| The
author begins her introduction to this story “Remember the Fractured Fairy
Tales from the old Rocky and Bullwinkle cartoon shows? I liked them
so much, in fact, that I decided to apply that same little twist to my
own Fractured Fairy Tale, THE WILD SWANS.
Kate
Holmes delivers a humorous satirical presentation "Medieval Times meets
Married With Children" [For those who don't remember Rocky & Bullwinkle's
Fractured Fairy Tales!] If you liked '10th Kingdom", you will love
this book.
The
locker room humor and Point-Of-View switches in the story can be a bit
distracting at times, but this actually will be remembered a humorous romantic
tale. First we meet James Richard Henry Michael Bledgabred Taillefer,
King of Avalon, Darian, Longshore, and the Western Isles, Duke of Lemaire-Over-the-Sea,
Count of Borghame, Chosen of God and, By His Gracious Might, Anointed Among
Men—affectionately known among his people as King Jim, though he was just
plain Richard to his friends [R&B Show humor] as he discusses with
fellow knight his frustrations with women. He ends his tirade by
swearing that if he "meets a woman who can keep her mouth shut" he will
make her his queen.
Next
we meet Her Royal Highness, Princess Arianne of Montavia. She’d been
twelve when her mother died in childbirth. Arianne has been
taking care of not only her 12 brothers, but also her absentminded royal
father. Men, those thickheaded louts, have been the bane of her existence,
thank you very much! And now, to rescue her brothers, she cannot
talk until she to knit twelve shirts out of nettles.
When
the prince is lost in the wood and stumbles upon her doorstep, Princes
Ari is well able to communicate her displeasure without words. After
raising 12 brothers, she is surprised to find, though, that she is not
immune to Richard’s charm. Despite his vow; Richard's plans are not
for marriage and she draws the line at sharing a bed. When the frustrated
prince is rescued, he invites "Goldie" to go with him to Avalon.
Plots from the Archbishop and nettle knitting are mixed with Richar's
attempts at seduction. Then the courtship begins, at least in HIS
perspective. The announcement of their wedding is a surprise to Ari,
but she loves Richard and accepts.
We
all know there is a happily-ever-after to be found in every fairy tale,
and this is no exception. It is a light read for entertainment.
Don't expect historical insights or even "men are Mars/ women Venus” insights
although some scenes reflect these differences. Read this book for
fun!
Cy Korte /
April, 2000
Copyright
© 2000 for Book
Isle Paperbacks |
