I would have to agree with a goodreads reviewer who described The Princess Plot as “one part political drama, one part mystery, and one part fairy tale.” My first impression of the Pepto-Bismol pink covered book with its sparkles and skull was that I was in store for a cotton candy like read with very little substance. Truth be told, I under-estimated this book which strived to be more than just another princess story.
Initially all the usual elements existed but then there were twists and turns I never saw coming! Written by Kirsten Boie who has recently won the prestigious German Youth Literature Award and translated from German, The Princess Plot is suitable for readers age 8 and older and at almost 400 pages, is a hefty read.
It’s also a detailed read, with imaginary countries, lots of characters with lots of subplots, and secrets that just keep revealing more questions. Jenna and her best friend, Bea, decide to audition for a movie that has unexpectedly come to town. Jenna is surprised to be chosen even though she considers Bea to be the prettier and smarter choice. Before she can even call her overprotective mother to get permission, she’s whisked away to the country of Scandia to immediately start “practicing” for the role by pretending to be the Scandian Princess in front of the unsuspecting townspeople.
Thanks to the lifetime of etiquette teaching she received from her mother, a manners and etiquette coach, Jenna assumes the role perfectly and is sympathetic to the princess who has been recently orphaned.
But after accidentally hearing some hushed conversations behind closed doors and too many comments that don’t add up, Jenna begins to realize she is a pawn in something much larger. She becomes aware of civil unrest in the country, and that the regent and his advisors are up to no good. It becomes apparent that the princess is missing and that her disappearance has something to do with the rebels in the North who are fighting for fair treatment.
This story has confusing moments when it switches narratives to follow different characters and is soon cluttered with people and politics including the rebel forces, conspiracy, kidnappings, disguises, bombings, lies, and family secrets. The reader often finds themselves many steps ahead of Jenna as she unravels clues and discovers her true identity.
Some parents and educators may be concerned by the frequency that killing a character “who knows too much” is discussed in the story but it never goes into any detail.
My daughter and I really enjoyed this story. I appreciated being surprised by the substance of the book that would still appeal to girls who love the fairy tale genre.
GENRE: Fairytale
