Poppy's Peril

The Tales of Ambia #3

by Allison Tebo

Princess Poppy doesn’t feel very royal, and she certainly doesn’t feel ready to marry. But when her father decides that a marriage to a foreign duke would benefit their small kingdom, Poppy obeys.

Stepping into an unknown world full of hidden dangers, Poppy must navigate betrayals she never anticipated and discover the inherent royalty and strength within her own heart.


A companion novelette to A Royal Masquerade.

Genres: Fantasy, Fairy Tales, Retellings, Young Adult, Middle Grade, Fairy Tale Retellings, Animals

102 pages, ebook

Published April 24, 2020

About the author

I am no longer accepting friend requests, but do feel free to follow.


Allison Tebo is a Christian writer committed to creating magical stories full of larger-than-life characters, a dash of grit, and plenty of laughs. She is the author of Break the Beast, an epic fantasy retelling of Beowulf, and the Tales of Ambia, a series of romantic comedy retellings of popular fairy tales. Her flash fiction has been published in magazines such as SplicketySpark and Saddlebag Dispatches and her short stories have been featured in anthologies by Inklings Press, Rogue Blades Entertainment, Pole to Pole Publishing, Editing Mee, Dragon Soul Press, and Ye Olde Dragons Publishing.

Allison also writes under the pseudonym Al Thibeaux and co-runs the speculative fiction e-zine Worlds of Adventure.

Allison graduated with merit from London Art College after studying cartooning and children’s illustration and, when not creating new worlds with words or paint, she enjoys reading, baking, and making lists.

You can find out more about her work at https://allisonteboauthor.com/ or follow her on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/allisonteboauthor/

Reviews

[Thibault Busschots · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a companion story to A Royal Masquerade that serves as a prequel. But it’s definitely recommended to read the previous book first.


A princess from a very small and poor country is sent away by her father to marry a foreign duke. She knows it’s for the good of her people. But that doesn’t mean she’s looking forward to marrying a stranger in another country.


The interesting thing here is that in the first book in the series - The Reluctant Godfather - there was a perfect balance between fairy tale drama and comedy. For her next story, Allison Tebo decided to divide it in two books. The first part relied heavily on comedy and was rather lighthearted. This second part focuses a lot more on the drama and is much more serious in tone. Because it’s these events that lead up to the previous book. This story exists to fill in the gaps of the previous book.


What I really like in this book is that, because we know there’s a happy ending waiting for Poppy, we’re allowed this darker and more gripping side story of loneliness and betrayal. And I have to admit, I personally like this one a bit more. Even if it is quite a bit shorter. But this story wouldn’t have been as impactful if you were to place it in the beginning of the previous book. The latter part of the previous book would have suffered from it, because the twists wouldn’t work so well. And because these two complimentary tales are so different in tone, both stories wouldn’t work so well when you put them together in one book.

[Allison Tebo]

AND THE AUDIOBOOK IS NOW LIVE, FOLKS! My incredible narrator absolutely BLEW ME AWAY with how she brought my girl Poppy to life. I hope you'll give it a listen!

https://www.audible.com/pd/Poppys-Per...

CONTENT OF POSSIBLE CONCERN: Readers who are sensitive may find this book a little dark or sad. Readers who are accustomed to giving the previous Tales of Ambia books to their children or little siblings, may want to read this book before giving it to them to see if it's appropriate. The following cautions contain minor spoilers for the story. The main character endures a great deal of emotional and psychological torment throughout the book. She is mocked and called names. She is forced to bow to someone and is shoved on her face, along with other humiliations. There is an intense scene involving actions and several people are shot with arrows. Emotional abuse from a parent is hinted at. One character hits a girl with a riding group while another man holds her.



Also, one last thing you need to know -


Please read A Royal Masquerade before you read Poppy's Peril, otherwise you will horribly spoil yourself. 😂

[Mary Herceg · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Summary:

A young princess struggles with an unpleasant future while she strives to serve and care for the people of her tiny country as best she can. But when danger strikes, threatening her life and the lives of the few people who value her, her loyalty to the people she leads is put to the test, and her courage is pressed to the breaking point. She must either crumble under the pressure--or rise to meet the hardship, using all the strength she has. But how can she, when she feels inadequate?

