If you adore fairy tales with sharp wit and a deliciously dark edge, this novella is for you! Tamsyn Muir reinvents the "princess in a tower" trope with snark, bite, and a healthy dose of self-rescue. Readers who love stories that upend expectations - think Murderbot’s irreverence mixed with a dash of Discworld and a pinch of classic Grimm - will be delighted. It's packed with clever commentary, great character growth, and enough subversive humor to keep you grinning. Even if you haven't read Muir's Locked Tomb series, this is an accessible and super fun standalone.

Who May Not Like This Book:

Those looking for traditional, sweet fairy tales or classic happily-ever-after romances may find this one a bit too peculiar or dark. The relationship dynamics can get weird and veer into uncomfortable territory for some, especially if you're hoping for healthy LGBTQ+ representation. If you’re not a fan of novellas or stories with a melancholic or grotesque twist, this might leave you feeling a bit unsatisfied or even disturbed by the end.

A razor-sharp, darkly humorous, and totally original fairy tale that’s perfect for anyone craving a quick, snarky read with real bite. It’s not for the faint of heart, but it’s unforgettable and wildly inventive.

About:

"Princess Floralinda and the Forty-Flight Tower" by Tamsyn Muir is a dark and twisted fairy tale retelling that follows Princess Floralinda as she is trapped in a tower by a witch. The book explores themes of empowerment, role reversal, and the consequences of adopting societal roles, all while delivering a sharp and focused character arc. Muir's writing style strikes an impressive balance between comedic fairy tale elements and biting commentary, creating a snappy and engaging narrative that sticks with the reader long after finishing the book.

Characters:

The characters undergo significant development, particularly Floralinda, who evolves from a traditional princess into a more complex figure, while Cobweb adds layers to the dynamics.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is engaging and humorous, using clever prose that mixes dark themes with a lighthearted tone, reflecting the author's unique voice.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot features a creative retelling of the Rapunzel tale, focusing on an empowered princess who chooses to fight monsters instead of waiting for a rescue, with each chapter highlighting a new challenge.

Setting:

The setting is a multi-level tower, each floor representing a unique challenge for the protagonist, symbolizing confinement and the journey to self-empowerment.

Pacing:

The pacing is generally fast, with a focus on rapid progression through various plot points, though some moments may feel rushed.

What had happened was that the witch put Princess Floralinda in a tower forty flights high, but said it wasn’t personal. She told her to cheer up. “Princes will be flocking from near and far to rescue...

Notes:

The book is a retelling of Rapunzel with a unique twist.

Princess Floralinda is locked in a 40-story tower by a witch.

Every level of the tower has a monster that princes must defeat to rescue her.

No prince has made it past the first floor to rescue Floralinda.

Floralinda receives reluctant help from a not-so-nice fairy named Cobweb.

Floralinda learns to stand up for herself and grows as a character throughout the story.

The narrative has dark humor and explores serious themes of survival and personal growth.

Each chapter introduces a different monster, keeping the story fresh and interesting.

The relationship between Floralinda and Cobweb is complex and unconventional, causing mixed reactions from readers.

The ending of the story is notably shocking and leaves a strong impression on readers.

The book critiques traditional fairy tales, adding modern, cynical elements to the genre.

Tamsyn Muir is also known for her acclaimed Locked Tomb trilogy, showcasing her distinctive writing style.

The novella format (short and concise) makes it accessible yet impactful, appealing to readers of all ages.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The novella contains high content warnings for themes of abuse, unhealthy relationships, and possible triggering elements surrounding identity and autonomy.

From The Publisher:

When the witch built the forty-flight tower, she made very sure to do the whole thing properly. Each flight contains a dreadful monster, ranging from a diamond-scaled dragon to a pack of slavering goblins. Should a prince battle his way to the top, he will be rewarded with a golden sword-and the lovely Princess Floralinda.

But no prince has managed to conquer the first flight yet, let alone get to the fortieth.

In fact, the supply of fresh princes seems to have quite dried up.

And winter is closing in on Floralinda…

November 2020

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154 pages

Ratings (10)

Incredible (2)
Loved It (5)
Liked It (2)
It Was OK (1)

Reader Stats (16):

Read It (10)
Want To Read (5)
Did Not Finish (1)

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Princess Floralinda and the Forty-Flight Tower

Tamsyn Muir

Who Would Like This Book: