The Red Castle and the Blue
Fairy Tale
Marloe Press (November 6, 2018)
Hardcover: 160 pages
ISBN-10: 0982349556
ISBN-13: 978-0982349557
When Azula of the blue castle is kidnapped by a red prince looking for a bride, she’s supposed to be delighted. Isn’t this what every princess wants?
Well, no. Not this one.
What is there to do, then, but escape? So begins a series of adventures involving a masked man, a knight searching for a mission, two spies in disguise, and a princess who begins to see that fancy clothes and jewels and fine food aren’t all they’ve been cracked up to be. Indeed, when Azula finally makes her way home, she discovers that the life she has returned to may no longer be the life she wants.
From the publisher
The Red Castle and the Blue. The story of a red team, a blue team, and a blue princess who refuses to play by the rules, the book is an allegory of today’s political climate. It also presents its own take on women’s roles, on our culture’s dependence on appearance, and on the nature of storytelling.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Written and reads like a traditional fairy tale I found this story to be very enjoyable. The political undertones are there but do not take away from the story of Princess Azula. When she is kidnapped she sees the world outside of the castle walls and finds the strength that was buried deep inside her. She shows great courage. Something that can be found in both princes and princesses. It tells the story of looking beyond oneself and seeing the bigger picture.
Unlike a typical fairy tale doesn’t end with the princess happily ever after. It ends in a way that sets up for what this reader hopes is a sequel and another adventure.
In addition to the wonderful writing, there are more than 90 beautiful illustrations and the book is a splendidly bound hardcover printed on heavy 80# matte paper.
This is a story I will definitely share with my granddaughter as it will have a home on my keeper shelf. It would also make a beautiful gift for women of all ages. Children will enjoy a fun story and adults see the broader lines. In a year when more women are running for political office than ever before and women are stepping forward with the #metoo movement, this book fits nicely with the strong themes we are seeing in the world today.
This book is available for purchase directly from Marlowe Press or on Amazon
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
