review.
December 19, 2018
Sniff ... that was beautiful. Perfect and beautiful.
January 27, 2019
Really unique and well-written short story....a taste of a much larger world. I don’t usually read first person but this was excellent, and I really appreciated the male POV. For me, the brotherly love in this story took my interest rather than the romance. ‘Twas very feely.
I’d warn sensitive readers for some traumatic backstory revolving around suicide. Also an evil man attacks a girl, though he is stopped.
I’d warn sensitive readers for some traumatic backstory revolving around suicide. Also an evil man attacks a girl, though he is stopped.
January 6, 2019
Entertaining original fairy tale. The character is understandably wounded and flawed, and honestly it's kind of just fun to imagine him being a peacock for the whole book, relating in peacockian ways.
January 21, 2019
I do not usually sign up to review a book, but I couldn't resist. I mean, the book has a peacock! And a princess! And fae!
I didn't realize the narrative would be in first person present tense. So I was backpedaling a little to adjust for that. I am not a fan of first person present tense, but the author did well with the style so I was soon swept up into the story.
We begin with Kaipo, a young man climbing to the top of the Forbidden Mountain. A feat that many have died from or failed, and not without injury. His aim? To see the fae queen who has the power to grant him one wish. His greatest desire is to remove the scars from his body and win the heart of the princess. And of course, we all know what happens when we ask for help from the fae. Ha!
The author does a great job weaving in the backstory, so that his journey and our understanding of the characters unfold much like a flower, becoming more endearing as it goes.
The setting has a flair of other cultures and was quite refreshing. The style is fairy tale and fable. Simple and fantastical, yet grounded and engaging. And as with all fables, our hero learns an important lesson.
Readers who love fables and fairy tales, would enjoy this one.
**I received an advanced reader copy in exchange for my review**
I didn't realize the narrative would be in first person present tense. So I was backpedaling a little to adjust for that. I am not a fan of first person present tense, but the author did well with the style so I was soon swept up into the story.
We begin with Kaipo, a young man climbing to the top of the Forbidden Mountain. A feat that many have died from or failed, and not without injury. His aim? To see the fae queen who has the power to grant him one wish. His greatest desire is to remove the scars from his body and win the heart of the princess. And of course, we all know what happens when we ask for help from the fae. Ha!
The author does a great job weaving in the backstory, so that his journey and our understanding of the characters unfold much like a flower, becoming more endearing as it goes.
The setting has a flair of other cultures and was quite refreshing. The style is fairy tale and fable. Simple and fantastical, yet grounded and engaging. And as with all fables, our hero learns an important lesson.
Readers who love fables and fairy tales, would enjoy this one.
**I received an advanced reader copy in exchange for my review**
January 26, 2019
I loved this novella from C.S. Johnson!
Kaipo was a great main character to cheer for, especially seeing him grow in more ways than one as the story progressed. (His relationship with Rahj was indeed special and one of my favorite parts.) The fae aspect was perfect and the POV from a peacock was extremely interesting. (It creates some interesting moments. And heartfelt ones too if I’m honest.)
From the characters to the priceless message of true beauty, this was an engaging and creative tale that pulled me in. I very eagerly look forward to reading more in this series! A recommended read to fairy tale and fantasy readers!
*(Many thanks to the author for providing me an ARC. I was not required to write a review or positive one. All thoughts expressed are my own.)*
Kaipo was a great main character to cheer for, especially seeing him grow in more ways than one as the story progressed. (His relationship with Rahj was indeed special and one of my favorite parts.) The fae aspect was perfect and the POV from a peacock was extremely interesting. (It creates some interesting moments. And heartfelt ones too if I’m honest.)
From the characters to the priceless message of true beauty, this was an engaging and creative tale that pulled me in. I very eagerly look forward to reading more in this series! A recommended read to fairy tale and fantasy readers!
*(Many thanks to the author for providing me an ARC. I was not required to write a review or positive one. All thoughts expressed are my own.)*
December 22, 2019
Read it in one sitting-- such a lovely original fairytale!
