Book Review: Of Princes and Promises by Sandhya Menon

Take a trip back to St. Rosetta’s Academy for another charming fairy tale retelling by Sandhya Menon. Of Princes and Promises is a contemporary twist on the classic tale of The Frog Prince. It’s the second installment in a planned set of companion novels each based on a different fairy tale and centered on a different couple. Be sure to check out my review for Of Curses and Kisses, the first book in the Rosetta Academy series.

Caterina LaValle is ready to put her ugly and very public break-up with Alaric behind her when she returns to St. Rosetta’s Academy after winter break. This proves difficult when she learns that Alaric’s date to an upcoming gala is a supermodel. Not to be outdone, Caterina decides to create the perfect date by giving a makeover to kind but socially awkward Rahul Chopra. A few etiquette lessons, a fashionable new wardrobe, and an unusual pot of hair gel transforms Rahul into confident and charismatic RC. But the more time Rahul spends as RC the less like himself he becomes. With his friendships and romance with Caterina at stake, Rahul has to make a choice about who he really wants to be: Rahul or RC.

I like that Menon took a lesser adapted fairy tale like The Frog Prince and made it her own. It’s the perfect narrative framework to base Rahul and Caterina’s unique love story. They really capture the essence of their character archetypes from the original. I love that an innocuous pot of hair gel is the magical component in this story. This detail really gives the story its own spin on the famed transformation from frog to prince.

Of Princes and Promises is told in dual points of view and delves deep into Rahul and Caterina’s characters. Rahul is sweet, quirky, and earnest in his feelings for Caterina. He has a meaningful arc of learning his self-worth and embracing self-love. I wasn’t sure if I would develop much affection for ice queen Caterina. However, she really surprised me with her vulnerability in her scenes with Rahul. She drops her guard with him and reveals an open, honest, and softer side of herself. Rahul and Caterina really bring out the best in each other and it’s no wonder they fall in love. 

As always, Menon takes time to incorporate important lessons for readers in her stories. The main message in Of Princes and Promises is about being true to yourself, loving who you really are, and bravely showing the world the real you. Rahul and Caterina show us that you don’t need to change who you are to fit with the person you love.

Final thoughts: With a flair of ingenuity and a modern setting, Of Princes and Promises is a brilliant and enjoyable update to a classic fairy tale.