From award-winning, genre-hopping author C. S. Johnson comes an original fairy tale that’s sure to enchant you … The first time I fell in love with Princess Mele was when I saw her smile, and I fell in love with her the second time the moment I heard her sing. Two memories burn within Kaipo’s heart — the death of his mother, which left him alone to die, and the arrival of Princess Mele, which … him alone to die, and the arrival of Princess Mele, which gave him a new reason to live.
Together with his adopted brother, Kaipo seeks out Jaya, the Fae Queen who lives on the Forbidden Mountain, in order to gain the beauty he requires to win Mele’s heart.
But Jaya has other plans for the scarred outcast who climbs up her mountain …
The Princess and the Peacock is the first in Birds of Fae, a fantasy fairy tale novella series from C. S. Johnson featuring original, standalone fairy tales.
FROM THE BOOK:
“Hey, Kaipo, we are almost at the top!” Rahj lets out a cheer as he appears beside me again. He daringly loosens his grip before twisting around to see the sights behind us. “Can you believe the view from up here? No wonder Jaya chose to live here.”
I carefully look down at the view below. I can see our whole side of Maluhia as I glance around us. The skies are clear, shining in a way that seems both too light and too blue; the clouds just above the Forbidden Mountain are fluffy and starkly white, as if they know they are used in service to a higher power.
The seas that surround Maluhia are a mix of blue and green, the sun and sky eagerly battling for the right to blend their beauty. I can see the coral reef that bends around the beach that leads to the other side of the mountain, where the kingdom’s rich merchants, warriors, and royal family live in the capital city of Shanthi.
“You’re right,” I say to Rahj, who somehow smiles even more brightly. “This is incredible.”
“This is how the God of all creation must see the world,” Rahj says, his voice full of awe. “From up here, it only looks beautiful. There is no way to see the full ugliness the world carries.”
I frown at him, surprised by the remark. There was nothing in his tone to suggest a sullen feeling, but the words were enough to make me wonder.
“I am happy to share this with you, Kaipo.” Despite the danger, Rahj reaches out and I clasp his hand in mine.
I might have hated Rahj before, but since my scars had branded me as both an outcast and an orphan, he had remained by my side. With Appa gone, and my mother dead and burned, there is no one else.
So I smile at him. “Thank you, brother,” I reply, and this time, Rahj does not smile. Instead, I can see the solemn gratitude and pride in his gaze as he nods.
His sudden and uncharacteristic seriousness is the last thing I see before the rock under his anchored hand crumbles, and he cries out my name as he falls.
“Kaipo!”
WHAT READERS ARE SAYING:
“From the characters to the priceless message of true beauty, this was an engaging and creative tale that pulled me in. I very eagerly look forward to reading more in this series!” ~ Laura A. Grace, Unicorn Quester
“Beautiful and satisfying read!” ~ Maurice, Book Reviewer
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C.S. Johnson is a fabulous writer and I have not yet read a book by her that I didn’t absolutely love. Fairytale retellings can be so fun if done properly, and it is no surprise that C.S. Johnson did this one right.
This novella was done the way a novella should be. The characters were well developed, relatable and dynamic in a short amount of words. The plot was perfectly packed to keep me invested in the world. I was highly impressed with this one.
I can’t wait to see where this series goes. If you haven’t checked out a C.S. Johnson novel yet, you’re missing out. Highly recommended!
*Read for a blog tour with R&R Book Tours. All opinions are my own.*
What story brought to life. It was vibrant, alive, teeming with color and love. I look forward to the next beautifully magical story.
An original fairy tale, with a slight nod to Beauty and the Beast, reminds us that beauty is found within. This was a lovely story, told primarily about three characters. While that may sound simplistic, it actually made it much easier to get to know these characters as well as the backstories of each of them.
Kaipo – the narrator of the story. An orphan and an outcast. He has long loved the princess Mele, but due to an accident that left his face scarred feels unworthy of her great beauty. So he sets off on a quest to find the Fae Queen who may grant his wish to be made beautiful, although what she grants him may not turn out as he expected.
Rahj – Kaipo’s adopted brother. Also an orphan. Loved by Kaiyo’s father, but never Kaiyo or his mother, Rahj only wants to be part of the family. After the death of both parents, he and Kaiyo grow closer and he helps Kaiyo on his quest. Rahj is truly kind. Although he makes mistakes, he never wants to hurt his brother.
Mele – the princess. Of age to be married and bored to death with suitors who are only beautiful while lacking other redeeming qualities. Due to unusual circumstances, she ends up offering her protection to both Kaiyo and Rahj who learn that her kindness and compassion are even greater than her beauty.
The fairy tale reminds us of the importance of forgiveness, compassion, and above all, the beauty that is found within.
I received a free copy of the audiobook from the author and have reviewed it willingly. The narrator did an amazing job voicing the story and brought all of the characters to life.
Another beautiful story from C. S. Johnson. I recommend this book to basically anyone, but especially if you ever loved fairy tales. Even if you are not a fan of fairy tales I still recommend you try it, it is that good. The story was clean and uplifting to where you felt good after reading it. There is also an important message/lesson about beauty here you should think about afterwards.
The Princess and The Peacock is the first book that I’ve read by C.S. Johnson but it definitely won’t be my last. I absolutely enjoyed following Kaipo’s quest to find true beauty, all in hopes of ultimately winning Princess Mele’s heart. This story is full of adventures, nuggets of wisdom, and a sweet romance that will satisfy a variety of readers. If that’s not enough, the author has woven into the book a wonderful set of side characters who make this story the enjoyable ride it is (I adored Rahj’s character <3).
5 stars and completely recommended.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a great story about accepting yourself when you have flaws & you think the person you love will reject you. Again Ms Johnson amazes me with her ability to write a simple story with a profound message that is so enjoyable to read. I received a free audible code from the author. I love listening to books. It is so much faster to hear the story & I can listen while doing mundain things. I highly recommend this book for family & friends.
I loved this novella from C.S. Johnson!
Kaipo was a great main character to cheer for, especially seeing him grow in more ways than one as the story progressed. (His relationship with Rahj was indeed special and one of my favorite parts.) The fae aspect was perfect and the POV from a peacock was extremely interesting. (It creates some interesting moments. And heartfelt ones too if I’m honest.)
From the characters to the priceless message of true beauty, this was an engaging and creative tale that pulled me in. I very eagerly look forward to reading more in this series! A recommended read to fairy tale and fantasy readers!