December 20, 2018
I found that The Princess and the Peacock were reminiscent of Beauty and the Beast. Beauty is found within than without. Kaipo wants to look beautiful like his love Princess Mele. He and his brother Rahj climb the mountain to Queen Jaya to be granted a wish. Meeting Queen Jaya the Fae Queen nothing goes as planned or expected. Kaipo becomes a peacock while Rahj takes care of him. Can Kaipo win the Princess Mele's love? Will Kaipo remain a peacock? Your answers await you in The Princess and the Peacock.
I really enjoyed this story and the characters. I found the simple truths to be pleasing and unique in nature. The story and characters were complicated, real, compelling, honest, and wholesome. I look forward to more from this author in the future.
I really enjoyed this story and the characters. I found the simple truths to be pleasing and unique in nature. The story and characters were complicated, real, compelling, honest, and wholesome. I look forward to more from this author in the future.
March 9, 2019
“Beauty can be given as easily as a smile, riches with a wave of my hand. But there are deeper forms of magic, and there is a great difference between the beauty that comes from magic and the beauty that is shaped inside the heart.”
The Princess and the Peacock was such an adorable read! It was the epitome of faerie tales! I absolutely adored it and I cannot wait for more in the series!
The tale reminded me a little of The Frog Prince and The Swan Princess. It had a similar moral about what’s on the inside that counts. It was very touching, and though it was obviously predictable, it was just what I look for in a faerie tale.
I loved that in the short amount of time the tale was told, I truly got to know the three main characters, and I absolutely fell in love with them. The setting was beautiful, and the writing was very vivid. For a quick read, it really felt like a fully developed novel.
It was absolutely breathtaking and beautiful. I loved it almost as much as my favorite faerie tale retelling series. It had passion, an amazing moral lesson, magic, love, a touch of danger, and, of course, a satisfying ending. I’d definitely recommend it to faerie tale lovers!
“Even as it marked her face, it hinted that the true beauty lay in her heart.”
Thank you to R&R Book Tours and the author for providing me with this free e-copy in exchange for my honest review and as part of the blog tour.
Quotes are from the book, written by the author.
The Princess and the Peacock was such an adorable read! It was the epitome of faerie tales! I absolutely adored it and I cannot wait for more in the series!
The tale reminded me a little of The Frog Prince and The Swan Princess. It had a similar moral about what’s on the inside that counts. It was very touching, and though it was obviously predictable, it was just what I look for in a faerie tale.
I loved that in the short amount of time the tale was told, I truly got to know the three main characters, and I absolutely fell in love with them. The setting was beautiful, and the writing was very vivid. For a quick read, it really felt like a fully developed novel.
It was absolutely breathtaking and beautiful. I loved it almost as much as my favorite faerie tale retelling series. It had passion, an amazing moral lesson, magic, love, a touch of danger, and, of course, a satisfying ending. I’d definitely recommend it to faerie tale lovers!
“Even as it marked her face, it hinted that the true beauty lay in her heart.”
Thank you to R&R Book Tours and the author for providing me with this free e-copy in exchange for my honest review and as part of the blog tour.
Quotes are from the book, written by the author.
December 8, 2018
It's the first book in my standalone novels series, featuring birds and fae magic, all in shorter fairy tale form.
Kaipo has been scarred by the death of his mother, both literally and internally. After her suicide, Kaipo is content to die -- until he meets Princess Mele, the young princess of Maluhia. When her father decrees it is time for her to marry, Kaipo wants to find a way to win her heart. Knowing his limitations, he and his adopted brother Rahj head up the Forbidden Mountain, where the Fae Queen, Jaya, resides. Knowing of her power, Kaipo and Rahj work together in hopes she will grant Kaipo the beauty he needs to win Mele's heart.
But Jaya is more than a little upset at Kaipo, and even though she's compelled to fulfill the wishes of those who conquer her mountain, she is determined to interpret his wish in her own way ...
Kaipo has been scarred by the death of his mother, both literally and internally. After her suicide, Kaipo is content to die -- until he meets Princess Mele, the young princess of Maluhia. When her father decrees it is time for her to marry, Kaipo wants to find a way to win her heart. Knowing his limitations, he and his adopted brother Rahj head up the Forbidden Mountain, where the Fae Queen, Jaya, resides. Knowing of her power, Kaipo and Rahj work together in hopes she will grant Kaipo the beauty he needs to win Mele's heart.