This is Poppy’s story--a story of true nobility, true character, and true courage--and of true hope that defies darkness, even when it seems all hope is lost. It’s the story of a young woman who finds incredible strength and courage when she thinks she has none--of a princess who stays true to those who serve her in the face of betrayal--and of a heroine who forges on, even when she’s pressed to give up.

This adventurous, exciting, profound, and heartwarming fairy tale retelling, Poppy’s Peril, is a new novelette to accompany and follow the two previous Tales of Ambia novellas, The Reluctant Godfather and A Royal Masquerade.

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Note: Because this book is the third publication in a series, the end of this review contains a guide to the proper reading order for the Tales of Ambia series. Read on for the full explanation, but here’s a quick summary. First-time readers should always, always read the Tales of Ambia in this order:
1. The Reluctant Godfather
2. A Royal Masquerade
3. Poppy’s Peril

Be warned, there are minor spoilers ahead for Poppy’s Peril and A Royal Masquerade! If you’re already an Ambia fan, or even if you’re not, perhaps you’d prefer to read this review after you read this book--and the ones before it. If you don’t mind, then read on! I’ve also reviewed the first two books in the series. Within this review, there’s also a note on content for young or sensitive readers, or for their parents.

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My Review:

I am so, so excited for this book to be released to the world and its readers, at long last. It’s finally published!! I’ve been waiting with joyous anticipation for years, ever since I found out Poppy’s Peril was going to be written--and even more after I beta read it more recently.

The journey of this book’s creation has been a long and difficult one, like Poppy’s own. But this precious story has emerged and now shines--and it’s ready to meet readers who will be encouraged by Poppy’s story, just as I have been.

Poppy and her story mean so much to me. When I first read A Royal Masquerade, the second book in the Tales of Ambia series, I was drawn to Poppy immediately. I saw myself in her, fell in love with her, and deeply appreciated her. And as I’ve read more and more of her story, that fierce love and affection for this wonderful character has only grown.

I am like Poppy in more ways than one. In fact, she’s one of only three fictional characters whom I feel represent my own character and personality overall and in general, even if there are many who are a tiny bit like me in smaller ways, and whom I love dearly. But I have a special love for Poppy--and a special connection with her, which I didn’t anticipate before I met her.

I love Poppy’s compassionate heart, unfailing kindness, gentle grace, sacrificial love, selfless service, steadfast loyalty, unflinching courage, and fiery spirit. I love that she’s soft and sweet and always loving towards those around her--but always ready to fight with incredible fierceness in defense of the people she loves so deeply. She’s even very skilled in her weapon of choice, from years of practice defending her sheep in her rugged home country--yes, she’s a shepherdess as well as a princess!

But I think what I admire most is Poppy’s unfailing hope. No matter what happens, no matter how dark things get, she refuses to lose hope, and refuses to back down, give up, or lose her determination to endure, even when she must adapt to disastrous circumstances. Poppy has a joyful, hopeful outlook on life, even though life has not always been kind to her in the past--and is not in the present. Because we see her story through her eyes, that perspective colors all of Poppy’s Peril. For me, that makes it an overwhelmingly uplifting story, despite her hardship. That won’t be true for everyone, given the darker tone and events of this book, but it certainly is for me.

Poppy is a true princess--full of nobility, strong moral character, and gracious spirit. She doubts herself and wonders if she will live up to her calling as a princess, especially when she’s tested in the fire of adversity. But she rises to the challenge even when she thinks she can’t, and she stays true to her duty as a princess and her loyalty toward the people who are faithful to her. A great weight rests on her shoulders, a weight she doesn’t believe she’s strong enough to bear. But she is strong enough--and the only way to find out is to carry on.

It’s a wonderful thing to watch Poppy grow from a timid girl into a young woman with the makings of a noble leader. The best part is that the change feels real and believable--she doesn’t suddenly become a different person. We get to watch her take the first difficult steps on her journey, and we cheer her on.

Before Poppy’s Peril existed, I enjoyed reading the next episode of her journey in A Royal Masquerade, in which she receives a happy ending. (But A Royal Masquerade should be read before this one, even though it follows Poppy’s Peril chronologically. Read the end of my review for an explanation.)

I’m waiting with great longing and anticipation to read the rest of Poppy’s story in future Ambia books--along with that of the original and beloved main characters of the Tales of Ambia series.

Poppy inspires me. I admire her courage, resilience, gentle spirit, kindness, empathy, resolve, and determination. And much more. She inspires me to strive for those qualities, while overcoming my insecurity and fear that mirror Poppy’s own. She embodies the type of noble maiden or princess I admired as a child and still aspire to be as an adult--because of their strong and beautiful character qualities, not their social status. This is the sort of story and character I would have loved to have read as a young teenager, and that I enjoy just as much now, even though it didn’t exist a few years ago. I also can’t wait to share it with other young girls in my life--and most boys who like to read would enjoy the series just as much!

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Poppy herself is the most wonderful part of her story, for me personally. But a close second is her relationships and the people she holds dear. I adore them so much!!

Poppy is a lonely princess, with not many people she can call her friends--if any. She longs for that to change--and someday it will, but not yet.

But at the beginning of her story, there are a faithful few who are loyal to her and close to her--people she loves dearly and deeply, and who return that love.

One is her closest companion--a darling, adorable character whom we met in A Royal Masquerade. I can’t reveal the identity of this character without major spoilers--which I refuse to unveil. But I’ll just say that Poppy couldn’t ask for a more loving and faithful companion and friend! This friend is also full of unique and delightful personality, and I’m delighted every time they’re mentioned. They’re just plain cute, besides, and they make me smile and squeal!

(Minor spoilers, here!) The other person who is loyal and true is Poppy’s faithful guard, Sven. He can’t be called a friend, exactly--but he’s a faithful companion, for sure--and a father figure. Oh, Sven! I adore him so much. He’s the steady rock and protector Poppy needs, and an inspiring influence. I won’t say more about Sven--because it’s best to read the book and see for yourself--but I adore both of them and every aspect of their familial relationship. They’re amazing.

And as to my experience reading about these characters, it takes a lot to get me to squeal over a character or relationship, and to feel deep emotion reading it--but this happened with Poppy’s Peril, for sure--especially because of Poppy’s relationships and Poppy herself. Using the language I used in the previous paragraph is the subtle evidence of how much I adore this story and these characters--enough to talk about it with more emotion than I usually choose to display in a formal review. I consider myself a very sensible person most of the time. I’m definitely capable of fangirling and squealing, but only over the most special things--and Poppy’s Peril is one of those things (along with the Tales of Ambia in general).

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Then there are the antagonistic characters. . . . I can’t say much about them without spoilers, but let’s just say they’re very effective antagonists! As I read, I was amazed at the vivid and real portrayal of their interactions and relationship with Poppy. I became visibly and audibly angry at them at some points, which is a very agonizing thing as a reader--and very high praise from the standpoint of experiencing a quality story. If something in a book fills me with that kind of rage (at the characters, especially antagonists--not the book or author), that means it feels real to me and gives me real emotions, even though I know it’s fictional.

However, I’ll follow that with a content note for young or sensitive readers (or anyone considering giving this book to a young reader). This episode of the Tales of Ambia is much darker and heavier than the previous books in the series--though of course it’s still light, wholesome, and hopeful overall (and in comparison to most books). There’s no inappropriate content or excessive violence. But there is definitely danger, peril, and moderate violence. Some specific examples of this: (MAJOR SPOILERS ahead . . .) A battle and attack are shown. Characters we love are shot with arrows, and blood is briefly mentioned, but no one dies. However, the antagonists do threaten death to the protagonist and captured supporting characters, in a menacing way. The young female protagonist fears, expects, and accepts that the evil villain intends to harm her, and may later kill her and others she cares about. (This is explicitly mentioned only once that I recall, but it’s subtly implied at other times.) END SPOILER

The author has said that it’s a way to ease readers into the next chapter of the Tales of Ambia series--one that will be slightly darker and more mature, while still keeping the clean, wholesome standard of the Ambia we know and love.

