Princess of Glass by Jessica Day George

(I had the worst time trying to write my own summary.)

From Goodreads:
Hoping to escape the troubles in her kingdom, Princess Poppy reluctantly agrees to take part in a royal exchange program, whereby young princes and princesses travel to each other’s countries in the name of better political alliances—and potential marriages. It’s got the makings of a fairy tale—until a hapless servant named Eleanor is tricked by a vengeful fairy godmother into competing with Poppy for the eligible prince. Ballgowns, cinders, and enchanted glass slippers fly in this romantic and action-packed happily-ever-after quest from an author with a flair for embroidering tales in her own delightful way.

Christian couldn't help laughing as he guided their steps toward a severe-looking figure in judge's robes with a noose tied to his waist.  For one thing,... it was just like Poppy to be jealous that her weapon was smaller.  p.198 ARC

As you may or may not know, I am a lover of all things fairy tales especially reimaginings of the classics so Princess of Glass is right up my alley.  It is definitely not the same old Cinderella tale and borrows a bit from the Twelve Dancing Princesses since Poppy was one of those same princesses.  But all that happened in the first book, Princess of the Midnight Ball which I have yet to read, but definitely will soon.  They call this one a companion to the first book, but it is more of an indirect sequel.

Poppy is a feisty and fun princess and I admired her willpower to be free and yet be a princess at the same time.  I felt so sorry for her and her sisters for what they endured and I was tickled by her friendship with Christian.  They are such a cute couple and I liked how their romance was allowed to grow naturally.

The twist on the Cinderella story was interesting and it felt more like an original fairy tale before the Grimms took hold.  It was darker and much eerier.  The Cinderella character, Ellen, had a similar background but there were no ugly stepsisters.  She is taken in by an evil witch who uses her to exact a revenge of sorts.  It was all very cool and the glass slippers were really horrible.  That was a great idea.

I look forward to reading more by Jessica Day George if all her books are like this one.

Provided by Traveling ARC Tours
Publish Date: May 25, 2010
Hogwarts: Charms
YA