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The King's Decree: (Fractured & Fabled) Paperback – March 8, 2021

by Torina Kingsley (Author)
4.5 out of 5 stars 27 ratings
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A princess with depression wonders if anyone else understands how it feels to feel nothing.

When Princess Devina turned fifteen, she struggled to get out of bed each day. Things that used to bring her joy—playing, laughing, dancing, painting—suddenly didn’t. It was as if all her emotions had disappeared, leaving her with a terrible emptiness—and sadness—inside. Her father, the king, vows to help his daughter by issuing a decree for her sixteenth birthday celebration: anyone in the kingdom who is able to make Devina smile will win her hand in marriage. So begins the short story The King’s Decree, a modern-day spin on the Russian folktale, The Princess Who Never Laughed, masterfully told by author Torina Kingsley.

Princess Devina stays in bed all day, curtains drawn in her dark room, so she knows neither if it’s day or night, not that it matters to her; the only emotion she knows is indifference. As she lays and stares at the beautiful tapestry on her ceiling, she thinks to herself that nothing in it— not the prancing unicorns, or dancing satyrs, or colorful fields of flowers—is new to her. And she determines that’s how life feels to her: like she has seen it all already and has tired of it. She wonders if anyone else feels this way and if anyone else understands how it feels to feel...nothing.

In the kingdom’s peasant village, lives yet a different teenage girl, Yasmin, who loves her humble surroundings and the people in it. Yasmin’s father has become too old to continue working in the fields and needs her help: he has asked Yasmin to take a job working in the kitchens of the castle. An unlikely encounter with the princess sparks a bond between the girls that runs deeper than friendship. Over a period of weeks, Yasmin spends time with the princess, just listening or providing quiet companionship. Often this is just what Devina needs: someone who simply understands her and helps her to feel less alone—someone she deeply loves.

When tragedy strikes and Devina’s mother passes away, the princess is plunged further into despair and depression. She finds herself running to the person who makes her feel whole, who doesn’t judge her, who accepts her:

“And my heart, as heavy as it was—as heavy as it still is—felt buoyed by Yasmin’s friendship, by her love. Just knowing that she wants to be by my side makes me want to keep standing.”

Author Torina Kingsley expertly weaves a tale that relays the heartbreaking struggle that many kids face today, but that is often left undiscussed: teenage depression. The King’s Decree is a courageous story about depression and love that shines a light on the importance of acknowledging this prevalent illness and supporting the people we care about who are living with it.

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  1. Print length
    104 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    March 8, 2021
  4. Reading age
    13 - 18 years
  5. Dimensions
    5 x 0.24 x 8 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1734906243
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1734906240
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From the Publisher

Readers' Favorite
Lair of Reviews

Editorial Reviews

Review

★★★★★
"Inspired by the Russian folktale The Princess Who Never Laughed, The King's Decree alternates its chapters between two young female protagonists - Princess Devina who suffers from depression and Yasmin a kitchen maid who befriends the Princess. Although initially surprised by the inclusions of dual narrators, I quickly warmed to both characters and I found their journeys through the story to be equally compelling.
The King's Decree is a short story that covers many important topics. These topics include: depression and mental health, grief and loss, loneliness and isolation, and friendship and love. What is most impressive however is how these topics fit and flow together effortlessly within the story. At no point does the plot feel forced or the pacing rushed. Devina and Yasmin's stories come together and lead naturally into the exploration of these topics.

Aimed at older children and teenagers, author Torina Kingsley wrote The King's Decree in the hope of bringing awareness of mental health to young people through literature. The short story depicts both sides of mental health - what it can be like living with mental health issues (Devina's story) and how it can feel when someone you care about is struggling (Yasmin's story). This story is impactful because it normalises both having and talking about mental health issues. Kindness is encouraged and the importance of being there for others is discussed. Crucially, The King's Degree explains to its younger readers that mental health is a complex thing that takes time to heal. There is nothing wrong with not feeling alright all of the time.

