Kohle
Author: C.C. Schmidt
Publisher: Sweetwater Books / Cedar Fort
Experience the beloved story of Snow White with an interesting twist. Kohle, a crown prince, is betrayed on the eve of his coming of age and forced to flee the wrath of an evil regent who will stop at nothing to destroy the rightful heir and take the throne. With the help of the beautiful Gwynn, he escapes the deadly plot and hides in the forest with seven female dwarfs who accept him as their new brother. But will the help of his new companions and a few loyal subjects be enough for Kohle to retake his rightful place in the kingdom?
This is Snow White meets Cinderella, with a pinch of the underworld! I love how the author uses the title of each chapter to give a synopsis of the chapter itself. Is it sheer coincidence that the opening paragraph for the Epilogue mimics that of Chapter 2? What is the significance? Hmmm!Not everyone in your circle is your friend, but apparently no one told King Mallon that. A coup would have seemed more forthcoming, but certainly not this! What was to happen to his family, his kingdom? Was the attack an accident or was it premeditated?
The Duke of Blancio is a crafty fellow, with questionable motives. One is never quite sure what his next step will be. He moves with the speed and agility of a cheetah. He’s already settled in and doing his utmost to exclude the future heir from any and everything pertaining to the kingdom. He’s a liar, a thief, a conniving coward and a slithering snake all in one.
With no mother or father to guide him, what is to become of the young prince or the future of Noctura? Is he too young to be king at this point? Why not seat him on the throne and appoint someone as guide and advisor?
Kohle demonstrates bravery and confidence, even at a very young age. He’s not scared of his stepdad or half-brother, who tries at every turn to abuse Kohle and is himself a scaredy cat. How can one so cowardly ever hope to become king? Ivor is a spoiled brat, an uncompassionate brute, and a monster—just like his father. The apple certainly does not fall far from the tree. He is the spitting image of his dad and a disgrace to his mother. He and his weakling father try to use fear to control people.
Kohle endures much: physical, verbal and psychological abuse—even getting punished for his brother’s mischievous acts that are done deliberately so he can witness Kohle getting whipped.
Getting banished to the confines of the servants’ chambers is not necessarily a punishment. He’s gaining valuable insight into the running of the kingdom, whilst getting fit—both mentally and physically.
All his years of servitude at the palace comes in handy when he meets the “mysterious seven.”
His bond with them saved him from sudden death and proved detrimental to Ivor the horrible.
With the assistance of a few faithful allies, he may be able to retain his crown after all.
The young damsel Gwynn has potential, but needs much training. She has not obtained full control of her powers as yet, and tends to make rash decisions that oftentimes prove fatal. What does the future hold for her and the young prince?
-N.S.