Title: The Fourth Princess
Author: Eileen L. Maschger
Publisher: ReadersMagnet, LLC
ISBN: 9781956780949
Pages: 218
Genre: Fiction – Adventure
Reviewed by: Liz Konkel
Hollywood Book Reviews
This is a fairytale which follows the journey of The Fourth Princess who is noted for being different from her sisters as she is rebellious and without one specific skill. As Josephine sets out to find her purpose and prove she is more than the Fourth Princess, she meets and befriends Prince Wendell. The connection between them is unexpected but could be the alliance each needs when they make a shocking discovery about the kingdom. While their friendship grows, they encounter a variety of characters, from a mad king to a clever fool, which sets them on a path that will teach them the parts they are meant to play.
This fairytale brings to life the journey of a princess by first establishing this idyllic kingdom through beautiful and peaceful imagery. These details create a glossy visual of the kingdom through a heroic king who keeps all villains out, and a queen who represents an example of love. These descriptions aim to set a comforting tone which creates an immediate trust in the rulers and helps to ease readers into the concept of what a creative fairytale this book is. The story shifts from this tone as the royal dynamics are explored through the Fourth Princess and the Prince, but is first seen through the eldest three sisters. Each of the sisters has a specific gift that is their archetype princess with gifts for studying, sword fighting, and miraculous beauty. This beginning is important as it sets up the princess’s journey through the setting and fairytale backdrop, especially since when the story begins she is simply called ‘the Fourth Princess’ and is noted for not having an obvious skill of her own.
As the story progresses the Fourth Princess gains an identity which is shown visually by going from being referred to by a title to going by her name: Josephine. The plot evolves from seeing her through others, such as her sisters who comment on what she can’t do and make her feel bad to establish who she is herself. Josephine’s journey is rooted in hoping her life will change for the better and a search for purpose which is a driving factor for her character. Part of this journey is found in her friendship with the prince who is facing a similar situation and together they give each other a confidant. They share a genuine connection that is seen as they face various inner conflicts within the kingdom which the princess and the prince must face together. Their journeys are a reflection of the other as he must face his fears and stand his ground to become the prince he needs to be for the kingdom. These are done by examining familial dynamics against the backdrop of a kingdom and how these roles determine the type of people they become. These characteristics also juxtapose the tone to what is seen in the beginning with the idyllic kingdom now facing hardship years later.
The language reflects the fairytale structure with common phrases such as once upon a time and far far away, which helps draw you into this world. Each character is primarily an archetype that fits this structure with the mad king, selfish queen, and even the fool playing their part in teaching the princess how to find what she is capable of. The story is character-driven and fast-paced with events happening rather quickly, making for a lighthearted enjoyable read. Events come full circle by the end with each thread brought together in a satisfying conclusion. The Fourth Princess by Eileen L. Maschger is a charming fairy tale filled with memorable characters, humor, and journeys rooted in self-discovery, identity, and facing one’s fears.