But Jaya is more than a little upset at Kaipo, and even though she's compelled to fulfill the wishes of those who conquer her mountain, she is determined to interpret his wish in her own way ...
October 2, 2019
A beautiful short story, I really enjoyed :)
April 5, 2019
Beautiful and satisfying read! Read it and smile!!
March 4, 2019
I have a soft spot for classic fairytale remakes, so this one grabbed my interest right out the gate... I mean, a peacock?!?! How could this not spark some curiosity?! There is so much more dynamics than a simple 'kissed by a princess to change the frog to a prince' type story, the twists and angles are quite unique and very captivating. It's a short read, easily devoured in one sitting, but that doesn't mean it skimps on anything important. The characters and setting is well developed, and there's a beautifully intricate quality to the details. The picture is painted flawlessly.
Kaipo, covered in scars from a failed attempt to save his burning mother, is in love with princess Mele. She's beautiful inside and out, and Kaipo longs to make her heart his own. He's an outcast and lacks the confidence it takes to go after her. Rahj, his adopted brother joins Kaipo in a quest to seek the help of Jaya a fae queen. I love Rahj! In my opinion, he really makes the book everything it is. He brings a lot of heart felt realities and emotions to the story. He's an imperative character who helps his brother through to the end, despite Kaipo's rejection in their younger years.
Anyhow, together they climb a forbbidin mountain to reach Jaya, and in turn are granted a wish. Kaipo wishes for beauty so that he can measure up as a suitor for Mele. Rather than taking his scars, as Kaipo had hoped, Jaya changes him into a peacock. Despite being a bird, Kaipo is determined to continue on his path in winning over Mele's heart. Rahj continues to help Kaipo in every way that he can, dedicating his life to his brothers persuit of happiness.
Through out their journy the back story of their family and their upbringing is braided into the tale. It's a very emotional journy. I love the ending, and I love what ultimatly breaks the spell that Kaipo is under. It's very unique and different than the original tale. I'm not a fan of spoilers, so lets just say that he earns it, and Mele clearly sees past his scars. The book as a whole is lovely, and I'll most certainly be reading the next in C.S. Johnson's Birds of Fae series.
Kaipo, covered in scars from a failed attempt to save his burning mother, is in love with princess Mele. She's beautiful inside and out, and Kaipo longs to make her heart his own. He's an outcast and lacks the confidence it takes to go after her. Rahj, his adopted brother joins Kaipo in a quest to seek the help of Jaya a fae queen. I love Rahj! In my opinion, he really makes the book everything it is. He brings a lot of heart felt realities and emotions to the story. He's an imperative character who helps his brother through to the end, despite Kaipo's rejection in their younger years.
Anyhow, together they climb a forbbidin mountain to reach Jaya, and in turn are granted a wish. Kaipo wishes for beauty so that he can measure up as a suitor for Mele. Rather than taking his scars, as Kaipo had hoped, Jaya changes him into a peacock. Despite being a bird, Kaipo is determined to continue on his path in winning over Mele's heart. Rahj continues to help Kaipo in every way that he can, dedicating his life to his brothers persuit of happiness.
Through out their journy the back story of their family and their upbringing is braided into the tale. It's a very emotional journy. I love the ending, and I love what ultimatly breaks the spell that Kaipo is under. It's very unique and different than the original tale. I'm not a fan of spoilers, so lets just say that he earns it, and Mele clearly sees past his scars. The book as a whole is lovely, and I'll most certainly be reading the next in C.S. Johnson's Birds of Fae series.
January 16, 2019
It feels like you can't go wrong with this author even with a title like this one. Johnson aptly describes in an impressive description what it's like for Kaipo to climb this impossible mountain, with his "brother" in tow. After his wish gets distorted and the peacock appears, it was weird at first, but again, Johnson writes the experience SO ACCURATELY that the reader forgets any weirdness that happens later.
I thought Princess Mele would either be unworthy of what Kaipo endures to win her heart or Kaipo was a match for her all along despite his scars. Mele is my favorite character by far, much too smart for her own good, which I loved.
Story gave me a Beauty and the Beast feel to it except there's no Beast, only a bird. The singing parts were hysterical!!
