Once Upon a Marigold: Part Comedy, Part Love Story, Part Everything-But-The-Kitchen-Sink

By Jean Ferris

Who knew love could be so amazing—and stupefying? Not Christian. He was clueless when he started spying on the royal family through his telescope. He lives in a cave with a troll for a dad, after all. If his dad had only warned him about all that mind-boggling love stuff, maybe things wouldn't be such a mess. But then, maybe, Princess Marigold would be dead.

But Christian wasn't warned. And now that he's fallen for the princess, it's up to him to untwist an odd love triangle—er, rectangle—and foil a scheming queen who wants to take over the kingdom, even if it means bumping off her own daughter.

With echoes of William Goldman's modern classic The Princess Bride, Jean Ferris's hilarious parody of "Once upon a time . . ." overflows with oddball characters and sage observations—and ends with a slapstick happily-ever-after that's full of surprises.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Open Road Integrated Media
• Release date: Jun 1, 2004
• ISBN: 9780547543093

Jean Ferris

JEAN FERRIS has written more than a dozen novels for young people, including the popular Marigold trilogy. Once Upon a Marigold was named an ALA Notable Children's Book, an ALA Best Book for Young Adults, and a New York Public Library 100 Books for Reading and Sharing title. Ms. Ferris lives in San Diego, California. Visit her website at www.jeanferris.com.

Book preview

Part One

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1

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Edric knew he should head for home. It would be dark soon, and even though he was as familiar with his part of the forest as he was with the back and the front of his hand, there were dangers when the lights went out—wild animals, evil spirits, big glowing eyes attached to who-knew-what, stuff like that. But Beelzebub and Hecate were having such a good time sniffing under every bush and barking all the grouse out from their hiding places that Ed was reluctant to spoil their fun. Besides, he’d been having a very good day of gathering.

Some days there was nothing; nobody passing through the forest dropped a thing. But today he’d found a ring with a big shiny pink stone, a collapsible telescope, a book of Greek myths, an almost-new leather jerkin, and a flask half full (he knew there were some people who would have said half empty) of a quite palatable wine—rather frisky, with some floral notes and a nice, lingering, jaunty sort of finish. It had been a very good day indeed.

He heard the dogs yapping their heads off up ahead. Not an encouraging sign. He could tell Bub was working himself into a state, trying to act as fierce as he looked, and Cate was overemoting, as usual. Whatever they were barking at must have gone straight up a tree, taken off for parts unknown, or had a coronary.

Hey, you guys! Ed yelled. Cut that out! He came through the trees and saw the two dogs—big shaggy Beelzebub and petite well-groomed Hecate—in front of a clump of bushes, carrying on as if they didn’t have a brain in either of their heads.

Hey! he yelled again. Stop that!

Abruptly they stopped barking. But both noses were pointed at the bushes, both tails out straight and quivering.

What’s in there? Ed asked nervously. The light was fading through the trees, casting long shadows that wavered and fooled the eye into thinking threatening things lurked in the gloom. Or maybe the shadows weren’t fooling at all.

Come on, Edric said in a low voice. Let’s go home.

The dogs didn’t move.

Would you listen to me? he pleaded, peering anxiously around as the light grew dimmer. If only he’d thought to bring along some squirrel knuckles, their favorite treat, he could have lured them away easily.

He wasn’t supposed to be snaring squirrels, of course, since these were King Swithbert’s woods, or maybe King Beaufort’s—it was hard to tell where the boundaries between the two kingdoms lay—but who was going to miss a few squirrels when there were so many? Well, the other squirrels, maybe, but he didn’t let himself think about that. Hayes Centaur, King Swithbert’s gamekeeper, was conscientious (unlike King Beaufort’s more laid-back Claypool Sasquatch) and would love nothing better than to catch Edric poaching a squirrel, but even he couldn’t keep count of all the squirrels, or tell which were Swithbert’s and which were Beaufort’s.

Ed pushed his way between the dogs, who were quivering so hard that they sent up a faint hum. He extended the collapsible telescope and poked it gingerly into the bushes. Hello? he said tentatively.

Hello, came a small voice.

Edric and the dogs jumped in unison.

Who’s in there? Ed demanded gruffly, hoping he sounded seven feet tall instead of his actual three feet, four inches.

