Entwined by Heather Dixon
480 pgs.
Target audience: Young adult
Rating: Dragon

There are so many books based on The Twelve Dancing Princesses it's hard to imagine the uniqueness of another version but Heather Dixon pulls it off superbly. Azalea is the oldest of the twelve daughters and heir to the throne. When their mother dies, the household is plunged into a strict mourning period where dancing is definitely not allowed. Azalea is the one who, after months of mourning and insurmountable boredom, discovers a secret passageway to an enchanted pavilion where she and her sisters dance each night away. While the darkly mysterious and alluring Keeper makes all the magic possible, his motives are not entirely honorable especially where Azalea is concerned. As the secrets and lies from the past are revealed, Azalea realizes what true evil they are facing. The story turns dark and wonderfully gothic with unexpected twists and turns taking Grimm's classic tale to a new and suspenseful level. The characters are rich and well formed. The darker tone of this version will appeal to fans of Hunter's Moon by O.R. Melling and Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr.