I love fairytales in any form, so I was excited to have a chance to review Princess of the Silver Woods — and this book, with elements of “Little Red Riding-Hood,” “Robin Hood,” and “The Twelve Dancing Princesses,” didn’t disappoint! I found Petunia’s voice engaging and easy to read (and, as a fellow, er, petite person, I sympathized with her small stature!), and the plot compelling. The language of the book is simple and unadorned, making it an easy read suitable to preteens and teens alike. Although Princess of the Silver Woods lacked the lush and evocative storytelling of some books in its genre, it made for a fast and satisfying read.

Princess of the Silver Woods would be ideal for preteens and teens, and for adults who love a good fairytale. Although it is the third in a trilogy, it stands alone well and could probably be read for its own merit. (Personally, I read the prequels several years and one baby ago, so my memories of the prior books were hazy at best. I still found Princess of the Silver Woods thoroughly enjoyable.)

This book was sent to Compass Book Ratings for review by Bloomsbury Children’s Books

Content Analysis:

Profanity/Language:  3 derogatory names

Violence/Gore: A coach is attacked and several people threaten to shoot guns (nobody is hurt). A character is kidnapped but treated well. On three occasions, characters experience supernatural events that are a bit creepy/frightening. Characters threaten one another. Characters prepare for a battle. A magical battle is fought and several villains are killed (very little description). A few secondary characters are killed in noble ways.

Sex/Nudity: There is gentle flirtation throughout the book. A girl thinks about a man being attractive. Characters plot to obtain wives. References are made to pregnancy and childbirth, including several references to a group of women mothering children out of wedlock. Characters briefly kiss. A man hides under a bed while a girl undresses in the same room (he doesn’t see anything but her feet). A girl thinks to herself that she might not mind a man seeing her undress.

Mature Subject Matter:

Loss of parents, characters sacrificing their lives for others

Alcohol / Drug Use:

Characters drink wine.