Even though this is a short story that can be read in one sitting, I was deeply convicted about feeling unworthy because of one's looks as a complete deception. There is depth to be appreciated here, as well as great characters, one IMPRESSIVELY worthy villain, a brother who would do anything to make his best friend's wish come true, and of course, one beautiful peacock! Highly recommend whether you like fantasy or not, for any age.
Goodness, what a GREAT cover!
Received a free review copy from the author. I was not required to write a positive review, all comments and opinions are my own.
I thought Princess Mele would either be unworthy of what Kaipo endures to win her heart or Kaipo was a match for her all along despite his scars. Mele is my favorite character by far, much too smart for her own good, which I loved.
Story gave me a Beauty and the Beast feel to it except there's no Beast, only a bird. The singing parts were hysterical!!
Even though this is a short story that can be read in one sitting, I was deeply convicted about feeling unworthy because of one's looks as a complete deception. There is depth to be appreciated here, as well as great characters, one IMPRESSIVELY worthy villain, a brother who would do anything to make his best friend's wish come true, and of course, one beautiful peacock! Highly recommend whether you like fantasy or not, for any age.
Goodness, what a GREAT cover!
Received a free review copy from the author. I was not required to write a positive review, all comments and opinions are my own.
March 7, 2019
Kaipo has fallen in love with Princess Mele’s beauty and her singing. But he has scars from trying to save his mother from a fire and is considered an outcast. Kaipo and his brother, Rahj climb the Forbidden Mountain to get a wish from the Fae Queen Jaya. But Kaipo is selfish and pushes the Fae Queen who turns him into a peacock. His only hope at being changed back into himself is Mele.
This is a great little fairy tale. It has a theme about inner beauty and helping others similar to other fairytales I have read. But it is beautifully written and so descriptive. It was easy to fall into this world and finish the novella in one sitting. I loved the different points of view, especially from Kaipo when he is a peacock, such a fresh look at this world.
I really enjoyed this story. It is the first in a series and I can’t wait to find out where we are going to go next. This is one quick read that I recommend checking out if you like fairytales.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
This is a great little fairy tale. It has a theme about inner beauty and helping others similar to other fairytales I have read. But it is beautifully written and so descriptive. It was easy to fall into this world and finish the novella in one sitting. I loved the different points of view, especially from Kaipo when he is a peacock, such a fresh look at this world.
I really enjoyed this story. It is the first in a series and I can’t wait to find out where we are going to go next. This is one quick read that I recommend checking out if you like fairytales.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
December 22, 2019
What a beautiful little novella. I didn't know what to expect when I began reading, but it wasn't this. I fell in love with the characters from the first page, and grew more so until the end. Five stars. All the way!
June 14, 2019
What story brought to life. It was vibrant, alive, teeming with color and love. I look forward to the next beautifully magical story.
March 5, 2019
‘The first time I fell in love with Princess Mele was when I saw her smile, and I fell in love with her the second time the moment I heard her sing.
Two memories burn within Kaipo's heart -- the death of his mother, which left him alone to die, and the arrival of Princess Mele, which gave him a new reason to live. Together with his adopted brother, Kaipo seeks out Jaya, the Fae Queen who lives on the Forbidden Mountain, in order to gain the beauty he requires to win Mele's heart. But Jaya has other plans for the scarred outcast who climbs up her mountain ...
The Princess and the Peacock is the first in Birds of Fae, a fantasy fairy tale novella series from C. S. Johnson.’
Johnson's The Princess & the Peacock is an endearing read about the power of true beauty. First, I love this cover! So gorgeous! This was a blend of inverted ‘Princess and the Frog’ and 'Beauty and the Beast’ fairy tales, with a Hawai'ian flare. I enjoyed the writing style. It was from Kaipo's pov, and reading about his adventures as a peacock. I adore peacocks, well, peafowl in general, which is what drew me to read this story.
This was just a novella, but Kaipo did some serious growing. He started out as a rather shallow person, wanting physical beauty because he thought that was the only way Princess Mele might notice him. He climbs the Forbidden Mountain to reach the Fae Queen Jaya. It's said if you reach the top, she'll grant a wish. Kaipo and his adopted brother succeed. Rahj declines a wish. When Kaipo, impatient, pushes Jaya, she turns him into a peacock. His beauty does indeed entice Mele, who takes him and Rahj, as his Caretaker, in.