The longer I read this story the more I enjoyed it. The King's Decree is easy to read with an engaging narrative and realistic protagonists. I wish Kingsley every success in reaching younger readers with her work however I also feel readers of all ages could find meaning in the message of this short story." -Lair of Reviews, Miriam Atkinson

★★★★★

"In The King's Decree by Torina Kingsley, Princess Devina loved to fill everyone's lives with joy but everything changed when she became fifteen. From that day on, the sunshine disappeared from her heart and facing each day became a struggle. Although her parents tried to make her smile, nothing they tried worked. As Devina faced her sixteenth birthday, her father told her that he had a plan to restore her smiles and laughter. The King issued a decree that all eligible princes would be invited to her birthday party and the first to make her smile would win her hand in marriage. On the day of her birthday party, Princess Devina meets Yasmin, a young peasant girl who has just started working in the palace. Yasmin reminds Devina what happiness is and soon they become inseparable. When Devina has to face a devastating personal tragedy, her depression returns, so she turns to the only person that loves her unconditionally, Yasmin. Devina soon realizes that it is okay to live and love freely and express your emotions. We are all unique and we do not always have to fit into societies expectations.

The King's Decree by Torina Kingsley is an enchanting tale that brings a modern and relevant twist to a classic story. The characters of Devina and Yasmin were created with a great deal of consideration and I believe young girls could easily relate to their personalities. Their dialogue exchanges around their emotions were poignant and heartwarming. The story highlights the symptoms of depression and mental health issues in general with realism and sensitivity. I thought the words spoken by her mother regarding Devina's depression were incredible, "You have to be strong to feel the weight of the world so heavily and still continue to live in it." Princess Devina's caring personality also came through powerfully when she considered pretending she was happy so no-one had to worry about her. I loved how the barriers of class were removed as a peasant girl and a princess found friendship, love and mutual respect. Unlike traditional fairy tales, where a princess is rescued by a prince, The King's Decree is about two mutual friends supporting one another, finding love and enhancing each other's lives." -Readers' Favorite, 5 stars

★★★★★
"The King's Decree is a novelette recommended for all ages, but especially will reach young adults looking for a unique, appealing vision as they learn about depressed Princess Davina and scullery maid Yasmin, who becomes her friend. Advanced elementary grades to teen readers will find it an easy read that embraces many topics, from depression and friendship to grief and the effects of isolation.
Based on a Russian folktale, 'The Princess Who Never Laughed', The King's Decree evolves a compelling, emotional story of two young ladies who are torn in different ways. It approaches mental health issues from two perspectives, cultivating a tone and insights designed to reach younger audiences who may not normally pick up books about understanding mental illness. The presentation draws readers in with atmosphere and understanding right from its opening lines: "Once upon a time, there lived a princess named Devina. Well...maybe "lived" isn't the best term. It's not that she was a zombie, or some other undead creature roaming the countryside and terrorizing villagers. She didn't sleep in a coffin either, like vampires do. In fact, her bed was very comfortable. No, she was human. She just never felt very lively."

When a cheerful, engaged young woman is cursed on the eve of her 15th birthday, she feels "...as if all of her emotions had disappeared, leaving her with a terrible emptiness inside."

Other books about mentally ill characters often focus on the faces they present to the world, or come from the viewpoints of those who try to help them. The King's Decree presents these perspectives and feelings in a very personal, relatable manner, bringing young readers into not just the causes and presentation of depression and sadness, but how these emotions effect perspectives on life and how to live it.

It's heady thinking for a younger age group...but key to developing the kinds of coping skills that will lead to better understanding and empathy for those who are mentally ill and still functioning in the world, albeit in a reduced capacity.

Having the folktale overlay these experiences lends not only to better understanding, but encourages discussions as it probes the daily lives and efforts of those who struggle with mental illness: "At first, I was dismissive of this plan that my parents hatched. Now, a week after the princes have started arriving, I am almost desperate for one of them to succeed. At least then I would know that I'm not broken, forever incapable of feelings. I would make my parents, and the rest of the kingdom, happy. I would re-inspire hope in our people. I would quell the rumors and whispers forever. Maybe I would even be genuinely happy. Instead, I feel even worse than usual."

