Princess of the Midnight Ball

Summary: Rose and her eleven sisters have been condemned to dance every night in the palace of the King Under Stone. When Galen, a solider just returned from war, finds out about the curse, he becomes bent on helping the princesses. Using wool, herbs, and silver knitting needles, they strive to break the curse.

My Review: I read this book within a couple days of checking it out, and it is probably my favorite book by Jessica Day George. Even though the romance is a big part of the story, it isn’t descriptive and it’s clean, which is unusual in YA fairy tales. The plot has unique magic that is based in real things such as herbs. This book has historical hints to it, such as excommunications and people facing death because of supposed witchcraft (they don’t actually use witchcraft). I love the characters and all the different personalities of the sisters. 

My Takeaway: This story is about the strength of love and family, and it is a wonderful re-telling of  The Twelve Dancing Princesses. Parents might want to be aware that the villain uses black magic, although it has nothing to do with Satan or devils, and that the Princesses are accused of using witchcraft, which they are not doing. 

Romance: Mild. Important part of the story, but clean and not descriptive. A kiss at the end.

Nudity: None.

Language: Mentions of swearing.

Alcohol/drugs/smoking: None

Violence: Mild, some fighting towards the end.

Darkness: Mild, the concept of the King Under Stone is a little dark, and he uses black magic (has nothing to do with the devil, spirits, or anything else in that vein).

Bad Messages: Mentions of Christianity in relation to magic, such as silver being blessed by a bishop having magical powers. Princess accused of witchcraft (they aren’t actually using black magic).

Good Messages: Good vs. Evil, the bond between sisters.

Stars: 5