What do you think?
Rate this book
Fairy Tale Princesses
A True Princess
Twelve-year-old Lilia is not a very good servant. In fact, she's terrible! She daydreams, she breaks dishes, and her cooking is awful. Still, she hardly deserves to be sold off to the mean-spirited miller and his family. Refusing to accept that dreadful fate, she decides to flee. With her best friend, Kai, and his sister, Karina, beside her, Lilia heads north to find the family she's never known. But danger awaits. . . . As their quest leads the threesome through the mysterious and sinister Bitra Forest, they suddenly realize they are lost in the elves' domain. To Lilia's horror, Kai falls under an enchantment cast by the Elf King's beautiful daughter. The only way for Lilia to break the spell and save Kai is to find a jewel of ancient power that lies somewhere in the North Kingdoms. Yet the jewel will not be easy to find. The castle where it is hidden has been overrun with princess hopefuls trying to pass a magical test that will determine the prince's new bride. Lilia has only a few days to search every inch of the castle and find the jewel—or Kai will be lost to her forever.
192 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 2010
19 people are currently reading
2,042 people want to read
About the author
Diane Zahler
16Ìýbooks238ÌýfollowersI grew up reading children's books and never wanted to do anything but write them. I'm the author of nine middle grade novels, and my newest book is a historical novel called WILD BIRD. I live in the country with my husband and very enthusiastic dog Jinx. Visit my website at .
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 173 reviews
March 27, 2019
Despite the fact that the Princess and the Pea is my favorite fairy tale, I somehow missed reading this one. I think the 2011 publishing date probably explains why. It was a transitional season for me.
At any rate, I stumbled upon A True Princess and decided to give it a try! Short, sweet, and satisfying. My younger self would have loved it. (Albeit wanted more romantic development, something I still want.)
If you like books like , you will enjoy this one.
At any rate, I stumbled upon A True Princess and decided to give it a try! Short, sweet, and satisfying. My younger self would have loved it. (Albeit wanted more romantic development, something I still want.)
If you like books like , you will enjoy this one.
July 25, 2019
�'My dearest son, why do you hide?'
'Look, father, the Elf-King is close by our side!
Do you not see him, with crown and with train?'
'My son, 'tis the mist rising over the plain.'�
Lilia is a foundling come down the river in a basket and taken in by the shepherd Jorgen. Although she loves him and his children, Karina and Kai, she can never ignore the longing for her birth family. As she nears the suitable age of marriage, Jorgen's wife, who has been a terrible step-mother to Karina and Kai, decides to get rid of Lilia once and for all by selling her into marriage to the miller's son. Taking her fate into her own hands, Lilia runs away and sets out to find her real family. But she is much pleased when she finds that Karina and Kai have followed to support her. Now they face Bitra forest - home to the Elf-King and stealer of human children.
A True Princess reads much like its predecessor The Thirteenth Princess but with reversed strengths and weaknesses. Unlike the latter that has thirteen princesses to cover, this book focuses on a much smaller cast. It's easy to connect with Lilia, Karina and Kai as they set out on their journey to escape their step-mother's tyranny. Even so, the dynamics between the characters were much weaker than in The Thirteenth Princess where I felt the story was all about the relationships and interactions of the characters.
Lilia's story, on the other hand, is very much plot-driven - it is an adventure story which at times was reminiscent of Tolkien's world. Just for the adventure alone, this book was an absolute page-turner. Even with its 200-or-so pages, the world felt fleshed out with its lore and different kingdoms. As a result, this book felt a lot more magical than the previous one. It was everything I love about fantasy; an enchanted forest, knights, kingdoms and their people, lore and legends and ethereal beings such as elves who are both similar and dissimilar to the humankind. Although the elves were evil, I loved how the author captured their spirit.
The story also takes place near the time of midsummer night. With that, there were beautiful scenes of nightly wanderings within the half dark and dances around bonfires. This world is one I would love to read other books about as, while this one is set in summer, it strikes me as a winter-themed place with northern lights and shades of blue and violet. I also loved the inclusion of falcons - they were left a little underexplained but I think that added to their mysterious nature. What we do see is that they are proud creatures who do come to help those who deserve it.
So while I adored this world, there was not enough time for the characters and their relationships to develop. There are two romances but I couldn't really feel either of them. And almost more importantly, Lilia's reunion with her real family felt a bit lukewarm. That being said, it also didn't come as much of a surprise. This book felt very predictable and there were close to no elements of surprise. However, this is actually a retelling of The Princess and the Pea - something one wouldn't initially guess based on the plot summary. I think it's a more difficult tale to make a plausible retelling of and I think the author did a wonderful job of fleshing it out.
If you can forgive the underdeveloped romance and lack of surprising turn of events, and if you simply want to dive into a world full of magic, this one can be an incredibly fun read!
November 19, 2011
The more I look at the cover of A True Princess by Diane Zahler, the more I think this cover is really pretty. Friends, I’m really just attracted to bright colors, magpie syndrome and all. I guess I’m also really attracted to fairy tale retellings, especially when it’s an under the radar fairy tale. Zahler takes on The Princess And The Pea in A True Princess.
November 18, 2024
I love the old-fashioned feel of this retelling of The Princess and The Pea. It's sweet and whimsical. While some readers may want more romance, I thought it was just right for a story featuring a 12-year-old heroine. I particularly liked the ending where Lilia says, "It is not a dream. My life before this was the dream. This - this is the awakening."
January 26, 2011
There are several things in life that I find hard to resist: shoes, free books, and retellings of fairy tales. A True Princess (Diane Zahler) was a quaint retelling of the classic fairy tale “The Princess and the Pea.� Unlike the well-known fairy tale version, however, this retelling is packed full of adventure and “girl power."
