For the young adventurer who dreams of a life beyond expectations, this witty tale explores courage, hidden identities, and the power of unlikely friendships.
A parent might reach for this book when their teen feels trapped by expectations and is discovering that courage and identity come in many unexpected forms. Wisdom's Kiss is a clever fantasy about a princess cursed with a kiss that causes disastrous infatuation, forcing her to team up with a common soldier hiding his own noble identity and a resourceful maid. Together, they must outwit enemies and break the curse to save their kingdom. The story explores themes of bravery, self-discovery, and the power of unlikely friendships. Perfect for ages 12 to 16, its unique format of letters, diaries, and encyclopedia entries makes it a witty and engaging read that challenges stereotypes about heroes and princesses.
Crushes, kisses, and romantic misunderstandings are key plot points.
Sensitive Topics
The book deals with themes of identity, social class, and duty. Tips's decision to hide his ducal status to live a different life is a central conflict. The approach is lighthearted and secular, using these themes to drive character development and plot rather than for heavy social commentary. The resolution is hopeful and affirming, with characters finding their true places and strengths.
Ideal Reader
The ideal reader is a 12 to 15 year old who loves unconventional fantasy, fairy tale retellings, and clever humor. They appreciate books that play with genre conventions and have strong, witty characters. This is a perfect match for a reader who enjoyed the tone of "The Princess Bride" or the spunky heroines in Patricia C. Wrede's books.
Parent Prep
No special preparation is needed; the book can be read cold. Parents may want to know that the epistolary format (told through documents) is a key feature, which might be a new and exciting style for some young readers. The romantic elements are sweet and age-appropriate. A parent might be looking for this book after hearing their teen express frustration with stereotypes, saying something like, "I'm tired of princess stories where she just waits to be rescued," or, "I feel like everyone expects me to be someone I'm not."
Age Experience
A younger reader (12-13) will likely be captivated by the adventure, the romantic subplots, and the humor, especially from the cat, Magic. An older reader (14-16) will also appreciate the sophisticated narrative structure, the satire of political and fairy tale tropes, and the deeper themes of forging one's own identity against societal expectations.
What Makes It Special
Its narrative structure is the most significant differentiator. The use of varied formats like letters, memoirs, and play scripts is highly original for the YA fantasy genre. This technique provides a richer, more intimate understanding of the characters and the world, making the story feel like a puzzle the reader is piecing together. It's a masterclass in voice and perspective.
Read plot summary
Princess Wisdom of Montagne is afflicted by a magical 'Wisdom's Kiss' that causes anyone she kisses to become dangerously obsessed with her. To save her kingdom from the political fallout, she forms an uneasy alliance with Tips, a common soldier who is secretly a duke from a rival nation, and Fortitude, an orphaned maid with a crush on Tips. The story follows their attempts to find a cure for the curse and thwart a plot against the kingdom. The narrative is uniquely presented through a collection of documents: diaries, letters, encyclopedia entries, official reports, and even a stage play, giving multiple perspectives on the events.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
The story is told through letters, diary entries, and even a play. How did this change your reading experience compared to a typical novel? Which character's perspective was your favorite to read?
2
Princess Wisdom is not a typical fairy tale princess. In what ways did she defy expectations, and how did her idea of what it means to be brave or 'wise' change by the end of the book?
3
Tips hides his identity as Duke Geoffrey for most of the story. Why do you think he made that choice? Do you think people act differently when they can hide who they really are?
4
Wisdom, Tips, and Fortitude form an unlikely team from very different social classes. What unique strengths did each of them bring to the group? Describe a moment where their teamwork was essential to their success.
