Fantasy / Fairytale Retelling / YA
Beacon
The Kingdom Chronicles book 9
by Camille Peters
-From Goodreads- As the daughter of a lighthouse keeper, Marisa spends her days exploring the different locations the enchanted lighthouse takes her to—as well as developing her magical ability to manipulate water. But when her magic inadvertently causes a tragic accident, she chooses to pay penance by giving up both her voice and her magic. For years, Marisa is content with her self-imposed silence…until the day she saves Prince Owen from drowning. What begins as a noble rescue soon entangles her in a fake engagement…one whose promised reward might not be worth the risk should Prince Owen's intended discover their deception. Marisa makes every attempt to protect her heart during their façade, but the endearing prince makes it increasingly more difficult to remember it's nothing but a ruse. The closer they become, the less of a charade their relationship feels, and the more Marisa misses the words that are no longer hers, yearning to finally free herself from her guilt and reclaim her voice. Inspired by "The Little Mermaid" ASIN: B0B7Q146SB Can he help her find the voice she once lost... | This Book received a 4.5 Bark rating. |
I was in no way disappointed by Beacon. It turned out to be a little different than I expected but it couldn't have been more perfect for the rather unique Little Mermaid heroine and her gentle prince. I loved how the basic elements The Little Mermaid that we are familiar with were present enough to identify the fairytale retelling but they were presented in such a different package that Marisa's story was still her own.
The direction taken with The Little Mermaid's loss of her voice was a bit of a surprise to me but it was handled with kindness and sensitivity that was appreciated. That the author also addressed the fact that there are many ways to 'lose your voice', whether physical or emotionally driven, was impressive and quite well done.
Beacon was every bit as vividly imaginative and magical as I had hoped for and a little bit more. It was a solid addition to the Kingdom Chronicles and was a very delightful way to spend the last couple of afternoons. Even though I am an adult reading YA fiction it is no stretch to figure out why Camille Peters has quickly become one of my MUST read fairytale re-storytellers. The only problem with the book was having to say goodbye at the end and now having to wait for the next one...
Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Beacon by Camille Peters a 4.5 Bark rating.