In this lively graphic novel retelling of the classic Swan Lake story, Odette and Dillie are princesses of opposing kingdoms that have been maintaining an uneasy peace. Odette, a begowned princess with long reddish hair, has been confined to the castle by her overprotective parents ever since she was cursed as a child to transform into a swan by day and back to a human at night. She loves to dance and longs to see the outside world. The sword-wielding, purple-haired Dillie is similarly fed up with her parents, who want her to take on the responsibilities of leading the kingdom, not running off on adventures. A chance meeting at the lake between their kingdom leads to friendship, as each recognizes someone who understands her dreams.
Their friendship is tested, however, when Odette hears a rumor that Dillie’s father was the one who cursed her. Dillie is determined to prove this wrong, however, so the two princesses set out on a quest for a way to break the curse and set things right. Along the way, they encounter Prince Siegfried of a third local kingdom. Sensitive and kind, he doesn’t want to follow the toxic masculinity of his father, but nevertheless wants to prove himself a worthy leader. The three friends (and an accompanying bear) encounter hungry goblins, underwater puzzles, rivers of lava, and other perils before reaching a final challenge that will pit their individual dreams against the fate of their lands.
Hand-holding and other subtle clues indicate Dillie and Odette are becoming more than just friends, although this is never addressed directly. (My only criticism is in one scene when Odette hugs Dillie before asking if she wants one. Dillie looks uncomfortable at first before deciding she likes it—but as a matter of teaching children consent (see Hattie Hates Hugs), Odette should have asked first.)
Dillie also has a prosthetic leg. Author Rey Terciero doesn’t let this slow down Dillie’s swordfighting—but he doesn’t simply ignore her physical difference and treat it like a flesh leg, either. He shows Dillie taking off the leg to clean it sometimes, for example. In one scene, too, Dillie explains to Odette that she understands the discomfort Odette feels about her physical transformation because her leg also hurts sometimes. “All I’m saying is, you don’t have to be embarrassed about your transformation. Not around me. I get it.” They each know what it is like to be different, even if they don’t share the same difference.
Odette has light-brown skin and light red hair, Dillie is pale skinned and purple haired, and Siegfried has brown skin and purple hair. (And yes, the two princesses share a bit of an aesthetic with Princesses Amira and Sadie of Princess Princess Ever After, with one in a gown and the other with a shave-sided haircut and sword.)
Fun, funny, and full of adventure, with great chemistry among the core trio and a light theme of appreciating differences and playing to one’s strengths, this is a great pick for young lovers of adventure and fantasy tales. The end happily hints at a possible sequel.
