The Ugly Princess: The Legend of the Winnowwood

I wish they'd allow for partial stars because although I wouldn't say it's a 5 star, it's definitely more than a 4, in my opinion.

Inspiring, emotional, and with the occasional remark/event that had you giving a little laugh out loud.

I did find some parts of the book rushed and felt that a longer scene would have really added to the story, but overall, I'd recommend this to anyone as a good heartfelt read.

This was a wonderful, refreshing fairy tale! I loved every page of it!

I read fairy tale retellings all the time. They are my absolute favorite addiction. My shelves are lines with different adaptations of Cinderella's, Snow White's, Twelve Dancing Princesses, Snow Queen's, Beauty and the Beasts, Frog Princes, Swan Princes and Princesses... Fairy tale retellings always remind me that, even though you may grow older and wiser, you never have to grow up.

I will add this lovely tome to those shelves with pride.

Princess Olive is a gorgeous character. She's everything a really wonderful fairy-tale princess should be - brave, sweet, caring, and likeable (to readers). Except that she's ugly, which only adds to just how beautiful she is. And to just how wonderful crafted this tale is.

The ONLY part of this book I didn't like? Rosaline. I really dislike that fact that she didn't get SOME kind of comeuppance for her horrid (and I truly do mean disgustingly horrid) actions.

Still, that's not enough to give me anything less than five stars - and, trust me, if there were more stars to give, this book would definitely get them!

If you love fairy-tales and their retellings (or even if you just love a good fantasy), I truly recommend that you read this gorgeous book. It really is a refreshing and new fairy tale that I can't wait to read again when I go on a semi-annual fairy-tale bender.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the author for providing me with a copy of this novel and will provide an honest review in return.

I actually finished reading this novel over a week ago and decided to sit on it a little while before writing my review.
I guess I was trying to find something wrong with it.

Well, what a waste of a week!!!
This book was absolutely flawless...not one wrong step, and is therefore the first book I am awarding a 5 star rating in the Read4Review program.

I absolutely loved the Olive character, her strength and unwavering faith are beautiful traits.

What this novel is also depicting is one of many life's truths, "Do good and good things will come to you".

Highly recommended read!!

I thoroughly enjoyed every second of this book and I recommend this to anyone looking for a light romantic adventure with a strong lead female character! While fast paced and easy to read, I instantly fell in love with Princess Olive (and Bart!). She was strong, sympathetic and her love for animals made me love her even more. My heart ached for her whenever anything bad happened and there were moments I shook my head in anger or even gasped out loud. Getting that kind of emotion from me is pretty rare!

SPOILERS from here.

I really enjoyed her interactions with Bart and their chemistry was so fun, I wanted more! Everything happened within a few days but I really wished I could have read about their relationship developing over an extra fifty pages or so. The invasion of Druzazzi happened a day after she met Bart and while I enjoyed their banter, I realized it would be very short lived after the news because they had to go save their people! Also, while Olive got a happy ending, I almost wished she hadn't been transformed into the most beautiful woman in the world. Her charm was that she was not perfect and she was strong because of it. Bart saw her inner beauty, as did the animals, and that was all that mattered to her. I had an image of her in my mind and once she transformed, I could no longer imagine her. The ending really sets up for a second book, and I REALLY HOPE there's a second book because I need more!!

I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.

Let me just start off by saying that i loved this book. Olive really is a great role model for girls, especially those with low self esteem or those who see themselves as the odd one out. (Not just young girls either, all age groups could benefit from reading this wonderful book.)

I myself have never seen myself as pretty. I've always thought of myself as the awkward ugly girl so i felt really connected to Olive and Roseline and how they felt as they grew up while i was reading this book. *SPOILER*Though i would/could NEVER do what Roseline did to that poor deer... I can understand that she was that desperate but i CANNOT sympathize with her cruelty*SPOILER*

Princess Olive is not like most princesses. She is the last generation of Winnowwood, an enchanted people with magical powers, dominion over nature, and the ability to communicate with animals.*SPOILER*Who are actually some of her best friends and can see her for the true beauty that she is. I actually really liked all of them and wish i had some animal friends of my own that i could understand ;)*SPOILER* They are a people as ugly as they are extraordinary, and Olive is one of their ugliest. Her face is covered in bumps and warts, and her own father despises her for her ugly appearance. Olive has lived most of her life confined to the castle, away from the public eye. All her other Winnowwood sisters have fallen prey to the witch's curse - the choice of choosing beauty or magic. There is also a tale that if a Prince would love a Winnowwood who had not yet changed, but he could see the beauty in her heart, her true beauty would be revealed and she would retain her winnowing powers.

Really the only ones to ever call her beautiful are her mother and grandfather but let's face it who really listens when their mom says they're pretty? And it's even harder to hear when the rest of the world is telling you you're ugly. Olive shows how courageous she is not just by overcoming this, and being kidnapped by highwaymen, but by saving her kingdom and her cruel father from a bloodthirsty people, the Druzazzi, practically on her own.