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My Recommendation:

Poppy’s Peril is profound, incredibly sweet, and deeply touching. It’s a quiet tale but also an intense adventure, alternating between contemplation and riveting action. I’m so pleased to be able to share it with the world at long last! I hope you’ll join Poppy on her journey, along with me.

I highly recommend this young adult fairy tale retelling to anyone who enjoys kingdom fantasy, fairy tales, adventure, and strong, gentle, endearing female characters. It’s suitable for adults, teens, and most preteens, though very young or sensitive readers should be aware of the content and tone I mentioned above.

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And I sincerely hope you’ll give the whole Tales of Ambia series a try, in order, if you haven’t yet! It begins with The Reluctant Godfather followed by A Royal Masquerade, and the series is best read in publication order--see my note below.

Poppy’s Peril is the origin story of one of the characters in A Royal Masquerade, and existing fans should know that the primary characters of the first two books are not present. But take my word for it--the protagonist of Poppy’s Peril is delightful, and she carries the book all on her own! She’s enjoyable and she’s enough--so much that I didn’t ever miss Burndee while reading her story. Even if you do miss Burndee, take heart! He’ll be returning for more adventures, along with his other friends, never fear.

If you haven’t yet ventured into the world of Ambia by reading the series, the first two books are a combination of the immense heart displayed in Poppy’s Peril, but with immense hilarity and humor as well. Like Poppy’s Peril, they are fairy tale retellings, but unlike Poppy’s story, they’re of the romantic comedy variety. Poppy’s Peril may not be especially comedic or romantic, but it is precious and wonderful because of everything I described in my review above--and it needs nothing more nor less.

*

A note on reading order for the Tales of Ambia series:

To summarize, first-time readers should always, always read the Tales of Ambia in this order:

1. The Reluctant Godfather
2. A Royal Masquerade
3. Poppy’s Peril

The order above is publication order as well as proper reading order. However, it gets a little tricky because the chronological order is different.

There are currently three published books in the Tales of Ambia series. The first two books, The Reluctant Godfather and A Royal Masquerade, are novellas featuring the same central characters. Poppy’s Peril, the newest Ambia adventure, is a companion novelette that accompanies these two novellas (especially A Royal Masquerade).

The Reluctant Godfather should always be read first--it’s the first book in every respect. If you haven’t read it, you’re in for such a treat!

A Royal Masquerade comes next in publication order and proper reading order, and it should be read after the first book, The Reluctant Godfather. (Don’t read it before the first book, please! It will affect your enjoyment of both books.)

Poppy’s Peril is the most recent publication. As the third book in the series, it should be read after both of the previously published novellas. To read Poppy’s Peril before A Royal Masquerade will ruin or spoil many of the biggest plot events in A Royal Masquerade.

However, Poppy’s Peril is technically a prequel that happens before the events of A Royal Masquerade. In this case, reading order is different from chronological order, and I can’t stress enough how important it is to read Poppy’s Peril after A Royal Masquerade, not before--despite the chronological order of events.

I’m know that explanation will be helpful to many readers who want to know where to begin!

*

FTC Disclosure: I had the honor of beta reading this book. I also received an advanced copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.. I was not obligated to provide a positive review, and all opinions are my own.

[Lindsey (Books for Christian Girls) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars ✨ Clean Fiction - Prologue story to a Fairytale Retelling

Perhaps it’s because I already know what happens to Poppy after this short story, but it never felt super heavy or sad even though Poppy does go through some periling events in this story. I really liked her, her attitude, and the author’s whimsical writing style.

I listened to the audiobook and completed it as I worked on dinner and then cleaning up the kitchen. The timing worked out perfect! The narrator of the audiobook made this feel like an old Barbie movie and I loved that! Particularly when Poppy would speak. I’m definitely going to see what else she was done because I enjoyed her narration.

I’m almost tempted to reread A Royal Masquerade again since that’s technically set after the events in this book, but since I just read that one, I probably won’t and will move on to the novella/short story collection soon. I can completely see why the author suggests this as the third book in the series to be read after A Royal Masquerade and I would have to agree with that order!



