Customer Reviews

The Midnight Dancers: A Fairy Tale Retold

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Why live in the light, when the night seems so irresistible?

This is the question that "The Midnight Dancers" both asks and answers. The pull of the night lures twelve sisters out of their home of strict rules and dress codes into a tantalizing world of dancing, moonlight, and dashing "princes." But people are not always what they seem, and danger lurks in the darkness, waiting for one wrong step...

In her latest book Regina Doman retells the beloved fairy-tale "The Twelve Dancing Princesses." Only instead of princesses, we are introduced to the twelve daughters of Robert and Sally Durham. The Durhams, unlike previous heroines (who were all Catholic), belong to an extremely conservative Protestant church. The restrictions and limitations leave the girls with little to do and much to wish for. And the eldest daughter, Rachel, decides to make their wishes come true.

When the girls discover a secret passageway in their bedroom, they realize that they can slip out of the house at night without their parents knowledge. Quickly, swimming gives way to boating- and since the Durhams have no boats of their own, they must enlist the help of their guy friends. Of course this adds a whole new layer of forbiddenness to their midnight excursions.

Twelve girls cannot dance the night away without being tired, nor can they contain a secret without their parents guessing that something is amiss. The concerned parents try everything they can think of to discover the secret but without success. At last, Mr. Durham enlists the help of a young friend from his military days.

Enter Paul Fester. Fans of the previous Fairy-Tale novels will recognize Paul from Waking Rose as one of ninja/knights belonging to the Sacra Cor. Paul is a honest, straight forwards young man- not the kind of person that the girls would include on their nighttime adventures. So Paul must find another way to follow them.

However a big part of this story is the trust between parent and child. And Paul wants the girls to tell their father themselves. He begins to win over the younger girls by involving them in his juggling act which they greatly enjoy. Rachel, however, remains suspicious and hostile towards him and as the eldest, she is the one that must decide to reveal the secret. This, of course is the last thing that she wants to do...

Like the other fairy tale novels, this story brilliantly combines the familiar of the everyday with the enchantment of extraordinary happenings. Unlike the other books, however, there is more depth and less mystery, which makes a story that is more thought-provoking, though no less engaging.

What Paul understands is that the girls flee to the darkness because they have not been introduced to the beauty of the light. The restrictions of their parents (and church) have left them with little to occupy their time. Their reading material is severely limited- and Rachel, who is quite adept with her needle, would love to be a fashion designer, but knows her father would never let her. Without things to interest them and occupy their time in an engaging way, the girls become bored and turn to other, more dangerous things for amusement.

There is a lot to ponder in this. At what point does adherence to biblical standards become legalism? What are the dangers of legalism? Why is it good to have activities and hobbies besides simply work and exercise?

([...] )

Midnight Dancers ponders the question, "Can one get bored being good?" and sets out to tell a story about a young woman who must answer this question for herself.

Author Regina Doman has been retelling fairy tales (this is her fourth such book), and takes up Grimm's fairy story of the same name. In Doman's retelling, which involves a blended family of twelve daughters and two young sons, a stranger becomes involved with the family, a stranger who happens to be young, handsome, and interesting.

The transformation of the father of the girls is as intriguing as the rest of the story.

This story is for young adults--men and women--who love mysteries, fairy tales, stories that make you think, stories you can discuss with others, and romantic tales of danger and rescues.

This book was awesome. Not as long as book number three in the series, Waking Rose, but the end was action packed and full of suspense. The main characters are very well written and they seem very real. This is totally a book you want to read!!!

AND it clearly defines the difference between "nice" and "good", for all those who are mistaken in thinking that they are one and the same. :)

I think most of the people reading this book are girls (it's a romance, how many guys will admit to reading romances?) But I'd like to include a word for the guys out there who are reading this review. My recommendation: read the book!