The story begins when Lilia, the adventurous protagonist of the story, finds herself in a very difficult situation. She has to decide whether or not to run away from the only home and family she has ever known. If she stays, her stepmother will sell her to the local Miller. If she runs away, however, she will be on her own in a strange land without any protection. The decision may seem daunting to some, but Lilia does not falter from her choice: she will run away.
While on her way out of town, Lilia is met by her adopted brother and sister, Karina and Kai. The two siblings tracked Lilia easily using the family’s dog as their guide. Together, the three companions set out to find Lilia’s true parents. Unfortunately, their trip would not go as smoothly as they had planned. A close call with a group of robbers in Bitra Forest leaves the group lost in the Elf-King’s territory. Knowing the horrible danger they are in, they become even more distraught when Kai falls under the Elf-King’s daughter’s evil spell. Luckily, Lilia is a fast thinker. She makes a deal with the Elf-King, but he gives her only two weeks to carry out the bargain. Thus, Lilia and Karina find themselves posing as servants in the local castle while they desperately try to devise a plan to save Kai.
Keeping with the genre of fairy tale retellings, the remainder of the plot holds true to the story of “The Princess and the Pea.� However, there are a few twists in the new version. As the title hints, “a true princess� will be found; she’s just not what everyone expected. This retelling shows that a princess can come in any form. It’s very pleasing to find a strong female character for young readers. Lilia is confident, courageous, and loyal. All of her honorable traits become evident throughout the book, and develop to make her an enjoyable character. Also, the development of the characters is fantastic, and makes the reader imagine they are a third party in the conversations between Karina, Kai, and Lilia. Fans of fantasy and fairy tales will enjoy this novel.
The story begins when Lilia, the adventurous protagonist of the story, finds herself in a very difficult situation. She has to decide whether or not to run away from the only home and family she has ever known. If she stays, her stepmother will sell her to the local Miller. If she runs away, however, she will be on her own in a strange land without any protection. The decision may seem daunting to some, but Lilia does not falter from her choice: she will run away.
While on her way out of town, Lilia is met by her adopted brother and sister, Karina and Kai. The two siblings tracked Lilia easily using the family’s dog as their guide. Together, the three companions set out to find Lilia’s true parents. Unfortunately, their trip would not go as smoothly as they had planned. A close call with a group of robbers in Bitra Forest leaves the group lost in the Elf-King’s territory. Knowing the horrible danger they are in, they become even more distraught when Kai falls under the Elf-King’s daughter’s evil spell. Luckily, Lilia is a fast thinker. She makes a deal with the Elf-King, but he gives her only two weeks to carry out the bargain. Thus, Lilia and Karina find themselves posing as servants in the local castle while they desperately try to devise a plan to save Kai.
Keeping with the genre of fairy tale retellings, the remainder of the plot holds true to the story of “The Princess and the Pea.� However, there are a few twists in the new version. As the title hints, “a true princess� will be found; she’s just not what everyone expected. This retelling shows that a princess can come in any form. It’s very pleasing to find a strong female character for young readers. Lilia is confident, courageous, and loyal. All of her honorable traits become evident throughout the book, and develop to make her an enjoyable character. Also, the development of the characters is fantastic, and makes the reader imagine they are a third party in the conversations between Karina, Kai, and Lilia. Fans of fantasy and fairy tales will enjoy this novel.
February 4, 2011
review I absolutely loved this retelling of Princess and the Pea and it's unique spin. A True Princess is a fantastic story with a fabulous main character who's strong, independent, fearless and one I think many readers will enjoy getting to know.
Lilia doesn't know much about where she came from, and in her dreams she has flashbacks of her life before she ended up on a farm. Found when she was a toddler by a kind farmer who had two younger children of his own, she grew up close to Kia and Karina and they formed a strong friendship and treated each other like siblings. The farmer's second wife loathes Lilia and instead of being sold as a slave, Lilia sets out to find the homeland she can't remember.
Lilia is a brave, protagonist who seeks adventure and a longing to find out who she really is and where she came from, and with Kia, Karina and their faithful dog, they set off in search of a Lilia's northern homeland. Their adventure is one mixed with lore that I absolutely love, along with loyal Knights, Odin & his hunters, Elves and the Elf King. Upon finding themselves lost in the Bitra Forrest, the group finds themselves in the dangerous territory of the Elf King, and soon find themselves racing against time to find a precious jewel that they can trade in exchange for Kia, who's fallen under the Elf King's daughter's spell.
I really enjoyed the royal family and the plot twist that is unraveled upon getting to know them. Each of the characters that surround Lilia are fantastic! I really enjoyed the beautiful setting, the plot and the way the characters are developed. I really came to admire Lilia's courage. She defiantly has the traits of a true princess, as she's intelligent, loyal, brave and is very confident as she stands up for what she feels is right, even if it puts her in harms way.
I completely fell in love with this story, as it's a wonderful retelling of a classic fairytale with wonderful twits. I thought it was very fitting that each chapter in the book is titled with A True Princess.. and then adds in something like, Does Not Steal, which sets the tone for what you'll find in the next chapter. I am really looking forward to reading this book with my little girl when she's older. It's one I highly recommend for younger fans who enjoy fairy tales, fantasy and adventures with unforgettable characters.
February 14, 2012
Among the many delights of Zahler's hybrid narrative are her minor characters -- the nisse, a cantankerous but well-intentioned imp, the Elf-King's daughter, an embodiment of dangerous beauty, and Ove, a charming Border collie (nicely depicted on the cover!), who is protector and companion on Lilia's journey of self-discovery.How many children's book writers are bold enough to incorporate Goethe's verse into their witch's brew of legends? More, please!