Main Content-
Only magic content is a magical creature/animal that is Poppy’s dearest friend (which the only magic we hear about Meck the cutie doing is keeping a small flower garden blooming all year long for Poppy); Poppy lifts her head to the stars/sky and whispers a promise; A mention of gossip/a story that tells about a forest full of “ghosts, immortal spirits who have been preying upon travelers for hundreds of years”.

Poppy comments on evil by thinking: “She knew evil existed in the world, but she had never looked into its eyes before. It wasn’t at all like the evil in stories, where villains stalked across the pages in grand displays of destruction. Evil was merely ordinary individuals who chose to let bitterness and envy twist them into monsters.”


Poppy’s father has been harsh to her and she recalls him yelling at her (he was disappointed about the wife he gained in a political marriage dying in childbirth with Poppy and has had no use for her until she became of age to have her own political marriage); Poppy has always felt different from others in her country because of her mixed heritage and has longed to have a place where she belongs; A dwarf says he has been the freak in a traveling sideshow and has bitterness towards royals and the wealthy.

No language stronger than ‘stupid’ and ‘shut up’.

Pain, Injuries, Being attacked, Being tied-up, Held at knife-point, & Being threatened; Fighting in self-defense & Knocking others out (with a rock and a club, up to a few sentences); *Spoilers, technically, but not if you’ve read A Royal Masquerade* Poppy and her group are attacked by bandits with some of her guards being injured, shot with arrows, and held hostage as a threat for her to listen; Meck the magical creature is also threatened at knife-point to get Poppy to give her promise to the plan about another impersonating her; She thinks she’s going to die at one point; Poppy fights back in self-defense, but she is held at knife-point and tied-up as well (all lasting a handful of sentences at most in details); *End of Spoilers*; Poppy wishes to punch someone for what the person is doing & goes to lunge at the person while threatening to kill the person.

Many mentions of bandits; Mentions of injuries, pain, blood/bleeding, hostages, being tied-up, & threats of harming others; A few mentions of hatred; A mention of an animal possibly being tortured; A mention of Poppy crushing a snake’s head when one threatened her lamb; A mention of vomiting.


Poppy blushes when discussing boys and future husbands with her lady’s maid as she’s never thought about boys (due to thinking of it as a silly pastime and being too busy to waste her thoughts on such things).

[Joellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poppy’s Peril was a terrific addition to The Tales of Ambia. These books are an exact reflection of the grace and grit of its author, Allison.

I love its theme of a Hope that defies all odds. For isn’t that the struggle we all are fighting? May we all find a little Poppy on the inside when we need it most <3

[M Shen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect addition to the Tales of Ambia series <3

As usual, Allison's writing is beautiful. I love her style, so familiar and welcoming from the beginning, and it pulls you right in. She really brought out the feels in this particular story.

Poppy is the sweetest main character! I really enjoyed getting to know her and I hope she appears more in the future! The other characters were wonderful as well, especially the guards.

All in all, this was wonderful and I can't wait to read what comes along next! My only complaint is that it ended too soon. I'm eagerly anticipating returning to this world. Definitely read the first two books in this series before picking this up-- you won't regret it ;)

*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. A positive review was not required; all views and opinions expressed are my own.*

[Eva-Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poppy wrung her hands and tried to tell herself that this was just a mountain: it could be climbed. It was just a storm: she could survive it.

Princess Poppy is travelling through Ambia on her way to an arranged marriage with an Ambian duke when everything goes very, very wrong. The title is spot-on, as Poppy finds herself in extremely (and increasingly) perilous circumstances. What I loved most about this story is the characters: Poppy is a wonderful heroine, a princess with a true heart for her people, a young woman with the ability to find her courage in a terrible situation. Poppy's loyal guards (both human and *cough* not human) were also stand-out characters. Poppy's Peril is a tense, moving novella that ends with a bright burst of hope even in the darkness. I truly, thoroughly enjoyed this small-but-mighty story.

"A crown doesn't make a princess," Poppy whispered.