Me, came the small voice. And a handsome little boy with big brown eyes and tousled brown hair—a few leaves clinging haphazardly to it—stuck his head out of the bushes. Will those dogs eat me? he asked solemnly.

Edric was so relieved, his knees went weak. Naw, he said. This one—he put his hand on Beelzebub’s shaggy neck and felt the dog’s shivers of terror—is a coward who hides behind his big bark. And this one—he scratched Hecate’s ears—is a show-off who just wants to be the center of attention. Cate wagged her plumy tail vigorously and grinned.

"Who are you?" the boy asked, crawling farther out of the bushes.

"Edric’s my name. But mostly I’m called Ed. And who are you?"

Christian, the boy said. I’m six.

Well, come out of there, Christian, and tell me what you’re doing here.

Christian crawled all the way out from the bushes and stood up. I’m almost as big as you, he said, surprised.

Ed pulled himself to his full height. I’m tall for a troll, he said defensively.

I’ve never met a troll before, Christian said.

Ed stuck out his hand and shook Christian’s. Now you have. And what about you?

I’m a boy, Christian said seriously. Can’t you tell?

Well, sure. I know you’re a boy. What I want to know is, where are your folks? It’s almost dark out here.

I don’t know where they are now. They looked for me for a long time, but their voices got farther and farther away until I couldn’t hear them at all.

You mean you were hiding from them? Ed asked. Why?

I don’t want to live with them anymore. It’s too hard.

"So you thought you’d live in the forest? Do you have any idea how hard that would be for somebody wearing a . . . a . . . What is that? A velvet suit?"

What should I wear instead?

What I mean is, somebody like you doesn’t know anything about living in a forest. That cup of tea is definitely not down your alley, if you know what I mean. What would you do for shelter? Food? Heat? Protection?

I was going to live in that bush. Christian gestured. It has berries on it.

Ed rolled his eyes. I can see I’m beating my head against a dead horse. There are berries now because it’s summer. There won’t be any in a few more weeks. He considered for about half a second and then said, You’d better come home with me. I can take you back to your folks in the morning.

Christian’s lower lip came out. I’ll go with you now, but I won’t go home in the morning. I don’t even know where home is.

Ed put his hand on Christian’s shoulder. Let’s get out of here. It’ll be pitch-dark in a few minutes, and I don’t want to run into any more surprises. We can finish this conversation once we’re inside. Come on, Bub. Get going, Cate. Let’s get this show on the ball.

Cate scampered ahead, throwing herself into her performance as a courageous guide dog. Bub, sticking close to Ed, could feel a sick headache coming on—he always got one after he’d had to be brave—and he could hardly wait to flop down in front of the fire and pull himself together.

What’s that shiny blue stuff up there? Christian asked after they’d wound along narrow rutted paths for a while, doing their bests not to run into any trees, fall in any streams, or become supper for anything else wandering around out there.

Where? Ed asked. Oh, yeah. Great! That’s the cave. We’re almost home. The dogs ran ahead and disappeared into the shadows.

You live in a cave? Christian asked. Why is it blue?

It’s blue, and red, and green, and pink, and purple, and yellow, too, Ed said. It’s a big cave with lots of rooms, and in each room the walls and ceilings are studded with a different kind of crystal. I don’t know how, but they glow in the dark. Kind of pretty, don’t you think?

Yeah, Christian breathed as they approached. It looks like magic.

Well, maybe it is. I don’t know of another cave like it. When I discovered it, the entrance was all blocked by rocks and dirt. I was sick of being a nomad and knew I’d finally found my home. Trolls have to spend at least one hundred years of their lives in a cave; did you know that? It’s a tradition. I’ve been here, oh, must be one hundred and seventeen years now.

In the large yellow-crystal room that Ed used for his main parlor, he built up the fire, stumbling repeatedly over Bub, who was laid out in front of it like a hearth rug, breathing deeply in relief at being safe at home.

For supper there was leftover raccoon ragout, seasoned with wild garlic, onion, parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme. There were acorn-meal biscuits and new strawberries and the wine Ed had found that day. When it was all gone, Ed let out a satisfied burp.

Christian imitated him and giggled. If I did that at home, I’d be sent to my room, he said. Actually, I’d be dragged off to my room, probably by my ear.

A bit drastic for a burp, Ed thought, but maybe he’d lived in a cave for so long he’d lost whatever social graces he might once have had.