Paul Fester's behaviour, both in his interaction with the Durham girls and in general, is an inspiring role model for Catholic males. In some ways he's almost too good to be true, but only almost. In particular, the way he thinks is very interesting. I think any guy will be able to relate to some of his thoughts, but the way he approaches the solutions is what's most thought-provoking. It's very rare to find a book where the guys think about girls without objectifying them, which makes this book even more wonderful. Paul's outlook on life is one very different to that portrayed by secular media in general.

As others have mentioned, the difference between "nice" and "good" is one of my favourite parts of this book. Also, the percieved Catholic/Protestant divide is covered in some depth, and Paul dispels some common myths about Catholicism very effectively. Plus, practices karate and prays the rosary in Japanese!

This is a book for young adults, not teens as some of the earlier books were. There are some dark aspects and mature themes, but unlike many novels covering these themes, the message is still positive. It's a romance, but most importantly it's a life lesson. Regina Doman has differentiated herself yet again by writing an excellent character study for young adults, while creating an engaging novel at the same time.

Regina Domain doesn't shy away from her Catholic convictions in her fairy tales retold series. It is very refreshing. Mrs. Domain's writing style is captivating and romantic as she transforms New York City (and other cities) into magical fairy tale worlds of brave knights saving pure princesses and fighting evil villains. Beware: this is for older teen girls+ who can handle the vilest villains. Be sure to order all four books as you will want to pick-up the next one as soon as one in put down.

Nice plot with a good amount of action, although I found the characters a little less believable than those in her other books. As the title of my review indicates, this is not a book to give to a 12 year old, let alone a 9 year old. The violent crimes in the end may give a sensitive child nightmares. This is more suitable for a a 14-15 year old who already understands what rape and molestation mean. I think it would be a good book for parent and child (especially a daughter) to read together. Lots of material for fruitful discussion, like what are the danger signs to watch for when you meet people? Parents, this book sketches scenarios that should make you consider sending your daughters to martial arts or self defense classes. Although I like the happy endings in Ms. DOman's books, the sad reality is that there is not always a gallant prince or soldier who is willing to shed his blood for you or dig you out of the holes that you might foolishly jump into. Anyone, male of female, may be called upon to endure abuse and injury in their own or someone else's defense. Having said that, I'd like to say congratulations to Ms. Doman for creating male protagonists who embody the nobility of which men are capable. The young men today need this.

Regina Doman can become the Stephanie Meyer of Catholic Fiction, and outwrite Meyer at that!!! This Book, the Midnight Dancers is in the top 4 books i've ever read in my whole life!!! Engaging Characters, beautiful descriptions, interesting plot, heart-stopping actions and twists and turns at the turn of every page! Her writting style is so eloquent, yet engaging for today's toughest book audience of all, the teenager! Parents, lockin here for a minute, if you wanna get your teenage girl or guy a book that they will not put down and give them a moral backing, buy them the Midnight Dancers. They can read Twilight or The Summer of you and me, sure, and get a cheap, rotten view, more mere suggestion of what REAL "love" is, or they could read this book, with the core of what LOVE truly is, a choice to sacrifice one's self for another. I fully urge anyone that loves, action, suspense, romance and family to read the midnight Dancers by Regina Doman!

I often wonder how to pass on good morals to my children. This book is a great step. I enjoyed reading the book thoroughly and I'm sure my daughters will appreciate it when they are ready for it. I don't know the original fairy tale, but this modern story is believable, interesting, and full of wisdom. I'm going to have to check out the other books.

This collection of books by Regina Doman is a great series for tweens, teens, and even old ladies like me! This book was just great-just exciting enough to hold interest, but not so rough or violent as to be too much.

Rachel Durham is trapped... trapped in a world where long skirts and dating restrictions rule, where a strict Fundamentalist dad is too busy for his family, and where there is no escape from her 11 other sisters.

All that changes after she and her sisters discover a secret tunnel to the outside world. Enter darkness, midnight escapades, secrets... and danger.

Rachel revels in the freedom she finds in the night, but she soon realizes that she has entered into something that is bigger than she imagined.

The Midnight Dancers, the fourth book in Fairy Tales Retold series, is a wonderful addition to the series. Due to thematic elements, this book is best suited for teens age 15 and older.