*SPOILER*And she does find love! With Black Bart ;) or should I say Prince Bartholomew?! ;D I didn't see that coming at all. It was a fantastic little twist at the end, i was just as shocked as Olive. I was also just so happy for them that (yes i admit it) i cried. *sigh* I loved their romance. I hope i can find myself a man as wonderful as Bart someday. :) <3*SPOILER* Well with all that said, I love Olive and i don't care how ugly she is. She's beautiful to me and I can't wait for the sequel! :D

An amazing story! With shades of "Shrek" and "The Princess Bride," and maybe even a touch of "Robin Hood," it is escalated into a brand new fairy tale novel which I could easilly see being on the bestseller list for preteens, teens, and even adults that like the fairy tale elements. I expect to see Henderson Smith's name a lot more often since he's left this open to continue into a new story, thus, series. This novel is a fantastic blend of numerous different genres and can even have you laughing, at times. You will not want to stop once you start reading. So now, read it! You will love it!! The characters are well rounded and (mostly) likeable. Thank you, Goodreads and Mr. Smith for giving a chance at being one of your first readers. I look forward to more of this story and more of your writings!!

Refreshing, original, a page-turner.
This from a 59-year-old man who usually reads post-apocalyptic or sci-fi stories.
The title intrigued me, and being an alumni of Hogwart's, I had to give it a look.
Buy it, rent it, or steal away into the dead of night, but you've got to read it.

Really an unusual book. It reads like a fairy tale. It holds so many lessons in it , for everyone to pay attention to. At the same time, the plot is gripping, exciting, and satisfying. I read it in one sitting; I was so enthralled.

Another can't put down .I love fairytales .This was one of the best .I loved Olive and her depth of character. I would recommended to any one who like fantasy and adventure. ?? ??? thanks for the good time I have had reading this book.

This book is an unexpected gem. I expected almost a fairy tale type story, but it is much more. The story moves along well and kept my interest. I look forward to reading more from Henderson Smith.

Really great story!!! Smith did a lovely job impressing upon young adults the importance of things other than beauty. Really enjoyed the connection Princess Olive held with animals, as well. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and will insist on it for summer reading for my 12-year-old daughter.

Enjoyed this fast paced YA. All heros/heroines have positive qualities and emotions but generally only the males openly express pride, arrogance, impatience, vengeance and jealously. It was refreshing to read about a very powerful heroine who accepted those feelings too.

Loveable characters, strong heroine. No steamy love scenes. Good story for families to read aloud together. Will be looking for follow up story and an audio version to listen to with my 10 year old.

Think you know how fairy tales go? Think again. Surprises, twists and turns abound in this refreshing tale about a young woman's struggle with her duty and her identity as she discovers what really makes a person beautiful.

A bit like the Princess Bride...but not funny. It was a fairy tale like when we were kids. But because there were lessons to learn I didn't feel guilty about the whole Prince Charming thing. A reminder not to ridicule or judge people based on their looks...and sometimes parents are the problem. But also that love sees clear to the soul.

What a fun, entertaining novel. With a princess not afraid to challenge beauty ideals and her destiny. Looking forward to reading the sequels and seeing more development for Princess Olive. Her sister was a pain tho

This was such a great story. Once I started reading it I couldn't put it down. I loved how instead of another beautiful princess being rescued it was an ugly princess who saved the day. She shows you how being beautiful on the outside isn't important but being kind, smart, loving, courageous, and strong on the inside is what is truly important. She was such a loveable character that you instantly saw how beautiful she really was. It was a fun story to read and I will be saving this book with my other favorites to read to my girls once they are older!

Great story that girls should read! Princess Olive is brave and confident. She is very comfortable with her Winnowood appearance. I am a teacher and I have recommended this book to other English Teachers to use in their classrooms.

What a fun book! Its a wonderful fairytale that reinforces the virtues of honor and courage and resisting the temptation of the easy way out and instant gratification, fighting for your beliefs. I'm ready to read a sequel.

The story is both traditional and unique. It is a children's story that is fun for adults. The author does a good job of presenting a character to connect with. It isn't a deep work but it was enjoyable.

I love the storyline from the beginning and did not stop reading till the end. This story so well written I could picture every scene, every facial description of princess Olive, and the clothes and animals. Great reading highly recommend.

Written by Sophia Brookswolf. I love books,but some books fill my heart more than others.This book does that.This is by far one of the best books I've read(coming from a nine year old who has truthfully read over a million different books).I highly recommend it.

Incredibly well done. Appropriate not only for YA but for those that like the fairy-tale genre coupled with good writing, well-developed characters and excellent story pacing. I look forward to Henderson Smith's next book.

Getting beyond physical beauty to the rewards of a lovely heart -- that's a valuable new frontier for humanity.
Henderson Smith's screenplay won awards: now her book makes the exciting story accessible to children and their still learning parents. The Ugly Princess is both a good read and a good lesson.