And you can forget about taking me back there, Christian went on. I’m tired of being told what to do, and of being too clean, and of not being able to make a mess. Inventing is messy, and that’s what I like to do. My parents will be glad I’m gone.

I thought they searched for you all afternoon.

Oh, they’ll forget about me pretty soon. They have lots of other kids, Christian said. Father never listens to me. And Mother only cares about how clean I am—and I’m never clean enough. The rest of the time she just wants to play bezique and piquet with her lady friends.

Ed could see there was no point in arguing with this kid. He figured he could manage to put up with the little squirt for one night and then he’d track down the parents and hand him over. Come on, he said. It’s late. You can wear this for a nightshirt. He handed the boy a shirt of thin cambric that he had found beside a pond. Well, he had to admit he could see the owner of the shirt splashing in the pond, but he’d left him his boots and his breeches, hadn’t he? What else did a body need to get home in on a warm summer day?

Ed made a bed for Christian out of furs in the dark-blue-crystal room. Sleeping in there was like sleeping up in the night sky with the glitter of stardust all around you. The little boy looked quite happy bedded down in the furs, the sleeves of his nightshirt rolled up four and a half times. As soon as he put his head down, both dogs came padding in to flop on either side of him.

With an arm around each furry neck, he murmured sleepily, You can throw that stupid velvet suit away. I’m never wearing it again. Then his eyes closed, and three sets of soft snores rose to the shining ceiling.

Who does he think he is? Ed muttered, picking up the trail of discarded clothing as he went back to the fire in the yellow-crystal room. Imperious little son of a gun, acting like some big cheese in a small pond, expecting me to pick up after him like I was his servant.

He dropped the clothing in front of the fire and sat on the picnic rug he’d found years before, way over on King Beaufort’s side of the forest. It was a picnic that had been interrupted suddenly; he could tell that much from the scattered plates and utensils and food. Not that there was much food left. Whatever animal had come upon the picnickers had enjoyed the meal more than they had. But Ed had enjoyed the kitchenware, the hamper, the big napkins embroidered with the letter B, and the rug, all of which he’d hauled home.

He shook out each small item of clothing and dusted it off. As he folded the velvet shorts, he heard a faint tinkle. In the pocket he found a gold chain with a golden charm hanging from it. The charm was in the shape of a bird unlike any Ed had ever seen in the forest, though that certainly didn’t mean it didn’t exist. The world was full of fantastical creatures. The bird seemed to be part pheasant and part eagle.

Ed returned the chain to the pocket. Under other circumstances he would have added it to his collection, but he had a feeling the kid’s parents would notice if it was missing. Then he wrapped the stack of clothing in one of the big picnic napkins, stashed the bundle in the hamper, and settled down with his briar pipe and the book of Greek myths. Nothing like a little fratricide, patricide, matricide, and infanticide to send a fellow right off to sleep.

2

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In the morning Christian folded his arms across his sturdy chest and said, I’m not going out there with you. I told you I didn’t want to be found.

Oh, give me a break, Ed said, annoyed. The last thing he needed was a little boy, for pete’s sake. What can be so bad about going home?

I told you. There’re too many stupid rules. You can’t talk unless somebody asks you a question, even if you have something really good to say, and you can’t hit your brother even if he’s done something mean, and you have to have all those boring lessons, and—

But those are normal rules parents are supposed to have, Ed interrupted. Mine did, and I . . . He almost said, . . . and I never ran away. But he had. Every one of his eight brothers had, too. It was a troll tradition. Well, anyway, if I let you stay here, I’d feel like a kidnapper or something.

Christian stuck out his lower lip and said, "If you tell anybody where I am, I’ll tell them you did kidnap me. And that you were going to ask for a whole lot of money to give me back, and that even after you got the money, you were still going to torture me and then kill me. How do you think my parents would like that?"

Beads of sweat popped out on Ed’s forehead. Why, the kid was a scoundrel. A con man. A rascal and a rogue. And there wasn’t a thing Ed could do about it. He did know what those parents would think. And what they would probably do to him. Who would believe the truth coming from him, a mere forest troll, compared to a big lie coming from an adorable kid with the heart of a weasel?

Jeez, he said. You’re a menace.

Only when I have to be, Christian said with an unhappy little tremble in his voice, and went to lie in front of the fire with Cate and Bub.

And as much as Ed wanted to turn him over his knee and give him a good spanking, he couldn’t help noticing how relieved the boy looked to be piled up with the undemanding, comforting dogs.

Christian stayed there almost all day, dozing or playing with the dogs, not asking for anything, just saying Thank you very politely when Ed brought him something to eat.

I’ve got to go out for a while, Ed said. At Christian’s ferocious look, he added, And I’m not telling anybody anything, so quit giving me that black eye.

Outside, the forest was unusually still, as if all the creatures in it, even the fiercest, ugliest, most fire-breathing ones, were holding their breaths. Even the leaves hung motionless in

Reviews for Once Upon a Marigold

[et.carole · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved this book. Its innocent, sweet love story is a life saver in a deluge of hopelessly grown up passions.

[reader1009-863136 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

children's fiction (princesses, fairytales, kid-friendly romance). Cute, especially the correspondence by p-mail (pigeon mail, an oddly similar precursor to modern day tweets, given the limited number of words that will fit in the pigeon's message tube), though the sensible part of me keeps screaming for the King or someone to lock up the apparently evil queen in the dungeon (or at least to exile her), but no one ever does. Unfortunately (or fortunately?) the Queen comes back for the sequel (and possibly the third book as well; I'm not sure on that one).

[herenya_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

  Christian has been brought up in a cave by Edric the troll, who discovered Chris hiding in the forest. Now Chris is in love with the princess Marigold, with whom he has exchanged letters carried by pigeon but has never met. The cover claims this is “part comedy, part love story, part everything-but-the-kitchen-sink”, which could be considered to be rather misleading. However, I suspect the book would appeal to readers attracted by the cover’s children’s-fantasy vibe who think “part everything-but-the-kitchen-sink” is funny.If I had discovered this in 2002 when it was first published, I suspect I’d have been delighted by its gentle, whimsical, almost-fairytale-ness. These days I tend to want more complexity and more emotion and, often, more critical engagement with the genre’s tropes. But the audiobook was still pleasant company while I did a few hours of housework.

[angelarenea-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

It took me a little bit to get into this one but after I did I really liked it. I wasn't sure if I liked or didn't like the social/political undertones in this book because it was a book for younger kids, but it was a really well told fairy tale. I liked that it didn't stick to any preexisting fairy tale so it kept me guessing through the book as to what would happen next. I also like that it seemed to happen simultaneously with the other princesses.

[lkernagh · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Quirky and adorable is how I would describe this one. Possibly more Shrek than The Princess Bride. I found this to be a fun, entertaining read. I enjoyed how Ferris takes the fairy tale basics – an evil stepmother, a doting father, three older sisters, a hero with a mysterious past and a curmudgeon troll with a heart of gold – and put her own spin on things. I loved the p-mail (correspondence via carrier pigeon), the way in which Ed the troll misquotes a lot of familiar sayings and has an axe to grind with the tooth fairy (who seems to be having a lot of difficulties overseeing the gathering of teeth and the remittance of coin). While somewhat predictable – given the fairy tale formula being utilized – I still enjoyed following the characters as Christian and Marigold’s friendship grows into a romance along with Queen Olympia’s determination to marry Marigold off and get her out of the way in Olympia’s quest to rule the kingdom.A fun, light, entertaining read for children... and adults like me.

[cheryl_in_cc_nv · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

*I* personally liked it a lot. I didn't get into it right away, but it sure hit the spot on day 6 of a bad cold. I'm not comfortable rating it higher though because it didn't seem all that valuable or rich; it was more superficial and longer than it needed to be, imo. Maybe 3.5 stars.

OK, that was last year - in fact just about exactly. I gave it three stars then. I re-read it today because I found a sequel and this time I loved it. So, another star!

[rosa.mill · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I loved this book, it was definitely a great fairy tale. Like most fairy tales a little predictable (who didn't know Christian was going to be a prince.) Although I was surprised to find out that Marigold and her sister's were not really Olympia's daughters. (Although that did make her fit into the step mother role)

[karra.mcds · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Once upon a Marigold is about a young boy Who is adopted by a troll and falls in love with the young princess named Marigold. He starts let sending letters to her and she writes back! Ed, The troll that is watching Christan sees that Cristan might have some affection for the princess. Soon he forgets about it and then has to come to a decision if he can care for Christan anymore. Ed talks to Christan and Christan makes a decision that will last him for life. I enjoyed this book because it isn't like those old fairy tales about romance. There are a lot of problems in this book and it is hard to put down. I hope you will enjoy this book just like me ,if you read it!

[beckiezimmerman · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I was very excited to reread this, I remember this was one of my favorite books in the 5th grade, and I must have read it at least 3 times! This is a modern fantasy chapter book for strong 4th grader readers- 5th grade readers. What I loved about this book and continue to love is the humor, all of the characters are likeable, and the plot is exciting and adventurous. I remember this was one of the first books that I have read that the character’s voice throughout the story really stood out to me. The story is told from the main character, Christian’s, perspective, and his voice is very relatable and humorous, which assisted me with the comprehension of the story. Though this sounds like a typical “servant boy saves the princess” book, it is actually the exact opposite with its unique plot line and genuine humor. If it weren’t for the cover (there’s a flower on it, which may be too “girly” for a 5th grade boy) I actually think this book would be enjoyable for boys as well! I highly recommend this book; it is a ton of fun! The central message is the triumph over good and evil.

[carebear36 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is a cute book. It's great for young readers. I remember reading a copy from the library when I was in middle school and I really enjoyed it. Later, as a senior in high school, I found a copy at a used books story and still found a lot of pleasure in it. It is interesting and easy-to-read. Would highly recommend to anyone who is interested in a new spin on childhood fairy tales.

[turrean_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Supremely silly.

[tigerbuns · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

A cute book, but not much more than that. It's a quick and entertaining read with some great one-liners and some sweet jokes, but after an engaging first half things kind of frayed out, and I got the feeling the author was trying way too hard to make everything good for everyone. There's nothing wrong with happy endings, but there were too many easy solutions to unconvincing problems - I mean, the problems were real enough, but more often than not the threats and their counteractions were quite unbalanced, some dead ends seemed not so very dead-endy at all and felt like they were just designed to move the plot onto the next stage (we're locked in a room! Gasp! No choice but to spend the night and await our fate!). The antagonist's motivation seemed unclear and muddled and kind of adapted itself to the changing circumstances (being evil for antagonism's sake).

Towards the end the book lost its focus on the main characters, heaping on more characters and aiming at a great fat happy ending with a bow on it, which made me lose interest a little because it was clear everything would be candy and rainbows. A little too sugary for my taste (even if I'd read it as a girl), and the numerous attempts at explaining what a perfect world should look like seemed very simplistic and cutesy. I really enjoyed the beginning and the bit about falling in love so innocently, but in the end that wasn't enough - overall it was a simple feel-good read that I didn't regret, but which won't stay with me for very long either.

[district13_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I LOVE this book! It has to be one of the best books I have ever read. The story is original and full of humor and quirks. The characters are believable and are easy to relate to. The story is fast paced and full of adventure. Plus it does a really good job of showing how everyone at some point struggles to find out who they really are and what they want out of life no matter of where in society they come from. It is not the normal rags to riches fairy tale and for that I like it even more.

[bplteen · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Review by: Lisa I liked this book. I thought it was okay but it wasn't as good as the first book.

[laurat81 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Once Upon a Marigold is a fun and funny fairy tale filled with romance, betrayal, and all the other things that make a fairy tale. Easy read that makes you fall in love with the characters.

[michelle0smith_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

What a fantastic book. I usually don't read fantasy books, but I truly enjoyed reading this story about Christian and Marigold. He is her knight in shinning armour to rescue her from her evil mother, the queen. This has humans, trolls, faries, and the tooth fary. There were time I was laughing and others when I was feel sorry for Marigold.

[akingzett16 · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

Cute story, but it goes right to the point. Like a kiddy story. :/

[maiasaura_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A sweet, charming book that manages to both turn fairy tales on their heads and celebrate them at the same time. Full of fun, quirky, decent characters, this book has something for everyone--gentle romance, humor, adventure. It's very similar to The Princess Bride, but it's also very much it's own book. A very sweet, goofy book that you really can't help but love.