March 21, 2018
So... I kinda feel I need to say something about the whole adopted sister and brother falling in love story line, because its gross and unrealistic and would make any adopted kid feel super uncomfortable. I definitely don't think Zahler has ever adopted a child because if she had, she would know when kids grow up together from BIRTH they don't see each other in that light because it's essentially incest.
And that's all I want to say on this book 'cause that basically ruined it for me.
And that's all I want to say on this book 'cause that basically ruined it for me.
June 5, 2012
This is a quick, but enjoyable read. I loved it, however I felt like Lilia was a bit older than her age. I felt she should have been 17-18 and not 12. Other than that I really like it! Fun retelling of The Princess and the Pea!
March 3, 2021
12 was not the right age for this unless you are trying to identify the age for a reader; Lilia was definitely older than 12. That is the only miss for me in this book. Everything else was brilliant! The cover caught my eye early on, and I am a huge fan of fairy tale re-tellings, especially if they give the re-telling a little twist. So right from the start, I was very into this.
All of the characters stood on their own, and the story zinged along quite quickly. Excellent adventure meets fairy tale.
All of the characters stood on their own, and the story zinged along quite quickly. Excellent adventure meets fairy tale.
June 23, 2020
This was one of my very favorite fractured fairly tales when I was younger, though I'm not sure if I realized at the time that it was based on The Princess and the Pea, since I was never particularly familiar with that one.
This was a quick, cute, and satisfying read. It struck me, however, that Lilia is abnormally well-articulated 12-year-old, far more so than I probably am now.
Regardless, a simple and sweet story. I'd recommend to any young girls with a soft spot for princesses.
This was a quick, cute, and satisfying read. It struck me, however, that Lilia is abnormally well-articulated 12-year-old, far more so than I probably am now.
Regardless, a simple and sweet story. I'd recommend to any young girls with a soft spot for princesses.
February 1, 2023
This was a cute, short read! I'm kind of kicking myself for not getting the HUGE *reference* until way later in the book lol. As you read it you're like "ooohhh it all makes sense!" Shoutout to my roommate for letting me borrow it 🫶
March 25, 2024
A retelling of The Princess and the Pea couched in the traditions of Norse Myths and fairy kings and changelings. There were some fun twists involved, too.
August 28, 2017
How wonderful! Lilia and her friends, Karina and Kai, leave when it becomes clear Lilia's mother doesn't want her anymore. They set off on a adventure which has them meet both fantastical creatures and royalty.
I hadn't realised this book was a fairy tale retelling until a very meaningful object makes its appearance. This read to me as a wonderful tale of friendship and court until I reached that part and then everything made sense. I loved this very much. I could have done with more backstory on the charaters and more worldbuilding but the story was warm and cheerful and lovely (it features a tavern, stews, luscious beds, jewels) and what won me over completely was the emphasis placed on the bond of friendship. A really good, cosy read, and I can see myself reread this.
I hadn't realised this book was a fairy tale retelling until a very meaningful object makes its appearance. This read to me as a wonderful tale of friendship and court until I reached that part and then everything made sense. I loved this very much. I could have done with more backstory on the charaters and more worldbuilding but the story was warm and cheerful and lovely (it features a tavern, stews, luscious beds, jewels) and what won me over completely was the emphasis placed on the bond of friendship. A really good, cosy read, and I can see myself reread this.
June 30, 2011
Left with no family and discovered by a lowly sheepherder whom had recently been remarried, Lilia is very much out of her element. Much like Cinderella, instead of being accepted into this new family, the new wife raises her as a servant, a position to which she is quite terrible at. After the discovery that another addition to the family will end in her being “sold� Lilia decides it’s time to discover where she comes from and who she was meant to be. An adventure awaits not only her, but her companions � Kai, Karina and Ove their dog.
A True Princess must be many things, but in the case of Diane Zahler’s latest middle grade novel, it must be absolutely brilliant. I thoroughly enjoyed every page of this book and quite honestly read it cover to cover in a single sitting. I’m now rushing to purchase Zahler’s other book The Thirteenth Princess because I enjoyed the writing and story so much. One of the things that Zahler mentioned in her 20 Questions with Turkeybird Interview (posted earlier), as well as on her own site is this�
15. Did you always want to be a writer?
Always. For as long as I can remember.
16. Why?
Well, that’s a great question! Maybe because when I was a kid I enjoyed reading so much that I wanted to give the same pleasure to other people. Maybe because I love the idea of creating different worlds filled with characters I’ve made up myself.
This is absolutely the case. The world in which Lilia lives is incredibly easy to get lost in and happens almost immediately. With the first place being the farm in which Lilia was raised and “served� on and then through the Bitra Forest and finally to the North Kingdoms. Though this may be a middle grade book I have no doubt that fantasy readers from nearly any reading level will love the world in which Lilia lives. There are no details left out, but it’s also easy enough for younger readers to delve into and fall in love with.
What was truly enjoyable about this story, outside of the world Zahler created, were the characters. Lilia was maybe a bit mature for a twelve year old, but I still think that even young readers will relate to her struggle to find herself. Her determination and courage are something that all children will be able to gain from, learning that it’s okay to take a chance on yourself and your friends. And for those who struggle to stand out from the crowd there is always Lilia’s good friend and “sister� Karina who stands by her through every bit of the adventure. These two were an inseparable duo and part of a larger cast that made this story so wonderful.
Overall A True Princess is a story I’d recommend to nearly everyone. It’s especially perfect for fantasy fans, this will be a fairytale re-telling they won’t want to miss. I absolutely adored every bit of Diane Zahler’s writing and feel strongly that this should definitely be shared with young readers. Definitely a favorite read of the year so far for me. Based loosely on the story of “The Princess and the Pea� readers of A True Princess won’t be able to sleep either, that is, until they’ve finished the story about a girl in search of her origin and destiny.
A True Princess must be many things, but in the case of Diane Zahler’s latest middle grade novel, it must be absolutely brilliant. I thoroughly enjoyed every page of this book and quite honestly read it cover to cover in a single sitting. I’m now rushing to purchase Zahler’s other book The Thirteenth Princess because I enjoyed the writing and story so much. One of the things that Zahler mentioned in her 20 Questions with Turkeybird Interview (posted earlier), as well as on her own site is this�
15. Did you always want to be a writer?
Always. For as long as I can remember.
16. Why?
Well, that’s a great question! Maybe because when I was a kid I enjoyed reading so much that I wanted to give the same pleasure to other people. Maybe because I love the idea of creating different worlds filled with characters I’ve made up myself.
This is absolutely the case. The world in which Lilia lives is incredibly easy to get lost in and happens almost immediately. With the first place being the farm in which Lilia was raised and “served� on and then through the Bitra Forest and finally to the North Kingdoms. Though this may be a middle grade book I have no doubt that fantasy readers from nearly any reading level will love the world in which Lilia lives. There are no details left out, but it’s also easy enough for younger readers to delve into and fall in love with.
What was truly enjoyable about this story, outside of the world Zahler created, were the characters. Lilia was maybe a bit mature for a twelve year old, but I still think that even young readers will relate to her struggle to find herself. Her determination and courage are something that all children will be able to gain from, learning that it’s okay to take a chance on yourself and your friends. And for those who struggle to stand out from the crowd there is always Lilia’s good friend and “sister� Karina who stands by her through every bit of the adventure. These two were an inseparable duo and part of a larger cast that made this story so wonderful.
Overall A True Princess is a story I’d recommend to nearly everyone. It’s especially perfect for fantasy fans, this will be a fairytale re-telling they won’t want to miss. I absolutely adored every bit of Diane Zahler’s writing and feel strongly that this should definitely be shared with young readers. Definitely a favorite read of the year so far for me. Based loosely on the story of “The Princess and the Pea� readers of A True Princess won’t be able to sleep either, that is, until they’ve finished the story about a girl in search of her origin and destiny.
October 2, 2018
Short - only took me 40 mins - and sweet. Very good fairy-tale retelling. The Princess and the Pea is an unusual one to pick (in fact, I'm not sure I've ever read a re-telling) and it was cleverly done.
April 29, 2015
Let's have a moment of applause for Diane Zahler. I have never seen another author do what she has done.
While she reworked a fairy tale into a fantasy novel before, Zahler does something slightly different in her second novel "A True Princess" -- she blends together two different fairy tales into one delicately-wrought fantasy story, and then drapes it with some Germanic/Norse folklore. It's a charming, cleverly-written little story that succeeds in surprising you.
As a baby, Lilia was found in the river, and was raised by a kindly farmer... until his selfish, spiteful second wife decides to sell her off to the miller. So Lilia decides to run away from home, and is accompanied by her foster siblings Kai and Karina, who don't like their stepmother either. But they soon run into trouble -- the Elf King and his hauntingly beautiful, bratty daughter.
Unfortunately Kai is magically entranced by the Elf King's daughter, and Karina and Lilia can't get him to leave with them. The Elf King will release Kai, but only if he is brought the cloak clasp of Odin himself. So Karina and Lilia must go undercover in a nearby kingdom, whose prince is running a mysterious contest to find a bride with royal blood... and it reveals something shocking about Lilia's past.
As you've probably guessed, "A True Princess" is one part "Snow Queen," one part "The Princess and the Pea," one part "Der Erlkönig" and one small part Norse mythology. And it's a testament to Zahler's skill that she is able to weave together these different stories into one seamless whole. You wouldn't know they were from different stories unless you were already familiar with them.
Lilia is also a really likable heroine -- she's smart, unselfish, gutsy and loyal, and her dreams add an element of mystery to her character. Karina is a little more "ordinary," but she's just as gutsy and sweet as Lilia, and despite Kai being absent for more than half the book, he and the lovelorn Prince Tycho are solid love interests. And it's interesting to see the "snow queen" character as a bratty, grasping child-woman
And Zahler's writing is truly lovely -- delicately wrought and full of jewel-toned descriptions ("She moved with the sway of a willow, and she wore a dress of willow green, made of a material silkier and more flowing than any I knew") and smooth, natural-sounding dialogue. The only problem is the assumption that any "true" princess" cannot be ill-mannered or unattractive. Just sayin'.
"A True Princess" is a lovely little book that blends myth, poetry and fairy tales into one delicayely-drawn fantasy novel. Definitely a delight.
While she reworked a fairy tale into a fantasy novel before, Zahler does something slightly different in her second novel "A True Princess" -- she blends together two different fairy tales into one delicately-wrought fantasy story, and then drapes it with some Germanic/Norse folklore. It's a charming, cleverly-written little story that succeeds in surprising you.
As a baby, Lilia was found in the river, and was raised by a kindly farmer... until his selfish, spiteful second wife decides to sell her off to the miller. So Lilia decides to run away from home, and is accompanied by her foster siblings Kai and Karina, who don't like their stepmother either. But they soon run into trouble -- the Elf King and his hauntingly beautiful, bratty daughter.
Unfortunately Kai is magically entranced by the Elf King's daughter, and Karina and Lilia can't get him to leave with them. The Elf King will release Kai, but only if he is brought the cloak clasp of Odin himself. So Karina and Lilia must go undercover in a nearby kingdom, whose prince is running a mysterious contest to find a bride with royal blood... and it reveals something shocking about Lilia's past.