Mele is my favourite character. I was firmly convinced that she would be as shallow as Kaipo, and be focused only on physical gifts. She was just the opposite! Mele has a gentle heart, and she's long since realised that beauty is more than what's on the outside. She does charity works, despite familial disapproval. She's wearied by all of her suitors who are like Kaipo starts out, thinking only the surface matters.
I didn't understand the stigma towards physical disfigurement. Kaipo bears scars from an attempt to save his mum from a fire. This makes him outcast. There are mentions of others who had ailments, like blindness, who are also outcast. This seems strange since I got the feel this was a warrior culture. I would think scars would be valued as a sign of what has been survived.
***Many thanks to the author for providing an ecopy in exchange for a fair and honest review. Reviewed for Reads & Reels Blog Tours
Two memories burn within Kaipo's heart -- the death of his mother, which left him alone to die, and the arrival of Princess Mele, which gave him a new reason to live. Together with his adopted brother, Kaipo seeks out Jaya, the Fae Queen who lives on the Forbidden Mountain, in order to gain the beauty he requires to win Mele's heart. But Jaya has other plans for the scarred outcast who climbs up her mountain ...
The Princess and the Peacock is the first in Birds of Fae, a fantasy fairy tale novella series from C. S. Johnson.’
Johnson's The Princess & the Peacock is an endearing read about the power of true beauty. First, I love this cover! So gorgeous! This was a blend of inverted ‘Princess and the Frog’ and 'Beauty and the Beast’ fairy tales, with a Hawai'ian flare. I enjoyed the writing style. It was from Kaipo's pov, and reading about his adventures as a peacock. I adore peacocks, well, peafowl in general, which is what drew me to read this story.
This was just a novella, but Kaipo did some serious growing. He started out as a rather shallow person, wanting physical beauty because he thought that was the only way Princess Mele might notice him. He climbs the Forbidden Mountain to reach the Fae Queen Jaya. It's said if you reach the top, she'll grant a wish. Kaipo and his adopted brother succeed. Rahj declines a wish. When Kaipo, impatient, pushes Jaya, she turns him into a peacock. His beauty does indeed entice Mele, who takes him and Rahj, as his Caretaker, in.
Mele is my favourite character. I was firmly convinced that she would be as shallow as Kaipo, and be focused only on physical gifts. She was just the opposite! Mele has a gentle heart, and she's long since realised that beauty is more than what's on the outside. She does charity works, despite familial disapproval. She's wearied by all of her suitors who are like Kaipo starts out, thinking only the surface matters.
I didn't understand the stigma towards physical disfigurement. Kaipo bears scars from an attempt to save his mum from a fire. This makes him outcast. There are mentions of others who had ailments, like blindness, who are also outcast. This seems strange since I got the feel this was a warrior culture. I would think scars would be valued as a sign of what has been survived.
***Many thanks to the author for providing an ecopy in exchange for a fair and honest review. Reviewed for Reads & Reels Blog Tours
September 23, 2019
This is a wonderful story! I listened to it on Audible and I really liked everything about it. It’s a fairy tale about the nature of beauty. Mele, a beautiful princess searches for a man to wed, but she is not simply looking for the most handsome man. She wants a man with a beautiful heart that can help her bring more beauty to the world by helping others. Kaipo, a man scarred by fire loves the princess, but doesn’t believe she could ever love someone as ugly as him. So he sets off on a dangerous quest to have his wish granted by a Fae Queen. And Rahj, Kaipo’s adopted brother and only friend, who was enslaved and abused as a child, and then rescued by Kaipo’s father, accompanies Kaipo on his journey. Rahj is kind and good hearted, and is willing to do anything to help the man reach his goal.
This story is beautifully written. It’s also very well narrated on the Audible version. I very much enjoyed listening to it! I lost myself in the world C. S. Johnson created. I loved the characters, especially the princess for she is so kind and good. I also loved Kaipo as the peacock. He was so funny and I loved how he would squawk and caw and make all his bird noises in an attempt to make conversation.
I definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves fairy tales!
This story is beautifully written. It’s also very well narrated on the Audible version. I very much enjoyed listening to it! I lost myself in the world C. S. Johnson created. I loved the characters, especially the princess for she is so kind and good. I also loved Kaipo as the peacock. He was so funny and I loved how he would squawk and caw and make all his bird noises in an attempt to make conversation.
I definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves fairy tales!
January 16, 2019
C.S. Johnson has written a character-driven fairytale romance and put her own spin on it. It's a first person narrative. The character is a terribly scarred young man named Kaipo. His scars have caused society to shun him. He has an adopted brother, named Rahj, who is shunned for other reasons. Kaipo wants to be made beautiful, so that he can have a chance at winning the heart of Princess Mele. Kaipo, along with the help of Rahj, sets out to win her hand.
C.S. Johnson's fairytale doesn't begin with "Once Upon a Time," but the opening line isn't much dissimilar. It begins with, "The first time I fell in love with Princess Mele was when I saw her smile, and I fell in love with her the second time the moment I heard her sing." But just like all good fairytales, a lot of things go wrong first before they get better. In fact, a good portion of the story reads like a tragedy. There are some twists and turns as C.S. Johnson explores the themes of true beauty and love.
This story grabbed my attention and kept me hanging on until the end. It's a quick read and has all the important feels. Rahj was the most interesting character of all and I hope that he gets his own book in the series. I received an eARC from the author and this is my honest and voluntary review.
C.S. Johnson's fairytale doesn't begin with "Once Upon a Time," but the opening line isn't much dissimilar. It begins with, "The first time I fell in love with Princess Mele was when I saw her smile, and I fell in love with her the second time the moment I heard her sing." But just like all good fairytales, a lot of things go wrong first before they get better. In fact, a good portion of the story reads like a tragedy. There are some twists and turns as C.S. Johnson explores the themes of true beauty and love.
This story grabbed my attention and kept me hanging on until the end. It's a quick read and has all the important feels. Rahj was the most interesting character of all and I hope that he gets his own book in the series. I received an eARC from the author and this is my honest and voluntary review.
May 5, 2020
An original fairy tale, with a slight nod to Beauty and the Beast, reminds us that beauty is found within. This was a lovely story, told primarily about three characters. While that may sound simplistic, it actually made it much easier to get to know these characters as well as the backstories of each of them.
Kaipo - the narrator of the story. An orphan and an outcast. He has long loved the princess Mele, but due to an accident that left his face scarred feels unworthy of her great beauty. So he sets off on a quest to find the Fae Queen who may grant his wish to be made beautiful, although what she grants him may not turn out as he expected.
Rahj - Kaipo's adopted brother. Also an orphan. Loved by Kaiyo's father, but never Kaiyo or his mother, Rahj only wants to be part of the family. After the death of both parents, he and Kaiyo grow closer and he helps Kaiyo on his quest. Rahj is truly kind. Although he makes mistakes, he never wants to hurt his brother.
Mele - the princess. Of age to be married and bored to death with suitors who are only beautiful while lacking other redeeming qualities. Due to unusual circumstances, she ends up offering her protection to both Kaiyo and Rahj who learn that her kindness and compassion are even greater than her beauty.
The fairy tale reminds us of the importance of forgiveness, compassion, and above all, the beauty that is found within.
I received a free copy of the audiobook from the author and have reviewed it willingly. The narrator did an amazing job voicing the story and brought all of the characters to life.
Kaipo - the narrator of the story. An orphan and an outcast. He has long loved the princess Mele, but due to an accident that left his face scarred feels unworthy of her great beauty. So he sets off on a quest to find the Fae Queen who may grant his wish to be made beautiful, although what she grants him may not turn out as he expected.
Rahj - Kaipo's adopted brother. Also an orphan. Loved by Kaiyo's father, but never Kaiyo or his mother, Rahj only wants to be part of the family. After the death of both parents, he and Kaiyo grow closer and he helps Kaiyo on his quest. Rahj is truly kind. Although he makes mistakes, he never wants to hurt his brother.
Mele - the princess. Of age to be married and bored to death with suitors who are only beautiful while lacking other redeeming qualities. Due to unusual circumstances, she ends up offering her protection to both Kaiyo and Rahj who learn that her kindness and compassion are even greater than her beauty.
The fairy tale reminds us of the importance of forgiveness, compassion, and above all, the beauty that is found within.