[sarahmarirose · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A quirky twist-tale Once Upon A Marigold follows the story of Christian, who runs away as a child and threatens a troll, Edric, into taking him in. What ensues is a different sort of fairytale where Edric attempts to be the best foster-father he can be, misquoting sayings and using rule books he finds in the forest, while involving Christian in his attempt to overthrow the Tooth Fairy’s monopoly on the tooth industry. The story picks up as Christian become a young man a falls in love with the youngest princess from across the river, Marigold. Marigold has been gifted, or cursed, with the ability to hear thoughts and her mother’s thoughts are not the most pleasant in the land. This light-hearted spoof of fairytale land with contemporary twists is bound to delight readers. Highly recommended to lovers of fantasy, comedy, twist-tales, and love stories.

[catheolson · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

At six years old, Christian runs away from home and moves in with a troll. As he grows up, he finds himself obsessed by the odd princess across the river and at 17, he is determined to befriend her. This was a sweet and funny book novel--good for 6th - 8th graders.

[maiapie · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I LOVE Once Upon A Marigold!!!!!!!And i'm a HUGE fan of fantasy and magic and all that good stuff!!!once upon a marigold would have to be one of my all time favorites!!!!!!!

[t1bclasslibrary · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Christian has been mailing Princess Marigold by pigeon, and he finally decides it's time to leave the troll he adopted as his foster dad and make a try for a new life at the castle. Marigold is engaged to an awful suitor, her mother is determined to force the wedding, kill her and the king, and take over the kingdom. Christian has to stop them somehow, but he and Marigold both end up in the dungeon. It takes everyone together to come up with a plan to outwit the queen.

[miksmom · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

In this humorous fairy tale, true love wins out, in the end. The dog-loving, bookworm of a princess, who always had a mind of her own, is finally appreciated for her true (inner) beauty. The benevolent ruler outsmarts the evil queen. The princely pauper and his guardian troll are exhalted. Happy endings all around! The character of Edric the troll is essential. His expressions are hilarious, and his relationship with Christian is touching - as is Christian's awkwardness around Princess Marigold (He was, after all, raised in a cave!). A delightful, if somewhat predictable story (but aren't most fairy tales?)

[bell7_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Christian ran away from home when he was six. Living with his foster father in the forest for eleven years, Chris doesn't regret it for a minute - he has a happy (if isolated) life with his two dogs and distantly watches Princess Marigold through a telescope from outside his house. But now it's time for him to leave the life he's known and seek his fortune.Though I enjoyed several aspects of this story, Once Upon a Marigold was clearly written for readers younger than me. The seventeen-year-old protagonists often seemed a bit young in their thoughts and actions and the narrator had a habit of making pronouncements in a way that irritated me. The direction of the plot was clear early on, though it was entertaining to see how it all came together. Edric the troll was a great character, and I enjoyed his merged sayings that seem to almost make sense. A quick, fun read that I would've enjoyed more fifteen years ago.

[knielsen83 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

An interesting twist to a fairy tale, with an evil stepmother, some uninterested but decent stepsisters, and a princess who has a special gift that everyone avoids. Christian is a boy who ran away from home and refused to go back, from then on living with a troll in a cave with him and two dogs. Spying on the royal family with a telescope that he created, Christian finds himself longing to contact the estranged princess and using p-mail (pigeon mail) one gutsy day to do just that. This leads him to want to become closer to her and does just that, starting some adventures of the pair.

[vampirate_queen · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A hilarious book about a prince who lives with a troll. He sees a princess named Marigold, and falls in love with her.My favorite things about this book were the way it was written, and the phrases that the characters use. For instance:"I can see I'm beating my head against a dead horse.""Kill one bird with two stones."I strongly recommend this to elementary school age kids, but it's a great story for people over that as well.

[runa_17 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Fantastic book! I read it back in middle school the first time, and just reread it now. Still as enchanting as always. The characters are great, you can't help falling in love with Christian and Marigold's lives. This is basically a fairy tale for people who might not be the biggest fans of fairy tales. It's cute, it's refreshing, it's got the obligatory happily-ever-after ending that sweetens any day. You'll be sitting there, rooting your heart out for Christian and Marigold while at the same time, wishing Olympia would get stung to death by giant killer bees. Read it! It's the most amazing fractured fairy tale ever!

[vivthebookfan · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is a GREAT book for people of all ages who like commedy and don't mind a bit of romance. I couldn't put this book down once i started it. Everyone will fall for the wonderful suspense and intreting story.

[libby8gorman · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I don't think this is a great book, but I loved it, especially "P-mail" (pigeon mail) and the wackier elements.

[mmallory_13 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book was recommended as a "must read' by my middle school reading break students.