Title: The Thirteenth Princess
Author: Diane Zahler
First published August 25, 2009
256 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780061824999 (ISBN10: 0061824992)
Rating: 3.95
Overview
Zita, the thirteenth daughter of a king who wished for sons, leads a life of servitude in the palace’s kitchens. Her only solace lies in the secret conversations she has with her royal sisters.
However, on her twelfth birthday, the princesses fall sick with an unknown ailment, and their shoes are found strangely worn and torn. Determined to save her sisters, Zita, along with her friends Breckin, Babette, and Milek, embarks on a perilous journey to a magical world of never-ending dance and dreams.
But dark forces loom large, and the curse can only be broken with their united strength. With a fresh spin on a classic fairy tale, The Thirteenth Princess by Diane Zahler is an enchanting tale of magic, love, and sisterhood that will leave you utterly spellbound.
About the Author
As a child, I was captivated by the world of children’s literature and aspired to become a writer myself. Today, I’m proud to have authored six captivating middle-grade novels, including my latest work, a fantastical adventure titled GOBLIN MARKET.
When I’m not crafting stories, you can find me residing in a rural area with my beloved husband and our energetic pup, Jinx. If you’d like to learn more about my work, feel free to visit my website at www.dianezahler.com.
Editoral Review
The Thirteenth Princess by Diane Zahler is a riveting young adult novel set in a fairytale world filled with magic and intrigue. Zahler, a prolific author of children’s books, writes with imagination and flair, bringing to life a captivating story that is sure to capture the hearts and minds of readers of all ages.
At its core, The Thirteenth Princess is a story of transformation and redemption. The novel follows the journey of Zita, the youngest and often-forgotten princess in a family of twelve sisters.
When her father remarries, her new stepmother casts a spell that causes Zita’s sisters to fall into a seemingly endless sleep, and it is up to Zita to break the curse and save her family. The plot of the novel is expertly crafted, and Zahler’s attention to detail creates a richly imagined world filled with magic and wonder.
The characters are well-developed, and readers will find themselves rooting for Zita and her sisters as they navigate the challenges and obstacles of their fairy tale adventure. The theme of sisterhood is a prominent motif throughout the novel, and Zahler explores the complex relationships between family members with empathy and sensitivity.
The story also touches on themes of loyalty, love, and the power of forgiveness. Zahler’s writing is engaging and accessible, and she weaves a compelling story that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
The pacing of the novel is exceptionally well done, and the plot twists and turns keep the reader guessing until the very end. The Thirteenth Princess is a prime example of how young adult literature can be both entertaining and thought-provoking.
While the novel is set in a fairytale world, Zahler touches on issues that are relevant to contemporary society, such as gender roles and the importance of family. These themes are subtly woven into the storyline, adding depth and nuance to the narrative.
Overall, The Thirteenth Princess is an excellent young adult novel that is sure to delight readers of all ages. With its engaging plot, well-developed characters, and thought-provoking themes, it ranks among the best works in the genre.
I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking a captivating read that is both entertaining and intellectually stimulating. On a scale of 1-10, I would give The Thirteenth Princess a solid 9.5.
