A clever and original version of an often underrated fairytale, Violet Eyes puts a feminist spin on the classic story The Princess and the Pea.
Violet’s world is turned upside down when she unexpectedly rescues and falls in love with an injured young man who is returning home from a long journey. She soon discovers that the mystery stranger is the kingdom’s prince, on his way to the palace to meet the princesses his parents have invited to contend for his hand in marriage. Heartbroken yet duty bound, he departs, but Violet’s mother soon becomes sick, and confesses that Violet was adopted under mysterious circumstances that might reveal her to be the true heir to the kingdom. Deciding to pursue both the prince and her elusive past, Violet must put her both her knowledge and character to the test in order to win the crown.
Having never encountered a fully developed version of The Princess and the Pea, the detail, spirit, and ingenuity demonstrated throughout Violet’s story hooked me in a way few fairytale retellings have. With a compassionate yet courageous female main character and a series of unpredictable tasks, readers will find themselves navigating alongside Violet in her quest to discover her destiny.