The blend of folk story/fable and treatise on coping with mental conditions both as the sufferer and a friend on the outside results in a creative, involving story presented in a digestible, succinct, yet quite compelling format. This is especially notable because those who should read it most - the young and those suffering from mental illness themselves - often lack the ability to plow through dense or weighty reading.

There's nothing on the market quite like the approach of The King's Decree. It's a highly recommended read that should be in the collections of anyone interested in explaining and exploring mental illness, friendship, and emotional support systems to all ages." -Midwest Book Review

From the Back Cover

Princess Devina was just like any other girl until one day, a mysterious illness struck--one that seemed to sap her happiness, leaving her in a fog. Desperate to bring her joy, the king and queen decreed that anyone who can make the princess smile would win her hand in marriage and become heir to the throne. But is that really what she needs?

A twist on an old fable, Devina battles depression, finds love in an unexpected place, and discovers that everything she's longed for has been inside herself all along.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Trunk Up Books
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 8, 2021
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 104 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1734906243
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1734906240
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 3.99 ounces
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 13 - 18 years
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5 x 0.24 x 8 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 out of 5 stars 27 ratings

About the author

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Torina Kingsley

Torina Kingsley

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Torina Kingsley has always dreamed of becoming a published writer. By the time high school came around, her mind was swirling with tales ready to be told. She finds inspiration for her stories from viewing things from a different perspective, including her most recent book The King’s Decree, a chapter book that is a spin on the well-known Russian folktale, The Princess Who Never Laughed.

Kingsley believes that a great story needs to be relatable and completely captivating, that it needs to drop the reader into a whole new world. She hopes that her young readers are made to think by her stories. For instance, Kingsley has seen that, although very few children’s books reflect characters afflicted with depression and anxiety, it’s something that kids and teens deal with every day, and she wanted to share that in her story. It is also important to Kingsley that characters are diverse characters who can fall in love with anyone, not just those who one might expect. As an author of Hispanic heritage, representing a diverse audience in her books is meaningful to her.

When she isn’t writing thought-provoking and socially conscious young adult stories, Kingsley teaches music and loves working with her students. She lives with her husband and two rescue dogs in the Chicago area where she enjoys reading and spending time with her family.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
27 global ratings

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Top reviews from the United States

  • MM
    5.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable for child and adult readers
    Reviewed in the United States on March 10, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I greatly enjoyed this book! As other reviews detail the plot, I will just add that I would have loved to read this book as a child. I was hooked from the beginning, interested to follow each of the characters and discover how their paths would intersect. There were humorous moments that had me laughing and relatable moments that pulled on my heart because I was feeling the characters' pain or sadness. I would definitely recommend this book for adult readers who still revel in fiction like this, as well as for all young readers.
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  • Barbara Mojica
    4.0 out of 5 stars A FRIEND IN NEED
    Reviewed in the United States on March 10, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This short middle-grade story addresses the issues of mental illness, family relationships, and friendship. Based on an old Russian fairy-tale, it reverts to the familiar character of a princess and her privileged upbringing.

    Princess Devina is about to turn sixteen. The king and queen are perplexed about her mental state. She rarely emerges from her room and never smiles. Her parents hatch a plot to invite princes to come to the kingdom and try their hand at making Devina smile. That plan becomes a dismal failure.

    One day Devina encounters a peasant girl named Yasmin who has been employed in the castle kitchen. Yasmin has a outgoing personality and is a favorite among the village children. Yasmin proves to be the medicine that Devina needs, particularly when she faces a crisis with the Queen's health.

    This light and airy story becomes the perfect setting for a presentation of serious issues like depression, mental health, and fitting in with one's peers. I would suggest this short novel for middle-grade readers as an introduction to discussion about these issues.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Laura
    5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome
    Reviewed in the United States on March 20, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This was a great book about depression and finding love when you are not looking for it. I would recommend.
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  • Sirah J
    5.0 out of 5 stars An insightful analysis with a fairytale theme
    Reviewed in the United States on February 7, 2022
    Format: Kindle
    Princess Divina used to be happy, but now she can't seem to get out of bed or force a smile: she has clinical depression. The king will do everything in his power to help his daughter experience happiness again, but even though dozens of princes come with jokes and songs, perhaps a sweeping romance isn't what Divina needs.