I received a free copy of the audiobook from the author and have reviewed it willingly. The narrator did an amazing job voicing the story and brought all of the characters to life.
February 4, 2019
This is a very sweet and clean fable with wonderful characters. Be careful what you wish for...you just may get it. I know Kaipo and Mele are the main characters. but my very favorite character is , Rahj. Kaipo struck me as rash and selfish as he made the trek up the mountain to visit Jaya, the fae queen. His adopted brother, Rahj, was a happy and thankful young man. The abuse he suffered before being saved by Kaipo's father could have made him a very bitter and mean person, but he was so kind, helpful and fully vested in helping his brother. I wondered if Princess Mele had an idea of what happened from the beginning. Watching the peacock trying to communicate with the Princess and the orphans was really quite entertaining. I requested an advanced reader copy and am under no obligation to leave this review.
June 13, 2019
A master fairy tale by a master story teller
I received an advance copy of the audible book and submit this review without remuneration.
The Princess and the Peacock is a tale of life. In a small way it is a tale of the greater battle that rages around us where our enemy uses our desires to hurt us. But that is only a small part. It is a tale of love and redemption, of how even our failings can be used by .God for our good. It is not a tale of the outward beauty that fades but of the inward beauty that remains, of how even our scars can be beautiful as the scars of Jesus are. It is above all a tale that true love is from the heart and for the heart and is not deterred by the outward or by failure but grasps the essence of who another truly is.
I received an advance copy of the audible book and submit this review without remuneration.
The Princess and the Peacock is a tale of life. In a small way it is a tale of the greater battle that rages around us where our enemy uses our desires to hurt us. But that is only a small part. It is a tale of love and redemption, of how even our failings can be used by .God for our good. It is not a tale of the outward beauty that fades but of the inward beauty that remains, of how even our scars can be beautiful as the scars of Jesus are. It is above all a tale that true love is from the heart and for the heart and is not deterred by the outward or by failure but grasps the essence of who another truly is.
January 15, 2019
I don't generally read 'fantasy' genres and when I was given this book, I was hesitant. I don't know why. I mean, a C.S. Johnson book usually means a good story, memorable characters. And yes. She's delivered with this one again. She won me to her side of the genre with an exciting new world and a sweet love story to boot. Great story. I highly recommend this book to all you fantasy readers and those of us who generally stay in our own world. This is my honest opinion.
April 7, 2019
I have to say I was excited to read this book, I have yet to be disappointed by C.S, and this was no exception. I jumped into this story and loved it. A very interesting idea and well executed. The characters are unique, and enjoyable. I thought it was an interesting idea, seeing from the POV of the peacock and I really ended up thoroughly enjoying that aspect. I especially liked the message, real beauty is not found outside, but inside. A timeless message, but one that seems easily forgotten, especially today.
Totally worth the read.
Totally worth the read.
January 28, 2019
Such a terrific quick read...love and loss and joy and pain - all mixed in together with an interesting perspective on what beauty is and is not. Please do be aware there is suffering and sadness (and a vividly rendered villain) intertwined with hope and rejoicing. I truly enjoyed reading this and highly recommend it.
It was my pleasure to receive this ARC and give my honest review.
It was my pleasure to receive this ARC and give my honest review.
January 12, 2019
Very enjoyable book, a twist for a love story with a happy ending. I love Ms. Johnson's style of writing, the unoffensive language and story. It is refreshing to read something without all the cuss words and steamy sex scenes. The characters are lovable and feel almost like friends.
January 27, 2019
Similar to a fairytale you may have read before. Magic, beautiful birds and a powerful message.
Read my full review on my blog by clicking here!
I liked the story and I am interested to read the next book in this new Fae series.
Read my full review on my blog by clicking here!
I liked the story and I am interested to read the next book in this new Fae series.
January 26, 2019
I enjoyed this book. It isn't your typical fantasy romance. I like that the setting is not reminiscent of medieval Europe, but something closer to Hawaii. The characters are interesting and believable, and the plot resolves nicely. I'd like to visit them again in another book and see what happens to them.
August 8, 2019
Somehow, I got the wrong idea about what sort of story this was. What it is is a very well told fairy tail. For a fairy tail, the characters were quite well rounded with enough depth to keep the story engaging.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews