The Green-Eyed Prince: A Retelling of The Frog Prince

I am increasingly impressed by Brittany Fichter's work. To be perfectly honest, I kind of put reading this one off, despite loving the previous two books of hers that I've read. Yes, I judged the book by it's cover. Guilty. I'm not a huge Asian/Middle Eastern style culture fan. They're great people and all, but the culture doesn't appeal to me personally. It doesn't draw my interest. It's not where my mind wanders when I'm bored. So, as much as I love fairy tale retellings, I kind of figured I'd sweep this one under the rug and come back to it when I felt like it. Boy, am I glad Mrs. Fichter posted a chronological order for her books. My inner OCD won out and I determined to pick this one up and read it.The setting is in the desert and the culture is reminiscent of a Middle Eastern people, but to my surprise, I didn't mind in this book. It did take me a little while to catch onto all of the names, titles, and positions, the jahira, the emeerie, the alders, etc. The Rayis was easier to pick up on, but that may just have been because I was starting to sort all of the names out or because there seemed to be more explanation about what the Rayis was supposed to do. Some of the names were hard to get my mind around--solely because, again, I am very unfamiliar with the culture, language nuances, etc.--but eventually I guess I either settled into the names or created something similar in my mind that could pass for the name as I read it. (I probably mentally butchered these names, let's be honest XD) These two things were the most difficult part of the book for me, as a reader. Aside from that, however, not only did I not mind the desert people culture the book was written in, but I found myself curious about the broader world building. I want to know what the traditions are of the people, how they grow and change, but also how their belief system was founded. I want to know how other kingdoms and peoples in the Classical Kingdoms universe interpret that belief system and implement it in their lives. I want to learn more about the magic system we see hinted at here. This book felt like a foundation for a greater worldbuilding to come, if that makes sense.The story was well-written and I think there was only one spot I found that held a very small inconsistency. I found no glaring grammatical errors or boo boos, plot holes or anything like that. The plot was well-paced and kept me engaged throughout. There was a lot of mystery surrounding the enchantress and it kind of all unfolded at once rather than bit by bit, but that didn't affect the continuity of the story. The nods to the Frog Prince were clear and made me smile. I liked the way the frog was depicted. This is only the second story I've seen where the frog was actually human with a froglike appearance.The characters are what really made this story for me. Dakarai was my favorite. I could spend a whole other book diving into his character and be perfectly contented. I loved watching his character revealed. I loved watching Kartek watch him and struggle with the inconsistency in his behavior during their initial meeting versus every other time she observed him. I loved the way we got to know him: through the eyes of the children, the warriors, and his interactions with Kartek directly. He wasn't all perfect either. He got angry and he stormed off. He felt hurt and loss and grief, but he had such a noble character. Despite his circumstances, he did what he felt was best. He was an honorable man, and I loved him for it. Kartek grew through the story, and y'all know how much I love character development. I'd also love to dig into her past a little. We got the basics for this story, but if the author ever one day decided to write a prequel, I wouldn't be opposed! I wonder what she was like as a little girl, how she reacted the day everything changed, how she lost her parents, etc. I like that Kartek didn't have all the answers, that she was still a young girl in many respects, but that she had a strong courage and loyalty to her people. The secondary characters made me smile often. I'd like to see more of the different tribes one day. I feel like we kind of breezed past them a little. Ahmos was my favorite SC. He's another one I could happily learn more about him and his past.Fantastic characters, an interesting creature, and a fun version of the Frog Prince. Overall, I enjoyed the book far more than I thought I would. And I am so ready for Beauty now! Especially after that epilogue!!The book had no foul language, some very mild violence, and nothing more serious than a kiss. There were a few references to the "marriage bed," but they were nothing detailed at all. Clean read easily recommended to fairy tale fans.

This was the BEST princess and the frog retelling that I have ever read. I 💖 LOVED this book. Dakarai's green eyes, Kartek's green wedding dress, and Dakarai's ability to swim are just a few of many details I really💖LOVED that made this story live up to the retelling it is based on. I have read complaints on the words, but they were not at all hard to figure out. The way the author wove this story into a fantasy world was amazing. It seemed natural that people had magic and that their was these creature like henchmen. I felt so sorry for Dakarai, because of not only his families treatment of him, but a friend's betrayal. I also felt for Kartek, because she was put in a situation she wasn't able to think of any alternatives. Kartek and Dakarai really made a good couple once they stopped fighting each other. They both wanted the best for their people and both suffered devastating losses. I💖LOVED it when Kartek realized that through their marriage they gained not only each other, but someone to talk to and share the responsibilities of leading their people.  Kartek and Dakarai kind of reminded me of Ruth and Boaz. Ruth really wasn't given much of an option just like Kartek and they both lost someone. Kartek also married for someone elses benefit, her people. I honestly did not figure the plot to go the way it did, which made me 💖LOVE it even more. Their was soooooo much in this book that I don't want to spoil. I will mention, though, how much I💖💖LOVE the gorgeous cover with the vivid picture and details. I Highly recommend this book to fantasy lovers, lovers of fairytale retellings, or one with an inspiring meaning on not judging people before getting to know them.****** The quote collage is my favorite quote in this book. I thought it was an interesting way to tell a villain off and complimenting your sweetheart at the same time😊

The only problem with this novelette is that I miss the characters already. It is well crafted and fits the length well, I'm just greedy.This is a brilliant version of a fairy-tale that I normally have problems with. It fixes all the points that worry me in the original. In this version, neither of the main characters is selfish -- something that bothers me in the original. They both have really, really good reasons for what they do, plus the "princess" character's attitude to the "frog" is wonderfully nuanced. I love how her relationship develops with the hero and of course I find the denouement to be as satisfying as in all Brittany Fichter's books.One touch I particularly like is that we get to see Everard in the end and so we can pinpoint the timing of this book in this magical world.

Oh my, I think it may be my favourite book of the series yet... and it's only a novella! I absolutely love Brittany's series, and this one is no exception; a must read!

I read this after reading the becoming beauty trilogy. I loved how three characters from different books come together in this wonderful world Brittany has created.