[S.G. Willoughby]

<3 This was great. It dealt with some harder parts of life, but that's beautiful and just what I needed.

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a different side of Ambia but the characters are still their courageous, whimsical selves. The story is darker, but that only makes the goodness shine out brighter. This precious story speaks to everyone who has been abused or misunderstood — really to anyone who has experienced any hard times in life — and offers hope. The world needs stories like this one!

[Michaela Bush · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the interesting way the story was set up; while it ends on SUCH a cliffhanger, we all know Poppy's gonna take care of business. Wonderful little story!

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is definitely a different vibe here than the other two.
I was glad for the Authors Note for perspective and certainly recommend reading book 2, A Royal Masquerade, first.
This was such a raw story. The author brought so many emotions! The dynamics of the characters was so well written!

In some ways Poppy reminded me of Ella, though bleaker. So… in some ways she didn’t appeal to me but she was more real in other ways because it was from her pov.

The lessons were powerful and I’m glad to have read this!

[Katie Hanna · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy in exchange for my honest review; and here is my honest review.

Poppy's Peril is not for me, and I didn't enjoy it.

Essentially, it takes our beloved Poppy, transports her back to the lowest point in her character arc, and shows her being abused and mistreated, unremittingly, for an entire story. There is no happy ending--no release--and thus, no resolution for my feelings of eXTREME RAGE AND ANGER AHEM at the way the villains treated her. My mood after I finished this story was very dark, and stayed dark for quite a while. That's never a good sign, for me.

I love and admire Poppy as a strong, unique heroine; but this is not how I wanted to spend more time with her, or with the world of Ambia. In fact, this is the opposite of what I wanted.

I understand Poppy's Peril is intended as a prelude to the even greater darkness of Allison's next book, the Little Red Riding Hood retelling; and that's fine; but it definitely means I shouldn't read the Red Riding Hood book, based on my reaction to this one.

[Els · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, Poppy, you absolute dear. It's good to get to know you. And your story couldn't have appeared at a better time.

(p.s. I love the guards. So much. So so much. So so so so much. If they don't appear in a sequel I will rage.)
(p.p.s. speaking of sequels, YES CYNTHIA. YOU DESERVED A CAMEO. BRAVO, DARLING.)

[Amelie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poppy is so sweet; I loved seeing more of her gentle and noble character. And I love Allison’s writing style; it’s bright and witty, vibrant and descriptive. While Poppy’s Peril isn’t as lighthearted as the previous two books, it’s still a nice addition to the Tales of Ambia series.

Content: mild violence

[Morgan Giesbrecht · Rating 4 out of 5]

While slightly darker and not as lighthearted as the other books in the Ambia series, this story provides interesting insight into Poppy’s background. I really enjoy her as a character, but I have to say, Sven and sweet little Meck have stolen my heart!

[E.F. Buckles · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOOHOO, I finally got a chance to read it! At the time of my writing this review, Poppy's Peril is only available on ebook and my only ereader is my phone. I'm soooo slooooow reading on my phone so I'm only able to chip slowly away at any ebook I get. It takes a good story for me to dedicate that time, but this is Allison, so c'mon, you KNOW it's going to be worth every minute.

As the author points out in her note at the start, Poppy's Peril is not a comedy like her previous two Tales of Ambia books. Poppy's story is a retelling of The Goose Girl, at the beginning of which, a princess is betrayed and taken captive by her own servant. Betrayal and captivity isn't exactly stuff to laugh about, so I appreciate Allison treating this portion of Poppy's story with the appropriate gravity. While it wasn't pleasant to watch Poppy suffer, I really liked what the suffering revealed about her character. She's a bit of a David-from-the-Bible type. Princess by vocation, shepherdess at heart. Some might see a character who gets captured and forced into the situation from The Goose Girl as weak or easily controlled, but that wasn't the case at all. Poppy fought back where she could, and when that wasn't enough, she was internally strong. Determined to protect others where she could and control her attitude even when she couldn't her situation. I must say that Poppy's loyal guards are GOOD BOYS WHO DESERVE CAKE FROM BURNDEE.

I appreciate how, despite being short, this story added depth to the characters and the world. Also, this made me want to go read A Royal Masquerade again, so I may just have to do that, soon! 5 stars.

[Angela R. Watts]

I had the honor of being an alpha reader. ♥

[Lemon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Because it deserves 5 stars

Positives: CHARACTERS. Goodness, you only get a story that's maybe a 40 minute read but you get such good characterization through subtle ways...smiles, looks, words. No big actions needed, though they are there and given due importance. And pacing was exactly like Allison Tebo said, a walk in the forest. Slow but without dragging or stunting development or setting. Also, the antagonists were properly nasty and that makes reading the previous book (this is a prequel that should be read after Book 2) much more satisfying. All right, there's probably more positives I missed but I'll stop now...

Negatives: Emmm...I mean. It's...short? But that's not really a problem considering, as I said before, this is a prequel sequel and you get the proper ending in the precious book which you should have read? Perhaps the villains aren't as 3d as you'd like? Honestly, though, they are still incredibly human. So I guess no true unbiased negatives I could give here...

Opinion: Whyyyyyyyy???? I mean, I'm so glad I know the story's conclusion but still, WHY? I loved getting into Poppy's head and having that sweet heroine whose strength lies in her meekness and consideration for others rather than needing to be the sarcastic, take-what's-mine type. Also, I really loved reading a short novella that neither felt abrupt nor too fast and was a proper background story. My only discrepancy is that now I want more of these books...*glances subtly at author* any chance of getting an early preview of what's to come? 😇

Overall...I think this author and her story was great (and I hope to get Burndee more, too XD)! Can't believe prickly, picky, persnickety, judgy me didn't find negatives...

Content: no romance (yay). A bit of violence but nothing gruesome. Which is to say, on a scale from slapstick to Game of Thrones, it veered in the serious but not gory or crude area. Allusions to emotional trauma/abuse

[Ashley Stangl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this. It added surprising depth to the story of "A Royal Masquerade" and clarified a few of that book's plot points. Poppy proved to be a strong, relatable princess with a unique background, and I loved seeing the story through her eyes. Though it ends at a dark place, I found the ending surprisingly satisfying; Poppy's concern for her friends and her quiet strength make her a heroine to root for (and make me relieved that we've already seen how her story ends).

[Ellen Senechal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhhh, this was so good. Sad, too, but . . . WOW. <3

[Mary Emma Sivils · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very short, but an interesting glimpse into some of the events leading up to A Royal Masquerade!

[Hannah Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Ambia came to me right when I needed it most. If you loved the lighthearted romp that was a Royal Masquerade, you need to see the other side of that coin. Poppy’s Peril gives us a peek behind the curtain of the events that led to A Royal Masquerade, and in doing so, lets us into the pain behind the laughter, the struggle behind the victory.

And Poppy. Oh gracious how I loved her. The world needs more heroines like Poppy.

Princess Poppy is not an ordinary princess, but she’s everything a heroine ought to be: kind, good hearted, and brave. She’s hardworking and caring, and even when her life is in peril, her first thoughts are of those she cares about. Poppy’s strength is not, like so many YA heroines, in her ability to hold her own in a fight, but instead to remain stalwart and hopeful, even with the world going to pieces around her.


Favorite quote:
“Poppy wrung her hands and tried to tell herself that this was just a mountain: it could be climbed. It was just a storm: she could survive it.”

Write on, Allison. The world needs your stories.

[Helena George · Rating 4 out of 5]

POOR POOR POPPY

I mean, I know her story's ending. But it still hurt to read this. Wish I could make her a nice cup of tea and some snickerdoodles or something and tell her everything will be alright. :)

[Sierra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loyal Royal Princess

Though Amazon says this is book #3 of the series, this is actually more like #2.5.

This short story follows the princess of a nearby country to Ambia and her trip to the wedding venue we see in A Royal Masquerade.

This shows us the beginning to the Goose Girl story in more depth than we hear in A Royal Masquerade. Though I’ve read a few retellings of this tale, this story is unique in it having a different animal companion than usual and the way that the servant tricks the princess was interesting as well!

