Princess book sequels reinvent old tales' magic

A little more than a year ago, two Utah authors released books that re-imagined the princess genre. Proving, as this reviewer wrote, "there's much more to being a princess than frilly dresses and tiaras."

Now, those two authors — Jessica Day George and Mette Ivie Harrison — along with "The Frog Princess" author E.D. Baker, are back with much anticipated princess follow-ups.

"PRINCESS OF GLASS," by Jessica Day George, Bloomsbury, $16.99 (young adult) .

George is a popular writer on the young adult circuit. The local author has written a trilogy of adventure books in "Dragon Slippers," "Dragon Flight" and "Dragon Spear." And she is also the author of "Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow," a retelling of Norse legends.

But as of late, it's dancing slippers that have become the author's theme of choice. In "Princess of the Midnight Ball," it was 12 sisters who were mysteriously wearing through new pairs of shoes each night. Now, it's an enigmatic young woman who wears slippers of glass of "Princess of Glass."

Princess Poppy, one of the sisters from "Midnight Ball," is taking part in a royal exchange program, hoping to rebuild alliances and friendships ruined by the unfortunate dancing secret that ostracized her homeland.

Poppy misses home, and her welcome to this new land has been a bit frosty at times. Poppy is willing to make the best of things for her kingdom's sake and is learning the finer points of deportment, in spite of things.

When Poppy meets the charming Prince Christian, things start to look up. Or so she thinks. Poppy isn't the only one who likes Christian.

Eleanora, a beautiful servant girl, has her heart set on marrying the prince. Eleanora was once rich but has fallen on hard times. So it comes as a surprise when she arrives at parties with magnificent dresses and slippers. No one knows where these riches are coming from, but Poppy is sure that someone is up to no good.

This adventure is part magic, part mystery and, of course, part fairy tale.

Of all fairy tales, that of Cinderella may be the most re-imagined and re-invented. After a while, it can become repetitive and boring.

Not so with "Princess of Glass." George has continued to explore the magical world she created in "Midnight Ball" with a fresh stand-alone read that youths and adults alike will enjoy. Here, Cinderella is just the jumping off point.

Kudos to George for putting her own excellent stamp on a classic.