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Rapunzel's Gambit

by Mary Mecham

A princess turns the rescue plot into a scheme of her own

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AlbakiReads Editorial

A princess turns the rescue plot into a scheme of her own

Rapunzel rejects her father’s plan to marry her to whoever can kill the kingdom’s dragon, choosing instead to fake her kidnapping and partner with the creature. Their scheme draws would-be rescuers to a tower, where the supposed heroes become the ones needing help. As her alliance grows more precarious, Rapunzel must reconsider whom she can trust. Griffin, a resourceful squire, enters the contest of schemes as an unexpected ally. This retelling recasts familiar fairy-tale roles through a princess who prefers making her own moves to being treated as a prize.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Teens and young adults interested in fairy-tale retellings.
  • Readers who enjoy stories featuring dragons and resourceful princesses.
  • Readers seeking a clean, no-spice fantasy adventure.

Themes

Agency and self-determinationTrust and shifting alliancesGreed and ambitionReimagined fairy-tale roles

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

Some princesses would rather be the villain than the damsel in distress.

 

Desperate to rid his kingdom of a troublesome dragon, King Harrigan offers his daughter's hand in marriage to any man who can slay the beast, but Rapunzel refuses to be pawned off. Deciding that a life of crime is preferable to wedding some power-hungry suitor, Rapunzel fakes her own kidnapping and joins forces with the cunning dragon plaguing her own kingdom.

 

Together, they plot a grand scheme that would amass them both riches beyond their wildest dreams. As the lure of a reward for the princess's safe return attracts men tempted by greed and Rapunzel's flirtations, the would-be heroes soon become the ones in need of rescue atop a tower only accessible by dragonback. But as her alliance with the dragon grows more precarious and dangerous, Rapunzel is forced to question whether she's trusted the wrong side.

 

Amidst the chaos, Griffin, the humble but brilliant squire, emerges as an unexpected ally. His quick wit and resourcefulness stand in stark contrast to the arrogant knights he serves, and Rapunzel can't help but take notice. On the chessboard of fate, the swindler princess of Rookwyn must make her own moves with every calculated gambit and soon realizes...

 

The real game was never about knights, kings, and queens, but about how a mere pawn could become a legend.

 

 

Rapunzel's Gambit is a no spice, diabolical fairytale retelling packed with villain vibes, a dragon/princess con artist duo, and banter that will have you laughing out loud.

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