For those of you who don’t know the tale, here’s the basic premise of it:

A princess is on her way to get married in another country (generally to a prince, but not always). With her is her guards, (or only) her lady-in-waiting/servant and an animal companion. On the way there is an uprising and those loyal to the princess are subdued. The princess is then forced to switch clothes with her servant and to pretend to be the servant while the servant gets to be the princess. The servant is generally cruel and hateful towards the princess as well as her faithful animal companion who doesn’t care for the false princess. (<—- this is where this short story ends; A Royal Masquerade has the full story after the main characters discover the true princess) The servant also wants the princess to be humiliated and out of her way. So the princess goes from pretending to be a servant/lady-in-waiting to being a goose girl (someone who cares for the geese).

At some point, someone discovers that something is off about either the imposter princess or the goose girl (generally it has something to do with the animal companion and how they act with the 2 girls) and confronts the goose girl. Generally, the goose girl is unable to speak of the treachery of her servant or her true identity due to an oath, threats, or even a spell. But the person who questions her finds a way to figure out the truth. Once this happens, the imposter is revealed and the princess is restored to her position.

There is more to the original story, but this is where this version of the story ends in comparison with the original.

[Sharla · Rating 3 out of 5]

I give this 3.5 stars! I must say, I read "The Royal Masquerade" last year. But this time I read Poppy's Peril first and then I read "The Royal Masquerade" and I thought it was even better that way.

Why?

Well I don't think Poppy's Peril works well as a standalone book, and neither does "The Royal Masquerade" they each felt like half of a book (partly because they're so short, but also in terms of the plot etc.). When you put them together however....it's wonderful! Suddenly I had so much more context (and actually cared) about Poppy. Whereas before when I read the Royal Masquerade I didn't care too much about Poppy, because I didn't know that much about Poppy so I just wasn't invested in her character. Also, it just flowed really well to read them together as "one book." And I don't think it spoiled the suprise too much either, because the second half is from Bernadine's point of view, so you get a fresh perspective of Poppy.

All this to say, I would read "Poppy's Peril" and "The Royal Masquerade" as if they were one book versus two separate books, it made it immensely better (in my oh so humble opinion) and the plot characters make more sense as well.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick and easy read, if not the merry madcap sort of story that readers of the Tales of Ambia series have come to expect. Not to fear, though. Allison Tebo proves that she is every bit as adept at handling serious themes as she is whipping up more light-hearted confections. Poppy's Peril makes for a poignant and thoughtful addition to the Ambian treasury.

As a lover of fairy tales, I have greatly enjoyed this series and look forward to discovering what Miss Tebo has in store for us next.

[Judith A · Rating 3 out of 5]

not much of a book

This story tells what happened to Poppy prior to the story Royal Masquerade. There’s not much to it. It ends very abruptly. It almost seems it would have been better inserted into Royal Masquerade somehow. I won’t say where I think it would fit best because, if you haven’t read Royal Masquerade yet, it would be a spoiler. Except, I really don’t think it would be. Everyone knows the fairy tale Royal Masquerade was taken from. So, insert it into the other story. If you want to make it really easy, put it at the beginning of the other story.

[Merenwen Inglorion · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a welcome bit of character backstory. Much more serious in tone than Allison Tebo’s other works, this story follows Poppy as she navigates betrayal, and her private fears. She was having a hard enough time with the latter, and then she had to deal with the former, the poor dear...
She is a very sympathetic character, and I enjoyed getting to know her better.

[Cara (Wilde Book Garden) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Not my favorite in the series. I like Poppy, but I don't feel this novelette really added anything to the story? And I'm not the biggest fan of the way the princess/bloodline things are talked about sometimes.

Still enjoy the writing and world though, so am looking forward to continuing the series.

CW: Violence

[Evie Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Poppy’s Peril” is a companion book to “A Royal Masquerade” (sequel to “The Reluctant Godfather”) and follows one of the main characters before we meet them in “A Royal Masquerade“. The main character is a princess who is betrayed by some of her acquaintances and forced to trade places with one of them. Since this is a christian author, the only thing I didn’t like is that I wished it was longer!