A fun, imaginative read for the children in your life.

About the Book

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UK Link: https://amzn.to/3GBf2qX
US Link: https://a.co/d/ctcOvR6

Two fish tales in one!

The Fish King is lonely and wishes he has a wife to keep him company. So when his chance of happiness is dashed by Princess Chipolata, after she is caught by the two wise ghosts stealing the crown jewels and is sent to prison, the king is still left feeling miserable. The Fish King has many suiters but it is Princess Alice’s sister, Lilly, who finally wins his heart!

However, there’s only one problem…he must introduce her to the two ghosts that reside in his palace and who like to play jokes on people!

A grand wedding takes place at the palace and soon after the king and queen produce a royal heir – Prince Erik. The young prince grows to love the two wise ghosts as much as his father does and, as soon as he is old enough, he leaves the palace to embark on a magical adventure with his ghost friends; until at last it is time to go home and share his many stories with his parents and Aunt Alice.

My Thoughts

This was a wild ride from start to finish. It was cute, fun, and brightly colored. The story reminded me of a cross between SpongeBob and The Little Mermaid. It had a strong fantasy element, and it was imaginitive. The messaging around the potential fish brides was just this side of rude and inappropriate toward women. I think the author was trying to be cute and funny, but that part missed the mark for me.

I actually preferred the second story about the son traveling more. It was incredibly cute and fun. His adventures were very enjoyable and I enjoyed hearing about them. I also really enjoyed the ghost characters and their interactions with the fish people. I actually kept forgetting that the people were fish and got confused when they’d do or say something fishy, which made for some funny interactions. I read the ebook, and I think this is probably a book that is better enjoyed in physical copy, as are most children’s picture books in my experience.

I sometimes feel like children’s authors feel like they have to rhyme for some reason. This author rhymed well sometimes, forced a rhyme at other times, and occasionally not at all. I think the book would have been slightly more enjoyable if it had been written in simple prose. I am grateful to the author and Love Books Tours for including me on this tour.

Who’s It For?

The recommended age range for this one is six to thirteen years of age. I think that preteens might be a little old for it, but otherwise it seems appropriate. Especially sensitive children in that younger age might find it too scary. Additionally, children with ADHD or other neurodivergences might find it a bit of a long read.

Check out the other bloggers on the tour to find out what they think!

About the Author

Born in 1961, in Reading, England, Francis H Powell attended Art School, receiving a degree in painting and an MA in printmaking. In 1995, Francis moved to Austria, teaching English as a foreign language while pursuing his varied artistic interests, including music and writing. He currently lives in Moret sur Loing, France writing both prose and poetry. Francis has published short stories in the magazine, “Rat Mort” and other works on the Internet site “Multi-dimensions.” He has had three books published and has also compiled a book of short stories, poems and illustrations, featuring other writers and poets. The book called “Together Behind Four Walls” and is a book of lockdown stories and poems. The books has raised money for Marie Curie nurses. He has also had poems published in anthologies, for both adults and children and has done poetry reading for Paris Lit up as well as other events. The Fish King and the Two Wise Ghosts is a children’s picture book, published through Blossom Spring Publishing.

Published by Amorina Carlton. Award-winning American author, Amorina Carlton, is currently working on her first novel. You can find more about her published work and works in progress on the home page. She also serves as the PR/Marketing Lead for Ravens and Roses Publishing, and reviews books, mostly by other indie authors, here and on Bookstagram

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