As you've probably guessed, "A True Princess" is one part "Snow Queen," one part "The Princess and the Pea," one part "Der Erlkönig" and one small part Norse mythology. And it's a testament to Zahler's skill that she is able to weave together these different stories into one seamless whole. You wouldn't know they were from different stories unless you were already familiar with them.
Lilia is also a really likable heroine -- she's smart, unselfish, gutsy and loyal, and her dreams add an element of mystery to her character. Karina is a little more "ordinary," but she's just as gutsy and sweet as Lilia, and despite Kai being absent for more than half the book, he and the lovelorn Prince Tycho are solid love interests. And it's interesting to see the "snow queen" character as a bratty, grasping child-woman
And Zahler's writing is truly lovely -- delicately wrought and full of jewel-toned descriptions ("She moved with the sway of a willow, and she wore a dress of willow green, made of a material silkier and more flowing than any I knew") and smooth, natural-sounding dialogue. The only problem is the assumption that any "true" princess" cannot be ill-mannered or unattractive. Just sayin'.
"A True Princess" is a lovely little book that blends myth, poetry and fairy tales into one delicayely-drawn fantasy novel. Definitely a delight.
February 4, 2011
I absolutely loved this retelling of Princess and the Pea and it's unique spin. A True Princess is a fantastic story with a fabulous main character who's strong, independent, fearless and one I think many readers will enjoy getting to know.
Lilia doesn't know much about where she came from, and in her dreams she has flashbacks of her life before she ended up on a farm. Found when she was a toddler by a kind farmer who had two younger children of his own, she grew up close to Kia and Karina and they formed a strong friendship and treated each other like siblings. The farmer's second wife loathes Lilia and instead of being sold as a slave, Lilia sets out to find the homeland she can't remember.
Lilia is a brave, protagonist who seeks adventure and a longing to find out who she really is and where she came from, and with Kia, Karina and their faithful dog, they set off in search of a Lilia's northern homeland. Their adventure is one mixed with lore that I absolutely love, along with loyal Knights, Odin & his hunters, Elves and the Elf King. Upon finding themselves lost in the Bitra Forrest, the group finds themselves in the dangerous territory of the Elf King, and soon find themselves racing against time to find a precious jewel that they can trade in exchange for Kia, who's fallen under the Elf King's daughter's spell.
I really enjoyed the royal family and the plot twist that is unraveled upon getting to know them. Each of the characters that surround Lilia are fantastic! I really enjoyed the beautiful setting, the plot and the way the characters are developed. I really came to admire Lilia's courage. She defiantly has the traits of a true princess, as she's intelligent, loyal, brave and is very confident as she stands up for what she feels is right, even if it puts her in harms way.
I completely fell in love with this story, as it's a wonderful retelling of a classic fairytale with wonderful twits. I thought it was very fitting that each chapter in the book is titled with A True Princess.. and then adds in something like, Does Not Steal, which sets the tone for what you'll find in the next chapter. I am really looking forward to reading this book with my little girl when she's older. It's one I highly recommend for younger fans who enjoy fairy tales, fantasy and adventures with unforgettable characters.
Lilia doesn't know much about where she came from, and in her dreams she has flashbacks of her life before she ended up on a farm. Found when she was a toddler by a kind farmer who had two younger children of his own, she grew up close to Kia and Karina and they formed a strong friendship and treated each other like siblings. The farmer's second wife loathes Lilia and instead of being sold as a slave, Lilia sets out to find the homeland she can't remember.
Lilia is a brave, protagonist who seeks adventure and a longing to find out who she really is and where she came from, and with Kia, Karina and their faithful dog, they set off in search of a Lilia's northern homeland. Their adventure is one mixed with lore that I absolutely love, along with loyal Knights, Odin & his hunters, Elves and the Elf King. Upon finding themselves lost in the Bitra Forrest, the group finds themselves in the dangerous territory of the Elf King, and soon find themselves racing against time to find a precious jewel that they can trade in exchange for Kia, who's fallen under the Elf King's daughter's spell.
I really enjoyed the royal family and the plot twist that is unraveled upon getting to know them. Each of the characters that surround Lilia are fantastic! I really enjoyed the beautiful setting, the plot and the way the characters are developed. I really came to admire Lilia's courage. She defiantly has the traits of a true princess, as she's intelligent, loyal, brave and is very confident as she stands up for what she feels is right, even if it puts her in harms way.
I completely fell in love with this story, as it's a wonderful retelling of a classic fairytale with wonderful twits. I thought it was very fitting that each chapter in the book is titled with A True Princess.. and then adds in something like, Does Not Steal, which sets the tone for what you'll find in the next chapter. I am really looking forward to reading this book with my little girl when she's older. It's one I highly recommend for younger fans who enjoy fairy tales, fantasy and adventures with unforgettable characters.
January 9, 2011
Lilia has never known her true identity. When she was around two years old, she was found floating down the river in a basket. The man who rescued her took her home and raised her alongside his own children, Kai and Karina. However, the man’s cruel wife, Ylva, the children’s stepmother, insisted on treating Lilia like a servant. Now that Lilia is almost thirteen years old, and Ylva is pregnant, she has decided Lilia must leave to work as a servant for another family, for there is not enough food and money. Lilia decides to leave on her own and try and find her lost family, and Kai and Karina, who hate their stepmother, too, decide to come along on the journey.
