This is the first in a planned series of books asking not only what happens after 'happily ever after', but what happens when the Disney Princesses takes her life into her own hands to become a Queen. In this case, we're following 'Beauty and the Beast' and my favourite Princess, Belle. The curse has been lifted, she and Prince Lio (aka the Beast - never knew that was his name!) are happily married, and yet Belle remains fiercely aware of her own identity and refuses to accept the title Princess of Aveyon. But on a trip to Paris, they are caught up in the start of seismic events that have the potential to threaten their position, their people and their lives. 

I came across this unplanned at the library, and was instantly in love with the various concepts described in the blurb. Fairy tale meets The Terror. A Disney Princess with some agency who takes charge of her own destiny (although to be fair, that's why I like Belle; she's always has a bit more about ther than your average Princess!). And seeing how the relationship between Belle and Lio is affected now he's not mad and hairy. I just had to check it out!

The result is a well thought out plot with a narrative that feels more like a historical fiction novel, with enough references to the source material and the appropriate level of description of not-so-nice events to ensure that it still feels like part of the Disney'verse. I'd say this is perfectly pitched for those kids who are just on the cusp of growing out of their Disney phase, but still indulge. 

The familiar characters are drawn and expanded upon nicely for the most part, and new characters slot in very well, although I do think they are slightly more two dimensional and in the main are simply plot devices. That's not to say they aren't readable or believable, but there's just something that didn't quite match in fir me in places. I was slightly disappointed we didn't get Belle meeting Marie Antoinette or other real people from the period, but that's probably just my history-loving side coming out. 

My only real bugbear was the redemption of one character. They go from introduction to redemption in two scenes, and one conversation with Belle. It just felt like there were pages missing from the story, the character does a 180 so fast. But then I guess that's the power of a Princess!

As a slightly older reader, I'd love to see the 'New Adult' version of this story; a visit to Madame Guillotine for one particular character, perhaps? And ACOTAR may be influencing me here, but I can imagine the simple scenes of husband and wife cuddling up in bed together could be, um,  expanded upon somewhat... Seriously, I felt like the author wanted to go further with some of these moments, but of course is restricted by the fact it's Disney!

Looking forward to the next in the series!