by
The five princesses of Bellarossa have lost their parents and must now abide under the control of the man responsible. But they have their art. They have each other. And still, they hold on to hope. They do what they can to ease the suffering of their kingdom under an unfeeling King and his cruel Admiral. But when a mysterious Renegade Mage arrives with powers of skill and magic, perhaps—perhaps, there is more that can be done.
In memory and celebration of author Jubilee Cho, 1998-2024.
Author royalties will be donated to Los Angeles-area efforts dedicated to directly supporting LGBTQIAP+ people in crisis.
Publisher: Atthis Arts
Editors:
Cover Artists:
Genres:
Tropes: Dystopian Governments, Found Family, Robin Hood Legends, Secret Royalty
Languages Available: English
Tropes: Dystopian Governments, Found Family, Robin Hood Legends, Secret Royalty
Languages Available: English
What at first appears a classic children’s faerie tale soon teems with government pirates, activist princesses, magical puppets, and numerous takes on dual identity. Writing with a lighthearted mix of mythic, pirate, and contemporary speech, Jubilee Cho delivers a faerie tale like no other. While young readers may giggle over a musician named Lyric, older reader will smile at stealthy Withers/Kansas/Marley mashups and oblique references to bands like Smashing Pumpkins.
Two characters tell stories within the story, which I love. One involves a magical candy shop reminiscent of Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory, but with a much more satisfying spin on children finding their authentic selves while working to create their just desserts.
All sorts of families, gender representation, and neuro-inclusivity are casually sprinkled (like glitter!) throughout Jubilee Cho’s enchanting debut.