All goes well at first as Lilia, Kai, and Karina travel north, hoping to find Lilia’s family there for travelers they have met from the North Kingdoms have the same dark hair and violet eyes that Lilia has. But then, while traveling through the Bitra Forest, said to be a cursed place, become lost and stumble into the territory of the Elf-King, who is powerful and cruel, and has stolen many children from their families and used his magic to enslave them. His selfish and spoiled daughter sees Kai and decides she must have him for her own. The only way Lilia and Karina can save Kai is to find a jewel the Elf-King’s daughter wants even more.
A True Princess is a very charming and sweet story. It is inspired by Scandinavian mythology and legends as well as the classic fairytale The Princess and the Pea. Lilia is a likable and brave heroine who never gives up in her quest to save her best friend, Kai, as well as the other children held captive by the Elf-King. This book is sure to be enjoyed by readers who enjoy fairytale retellings by authors such as Shannon Hale and Gail Carson Levine as well as readers who enjoyed Diane Zahler’s first novel, The Thirteenth Princess.
Disclosure: Review copy provided by publisher.
All goes well at first as Lilia, Kai, and Karina travel north, hoping to find Lilia’s family there for travelers they have met from the North Kingdoms have the same dark hair and violet eyes that Lilia has. But then, while traveling through the Bitra Forest, said to be a cursed place, become lost and stumble into the territory of the Elf-King, who is powerful and cruel, and has stolen many children from their families and used his magic to enslave them. His selfish and spoiled daughter sees Kai and decides she must have him for her own. The only way Lilia and Karina can save Kai is to find a jewel the Elf-King’s daughter wants even more.
A True Princess is a very charming and sweet story. It is inspired by Scandinavian mythology and legends as well as the classic fairytale The Princess and the Pea. Lilia is a likable and brave heroine who never gives up in her quest to save her best friend, Kai, as well as the other children held captive by the Elf-King. This book is sure to be enjoyed by readers who enjoy fairytale retellings by authors such as Shannon Hale and Gail Carson Levine as well as readers who enjoyed Diane Zahler’s first novel, The Thirteenth Princess.
Disclosure: Review copy provided by publisher.
August 23, 2014
Found floating down the river in a basket as a baby, Lilia was raised by a shepherd, but never allowed to be a true part of the family. When Lilia overhears plans to sell her to the miller, she decides it is time to leave the farm behind, and travel upriver in search of her origins. On the way, she is joined by Kai and Karina, the shepherd’s biological children, who run away from home to accompany Lilia. They find more adventure than they bargained for when Kai is enchanted by the Elf King’s daughter, and Lilia and Karina must seek a magical jeweled clasp before two weeks has passed, or risk losing Kai to the elves forever. This delightful adventure is a retelling of The Princess and the Pea, mixed with elements of other folklores, like the Erlking’s daughter, changelings, and the Wild Hunt. It is a story of the enduring love of family, the strength of friendship, and the courage it takes to find oneself. The chapter titles are taken from a pamphlet mentioned in the story, listing the rules a true princess must follow, and readers will have fun noting how the heroine manages to break each rule in the course of the chapter.
Readers familiar with some of the fairy tales and folklore that make up this novel may find the story somewhat predictable, but the way in which the many and varying tales are woven together make it a wholly unique story. Even readers who are not as familiar with the original tales will have fun guessing at how the story will resolve, as the author drops little hints and clues throughout the story. Some of the elements of the story—like the falcons—were explained rather quickly, and readers may wish for a bit more detail.
This would be a great book to include in a “retold fairy-tales� display, and would also be great for exploring different folklores and mythologies with students. The blend of traditional tales included in this story opens doors for discussions of fairy mythology and Wild Hunt lore across cultures.
Readers familiar with some of the fairy tales and folklore that make up this novel may find the story somewhat predictable, but the way in which the many and varying tales are woven together make it a wholly unique story. Even readers who are not as familiar with the original tales will have fun guessing at how the story will resolve, as the author drops little hints and clues throughout the story. Some of the elements of the story—like the falcons—were explained rather quickly, and readers may wish for a bit more detail.
This would be a great book to include in a “retold fairy-tales� display, and would also be great for exploring different folklores and mythologies with students. The blend of traditional tales included in this story opens doors for discussions of fairy mythology and Wild Hunt lore across cultures.
February 14, 2012
A student said this is her favorite book and I “had to read it.�
Lilia is an orphan taken in by a family with two children close to her in age, Kai and Karina. Their mother has died and the stepmother does not like her adopted children. Pregnant with her first child she wants to sell Lilia to the Miller’s household to be a servant. The Miller is mean and Lilia decides to runaway and find her family. She knows her family is from the North and she has a blanket that she was found wrapped in as a baby that she hopes will lead her to relatives. She hides in a cave where she is discovered by Kai and Karina who decide to runaway as well. Lilia is happy the two want to join her on her quest to the Northern Kingdoms.
While the three travel through Bitra Forest, Kai falls under a spell from the Elf-King’s daughter. In order to free him, Lilia and Karina have to find a clasp lost by Odin. The two go to the Palace of Dakir and have 2 weeks to find it or Kai will be forever under the Elf-King daughters spell.
The plot mixes several different fairy tales and is predictable in some ways and has some nice twists in others; such as with Odin and the Elf-King. The pacing is nice and the characters are decent, kind people. There is some romance but it is innocent. The characters are not as complex as Shannon Hale’s or as funny as Gail Levine’s, but Lilia is a strong female character. The Nisse is an interesting character. There is some kissing and a happy ending.
A fun, enjoyable read.
