A cautionary tale about orchestrating one’s life to be perfect by the book.
Falcon Storm’s middle grade book, The Persnickety Princess (Tales from Upon A. Time – Book 1) is a fun romp from a rogue storyteller about a girl who nearly misses out on her heart’s desire because she wants to orchestrate her love life by the book. I’m probably not the audience for this book, but it was cute and fun to read during lunch.
The lesson is clear, and the main character Lavender, is not very likeable despite her having only the one weakness of being persnickety. She is a control freak, always looking for something to complain about, and since her life is pretty near perfect, she isn’t much fun. While her motives are good, to screen potential suitors, she puts herself in needless real danger while only increasing her boredom and frustration—another, more important lesson.
Her sister, the unrepentant Petunia, has a lot more fun, and her advice to Lavender—to get dirty—turns out to be good. I liked the not-wicked-at-all Witch Natalie and her cat, Mr. Whiskers. I would like to have seen more of them in the story. This is a perfect example of why a main character needs to have some redeeming social value.
I do look forward to hearing more about the storyteller, Upon A. Time, who is the most interesting character, but I’d like to see some more adult story lines about his quest to get to the king with his “important information.” Good comedy should not be restricted to middle-grade kids, even if they are the prime audience. Ask Terry Pratchett and Tiffany Aching.
I received a free copy of this book for an unbiased review from NovelPublicity blog tours.
About the author: Falcon Storm
http://www.falconstormbooks.com/
Twitter: lokinighthawk
The Persnickety Princess is available at http://www.EvolvedPub.com.
Falcon Storm was born in the frozen wasteland of Alaska with the unfortunate stigma of being both a daydreamer and left-handed. Starting from an early age, he has filled his life with stories of every sort, from his father’s hunting trips to the Holy Trilogy (read: Star Wars). In the fourth grade, he became more interested in telling stories of his own than listening to those of others. Doctors—being doctors—attempted to medicate them out of him, but the best cure has always been a pen, a notebook, and his crazy, unrestrained imagination.
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Thank you for your thoughtful review, Charlotte. I hear that Terry Pratchett is one of the author’s all time favorite writers, so he’ll love the mention. Just a quick FYI, this book isn’t written for the middle grade audience, but rather ages 6-9 in the chapter book range. Thank you again for joining us on this tour and for cross-posting your review!
Em
Pratchett Rocks. I want to be Granny Ogg when I grow up. 😉
I’m not really familiar with the reading level of kids’ books. I just thought the language was more for grades 4-6, too difficult for most 3rd graders, but I guess it would be fine for read-aloud.
My work tends to be at 5th grade level, but is aimed at adults. Would you or Falcon be interested in reviewing Maven?
Sounds like an interesting tale. I’m looking forward to checking it out
It’s worth an afternoon’s read, especially for a younger reader.
Emlyn is right, Terry Pratchett is one of my favorite authors, I especially loved Going Postal and Small Gods. Great review, I’ve definitely been considering giving Upon his own adventure, so we’ll see what the future holds for Mr. Time.
Upon is a great character–much more interesting than Lavender. but then, I’ve never been all that big on princesses. Mr. Time reminds me a bit of Moist Lipwig.
HAHA I love your cover photo for your blog! This is an awesome giveaway. Thank you very much! Wishing you the best!
Ashley Rogers twnkeez@hotmail.com
Thanks. I’m fond of Maven too.
I’m really looking forward to sitting down with my Granddaughters to read this.