    This book is not subtle in its theme of depression. The very first sentences make it clear that Divina was once a cheerful girl, but then one day, she found that she couldn't feel much of anything at all. As someone who has wobbled through chapters of depression in my own life, this resonated with me really strongly. If anyone out there is struggling to understand what it's like to have depression (the guilt, the sadness, the impossibility of getting dressed, the good but useless intentions of friends and family members…), I suggest picking up this book.

    I guess it sounds like this book is just a description of depression, but it's so much more than that. It really leans into the fairy tale theme, making it approachable for people of any age. It also works in themes of how to be a good friend when someone is in pain, how to think about the death of a loved one, a hint of LGBT romance, and what it means to be truly happy. That's a lot of content for such a little book, and some of these topics are underdeveloped due to space constraints, but I'll forgive this book since the main theme, depression, is so well addressed. The voice and style are also very well done, making this a quick and enjoyable read any day.

    Thank you to Torina Kingsley and BookSirens for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
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  • Jack
    4.0 out of 5 stars Mental health
    Reviewed in the United States on January 13, 2022
    Format: Kindle
    This book is great for children to learn about depression an emptiness. I would love for this to be an audible book. The way it’s written would be perfect in that format.

    I have never read such a story and wish this was available when I was a kid.

    I must say my least favorite character is that stupid prince. (Those who have read it know what I’m talking about)

    “A good friend doesn’t have to be in a good mood,” I say. “All that matters is that you’re there for each other. That you care about each other. That you love each other.”

    Excerpt From

    The King's Degree

    Torina Kingsley

    This material may be protected by copyright.

    Con:2nd lead female purpose in the story is predictable due to how she was introduced.

    I would recommend her being introduced before the princess story. Or start her story at her new job then talk about her personality and relationship with the village children.

    I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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  • Sierra Blasko
    5.0 out of 5 stars LOVED this sweet little story!
    Reviewed in the United States on April 6, 2022
    Format: Paperback
    Okay, i LOVED this sweet little story!!

    As someone with depression, all of Devina's chapters resonated with my younger self, and I loved Yasmin's character so much! also the romance was so sweet 😭😭💜💜

    The author captures depression perfectly in every conversation, and I seriously love their writing style.

    10/10, highly recommend, and i might have just found a new favorite author

    I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily-- thank you to booksirens and the author for the opportunity to read this book!
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  • Sara
    3.0 out of 5 stars A mental health fantasy with LGBTQ+ characters
    Reviewed in the United States on May 4, 2022
    Format: Kindle
    In a spin off the Russian fairy tale, The Princess Who Never Smiled, Torina gives us a modern take. Instead of making the princess moody or selfish, Princess Devina struggles with depression. Her parents love her, but don't know what to do, so they tell invite hordes of princes to the castle, promising that the first to make her smile will be given her hand in marriage and be heir to the kingdom.

    It's a cute short story, but for two things. One, the princess is only ever always sad. That seems to be the only thing that defines her. And while, I appreciate the focus on mental health, it doesn't seem like we got to see the princess at all, only a sad little girl. Second, I was disappointed that she needed a love interest to smile. She's 15. I realize that's typical for 15-year-olds to fall in love, but I really hoped friendship would be the cure. We see so little of that in modern fantasy, and in this case, it seemed more fitting.

    I received an ARC from BookSirens and have reviewed it willingly.
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Meera
    5.0 out of 5 stars Depression is manageable
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 15, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This is a beautiful tale that really highlights depression but also doesn’t make people feel bad for having it. It was like reading a ray of light in many ways. You will however need your tissues. Short and sweet it doesn’t overdo it or outstay it’s welcome!
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  • Lolah
    5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent story
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 11, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    An excellent story, the author really got what it’s like to feel depression and covered it so well. It’s so nice to see this common condition represented in a book for a change!
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