Lilia is an orphan taken in by a family with two children close to her in age, Kai and Karina. Their mother has died and the stepmother does not like her adopted children. Pregnant with her first child she wants to sell Lilia to the Miller’s household to be a servant. The Miller is mean and Lilia decides to runaway and find her family. She knows her family is from the North and she has a blanket that she was found wrapped in as a baby that she hopes will lead her to relatives. She hides in a cave where she is discovered by Kai and Karina who decide to runaway as well. Lilia is happy the two want to join her on her quest to the Northern Kingdoms.
While the three travel through Bitra Forest, Kai falls under a spell from the Elf-King’s daughter. In order to free him, Lilia and Karina have to find a clasp lost by Odin. The two go to the Palace of Dakir and have 2 weeks to find it or Kai will be forever under the Elf-King daughters spell.
The plot mixes several different fairy tales and is predictable in some ways and has some nice twists in others; such as with Odin and the Elf-King. The pacing is nice and the characters are decent, kind people. There is some romance but it is innocent. The characters are not as complex as Shannon Hale’s or as funny as Gail Levine’s, but Lilia is a strong female character. The Nisse is an interesting character. There is some kissing and a happy ending.
A fun, enjoyable read.
March 9, 2011
If your tween (or even teen) readers are anything like the ones I know at my library, fairy tales always go over well. A True Princess has it's roots in The Princess and the Pea, but that's only part of the story and the plot stands firmly on its own.
Lilia is searching for her family but also searching for a way to rescue Kai. These stories weave together nicely and have a very fairy tale feel to them. While the story might be a bit predictable, especially for older readers, it's still a lot of fun to read and there are plenty of twists and turns that may surprise some readers.
Lilia is a very likeable character. She's loyal to her friends, she stands up for what she believes and she shows a lot of courage. She's a great fairy tale heroine who kicks a little butt! But it's not just Lilia who is likeable-the secondary characters are all well drawn and you really like the whole cast of characters. There is a bit of romance in this one, but it's all very sweet and tween friendly. There's also plenty of humor. Each chapter starts with a phrase from a booklet entitled "How To Tell A True Princess" and include things like "A True Princess Does Not Gossip" and it's fun to see how Lilia proves each chapter heading wrong!
This is a perfect read for tweens who want a light fairy tale, especially if those readers are fans of Shannon Hale and Gail Carson Levine.
Book Pairings: Princess Ben by Catherine Gilbert Murdock, Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
Lilia is searching for her family but also searching for a way to rescue Kai. These stories weave together nicely and have a very fairy tale feel to them. While the story might be a bit predictable, especially for older readers, it's still a lot of fun to read and there are plenty of twists and turns that may surprise some readers.
Lilia is a very likeable character. She's loyal to her friends, she stands up for what she believes and she shows a lot of courage. She's a great fairy tale heroine who kicks a little butt! But it's not just Lilia who is likeable-the secondary characters are all well drawn and you really like the whole cast of characters. There is a bit of romance in this one, but it's all very sweet and tween friendly. There's also plenty of humor. Each chapter starts with a phrase from a booklet entitled "How To Tell A True Princess" and include things like "A True Princess Does Not Gossip" and it's fun to see how Lilia proves each chapter heading wrong!
This is a perfect read for tweens who want a light fairy tale, especially if those readers are fans of Shannon Hale and Gail Carson Levine.
Book Pairings: Princess Ben by Catherine Gilbert Murdock, Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
March 1, 2011
There are many rules to define a true princess, and Lilia seems to break all of them. Breaking the first one, A True Princess Does Not Eavesdrop, is how Lilia finds out that her stepmother plans to sell her as a serving girl to the miller. It’s a fateful moment, because that’s when she decides to run away to the north. As a baby she was found floating in a basket down the river from that direction, and she longs to discover who she truly is.
Joining her on the journey are her adopted sister and brother, Karina and Kai, who love Lilia like a true sister. Together the three face the perils of the journey, including an encounter with the Elf King, and discover many things about themselves along the way, only one of which is Lilia’s heritage.
A True Princess by Diane Zahler combines elements of several tales—The Princess and the Pea and old Norse legends—to weave a delightful story of self-discovery. Lilia is both curious and courageous. She is also fiercely determined to do what’s right and find a place where she at last fits in.
Even though she seems more mature than her twelve years of life, especially since a decade of them was spent on an isolated farm, I easily overlooked that as I got caught up in Lilia’s grand adventure. I recommend A True Princess for mother-daughter book clubs with girls aged eight to 12.
Joining her on the journey are her adopted sister and brother, Karina and Kai, who love Lilia like a true sister. Together the three face the perils of the journey, including an encounter with the Elf King, and discover many things about themselves along the way, only one of which is Lilia’s heritage.
A True Princess by Diane Zahler combines elements of several tales—The Princess and the Pea and old Norse legends—to weave a delightful story of self-discovery. Lilia is both curious and courageous. She is also fiercely determined to do what’s right and find a place where she at last fits in.
Even though she seems more mature than her twelve years of life, especially since a decade of them was spent on an isolated farm, I easily overlooked that as I got caught up in Lilia’s grand adventure. I recommend A True Princess for mother-daughter book clubs with girls aged eight to 12.
April 10, 2011
The life of an orphan girl who cannot cook porridge is not an easy one, as Lilia has reason to know. She was discovered in a wrapped in a rainbow blanket in a basket that had floated down the river from the north and nobody knew who she might be. A kind man with two children of his own took her in, but his new wife was not so kind. She treated Lilia like a servant and when it came time to have a child of her own she was determined to send Lilia to a new, more cruel, master. Lilia ran away without telling anyone, but her two friends, Kai and Karina, followed her. (They didn't like their stepmother any more than she did.) Lilia had decided to travel up north in an attempt to find her real family, and her friends were determined to accompany her. Their journey leads them into a dark forest full of magical creature, and when Kai is kidnapped by the Elf King, Lilia is the only one who can save him.
This is a lovely, sweet story that has elements from several fairy-tales and legends, including The Princess and the Pea, The Snow Queen, The Pied Piper of Hamlin and Norse mythology. (I love the cover, isn't it beautiful?) This is Diane Zahler's second novel and I hope she writes a third. This is another one I can give to my sisters. :)
This is a lovely, sweet story that has elements from several fairy-tales and legends, including The Princess and the Pea, The Snow Queen, The Pied Piper of Hamlin and Norse mythology. (I love the cover, isn't it beautiful?) This is Diane Zahler's second novel and I hope she writes a third. This is another one I can give to my sisters. :)
June 3, 2011
2.5-3 stars
Part Princess and the Pea, part random fairytale, it was enjoyable and I certainly liked reading it, but it was a very underwhelming experience as none of the characters felt real and I never felt any real emotion from any of them...
We have a young girl found in a river and adopted and hated by her foster-mother, but well liked by her foster father and siblings. She helps tend to the sheep, but is always tired ( a part I found very cute) because she can never get a good night's rest. She finally sets out on her own when the mama becomes insufferable. Her foster-siblings come with her and Kai gets stuck in the forest with the elves and all the little children they have taken so it is up to the girls to rescue him by bartering for his freedom by finding a precious item hidden in the nearby castle. The girls take up jobs as servants and the royal family is interviewing princesses to marry the prince but none can pass the test until our young lady inadvertently does so and it is discovered that she is the long-lost heir. Prince marries her sister, she marries Kai, we all live happily ever after. Perfectly adequate little fairytale, but with nothing special to make it stand out or come alive, alas, for me.....
Part Princess and the Pea, part random fairytale, it was enjoyable and I certainly liked reading it, but it was a very underwhelming experience as none of the characters felt real and I never felt any real emotion from any of them...
We have a young girl found in a river and adopted and hated by her foster-mother, but well liked by her foster father and siblings. She helps tend to the sheep, but is always tired ( a part I found very cute) because she can never get a good night's rest. She finally sets out on her own when the mama becomes insufferable. Her foster-siblings come with her and Kai gets stuck in the forest with the elves and all the little children they have taken so it is up to the girls to rescue him by bartering for his freedom by finding a precious item hidden in the nearby castle. The girls take up jobs as servants and the royal family is interviewing princesses to marry the prince but none can pass the test until our young lady inadvertently does so and it is discovered that she is the long-lost heir. Prince marries her sister, she marries Kai, we all live happily ever after. Perfectly adequate little fairytale, but with nothing special to make it stand out or come alive, alas, for me.....
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 30, 2016
Check out my other reviews, discussions and link ups at .
I loved how devoted Lilia, Kai and Karina were to each other. Even though Lilia was basically adopted (found floating down the river in a basket as a baby), they all love each other like siblings.
I was expecting the reveal about who Lilia's parents were, but it was still interesting to find out how she was lost all those years ago. There was a good bit of world building for such a short book. I liked the elves, Odin and the Wild Hunt. I also liked the bit about the Royal Beds.
There is a tiny hint of romance for Lilia, but not until the very end of the book. And it's one of those, blink and you'll miss it type of things. I really liked this take on The Princess And The Pea, and I hadn't realized that's what it was until part way through the book.
I will definitely be reading more by this author, and I highly recommend this retelling.
I loved how devoted Lilia, Kai and Karina were to each other. Even though Lilia was basically adopted (found floating down the river in a basket as a baby), they all love each other like siblings.
I was expecting the reveal about who Lilia's parents were, but it was still interesting to find out how she was lost all those years ago. There was a good bit of world building for such a short book. I liked the elves, Odin and the Wild Hunt. I also liked the bit about the Royal Beds.
There is a tiny hint of romance for Lilia, but not until the very end of the book. And it's one of those, blink and you'll miss it type of things. I really liked this take on The Princess And The Pea, and I hadn't realized that's what it was until part way through the book.
I will definitely be reading more by this author, and I highly recommend this retelling.
October 8, 2014
While the story does include a clever usage of the Princess and the Pea tale, it's not about that at all, which disappoints me as princess tests are very intriguing to me. The story is almost excessively straightforward: hear a rumor about being sold off as a servant, run away; promise a cloak clasp to save your friend, find the clasp.
It wasn't a bad tale, but there was nothing outstanding about it. I wouldn't reread it.
It wasn't a bad tale, but there was nothing outstanding about it. I wouldn't reread it.
February 23, 2015
I really enjoyed reading this book!
I loved how caring and courageous Lilia was!
I really enjoyed this version of The Princess and the Pea.
I don't want to give anything away, but I figued out who Lilia really was, very early in the story!
This is a fun read and I look forward to reading more by the author!
Now, since I don't sleep very well at all, in any bed I am in; does that mean that I am a true princess, too?
I loved how caring and courageous Lilia was!
I really enjoyed this version of The Princess and the Pea.
I don't want to give anything away, but I figued out who Lilia really was, very early in the story!
This is a fun read and I look forward to reading more by the author!
Now, since I don't sleep very well at all, in any bed I am in; does that mean that I am a true princess, too?
June 1, 2013
Another great entry in Zahler's collection of fairy tale re-imaginings, this one based on "The Princess and the Pea". Her books are a good next step for readers who are ready for a little bit more that the Whatever After series but not quite ready for Jessica Day George's princess stories. Love the border collie on the cover!!
October 6, 2011
I liked this version of the Princess and the Pea. Diane Zahler does a great job taking the preface of a classic tale and making it her own. I can't wait for her next book to come out.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 173 reviews
Can't find what you're looking for?
Get help and learn more about the design.